Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2008

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	APRIL - 2008 Library hosts Asian Heritage Festival on May 3 The Johnson County Library will host an Asian Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 3 at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month in May. A wide range of activities will provide a glimpse of Asian culture through music, dancing, art, crafts, and food from several different Asian countries. This will be a fun, exciting day for the whole family. Join us for any part of the day. No registration necessary. The schedule of events is: 11:30 a.m. • Gallery Area Tae Kwon Do Marital Arts Demonstration - Tae Kwon Do Academy of Overland Park Korean Dance Group – Korean American Ladies Foundation Falun Dafa - Mid-USA Falun Dafa Artist Chat - Alice Kuo will talk about her work Ki Daiko - Olathe School District Japanese Taiko Drumming Group 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • Meeting Room Asian Crafts and Food 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. • Storytime Room For Teens - Mehndi Tattoos and Asian Games 2:30 p.m.• Gallery Area Chinese Fashion, Dance, Martial Arts – Chinese School of Greater Kansas City Sinag-Tala Performing Arts Troupe - Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City Mudra Dancers of India - Mudra Dance Academy While at the Asian Heritage Festival participants may also view the artwork of Alice Kuo on display in the gallery area through May 7. The Asian Heritage Festival events are free and open to the public. For more information call 913-495-3850. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled Library program. back to top Yang Style Tai Chi in the Park Offered for Adults at Antioch Park Experience Tai Chi in the outdoor setting at Antioch Park during a new program being offered for adults being offered beginning in mid-April by the Experience Tai Chi in the outdoor setting of Antioch Park during a new program being offered for adults being offered beginning in mid-April by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Yang Style Tai Chi in the park and is for ages 18 and older. All fitness levels are invited to this introductory course in Tai chi and Qigong. Both are based on ancient Chinese exercises that nurture skeletal, muscle and organ health as well as improving balance, flexibility and immune response. You can expect a holistic workout that will leave you with a wonderful sense of calm well-being. Please wear loose comfortable attire and bring along a bottle of water. All classes will be held on the tennis courts on the south side of Antioch Park. Search for the keywords "tai chi" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday beginning April 16. The cost for ten 60-minute sessions is $85 per person for Johnson County residents or $94 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Introduction to Irish Dance class offered for youth on April 19 Irish Ceili (pronounced kay-lee) dancing is not only "O'erobic," but also great fun! A new class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District will introduce youth ages eight to 11 to this dance form. Boys and girls are both welcome in this class, where they'll learn a few basic dance steps. This is a high-energy class, so students should be prepared to jump, hop, and maybe even kick. No special attire is needed, just comfortable clothing and shoes. Search for the keyword "dance" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, beginning April 19 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $36 for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Ali Kemp self defense seminar slated in April at Kansas City's Gregg Klice and Hillcrest Community Centers A program which represents a living legacy in honor of Ali Kemp, a 19-year-old Leawood resident who was murdered while working as a lifeguard at a residential subdivision pool in the summer of 2002, is being offered at two Kansas City Missouri Park and Recreation locations in late April. The program is called T.A.K.E. Defense Training and has as its goal giving women of any age the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming the victims of violent crime. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend as portions of the curriculum use a partner and mothers and daughters make great teams. Participants will learn basic techniques which could save their lives and thwart an attack. This program is being presented by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation in cooperation with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, City of Leawood Parks and Recreation, the Blue Valley Recreation Commission. The program was designed by JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker, a professional self-defense trainer, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies. The idea for the program was originally brought by representatives of the Kemp family to the local recreation agencies. This two-hour program is free, but advanced registration is required and enrollment is limited. The program will be offered at the Gregg Klice Community & Fitness Center, 1600 John Buck O'Neil Way, Kansas City at 10 a.m. on April 19. To register for this session, call (816) 784-1135. The program will be offered at Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, at 10:30 a.m. on April 26. To register for this session, call (816) 784-7000. For updated program listings, see the Johnson County park and Recreation District's website at www.jcprd.com. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. back to top Visit Ernie Miller Nature Center to participate in Passport to Adventure 2008 beginning April 20 Gather your family and pick up your Passport to Adventure for the Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City's thirteenth annual event at the Ernie Miller Nature Center or at any of 15 other sites in the metro area beginning April 20. Passport to Adventure is a great way for area residents to experience nature, science, and history in their own backyard. The annual event is meant to encourage the public to visit area nature centers, museums and historic sites between April 20 and Sept. 30. The program is free and participants can obtain a passport at any of the sites below. Passport holders have until Sept. 30 to get their passport stamped at all 16 participating sites in order to be eligible for prizes. Everyone who does so will receive a special prize by mail. In addition, each participating site will offer a small complimentary gift for answering a question relating to the site at the time the passport is stamped. Sites participating in the 2008 Passport to Adventure are: Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO (816) 759-7300 Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO (816) 228-3766 Cave Spring Interpretive Center 8701 East Gregory, KC, MO (816) 358-2283 Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe, KS (913) 764-7759 George Owens Nature Park 1601 South Speck Road, Independence, MO (816) 325-7115 John Wornall House Museum 6115 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO (816)444-1858 Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd (816) 438-8300 Lakeside Nature Center 4701 E. Gregory, Kansas City, MO (816) 513-8960 Martha Lafitte Thompson Nature Center 407 N. LaFrenz Road, Liberty, MO (816) 781-8598 National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame 630 Hall of Fame Dr., Bonner Springs, KS (913) 721-1075 National Frontier Trails Historic Site 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence, MO (816) 325-7575 Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS (913) 685-3604 Powell Gardens 1609 NW, U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO (816) 697-2600 Prairie Oak Nature Center 14701 Mission Drive, Leawood, KS (913) 681-0902 Wonderscope Children’s Museum 5705 Flint Street, Shawnee, KS (913) 268-8130 The Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City is a nonprofit organization made up of historical, natural, and cultural interpretive sites throughout the Kansas City area. For more information about the Kickoff event or the Passport to Adventure Hunt, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Personal Trainer program offered by appointment for 50 plus in Olathe One-on-one sessions with a personal trainer in Olathe are offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. During Personal Trainer sessions, the trainer will design a safe and effective exercise program which meet the participant's needs, goals, lifestyle, and fitness level. The trainer will also share essential techniques for achieving total body conditioning, greater cardiovascular endurance, weight loss, strength, and flexibility. Medical clearance and health history forms are required. Search for the keyword "exercise" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Training sessions take place at the Olathe 50 Plus Center, 311 E. Park, Olathe. The cost per 60-minute session decreases as the group gets larger. For individuals, the cost is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 per person for nonresidents. For groups of two, the cost is $30 per person for Johnson County residents or $36 per person for nonresidents. For groups of three, the cost is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 per person for nonresidents. For groups of four, the cost is $10 per person for Johnson County residents or $11 per person for nonresidents. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 782-1878. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. back to top Healthcare Decisions Day at Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library in cooperation with St. Luke’s Health System will provide booths with information on the importance of healthcare decisions on April 16, National Healthcare Decision Day, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Staff from St. Luke’s as well as attorneys and care givers will be available to answer questions relating to health care decisions such as long term care, guardianships, living wills, end of life issues, advance directives and other related topics. Assistance will be provided for completing forms for advance directives and notaries will also be available. Information will also be provided by the library. April 16, 2008 has been selected as the inaugural National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making. NHDD organizers are encouraging organizations and individuals throughout the country to help raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning on this special day—and throughout the year. To help realize this goal, they have created a Web site with information and tools for the public to talk about future healthcare decisions and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living wills) in accordance with their applicable state laws. Visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org. As a participating organization Johnson County Library is providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with state laws. For more information contact Lisa Louis at 913-495-2421. Library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. back to top Spring Hikes for 50 Plus continue on April 24 and 30 The Parkville Nature Sanctuary and Missouri's Knob Noster State Park are the next two destinations to be visited as part of Spring Hikes being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These hikes are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while following trails through state parks and natural treasures. The Parkville hike will take place on April 24 and will give participants a chance to explore this natural area of Parkville located below the dam of Riss Lake which adjoins the State of Missouri’s White Alloe Conservation Area on the north side of the Park College campus. Visitors will enjoy a walking trail along White Alloe creek, views of beaver habitat and native vegetation and wildlife. The Knob Noster hike will take place on April 30 and will take participants to a facility considered to be an often overlooked gem of the Missouri state park system. Knob Noster State Park is an interesting mixture of prairie, savanna and forest. Both of these hikes are considered to require a moderate level of exertion. All hikes depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for each five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the hike, lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "hiking" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The final spring hike this year will take place on May 14, and will take participants to the Overland Park Arboretum (moderate). While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top La Grande Birding Fiesta is April 26 at Ernie Miller Nature Center A south-of-the-border fiesta to welcome back hummingbirds, orioles, warblers, and other feathered friends after their winter vacation in Latin America is the theme of a special event scheduled in late April at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Now in its fifth year, this free event is called the La Grande Birding Fiesta. It is being held in conjunction with Outdoor Kansas Kids Day (OK Kids), a program of the Kansas Wildscape Foundation and will include activities appropriate for school-age children with an adult, beginning bird watchers, and scout groups. Planned activities include guided hikes through Ernie Miller Park where participants can learn the basics of bird watching. Participants will also be able to visit bird-related information booths and children’s activity stations; see live birds of prey; learn how to attract birds to their yards; and have an opportunity to make a hummingbird feeder to take home. There will also be door prizes and giveaways donated by the sponsors. In the event of rain, booths and stations will be moved indoors. This program will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway (intersection of Harold/127th and K-7) in Olathe. For more information, contact Park Naturalist Elaine Giessel at the Nature Center at (913) 764-8580 ext. 27. Outdoor Kansas Kids Day provides an opportunity for children across Kansas to experience various outdoor activities. For many, it will be an introduction to the beauty and enjoyment of the outdoors. For others, it will be a reawakening or reinforcing of their outdoor interests. Statewide sponsors for the event are Bass Pro Shops, State Farm Insurance, Capitol Federal Savings, Duckwall-Alco, and Gildan’s. Additionally, Kansas Wildscape is in partnership with Kansas Wildlife & Parks and the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. Wild Birds Unlimited and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are local sponsors of the event. back to top Breakfast & Bargain Bonanza is April 26 at RPCC A huge community garage sale is being planned for April 26 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The program is called Breakfast & Bargains Bonanza and is will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast supplied by Chris Cakes. The sale also begins at 8 a.m.and will continue until 1 p.m. This is a great way to get rid of unwanted possessions and earn some extra money without having to clean the garage, advertise, or worry about disposing of unsold items. Indoor 8-foot by 8-foot spaces are available for $15 or outdoor spaces consisting of two parking spaces are offered for $20. Six-foot tables can be rented for $5 each. After the sale, arrangements have been made to donate any leftover items you don't want the Shepherd's Center. To reserve sales space, call (913)236-4343. Search for the keywords "garage sale" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. There is no charge for browsers on the day of the sale. Tickets for breakfast, which will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., are $4 in advance at the Roeland Park Community Center or $5 on the day of the event. Activities for children, including shuffleboard, croquet and opportunities to make sidewalk chalk art will also be available. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Mildale Farm Community Day set for April 26 The public will have an opportunity to fish and explore the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Mildale Farm property during a Mildale Farm Community Day set for April 26. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will give interested parties access to the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property in southwest Johnson County as well as to about 136 acres which are actually part of the adjacent 578 acres of agricultural property, all of which was purchased by the District in 2005. Visitors will be directed to park in the large parking lot near Mildale Farm's main barn. The public can practice catch-and-release fishing in any or all of seven ponds within the 158-acre area. While District fishing permits have been waived for this event, anglers 16 and older will still need to have a Kansas fishing license. District officials do not know the full stocking history of the ponds at Mildale, but previous public events have shown that the main pond contains largemouth bass and channel catfish. No organized activities are planned, but visitors can explore and picnic on the grounds. The centerpiece of the Mildale Farm property, the high-quality equestrian-style barn featuring peg construction and a hand-laid brick floor will be open. Restrooms will be available, but the property's two homes and other outbuildings will not be open during this event. Rules for this event will be posted and will be the same as park rules in place on other District properties. Among them: no alcohol, pets must be on-leash, and vehicles must remain on roadways. Park Police will be on hand to enforce these as well as the catch-and-release fishing provision. Mildale Farm is located at 35250 W. 199th St.. From the north, take Interstate 35 south to Exit 207. Turn left (south) and drive one mile to 199th Street. Turn right and proceed 3.5 miles to the Mildale Farm entrance. From the south, take Interstate 35 North to Exit 202. Turn left on Sunflower and proceed about two miles. Turn right on East Fourth in Edgerton and follow it for about three blocks. Turn right on Highway 56 Highway and make a second right on 199th Street. The farm entrance will be about a quarter-mile ahead on the left. For more information, contact Special Events Coordinator Keri Sanborn at (913) 236-1266. back to top Panzon's Restaurant to hold Twelfth Annual Fundraiser to benefit local Special Olympians on April 27 Panzon’s Mexican Restaurant, located at 8710 Lackman Road, Lenexa, will hold its twelfth annual fundraiser to benefit the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Special Olympics Program from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. For this event, the restaurant offers a taco dinner plate featuring three tacos, beans, rice, chips and a soft drink for $7. Guacamole, cheese sauce, and alcoholic beverages are available for an additional charge. In addition, a number of items from local merchants will be raffled off during this time. Restaurant employees donate their time and Panzon’s donates the food and all proceeds to Special Olympics. In 2007, the four -hour event raised more than $12,000. This is one of the program’s two major annual fundraisers and proceeds are used to help with the cost of out-of-town Special Olympics trips. Dinner tickets can be purchased in advance from Special Populations Director Rebecca Meeks, (913) 236-1260, or are also available at the door on the day of the event. back to top Free Duathlon and Triathlon Training Workshop is April 30 Want to know what kind of training is needed to prepare for a triathlon? A free workshop being offered by BikeSource and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help. During this workshop, experienced athletes, coaches, and staff at BikeSource will teach participants how to train for a duathlon and/or triathlon. Topics to be addressed include: nutrition, stretching techniques, and pointers on conditioning for each phase of a triathlon. Both seasoned and novice triathletes will learn from this free informational workshop. Search for the keywords "duathlon and triathlon" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The workshop will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 at BikeSource, 11500 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Advanced registration is required. Call (913) 451-1515 to register. back to top JCPRD Summer Catalog Available After April 28 The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Summer ACTIVITIES catalog will be available the week of April 28. The free quarterly publication lists more than 500 programs offered by the District from June through August and beyond. The Summer issue includes information about popular JCPRD's summer day camps, extensive Summer Learn to Swim listings, summer Special Events such as the Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo at Shawnee Mission Park, the Shawnee Mission Triathlon, and the Annual In Step and In Shape Walk. Other Summer offerings range from arts and crafts to sports to nature activities, and include leagues, classes, seminars, workshops, and trips. Included are programs for toddlers through senior adults. Registration for classes in the summer catalog will begin immediately after the catalogs arrive. Summer programs start on or about June 1. Keep in mind that camp listings first appeared in the Spring catalog, so be sure to register immediately for the best choice of remaining programs. The catalog features 12 topic-based sections listed in alphabetical order from front to back of the catalog. These sections are: Aquatics; Camps; Childcare; Fine & Performing Arts; Fitness & Health: Gymnastics; Hobbies & Special Interests; Nature & Outdoors; Special Events; Special Populations: Sports; and Travel. Within these sections will be age-based subheads (Preschool, Youth, Adult, 50 Plus) under which all programs pertaining to that topic will be listed in alphabetical order. ACTIVITIES is mailed out to approximately 30,000 past participants who have taken part in a District program within the last year. Catalogs will also be available at Johnson County Library Branches, community centers, various businesses, and at District locations. Updated JCPRD program listings and 24-hour online registration are available at the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Look for Spring listings to be online April 28 as well. back to top Artists sought for Summertime Arts & Crafts Festival on May 17 Craftspersons and artists of all types are invited to enter the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's twenty-third annual spring arts and crafts show, The Summertime Arts & Crafts Show. This year's show is set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam. This will be the eleventh year the arts and crafts festival is held in conjunction with Merriam's Turkey Creek Festival, also in Antioch Park on May 17. Invited are artists of original works including drawing, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, jewelry, pottery, and folk arts. No commercial products, food, resale items, or flea market articles are allowed. Entry applications should include a clear photo of items to be exhibited. The entry fee is $65 for a 12-foot lawn space. There is a $5 late fee for registrations received after May 1. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, and display surfaces. This is an outdoor event - come prepared for inclement weather. The Turkey Creek Festival Committee reserves the right to alter or cancel the event. For more information, call (913) 831-335 or (913) 631-0016 Ext. 1443. back to top KC Wildlands Sets May 3 Workday at Ernie Miller Park A prairie remnant at Ernie Miller Park is one of three sites for community restoration work which will take place during a Kansas City Wildlands workday planned from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 3. Interested parties are invited to assist with prairie restoration efforts by planting native flowers grown from locally-collected seed. This is a great opportunity to help with hands-on restoration and conservation work on the metro area's ever-dwindling wild acres. Participants should dress for the weather - long pants are suggested. KC WildLands will supply work gloves and drinking water. Some tools will be provided on-site, but participants are encouraged to bring their own loppers, small saws and hand shovels. Ernie Miller Park is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Similar workday projects will also take place simultaneously at two locations in Kansas City, Mo.: Jerry Smith Park prairie in South Kansas City and Rocky Point Glades in Kansas City's Swope Park. For additional information or to register for the May 5 workday, call KC Wildlands Coordinator Linda Lehrbaum, at (816) 561-1061 x116 or e-mail at linda@bridgingthegap.org. The Johnson County Park and Recreation District has conducted similar workdays at Ernie Miller Park and other locations in the past in conjunction with KC WildLands, a conservation coalition initiated in 2001. The group is "a conservation coalition protecting biological diversity through citizen-based restoration of Kansas City's natural communities." Other charter members of the group include park and recreation agencies throughout the area, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Kansas Wildlife and Parks. back to top Basic Drama class offered for youth beginning May 3 Youth can get basic instruction in the theater skills of movement, voice, diction, improvisation, and script reading through a program being offered in early May by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The class is called Basic Drama and is for ages nine to 14. The goal of the program is to improve participants' self esteem and make them more comfortable speaking in front of a group. The last class will feature a short presentation for parents and friends. Search for the keyword "theater" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Basic Drama will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday starting May 3 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. back to top High School Swim Training offered in early May High-school-age participants can get a jump on the swim season or keep up their speed and skills through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called High School Swim Training and is meant to provide a workout for the high school swimmer. Workouts are run by an experienced deck coach, are offered four times each week, and last one and one-half hours. Search for the keywords "swim workout" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Available workout times are 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 10:15 a.m. to noon Saturday. The cost for fifteen 90-minute workouts is $55 for Johnson County residents or $61 for nonresidents. May sessions begin May 3 and take place at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Animal Tales Storytime Sessions Continue During May at Ernie Miller Nature Center Lizards and bunnies are the themes of the final two spring Animal Tales Storytime sessions planned at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This popular program features stories, songs, and surprises. Participants will meet a special animal friend at each session. All programs take place on Wednesdays beginning at 10 a.m., with a repeat program at 11 a.m. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A session on May 7 will discuss lizards, while a session on May 21 will focus on bunnies. The cost per 30-minute session is $1.75 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top 50 plus plans hike on the Katy Trail on May 8 An opportunity to hike on a portion of Missouri's Katy trail is being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in early May. The program is called Katy Trail hiking and will take place on May 8. This hike is expected to require an easy level of exertion. Participants will walk on a section of the trail located near the Rocheport (Mo.) trailhead, which is considered one of the most engaging portions of this trail which stretches a total of 225 miles across Missouri from St. Charles to Clinton, Mo. This area is a perfect place to find beautiful scenery, solitude, nature and a chance to spend time along the Missouri river. This program will depart at 8 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for one eight -hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site and a morning snack, is $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents. Lunch (on your own) will take place at Rocheport's Les Bourgeois Restaurant. Search for the keyword "hiking" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Teen designers to debut Their alternative fashions at the Library A fashion show at the library? Yes, complete with runway, models and one-of-a-kind designs. The Johnson County Library will proudly present the 2008 Alternative Teen Fashion Show at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St. Overland Park, KS. The evening will include a fashion show, music with D.J. Loren Haas from Shawnee Mission South, and displays from two local shops: Revue, Kansas City, MO and Lulu’s, Shawnee, KS. Talented local teens will showcase apparel designs they have worked on over the past 6 weeks made from “alternative” materials and fabric. Each of the four designers is planning to complete outfits with recycled materials—paper, duct tape, candy wrappers and household items. Teen designers include: Jaden Gragg, 15, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee, KS Jaden became involved with the fashion show after Angel, a teen librarian, told her that she liked her style, inviting her to be a designer. Jaden didn’t realize the enormity of the project. “It’s grown into a lot bigger project than I imagined.” Inspiration for her fashion show creations come from a couple of historical eras—-the 1920s and 1940s. Jaden says these times were about red lipstick, pearls, movie stars and glamour. Some other influences for her designs have come from books like Alice in Wonderland and French black and white movies. Imaria Corrick, 16, Shawnee Mission North, Overland Park, KS Imaria had helped with the latest teen mural project before working on the fashion show. She’s been modifying and sewing her own clothing for awhile. Uniforms are not for this girl. When Imaria had to wear a uniform in middle school, she challenged the system by highlighting and dying her hair, wearing black T-shirts under her white uniform shirts and having pierced ears. When asked how Imaria comes up with her fashion designs, she said, “I inspire myself.” Maureen Ubert, 18, Shawnee Mission North, Mission, KS Maureen’s new to the library teen scene. Imaria invited her to help out with the fashion show. She describes her style as vintage, classic and 1980s. “Hair is very important.” Maureen’s taking her third clothing class at school. She also helped with the fashion show there too. Peter Ross Schartel, 16, Truman High School, Kansas City MO Ross connected with the fashion show after seeing it on Facebook. Recognizing that he could contribute, he signed up. He is active at his local library, Trails West in Independence, with a knitting/awareness group. Ross isn’t sure how he got into fashion, but he wrote this—“i liked drawing, and i liked getting dressed, so i put the two tog.” Ideas for his show pieces have come from the book Blue Bloods and playing with texture and shape. There will also be three teens who will contribute fashions made from t-shirts: Chris Padgett, Overland Park, KS Shawnee Mission West Maddie Miguel, Overland Park, KS Shawnee Mission Northwest Lauren Zuniga, Overland Park, KS Shawnee Mission South Library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event. Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. back to top Property Donation Proposal Presented to JCPRD Board An area resident has presented a proposal to give the Johnson County Park and Recreation District use of slightly more than 60 acres to build a streamway park along a portion of Camp Branch Creek. If realized, this would give the agency an opportunity to preserve a pristine natural area in southeast Johnson County. During the District Board’s April 16 regular meeting, a proposed agreement for the land was presented by Kenny Baum, Chairman of the George K. Baum & Co. investment banking company, and his attorney, Fred Logan. As proposed, Baum would donate approximately 25 acres and grant the District a conservation easement on an additional 35 acres. A third component would be a trail easement which would allow the district to build a trail approximately three-quarters of a mile in length across the two properties mentioned above as well as an additional quarter mile across a third property Baum will continue to own. The property in question is located just west of Mission Road between 167th and 175th streets. The District already owns an additional 237 acres to the south as a future park location. No formal action was sought or taken during the April 16 meeting and Logan said he anticipated returning during a later Board meeting to formalize the agreement. Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses Bill Maasen said the next step will be for staff to negotiate a final agreement with Baum and his representatives. "The presentation had to do with the intent to donate," Maasen explained. "The Board will have to act later on to approve an agreement." If the proposal is realized and the trail is built, the District’s plan would be for it to eventually connect with the agency’s existing two miles of trail in the Blue River Streamway Park to the north, but this will require the future acquisition of connecting property from other property owners, Maasen said. Under the submitted proposal, development on the land being donated outright would be limited to the construction of bike or horse trails on routes agreed to by both parties, as well as a parking lot and trailhead near 175th Street. As stated in the proposal, the conservation easement property "shall remain private property that is held at its present state in perpetuity." The agreement would also allow the development of public trails on the property and grant Baum and his successors free use of the property in manners consistent with prohibitions contained elsewhere in the proposal. "The environmental importance of this area simply can’t be overstated," Logan said during his comments before the Board. He quoted a document from Patti Banks Associates which calls the property "one of the highest concentrations of high-quality natural resources in Johnson County." Logan said Baum first started considering how to preserve this area last summer. Baum told the Board he grew up near 58th and Pennsylvania in Kansas City as a "city boy." Through youth camp in upper Michigan and other experiences, he developed an appreciation for the outdoors. When he started earning money, he began buying land. "I came out here and bought 40 acres of really terrible land - it had a creek going through it, it had trees and people out there called it ‘the lost 40 acres.’ There was nothing good about it except the trees were gorgeous," Baum said. Eventually, he accumulated 640 acres in the area. Of this land, 330 acres are already in a conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy. "It isn’t good for very much as far as development, but it is more of what we need in parts of the county," Baum told the Board. "We’re here to talk about how can we preserve these wild areas. There are some people who look at it and say ‘it’s junk,’ but there are some people when, they see this kind of thing, they get an enlightenment in their spirit. These are the people who we want to have the privilege of walking across it and seeing it." Baum said the land includes trees which are 400 years old and limestone cliffs along the Blue River. In his proposal, he also states the property includes two emergent wetland communities, a unique prairie glade, one of the last intact stream systems in the county, and sycamore-black walnut riparian and oak-hickory woods, as well as wildlife habitats. back to top Spring Wildflower & Butterfly Walk Offered for Adults on May 10 If you've ever wanted to learn more about native wildflowers, a Spring Wildflower & Butterfly Walk being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help. This program is for adults 18 and older. At this time of year, Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, is a rainbow of flowers. Participants will join an interpretive staff member to discover the many faces of spring flowers and their insect visitors. Search for the keywords "wildflowers & butterflies" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. The cost for one two-hour session is $11 per person for Johnson County residents or $12 per person for nonresidents. Handouts are included. For more information on the Spring Wildflower Walk, call the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Overland Park Arboretum is site for final 50 Plus Spring Hike on May 14 The Overland Park Arboretum is the final location to be visited for this year's Spring Hikes being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These hikes are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while following trails through state parks and natural treasures. The final spring hike this year will take place on May 14. Located on 300 ecologically diverse acres in southern Johnson County, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanic Gardens includes eight different ecosystems including dry mesic prairie, oak savanna, riparian woodlands and wooded swales. Hiking trails wind their way throughout the arboretum. This hike will require a moderate level of exertion. Search for the keyword "hiking" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This hike will depart from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, at 9 a.m. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for this five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the hike, lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Family Kayak Lessons offered on May 14 and 21 at Shawnee Mission Park Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking through an introductory workshop being offered twice in May by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Family Kayak Lessons are for ages 10 and up and are designed for beginners. The program will feature a combination of lecture and hands-on experience. Topics to be covered include safety, equipment, and stroke techniques. Search for the keyword "boating" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. One program is offered on Wednesday, May 14, while another will take place on Wednesday, May 21. Both classes begin at 6 p.m. at the Shawnee Mission Park boat ramp, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. The cost for one two-and-one-half-hour session is $13 per person for Johnson County residents or $14 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top