Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2008

JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH - APRIL - MAY - JUNE - JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
	JANUARY - 2008 Yoga Program Offered at Ernie Miller Nature Center Starting Jan. 17 Adults can relax and reflect while participating in yoga in a natural setting through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. The class is called Yoga and Movement at the Nature Center and is for ages 16 and older. The program is a beginning yoga class featuring gentle movements to soothing music. Instructor Molly Postlewait will help participants learn to energize while improving balance and flexibility. Search for the keyword "yoga" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will meet at 6:15 p.m. Thursday beginning Jan. 17. The cost for six 60-minute sessions is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 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 call Postlewait at (913) 764-8580 ext. 26. 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 Two Theater Classes offered for youth beginning Jan. 19 Children can get an introduction to the theater through new classes offered in late January by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The classes are: Basic Drama for ages nine to 14 and Acting It Out for ages six to eight. Both classes will take place at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The last session of each program will include a short program for parents. The cost for either program for four 60-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 per person for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "theater" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Basic Drama will provide instruction in basic theater skills of movement, voice, diction, improvisation, and script readings. The goal is to improve participants' self esteem and make them more comfortable speaking in front of a group. This program meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday beginning Jan. 19. For ages six to eight, Acting It Out will include games and exercises meant to increase self-esteem and awareness, as well as introduce basic gestures and theater skills. This program meets at 9 a.m Saturday, also beginning Jan. 19. 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 Self defense program for Jan. 19 at Lee's Summit location by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation 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 a Lee's Summit location on Saturday, Jan. 19. 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 T.A.K.E. (The Ali Kemp Educational) 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 to 100 people per class. The program will be offered at 10 a.m. the Legacy Park Community Center, 901 N.E. Bluestem Drive, Lee's Summit. To register, call (816) 969-1550 or (816) 969-1500. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top New Calligraphy class for adults begins Jan. 19 Learn the art of beautiful lettering through an adult calligraphy class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in late January. This class will take place at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, and is for adults 16 and older. Participants will learn a versatile beginning style of the alphabet. Supplies to bring to all classes include: calligraphy pen and nibs with ink cartridges, paper, and ruler. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Class will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday beginning Jan. 19 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park.. Class cost for four 90-minute sessions is $48 for Johnson County residents or $53 for nonresidents. Because class size is limited, preregistration is required. 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 Bargains galore at the 2008 Cabin Fever Used Book Sale The Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library will provide an opportunity to stock up on some great winter reading materials at bargain prices. The Cabin Fever Used Book Sale will be held January 10-12, 2008, at the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, KS. This year’s event will feature thousands of gently used fiction, romance, science fiction and mystery titles as well as, videos, CDs and books on tape and some nonfiction titles. Materials for children and teens will also be available. Hours for the sale are: Thursday, January 10 - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 11 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 12 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Materials offered for sale have been donated by the public or retired from the library’s collection. Most items will be sold at $1.00 each; 50 cents each for smaller pocket-sized paperback books. Some items will be specially priced. Additional parking is available one block west of the library. All sales are final; checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted with proper identification. Proceeds from this and other book sales benefit the Johnson County Library to fund purchases of library materials, library programs for all ages, and development and training for library staff. To donate books, CDs, Videos, DVDs and other materials, place them in the donation bin at any Johnson County Library location. Items not accepted include: books or tapes in poor condition; magazines; or textbooks older than three years. For more information about this book sale or the Antioch or Blue Valley Used Book Stores call (913) 261-2319. back to top Valentine Necklace program offered for adults on Jan. 24 Do you have the perfect Valentine's dress but can't find the right necklace to go with it? A workshop for adults being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help. The program is called Valentine Bracelet and is for ages 16 and older. Participants will pick their beads and clasps to design and create a unique, one-of-a-kind bracelet. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at Beadazzler, 7909 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park. The cost for one 60-minute session is $20 for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents. In addition, there is a supply fee of approximately $12 to $18 depending on the beads chosen, which is payable to the instructor. 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 Girls can learn to make crafts and toys in new American Girl© Molly program on Jan. 26 Girls ages eight to 12 will learn to make practical crafts and toys from American Girl© character Molly McIntire through a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The American Girl Collection involves engaging stories about girls living at important times in the past which bring history to life for grade-school girls. Participants explore what life was like during the times of these characters. American Girl© Molly is the name of this new class. Participants will hear the story of Molly McIntire, who grew up during World War II and who wants the war to be over so her father can come home. Children like Molly learned to make practical gifts and toys with items they found around the house. Participants will learn to make a scrap paper jar, a Scottie dog, and a patriotic pinwheel. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday beginning Jan. 26 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one 90-minute session is $18 per girl for Johnson County residents or $21 per girl for nonresidents. All supplies are included. 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 eBay® Class offered for adults on Oct. 23 An eBay®-trained education specialist will cover all aspects of the online marketplace during a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Introduction to eBay® and is for adults 18 and older. Participants will learn the basics of shopping and buying on eBay®, as well as selling including opening a seller account, doing research, creating a listing, photography, shipping, and using PayPal.® Search for the keyword "computers" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for two two-hour sessions is $30 per person for Johnson County residents or $33 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 New Money Management program Offered on Jan. 29 Learn the basics of personal money management to reach short and long term goals from a financial advisor during a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Shinfen Circe Wu of Waddell & Reed Inc., will instruct this program called Money Management - Making the Most of Your Financial Future for ages 18 and older. This program will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Waddell & Reed Inc., 6900 College Boulevard, Suite 740, Overland Park. Instructor Shinfen Circe Wu is a financial advisor and a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. Search for the keyword "financial" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for one 90-minute session is $12 per person for Johnson County residents or $13 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 New Mommy & Me Mosaic Valentine Frame program offered on Feb. 2 Children and a parent or guardian can create a colorful mosaic picture frame for Valentines Day through a new intergenerational program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Mommy & Me Flower Mosaic Valentine Frame is for children ages five through 10 with an adult. With the help of staff at Mad About Mosaics, 6417 West 119th, participants will decorate a heart-shaped frame with different colored tiles or pieces of stained glass. Participants should bring a favorite photo of a loved one to class. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This workshop will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday , Feb. 2 at Mad About Mosaics. The cost for one 60-minute session is $6 per person for Johnson County residents or $7 per person for nonresidents. In addition, there is a $20 material fee payable to the instructor. 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 Mother's Day Out offered at RPCC during February Young children will enjoy a day of creative learning and play opportunities during a Mother's Day Out program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, for ages three to five. This is an excellent way to introduce young children to a peer group setting and help them gradually adjust to being away from parents for an extended part of the day. Children should bring a sack lunch. Milk and snacks are furnished. Search for the keyword "childcare" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. February sessions begin Feb. 4. Parents can choose the day of the week that best suits them and then sign their child up for four successive weeks on that day. Days cannot be mixed. The cost for four eight-hour sessions is $80 for Johnson County residents or $88 for nonresidents. To register in this program, please contact the site director at (913) 722-1198. No online registrations are taken for this program. back to top Beginning Youth Racquetball class offered starting Feb. 6 A Beginner Racquetball classes for ages 12 through 17 is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at the Athletic Club of Overland Park, 10440 Marty, Overland Park. This class will cover instruction in the proper technique for game awareness, volleys, and serves. Club membership is not required. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and non-marking sneakers or basketball shoes. Students must provide their own racquets and eye guards and should arrive 10 minutes early to the first class. For the first class, some racquets are available on loan for a limited basis or can be purchased at the club for a discounted price. Search for the key word "racquetball" to find this programs in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. Class will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Feb. 6. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $60 for Johnson County residents or $66 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 Mixed Martial Arts program offered for adults beginning Feb. 6 A fantastic high energy, fat burning, confidence-building workout that will give you a fighting chance against would be attackers is the promise of a mixed martial arts programs being offered for adults by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program, which is called Self Defense Mixed Martial Arts, is for ages 18 and older and is a combination of boxing, kickboxing, grappling, and a variety of forms of martial arts. The program is designed to supply participants with specific techniques for self-defense while at the same time improving flexibility, core strength, muscle endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and overall strength and increasing your self esteem, heightening self-awareness and learning valuable skills to deal with a multitude of situations. Search for the keywords "martial arts " to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This class meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesday beginning Feb. 6 at the Athletic Club of Overland Park, 10440 Marty, Overland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $60 per person for Johnson County residents or $66 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, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top JCPRD Spring Catalog Available After Jan. 24 The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Spring ACTIVITIES catalog will be available after Jan. 24. The quarterly publication lists more than 600 programs offered by the District from March though May and beyond. The Spring issue will also include the first public listing of 2008 program descriptions for the JCPRD's popular summer day camps, as well as information about the Heritage Park Triathlon and Duathlon and the Shawnee Mission Park Triathlon and other special events including the new Olathe Medical Center Women's Triathlon being planning for September. Spring 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 Spring catalog will begin immediately after the catalogs arrive. Spring programs start on or about March 1. The ACTIVITIES catalog is undergoing some major organizational changes beginning with the Spring issue. The changes are meant to make the publication more consistent and the help readers to find what they are looking for. 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 on the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Look for Winter listings to be online the week of Jan. 24 as well. back to top Sunday Afternoon Nature Programs offered during February at the Ernie Miller Nature Center Bring the family to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in February for Sunday Afternoon Nature Programs for educational and entertaining programs. The programs begin at 2 p.m. and last about an hour and are designed for all ages. A charge of $1.75 per person, payable at the site, helps cover the cost of the programs; children under two are free. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. February presentations will include: Feb. 3 Winter at Valley Forge - This program highlights the summer of 1777 when commander George Washington and his troops were stationed at Valley Forge, Penn. and were faced with surviving the bitter cold and harsh conditions during their fight for America's future and freedom. A park naturalist relates the struggle for independence through the voices and stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to establish a new country. Feb. 10 Snakes Alive - Why is it that these animals seem so terrifying? Could all the stories you have heard be true? See Kansas snakes and explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders. Feb. 17 Wilderness Backpacking - Are you interested in seeing nature up close and personal and off the beaten track? Learn about gear, clothing, food preparation, and practices for backpacking. Feb. 24 Wildlife Who's Who – This presentation will feature live animals and reveal the mysteries of the food chain. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering the importance and habits of each animal and its place in nature. Search for the keywords "nature programs" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. For more information on the Sunday Nature Programs, call (913) 764-7759. back to top Home School Sensations Art Class Offered Beginning Feb. 7 A Home School Sensations Art Class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is meant to expand and supplement home schooling efforts. This program is for children six to 12 years old and is designed to develop skills with various media while challenging students' imaginations and creativity. Classes are taught by experienced art educators. All materials are provided. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This class will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday beginning Feb. 7 at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The cost for five 90-minute sessions is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 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, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Celebrate Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday with Laura's Legacy program at the Ernie Miller Nature Center on Feb. 9 Celebrating the birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder, early Kansas Pioneer and author of the beloved "Little House on the Prairie" books, is the purpose of a special event planned at the Ernie Miller Nature Center in early February. Laura's Legacy is the name of this event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants are encouraged to dress like Laura and wear pioneer clothing. There will be a variety of activities for participants to take part in including making rag dolls, experiencing a lessons from an 1800's school and listening to music from the time period. Refreshments cake will be served as an interpreter tells Laura's favorite stories of her childhood. Search for the keyword "history" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A Laura Ingalls Wilder-themed event conducted last September drew more than 100 girls. Admission for this two-hour event is paid on-site and is $7 per person for Johnson County residents or $8 per person for nonresidents. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling (913) 764-7759. Last year's event drew more than 100 girls, so make your reservations early! The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. back to top New Valentine Tea Dance for 50 plus is Feb. 12 at RPCC Dance to live orchestra, enjoy refreshments, door prizes and the crowning of a Valentine sweetheart will take place during a new Valentine Tea Dance being planned by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This program will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Both singles and couples are welcome. Search for the keyword "dance" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This event will begin at 1:30 p.m. The cost for this two-hour event is $6 per person at the door, or advance tickets can be purchased for $5 at the Roeland Park Community Center. 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 Learn about Wikipedia At the Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library will host a class on Wikipedia Monday, February. 4 at 7 p.m., the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that anyone can access and edit. The class will examine how social networking is changing the way information is created and shared. It will also look at the pros and cons of Wikipedia, if the information can be trusted and what the collaborative online encyclopedia teaches about information. The class is free and open to the public. Registration is requested: call 913-495-2400, or register online at www.jocolibrary.org in the calendar feature. 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 Library Offers tax forms and resources The Johnson County Library offers tax forms and resources in a variety of formats, at its library locations and via the library’s Web site: www.jocolibrary.org/taxes. Many paper tax forms are available for pick up at the libraries; others, which are not available, may be photocopied from reproducible copies or accessed from Internet computers at the Library. The Library’s Web site, www.jocolibrary.org/taxes, also has links to federal, state and city forms and information. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained with the cooperation of the Internal Revenue Service, will be offering help with individual tax returns for middle- and low-income citizens and are available from February 1, 2008 through April 15, 2008. Walk-in clients will be assisted on a first come first serve basis at the following sites. Locations and Hours are: Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, KS 66202 Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66212 Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208 Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Lackman Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66219 Monday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS. 66211 Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Oak Park Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park, KS 66212 Monday- Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park Street, Olathe, KS 66061 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty, Overland Park, KS 66204 Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Roeland Park Community Center 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, KS 66205 Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The following sites will assist clients who have an appointment; call the individual site to make your appointment. Lenexa Senior Citizen Center 13425 Walnut, Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 541-0135 Louisburg Senior Citizen Center 504 S. Metcalf, Louisburg, KS 66053 (913) 837-5113 Olathe Senior Center 311 E. Park, Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 782-1878 Paola Senior Center 12221 W. Wea, Paola, KS 66071 (913) 294-4630 Spring Hill Multi-Service Center 401 N. Madison, Spring Hill, KS 66083 (913) 592-2304 The AARP Tax-Aide phone bank 1-888-227-7669 or 1-888-AARP-NOW can help you locate the preparation site nearest you and provide a phone number to call. Persons may also visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide. You will need to bring all of the following: Current year's tax forms and booklet, if available A copy of last year's income tax returns All W-2's, 1099 forms, SSA-1099, and any statements from the payer of your pension or annuity Social Security Cards for all dependents back to top James Azeltine is JCPRD Board Chair for 2008 James Azeltine of Leawood was recently elected by his fellow Johnson County Park and Recreation District Board of Commission members to serve as chair during 2008. "My goal as chair is to maintain the current excellence that the District is known for, and to update some of the older facilities in the parks system," Azeltine said. "Also, I will work closely with other county leaders to ensure that decisions on issues like the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Intermodal and South Metro Connections are congruent with the goal of the park district to preserve and maintain park facilities for future generations." "I think our greatest challenge in 2008 will be maintaining our standards of excellence given the current state of the economy and the potential for decreased property tax revenues," he added. "It is very important to undertake certain urgent capital improvements in a timely manner so as to avoid safety concerns and even greater costs in the future." Azeltine has been a member of the District Board since September 2005. Over the past two years, he has chaired all five of the Board's standing committees: Parks and Golf Courses, Park Safety and Interpretation, Administrative Services, Recreation, and the Nominating Committee. Azeltine is a senior vice president at Wachovia Securities in Overland Park, and a current member of the Leawood City Council. He sits on the city's budget and finance and stormwater committees, the Board of the Leawood Historic Commission, and is a past member of the Leawood Planning Commission. He is also a past Vice President of the board of Safehome, Johnson County's only domestic violence shelter, as well as a past member of the boards of Harvesters and the Blue Valley Educational Foundation. A native of Smith Center, Kan., Azeltine has been a Johnson County resident since 1987 and has lived in Leawood for nearly 15 years. Azeltine and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of three children; ages nine, 12, and 15. He is a 1986 graduate of Topeka's Washburn University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in public administration. Prior to moving to Johnson County, he worked for the Kansas Bankers' Association. He has been a practicing financial advisor since he moved to the Kansas City area 21 years ago. Azeltine is a Registered Investment Advisor, a Certified Portfolio Manager, a registered representative of the National Association of Securities Dealers and the New York Stock Exchange. He has been listed in Who’s Who Among American Business Leaders, and is a member of the Leawood Chamber of Commerce and the Leawood Foundation. Other 2008 Officers: Gary K. Montague, vice chair Anthony Adams, secretary George J. Schlagel, treasurer Paul E. Alvarado, assistant secretary Dr. Marvin E. Wollen, assistant treasurer Nancy Wallerstein, past chair back to top New Red Hat Tea Event for 50 Plus is Feb. 14 at Matt Ross Community Center Come enjoy an afternoon of tea and treats and learn about Red Hat Society activities being planned by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District during a new special event on Feb. 14. This first-ever Red Hat Tea will take place beginning at 3 p.m. at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park. Other Red Hat groups are welcome to attend and share an afternoon of games and prizes. Search for the keyword "special event" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This event will begin at 3 p.m. The cost for this two-hour event is $10 per person. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup 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. 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. back to top Be a part of annual national bird count at Free Great Backyard Bird Count event on Feb. 16 at Ernie Miller Nature Center Stop by for 15 minutes or stay all day at a free public birding event which will take place at the Ernie Miller Nature Center on Saturday, Feb. 16. This will be the first time the local nature center is participating in the nationwide birding event, which is now in its 11th year, and organizers anticipate it will become a annual observation. The event is called the Great Backyard Bird Count and will take place from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. in the comfort of the Wildlife Viewing Room at the nature center located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants can learn about birds which spend their winters in northeast Kansas from experienced birders with the Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City. Likely candidates for viewing include northern cardinals, black-capped chickadees, American goldfinches, red-tailed hawks, and more. No reservations or registration is required for this event. For more information, contact Park Naturalist Elaine Giessel at (913) 764-8580 ext. 27. Search for the keyword "birds" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. EMNC Birding Volunteer and active Burroughs Audubon Society Member Lisa Weeks, said she is hopeful the first-ever event at the nature center will draw 100 participants throughout the day and 25 to 30 species can be identified. "I hope to share the birding fever with some kids," Weeks said. "'Birding,' as bird-watching is called today, is a great hobby for all ages and learning levels. You can seek out rare species or watch the common birds that come to your yard. It is truly a pastime that everyone can enjoy, and it's catching." The theme for this year's national event is "Count for Fun, Count for the Future." Count results will contribute information which is valuable for science and conservation and can spotlight changes in bird populations and distribution from year to year. In 2007, a record 80,000 bird checklists were submitted reporting 11 million birds and 613 species. More information on the national count can be found at www.birdcount.org. The nature center also continues to seek donations of supplies for both the animals kept at the center and the wild animals which come to the feeders. Among the items being sought are: black oil sunflower seed; white millet, thistle, or safflower seed (no seed mixes, please); raw unsalted peanuts shelled or unshelled, suet cakes; and dried seed corn on the cob. back to top Storybook Theater Program offered for youth Beginning June 16 Storybook Tales is the name of a beginning drama program for youth being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Designed for young thespians ages four and one-half through seven, this program will introduce participants to acting and help develop their imaginations as they have fun. A different storybook tale will be acted out each session. Search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Storybook Tales will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning Feb. 16 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Class cost for two 60-minute sessions is $22 per person for Johnson County residents or $24 per person for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. 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 Mad Science® Junior Engineers Program for Kids is Feb. 18 at RPCC Come spend a no-school day learning about structures, geodesic domes, bridges, and arches during a program for ages seven through 12 begin offered at the Roeland Park Community Center on Feb. 18. Mad Science® Junior Engineers is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with Mad Science®, a private science education firm. The program will feature hands-on science activities, great take-home experiments and snacktivities. Participants should bring a sack lunch and drink. Search for the keyword "science" to find these programs in the JCPRD's online listings. The program will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18, at Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. For the convenience of working parents, children can be dropped off after 8:30 and picked up until 4 p.m. The cost for one six and one-half hour session is $35 per person for Johnson County residents or $39 per person for nonresidents. Preregistration is required and this program usually fills quickly. 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