Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2008

JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH - APRIL - MAY - JUNE - JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
	MARCH - 2008 Spring Break Challenger Skillbuilder Camps for ages 5-8 begin in mid-March Providing boys and girls ages five to eight opportunities to develop fundamental skills in a number of popular sports is the aim of Challenger Skillbuilder Camps being offered during Spring Break by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These camps are meant to help players learn and practice core skills and techniques used in each sport, and then allow them to practice, play, and perfect these skills in a number of games and scrimmages with the emphasis on fun! Sports to be played during the camps include basketball, soccer, boy's baseball, and girl's softball. Participants will develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and muscle memory. Children will work within their own age and skill level. One camp is offered on Monday and Tuesday , March 17 and 18 at the Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park, while a Thursday and Friday camp is offered on March 20 and 21 at the Tomahawk Sports Dome, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. Each session begins at 1 p.m. and runs through 4 p.m. on the specified days. Camp cost for two three-hour sessions is $40 for Johnson County residents or $44 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 Spring Break Volleyball Camp for grades 3-8 begins March 17 Providing boys and girls in grades three through eight with basic skills in the game of volleyball is the goal of a Spring Break Volleyball Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This camp will take place over Spring Break, Monday, March 17 through Thursday, March 20, at the Okun Fieldhouse, located at the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. The program will begin at 9 a.m. each day. Serving, passing, and setting will be covered. The overall aim is to provide a positive learning environment in which participants can improve their skills. The camp director is Rachel Magana - Founder and Coach of the Southwind Tribe Volleyball Club. Search for the keyword "volleyball" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for four three-hour sessions is $65 for Johnson County residents or $72 for nonresidents. Each participant will receive a camp T-shirt. 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 Intergenerational Easter Mosaic Program Offered on March 18 Participants can make beautiful mosaic decorations to celebrate the Easter season through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This program is called Easter Decorations and is for ages five through 10 with an adult. The workshop will take place at Mad About Mosaics, 6417 W. 119th St., Overland Park. Participants will have several designs to choose from and can make a decoration for friends and relatives as well. Decorating of items will take place during the Tuesday session, while grouting will take place during the Thursday session. Search for the keyword "mosaics" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. This workshop is offered at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 20. The cost for two 60-minute sessions is $8 per person for Johnson County residents or $9 per person for nonresidents. In addition, there is a supply fee of $14 to $26, 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 New intergenerational American Girl© Tea Party is March 19 Girls ages four to 12 are invited to bring their mother or grandmother and their doll to participate in an American Girl© Tea Party being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District on March 19. This new special event is expected to fill quickly. Participants will enjoy a variety of treat including garden party tea sandwiches, sweet breads, tea cakes and cookies, pink lemonade and, of course, tea. Professional storyteller Melva Hargett will regale attendees with stories about American Girl© character Felicity and her friend Elizabeth, two Colonial girls who grew up during the American Revolution. Learn how they got ready for their tea parties and there will be a surprise for participants to take home. Search for the keyword "celebration" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. 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. This program will take place beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one 75-minute session is $12 per person for both children and adults. 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 Self Defense program for ages 12 and older to be presented at KC North Community Center on March 20 Kansas City Missouri Park and Recreation's KC North Community Center will be the site of a free self defense seminar scheduled for March 20. 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. 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 family 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. The program is called T.A.K.E. Defense Training and has the 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 two-hour program is free, but advanced registration is required and enrollment is limited. The program will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the KC North Community Center, 3930 Northeast Antioch Road, Kansas City. To register for this program, call (816) 784-6100. For updated program listings, see the 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 Soccer Academy offered for ages 4-12 beginning March 26 Helping young soccer players develop their fundamentals and knowledge of the game is the aim of a program being offered in late March by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Soccer Academy is for ages four through 12. This program is ideal for players on existing teams who would like to improve their skill level, as well as for new players looking to develop their skills before joining a team. Participants will work on ball handling, dribbling, passing, first touch, tackling, heading, and shooting. Each session will work on repetitions of the most important skills in soccer. Search for the keywords "soccer academy" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Soccer Academy will meet once a week. The program is offered in both four- and eight-session programs. Either way, the program will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday beginning March 26. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $50 per person for Johnson County residents or $55 per person for nonresidents, while the cost for eight 60-minute sessions is $80 per person for Johnson County residents or $88 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 Library to host community issues forum On the new science of food and biotechnology The Johnson County Library will host a community issues forum The New Science of Food: Facing Up to Our Biotechnology Choices on Monday, March 24, from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m., at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Scientists can now use biotechnology to create characteristics in plants or animals by transferring genetic material from one source to another plant or animal. In the process, new personal and societal decisions emerge about these food and agricultural production practices. Participants will join in an interesting evening of conversation with fellow citizens which will probe the issues surrounding the production and consumption of geneti¬cally-modified foods. This discussion will build upon and enhance the conversation held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 on the KCPT program Frankenfood: Science at theDinner Table, hosted by Nick Haines, although viewing the KCPT program is not required for participation in the library discussion. The forum is sponsored by KC Science INC, a partnership of KCPT Public Television, Johnson County Library, Science City at Union Station, Pathfinder Science and Science Pioneers, focused on promoting science-related events, encouraging interest in science, advocating for science-based careers and inspiring natural curiosity throughout the community. Space is limited. Reservations are requested. Register by phone by calling (913) 495-2497 or register online at http://issues.jocolibrary.org. 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 Library wins National 2008 Cavendish Award The Johnson County Library (KS) has been named the 2008 winner of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award for its Literature in the Justice System program. In its announcement, the Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award Committee said, “The Johnson County Library is to be commended as one of the first in the nation in identifying and addressing a need in our communities and a critical societal issue of teens and women in the justice system.” The three outreach activities included in the library’s Literature in the Justice System program are: Read to Succeed, a literature program for teens incarcerated at the Juvenile Detention Center; Changing Lives Through Literature, an alternative sentencing program for teens and adults; and Stories about Women, an adaptation of Read to Succeed for women in the Johnson County Corrections Adult Residential Center. The library collaborates with the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center, Johnson County Corrections, and Johnson County Courts in these programs. The impetus began in 1997 with a community task force from which two library programs emerged: Read to Succeed and Changing Lives Through Literature, an alternative sentencing program based on a Massachusetts model. System-wide Services Manager Tricia Suellentrop and Youth Outreach Librarian Kathy McLellan developed the two teen programs, which began in 1998. Johnson County Library believes it was the first public library to implement this type of interactive literature discussion programming with teens in the justice system, partnering with Johnson County Corrections and District Courts. Stories about Women, begun in 2005, is an adaptation of Read to Succeed for women in the Johnson County Corrections Adult Residential Center and Therapeutic Community, co-developed and co-facilitated by Outreach Services Coordinator C.J. Sullivan and Carole Thrasher, Volunteer/Recreation Coordinator for the Center. Using stories and discussion as tools, these three programs forge self-reflection in probationers and inmates. And as the participants become engaged with the stories – narratives of characters very like themselves – they recognize themselves and the ideas of choice and consequences and the complexity of life. Program facilitators have indicated that these literature discussions – where there are no right or wrong answers – allow the participants to have a voice, which is key to rebuilding their confidence, their self-identity, and their view of society. The Changing Lives Through Literature program, which is also offered to adult offenders, has a long track record of lower recidivism rates than Johnson County Corrections as a whole. While the other two programs cannot track outcomes as easily due to fluid residencies, officials have observed very positive effects from the programs, and the Stories about Women program is being expanded. At the very least, participants frequently become readers where they were not before and learn to enjoy reading as a leisure activity and as a resource. These programs are part of service delivery from the library’s Outreach Department, whose mission it is to serve those who cannot come to the library. The Cavendish Award will be presented on Tuesday, July 1, at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. The Johnson County Library serves a population area of 405,200 and received the 2005 National Award for Museum and Library Service. This is the nation’s highest honor for extraordinary public service provided by a library or museum. back to top First Kicks Soccer program offered for ages 3-6 beginning March 29 A fun introduction to the basics of soccer is in store for youth ages three to five who participate in a spring program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called the First Kicks Soccer Program and is coached by some of the same qualified professional British soccer coaches who teach the nationally-acclaimed British Soccer Camp offered here each summer. First Kicks Soccer is designed to introduce young children to the concepts of fun and interaction within a relaxed environment. Parents and guardians are invited to stay and watch or even join in! Search for the keywords "soccer clinic" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place beginning March 29 at the Tomahawk Sports Dome, 17501 Midland Dr., Shawnee. Sessions for ages three through five are offered at: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11, a.m. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $65 per person for Johnson County residents or $72 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 Lifeguard Training offered beginning March 30 and April 7 Lifeguard training classes are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in late march and early April at two times and locations. Lifeguard training is for age 15 or older by the last class session. Participants will learn skills required for performing water rescues in life-threatening situations. This American Red Cross certification course is required for most lifeguard jobs. Participants must be capable of demonstrating good skill performances of ALL swimmer level requirements before enrolling. CPR and First Aid training is included in the class. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Search for the keywords "water safety" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered in two different formats. A class involving six six-hour sessions is offered at 2 p.m. Sunday beginning March 30 at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Another class involving eight four-hour sessions is offered at 6 p.m. Monday and Thursday beginning April 7. The cost for either class is $130 for Johnson County residents or $143 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 JCPRD Early Childhood Development Centers to conduct Open House and registration on April 2 Open houses will be conducted from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at all four of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Early Childhood Development Centers. During the open houses, parents will have an opportunity to visit with teachers and tour the centers. Enrollment materials will be available and enrollment at this time is encouraged as space is limited. This is the only open house for fall registration. A $30 non-refundable fee will reserve a space for a child in the 2008-09 program, which begins in September. Center locations and phone numbers for additional information are as follows: Gardner Elementary, 218 E. Shawnee, Gardner, (816) 856-7937 Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, (913) 826-3171 Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, (913) 631-5054 Madison Elementary, 800 W. Madison, Gardner, (913) 856-5275 back to top Library Offers BIG READ Programs in April and May The Johnson County Library is hosting several events this spring in conjunction with the BIG READ Project. Members of the community are encouraged to read classic detective novel The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett, then come together to discuss the book as a literary work, thriller, love story, and a dark, dry comedy. Dashiell Hammett's third novel, The Maltese Falcon (1930), set the standard by which all subsequent detective fiction would be judged. Featuring tough, independent detective Samuel Spade, the story is set in San Francisco and takes place over a six-day period in 1928. Johnson County is one of 127 communities nationwide selected to receive a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read Grant and to promote and carry out month-long, community-based programs. It is the only library in Kansas or Missouri to receive the $20,000 award which is part of grants totaling $1,598,800. A BIG READ Kick-Off Reception entitled Mystery Mayhem will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the gallery area at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. This family event features an original theatrical performance of The Maltese Murder, an original play by Bryan Colley. The Maltese Falcon with a twist. Free and open to the public. No registration necessary. back to top After 28 years, Bill Cobb retires from JCPRD as of March 21 After more than 28 years with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses Bill Cobb has announced he'll be retiring on March 21. Cobb said he's looking forward to golf, fishing, and the opportunity to spend more time with his wife and young grandsons, ages nine and two-and-one-half. He said his wife, Teresia, retired about a year ago from AT&T after nearly 29 years and he's confident he can get her to retire again from the law enforcement supply company she's gone back to work for. Cobb said some tentative travel plans are in the works, as well as house and yard work. Cobb's accomplishments during his long career were honored in late January during the Kansas Recreation and Park Association's annual meeting in Wichita when he was presented with the KRPA's Distinguished Fellow Award. "During his years of service, Cobb has made significant contributions to the administration and operations of Johnson County Park and Recreation District and the natural resource management of over 9,400 acres of parks, open space and trails, and recreation facilities, including two public golf courses, two horse stables, four regional parks and three subregional parks, two nature parks and one community park," a KRPA publication states. "It was a huge surprise and tremendous honor," Cobb said of the award. "When I looked at the program that they passed out at the awards banquet, and all the names of the people who were honored in the past, it was very humbling to say the least for a guy like me." Cobb is one of four employees who started in January 1980 as young rangers and who are still with the District. The others are: Special Projects Coordinator Bob Beverlin; Superintendent of Park Safety and Interpretation Mike Ray; and Outdoor Education Manager Bill McGowan. "At the time that was happening, we were all pretty close and had to support one another to get through some adversity to try to transition from what was in place at that time, which was largely law enforcement-oriented, and make the change to more education programming for the public," Cobb said. "All three of those guys are pretty special to think that we've been here as long as we have," McGowan said. "There's a special bond between all four of us because we came in during a time when the District was going a new direction and we had a lot of trials and tribulations together." To this day, members of the District's Park Police Department continue to have the dual role of law enforcement and outdoor education that was pioneered by these four employees. In November 1983, Cobb was promoted to Park Manager for Shawnee Mission Park, in part because of his previous experience as a park maintenance worker and ranger with the Linn County Conservation Board near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was promoted again in 1983 to Superintendent of Parks and Golf Course, the administrative position he still holds. "I have been extremely fortunate from the very beginning of the career I've had with the District to be a part of such a great place to work and the opportunities to advance that I've had," Cobb said. "Bill led the Park Division through amazing growth while consistently faced with a lack of resources," Ray said. "Bill is a good man who has always strived to do the right thing. He should be proud of what he has accomplished as I am proud to have worked with him." During his time here, Cobb has seen the District expand from 3,100 acres of park land to more than 9,400 acres and has been involved in multiple park and facility developments, including the Streamway Parks, which were approved by voters in 1986. "Bill matured in his job, and I intend that to be the most positive statement that I can make for any manager," Beverlin added. "I have seen Bill accept every challenge as the growth in his responsibilities increased along with the District’s growth." Cobb's long involvement with KRPA has included service as a past president, on conference planning committees, chairing the parks and natural resources branch, and hosting numerous KRPA golf tournaments. back to top Ernie Miller Nature Center park naturalist garners two awards This spring, Park Naturalist Andrea Johnson of the Ernie Miller Nature Center is the recipient of two different awards recognizing her as an outstanding young professional in the interpretive field. The awards include the Rising Star Award from the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE), and the National Association for Interpretation's (NAI) Region Six Richard Baldauf Award/Outstanding new Interpreter. "Andrea is exceptional," said Outdoor Education Manager Bill McGowan. "I say that because she's well-versed in all the operations we do. The other thing is she's shown leadership. She's truly deserving." The KACEE honor will be presented on April 4 at Topeka's Kansas History Museum. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who are relatively new to environmental education but are already making an impact. The NAI's Baldauf award was presented in Tulsa on Feb. 23 during a regional NAI workshop and recognizes individuals who have been in the field no more than five years. Johnson is the first person from the District to receive any award from KACEE. Former Naturalist Mary Gillespie previously received the NAI's Baldauf award in 1993. Andrea was nominated for both awards by Senior Park Naturalist Molly Postlewait. "Andrea is an amazing individual who inspires many of us on a daily basis," Postlewait wrote. "She is truly a rising star in the field of interpretation and environmental education. She understands the full range of the profession and the impact on our youth to be educated and inspired. She is a role model and a mentor to literally thousands who visit our park and participate in the many programs." Postlewait points out that Johnson can present 26 different interpretive programs ranging from living history to environmental education. She is a certified challenge course facilitator, a summer camp director, and oversees the operations of Ernie Miller Nature Center's Nature's Corner Gift Shop. "She is a true utility player and can handle any program or assignment within the nature center," Postlewait writes. "Within these responsibilities, she is always mindful of the importance of environmental education." She has also attended training at NAI regional conferences, became a Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT), and in turn has trained others for the NAI's Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program. "This is a critical function as our park police officers also present interpretive programs," Postlewait wrote. "The training Andrea provides helps better prepare them for these duties." For the past four years, Johnson has also been involved with the Kansas City Metro Interpretive Site Coalition, which plans and presents the annual Passport to Adventure event, which the nature center is part of. Andrea is currently the group's president and previously served as secretary. She has been part of efforts to design new exhibits for the nature center and serves as editor of the center's quarterly newsletter, "Tracks." She was the Park Safety and Interpretation Division's Employee of the Year in 2006 and is among the inaugural class of the District's Quest for Excellence for Leaders program going on now to train potential future leaders. Johnson has worked for the District since late January 2003. She previously worked for Bridging the Gap and as an education specialist at Powell Gardens. She holds a degree in biology with an emphasis on environmental issues from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. back to top JCPRD's Chad Tower now a USA-Triathlon Certified Race Director The director of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's three duathlon/triathlons recently joined less then 100 people from across the country who have become certified race directors. Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Chad Tower joined these ranks by attending a two-day training session in early February. "It's a new program that was set up last year for race directors from around the country to come and get certified," Tower explained. "We got good information about how to set up race courses, safety, liability insurance, and everything from triathlons and multisport races." The training session took place in Colorado Springs and was presented by USA Triathlon, which is the sanctioning organization for the District's Shawnee Mission Triathlon, which this year will take place on July 13, as well as the new Olathe Medical Center Triathlon & Expo, which will take place for the first time on Sept. 13 at Kill Creek Park. "It gives us more credibility to our races which are sanctioned," Tower said. "It also helps with Heritage Park (Duathlon/Triathlon, this year on May 18), because I'm the race director, and even though it's not a sanctioned event, it will still give a little more credibility when people sign up and see that and feel more comfortable knowing that we'll do things the right way." Tower said the event was a good opportunity to compare notes with directors of other events. "I talked with race directors from throughout the country," he said. "There were people from Washington D.C. to Florida, Minnesota, and Nebraska," Tower said. "The class was sorta small with 22 or 23 people, so there was a lot of interaction and opportunity for people to talk about things they do." Potentially, Tower said, the new certification could save the District money by allowing it to purchase supplies and/or prizes at a discount from national USA Triathlon sponsors, which include Gatorade and Garmin. Tower said he believes he is the only one from the metro area who has attended this training. Certification must be renewed every two years. For more information about JCPRD duathlons and triathlons, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com or contact Tower at (913) 236-1231. For online registration for all three of the events referenced above, go to www.sportkc.org. back to top Volunteers sought to help prepare The Theatre in the Park facility for 2008 season Instead of a single opportunity for volunteers to help get the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's The Theatre in the Park facility ready for its summer season, this year, multiple opportunities are being offered. In the past, the theater, which is located in Shawnee Mission Park with a separate entrance at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, has conducted a single "Paint & Pound Workday" to de-winterize the facility. This year, Facility Manager Bill Gintzel is seeking interested individuals and groups to help out on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings between March 1 and June 1. Hours for this will generally be between Noon and 5 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, although other times can be arranged. "I do need to know in advance that they are coming and about any special skills that they possess," Gintzel said. "About all I ask that anybody bring with them is their favorite pair of work gloves. I've got plenty of tools and paint brushes and everything they'll need to actually do the work. "I'll be there to show them what to do and help them do it if necessary," Tasks to be completed include painting, cleaning, inventorying supplies, planting flower beds, grounds maintenance, and de-wintering. Volunteer work for all levels of ability will be available. For more information or to schedule a time, call Gintzel at (913) 631-7050 ext. 442. The first major public event at the facility this year will be the 2008 Kansas City EarthFest & Walk on April 19. The Theatre's 2008 season begins on June 7 with the Community Dance Showcase. Musical productions start June 13 with "Oklahoma!" Other shows to be presented during the Theatre's 2008 season include: "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," "42nd Street," and "Titanic - The Musical." For more information, including production dates, visit the theatre's website at www.theatreinthepark.org or call (913) 631-7050. back to top Working Ladies' Golf League plans March 27 organizational meeting at Heritage Park Golf Course An organizational meeting is scheduled on March 29 for a Working Ladies Golf League at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Heritage Park Golf Course, 16000 Pflumm Road, Olathe. The league is for ladies 18 and older. League play and times are designed for intermediate golfers. Play begins April 3 and will run through September. Tee-off times are between 4 and 6 p.m, but special events nights will begin with 5-5:30 p.m. shotgun starts. Players must be committed to play for the entire time. Search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A league registration fee of $55 and an additional $30 kitty fee are due at the March 27 meeting. Greens fees are $15, payable weekly. The March 27 organizational meeting will take place beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Kerry Bruce at (913) 829-5649. No on-site registrations will be taken. 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 Visit Libraries’ Camp Curious At Kansas City Home Show The Johnson County Library and the Mid-Continent Library will feature a Camp Curious interactive exhibit at the 60th Annual Greater Kansas City Home Show, Thursday – Sunday, March 27-30 at Kansas City Convention Center-Bartle Hall. Bartle Hall is located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri between 12th street on the north, 15th street on the south, Broadway on the west and Central on the east. The 40 x 40 ft. Camp Curious will provide science experiments for kids, reading tents, and free books provided by the Friends of the Library. A large Curious George character will appear intermittently at Camp Curious to hang out with kids. Camp Curious is conjunction Kansas City Science, INC (Inspiring Natural Curiosity), a metro-wide partnership, lead by Johnson County Library to promote science and enhance science appreciation. Look for the Libraries Camp Curious at booth at # 701 Hours for the show are: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 27 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, March 28 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30 General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $9, Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. For more information visit http://www.kchba.com/shows/HomeShow/HomeShow.shtml. back to top Women's Golf Association and Working Ladies Golf League both get under way at Tomahawk Hills Golf Course in early April Two separate women's' golf groups which both play at the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, are beginning their seasons in early April. The groups are the Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association and the Tomahawk Hills Working Ladies Golf League. Search for the keyword "golf" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association will hold its annual registration on Wednesday, April 2 at 9 a.m. The group is open to women of all ages and levels of play. Both nine- and 18-hole leagues play every Wednesday morning from April through October. Tomahawk Hills Golf Course Pro Jay Lispi is tentatively scheduled to provide group instruction to the league beginning at 8:30 a.m. on April 9. The Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association fee is $30. Also required is a golf patron card for Tomahawk, which will vary in cost depending on the player's age and residency. For more information on the Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association, call the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course Pro Shop at (913) 631-8000. Registrations for this program are not taken through the JCPRD Registration Office or through the District's website. March 31 is the registration deadline for the Tomahawk Hills Working Ladies Golf League, which will have an informational meeting at the course beginning at 5:30 p.m. on April 3. This league is also for ladies 18 and older and is designed for intermediate golfers. Play begins in April and ends in August. Tee-off times are between 4 and 6 p.m. Players must be committed to play for 20 weeks. Search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A league registration fee of $20 and an additional $20 kitty fee are due when play starts on April 10. Greens fees are $16, payable weekly. No on-site registrations will be taken for this program. 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 Dancing With Disney I & II offered for ages 3-6 starting April 5 Youth ages three to six can have fun learning the basics of tap, ballet and tumbling to the beat of various Disney songs during two classes being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The classes are: Dancing With Disney I and Dancing With Disney II. Both will take place at The Academy of the Arts, 5413 Martindale, Shawnee. In Dancing With Disney I, participants will learn a routine to perform for parents at the last class. Tap and ballet shoes are both required for this program. This class will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday starting April 5. The cost for four 50-minute lessons is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 per person for nonresidents. In Dancing With Disney II, participants will learn another routine while dancing to more great Disney tunes. Tap and ballet shoes are both required for this program. This class is offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, also starting Jan. 5. The cost for four 50-minute lessons is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 per person for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "dance" to find these programs 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 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 Acting it Out Theater class offered for ages 6-8 beginning April 5 Games and exercises meant to increase self-esteem and awareness are part of an acting class for the very young being offered in early April by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The class is called Acting It Out and is for ages six to eight. Participants will learn about basic gestures and theater skills and prepare a short program for parents and friends, which will be presented during the last session. Search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This class will take place at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, at 9 a.m. on Saturdays beginning April 5. 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 Introduction to Sports - Outdoor Soccer Begins April 5 Helping parents teach young children the developmental skills needed for soccer is the aim of an instructional program starting April 5. The program is called Introduction to Sports - Outdoor Soccer and is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for four-year-olds with a parent or guardian. Skills stressed in this program include: kicking, dribbling, passing, and stopping the soccer ball. During the informative and fun sessions, instructors will work with both parents and children along with local high school and college athletic representatives. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at five different Saturday times all beginning on April 5: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Sessions run for six consecutive Saturdays. All programs take place at Field G, Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th, Overland Park. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $55 per child for Johnson County residents or $60 per child for nonresidents. A parent or guardian is required to participate with each child. Each child will receive a sports packet including their own soccer ball and T-shirt. 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 Ages 12 and older to be presented on April 5 in Olathe by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation A self-defense program meant to help women and girls fight the kind of violence which killed a 19-year-old Leawood resident during the summer of 2002 is being offered at an Olathe location in early April. The program is called The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation Seminar and takes its name from a woman who was strangled in June 2002 while working alone as a lifeguard at a subdivision pool. The program, which has been presented to well over 20,000 women and girls since mid-2004, gives women ages 12 and up 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, and the Blue Valley Recreation Commission. The program was designed by JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker, a professional self-defense trainer, with 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. The two-hour program is being offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Olathe South High School, 1640 E. 151st St., Olathe. The program is free, but advance registration is required and enrollment is limited. To register for this program call the City of Olathe at (913) 971-6263. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. On-line registration is available at www.olatheks.org. 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 Bill Maasen is JCPRD's new Superintendent of Parks & Golf Courses Longtime employee Bill Maasen has been selected to serve as the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's next Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses. Maasen, who is currently Planning and Development Manager, will officially step into his new position on March 24, following the March 21 retirement of current Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses Bill Cobb, who is leaving after more than 28 years with the agency. The promotion to superintendent takes Maasen from managing a department of four people to overseeing a District division with about 35 employees. He was selected for the position from among three internal candidates. "Bill brings extensive experience in contract management, construction planning and oversight as well as the protection of our natural resources among other talents and skills," said Executive Director Michael Meadors. "I felt it was a logical progression for me career-wise, plus I felt this was a good chance to give back to the organization," Maasen said of his decision to seek the job. "I felt like I have some talents to share and give. I love working here." In his current position, Maasen has worked closely with most of the District's park managers to implement capital improvement projects. "It's a very good and well-run organization and it will be a pleasure to work with the management staff," Maasen said. "I have no hidden agenda for wholesale changes or anything like that. I have a whole new job to learn; I need to learn that job before I can think about any changes in the operation." The Parks Division and the Planning Department have had a good relationship in the past, but Maasen expects it will grow even better with his move. "I think it will be better because once I learn the ropes as a superintendent," he said. "I'll be able to convey to the friends I'm leaving in the planning department the issues that maybe they don’t see from a park maintenance angle." With the move, Maasen will be giving up working on capital projects, including the streamway parks, which he has spearheaded since he started with the District in November 1986. His position was new at the time in response to voters' approval earlier that year of land acquisition to establish a streamway parks system. During his time with the District, Maasen has acquired more than 6,500 acres of park land. He holds a bachelor's degree in forest management from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He currently serves on the board of the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) National Society for Park Resources and on the NRPA’s Midwest Regional Council. He previously served as president of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association from 2003 through 2005. Locally, he is also a member of the MetroGreen Civic Leadership Council and cochair of the Sunflower Restoration Advisory Board (former ammunition plant). The planning and development manager's position opened to internal candidates during the second week of March. That position will no longer have land acquisition responsibilities, which will stay with Maasen, at least for the time being. back to top Money Management From a Women's Perspective Program Offered on April 9 Financial Advisors from Waddell & Reed Inc. will explain the basics every woman needs to know about financial health during a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Money Management From a Woman's Perspective. This program will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at Waddell & Reed Inc., 6900 College Boulevard, Suite 740, Overland Park. Search for the keyword "finance" 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 Home School Sensations art class offered beginning April 10 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 April 10 at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The cost for five 90-minute sessions is $42 per person for Johnson County residents or $46 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 Orienteering workshop offered on April 12 Do you enjoy hiking cross-country but fear losing your way? If so, join the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for a Map and Compass Workshop beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Learn the basic skills of using a topographic map and compass in this beginner's workshop for ages 16 and older. This beginner's workshop will introduce participants to orienteering, a fun way of learning the basic skills for using a topographic map and a magnetic compass. The program includes a practice orienteering hike in the park. Workbook and the loan of a compass are provided. Participants should bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. Remember to dress for the weather. Search for the keywords "map & compass" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for this three-hour workshop is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 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 Public invited to TimberRidge Adventure Center Open House on April 12 The public can come see and experience the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's TimberRidge Adventure Center during an Open House scheduled for April 12. Also on the same day, a related Open House for the center's 40-foot-tall Hawk's Nest Climbing Tower will give interested parties 12 and older who register in advance a free opportunity to experience the tower's two climbing walls. The TimberRidge Adventure Center is located at 12300 South Homestead Lane, Olathe, and is a 200+ acre facility adjacent to Kill Creek Regional Park, which the District also owns and operates. TimberRidge, which was dedicated in late April of 2002, is accessible via an entrance which is separate from and south of the main entrance to Kill Creek Regional Park. With the exception of this annual Open House, the facility is accessible only by reservation or as part of programming. The TimberRidge Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Climbing Tower Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The open house events are meant to give visitors an opportunity to explore the facility, which is used primarily for adventure and challenge programming, as well as for rental opportunities for a variety of events, including outdoor weddings, corporate events and picnics, and family reunions. Open House activities will include: canoeing and pedal boating on Catfish Pond, the largest of TimberRidge's three ponds: and use of the facility's archery and BB gun ranges. With the exception of fishing poles and bait, all equipment will be provided. In addition, the center's trails will be open for hiking and there will be catch-and-release fishing in the ponds, however, participants 16 and older will need a Kansas fishing license. (Licenses will not be sold on-site.) Tours of the professionally-certified 22-element challenge course will also be available throughout the open house. The Challenge Course is central to TimberRidge and is used to promote problem solving, and enhance teamwork through safe and challenging situations. Those interested in climbing the Hawks Nest Tower on April 12 will be required to complete medical and liability releases prior to participating and children under the age of 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian. To register for this event, call (913) 856-8849. The tower, which adds high elements to the center's existing Challenge Course, has four high elements including two sides for rock climbing featuring 388 hand and foot holds and panels molded from a cliff on the shores of Lake Superior. Other elements, which can be seen from the ground but will not be available for use during the Open House, include a "vertical playpen" which allows for a variety of climbing experiences and a "dangle duo," which is a series of roped-together poles which two people can climb together for a team building experience. The open house is also an opportunity to give the public a look at two other features of the facility which were completed in early 2006. These include the Whispering Pine Shelter, which can accommodate groups of up to 200 people and offers a limited view of Catfish Pond through the trees. The shelter also features an L-shaped parking lot and fireplace with a limestone veneer. Attached to the shelter are modern restrooms and a storage area. This greatly increases TimberRidge's usability, because previously, the only place potable water and restrooms were available was in the Welcome Center. The other feature is the large curving deck on the back of the Welcome Center. The deck will accommodate up to 80 people, or about as many as the large room inside. The deck affords nice views of the ponds and grounds. For more information about the Open House or the TimberRidge Adventure Center, contact Adventure Program Coordinator Lysa Holladay at (913) 856-8849. back to top Shawnee Mission Park Off-Leash Area now open, road across dam reopens Wednesday The Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash area is now open for public use during regular park hours, effective March 24. Also scheduled for reopening on Wednesday, March 25, is the road across the dam at Shawnee Mission Park Lake. The off-leash area closed last fall for improvements, which are now substantially complete. Johnson County Park and Recreation District staff anticipate a few temporary closures will occur during the delivery of concrete for remaining fence installation work near the dog beach. Beginning in mid-April, a regular temporary closure will be scheduled from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Tuesday for routine maintenance work at the off-leash area. These closures are intended to allow for a higher level of maintenance to the area without compromising dog and patron safety. The closures will be posted at the Dog Off-Leash Area entry gate. Trespassing is prohibited when the gate is locked. A temporary Off-Leash Area designated for use during construction at the softball field in Shawnee Mission Park's Walnut Grove area is now closed to off-leash dog use. Dog area improvements involved the installation of a concrete sidewalk built to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for recreational trails as well as a paved maintenance road. The beach was regraded and covered with river gravel to improve access and safety. Trees will be planted later this spring by District staff to provide shade in the upper area of the beach. The road across the dam closed in late October to accommodate improvements to the dam. Improvements involved installing gravel shoulders, new guardrails, improved riprap placement on the face of the dam, and a fishing trail meant to give fishermen improved access to the entire length of the dam. Both improvement projects were timed to take advantage of reduced water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake last year in order to construct a wetlands at the southeast end of the lake. Those improvements, which are also nearly complete, are meant to improve water quality and fishery in the popular lake. Shawnee Mission Park is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. Regular park hours are 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily through Nov. 1. For more information, contact District Landscape Architect Cliff Middleton at (913) 894-3343. back to top