Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for April 2007

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	APRIL - 2007 Entries sought for Library 2007 Bookmark Design Contest Entry forms for the 2007 Bookmark Design Contest cosponsored annually by the Johnson County Library and the Friends of the Library will be available beginning April 1 at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, all 12 neighborhood library locations and in a downloadable format from the Library’s home page www.jocolibrary.org. Forms will be also available at the Friends Used Book Stores, located in the lobbies of the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, and at the Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park. The popular annual contest is part of the Johnson County Library’s celebration of National Library Week (April 15-21) and draws several hundred entries each year. This year’s theme is “Come together @ your library.” In the space provided on the entry form, contest entrants may use colored pencils, pens, paints or markers to design an original bookmark with illustrations and/or words. Entrants should show how their family comes together at the library with librarians, other library visitors, books, story times, other activities, or what they like best about the library. The contest has categories for preschool through adult. All ages are encouraged to participate. Entries must be returned to any Johnson County Library location by April 30, 2007. Ten winners will be selected. Each will be awarded a cash prize from the Friends of the Johnson County Library. The winning designs will be printed on bookmarks that will be distributed at all Johnson County Library locations during the summer. All designs become the property of the Johnson County Library and cannot be returned. The Bookmark Design Contest is free and open to the public. For more information call (913) 261-2319. back to top Art exhibit in April features works by victims of crime A special Johnson County art exhibit will go on public display on Monday, April 2, at Homer’s Coffeehouse, 7126 West 80th Street, Overland Park. The artists, both juveniles and adults, have been victims of crime. Art from some providers of services to crime victims also will on display. The exhibit will feature approximately 25 works of art, including watercolor and oil paintings along with drawings. The artwork will be for display only and will not be available for purchase. There’s no charge to view the exhibit. The program, which began three years ago, is sponsored by the Victim Assistance Unit of the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. The unit, which was established in 1978, serves victims of crime through a paid staff and volunteers to assist victims and their families, educate and inform them about the legal process, and keep them updated about their legal cases. The artwork can be viewed though Monday, April 30. back to top Spring Nature Walks for 50 Plus Continue on April 11 and 19 Missouri state parks near Weston and Knob Noster are the next two destinations which will be visited as part of Spring Nature Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while following trails through state parks and natural treasures. Participants can choose one or all of the six spring walks. The Weston walk will take place on April 11 at Missouri's Weston Bend State Park along the Missouri River. The park's hiking trail promises scenic views of the river. Knob Noster State Park is the destination for a walk on April 19. This 3,500-plus acre park is located about midway between Sedalia and Warrensburg and features a mix of prairie, savanna and forest.Both of these walks are expected to require a moderate level of exertion. Spring Walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. All walks depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for each five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the walk , lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "nature walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The final Spring Walk in this series is scheduled for May 3, when the destination is Osawatomie, Kan.. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Public Invited to TimberRidge Adventure Center Open House on April 14 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 14. Also on the same day, a related Open House for the center's new 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 and a 200-foot zip line 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 14 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 additions to 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. Also new is a large curving deck, which was added to the back of the facility's existing Welcome Center. The new 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. A former window in the Welcome Center has been replaced with French doors to provide access to the deck. 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 Self Defense Program April 14 at Leawood 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 Leawood location at two different times on Saturday, April 14. 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 the Church of the Nativity, 3700 W. 119th St., Leawood, at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. To register, contact Leawood Park and Recreation at (913) 339-6700. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Online registration is available for this program by emailing info@takedefense.org. 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 2007 Shawnee Mission Triathlon Will Not be Impacted by Lake Lowering The 2007 Shawnee Mission Triathlon will take place on July 8 as planned and will not be impacted by plans to lower the lake level of Shawnee Mission Park Lake later this summer, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials said. "Plans to lower the lake level for improvements and repairs have been built around the triathlon and participants can expect the same great experience this event has offered for 23 years now," said Corporate and Community Wellness Coordinator Chad Tower. "The lake level will not be lowered until after the triathlon, which means this project will not effect the triathlon or opportunities to train in the lake prior to the event." The lake will be lowered by as much as 10 feet beginning July 9 to facilitate construction of wetlands at the lake's east end in order to improve the popular lake's water quality and fishery. It is anticipated it will take one to three weeks to complete the drawdown. Other projects are also planned while the lake level has been reduced, including dredging the lake, and improvements to the dam and the beach at the dog off-leash area. While bids for the lake projects will likely be sought in May in order to facilitate the project, water levels will not be intentionally lowered until after the triathlon. Providing the weather cooperates, officials anticipate water levels will be left low through the fall and winter and will be returned to normal levels by spring rains in 2008. More information on these projects can be found at www.jcprd.com/pages/smp.cfm. The Shawnee Mission Triathlon is open to all individuals, ages 15 and older with participants competing in five-year age groups from 15 years old to 60 and older. Teams can also compete in the regular or short course as a family or corporate team in addition to the usual men's, women's or coed team categories. As has been the case for a number of years, officials anticipate the event will reach capacity of 700 participants prior to race day on July 8. The Shawnee Mission Triathlon Regular Course consists of a 0.62-mile swim, followed by an 18-mile bike, and a 4.5-mile run inside Shawnee Mission Park with heats beginning at 7 a.m. on the beach. The Short Course is ideal for novice triathletes as well as the more serious competitor desiring a less strenuous course and consists of a 0.31-mile swim, followed by a 9-mile bike, and a 2.4-mile run. Heats for this race will begin at 7:45 a.m. on the beach. Registration fees for both the Regular Course and the Short Course are $50 for individuals and $80 for teams if postmarked by June 26. After June 26, entry fees will increase twice before race day. For complete details, see www.jcprd.com. In addition to the above fees, runners who are not members of United States of America Triathlon (USAT) must pay a $10 daily user fee or purchase an annual membership for $30. Mail-in registrations will not be taken after June 29. Entrants receive a T-shirt, a swim cap, and a pancake breakfast. Individual prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winners. Age group and team awards will be given based on the total number of entrants. As part of a shortened season at the Shawnee Mission Park Beach which is expected to open June 2 and run through late July, open water swimming for triathletes will be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday during this period. For more information, call (913) 236-1240. The Shawnee Mission Triathlon is presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, a registration form, or to register, call (913) 831-3359 Voice or (913) 831-3342 TDD only. To register online, go to www.sportkc.org. back to top Artists Sought for Johnson County Summertime Arts & Crafts Festival on May 19 Craftspersons and artists of all types are invited to enter the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's twenty-second annual spring arts and crafts show, The Summertime Arts & Crafts Show. This year's show is set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, in Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, Kan. This will be the tenth year the arts and crafts festival is held in conjunction with Merriam's Turkey Creek Festival, also in Antioch Park on May 19. Invited are artists of original works including drawing, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, jewelry, pottery, and folk arts. No commercial products, food, resale items, or flea market articles are allowed. Entry applications should include a clear photo of items to be exhibited. The entry fee is $60 for a 12-foot lawn space. There is a $5 late fee for registrations received after May 1. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, and display surfaces. This is an outdoor event - come prepared for inclement weather. The Turkey Creek Festival Committee reserves the right to alter or cancel the event. For more information, call (913) 831-335 or (913) 631-0016 Ext. 1443. back to top Foundation Challenge Prompts County Food Pantry Drive The six food pantries of Community and Family Support Services, Inc., have launched a limited-time food drive in response to a challenge grant from a national foundation. For every donation of food or funds to the food pantries during March and April, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation will donate additional dollars. The Feinstein Foundation, of Cranston, R.I., is contributing $1 million to hunger-fighting agencies across the country. The funding will be divided among organizations that raise dollars and food to fight hunger during the campaign. The more the local agencies raise, the more they will receive from the foundation for their vulnerable residents. Food goods and financial contributions may be taken to any of the following locations through April 30. Checks should be written to “Community and Family Support Services, Inc.” Blue Valley Multi-Service Center, 7500 W. 149th Terrace, Overland Park De Soto Multi-Service Center, 32905 W. 84th St., De Soto Gardner Multi-Service Center, 112 S. Elm, Gardner North Central Multi-Service Center, 12425 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park Spring Hill Multi-Service Center, 401 N. Madison, Spring Hill Community and Family Support Services, Inc., is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that supports the programs and people served by Johnson County Human Services & Aging. For additional information about the food pantries, call (913) 715-8999. Additional information on the Feinstein Foundation is available at www.feinsteinfoundation.org. back to top Home Buyers Seminar Offered for Adults on April 18 First-time home buyers, as well as those who have not bought or sold a home in some time can benefit from a seminar being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This program is called Home Buyers Seminar, is for ages 18 and older, and is presented by Carol Buczek of ReMax. Participants will learn how to determine how much home they can afford, which loan program is right for them, and how to shop for a home and make sure their best interests are protected. Search for the keyword "finance" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one 90-minute session is $18 for Johnson County residents or $20 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 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top New Doggie Treats Cooking Class Offered for Adults on April 21 Our dogs play a very important part in our family and lives, so consider doing something nice for Fido. A new program offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District will teach adults 18 and older how to make homemade doggie treats. The program is called Doggie Treats and will include instruction and recipes for making healthy and tasty canine treats. Search for the keyword "cooking" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. . This program is offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one 90-minute session is $12 for Johnson County residents or $14 for nonresidents. In addition, there is a $5 supply 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 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Celebrate Earth Day on April 21 with Kansas City EarthFest and Kansas City EarthWalk at Shawnee Mission Park Area residents can plan a day of family fun and make a difference for the environment on the 37th anniversary of Earth Day when Kansas City EarthWalk and Kansas City EarthFest returns to Shawnee Mission Park's The Theatre in the Park on April 21. The third-annual regional EarthFest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be preceded by the eleventh-annual Kansas City EarthWalk beginning at 9 a.m. The Theatre in the Park is located at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee. EarthWalk is a fundraising event for Bridging the Gap, which is presenting EarthFest in conjunction with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Friends for Parks and Recreation. Walkers can choose between 1.5- or 2.7-mile options within Shawnee Mission Park. The event includes a first-come, first-served lunch provided by Wild Oats Community Markets. Participants can either pay an entry fee of $18 per person for adults, $12 per person for children ages three to 11, or $46 for a family of two adults and two children, or raise pledges for the chance to win prizes from area merchants including Southwest Airlines tickets, restaurant and retail gift certificates and merchandise. For walk registration information, go to www.earthdaykc.org or call (816) 561-1087. Mailed entries must be postmarked by April 13. After this date, late fees add $5 to the per-person cost for youth and adults and $15 to the cost for families. Those wishing to sign up on the day of the event may do so at The Theatre in the Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. Following the EarthWalk, EarthFest will feature more than 70 planet-friendly exhibitors and vendors from a wide variety of local groups and organizations, including the JCPRD's Ernie Miller Nature Center, which will feature birds of prey and other live animals. There will also be live family entertainment and environmentally-friendly activities and crafts for all ages. This year's musical artists will include children's singer Jim Cosgrove & The Hiccups, along with Five Defy. EarthFest is again expected to feature such environmental topics as recycling, climate change, energy efficiency, air quality, alternative transportation, and more. EarthFest admission is free. For more information, contact: Leslie Barland, EarthWalk Coordinator (816) 561-1061 ext. 128 Randy Knight, Johnson County Park and Recreation District (913) 894-3323 back to top Family Canoe Lessons Offered at Shawnee Mission Park on April 25 Introduce your family to the fun sport of flatwater canoeing through a workshop being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Family Canoe Lessons are for ages 10 and up and are designed for beginners. Children up to age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program will feature a combination of lecture and hands-on experience. Family canoe lessons are offered at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25 at the Shawnee Mission Park boat ramp, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. The cost for one two and one-half hour session is $13 per person for Johnson County residents or $14 per person for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "boating" 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 more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top 50 Plus Plans Walk on the Wild Side at Kansas City Zoo on April 25 The Kansas City Zoo will be the site of an upcoming walk being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in late April. The program is called Take a Walk on the Wild Side and will take place on April 25. This walk is expected to require an easy level of exertion. 50 plus walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. This program will depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for one five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site and zoo admission, is $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch or purchase lunch at the zoo. Search for the keyword "outdoors" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top La Grande Birding Fiesta is April 28 at Ernie Miller Nature Center A south-of-the-border fiesta to welcome back hummingbirds, orioles, warblers, and other feathered friends after their winter vacation in Latin America is the theme of a special event scheduled in late April at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Now in its fourth year, this free event is called the La Grande Birding Fiesta and is for ages six and older with a parent. This event is being held in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' Outdoor Kansas for Kids Day (OKKids) and will include activities appropriate for school-age children and beginning bird watchers. Planned activities include: door prizes and giveaways; guided hikes through Ernie Miller Park where participants can learn the basics of bird watching; bird-related information booths; children's activity stations; live birds of prey; "bird bingo," and an opportunity to make a bird feeder to take home. In the event of rain, booths and stations will be moved indoors. This program will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 28 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information , contact Park Naturalist Elaine Giessel at the Nature Center at (913) 764-8580 ext. 27. Outdoor Kansas for Kids Day provides an opportunity for children across Kansas to experience various outdoor activities. For many, it will be an introduction to the beauty and enjoyment of the outdoors. For others, it will be a reawakening or reinforcing of their outdoor interests. In 2006, more than 15,000 people across the state participated in OKKids events. Bass Pro Shops and Capital Federal Savings are statewide corporate donors for the event and will help in providing funds for door prizes and giveaways Other local sponsors are: Wild Birds Unlimited, Wild Oats Community Markets, and the Johnson County Master Gardeners. back to top Shawnee Mission Park Lake Improvement Plans April 25 Informational Open house Planned lake restoration and wetland improvements to Shawnee Mission Park Lake scheduled to begin later this year will be the subject of an informational public open house set from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 25 at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Administration Building, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. The April 25 meeting will be conducted by representatives of Olsson Associates, the District's consulting engineers for this project. The meeting will feature exhibits and plans for the improvements and opportunities for one-on-one discussions with consultants and representatives of agencies involved in the project, including the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program, the City of Lenexa, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Park District. No formal presentation is planned during the open house. "We are working to restore and protect water quality and aquatic habitat at Shawnee Mission Lake, now and for the future," said Tony Stanton of Olsson Associates. "Recent upstream development has delivered a large amount of sediment to the upper portions of the lake, which has reduced water depths by as much as ten feet. This has impacted water quality, fish habitat and boater access. The proposed wetland and lake restoration enhancements, along with other upstream improvements coordinated with the City of Lenexa and the Park District, will ensure the lake remains a high quality, enjoyable destination for park patrons.” Improvement plans call for reducing the water level in Shawnee Mission Park Lake by up to 10 feet beginning July 9, 2007. The drawdown is required to allow dredging of the lake to remove accumulated silt and will also facilitate the construction of the wetlands. The vegetated wetlands and a small planned pool will work together to trap sediments and These projects will impact access to the lake for all water-based recreation activities including swimming, boating, and fishing, and will also alter the view from a number of park shelters. The park's beach and marina operations have announced plans to have shorter seasons this year, which will both conclude in mid-July when lake levels become too low for those activities. Lake levels are expected to remain low until at least late spring 2008. Both the refilling the lake and completion of the work will be especially weather-dependant. The lake projects will not affect the 23rd annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon, which will take place on July 8. Since before the first of the year, those purchasing District fishing permits have been notified of the lake drawdown plans and information on the improvement plans was provided in the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Spring Activities catalog. More information on the projects can be found at www.jcprd.com/pages/smp.cfm. The Shawnee Mission Park Lake renovation projects are part of the District's 20-year Master Action Plan, MAP 2020, which includes renovations to existing District parks as well as acquisition of additional park land. Shawnee Mission Park is located in Shawnee and Lenexa, with a main entrance at 7900 Renner Road. For more information about the April 25 meeting, contact Bill Maasen, Planning and Development Manager for the District. back to top JCPRD Afterschool Programs to Conduct Two Charity Garage Sales on April 28 and May 5 All 24 of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Childrens Services Department's Afterschool Programs are contributing to two charity garage sales planned for late April and early May. One sale will take place on Saturday, April 28 at Shawanoe Elementary School, 11230 West 75th Street, Shawnee, while the other will take place on Saturday, May 5 at the Gardner Elementary School, 218 E. Shawnee Street, Gardner. Both sales will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature items donated by staff, participants, and their families. The Gardner sale will feature items contributed by the program's four Gardner sites, while the Shawanoe site will feature items provided by the other 20 Afterschool sites. Proceeds will be given to charities which will be selected by children in Afterschool programs. In 2006, a similar sale conducted by the Sunflower Afterschool program was considered very successful and raised $1,034 for Sunflower House, a local child abuse prevention center, and the Greater Kansas City Humane Society. In addition, leftover items from the sale were donated to Goodwill, several local churches, and City Union Mission. For more information, contact Lisa Hughes at (913) 856-2493. back to top Family Kayak Lessons Offered on May 2 and 9 Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking through an introductory workshop being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Family Kayak Lessons are for ages 10 and up and are designed for beginners. The program will feature a combination of lecture and hands-on experience. Family Kayak Lessons are offered at two days and times during May . Topics to be covered include safety, equipment, and stroke techniques. Programs are scheduled for May 2 and 9. Both programs begin at 6 p.m. at the Shawnee Mission Park boat ramp, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. The cost for one two-and-one-half session is $13 per person for Johnson County residents or $14 per person for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "boating" 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 more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Free Triathlon Training Workshop is May 2 Want to know what kind of training is needed to prepare for a triathlon? A free workshop being offered by BikeSource and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help. During this workshop, experienced athletes, coaches, and staff at BikeSource will teach participants how to train for a duathlon and/or triathlon. Topics to be addressed include: nutrition, stretching techniques, and pointers on conditioning for each phase of a triathlon. Both seasoned and novice triathletes will learn from this free informational workshop. The workshop will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2 at Bikesource, 11500 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Advanced registration is required. Call (913) 451-1515 to register. back to top Final Spring Nature Walk for 50 Plus is May 3 Near Osawatomie A trail near Osawatomie, Kan., is the sixth and final destination of Spring Nature Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while following trails through state parks and natural treasures. The Osawatomie walk will take place on May 3 on a portion of the Flint Hills Nature Trail which opened last fall near Osawatomie. The trail was developed by the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy and is a great way to experience the breathtaking Kansas Flint Hills. This is considered an easy walk in terms of exertion. Spring Walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. The walk will depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for this five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the walk , lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "nature walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Breakfast & Bargain Bonanza is May 5 at Roeland Park Community Center A huge community garage sale is being planned for May 5 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The program is called Breakfast & Bargains Bonanza and is being presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with the Roeland Park Community Center.. This event will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast supplied by Chris Cakes. The sale also begins at 8 a.m.and will continue until 1 p.m. This is a great way to get rid of unwanted possessions and earn some extra money without having to clean the garage, advertise, or worry about disposing of unsold items. Indoor 8-foot by 8-foot spaces are available for $15 or outdoor spaces with your choice of either two parking spaces or a grassy eight-foot by eight-foot courtyard area are being offered for $20. Six-foot tables can be rented for $5 each. After the sale, arrangements have been made to donate any leftover items you don't want the Shepherd's Center. To reserve sales space, call (913)236-4343. Search for the keywords "garage sale" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. There is no charge for browsers on the day of the sale. Tickets for breakfast, which will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., are $4 in advance at the Roeland Park Community Center or $5 on the day of the event. A moonwalk and face painting will also be available at a nominal fee. 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 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top KC Wildlands Sets May 5 Workday at Ernie Miller Park A prairie remnant at Ernie Miller Park is one of three sites for community restoration work which will take place during a Kansas City Wildlands workday planned from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 5. Interested parties are invited to assist with prairie restoration efforts by planting native flowers grown from locally-collected seed. This is a great opportunity to help with hands-on restoration and conservation work on the metro area's ever-dwindling wild acres. Participants should dress for the weather - long pants are suggested. KC WildLands will supply work gloves and drinking water. Some tools will be provided on-site, but participants are encouraged to bring their own loppers, small saws and hand shovels. Ernie Miller Park is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Similar workday projects will also take place simultaneously at two locations in Kansas City, Mo.: Jerry Smith Park prairie in South Kansas City and Rocky Point Glades in Kansas City's Swope Park. For additional information or to register for the May 5 workday, call KC Wildlands Coordinator Linda Lehrbaum, at (816) 561-1061 x116 or e-mail at linda@bridgingthegap.org. The Johnson County Park and Recreation District has conducted similar workdays at Ernie Miller Park and other locations in the past in conjunction with KC WildLands, a conservation coalition initiated in 2001. The group is "a conservation coalition protecting biological diversity through citizen-based restoration of Kansas City's natural communities." Other charter members of the group include park and recreation agencies throughout the area, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Kansas Wildlife and Parks. back to top Big Read program Library Reception to honor Teen ‘zine contributors Johnson County Library will host a reception for teen authors on Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS. Teens whose works are published in the spring 2007 issue of elementia, the library’s teen literary magazine, will read from their works. The program is free and open to the public; no registration required. Refreshments will be served. The library’s new teen services web site, www.jocoteenscene.org, will also be launched at this event. The elementia publication was created as a “teen ‘zine” to represent and uplift young adults in Johnson County. In conjunction with the Johnson County Library’s Big Read Project which focuses on themes from Amy Tan’s book The Joy Luck Club, teens submitted writing, photos and artwork related to not fitting in, feeling on the outside and/or being on the outs with peers, parents, teachers, or subject matter that was Asian themed or inspired. Funding is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The work of 67 teens whose is featured in the Spring 2007 elementia. Three issues of elementia have been published since the fall 2005. Those ages 12-20 are eligible to submit original prose, poetry and illustrations for elementia. Contents of the first three issues is available on the library web site www.jocolibrary.org or the library teen page. Contents of the fourth issue will be available after April 26, 2007. Johnson County is one of 72 communities nationwide selected to receive an NEA Big Read Grant and to promote and carry out month-long, community-based programs based on themes from Amy Tan’s book, The Joy Luck Club. The library is hosting more than 25 events including this teen program as well as books discussions, exhibits, festivals and special programs during April and May 2007 to coincide with the Big Read project. 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 scheduled Library program. For more information about the Teen Writers’ Café or elementia, call (913) 495-2490. back to top Library hosts Asian Heritage and Taiwanese Festivals The Johnson County Library will host two major events in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month in May and the Library’s Big Read Project: Asian Heritage Festival Saturday, May 5 • 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, Kansas Throughout the day the library will host a variety of music, dancing, art, sto¬ries, crafts, and food from several different Asian countries. This will be a fun, exciting day for the whole family. Join us for any part of the day. No registration necessary. The schedule of events is: 11:00 a.m. • HK Chinese Folk Dance Group, 11:45 a.m. • Ki Daiko Japanese Drumming Group from Olathe Schools 12:30 p.m. • Tae Kwon Do Academy Korean Martial arts demonstration 1:15 p.m. • Hmong Dance Group representing Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China 2:00 p.m. • Korean Traditional Sword Fighting and Sword Dance 2:45 p.m. Kamishibai Picture Storytelling from Japan 3:30 p.m. Nritya South Indian classical dance 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Asian Games Drop in for traditional games and toys from Asia, including Korean Yut, and Hwa Tu, Japanese tops and Daruma Otoshi, Chinese checkers and abacus, and paper dolls from a variety of Asian countries. Taiwanese Festival Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Central Resource Library, 9875 W.87th St., Overland Park, Kansas Experience first hand the tradition and culture of Taiwan. The Johnson County Library and the Taiwanese Association of America – Greater Kansas City chapter (TAKC) present the 3rd annual Taiwanese Festival - an event for the whole family! Activities will include: A film montage vividly illustrating life in Taiwan A live Taiwanese puppet show Traditional Taiwanese games for children Many giveaways of Taiwanese toys and lucky charms Authentic Taiwanese food and drinks For more information, call event coordinator at (913) 897-7712 or the library at (913) 495-2466. Johnson County is one of 72 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 based on themes from Amy Tan’s book, The Joy Luck Club. The library is hosting more than 25 events including the Asian Heritage and Taiwanese festivals as well as books discussions, exhibits, festivals and special programs during April and May 2007 to coincide with the Big Read project. Both programs are free and open to the public. They are made possible through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, IMLS, and Arts Midwest. For more information visit www.jocolibrary.org/big read. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled Library program. back to top Final Two Animal Tales Storytime Sessions Of Spring Season are May 9 & 23 at Ernie Miller Nature Center The last two Animal Tales Storytime sessions of the Spring season will take place at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe on May 9 and 23. The Program is called Animal Tales - Storytime at the Ernie Miller Nature Center and is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. The theme for the May 9 session is snakes, while the theme for the May 23 session is spiders. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. Both programs will be offered at the Nature Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. The cost for one 30-minute session is $1.75 per person, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary. Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Spring Wildflower & Butterfly Walk Offered for Adults on May 13 If you've ever wanted to learn more about native wildflowers, a Spring Wildflower & Butterfly Walk being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help. This program is for adults 18 and older. At this time of year, Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, is a rainbow of flowers. Participants will join an interpretive staff member to discover the many faces of spring flowers and their insect visitors. Search for the keywords "wildflower & butterfly" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. The cost for one two-hour session is $11 per person for Johnson County residents or $12 per person for nonresidents. Handouts are included. For more information on the Spring Wildflower Walk, call the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Visit Ernie Miller Nature Center to Participate in Passport to Adventure Beginning May 16 Gather your family and pick up your Kansas City Passport to Adventure for the Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City's at the Ernie Miller Nature Center or at any of 16 other sites in the metro area beginning May 16. Now in its thirteenth year, Passport to Adventure is a great way for area residents to experience nature, science, and history in their own backyard. The annual event is meant to encourage the public to visit area nature centers, museums and historic sites between May 16 and Sept. 25. The program is free and participants can obtain a passport at any of the sites below. Passport holders have until Sept. 25 to get their passport stamped at all 17 participating sites in order to be eligible for prizes. Everyone who does so will receive a special prize by mail. In addition, each participating site will offer a small complimentary gift for answering a question relating to the site at the time the passport is stamped. Sites participating in the 2007 Passport to Adventure are: Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO (816) 759-7300 Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO (816) 228-3766 Cave Spring Interpretive Center 8701 East Gregory, KC, MO (816) 358-2283 Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe, KS (913) 764-7759 Fort Osage Historic Site Sibley, MO (816) 795-8200 ext 1260 George Owens Nature Park 1601 South Speck Road, Independence, MO (816) 325-7115 Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd (816) 438-8300 Kemper Outdoor Education Center 8201 Jasper Bell Road, Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-8980 Lakeside Nature Center 4701 E. Gregory, Kansas City, MO (816) 513-8960 Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historical Site 1100 Kansas City Road, Olathe KS (913) 971-5111 Martha Lafitte Thompson Nature Center 407 N. LaFrenz Road, Liberty, MO (816) 781-8598 Missouri Town 1855 8010 E. Park Road, Lees Summit, MO (816) 503-4860 National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame 630 Hall of Fame Dr., Bonner Springs, KS (913) 721-1075 National Frontier Trails Historic Site 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence, MO (816) 325-7575 Powell Gardens 1609 NW, U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO (816) 697-2600 Prairie Oak Nature Center 14701 Mission Drive, Leawood, KS (913) 681-0902 Wonderscope Children’s Museum 5705 Flint Street, Shawnee, KS (913) 268-8130 The Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City is a nonprofit organization made up of historical, natural, and cultural interpretive sites throughout the Kansas City area. For more information about the Kickoff event or the Passport to Adventure Hunt, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top 50 Plus Plans Walk on the Katy Trail on May 16 An opportunity to walk on a portion of Missouri's Katy trail is being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in mid-May. The program is called Katy Trail Nature Walk and will take place on May 16. This walk is expected to require an easy level of exertion. Participants will walk on a section of the trail located near the Rocheport (Mo.) trailhead, which is considered one of the most engaging portions of this trail which stretches a total of 225 miles across Missouri from St. Charles to Clinton, Mo. This area is a perfect place to find beautiful scenery, solitude, nature and a chance to spend time along the Missouri river. 50 plus walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. This program will depart at 8 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for one eight -hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch for a picnic at the trailhead. Search for the keywords "nature walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top JCPRD Summer Catalog Available After April 30 The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Summer ACTIVITIES catalog will be available the week of April 30. The free quarterly publication lists more than 500 programs offered by the District from June through August and beyond. The Summer issue includes information about popular JCPRD's summer day camps, extensive Summer Learn to Swim listings, summer Special Events such as the Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo at Shawnee Mission Park, the Shawnee Mission Triathlon, and the Annual In Step and In Shape Walk. Other Summer offerings range from arts and crafts to sports to nature activities, and include leagues, classes, seminars, workshops, and trips. Included are programs for toddlers through senior adults. Registration for classes in the Spring catalog will begin immediately after the catalogs arrive. Spring programs start on or about June 1. The recently-reorganized catalog features 12 topic-based sections listed in alphabetical order from front to back of the catalog. These sections are: Aquatics; Camps; Childcare; Fine & Performing Arts; Fitness & Health: Gymnastics; Hobbies & Special Interests; Nature & Outdoors; Special Events; Special Populations: Sports; and Travel. Within these sections will be age-based subheads (Preschool, Youth, Adult, 50 Plus) under which all programs pertaining to that topic will be listed in alphabetical order. ACTIVITIES is mailed out to approximately 30,000 past participants who have taken part in a District program within the last year. Catalogs will also be available at Johnson County Library Branches, community centers, various businesses, and at District locations. Updated JCPRD program listings and 24-hour online registration are available at the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Look for Spring listings to be online April 30 as well. back to top