DECEMBER
- 2007
George Washington at Valley Forge Outreach Program Available From Ernie Miller Nature Center Through January
The trials and accomplishments of George Washington and his Continental Army during the brutal winter of 1777 is the subject of a living history presentation being offered for groups by interpretive staff from the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center.
Park Naturalist Molly Postlewait developed the 45-minute program, which is called Winter at Valley Forge and is aimed at fourth- fifth, and sixth-graders. The program is available for classroom bookings during December and January. This timing not only coincides with the time of year these events actually unfolded over 225 years ago, but also ties into the January observation of Kansas History Month and the study of American heroes in Kansas classrooms.
"I love the creativity which is involved with taking a little slice of history and making it real so that it's not just dates and times and boring stuff," Postlewait said. "I love to bring the human aspect into it. I wanted to bring to light some of the women who were involved in the revolutionary effort. The story that I present is told from the perspective of three different women, so I actually change costume and change character during the program."
The first "eyewitness account" is presented by an older well-to-do women who serves as a spy for the revolutionary cause in the British-controlled city of Philadelphia. Her name is Lydia Dowden and she is a composite character based on the stories of several real women. Second, audiences meet Sybil Ludington, who was a real historical figure sometimes called the "female Paul Revere" because she rode her horse through the countryside alerting the minutemen of advancing British troops. The third character is a fictional woman named Molly Callahan, who is the daughter of an indentured servant from Ireland whose husband and 12-year-old son are part of Washington's forces at Valley Forge.
She makes the transition between characters using the words of the song "Yankee Doodle" and through changes in lighting and costume, Postlewait said. Throughout the program, George Washington is prominently referred to and mentioned by every character. Washington at Valley Forge was developed using Kansas Department of Education standards and Postlewait said she tried to strongly correlate the program to state history standards.
"For instance, the kids are learning about what a loyalist was, a patriot, an indentured servant, and the concept of taxation without representation," Postlewait said. "We tried to weave in those topics into this so that it would be pertinent to the classroom."
At the end of each presentation, Postlewait gives students an opportunity to give comments or ask questions and she leaves a packet of materials for students to review including a timeline, vocabulary words, and classroom discussion questions.
Postlewait said she wants her audiences to experience "pride, amazement, and astonishment that a rag-tag group of amateur citizens were able to stop the greatest force on the earth, which is what the British army was considered." She said she also wants to bring home the fact that the revolution was a war fought by civilians with women and children involved.
Winter at Valley Forge is available for presentation at school and other locations throughout the metropolitan area. The cost for the first 45-minute presentation at a site is $49 for Johnson County residents or $54 for nonresidents. The cost for consecutive presentations at the same site are $36 for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. Presentations are limited to groups of 35 students or less. For more information or to schedule a program, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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Johnson County Park and Recreation District will again recycle Christmas trees at three locations beginning Dec. 26
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District will again be accepted post-holiday contributions of discarded natural Christmas trees at three locations.
Collection sites are: the northeast corner of the parking lot at the Marina at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, the Heritage Park Marina parking lot, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, and the north side of the parking lot at the Marina at Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe, which was added as a collection site in 2006. Trees will be collected at all three sites from Dec. 26 and through Jan. 20 during regular park hours, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In 2006, more than 4,000 trees were "recycled." Some of the trees will be mulched for use on trails and in landscaping while others will be used to improve fish habitat in Shawnee Mission Park.
No yard waste will be accepted - only Christmas trees. Wrappers should be removed from the discarded trees as well as any remaining decorations; particularly "icicles" and decorations made from mylar, shiny plastic, or aluminum.
There is no charge for the disposal of trees. This program is funded in part by the proceeds from a JCPRD employee recycling program. For additional information, call District Forester Kevin Smith at (913) 441-8669.
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Dec. 19 is Deadline for Winter Break Basketball Camp Registration
Dec. 19 is the registration deadline for a Winter Break Basketball Camp for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through six being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Basketball camp will take place at the Okun Fieldhouse, located within the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. The program will be staffed by local high school coaches and players, who will stress the fundamentals of basketball including instruction in offensive and defensive skills and limited scrimmage games.
Participants will receive a camp T-shirt. The camp director is Anita Vanderpool, Head Girl's Basketball Coach at Maranatha. Search for the keyword "basketball" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Camp sessions will take place Wednesday Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 28. Basketball Camp for participants in kindergarten through second grade will meet at 3 p.m. The cost for three 90-minute sessions is $30 for Johnson County residents or $33 for nonresidents. Basketball Camp for participants in third through sixth grade will meet at 1 p.m. The cost for three two-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.
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Winter Break Volleyball Camp offered Dec. 26-28 for grades 3-8
Providing boys and girls in grades three through eight with basic skills in the game of volleyball is the goal of a Winter Break Volleyball Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
This three-day camp will take place over winter break, Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 28, 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 - Southwind Volleyball Tribe Founder and Coach. Search for the keywords "volleyball camp" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost for three four-hour sessions is $60 for Johnson County residents or $66 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.
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Mad Science® Holiday Convention for Kids is Dec. 28
The Roeland Park Community Center is the place to be for youth ages seven to 12 when the Sixth Annual Mad Science® Holiday Kids Convention takes place on Dec. 28.
Offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with Mad Science®, a private science education firm, the Holiday Convention will feature multiple hands-on Science Fun Shops, a spectacular stage show, relays, and great take-home experiments. Branded Mad Science® prizes will be awarded, and a special drawing will be held for Newton's Rocket Car Rides. Participants should bring a sack lunch and drink. Search for the keyword "science" to find these programs in the JCPRD's online listings.
The program will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, at Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. For the convenience of working parents, children can be dropped off after 8:30 and picked up until 4 p.m. The cost for one six and one-half hour session is $35 per person for Johnson County residents or $39 per person for nonresidents. Preregistration is required and this program usually fills quickly.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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Wildlife Presentations offered for Groups by JCPRD Interpretive Staff
Scouting and other organized groups looking for educational and fun outdoor activities this Winter can take advantage of group programs offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Arranged by appointment, the JCPRD Interpretive Staff is offering the following programs: Fall Nature Walks and Survival Hike. Search for the keyword "wildlife presentations" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Programs can be arranged at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe, or at another location.
Birds of Prey is for grades four and up. Participants will get a close-up look at the special adaptations that make birds of prey some of nature's best hunters. This program will feature close-up, live examples of these majestic raptors.
Snakes Alive is a live snake presentation in which participants will explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the natural world. This program is for grades two and up.
Wildlife Who's Who is for grades kindergarten and up. Participants will meet an amphibian, a reptile, a bird, and a mammal and discover their interrelationship with the food chain.
Each program lasts about 45 minutes. The cost for presentations at the Ernie Miller Nature Center for one to 15 people are $29 for Johnson County residents or $32 for nonresidents, while presentations for 16 to 35 people are $36 for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. Presentations at your location can accommodate up to 35 people and are $49 for Johnson County residents or $54 for nonresidents. Keep in mind that live animal programs are conducted in Kansas only. Additional consecutive sessions are $36 for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents.
For more information or to schedule a program, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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Mixed Martial Arts program offered for adults beginning Jan. 2
A fantastic high energy, fat burning, confidence-building workout that will give you a fighting chance against would be attackers is the promise of a mixed martial arts programs being offered for adults by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The program, which is called Self Defense Mixed Martial Arts, is for ages 18 and older and is a combination of boxing, kickboxing, grappling, and a variety of forms of martial arts. The program is designed to supply participants with specific techniques for self-defense while at the same time improving flexibility, core strength, muscle endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and overall strength and increasing your self esteem, heightening self-awareness and learning valuable skills to deal with a multitude of situations. Search for the keywords "martial arts " to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This class meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesday beginning Jan. 2 at the Athletic Club of Overland Park, 10440 Marty, Overland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $60 per person for Johnson County residents or $66 per person for nonresidents.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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Aqua Energy class offered for adults starting Jan. 4
A challenging water fitness class for ages 14 and older is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in early January.
The program is called Aqua Energy is for those looking for a higher level of water exercise. This program includes a warm-up, aerobic workout, toning, stretching, and more. Participants will use the water for resistance in some exercises and equipment for others. Search for the keywords "water exercise" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Aqua Energy is offered at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday beginning Jan. 4 at the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Pool, 12701 W. 67th, Shawnee. The cost for eight 60-minute sessions is $42 for Johnson County residents or $46 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.
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Dancing With Disney I & II Offered For ages 3-6 Starting Jan. 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 Jan. 5. The cost for four 60-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 60-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.
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High School Musical Program offered for youth beginning Jan. 5
Youth ages eight to 12 can learn to dance and jump like the students in the movies "High School Musical" and Jump In" through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The program is called High School Musical and Jump In Dance. Dress is casual for this energetic class. The styles of jazz, hip hop, and high energy movements will be taught. Search for the keyword "dance" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
High School Musical and Jump In Dance will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday beginning Jan. 5 at the Academy of the Arts, 5413 Martindale, Shawnee. Class cost for six 50-minute lessons is $68 per person for Johnson County residents or $75 per person for nonresidents.
Preregistration is required.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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Itty Biddy Soccer Clinic Offered in Early January
A program meant to teach young children the basics of soccer is being offered in early January by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The program is called Itty Biddy Soccer Clinic and is for boys and girls age four with a parent or guardian. This program is designed to help develop fundamental skills and sportsmanship in a relaxed atmosphere. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
A parent or guardian must participate with their child in this program. This program will be offered at 3 p.m. Saturday beginning Jan. 5 at the Tomahawk Sports Dome, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The cost for four 40-minute sessions is $35 for Johnson County residents or $39 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.
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Itty Biddy & Biddy Basketball programs offered in early January
Three instructional basketball programs for young children are being offered in early January by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The programs are: Itty Biddy Basketball Clinic for boys and girls age four with a parent, a Biddy Basketball Clinic for girls and boys ages five to seven, and a Biddy Basketball Clinic Advanced for ages seven to nine.
These programs are offered at the Tomahawk Sports Dome, 17501 Midland Dr., Shawnee, and at the Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Search for the keyword "basketball" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Biddy Basketball Clinic provides participants with instruction in the fundamentals of basketball. Ball-handling techniques, passing, dribbling, shooting, team work, and basic concepts of team strategy are covered with emphasis on sportsmanship. Biddy Basketball Clinics begin on Saturday, Jan. 5. At Tomahawk, sessions for five- to six-year-olds are offered at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. while sessions for ages six through seven will take place at 10 a.m. and noon. At Roeland Park, a session for five- to six-year-olds will take place at 9 a.m., while a session for ages seven and eight will take place at 10 a.m. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $45 for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents.
Biddy Basketball Clinic Advanced is a six-week program of practices and games for ages seven through nine. Teams will be formed during the first class. This class is offered at 11 a.m. at Roeland Park and at 1 p.m. at Tomahawk. Both programs begin Jan. 5. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $50 for Johnson County residents or $55 for nonresidents.
Itty Biddy Basketball Clinic is designed to help develop fundamental skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Topics to be covered include ball-handling, passing, shooting, and sportsmanship. A parent must participate with their child in this program. This program will be offered at two times on Fridays, both at the Tomahawk Sports Dome beginning on Jan. 11. One program will start at 6 p.m. and another will start at 6:45 p.m. An additional session is offered at 8 a.m. Saturday beginning Jan. 12 at the Roland Park Sports Dome. The cost for four 40-minute sessions is $35 for Johnson County residents or $39 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.
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Sunday Afternoon Nature Programs begin Jan. 7
Bring the family to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in January for Sunday Afternoon Nature Programs for educational and entertaining programs. The programs begin at 2 p.m., last about 45 minutes, and are designed for all ages. A charge of $1.75 per person, payable at the site, helps cover the cost of the programs; children under two are free.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe.
January presentations will include:
- Jan. 6 Birds of Prey– By day or night, out of the sky flies a rodent’s nightmare, the birds of prey. Join our interpretive staff as they show why rodents fear these great birds. Using live birds, participants will see up close examples of these magnificent raptors and their special adaptations.
- Jan. 13 The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly – Take a different look at some of the not-so-glamorous animals around, spiders, snakes, and skunks. These critters may not be loveable to all, but learn why they are important to our lifestyles and environment. Live snakes and spiders will be displayed.
- Jan. 20 Mother Nature - What can you do for Mother Earth? Learn about recycling, preventing pollution and protecting wildlife. Meet a relative of an endangered species. Environmental stories will be presented by Mother Nature herself. Threatened and endangered species will be highlighted.
- Jan. 27 Kansas Symbols – What do the American bison, tiger salamander, and sunflower have in common? They are just a few of the natural symbols of the great state of Kansas. Learn about these and others through this interactive program featuring hands-on items and live animals. Be prepared to end the program with a rousing chorus of "Home of the Range.".
Search for the keywords "nature programs" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. For more information on the Sunday Nature Programs, call (913) 764-7759.
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Mother's Day Out Offered at RPCC During January
Young children will enjoy a day of creative learning and play opportunities during a Mother's Day Out program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, for ages three to five.
This is an excellent way to introduce young children to a peer group setting and help them gradually adjust to being away from parents for an extended part of the day. Children should bring a sack lunch. Milk and snacks are furnished. Search for the keyword "childcare" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
January sessions begin Jan. 7. Parents can choose the day of the week that best suits them and then sign their child up for four successive weeks on that day. Days cannot be mixed. The cost for four eight-hour sessions is $80 for Johnson County residents or $88 for nonresidents.
To register in this program, please contact the site director at (913) 722-1198. No online registrations are taken for this program.
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Potter's Delight adult beginning pottery class begins Jan. 9
Create original pottery, both functional and fun, in Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Potter's Delight beginning pottery class for adults 16 and older. Participants will learn creative design concepts, hand-building techniques, and wheel-throwing.
This class will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Jan. 9 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six two-and-one-half hour lessons is $98 for Johnson County residents or $108 for nonresidents. This includes earthenware clay and kiln firing. Because class size is limited, preregistration is required. Search for the keyword "art" 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. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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New Women's Triathlon set for Sept. 13 at Kill Creek Park
Olathe Medical Center recently signed on as the title sponsor for a new women's triathlon being planned by The Johnson County Park and Recreation District for September 2008.
The first-ever event is tentatively being called the Olathe Medical Center's Women's Triathlon and Expo and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker said she believes the planned all-female event may be unique in the state.
"So far in our research, we have not found an all-women's triathlon in Kansas, so we may be on the platform of producing the first one ever," Leiker said. "The number one reason that we looked at the female market was because of the numbers that we know logistically that Kill Creek would be able to handle."
Leiker said she anticipates the new event will fill to capacity with 350 participants. The event will involve a 500-meter swim starting and ending at the park's beach, a 2.6-mile run on existing trails within the park, and a 10.6-mile bike consisting of a square loop on county roads to the east of Kill Creek Park.
This USA Triathlon-sanctioned event will be open to individuals, as well as to teams in family, friends, corporate, and club categories. Until Aug. 27, the cost is $50 for individuals and $75 for teams. For brochures and registration forms, go to www.jcprd.com/activities/special_events.cfm or by call (913) 236-1231. Registrations are being taken on-line at www.sportkc.org.
"It's logistically going to look the same (as other District triathlons) as far as how it's put together and we'll host the event at the same level that we host any of our other events," Leiker said. "The difference with this one is going to be the incorporation of an Expo in conjunction with the event."
The Expo will take place at Kill Creek Park the day of the event. Details are still being worked out, but the Expo is tentatively set from 9:30 a.m. to noon and will be open to the general public. It is anticipated the Expo will feature not only businesses related to health and fitness, but purveyors of other products and services of interest to women. For more information about reserving a booth, call (913) 236-1233.
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Web Site Design class offered for adults Starting Jan. 9
An interactive class teaching the basics of building and publishing a web site is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in early January.
The program is called Web Design and Development and is for adults 17 and older. This class utilizes Adobe Dreamweaver, the industry standard for building and maintaining web sites. Students enrolled in this class receive their own personal domain name and hosting for one year. Search for the keyword "computers" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday on Jan. 9 and 16 at the Blue Valley Middle School, 5001 W. 163rd Terr., Stilwell. The cost for two two-and-one-half hour sessions is $125 per person for Johnson County residents or $138 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.
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TuTu Ballerinas /Budding Ballerinas classes offered for girls beginning Jan. 12
Basic instruction in beginning ballet is offered for girls ages three-and-one-half to five years and ages five to eight through two classes being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The classes are called Dance: TuTu Ballerinas & Tap Tap Dancers and Dance: Budding Ballerinas. Both have classes beginning Jan. 12. Search for the keyword "dance " to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Tutu Ballerinas & Tap Tap Dancers is for girls ages three-and-one-half to five and will emphasize rhythm and coordination. Ballet technique will be introduced in addition to games, circle activities, and tumbling skills. Ballet and tap shoes, as well as a leotard, are required. Class will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kozetta's Dance, 14930 W. 119th, Olathe. The cost for seven 50-minute sessions is $68 for Johnson County residents or $75 for nonresidents.
Budding Ballerinas is for ages five to eight and is meant as an introduction to the wonderful world of ballet. Participants will learn to express themselves creatively through dance and dance movement. This class will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six 60-minute sessions is $42 for Johnson County residents or $46 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.
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Clay Creations & Pottery Throwing classes for youth start Jan. 12
Two clay classes for youth are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning Jan. 12 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
The classes are: Clay Creations and Pottery Wheel Throwing. The cost per person per class for five 90-minute sessions is $56 for Johnson County Residents or $62 for nonresidents. All materials, including clay, paints, and kiln firing, are included with the classes. Search for the keyword "art" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
In Clay Creations, children ages six to ten will squish, pinch, pull, and pat clay into fanciful forms, which they will also glaze. This beginning class will start at 9 a.m. Saturday.
In Pottery Wheel Throwing, students ages ten to 15 will learn basic wheel-throwing techniques using an electric potter's wheel to create original hand-built pottery. This class will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday.
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.
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College Planning Finance program offered on Jan. 15
Learn how to get started saving toward your family's educational goals from a financial advisor during a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Shinfen Circe Wu of Waddell & Reed Inc., will instruct this class called College Planning for ages 18 and older. This program will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Waddell & Reed Inc., 6900 College Boulevard, Suite 740, Overland Park. This program will review choices and methods for education planning. Instructor Shinfen Circe Wu is a financial advisor and a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. Search for the keyword "financial" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost for one 90-minute session is $12 per person for Johnson County residents or $13 per person for nonresidents.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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Melissa Wyckoff named JCPRD's new Fine & Cultural Arts Manager
Melissa Wyckoff has been named the new Fine and Cultural Arts Manager for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District where her duties will also include serving as Executive Producer for The Theatre in the Park. She steps into her new position as on Jan. 2.
Taking the position marks a return to the Kansas City metro area for Wyckoff, who is a native of the area and was interested in moving back here to be closer to her family after working for several years in Florida and Washington state. She brings experience in business, as an arts executive, and as a performer.
"I was looking for an opportunity to come back to Kansas City and to Johnson County," Wyckoff said. "My experiences when I performed here were wonderful and are happy memories of my childhood and the opportunity to make sure other children get to do that, I think, is a wonderful thing. It was an important experience because it gave you an opportunity to try it and to see if you liked performing. It's such a great experience for people to learn more about it and then go on from there. I met friends that I still have doing that. The other thing I like is that it costs less than going to the movies. That's what's so great about Kansas City - there's not only so much professional arts, there's all the community arts which are so strong."
The performing bug struck early for Wyckoff, who was a member of the local Jack and Jill Players, a youth tap and jazz dancing group, when she was five and later appeared as a doll in a televised local Christmas show. As a child, she played the character Amaryllis in the Music Man during The Theater in the Park's very first season in 1970. She later appeared in Theatre in the Park productions of Oliver and Most Happy Fella, at which time she worked with longtime Producer Demmaree Carns. But it was a Hollywood Bowl performance of Swan Lake she attended during a family trip to California which cemented her interest in the arts.
"I was transfixed and I turned to my mom and said 'momma I want to be a ballerina' and she said, yeah, OK, OK," Wyckoff said.
This dream was later realized after the director of a Starlight Theater production of Superman which she appeared in referred her to a ballet teacher. After graduating from Shawnee Mission South High School, she would go on to receive a scholarship to the University of Missouri - Kansas City's Conservatory of Music, where she performed at the Missouri Repertory Theater and earned a bachelor of arts in dance.
Her work experience includes serving as: chief executive officer of the Walla Walla Symphony in Walla Walla, Wash.; executive director of The Florida Chautaqua Center in DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; marketing and public relations director for the Southwest Florida Symphony in Fort Myers, Fla; and as marketing and public relations director of the J. Howard Wood
Theatre in Sanibel Island, Fla. She earlier gained international business and marketing experience as marketing specialist for Sega Inc. of Overland Park.
In addition, she has been involved with a number of organizations including the Junior League of Kansas City, the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Junior Women's Symphony Association and the American Marketing Association.
As to first-year goals, Wyckoff said she hopes to seek new sponsors, build additional partnerships, and implement new marketing ideas.
"My other goal is to meet people here in town and I want to make sure we work collaboratively with other theaters and the others arts groups in town," she said. "Instead of looking at each other as competition, it helps everybody if we work together and work collaboratively."
Wyckoff was selected for the position from more than 30 applicants. She succeeds Michael Musick, who left the park district in September.
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