MARCH - 2007

Shawnee Library program focuses On early 20th century health crusader

The Johnson County Library will present a program “Meet Dr. Samuel Crumbine: Health Crusader” on Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Shawnee Neighborhood Library, 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. William S. Worley will portray Dr. Crumbine, who served as the progressive Secretary of the Kansas State Board of Health from 1904 to 1923. His presentation is provided by the Kansas Humanities Council, a non-profit organization with 30 years of experience promoting the understanding of the history, traditions, and ideas that shape our lives and build community.

Dr. Crumbine initiated numerous health education campaigns such as “Bat the Rat”, “Swat the Fly”, and “Don’t Spit on the Sidewalk.” He obtained legislation to ban the use of a public common drinking cup and of continuous roller towels in order to combat disease.

William S. Worley is an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an historical consultant on Kansas City regional history. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Kansas. Dr. Worley’s research interests focus on urban geography, the American suburb, and social and community history. He has portrayed Presidents Harry S. Truman and James Madison and explorer William Clark. Dr. Worley joined the KHC History Alive! Program in 1993 and also portrays Fred Harvey.

No registration is required for the program. For more information call (913) 962-3800 Johnson County Library programs are free and open to the public and are cosponsored by the Friends of the Johnson County Library. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available for all Johnson County Library programs. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event.

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Non-fiction book club To discuss science writing

The Johnson County Library will host a narrative non-fiction book discussion on Wednesday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS. This month’s discussion will focus on science writing.

The Best American Science Writing 2006 is available from the library prior to the discussion which contains a collection of articles on a wide range of today’s most leading topics in science. The public is invited to attend and join in the discussion with participants sharing what they are reading too.

The Narrative Non-Fiction Book Discussion meets on the first Wednesday of each month. No registration is required. Johnson County Library programs are free and open to the public and are cosponsored by the Friends of the Johnson County Library. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available for all Johnson County Library programs. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event.

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Stellaluna Puppet Show Performance Planned for March 22 at Roeland Park Community Center

A high-flying adventure about a baby bat will be brought to life by Stone Lion’s intricate puppets during a March 22 performance for children ages three to 12.

The performance, called Stellaluna, is based on the book of the same name by Janell Cannon. The show is a great tale of acceptance about a little bat, Stellaluna, who is separated from her mother during a night of foraging and who lands in a nest full of birds. Mama bird happily adopts her, but Stellaluna just can't give up her "batty" ways. Search for the keyword "puppetry" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Stellaluna will beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. This special event is sponsored by the Roeland Park Community Center and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

The show will last approximately 45 minutes. All tickets include a snack. The cost for advance tickets is $4 per person, while at the door on the day of the performance, tickets will cost $5 per person. Previous puppet shows have been wildly popular, so get your tickets early! For advance tickets, contact the JCPRD Registration Department at (913) 831-3359.

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.

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Beginning Adult Swim Lessons Offered in Late March

Adults who want to become safe in or around the water can do so through a class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Beginning/Intermediate Adult Swim Lessons are for adults 16 and older. Instruction will be given in water safety skills, buoyancy, basic swimming, and breath control. This class is designed for adults with little or no swimming experience. Search for the keywords "swim instruction" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Two different session are being offered at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park. One will meet at 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday beginning March 26, while another will meet at 12:15 p.m. Saturday beginning March 31. The cost for either class for six 45-minute lessons 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 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.

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Soccer Goalkeeper Camp Offered For Ages 6-14 Beginning March 26

A three-day camp program devoted to beginning and advanced youth soccer goalkeepers with limited experience is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in late March.

Goalkeeper Camp is for ages six through 14 and will cover: collapse saves, angle reduction, reading/saving penalty kicks, communicating, diving, footwork for keepers, collecting shots, low hand and high hand deflecting, and reading and anticipating the attack. The camp director is Chris Lawson, Head Soccer Coach at Rockhurst High School. He is a two-time Metro Coach of the Year and the 1998 and 1999 Missouri State Coach of the Year. He was also a 1999 finalist for the National Coach of the Year. Search for the keywords "soccer camp" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

This program is offered at 6 p.m. daily on March 26 through 28 on Field F, Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park. The cost for three 90-minute sessions is $60 per child for Johnson County residents or $66 per child for nonresidents. Participants should bring a soccer ball with their name on it.

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.

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March 28 Public Meeting Set on Oakridge Farm Master Plan

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public meeting on March 28 to review a proposed Oakridge Farm Master Plan.

The meeting has been called as a Committee of the Whole session and will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 at the District's Shawnee Mission Park Administration Building, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. All interested parties are invited to attend the meeting and present comments following a presentation from Patti Bank Associates, the District's consultants for this project.

The public meeting will precede the Board's regular monthly meeting which will begin at 7 p.m., also on March 28 at the Administration Building. The Board is expected to consider formal action on the master plan during the regular meeting.

The 363-acre Oakridge Farm property is a roughly J-shaped property adjacent to Shawnee Mission Park's north side. The property is the home of the historic Mack House, which was built in the 1940s. With the exception of a portion of the property which is the site of the Oakridge Stable horse boarding operation, the property currently receives relatively little use.

The Oakridge Farm master planning process began in late 2006 with the hiring of Patti Banks Associates of Kansas City, Mo., to complete the plan and determine appropriate and feasible uses for the house and property. The process has included several previous opportunities for public input, including during sessions at the Administration Building on Nov. 1, 2, and 9.

"Oakridge Farm’s master plan adds new park functionality and many possibilities for the Mack homestead," Patti Banks Associates Land Planner Lara Fackrell said of the proposal. "In this new plan, the park gains 51 acres of prairie and wildflower meadows, 10.35 total miles of tri-use (hiking, biking and trail-running), equestrian and accessible nature trails, a new park shelter and playground, nature observation points, and a new pasture and facility layout for the Oakridge horse boarding operation. The new entry drive configuration puts emphasis on public access and the Mack house finds its future bright with potential uses such as a warming hut for park and trail user relaxation and refreshment."

At least one week prior to the meeting, renderings and summary of the proposed plan will be available for review on the District's web site at wwww.jcprd.com. Interested parties who are unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments for the Board's consideration by emailing them to communityrelations@jocogov.org or by mail to Community Relations, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee Mission, KS., 66219.

For more information on the Oakridge Farm Master Plan, call Park Planner Megan Merryman at (913) 894-3345.

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Two Easter Workshops Offered for Youth on March 27 and April 3

Two Easter-themed workshops for youth are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Both programs are for children ages five to eight and will take place at Walls of Clay Pottery Studio, 16625 Midland Dr., Shawnee. Search for the keyword "art" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Get Egg-cited! will give kids a chance to paint their own Easter eggs that will keep for years to come and will never spoil! Walls of Clay will offer instruction on simple techniques that will yield Easter Eggs you'll be proud to display to friends & family. This workshop is offered at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27. The cost for one 60-minute session is $8 for Johnson County residents and $9 for nonresidents. Supplies are available from the instructor for an additional $8-$12, which includes three eggs.

Hoppy Trails to You will give kids a chance to make their own bunny. Participants can choose from a variety of bunnies. The instructor will show how to design and paint a project that young artists can keep for themselves or use as a gift. This workshop is offered at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3. The cost for one 60-minute session is $8 for Johnson County residents and $9 for nonresidents. Supplies are available from the instructor for an additional $6.

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.

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Emilio John Soccer Academy Offered For Ages 4-12 Beginning March 28

Emilio John, a former International and Nigerian National Soccer Team player, will run a soccer program being offered locally by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in late March.

The Emilio John Soccer Academy is for ages four through 12. Participants will meet once a week and will work toward developing their fundamental knowledge of the game. Other academy staff members will consist of experienced coaches who have played the game at either the collegiate or professional level. Search for the keywords "soccer academy" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

The program is offered in both four- and eight-session formats. Either way, the program will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday beginning March 28 on Fields E and F at Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 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 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.

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April Pools Day is April 1 at RPAC

April Pools Day is a special event emphasizing water safety and highlighting swimming lessons which will be offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at four municipal pools. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at the dome-covered Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park.

During the event, RPAC admission will be half the usual rates for Johnson County residents with identification. The discounted rates will be $3 for all ages except ages 2 and under, which are free. Participants who are not residents of these four cities will pay the usual admission of $6 for ages 5 to 59 and $5 for adults 60 and older.

During April Pools Day, instructors will be at the pool to answer questions and pass out brochures and schedules about Learn to Swim Lessons being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District this summer.

April Pools Day is a national educational initiative meant to spread the word on water safety and the importance of learning to swim. The event was established by USA Swimming and by V8 Splash juice beverages and will involve as many as 2,800 pool and swim club directors across the nation. This is the fourth year the event has been offered at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center. Search for the keyword "swimming" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

For more information about the local event, call (913) 831-3355. For more information on summer Learn to Swim lessons offered by the JCPRD at the four pools mentioned above, consult the District's Summer Activities catalog or online listings at www.jcprd.com, both available after April 30.

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JCPRD Early Childhood Development Centers To Conduct Open House and Registration on April 4

Open houses will be conducted from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at all five 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 2007-08 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
• Overland Park Community Center, 6300 W. 87th, Overland Park, (913) 649-6552
• Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, (913) 722-1198
• Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, (913) 631-5054
• Madison Elementary, 800 W. Madison, Gardner, (913) 856-5275

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Home School Sensations Art Class Offered Beginning April 5

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 5 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 VOICE or (913) 831-3342 TDD. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.

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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 drawndown. 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.

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Working Ladies' Golf League Offered at Tomahawk Hills Golf Course

A Working Ladies Golf League is being offered beginning in early April at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee.

The league is for ladies 18 and older. League play and times are 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 by April 2. Greens fees are $16, payable weekly. League play begins Thursday, April 5.

No on-site registrations will be taken. 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.

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Two Theater Classes offered for youth Beginning April 7

Children can get an introduction to the theater through new classes offered in early April by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

The classes are: Basic Drama for ages nine to 14 and Acting It Out for ages six to eight. Both classes will take place at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The last session of each program will include a short program for parents. The cost for either program for four 60-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 per person for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "theater" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Basic Drama will provide instruction in basic theater skills of movement, voice, diction, improvisation, and script readings. The goal is to improve participants' self esteem and make them more comfortable speaking in front of a group. This program meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday beginning April 7.

For ages six to eight, Acting It Out will include games and exercises meant to increase self-esteem and awareness, as well as introduce basic gestures and theater skills. This program meets at 9 a.m Saturday beginning April 14.

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.

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Animal Tales Storytime Sessions Continue on April 11 & 25 at Ernie Miller Nature Center

Dinosaurs and rabbits are the themes of two Animal Tales Storytime sessions for young children planned at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe.

The popular program gives children ages two to six and their parents an opportunity to listen and learn . All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. All programs begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Nature Center, which is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe.

A session on April 11 will have dinosaurs as its theme, while a session on April 25, will emphasize rabbits. Other upcoming Storytime sessions are planned for May 9 (snakes) and May 23 (spiders).

The cost per 30-minute session is $1.75 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.

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The Big Read Kick-Off - Community Reads and Discusses Amy Tan’s Joy Luck Club

The Johnson County Library will launch the Big Read program in celebration of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club with a kick-off reception on Wednesday, April 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. The public is invited to attend and spend an evening exploring the Asian Culture through delicious food, ancient aristocratic costumes, and traditional music performed on the zither led by Mr. William You.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents the Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.

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. In addition to the April 4 reception there will more than 25 events including books discussions, exhibits, festivals and special programs during April and May 2007 sponsored by Johnson County Library to coincide with the Big Read project. Two programs will be held in cooperation with and at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. There will also be an online book discussion of The Joy Luck Club.

Members of the community are encouraged to read Amy Tan’s classic American novel The Joy Luck Club. Then together discuss the book, learn about the immigration experience, study the relationship between mothers and daughters, and celebrate Asian Culture. (See attached list for library program details.)

For more information on the Big Read program and activities at Johnson County Library, please visit www.jocolibrary.org/bigread.

No registration is required for the program. For more information call (913) 495-2400. Johnson County Library programs are free and open to the public and are cosponsored by the Friends of the Johnson County Library. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available for all Johnson County Library programs. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event.

Big Read Program Listing - Johnson County Library - www.jocolibrary.org/bigread.

Winning Reads Book Discussion Group
Monday, March 26 • 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Shawnee Library, 13811 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS (913) 962-3800
Discuss award-winning books. Registration is requested.
April 23: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (The Big Read)

The Big Read Reception
Wednesday, April 04 • 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Spend an evening exploring the Asian culture through delicious food, ancient aristocratic costumes, and traditional music performed on the zither lead by Mr. William You, as we kick off The Big Read.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Thursday, April 05 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Join us for a discussion about relationships between mothers and daughters and how it relates to the immigrant experience as portrayed in the classic American novel, The Joy Luck Club.

The Big Read: Paper Art
Saturday, April 07 • 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400\An event for the whole family! Learn about some Asian games as well as the art of paper folding, a Chinese tradition. All ages welcome. No registration necessary.

The Big Read: Asian/Immigrant Literature Discussion
Monday, April 09 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Join Johnson County Community College librarian, Andrea Kempf, as she discusses some of the classic Asian and immigrant literature that has been published. Registration is requested; call (913) 495-7514 or register online.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Thursday, April 12 • 7:00 PM
Lackman Library, 15345 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS (913) 495-7540
Join us for a discussion about relationships between mothers and daughters and how it relates to the immigrant experience as portrayed in the classic American novel, The Joy Luck Club. Registration preferred, opening March 12.

The Big Read: Chinese Language & Games
Saturday, April 14 • 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Imagine your family traveling to China and experiencing a variety of Chinese games and toys, all in one afternoon! Included will be Chinese chess and checkers, Chinese yo-yos as well as some other arts and crafts. You will also receive a bookmark with your Chinese name calligraphed on it, as well as learn some basic Chinese words. Registration is requested: call (913) 495-7514.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Tuesday, April 17 • 7:00 PM
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS (913) 967-8650
Join us for a discussion about relationships between mothers and daughters and how it relates to the immigrant experience as portrayed in the classic American novel, The Joy Luck Club.

Writers Place Poetry Reading
Tuesday, April 17 • 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Come hear Frankie Wu share his poetry with us in this cosponsored monthly event with The Writers Place. No registration necessary.

Film and Book Discussion Group:The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (The Big Read)
Wednesday, April 18 • 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS (913) 495-3850
This adult film and book group will watch a movie on our big screen and discuss the book it was based on.

Afternoon Book Group
Thursday, April 19 • 1:30 PM
Cedar Roe Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park, KS (913) 384-8590
Join us for a discussion about relationships between mothers and daughters and how it relates to the immigrant experience as portrayed in the classic American novel, The Joy Luck Club.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Thursday, April 19 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Join us for a discussion about relationships between mothers and daughters and how it relates to the immigrant experience as portrayed in the classic American novel, The Joy Luck Club.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Saturday, April 21 • 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us online for a literary discussion of the American classic, Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. To join us online, point your Internet Browser to www.jocolibrary.org/eventsonline.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Academic Lecture
Sunday, April 22 • 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Join Kansas State University Women’s Studies professor, Dr. Michele Janette as she takes an in-depth look at the work of Amy Tan from the scholarly perspective. Registration is requested; call (913) 495-7514.

Winning Reads Book Discussion Group
Monday, April 23 • 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Shawnee Library, 13811 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS (913) 962-3800
Discuss award-winning books. Registration is requested.
April 23: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (The Big Read)

The Big Read: Chinese Martial Arts
Monday, April 23 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
In this program for the whole family, experience Chinese martial arts, as well as learn some conversational Chinese phrases. You will also receive a bookmark with your Chinese name calligraphed on it! The program will be run by Ms. Li Shao, a former member of the China National Martial Arts Team. Ms. Shao and her students will perform and teach the martial arts moves. Not recommended for very young children. Registration is requested: call (913) 495-7514.

Reception
Thursday, April 26 • 7:00 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Teens share their poetry and prose related to coming of age as we celebrate the spring launch of our very own publication, elementia. Open to the public. Don’t miss this awesome event!

The Big Read: Chinese Brush Painting
Friday, April 27 • 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
Join us to learn about the art of Chinese Brush Painting. Get a chance to try it yourself! Not recommended for very young children. Registration is requested so we have enough supplies for everyone. Call (913) 495-7514.

Big Read: Chinese Tea and The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Saturday, April 28 • 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
A special discussion of Amy Tan’s novel, The Joy Luck Club, featuring a Chinese Tea ceremony. Registration is requested; call (913) 495-7514.

Fabulous 4th Fridays: Online Book Discussion
Friday, April 27 • 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Find yourself having fun every fabulous 4th Friday! Join our online discussion of Chic Lit. To join us online, point your Internet Browser to www.jocolibrary.org/eventsonline.
April 27: Dim Sum of All Things by Kim Wong Keltner (The Big Read)

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
The Big Read: Book Discussion and Tour
Sunday, April 29 • 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Join us for a guided tour of the Chinese Furniture Galleries at the Nelson, exploring daily life in Imperial China. Then stay for a discussion of our Big Read title, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. Make your reservation and get more information by calling (816) 751-1278.

The Big Read: Culture Shocks Symposium
Monday, April 30 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
This symposium will address challenges and concerns often faced by Chinese immigrant families and individuals. Theories and models explaining acculturation and adjustment process will be briefly reviewed. Suggestions, guidelines, and helpful community resources for immigrant Chinese families and Chinese Americans to better deal with acculturative stress and intergenerational conflicts will also be addressed. A panel discussion will be led by UMKC professor Dr. Chia-Chih DC Wang. Registration is requested; call (913)495-7514.

The Big Read: Dreams of the Golden Mountain
Tuesday, May 01 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
KU Fine Arts Professor Pok Chi Lau talks about the Diaspora and Asian American Culture as it is described in his book, Dreams of the Golden Mountain. Registration is requested; call (913) 495-7514.

The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Book Discussion
Thursday, May 03 • 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, KS (913) 261-2300
Join us for a discussion about relationships between mothers and daughters and how it relates to the immigrant experience as portrayed in the classic American novel, The Joy Luck Club.

Asian Heritage Festival
Saturday, May 05 • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS (913) 495-3850
Join us for our second annual fun-filled event for the entire family as we celebrate and learn more about Asian culture. Music, dance, stories, games, crafts and food.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Big Read: Chinese Brush Painting Workshop
Sunday, May 06 • 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Begin with a tour of the Chinese ink painting collection; then go to the classroom to practice some of your own strokes using a bamboo brush. All participants will also create a landscape on rice paper. Appropriate for ages 14 and up. Make your reservations by calling (816) 751-1278.

The Big Read: Taiwanese Festival
Saturday, May 12 • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400
The Taiwanese Association of Kansas City hosts their annual festival at the library. Featuring traditional music, dance, food, and crafts. Drop in any time. No registration necessary.

The Big Read: Feng Shui
Wednesday, May 16 • 7:00 PM
Lackman Library, 15345 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS (913) 495-7540
Your home should be a relaxing, tranquil space. Peace and harmony are much more difficult to attain when you’re not happy with your surroundings. So, do something about it. Organize your space with Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. Registration Begins April 16.

The Big Read: Chinese Brush Painting
Thursday, May 24 • 1:30 PM
Lackman Library, 15345 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS (913) 495-7540
The relationship between Chinese characters and painting with a Chinese brush are demonstrated as an art form while introducing students to Chinese language and culture. Registration begins April 24.

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