Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2008

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	NOVEMBER - 2008 Squaw Creek Fall Birdwatching Trip offered on Nov. 15 Almost as regular as the bird migrations its participants seek to observe is the offering each November of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's fall birdwatching trip to the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. This year's day-long trip will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15. When wetland conditions are right, participants can expect to see thousands of geese and ducks at this resting and feeding sanctuary for waterfowl on their migratory journey south. But even in dryer years, the reserve is a great place to visit and observe other wildlife like deer, turkey, pheasants, and bald eagles. This year, officials anticipate that a continental population of over six million birds should make this a great year for Snow Geese migration. Search for the keywords "birding trip" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Lunch will take place at Camp Rulo, Neb., famous for fried catfish and other entrees. Participants must provide their own meal expenses and should bring binoculars and a bird book. The trip will depart from the north side of Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, at 8 a.m. and return around 4 p.m. The cost for this eight-hour trip is $49 per person and includes van transportation. Preregistration is required. For more information call 438-7275 ext. 1391. To register, call 831-3359. Note: This trip is separate from and different from the 50 Plus Squaw Creek trip on Nov. 14. back to top Tellabration 2008 Set For Nov. 22 at Ernie Miller Nature Center Want to hear a good story? Come celebrate the International Day of Storytelling at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. This event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22. The cost is $3 per person, including adults, paid at the site. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., participants can hear stories with live animals. The stories will combine the themes of environmental awareness and ancient myths that will delight, entertain, and involve audiences of all ages. Live animals will be on hand as the stories are being told. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe and is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Advance registrations are not required for this program. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Turkey Day Soccer camp for ages 3-5 & 6-12 is Nov. 28 A one-day Thanksgiving version of the nationally-acclaimed British Soccer Camp is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Challenger Sports Turkey Day Camp is a fun-packed program of skill-building exercises, competitions, and scrimmages. The program is offered on Friday, Nov. 28 at the Lenexa All American Indoor Sports location at 8875 Rosehill Road. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. For ages three and four, the program will be offered beginning at 9 a.m. The cost for one 60-minute session is $14 for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. For ages four through six, the program will be offered beginning at 10 a.m. The cost for one two-hour session is $22 for Johnson County residents or $25 for nonresidents. Sessions for ages six through 12 will take place at 9 a.m. The cost for one three-hour session is $32 for Johnson County residents or $36 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Recycled Art Contest fosters environmental stewardship In recognition of America Recycles Day on Saturday, November 15, the Johnson County Environmental Department and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District are partnering with Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. for the first annual Recycled Art Contest. Elementary school students in Park District after-school programs will have the opportunity to create sea creatures from materials found in their recycle bins and demonstrate how “schools of fish” can make a difference in our environment. The artwork will be judged on creativity and use of recycled materials and Deffenbaugh will donate a total of $1,500 in prize money to the winning participants, to be spent on recycling programs at their care centers. “We are excited to support this program to help students understand the power and importance of recycling and how their actions can impact the world because we believe the next generation will play a critical role in creating a more sustainable community,” said Tom Coffman, Director of Public Affairs at Deffenbaugh. “There are many environmental issues facing our community and education is the first step to improving the environment for generations to come.” Participants in America Recycles Day will learn the important lessons of protecting the environment through recycling and waste reduction. Recycling is as important as ever in our community because of shrinking capacity at our regional landfills. In 18 years or less, the largest landfill in the region, Johnson County Landfill, owned and operated by Deffenbaugh will close its gates. To preserve landfill space, the Johnson County Environmental Department is promoting waste reduction, recycling and composting throughout the community. The Recycled Art Contest encourages youth to take personal responsibility to manage waste and demonstrate environmental citizenship at school and at home. “Based on our recent waste sort, 41 percent of the material Johnson County residents send to landfill is paper and another 13 percent is plastic,” said Cindy Kemper, Director of the Environmental Department. “Recycling helps reduce waste, which is vital to prolonging the life of the landfill.” America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. Celebrating its eleventh year, it has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work and to buy products made with recycled materials. back to top Library to host Veterans’ Program The Johnson County Library will host a special celebration to honor veterans entitled Hooray for Veterans on Monday, November 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS in the gallery area. Participants will hear stories from two local veterans: Marjorie Rees and Larry Fries. Veterans who plan to attend are encouraged to bring some of their own war memorabilia to display during the program. Music pro¬vided by the Tune Time Singers. Refreshments will be served. No registration necessary. About the presenters: Marjorie Ellfeldt Rees, (Prairie Village, KS) at the age of 21 was one of a small group of women selected to be trained as military pilots during WWII. They would become the first women military pilots in US history and would fly every plane in the air force arsenal and in every capacity except combat. 25,000 women applied; over 1800 were selected for training and 1,084 completed the program, the attrition rate being comparable with male pilots. Women did every bit as good as the males. Marjorie served 17 months as a WASP (WW II Women Air force Service Pilots) pilot flying a variety of planes mostly single and twin engine advanced trainers but also the North American B-25 bomber. She ferried planes and personnel but her chief duty was flight testing planes after repair or replacement of parts. Larry G. Fries, (Overland Park, KS) was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army Aviation Corps from Jan. 1967- May 1968. He hauled combat units in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the Viet Nam War. He was the former Post Commander of V.F.W. #846 for 3 ½ years. He was also Senior Vice-Commander of the American Legion from 2000-2003 and was also a member of 40-8. The program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. 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 Library Hosts author/illustrator Cheryl Harness The Johnson County Library will host a program with Cheryl Harness, author and illustrator of children’s historical books, on Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS. Harness will demonstrate the creative process from concept to final artwork in this lively, 45-minute presentation. The program is in conjunction with an art display in the Blue Valley gallery during November featuring Harness’s work. A reception, sale of her books and autographing, will follow the program. The program is recommended for ages 6 and up. Registration is not necessary. Ms Harness was born in California and her life is influenced by a childhood with lots of books. She earned a degree in art education at Central Missouri State University and has designed greeting cards, music boxes and Kleenex boxes before becoming a book author and illustrator. At last count she has written 29 books, most of them historical or biographical, and she lives and works in a brown house near the very center of Independence, Missouri, the Queen City of the Trails. Outside is a tiny yard and inside are hundreds of books. Learn more about the author at www.cherylharness.com. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event. Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. back to top Library offers Free Get the Picture programs Johnson County Library will sponsor three programs entitled Get the Picture relating to the transition to the new all-digital television signals that will happen in February 2009. A representative from Time Warner Cable will explain how technology will change from analog to digital, what equipment will be needed to watch television, and how the government coupon program works for digital conversion boxes for those who have antenna and analog televisions. Get the Picture Program dates and locations are as follows: Get the Picture: From Analog to Digital TV Thursday, November 6, 2008 - 10:30 AM Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS Get the Picture: From Analog to Digital TV Thursday, November 13, 2008 - 2:00 PM Gardner Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner, KS Get the Picture: From Analog to Digital TV Friday, November 14, 2008 - 10:00 AM Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS The programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. 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 Great American Tour de Nerdfighters Comes to Johnson County Library The original Nerdfighters are coming to town. The Johnson County Library will host the popular YouTube Nerdfighters, John Green and Hank Green at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street on Monday, November 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. John Green is the award winning author of "Looking for Alaska," "An Abundance of Katherines," and "Paper Towns." Hank Green is the founder of ecogeek and costar of the TV show "The G Word." Together, they are the vlogbrothers, one of the most popular (and nerdy!) channels in the history of YouTube. They're coming to the library to talk about books, sing about Harry Potter, and discuss all things awesome. Books and CDs will be signed! Nerdiness will be celebrated! Happy dances will be danced! Call in/online registration begins November 3. Register online or call (913) 495-2400 For more information visit www.jocoteenscene.org. 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 Johnson County Library programs visit the library’s Web site: www.jocolibrary.org. back to top Athletic Training Center Offers Equipment A Nov. 14 deadline has been set for receiving offers for several pieces of cardio equipment which are being sold by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Athletic Training Center, 9301 W. 73rd. St., Merriam. The following has been in storage and are available for purchase: Star Trac 4000 Treadmill - elevation grade inoperable Asking price $200 or best offer Life Cycle 9500 Exercise Bike - good working condition Asking price $400 or best offer Life Cycle HR Exercise Bike - good working condition Asking price $400 or best offer Life Cycle R Exercise Bike - broken overlay, may need new alternator Asking price $200 or best offer Life Cycle Star Trac RV4000 Exercise Bike - working condition, heart rate monitor not working Asking price $350 or best offer Offers for the equipment must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. If interested, contact Matt Galley, Recreation Coordinator, at the Athletic Training Center at (913) 403-8272 or stop by the Athletic Training Center, 9301 West 73rd Street, Merriam, to view equipment. back to top Dec. 6 Native Christmas Tree Event Planned at Shawnee Mission Park Shawnee Mission Park will again serve as the metro area's only site for Kansas City WildLands' annual Red Cedar Christmas Tree Day. Eastern red cedar trees for use as Christmas trees are being offered during a workday planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. This will be the eighth year that KC WildLands has conducted this annual event. A minimum donation of $10 is being suggested for the trees, which range in height from three to 10 feet. The proceeds will be used to benefit future conservation efforts. During a similar event at The Theatre in the Park site in 2007, more than 350 trees were distributed. This year's workday will concentrate on removing eastern red cedar trees from along both sides of a service road located behind The Theatre in the Park. Those seeking trees are asked to park at the Theatre, via its entrance at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee. KC WildLands volunteers will bring the trees to the parking lot, where they can be selected by participants and loaded with the help of the volunteers. Those who would like to participate should bring hand saws, rope, sturdy boots, and work gloves. For those who would like to cut their own tree, volunteers will point out trees which can be cut. Removal of eastern red cedar trees is part of an ongoing prairie restoration project at the site. The workday effort is designed to remove a native species considered invasive in prairies and old fields. In time, the cedars' sheer numbers and effects of their shading eliminate sun-loving prairie flora. In the past, naturally-occurring prairie wildfires kept this species in check, but modern fire suppression practices have allowed cedars to spread. While eastern red cedars were used commonly by early pioneers as Christmas trees, those interested in participating should be aware this variety does not have the typical needle of the Scotch and white pines now predominantly used as Christmas trees. This gives the eastern red cedar a "leafier" appearance. For more information, contact Shawnee Mission Park Manager Grant Evans at (913) 631-0734. Shawnee Mission Park is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, which is a charter member of Kansas City WildLands, a conservation coalition initiated in 2001. For more information on Kansas City WildLands or future workdays, contact Linda Lehrbaum at (816) 561-1061 ext. 116 or visit the group's website at www.kcwildlands.org. back to top Squaw Creek Eagle Days trip offered on Dec. 6 Visit the annual celebration of "Eagle Days" at the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge through a birdwatching trip being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Always a participant favorite, this trip affords a close-up view of our national bird. The trip will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, and will include a special presentation including a close-up look at a mature Bald Eagle and tour of the refuge and a chance to look through spotting scopes to view this amazing bird. It is not unusual to observe 150 to 200 bald eagles on the refuge and surrounding area. Other wildlife such as ducks, geese, and deer have also been observed in past years. Search for the keyword "trip" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The trip will depart from the north side of Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, at 6:45 a.m. and return around 2 p.m. Van transportation is provided. Participants must provide meal expenses for lunch at Camp Rulo in Rulo, Neb. along the banks of the Missouri River. The cost is $31 per person for one seven-hour trip. Preregistration is required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Breakfast With Santa program for ages 3-5 offered on Dec. 6 and 13 Children three to five can bring a parent and enjoy a morning meal followed by a visit with Santa during a program called Breakfast With Santa being presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Breakfast will take place beginning at 9 a.m. at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Afterwards, Santa will explain the winter habits of his animal friends. He will also help participants construct a gift for wildlife. Santa will have a gift for each child and listen to their Christmas lists. Breakfast With Santa is offered on Saturday, Dec. 6 and again on Dec. 13. The cost for one 90-minute session, including breakfast, is $13 for each parent and child for Johnson County residents or $14 for each parent and child for nonresidents. Additional members from the same family can attend for $7 per person for residents or nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Winter Adventure Walks for 50 Plus begin Dec. 5 with Westin, Mo., walk Weston, Missouri, will be the first of five destinations to be visited this winter as part of Winter Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The Weston walk is considered a moderate walk and will take place on Dec. 10. Other Winter walk dates and destinations are: Jan. 7; the Country Club Plaza; Jan. 22, Parkville, Mo.; Feb. 4, Little Blue Trace; and Feb. 25, Longview Lake. These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional scenic trails. Participants can choose one or all of the five winter walks, which are all considered easy to moderate. Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Tiffany Glaser. 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 $17 per person for Johnson County residents or $19 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 "adventure 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. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Letters From Santa offered by Overland Park 50 Plus Program Personalized letters from Santa are available through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Program. To arrange a letter from Santa for that special person, call or stop by the Overland Park 50 Plus office in the Matt Ross Community Center, at 8101 Marty, Overland Park, or call (913) 642-6410 by Dec. 12. The cost is $5 per letter. A short form that can be completed in-person or over the phone will help remind Santa of the recipient’s name, address, hoped-for gifts, and other particulars that can personalize the letter. From there, Santa types and signs each one himself. back to top 50 Plus Plans Holiday Happening at Matt Ross Community Center on Dec. 12 Join the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus Department and the Senior Lunch Program for a holiday lunch on Dec. 12 at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park. The new program is called Holiday Happening and in addition to a wonderful lunch, will include bingo and a visit from Santa himself. The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. and last about two hours. Search for the keywords "special events" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for lunch is $2.50 for those 62 and older, or $9 for all others. The cost for bingo is $5 in advance or $6 at the door. For reservations, call (913) 648-2949 for lunch and/or (913) 642-6410 for bingo before Dec. 10. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top 50 Plus Plans Powell Gardens by candlelight outing on Dec. 13 A candlelight walk through Powell Gardens is a great way to kick off holiday season! The 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is offering an outing called Gardens by Candlelight on Saturday, Dec. 13. Participants will visit Powell Gardens near Kingsville, Mo., to take advantage of the facility's annual holiday event. Holiday lights and luminaries bring a festive feel to the gardens. First, participants will enjoy a soup and bread bar (not included in the trip cost) and then walk through the gardens and enjoy live music, refreshments, and demonstrations. Search for the keywords "adventure walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will leave from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, at 4 p.m. The cost for one four -hour outing, including transportation, is $22 per person for Johnson County residents or $24 for nonresidents. 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. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top