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

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	NOVEMBER - 2007 Illustrator Christine Schneider Celebrates Children’s Book Week At Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library will host a program with children’s book illustrator and author Christine Schneider on Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS. Schneider will demonstrate the work that goes into creating a picture book. A reception will follow the program. Books will be available for purchase and signing. The program is in conjunction with Children’s Book Week (November 12 – 18) and an art display in the Blue Valley gallery during November featuring Christine Schneider’s artwork. Schneider grew up in Lakewood, Colorado and studied illustration at the University of Kansas. She not only writes and illustrates children’s books, but also illustrates for magazines and newspapers. She lives in Lawrence with her husband and daughter. For more information visit her web site at http://www.christineschneider.com/. This Children’s Book Week program is free and open to the public; no registration 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 program. back to top Johnson County Library Hosts Hungry Planet Exhibit What do the members of the Ayme family in Ecuador have in common with the Revis family of North Carolina, the Ukitas of Japan, or with the extended family of Melahat Çelik of Turkey? Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, a fascinating photo essay documenting 12 families from 12 countries, provides a thought-provoking analysis of worldwide food consumption, examining what we as global citizens share—or lack. Visitors to the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS will experience the exhibition’s 48 color photographs, depicting everything from American drive-thru fast food restaurants and lavishly stocked bakery displays to Cuban food ration cards, waterside markets in Mali, and Ecuadorians cooking in open-air kitchens, which documents sharp contrasts and universal aspects of an essential human pursuit. The exhibit runs through November 25, 2007. Photojournalist Peter Menzel and writer Faith D’Aluisio investigated food and eating habits around the world, documenting a fascinating exploration of comparative world nutrition. For their study, Menzel and D’Aluisio spent time with typical families in each country, discussing their eating habits, calculating a week’s worth of food purchases, and accompanying families to the marketplace to document local customs and traditions. Enhanced by an overview of each country’s environmental conditions and socio-economic status, Hungry Planet uniquely grasps cross-cultural realities, united by one commonality—all humans must eat, but what and how we eat varies wildly. The exhibition includes interviews with families from Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cuba, Ecuador, Greenland, Italy, Japan, Mali, Mexico, Mongolia, Turkey, and the United States. For questions or more information regarding the Hungry Planet exhibit at Johnson County Library call (913) 495-2466. Hungry Planet was organized by COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa, California. The exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Founded in 1972, Mid America is a nonprofit regional arts organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.maaa.org. Photos from the exhibit which may be used for publication can be found at: http://www.maaa.org/exhi_usa/exhibitions/hungry_planet/hungry_planet.html back to top Five Nutrition Programs Offered at Athletic Training Center Five nutrition-related programs, most with a licensed dietitian, are being offered on a "by appointment" basis by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Athletic Training Center, 9301 W. 73rd, Overland Park. The programs are all for ages 18 and older and include: Food Analysis, Grocery Store Tours, Individual Nutrition Counseling, Nutritional and Fitness Combo, and Recipe Modification. Search for the keyword "nutrition" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. In Food Analysis, a nutrient analysis provides participants with direct feedback on what they eat, giving the amounts of calories, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and numerous vitamins and minerals. It is highly recommended that at least three days by analyzed to give a better idea of typical eating patterns. The cost per analysis is $30 for Johnson County residents or $33 for nonresidents. In Grocery Store Tours, nutritional counselor Shelly Summar, a registered and licensed dietitian, will take participants through their favorite shopping location, where she will give the low down on their cart contents and offer alternatives and suggestions to increase nutritional wellness. The cost for one session is $60 for Johnson County residents or $66 for nonresidents. In Individual Nutrition Counseling, Summar will meet with participants to assess their eating style, identify problem areas, and enable them to make changes toward meeting their goals. The cost for one 60-minute session is $65 for Johnson County residents or $72 for nonresidents, while the cost of a 30-minute session is $35 for Johnson County residents or $39 for nonresidents. In Nutritional and Fitness Combo, participants will get the expertise of both a registered dietician and certified personal trainer to help them create a personalized plan in order to meet their potential. This will include establishing exercise and nutrition goals, setting up cardiovascular and strength training programs, and learning to make better nutrition choices. The cost for six 60-minute sessions is $290 for Johnson County residents or $319 for nonresidents. In Recipe Modification, participants can bring in their favorite recipes and have them analyzed and modified to lower the fat or sodium content, while increasing vitamins and minerals to meet your nutrition goals. The cost for three recipes is $25 for Johnson County residents or $28 for nonresidents. For more information or to make an appointment for any of these programs, call (913) 403-8272. back to top Fall Group Programs offered by JCPRD Interpretive Staff Scouting or other organized groups looking for educational and fun outdoor activities this Fall 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: Map and Compass Clinic, Fall Nature Walks, and the Outdoor Skills Survival Hike. All programs take place at Ernie Miller Park, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Map and Compass Clinic - Children ages ten to 14 will learn the basics of a compass and reading a map. These skills will be combined through games. The cost for one 60-minute session for up to 10 people at Ernie Miller Park is $33 for Johnson County residents or $36 for nonresidents. Autumn Nature Walks - This program is for ages six through 14 and will allow participants to experience Autumn's beauty during a guided walk through Ernie Miller Park. Walks can be tailored for special interests and/or specific scout requirements. Walks last about 45 minutes. The cost for one to 10 people is $24 for Johnson County residents or $26 for nonresidents, and the cost for 11 to 15 people is $29 for Johnson County residents or $32 for nonresidents. Fall nature walks are popular, so call today. Outdoor Skills Survival Hike - Designed for all ages, participants will problem solve as they hike through the wilderness of Ernie Miller Park. Emphasis will be on map reading, teamwork, decision making, and staying safe outdoors. This activity can be tailored to groups, age, and experience level. The cost for one 60-minute session for up to 15 people is $33 for Johnson County residents or $36 for nonresidents. For more information or to schedule a program, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top New Turkey Day Soccer camp offered for Ages 3 and 4 on Nov. 23 A new youth soccer camp being offered for ages three and four on the day after Thanksgiving gives participants to run off turkey from the day before while sharpening their skills. The program is called Challenger Sports Turkey Day Camp and is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District on Nov. 23. The camp will include a fun-packed program of exercises, competitions, and scrimmages. This program is offered at two different times. Both will take place at All American Indoor Sports, 8875 Rosehill Road, Lenexa. One program will begin at 9 a.m., while the other will start at 1 p.m. The cost for one one-hour session is $12 for Johnson County residents or $14 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 Art Workshops to Go Offered by Johnson County Park and Recreation District Special arts and crafts workshops can be arranged for youth of all ages through the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Fine Arts Department. These workshops are a perfect resource for scout leaders, teachers, and childrens' activity programmers. A variety of theme, clay, and merit badge classes are available and can meet your needs and your budget. Workshops start at $6 per person, including supplies and an instructor. For more information or to arrange a workshop, contact Fine Arts Coordinator Marsha Norman at 631-0016 ext. 443. back to top Nutcracker Dancers class offered for ages 3 1/2-6 on Dec. 10 The Nutcracker Ballet with its famous music by Peter Llyich Tchaikovsky is a holiday favorite of little girls. The Nutcracker's story and beautiful music is being incorporated into a fun single-session dance class for youth being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in early December. Nutcracker Dancers is for ages three-and-one-half through six. Participants will engage in a variety of fun activities and learn a short ballet routine to be performed for parents during the last five minutes of the program. Students my wear leotards or tutus if they wish. Ballet shoes are required. Search for the keyword "dance" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is being offered at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning Dec. 1 at Kozetta's Dance Studio, 14930 West 119th St., Olathe. Class cost for one 75-minute program is $16 per person for Johnson County residents or $18 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Winter in the Wildwood puppet show planned for Dec. 1 at the Roeland Park Community Center Be transported to the English countryside through holiday stores based on Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows when the Stone Lion Puppet Theatre presents a performance for ages three to 12 on Dec. 1. The play is called Winter in the Wildwood and the performance will take place beginning at 11 a.m. 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. Search for the keyword "puppetry" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The show will last approximately one hour. 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. Past Stone Lion performances have proven popular, so get your tickets early! For advance tickets, contact the JCPRD Registration Department at (913) 831-3359. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. back to top Squaw Creek Eagle days Trip Offered on Dec. 1 Visit the yearly 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. 1, 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 Donations of Animal Supplies Sought Through Holidays for the animals Program at Ernie Miller Nature Center Individuals, families and groups wanting to make a difference are invited to consider contributing a gift to the animals at the Ernie Miller Nature Center through a program called Holidays for the Animals. The Ernie Miller Nature Center, located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, has ongoing needs for supplies for both the animals kept at the center and the wild animals that come to the feeders. Search for the keyword "animals" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. Donations will be accepted after Dec. 3. Following is a list of items being sought: black oil sunflower seed; white millet, thistle, or safflower seed (no seed mixes, please); suet cakes; dried seed corn on the cob; LabDiet 5001 rodent food; pine shavings; bags of new clean cypress mulch; Timothy hay; various sizes of clear Critter Keeper boxes with snap tops from pet stores; ferret snacks; bleach, and laundry soap. Donors who wish to be recognized will have their names listed in the Nature Center’s Tracks newsletter and in an advertisement in the Spring issue of Activities, so please take time to fill out a card at the Nature Center! For more information, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top A Visit With Santa program available for organized groups A popular Santa program offered as part of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's nature awareness programming is also available from Dec. 3 through 23 as an outreach program for organized youth groups. A Visit with Santa is the name of the program, which is for ages three to five. During this 45-minute presentation, Santa makes a visit from the North Pole to explain the winter habits of his animal friends and help participants construct a gift for wildlife. Santa will have a gift for each child and listen to their Christmas lists at the conclusion of the program. Each program can accommodate up to 25 people. A Visit With Santa is available at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, for $34 Johnson County residents or $38 for nonresidents. The program is also available for $45 within the county or for $50 for locations outside Johnson County. The cost for consecutive programs at the same location is $34 Johnson County residents or $38 for nonresidents. The public program, Breakfast with Santa, will take place on Dec. 8 and 15. This program does not appear in the District's Activities catalog or online listings and often fills quickly. For more information or to schedule a program, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Library Offers online storytimes The Johnson County Library is offering online storytime podcasts, a new service for families with young children. A variety of stories and poems read by Johnson County librarians are now available to download to personal computers and to listen to for family storytime. These online storytime podcasts may be accessed free of charge from the Library’s kids’ web site: www.jocokids.org. The Library also has a limited number of free CDs with the storytimes available at the Blue Valley, Oak Park, Corinth, Lackman and Central Resource Libraries. These CDs will enable families to listen to librarian-read stories at home or in their vehicles. Patrons may also subscribe to the Online Storytime Podcast and get automatic updates when new online storytimes are released! Stories now available include: The Little Red Hen Stone Soup The Sroobious Pip Hans in Luck Town Musicians of Bremen The Princess and the Pea The Tortoise and the Hare The Monkey and the Crocodile Three Billy Goats Gruff Haku’s Power Two Old Bachelors The Gunniwolf Tikki Tikki Tembo The Shepherd Boy The Milkmaid and Her Pail The New Vestments The Emperor’s New Suit back to top Library display features Waterfowl artwork of youth - full story back to top Enjoy December Musical Programs At Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library will host several musical programs during December that are open to the public. The community is invited to attend these free events and enjoy the sounds and spirit of the holiday season: Celtic Music by Nine Mile Burn Saturday, December 1, 2007 • 2:00 PM Gardner Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner, KS Come hear lively traditional Irish tunes and Celtic songs performed by the four-person group Nine Mile Burn. Register online or call (913) 856-7223. Hometown Holidays: A Christmas Season Event Saturday, December 1, 2007 • 7:30 PM Sponsored by the Spring Hill Library. Join local musician, Phyllis Hoffman, as she delights you with holiday music on her beautiful harp. Fun for the whole family. No registration necessary. The event will be held at the Spring Hill Civic Center, 401 N Madison Street. Other performers will be on hand throughout the evening. Music Concert - Steve and Charisse Kahler Wednesday, December 05, 2007 • 7:30 PM Central Resource Library, 9875 W.87th Street, Overland Park, KS Take a few minutes from your busy holiday schedule to enjoy an evening of guitar music and singing with local artists Steve and Charisse Kahler. Music available for purchase. No registration necessary. Celtic Music by Nine Mile Burn Sunday, December 9, 2007 • 2:00 PM Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, Ks Come hear lively traditional Irish tunes and Celtic songs performed by the 4-member group, Nine Mile Burn. No registration necessary. For more information contact Jennifer Mahnken at 913-495-2466. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. back to top Winter Season of Animal Tales Storytime sessions begins Dec. 5 at Ernie Miller Nature Center A new season of Animals Tales Storytime sessions is beginning at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Young children and their parents are invited to come listen and learn during any or all of the six sessions scheduled between Dec. 5 and March 26. New for winter, each program is offered twice on the days listed below: once at 10 a.m., and again at 11 a.m. Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. Participants are invited to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic. All programs take place on Wednesdays beginning at 10 a.m., with a repeat program at 11 a.m. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The first program of this season will be offered on Dec. 5 when the theme will be "birds." Other winter storytime sessions are scheduled for Dec, 19 ("gingerbread"); Jan. 9 ("snow"); and Jan. 23 ("animal action"); Feb. 6, ("Mother Goose"); Feb. 20 ("winter wildlife"); March 5 ("bug buddies"); and March 26 ("turtles"). 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. Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Winter Adventure Walks for 50 plus start Dec. 5 at Heritage Park Heritage Park in Olathe will be the first of six 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 Heritage Park walk is considered an easy walk and will take place on Dec. 5. Other Winter walk dates and destinations are: Jan. 9; the Country Club Plaza; Jan. 23, Longview Lake; Feb. 6, Kill Creek Park; Feb. 14, Parkville, Mo.; and Feb. 20, Weston, Mo. 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 six winter walks, which are all considered easy to moderate. Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. All walks depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for each five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the walk, lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "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 Dec. 8 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. 8. This will be the seventh 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 2006, about 300 tress 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 a 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 Breakfast With Santa program for ages 3-5 offered on Dec. 15 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. on Dec. 15 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. The cost for one 90-minute session, including breakfast is $12 for each parent and child for Johnson County residents or $13 for each parent and child for nonresidents. Additional members from the same family can attend for $6 per person for Johnson County residents or $7 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top 50 Plus Plans Powell Gardens by candlelight outing on Dec. 8 A candlelight walk through Powell Gardens is a great way to kick off the holidays! The 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is offering an outing called Gardens by Candlelight on Saturday, Dec. 8. 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 $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 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 Self Defense program presented by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation in Blue Valley A program which represents a living legacy in honor of Ali Kemp, a 19-year-old Leawood resident who was murdered while working as a lifeguard at a residential subdivision pool in the summer of 2002, is being offered at an Overland Park location in early December. The program is called T.A.K.E. Defense Training and has as its goal giving women of any age the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming the victims of violent crime. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend as portions of the curriculum use a partner and mothers and daughters make great teams. Participants will learn basic techniques which could save their lives and thwart an attack. This program is being presented by T.A.K.E. (The Ali Kemp Educational) Foundation in cooperation with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, City of Leawood Parks and Recreation, the Blue Valley Recreation Commission. The program was designed by JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker, a professional self-defense trainer, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies. The idea for the program was originally brought by representatives of the Kemp family to the local recreation agencies. This two-hour program is free, but advanced registration is required and enrollment is limited. The program will be offered at Heartland Elementary, 12775 Goodman, Overland Park, on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. To register, call (913) 685-6000. Search for the keyword "self defense" 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 updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Challenger Holiday soccer camp for ages 3-12 offered Dec. 20 & 27 A holiday version of the nationally-acclaimed summer Challenger Soccer Camp is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Challenger Holiday Soccer Camp is a special two-day version of the summer program for ages three through 12. This holiday camp includes a fun-packed program of skill-building exercises, team challenges, competitions, and a special two-day "World Cup"- style tournament. Each participant receives a free soccer gift. The program is offered on a consecutive Thursday and Friday beginning Dec. 20, and again on a consecutive Thursday and Friday beginning Dec. 27. Holiday programs for all ages will take place at the Lenexa All American Indoor Sports at 8875 Rosehill Road. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. Challenger Holiday Soccer Camp for ages three and four are offered at 9 a.m. beginning Dec. 20 with a second offering beginning at 1 p.m. on Dec. 27. The cost for two 60-minute sessions is $25 for Johnson County residents or $28 for nonresidents. Holiday Soccer Camp for ages four and five are offered at 10:30 a.m. beginning Dec. 20 with a second offering beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 27. The cost for two 90-minute sessions is $35 for Johnson County residents or $39 for nonresidents. Challenger Holiday Soccer Camp for ages six to 12 is offered in the format of two three -hour sessions at a cost of $65 per person for Johnson County residents or $72 per person for nonresidents. Participants can choose between a 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. session starting either Dec. 20 or Dec. 27. 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