2011 Guide to Johnson County

The to Johnson County Fun in the Sun

Your guide to summer 2011’s activities, events, festivals and fun times in Johnson County

Spring/Summer 2011

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Table of Contents Summer 2011.................................................2-9 Higher Education.....................................10-11 Public Education......................................12-16

Have fun in the sun in Johnson County There will be a hot time in the old county this summer.

Summer in Johnson County means fun, food and friends.

Summer in Johnson County means family-orientated events, where visitors can feel at home among their community, because that is what Johnson County is all about.

And summer in Johnson County may mean some hot temperatures, but it also means some fun times.

Page two of the Guide is exploding with descriptions of the great spots for fireworks and barbecue for several of the 4th of July celebrations going on in different cities.

Starting on page three, take a summer trip through Johnson County and see the multitude of festivals, events and contests that are being held this year. In theses pages you can see what is going on in Lenexa, Merriam, Olathe, Mission, Spring Hill, Prairie Village, Overland Park, Shawnee, Gardener and De Soto (see the Sun’s magazine Living in Leawood for the summer events of that town, coming soon).

With this helpful Guide, it is easier than ever to plan your summer. Whether you are looking to cool off at Lenexa’s Waterfest, get something to eat at Shawnee’s Great Griller’s Barbeque Contest or hear some tunes at Overland Park’s Music in the Park series, there is always something to do to fill those long summer days.

The Guide to Johnson County is the best resource for events this summer, as well as all the other local amenities, to help you enjoy all that the community has to offer.

Educational Opportunities.....................17-23 Government..............................................24-26 Hospitals....................................................27-28 Senior Services.........................................30-31

Sandy Nelson Publisher Kenneth Knepper Advertising Director Linda Lakin Ad Production Director David Nevels Circulation Supervisor Chris Rodgers Editor Kris Baker Special Sections Coordinator Kelsey Wilkinson Editorial Layout & Design

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(913) 403-8200 6220 Martway, Mission, Kansas 66202 The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 3

Summer 2011 | Leawood |

July Fourth is party time for Leawood.

The city long has had a tradition of celebrating with a variety of festivities on Independence Day each year, and 2011 will not be an exception.

Leawood City Park, 106th Street and Lee Boulevard, is the site of the event, which will include new and traditional activities.

The day culminates in a big fireworks show beginning about 9:45 p.m.

But before all the fireworks, there will be other things to see and do.

In addition to activities for children from 5 to 9:30 p.m., there will be musical entertainment scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Vendors will be selling food during the festivities.

General admission to the day’s events is free.

The Aquatic Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

The city park will be closed to all vehicular traffic on July 4. Free shuttle buses will run from parking lots along Tomahawk Creek Parkway starting at 10 a.m.

| De Soto | De Soto’s 4th of July celebration in Riverfest Park begins at 6 p.m. Monday, July 4th, with food vendors offering barbecue; Juarez Family Catering with tamales, burritos, nachos, corn and mango on a stick; and fresh squeezed lemonade and limeade shake-ups. The De Soto High School band will sell soft drinks and host a cake walk.

There will be craft and other vendors, inflatables for the children, and the Prairie Wine band playing at 7 p.m.

The fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.

All events are weather permitting.

Fourth of July Activities | Overland Park |

If you want to celebrate Independence Day with a boom, you might want to consider Overland Park’s Star Spangled Spectacular.

The annual event is presented by the Overland Park Rotary Club in partnership with the city of Overland Park and Corporate Woods office park.

This will mark the 20th year for the popular event, which includes a big fireworks display beginning about 9:30 p.m.

In addition to the fireworks, the Spectacular involves entertainment and activities beginning at 4 p.m.

Performing this year will be country music entertainer Matt Snook, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; the 50-piece American Legion Military Band, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and the 12-piece Atlantic Express show band, 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. and again after the fireworks show and until 11 p.m.

The master of ceremonies for festivities this year will be U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder.

There also are children’s rides and games provided on the grounds of the office park, northwest of Antioch Road and College Boulevard.

Proceeds collected from individual and corporate donors go to charities each year. This year’s recipients will be Safehome, Head Start of Shawnee Mission and the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City. About $70,000 is raised for charities each year.

The chief corporate sponsor this year is Wells Fargo, which also will provide a barbecue dinner for about 1,200 military veterans.

There will be food vendors, but visitors are allowed to bring their own picnic food.

| Prairie Village |

Fun on the Fourth of July takes place every year during Village Fest in Prairie Village. The

4 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

annual celebration was started by members of the community 15 years ago to provide fun for all ages within the city. About 5,000 people attend the festival every year.

It all kicks off with stacks of pancakes provided by Chris Cakes.

Throughout the day there will be a bike rodeo, children’s parade, family creativity center, obstacle courses, carnival rides, face painting, puppets, pony rides and a petting zoo. Police officers and firefighters will offer displays and demonstrations.

As part of celebrating the birthday of the United States of America, a patriotic service is included.

Village Fest takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 4 on the Municipal Campus, 7700 Mission Road. Each year the Village Fest Committee awards a Village Fest Community Spirit Award to Prairie Village residents and businesses that exemplify a caring spirit for the community.

Those who need assistance or reasonable accommodation to participate can contact the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@pvkansas.com, 381-6464 or TDD 1-800-766-3777 by July 1 to make arrangements.

For more information about Village Fest, visit www.pvkansas.com. n

Summer 2011 | Lenexa |

The Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle takes place June 24-25 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road. The contest started in 1982 with 12 contestants and 12 judges. On April 27, 1984, Gov. John Carlin declared the contest the official Kansas State Championship. The contest has grown to 195 contestants and 240 judges. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The contest attracts cookers from all over the country who compete over two days for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, Kansas State Champion.

The fun begins on Friday as the teams arrive with some of the most unique smoking contraptions. They bring with them secret recipes that they hope will aid them in winning the contest.

As the teams prepare their cooking sites, the park comes alive with entertainment and live music. The contest begins Saturday as the judging tent buzzes with activity preparing for the first barbecue samples to arrive around noon. The judges have the hard task of identifying the best barbecue among seven categories, including brisket, pork, ribs, sausage, chicken, whole animal and miscellaneous.

Lenexa’s 12th annual Waterfest is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road. The free event celebrates water, offering numerous interactive, educational booths that provide water quality, storm water and other environmental information, as well as entertainment and water-related activities that appeal to all ages.

More than 30 booths and activities are planned, including paddle boats, canoeing, cane-pole fishing, waterslides, water games, moon-

walks, face painting, Lenexa Fire Department Deluge and more.

Personable Pets dog training will do a dog agility demonstration. The event also includes live music. The People’s Choice award winner of the Lenexa Rain Barrel Contest will be given away in a prize drawing.

The 33rd Annual Lenexa Freedom Run, featuring a 5K and 10K race, begins at 7 a.m. July 3 in

event starts and ends at Black Hoof Park on Monticello Road, south of 83rd Street. The ride is family-oriented and for cyclists of all ages.

This route (on a safe, closed course) is a 6-mile ride across Monticello’s lighted bridge to Prairie Star Parkway, along Lone Elm Road and on the frontage roads along K-10 and K-7. Those wanting more mileage can repeat a 4-mile section of the route.

1930s. Belgian farmers grew spinach in the Lenexa area and shipped it by rail or trucks. The Spinach Festival rolls all of the history surrounding Lenexa into a fun celebration including an arts and crafts fair, spinach recipe contest, and games and activities for the whole family.

Festivities include music, entertainment, arts and antique vendors, food, a recipe contest, children’s activities and more. Attendees can interact with Popeye and Olive Oyl, sample the World’s Largest Spinach Salad and enter the youngest festival-goers in the Swee’pea Baby Crawling Contest.

The Spinach Festival Art/Fine Crafts and Antique Committee, a partnership between the Lenexa Historical Society and the Lenexa Parks and Recreation Department, is a juried show featuring quality, handmade crafts and vintage, primitive or antique vendors.

| Merriam |

historic Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm Road. The flat course is fully traffic controlled, electronic chip timing is used and race time receipts are offered. Registration is available at the Lenexa Community Center. For information, call 477-7100.

The Lenexa Community Days parade celebrates Independence Day one day early on July 3. Starting at 10 a.m., visitors can watch floats, bands, antique cars and more wind through downtown Lenexa.

For information, call 477-7100.

The Lenexa Optimist Club and Lenexa Parks and Recreation Department present the 16th Annual Lenexa Midnight Bike & Hike at midnight Saturday, July 16. The

Before the ride, participants can hike on the trail to view the awardwinning lighted dam and spillway at Lake Lenexa. The round-trip walk is 1.5 miles. Cyclists must complete the hike prior to the ride start at midnight. Family and friends of riders can participate in the hike for a nominal fee that includes a glow stick.

Following the ride will be an all-you-can-eat Chris Cakes pancake breakfast and entertainment in Black Hoof Park.

The annual Lenexa Spinach Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10 in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road.

Lenexa was hailed as the Spinach Capital of the World during the

Kick off your summer weekends each Friday by attending Merriam’s Music at the Marketplace. Starting June 17, concert-goers are invited to bring a lawn chair, sit back and enjoy live music under Merriam’s covered marketplace pavilion, 5740 Merriam Drive. Concerts are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays through July 29.

Music at the Marketplace features the talents of local musicians.

The 2011 series kicks off June 17 with acoustic guitar player Scott Duncan. The rest of the series features a variety of music, including jazz, marches and band music, ragtime, Brazilian jazz and swing. For a full concert schedule visit www. merriam.org/park.

The Marketplace is an awardwinning, community event pavilion located in downtown Merriam. All concerts are sponsored by Merriam Parks and Recreation and the Community Center Foundation.

For more information, call 322-5550. In the event of inclement weather, call 322-5591.

Restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

Continued on page 4

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 5

Summer 2011 Continued from page 3 Merriam packs a lot of fun into its one-day annual Turkey Creek Festival, which this year is May 21.

There are arts and crafts, a parade with bands, floats and clowns, and concession stands for picking up a tasty treat.

The Turkey Creek Festival kicks off early this year with the 2011 Turkey Creek Festival 5K Run, Walk and Youth Sprint at 8 a.m. starting at 5701 Merriam Drive. Runners can cross the finish line and go home with a T-shirt and goody bag.

The Merriam Turkey Creek Festival parade starts at 11 a.m. and will follow Antioch Road from 69th Street to 64th Terrace. Each year it strolls through the city, drawing an average crowd of 10,000. This year’s grand marshal is 15-year old Merriam resident Ricky Hernandez.

Ricky opened a backyard baseball field for children with special needs.

The parade will feature antique cars, horses, marching bands and jugglers. Following the example set

by Ricky, the 2011 parade theme is “Field of Dreams.”

Artists will share their original works throughout the day at the Summertime Arts and Crafts show held in Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam. There will be drawings, paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, woodcarvings, jewelry and folk art to view and buy.

For more information about Turkey Creek Festival events visit www.merriam.org/park.

| Olathe |

Since 1898, the annual Johnson County Old Settlers Celebration has taken place in downtown Olathe the first weekend after Labor Day. The event began as a one-day celebration called Old Settlers Day with a picnic on the courthouse square and plenty of political speeches as a way to honor those

early pioneers who had settled Johnson County in the mid-1800s. It has become a three-day extravaganza that now includes carnival rides, free musical entertainment, an ice cream social, plenty of food booths, and a large arts and crafts show.

The Johnson County Old Settlers

Association was formed in 1898 and still is responsible for the event, which this year is Sept. 8-10. People who have lived in Johnson County for 45 years or more are eligible to register as an official Old Settler.

One of the more popular events of the celebration is Then and Now, where people are given a photography trip through time followed by a trip down memory lane via a Gab Fest.

Probably the most storied aspect of Johnson County Old Settlers is the Grange Pup, a corn-dog-like concoction sold by the Morning Grange of Spring Hill. When Mona Wood and her friends went to Fairyland Amusement Park in Kansas City, Mo., in the late 1940s, they ate a new snack called a corn dog. After several attempts, Wood’s mother, Audria Bush, replicated the snack using a different, non-corn recipe to sell during Old Settlers. The recipe still is a secret to this day.

Those first Pups were sold for 15

6 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

cents and the Morning Grange sold 500 the first year and raised $167.

Today, the Grange sells thousands at a cost of $3 a Pup and usually sells out before the end of the three-day event.

Go to www.johnsoncountyoldsettlers.com to find out about dates, times and events during the three-day celebration.

The second Great Midwest Balloon Fest is scheduled for a July liftoff.

The event, which was held in its maiden year in south Overland Park, moves this year to the Great Mall of the Great Plains at Interstate 35 and 151st Street in Olathe.

In addition to mass balloon flights and evening balloon “glows,” the festival schedule includes a wide variety of entertainment and activities on all three days, July 8-10.

The opening day festivities begin at 3 p.m. Featured that afternoon and evening will be live music, kids’ entertainment and activities, skydivers, tethered balloon rides, and fireworks beginning at 10 p.m.

Gates open at 5:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Mass balloon liftoffs are scheduled for 6:45 a.m. each day.

Ballooning will be canceled or postponed if it is raining.

Again on Saturday there is a full lineup of entertainment and activities from noon until the final music performance beginning at 10:15 p.m.

The balloon glows, which involve inflating the colorful stationary balloons so they are aglow, are planned for 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, the festivities are scheduled to end with a final

mass balloon ascension at 6:45 a.m.

The day also includes live music and other entertainment and activities.

A one-day ticket to the event is $8 per person if purchased in advance.

The tickets will be available online or at outlets to be announced.

Tickets will be $10 if purchased at the gate. Kids 12 and under get in free. Festival package tickets covering admission for all three days are $15.

Free parking is available for the event.

Great Midwest is a nonprofit organization. Four charities will receive proceeds including Harvesters Food Network, Hospice House, Noble Cause U.S.A. Foundation and the Olathe Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.

The annual Olathe Arts Festival is a juried art festival featuring a wide range of artistic talents from local communities as well as across the region. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

June 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12 in downtown Olathe.

Admission is free and there are activities for children and live entertainment both days.

The festival is put on by the Downtown Olathe Arts Festival Committee. Go to www.downtownolatheartsfestival.org/Home. html for more information.

Summer 2011 The annual Cedar Lake AquaFest is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 20 at Cedar Lake, northwest of the I-35 and Lone Elm Road intersection in Olathe. This free event celebrates water in our lives, designed to bring families, adults and children of all ages from the community together for an evening of celebrating water fun and educational activities focused on water.

Call 971-6263 for more information and to confirm the event.

The Wild West Show at Olathe’s Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is scheduled for Sept.

24-25. Stagecoach rides are provided free by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other events include a Chuckwagon Cook-Off and children’s activities such as leather

stamping, an air gun shooting gallery and panning for gold.

The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is at 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 5 to 11. Fees may apply to other activities.

For more information, call 9715111 or e-mail mahaffie@olatheks. org.

Not only is Kansas celebrating its 150th birthday in 2011, so is the Kansas School for the Deaf in downtown Olathe. A number of activities will take place Sept. 22-25 on the KSD campus, 450 E. Park St. The 150th Celebration Gala begins at 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th Street, Overland Park.

Other events include a reception, tours of the campus and Deaf Museum, an awards luncheon, 25th and 50th class reunions, Hall of Fame dinner, KSD vs. Missouri volleyball and football games, and an anniversary parade.

Go to www.ksdeaf.org/ Alumni/150/flyer-150th.pdf or call Karen Kerby, (785) 472-9270 for more information.

the year.

For information, call 764-7759.

Ernie Miller Nature Center is a 113-acre park in Olathe that is part of the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District. The center features a diverse range of habitats such as tallgrass prairie, upland meadows, bottomland forest and streams.

Visitors can view birds from the Nature Center’s lobby as they visit the feeders and discover more about the park’s wildlife and history through exhibits and a diorama.

Room rentals are available.

The center is at 909 North Kansas Highway 7 Highway and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Ernie Miller Nature Park trails are open daily dawn to dusk.

Various activities and special programs are scheduled throughout

Art lovers and food lovers gather every year at the Mission Arts and Eats Festival, which this year will be Sept. 16-17.

The festival features two days of activities, arts and crafts, entertainment, and food. The festival coincides with the annual Battle of the Brisket State Championship, a Kansas City Barbecue Society Sanctioned Kansas State Championship. About 70 teams face off every year to win the grand prize.

More than 5,000 people attended 2010’s Arts and Eats Festival. In past years entertainment has included music by local artists and students.

The festival was created to provide access to a variety of art experiences, nurture the development and understanding of diverse art and cultures, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in the Continued on page 6

| Mission |

Lenexa...Festivals, Friends and Family

Lenexa has ten hotels and a season full of great festivals and events for your visiting friends and family to enjoy!

Lenexa 2011 Festival Schedule • The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle • June 24th and 25th • Community Days Parade & Freedom Run • July 4th • Lenexa Spinach Festival • September 10th • Lenexa Chili Challenge • October 14th and October 15th

For more information on festivals and events, visit the City of Lenexa website at www.lenexa.com Visit the Lenexa Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.lenexa.org/cvb or call

1- 800-950-STOP (7867) The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 7

Summer 2011 Continued from page 5 greater Kansas City and Johnson County area.

Arts and Eats will take place from 4 to 11 p.m. Sept. 16 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at 6200 Martway.

For more information, call Kathy Lockard, event coordinator, at 7228206 or Suzie Gibbs, Mission Convention and Visitors Bureau chair, at 671-8564.

Mission turns 60 years old this year and will celebrate with several days of music, food and family fun.

Spirit of Mission Days will take place May 5-8 on the grounds of the Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center, 6200 Martway. In honor of the city’s early days, the parade will celebrate the 1950s. The parade begins at 11 a.m. May 7 on Johnson Drive in Downtown Mission.

Spirit of Mission Days will also feature a carnival, bands, vendors, a sock hop and more. Shawnee Mission North High School musicians will perform on May 6. May 7 will include a pancake breakfast, the parade and carnival.

For more information, call Kathy Lockard, event coordinator, at 7228206 or Suzie Gibbs, Mission Convention and Visitors Bureau chair, at 671-8564.

| Spring Hill |

Spring Hill is the site of Daffodil Days on May 14.

The day begins with a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and continues with a Business Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be kite demonstrations by the Kansas City Kite Club and dog agility demonstrations.

All events happen at Spring Hill Intermediate School, 300 E. South Street. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/springhilldaffodildays.

This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Spring Hill Fall Festival. The event is Sept. 17 and starts with a parade that begins at the Spring Hill Intermediate School, travels north on Webster Street and ends at the Spring Hill Baseball Complex. The fun continues with children’s activities, food vendors and a street dance and closes with a fireworks display.

The Bull Creek Bike Bash is an annual family pleasure bike ride in

Spring Hill and through parts of northern Miami County.

Riders can choose 20-, 30-, 50- or 60-mile rides. All routes start and end at the Spring Hill Elementary School parking lot.

The event this year is May 7; rides begin between 8 and 9 a.m.

Lunch and T-shirts are distributed to all registered riders in the event, which is sponsored by the Spring Hill Ruritan Club. Proceeds go to the Spring Hill High School band.

Call Keith Stiles, 224-5886, Floyd Koder, 238-2039 or go to www. reaperwear.com/bbb.htm for more information.

| Prairie Village |

One of the newest festivals in the area celebrates all that is jazz.

In 2010, Prairie Village welcomed the start of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

8 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

The festival is designed to create awareness and promote appreciation of jazz music. Entertainment is free and live. The lineup for the festival’s second year has not been announced.

The Prairie Village Jazz Festival takes place on Sept. 10 at Harmon Park, 7700 Mission Road. For more information visit http://prairievillagejazz.org.

| Overland Park |

The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens has several special events scheduled this year.

Gardeners can take advantage of the

Spring Plant Sale on May 6 and 7. Visitors will be able to browse through a wide variety of locally grown annuals and perennials, including herbs, hanging baskets and planters.

The Arboretum is the site of Stems: A Garden Soiree, a major annual fundraising event of the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The social party, which will be held on June 25 this year, features food and entertainment stations.

Proceeds from Stems helps fund capital improvements at the Arboretum, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead as well as public art projects.

Cost for Stems is $85 per person and includes a hand-painted wine glass.

For more information on Stems, call 895-6200.

The 300-acre Arboretum at 8909 W. 179th St. is open every day except Christmas. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 10 through Sept. 30 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 through April 9. Admission is free.

The Overland Park Fall Festival offers arts, crafts, entertainment, food and a parade.

The annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 this year. As always, it will be staged in the city’s downtown area, with most activities taking place two blocks west of Metcalf Avenue on Santa Fe Drive between 79th and 81st streets.

More than 200 vendors will set up booths for the Arts and Crafts Fair. There also will be food booths with drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, funnel cakes, baked goods and other items.

Three stages will be set up to present free concerts. Children’s entertainment and activities are planned, including moonwalks and an inflatable obstacle course.

There also will be a motorcycle and classic car show.

The annual Santa Fe Trail Days parade will start at 10 a.m. one block west of Metcalf at 79th and Floyd.

Among the entertainers scheduled to appear are The Elders and Kansas City’s own Celtic band.

For more information, go to www.opkansas.org, click Things to See and Do, and then check the Sept. 24 listings in the Calendar of Events.

Overland Park’s Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is a popular attraction on any day, but special activities dot the calendar.

The 12-acre Farmstead at 13800 Switzer Road features almost 200 animals and birds of prey, vegetable and flower gardens, a fishing pond and more. A turn-of-the-century small town made up of replica buildings also has taken shape at

Summer 2011 the Farmstead. This year a general store and an ice cream parlor were added.

The town is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April 1 to Oct. 31.

Admission is free Monday through Thursday and $2 per person Friday through Sunday.

The special events and dates include: Pet Pals, May 7: Activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. involve dog safety, police dogs, herding and rescued bird demonstrations.

Dairy Day, June 11: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be programs, games and other activities aimed at educating visitors about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Fishing tournament, July 9: Teams will fish the old-fashioned way, with cane poles and a bucket of worms.

Trophies awarded to winners.

Georgia’s Chicken Run, July 30: Run and walk competitions for children will be held in seven age categories. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m.

A chicken dance will be held at 8:30, followed by the first race.

Stampede OP 5K, Aug. 13: There will be competitive and noncompetitive races that start and end at the Farmstead.

Registration begins and 6 a.m. and the first run starts at 7 a.m.

Safety Day, Aug. 27: The Overland Park police and fire departments, the Highway Patrol and other organizations will

teach children about safety. Safety vehicles, including a LifeNet helicopter, will be on display.

Harvest Day, Sept. 17: Oldfashioned fun with crafts, games and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Live music, square dancing, crafts and a beekeeper will be among the attractions.

Pumpkin Hollow, Sept. 23-Oct. 27: A horse-drawn wagon will take visitors to and from a big pumpkin patch where kids can pick pumpkins. There also will be activities involving a hay maze, a hay pyramid and more.

For more information, go to www.opkansas.org, click “Things to See & Do” and then the Farmstead listing.

Strike up the jazz bands. And every other kind of jazz performer imaginable.

Come June each year Overland Park’s Corporate Woods office park hosts Jazz in the Woods.

Tens of thousands of music fans turn out for the free musical entertainment staged at the west edge of the business park, which is located northwest of College Boulevard and Antioch Road.

This year’s event will run from 6:30 to 11 p.m. June 24 and 25.

A wide variety of acts have performed in the past including traditional jazz, ragtime, fusion jazz, smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, Zydeco, blues and Latin jazz.

The Overland Park South Rotary Club organizes the event, which raises more than $40,000 for local children’s charities each year.

There is no seating provided at the open-air event, so visitors are encouraged to bring along blankets or lawn chairs.

Organizers ask that you not bring pets, tents or barbecue grills.

A variety of food vendors will be serving at the festival.

For the kids, there will be crafts, face painting and inflatables.

Parking is free at the various parking lots available in the office complex.

For more information, go to www.jazzinthewoods.com.

The Just For Her Expo, billed as Kansas City’s premier annual women’s event, returns to Johnson County this year.

An array of exhibitors will have booths at the expo, which will be held June 3-4 at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Doors are open from 5 to 10 p.m. June 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 4.

More than 250 booths of shopping and services will be set up for the expo, which is in its third year.

“This once-a-year, one-of-a-kind event offers women the opportunity to spend time shopping, pampering themselves, having fun and learning everything they need to know,” states the expo website, www.justforherexpo.com.

More than 100 booths will be devoted to the shopping portion.

There, visitors will be able to see and buy the newest styles and products in clothing, accessories, home interiors and more.

The pampering can be found at the Pamper Her Lounge, where mini-spa treatments will be available. A Health and Wellness Expo will be held in the ballroom.

Those attending are encouraged to bring the kids along. A variety of activities and attractions will be available to keep them busy and entertained.

There also will be a Bachelor Auction that will serve as a benefit for the American Heart Association.

Tickets can be purchased for $6 on the Just For Her website or at Celsius Tannery locations. The cost is $10 if purchased at the door.

Free entertainment in the great outdoors is made available every spring and summer through Overland Park’s Music in the Park series.

The programs are presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m. each Sunday evening at the Santa Fe Commons Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive in the downtown area.

In addition to bringing yourself and your families, visitors are invited to bring a picnic meal. A shelter, tables, drinking fountain and restrooms are available in the park.

It also is advised that you bring a chair.

Continued on page 8

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 9

Summer 2011 Continued from page 7 Pet owners are welcome to bring their dogs, but they must be kept on a leash and adhere to any applicable animal control ordinances.

Neither you nor your pet will be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages at the concerts.

The lineup of entertainers is not yet established for the series.

For more information, go to www. opkansas.org, click Things to See and Do. Then, under Programs & Events click Arts and Music.

| Shawnee |

The Shawnee Great Griller’s State Championship Barbeque Contest, “Blues and Barbeque,” takes place Sept. 23-24 in Shawnee Town, 11501 W. 57th St. The 17th annual event starts at 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.

In addition to some of the best barbecue in the Midwest, the event includes activities for the whole family, including games. The event also includes live music performances and a beer tent. For a $5 judging fee, community members can samples more than 60 entries and determine who is the People’s Choice award winner.

For more information, visit www. shawneegreatgrillers.org or call 631-5200.

Shawnee kicks off summer with one of Johnson County’s largest festivals – the 45th annual Old Shawnee Days festival June 2-5. Old Shawnee Days, which celebrates the city’s heritage through living history re-enactors, craftsmen, en-

tertainment, children’s games and old-fashioned fun for people of all ages, takes place at Shawnee Town outdoor museum on Johnson Drive, between Cody and King streets.

Nearly 100,000 people are expected to attend the four-day celebration, which features about 100 craft, commercial and concession vendor booths.

All events are free, except for carnival rides, food and souvenirs. The carnival starts Thursday with wrist band night. Festival hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Old Shawnee Days parade starts 10 a.m. June 4. This year’s theme is “150 Years of Kansas Pride.” The parade is one of the largest in the state with awards given in the following categories: Most Spirit, Most Creative, Best Kid’s Entry, Most Unique Vehicle, Best Vehicle Group, Grand Marshal’s Award (best depicts theme) and the Mayor’s Award (best overall entry).

Main Stage entertainment includes Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Eagles and Tom Petty tribute bands. The Saturday night concert features Brian Howe, the man who made his name in the mid 1980s with a string of successful albums with Bad Company, and Jim Messina, formerly of Loggins and Messina, Buffalo Springfield, and Poco. Other musical entertainment includes Blue Orleans, and T. Marv and Hammer Down, as well as children’s performances and dance groups throughout the weekend.

The annual Pie and Baking Contest will award Price Chopper gift cards to winners in the pie and baker’s choice categories. For more information, visit www.oldshawneedays.org.

10 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City, 5700 King St., will host Sand in the City, a sand castle building contest, May 19-22.

The corporate competition and community event is a fundraiser for the museum.

For information about participating or attending, visit wonderscope.org.

Shawnee Parks & Recreation and Intrust Bank sponsor the seventh annual Summer Concert Series.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9:30 p.m. every other Friday in July and August in different parks in the city.

The four-concert series features a variety of live music from area bands, food and fun for the whole family. For an updated schedule, visit www.cityofshawnee.org.

The 22nd annual Tour de Shawnee takes place Aug. 28. The tour around bicycle-friendly Shawnee includes rest stops, snacks and SAG vehicle support. The ride benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Riders can choose from a 12-mile or 24-mile route. All riders will begin and end at PowerPlay Family Entertainment Center at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm Road.

For registration information, call 631-5200.

The Friends of Shawnee Town 36th annual Arts & Crafts Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

17. Admission is a $1 donation.

Attendees can find the perfect handcrafted gift or keepsake at the fair as they stroll through the museum grounds and gardens. The event will feature more than 100 crafters displaying jewelry, pottery, candles, homemade jams and breads.

For more information, visit www. shawneetown.org.

Shawnee Mission Park’s biggest draw is The Theatre in the Park, which has its own entrance at 7710 Renner Road. It is one of the largest outdoor theaters in the country and has been providing musical

theater in the community for more than 41 years.

Theatre in the Park was established in Antioch Park in 1970 and moved to Shawnee Mission Park in 1975. It was moved to its current location in the park and was officially dedicated in 1980. From June through August, Theatre in the Park presents four family friendly Broadway-style musicals at an affordable price.

This year, the season includes: “The Sound of Music,” with performances June 10-12 and June 16-19; “Les Miserables – School Edition,” with performances June 24-26 and June 30-July 3; “Aida,” with performances July 8-10 and July 14-17; and “Seussical,” with performances July 22-24 and July 28-31.

For tickets, call 631-7050 or go to www.theatreinthepark.com.

Last fall, the theater opened its new Park Pavilion, which is

available for rent to the public. The pavilion will seat up to 225 guests, making it an ideal venue for weddings, family reunions, corporate dinners and other special events.

| Gardner |

The 4th Annual Festival on the Trails in Gardner takes place June 11 in downtown Gardner and at the

Summer 2011

heavily supported by the Johnson County Extension Office and its 4-H program. As rural Johnson County

Johnson County Fairground. This year’s festival will feature entertainment all afternoon with a strong lineup of evening entertainment, including Brandon Miller’s band and Change of Heart.

The art and craft show portion of the festival will be inside the 4-H building and surrounding outside areas. Show time is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be inflatables and games for the kids, a car show, a chili cook-off, a chat fest and lots of food and drink with designated areas for each. The Chili Cook-off is a CASIsanctioned event.

Go to www.festivalonthetrails. com for more information.

The Johnson County Fair, which this year is Aug. 9-13, has been a place where county farmers and members of 4-H clubs, whether living on farms or in the city, can showcase their year-long projects.

Always the first full week in August, the fair takes place at the Johnson County Fairground in Gardner.

But it wasn’t always that way. In the 1940s, the fair site would alternate between Gardner and Spring Hill.

In the 1950s, Gardner became the permanent site when Johnson County Commissioners approved creation of the fairground.

Members of the Johnson County Fair Association schedule special events each day, including the youth rodeo, Mutton Bustin’, Calf Scramble, Greased Pig Race, Cow Milking Contest, Stick Horse Race, Pedal Pull, Egg Gathering, Draft Horse Team Pulling Contest, Bull Blast, Barrel Racing, Amateur Flat Track Racing, a Saturday parade and the crowd favorite Demolition Derby.

Throughout the week, there are horse shows, rabbit shows, dog shows, midway entertainment, plenty of food booths, arts and crafts, and a carnival.

The Johnson County Fair is

This year’s lineup includes Nashville artists Coy Taylor, Matt Snook, Ashley Ray, Jason Jones and Mark Chesnutt. Gates open at 1 p.m., and at 2 p.m.

92.9 the Bull will host Country Showdown, the country version of American Idol.

Those attending should bring lawn chairs or blankets. No outside food or beverages are allowed.

Advance tickets are available at the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, Great American Bank and online at www.nightonthekaw.com.

| Farmer’s Market |

continues to shrink, the 4-H program has concentrated its efforts on creating clubs in urban areas mixing agriculture and technology to interest city dwelling youngsters.

Go to www.jocokansasfair.com to learn more about the Johnson County Fair and www.johnson.ksu. edu to learn more about 4-H.

| De Soto |

First Community Bank hosts Spring Fling in Downtown De Soto, 83rd Street from Shawnee to Peoria streets, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

There will be food, entertainment, children’s activities and local vendors.

De Soto Riverfest Park is the site of Night on the Kaw, a country music festival on Saturday, June 18.

The Overland Park Farmers Market has been drawing big crowds for almost 30 years.

Vendors sell a variety of fresh produce from booths every Saturday and Wednesday at the market site on Marty Street between 79th and 80th streets in the downtown area.

The market’s new manager, Julia Harkleroad, is guiding some innovations this year, but she said her top priority is making sure that the large majority of produce sold there will be locally grown. Signs will detail where produce is grown.

It is common that market vendors supplement their locally grown offerings with non-local, out-of-season items shipped in from farther away. But extra emphasis is being placed on keeping that to a minimum.

At the same time, one of the new offerings this year will be the sale of a few non-produce refreshments such as fresh fruit popsicles and soda pop.

The market this year is working with Harvesters Food Network to stage food drives.

In addition, the market for the first time will be able to accept payments from food stamp recipients.

A new market website accessible through the city’s site will provide vendor profiles, up-to-date listings of produce that is in season, recipes, directions and parking locations for both motorists and cyclists.

The market opens at 6:30 a.m. on

Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

The Merriam Farmers Market features fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, baked goods and artwork.

The market is open starting at 10 a.m. every Saturday from the first week of May to the second week of October at The Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive.

The Olathe Farmers Market is held Saturdays from April 23 through Oct. 22 starting at 8 a.m. and Wednesdays June 1 through Sept. 28 starting at 3 p.m.

The market, offering mainly locally grown produce, is at 200 W. Santa Fe, at the corner of Poplar and Kansas in downtown Olathe.

For more information, call 9716263.

The Shawnee Farmers Market opens May 7. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays through October in the City Hall parking lot, 11110 Johnson Drive.

The market offers a large assortment of locally grown products, such as fruits, honey, vegetables, edible grains, nuts, berries, plants, flowers; plus preserves, jellies and jams; and baked goods such as breads, cookies and pies. Vendors also may sell handmade gifts and crafts. For more information, call 248-2360. n

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 11

Higher Education

I

f you are looking to earn your degree, the Greater Kansas City area provides many fine choices.

In and near Johnson County are several colleges, universities and institutions of higher learning ready to help students reach their academic goals. In this area, there are public and private institutions with flexible class schedules to meet the demands of both full-time students and those who work and attend school. There are also opportunities for adult students to design their own programs or take online courses.

Here we list a few of the many opportunities for higher learning in the area: Avila University 11901 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64145 Phone: (816) 501-2400 Website: www.avila.edu

Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies Administrative offices: 8001 College Blvd., Suite 100 Overland Park, KS 66210 Campus: 7301 College Blvd.

Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 491-4432 Website: www.bakeru.edu/spgs Baker University School of Education Graduate Programs Administrative offices: 8001 College Blvd., Suite 100 Overland Park, KS 66210 Campus: 7301 College Blvd.

Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 491-4432 Website: www.bakeru.edu/soe Brown Mackie College Kansas City 9705 Lenexa Drive Lenexa, KS 66215 Phone: (913) 768-1900 or 1-800-6359101

Website: www.brownmackie.edu Cleveland Chiropractic College 10850 Lowell Ave. Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 234-0600 Website: www.cleveland.edu Columbia College-Kansas City 4240 Blue Ridge Blvd., Suite 400 Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: (816) 795-1515 or 1-866-668-8226 Website: www.ccis.edu/KansasCity DeVry University Kansas City Campus 11224 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131 Phone: (816) 943-7300 Downtown Campus 1100 Main St., Suite 118 Kansas City, MO 64105 Phone: (816) 221-1300 Website: www.devry.edu

Website: www.emporia.edu/mlc Friends University 8207 Melrose Drive, Suite 200 Lenexa, KS 66214 Phone: (913) 233-8700 or 1-800-7946945, ext. 8700 Website: www.friends.edu Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd.

Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 469-8500 Website: www.jccc.edu Johnson County K-State Research & Extension 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500 Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 715-7000 Website: www.johnson.ksu.edu

Emporia State University Metro Learning Center 8400 W. 110th St, Suite 150 Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 338-4ESU (4378)

Kansas City Art Institute 4415 Warwick Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64111 Phone: (816) 472-4852 or 1-800-522-5224 Web site: www.kcai.edu

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12 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

5165

Higher Education Kansas City College & Bible School 7401 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66204 Phone: (913) 722-0272 Website: www.kccbs.edu Kansas State University Manhattan, KS 66506 Distance Education Phone: 1-800-622-2KSU Website: www.k-state.edu MidAmerica Nazarene University 2030 E. College Way Olathe, KS 66062 Phone: (913) 782-3750 or 1-800-800-8887 Website: www.mnu.edu National American University • 10310 Mastin Overland Park, KS 66212 Phone: (913) 981-8700

• 3620 Arrowhead Ave. Independence, MO 64057 Phone: (816) 412-7700 • 7490 N.W. 87th St. Kansas City, MO 64153 Phone: (816) 412-5500 • 401 N.W. Murray Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Phone: (816) 600-3900 Website: www.national.edu Ottawa University Kansas City 4370 W. 109th St., Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66211 Phone: (913) 266-8600 or 1-888-404-6852 Website: www.ottawa.edu Pinnacle Career Institute 1001 E. 101st Terrace, Suite 325 Kansas City, MO 64131 Phone: (816) 331-5700 Website: www.pcitraining.edu

Pittsburg State University Metro Center 12345 W. 95th St., Suite 204 Lenexa, KS 66215 Phone: (913) 529-4487 Website: http://kcmetro.pittstate.edu Rockhurst University 1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110 Phone: (816) 501-4000 or 1-800-8426776 Website: www.rockhurst.edu University of Kansas Edwards Campus 12600 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: (913) 897-8400 Website: http://edwardscampus. ku.edu University of Missouri-Kansas City 5100 Rockhill Road Kansas City, MO 64110 Phone: (816) 235-1000 Website: www.umkc.edu

University of Phoenix • 901 E. 104th St., Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64131 (816) 943-9600 • 8345 Lenexa Drive Lenexa, KS 66214 (816) 943-9600 Website: www.phoenix.edu University of Saint Mary Overland Park Campus 11413 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215 Phone: (913) 345-8288 Website: www.stmary.edu Webster University-Kansas City Metropolitan Campus 1200 E. 104th St., Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 64131 Phone: (816) 444-1000 Website: www.webster.edu/kc WellSpring School of Allied Health 9140 Ward Parkway, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 64114 Phone: (816) 523-9140 Website: www.wellspring.edu

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Music students also score dramatically higher on SAT college entrance tests than those who don’t study the arts.

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The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 13

Public Education

O

ne of the first things associated with Johnson County is quality education. The local schools have been repeatedly honored nationally for their numerous achievements. The schools of Johnson County form a solid foundation for the community as a whole.

Six public school districts serve thousands of young people in Johnson County. All six boast low dropout rates, high graduate-to-college numbers, exceptional standardized test scores and serious commitments to technology.

Here are brief profiles of the country's six public school districts.

Blue Valley School District: USD 229

Blue Valley believes in providing student opportunities. The district strives to provide a pre K-12

(grades 9-12), eight middle schools (grades 6-8) and 20 elementary schools (grades K-5).

Student achievement is at an all-time high in Blue Valley. According to research conducted at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Blue Valley is the only school district in the nation with more than 20,000 students to make Adequate Yearly Progress for the district and each school within the district for eight consecutive years.

In 2010, graduates posted the highest ACT and SAT composite scores of Kansas City metro area school districts and the highest in Blue Valley history.

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Blue Ribbon distinction 15 times to district schools for their outstanding educational programs. Forty-nine Blue Valley teachers have earned

engineering, global business and human services. Professionals from these fields share their workplace knowledge and engage students in real-life business-related projects. Students finish CAPS classes uniquely prepared to make focused decisions about their futures.

Additionally, Blue Valley offers a Virtual Education program and Advanced Placement (AP) and other college credit courses, K-12 enrichment programs, intervention programs for reading and math, an alternative education program for high school students, mentoring programs and ACCESS House, a program teaching independent living skills for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

De Soto Unified School District #232 of Johnson County: Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, De Soto

De Soto Unified School District #232 leads all Johnson County schools in academic excellence with

the highest graduation rate (Class of 2010) and with the top high schools in Reading, Science and Math. The district, located in northwest Johnson County, encompasses the cities of De Soto, 60 percent of Shawnee, 40 percent of Lenexa, a portion of Olathe and two townships.

It is a Gold Medal district and home to 12 award winning schools.

Students continue to improve test scores and rank above their state and national peers on both the Kansas Assessments and the ACT. The district requires 25 credits to graduate from high school, with more than 98 percent of graduates enrolled in college, vocational/ technical school, or military service.

To learn more, visit the website at www.usd232.org or contact the administrative offices, (913) 667-6200.

Gardner Edgerton School District: USD 231

Gardner Edgerton USD 231 serves the communities of Gardner and Edgerton in the southwest cor-

Johnson County Library Summer Reading Club gets underway on May 23rd, 2011!

learning experience that prepares students to succeed in the classroom and in life.

There are 21,134 students attending Blue Valley schools for the 2010-2011 school year and the district is committed to providing a personalized learning experience for every one of them – that’s Education Beyond Expectations.

Based at 15020 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park (913-239-4000), the district serves residents in 91 square miles of southeastern Johnson County with five high schools

National Board Certification, more than any district in the state, and 17 Blue Valley teachers have received the Kansas Master Teacher award.

Blue Valley offers several innovative programs that enhance learning within special populations as well as for mainstream students. One of the district’s most uniquely innovative programs is the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS).

CAPS offers junior and senior level students in Blue Valley the opportunity to deeply explore career possibilities in the fields of bioscience,

14 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

Stop into your local Johnson County Neighborhood Library to pick up your Summer Reading Log or visit www.jocolibrary.org/summerreading2011 to see all your online options.

Parents can visit our page to find reasons Summer Reading is so important to your child’s academic progress.

913-826-4600 • www.jocolibrary.org

Public Education ner of Johnson County.

A growing school district in the midst of growing communities, Gardner Edgerton’s enrollment reached 4,800 students in 2010-2011.

Demographic models indicate the district will continue to experience significant growth.

District facilities currently include six elementary schools (K-4), two middle schools (5-8) and one high school (9-12), all built or newly renovated in the past 10 years.

Gardner Edgerton USD 231 is home to 14 Horizon Award-winning teachers, a 2010 District III Athletic Director of the Year, a 2009 Presidential Award for Math and Science teacher, the 2007 and 2008 American Star of Teaching Award winners for the state of Kansas, six ING Unsung Heroes grant winners, the 2006 Kansas Milken National Educator, the 2005 Kansas U.S. History Teacher of the Year, the 2005 Area I Assistant Principal of the Year, the

2005 Middle School Athletic Director of the Year, the 2005 Middle School Principal of the Year, the 2005 Middle School Coach of the Year, the 2004 School Psychologist of the Year and Kansas City Boy's Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Gardner Edgerton High School is home of the 2007 and 2008 National Engineering Design Challenge national winning teams, and home to several National Merit Scholarship Finalists. In 2009, Gardner Edgerton USD 231 was named a Kansas Emerging District of Character by the Kansas Department of Education.

GEHS has captured 20 league championships in football, girls and boys basketball, cross country, wrestling, track, golf and volleyball during the past five years, and in 2009 and 2010, participated in the State Championship Football Game. The Girls Track and Field Team earned the State Title in 2010. Gardner Edgerton High School joined the

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Eastern Kansas League in the 20102011 school year competing against Bishop Miege High School, Blue Valley High School, Blue Valley North High School, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Blue Valley Southwest High School, Blue Valley West High School and Saint Thomas Aquinas High School.

Eight Gardner Edgerton School District schools have received the Governor’s Achievement Award.

This prestigious award honors the top performing schools in the state of Kansas, based on data from the Kansas State Assessments. Schools chosen for the award represent the top 5 percent of schools in Kansas. Gardner Edgerton USD 231 is tremendously proud of the tradition of achievement established on the Kansas State Assessments. Only a select few Kansas public school districts have attained similar results, placing Gardner Edgerton at the forefront of academic improvement and advancement.

Gardner Edgerton USD 231’s commitment to excellence and passion for working with young people has created a world-class

BUILDING

organization whose primary objective is to maximize the potential of all students – today and in the future.

For more information about Gardner Edgerton USD 231, visit www. usd231. com, call (913) 8562000, or visit the District Office Building at 231 E. Madison St., Gardner, Kan.

Olathe School District: USD 233

Our vision: Students prepared for their future.

Our beliefs: • All children can learn.

• Together we can achieve more.

Our Core Values: • Continuous improvement • Lifelong learning Olathe School District, second largest in Kansas, is a growing district serving students in central Johnson County, a 75-square-mile area covering most of Olathe and portions of Overland Park, Lenexa and Shawnee.

Continued on page 14

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913-888-7244 • www.buildingblocks.com The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 15

Public Education 2011 school year is 27,999 students attending 34 elementary (grades K-5), nine middle schools (grades The district has received 18 Blue 6-8) and four high schools (grades Ribbon recognitions from the U.S. 9-12). The district completed adDepartment of Education, and student test scores consistently rank ditions and renovations to its four among the top 10 percent nationally. high schools and changed to a K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade configuration at Among the district’s programs the beginning of this school year. are innovative 21st Century High Mission Trail Middle School, 1001 School Programs (Aerospace/EnN. Persimmon Drive, opened in gineering, Biotechnology/Life Sciences, e-Communication and more), August for grades 6-8.

Additional facilities include a Distinguished Scholar program, Heartland and Harmony Early Advanced Placement, College Now Childhood Education Centers for and honors courses, special edupreschool children with special cation (including gifted), career/ needs; Millcreek Center, a technical technical education, seven international languages (including Chinese, education center; and Prairie Learning Center, a day treatment/alternaJapanese and Latin), an elementary international language program, and tive learning environment.

Community support in the early childhood programs. district is strong, with numerous op When Olathe School District portunities for parent involvement: consolidated in 1965 it had 3,687 School Site Councils, PTOs, Watch students. Enrollment for the 2010Continued from page 13

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D.O.G.S. (a program for dads), a Parent Leadership Initiative and a Citizen Education Academy, where parents, staff and others can learn about the operations of the district, including school finance. Olathe School District is the only district in the state to achieve top honors (Level III) from the Kansas Award for Excellence Foundation.

The district office (913-780-7000) mailing address is 14160 Black Bob Road, P.O. Box 2000, Olathe, KS 66063-2000. Learn more at www. olatheschools.com.

Shawnee Mission School District: USD 512

The Shawnee Mission School District is the second largest of the six districts in Johnson County; enrollment for 2010-2011 is 27,901.

The district occupies approximately 72 square miles.

The district includes 35 elementary (grades K-6), seven middle (grades 7-8), and five high schools (grades 9-12), plus Horizons alternative education program and Broadmoor Technical Center for in-depth career and technical study.

Shawnee Mission offers specialized Signature Programs including Legal Studies, Pre-medical Health Science, International Baccalaureate, Biotechnology, Project Lead the Way, the Center for International Studies, and Biomedical Health Science. Twenty-seven district students were named as 2011 National Merit Scholarship finalists; 235 students were recognized as Advanced Placement Scholars for high

achievement on AP exams. District students have won competitions sponsored by the National Forensic League, National Scholastic Press Association, Kansas Junior Academy of Science, and National Skills USA. Shawnee Mission students have been named Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholars, Neuharth Journalism Scholars, Prudential Spirit of Community honorees, and two high schools were included in Newsweek America’s Best High Schools list.

District educators have earned such honors as journalism association medals of merit and state awards including the Horizon Award, Music Educator of the Year Award, 2010 Kansas Teacher of the Year Award, and 2011 Kansas Teacher of the Year Finalist. The district enjoys the support of more than 200 business partners district-wide.

Additionally, the district benefits from community volunteers who mentor students in its schools through YouthFriends. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to get involved and partner with the school district to provide outstanding educational opportunities for students. The district office is located at 7235 Antioch Road, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204. For information, contact the Communications Office at (913) 993-6447 or visit www. smsd.org.

Continued on page 16

Ranked in Top 1% in Math and Reading Parent-Friendly Hours • 6:45 am to 6:00 pm Full-Time or Part-Time Preschool Available Central Johnson County Location

Brookridge Day School An Award-Winning Education in a Loving Environment www.brookridgedayschool.com 16 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

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The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 17

Public Education skills needed for students to be lifelong learners and successful in the Continued from page 14 workplace. Two key themes were adopted, including communicaSpring Hill School District: tions skills and information literacy, which have been purposefully woUSD 230 ven into the curriculum during the The Spring Hill School District 2010-2011 school year. provides excellent educational opAs a district, a major planning portunities to its students, consistent process has been underway to adtwo-way communications with dress future needs. A large commuparents and patrons and is preparnity group evaluated current enrolling for the future. The Spring Hill ment, forecasted growth, district School District serves students in finances and facilities’ needs. Based Spring Hill, Olathe, Overland Park and unincorporated areas of Johnson on the group’s recommendation, the Spring Hill Board of Education and Miami counties. The district, which encompasses 71 square miles, voted to move forward with a $39 million, no mill levy increase bond is approximately 10 minutes south issue to add classrooms, upgrade of Olathe. technology and address mainteNearly 3,500 students attend nance needs. The bond will be voted classes in six schools: two elemenon via a mail-in ballot in late May. tary schools, one intermediate facilMore information is available at ity, a middle school, a high school www.usd230.org/bond. and an online school. The district In addition to emphasizing has been recognized nationally for 21st century skills in its traditional its academic and technology proclassrooms, the district’s online high grams. For the eighth year in a row, school – Insight School of Kanall schools in the Spring Hill School District achieved their goal of meet- sas – continued to grow by leaps and bounds in 2009. Nearly 1,500 ing Adequate Yearly Progress, the state’s definition of proficiency. All students, ranging in age from 14 to 60-plus years old, are tapping into schools also combined to capture the 120 educational courses and 14 numerous Standards of Excellence.

Advanced Placement classes offered In addition, planning has been by the school. Students currently underway to ensure that students attending Kansas schools may also are well-prepared with the skills take advantage of courses that may needed to succeed in the 21st not be currently available to them, century. A committee, made up of such as Advanced Placement classes, teachers, administrators and board through the virtual school. members, worked to identify those • Ages 1 to 10 years old • Accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children • Teachers have a degree in early childhood education or elementary education

Old Mission United Methodist Church Early Education Center • Morning Preschool • Full Day Toddler and Preschool/Childcare • • After School and Summer Camp for Ages 5 to 10 •

Shawnee Mission Parkway & Mission Road Fairway, Kansas 66205 913-236-5229 18 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

In addition, Spring Hill School District works tirelessly to provide a full range of inclusive special

guardians and students.

The district’s website is another communication method that contin-

education services for students with disabilities and gifted capabilities.

Services can start as early as age 3 and continue to age 21, as appropriate. Information about the district’s Early Childhood Services can be found on the district’s website at www.usd230.org.

Enhanced communications with district families, community partners and patrons continue to be a key initiative. The district’s Skyward Family Access program offers an easy way for parents and students to check grades, assignments, meal account information and see messages from teachers and district staff. The program also has an e-mail messaging capability that delivers time-sensitive information directly to the inboxes of parents,

ues to enhance information flow to all patrons. In 2010, the district was able to move forward with a complete website redevelopment project without tapping into funds needed for classroom supplies thanks to a technology grant. The redeveloped website is the “go to” source of school information and features RSS feed capabilities so interested parties can receive alerts when new information is posted.

For more information about the school district, visit its website at www.usd230.org or follow the district at facebook.com/springhillusd230. In addition, the Board of Education office is located at 101 E. South St., Spring Hill, KS 66083, and the phone number is (913) 592-7200. n

ROLLING HILLS 9300 Nall • Overland Park, KS 66207 • (913) 642-8525 MOTHER’S DAY OUT 18 months to 3 years old • Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

PRE-SCHOOL Two mornings • 3 years old by September 1 PRE- KINDERGARTEN Three mornings • 4 years old by September 1 TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN Four mornings • 5 years old by September 1 All students enrolled in Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten may stay extended days until 3:00 twice a week

Educational Opportunities

T

here are many opportunities for students in Johnson County, beginning at the earliest ages. Here are some of the institutions designed to stimulate young minds.

Brookridge Day School

There is something special going on every day at Brookridge Day School. There's a quality education filled with positive, enriching educational experiences inside a loving environment throughout your child's learning day.

From 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., you see it in the children at work and at play, in the excellent qualifications and devotion of the teaching staff, in the homemade lunches, in the wide variety of free-time activities and in the school's involvement in the community.

Brookridge is a special place with a totally unique and affordable approach to private early childhood and elementary education combined with quality before- and after-school care.

Brookridge strives to fill your children's free time with positive activities and experiences that minimize the need for many weekend and evening activities, when your time is precious. Before- and after-school hours are organized according to age levels. From reading, science and technology clubs to receiving extra academic instruction, children participate in a variety of supervised activities, projects and playtime.

In addition, ballet, tap, gymnastics and tae kwon do are offered at reasonable rates.

Brookridge is truly proud of its school and invites you to schedule a tour. For more information, call Brookridge Day School, 9555 Hadley St. in Overland Park, at (913) 649-2228.

Building Blocks

Celebrating its 14th year, Building Blocks still prides itself on the loving atmosphere it provides for children while providing an outstanding curriculum to prepare them for kindergarten.

Each classroom is equipped with cameras and monitors, which can be viewed from the office. In addition, all classrooms have observation rooms with one-way mirrors, enabling parents to view their children anytime.

Building Blocks provides an atmosphere where long-lasting friendships are formed and children will feel good about themselves and the world around them.

For more information, call (913) 888-7244 or visit www.buildingblockscdc.com.

City of Leawood Parks and Recreation Department

The City of Leawood Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety summer programs for children and adults of all ages. Several favorites are returning this summer including Full and Half Day Camps at both Leawood City Park and Ironwoods Park.

Half Day Camps at Leawood City Park provide a memorable experience for children Kindergarten through 6th grade. The Balloon Tree Country Camp (K through 2nd grade), the Super Sports Camp (3rd – 6th grade) and Art in the Park (3rd through 6th grade) offer many fun and interactive activities including games, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and recreational sports. Fees for each camp are $125 for Leawood Residents and $155 for Non-Residents. The first session begins June 6.

The Full Day Camp at Leawood

City Park (ages 9 to 11) and the Extreme “Tween” Camp at Leawood City Hall (ages 11 to 13) provide a great

opportunity for kids to make new friends and enjoy the outdoors.

A variety of activities provide fun and social interaction, as well as creativity and exercise.

Fees for the Full Day Camp are $150 for Leawood Residents and $165 for Non-Residents. Fees for the Extreme “Tween” Camp are $225 for Residents and $240 for Non-Residents.

First session begins June 6.

Ironwoods Park is the host site of the Nature Adventure Camp (ages 5 to 10 which vary by session) for both Half and Full Day. The Challenge Adventure Camp (ages 9 to 14 which vary by session) is a Half Day Camp. Fees are $120 for Leawood Residents and $140 for Non-Residents for the Half Day Camps and $170 for Leawood Residents and $200 for Non-Residents for the Full Day Camp. The first session begins June 6 for the Challenge Adventure Camp, and June 20 for the Half Day Nature Camp. The Full Day Nature Adventure Camp begins June 13.

For more information on Nature or Challenge Adventure Camps call (913) 681-0902.

Swim Lessons are offered at the Leawood Aquatic Center June 6 through August 5. Morning and evening classes are available. Learning to swim is an important skill and the perfect way to help young children develop a comfort level

in and around the water. Fees are $42 for Leawood Residents and $50 for Non-Residents. Classes offered include Parent/Child swim lessons (ages 6 to 36 months) as well as classes for children ages 3 to 10 plus years.

For more information please call (913) 339-6700 ext. 154.

The Goddard School®

Caring teachers support the healthy development of children from 6 weeks to 6 years old in Goddard’s warm, loving atmosphere.

The school’s year-round program provides consistency for children, while the choice of either a half- or full-day schedule offers flexibility for families.

The Goddard School® FLEX Learning Program™, based on the latest research in how children learn, provides the optimal environment for each child’s development.

The program’s foundation is the learning continuum that encompasses developmental guidelines with formative assessments, childfocused lesson plans, a creative and fun environment, and a personalized child-centered approach that meets each child’s needs.

For more information, call 800GODDARD or visit www.goddardschool.com.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Olathe

Ride a stagecoach. Find sunken treasure. Learn to swim. Experience Continued on page 23

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 19

AIR CONDITIONING Chimney / Fireplace Sweep & Repair CHIMNEY SWEEP Chimney Cleaning - Repair - Video Inspection C

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Dryer Vent Cleaning & Repair Furnace & H20 Heater Flue Liners

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APARTMENTS

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BATHROOMS/TILE

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Celebrating our 35th year in Johnson County • Shower Bases, Walls & Seats • New Tub/Shower Faucets • New Shower Doors • Bathtub Replacement • Floor Tile Installation • Floor Warming Systems • Countertop Replacement: Corian, Onyx, Granite & Tile • New Cabinets • Porches & Patios • Prefinished hardwood Insured for your protection.

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20 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

In Kansas City since 1916 www.kansascity.bbb.org 8080 Ward Parkway, Suite 401 Kansas City, MO 64114 Phone (816) 421-7800

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CARPET CLEANING

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• 24 Hour Flood Extraction • Window & Gutter Cleaning

Textile Cleaning

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of Commerce

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CONCRETE 210 West Truman Road PO Box 1077, Independence MO 64051 (816) 252-4745

(913) 893-6006 DECK LIGHTING

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DENTISTRY General Dentistry For Your Entire Family

Dr. Caryl Earp, DDS 11132 S. Lone Elm Rd., Olathe, KS 66061 913-780-0011 • www.allsmiles4me.com

DUCT & CHIMNEY CLEANING

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• Removes up to 98% of existing pollen, dust, and irritants.

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• Cleaning by Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS)

ng and Chimney Service

Call today for a FREE ESTIMATE! 816-965-9410 www.aardvarkair.com • jcaardvark@kc.rr.com

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 21

EDUCATION

GOLF GCA, PCS & AGCP Golf Equipment Professional

The Golf Doctor

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• Custom-fit/built clubs • Repairs • Lessons

Dave Skitek • 816.853.7821

golfdr@comcast.net • www.golfdr-kc.com GCA Certified Professional Clubmaker

HAULING

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HOME HEALTH

Do You Need Help at Home?

WE LOAD & CLEAN UP JUNK!

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Old Furniture • Appliances Construction Debris Yard Waste • House and Yard Clean-ups

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No Job Too Small • Insured • Handyman Jobs Welcome!

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Chuck Sexton Home Services • Painting - My Specialty • Minor Carpentry • Wood Trim Touch-Up • Wallpaper Removal • Shower, Tub and Sink Re-Caulking

Call Today! 913-963-1463 “Helping You Understand Your Home’s Health” Serving the entire KC Metro Area and beyond since 2002!

Don’t settle for less!

• Whole House Inspections • Termite Inspections • Radon Testing A+ Rated Kansas City Better Business Bureau!

Companionship • Medication Monitoring Non-Medical Care • Private Case Management • Respite Care • Physically Disabled Program • Frail & Elderly Program • Payroll Agent Services

Call us today for a complimentary needs assessment!

913-712-9502 www.hometeamks.com

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A-1 Home Repair & Painting Interior & Exterior

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Drywall - Ceramic Tile - Texture - Wood Rot - Deck Stain & Refinish

Kevin Wattenbarger, President www.AlliedHomeInspections.com Cell: 816.589.1743 • Office: 913.390.8422

• Overdue Lawn Cleanup • Landscape Projects • Top Soil Distribution • Basement Cleaning • Hauling of All Kinds • General Labor, Odd Jobs

Prompt & Professional • References Available Guaranteed Quality in Every Job • Since 1992

HOME INSPECTION

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• Broken Window Repair • Damaged Screen Repair • Cosmetic Repairs • Furniture Assembly • Picture/Mirror Hanging • Power Wash/Power Blast

Free Estimates - Insured - All Jobs Guaranteed - 20 Years Experience

22 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

LANDSCAPING

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• New Landscapes • Renovating & Upgrades • Flagstone • Limestone Wall Stone • Pavers • Patios • Paths • Retaining Walls • Borders • Mowing • Cleanup • Drainage Solutions

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816-392-4433 • 816-618-3674 PAINTING

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For references and more information, visit www.kturnerpainting.com

• Commercial and Residential • Painting – Interior & Exterior • Wallpaper Removal & Installation • Texturing - All Types • Interior Ceiling & Wall Repair • Exterior Wood Rot Repair • Remodeling Available FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED •

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Spiders • Ants • Roaches • Bed Bugs • Termites • Insulation • Raccoons • Squirrels • Rats • Mice • Snakes • Geese • Pigeons KC Metro Leavenworth Lawrence Overland Park Tonganoxie Area (913) 772-0200 (785) 842-5400 Olathe Basehor 593 12th St. (913) 649-3401 Tonganoxie, KS 66068 (816) 246-1202 Topeka (913) 845-3400 Toll Free (785) 235-0300 (866) 583-8010 Fax: (913) 845-3401

21 years of experience All sitters are Bonded, Insured & Background Checked References available

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The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 23

POOLS AND SPAS

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS J.A. B����

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• Pool Construction • Stamped Concrete • Swim Spas • Therapeutic Spas • Fencing • and More!!

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Trade-Ins Welcome • Financing Available

TLWood134@comcast.net

Terry Wood, Owner

(816) 206-0059

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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ROOFING

ROOFING

JAC K VAU G HT RO O F I N G

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Complete Re-Roof or Re-Siding over 2,000 sq. ft.

Expires 7-31-11

24 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

-Gutters: including gutter guards (Leaf Relief) -James Hardie Siding -Windows - Storm Damage Assessment - 16-point inspection

THE ROOFING MAN INC. (913) 381-2940

Educational Opportunities Continued from page 17 some of the world’s best art. Play in a golf tournament. Learn about the most extreme places on Earth.

Those are just a few of the things that summer campers at Kids ‘R’ Kids Olathe will experience this year.

“We have so many great things available in the Kansas City area that most families just don’t have the time to enjoy them,” said KRK Director Russ Robinson. “Summer is the time for our kids to take advantage of those attractions.

“Our parents want us to keep it simple so we do. The summer tuition covers all entry fees, meals, snacks, transportation – no hidden fees, no surprises. We realize families are watching their budgets, so we have made an exceptional effort to ensure we offer our campers the best value.”

Details are available at www. krkolathe.com or call (913) 390-0234 for more information.

“Our campers have so much going on they are never bored,” Robinson said. “That’s why so many of them keep coming back year after year.”

Old Mission United Methodist Early Education Center

Old Mission United Methodist Early Education Center has cared for children ages 1 to 10 for over 30 years.

• Activities focus on social, physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development,” said Director Betty Leonard.

Staff members have early childhood or elementary education degrees. The center is nationally accredited and proudly participates

in the pilot program for KQRIS (Kansas Quality Rating and Improvement Scale), scoring 5 out of 5 stars.

Old Mission United Methodist Early Education Center, located at the corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Mission Road, is open year round from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays (for toddlers, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

For more information, call (913) 236-5229.

Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills, 9300 Nall Ave., provides children, 18 months to 5 years of age, opportunities to grow and develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually through the use of materials, equipment and interactive activities.

These opportunities are accomplished with the love, understanding and guidance that are necessary for individual growth and development.

• Mother's Day Out is available for children who turn 18 months old

by Sept. 1. Children come one day a week (Monday to Friday) from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Preschool is offered to children who will turn 3 years of age by Sept.

1. Classes are held two mornings a week from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

• Pre-Kindergarten is available three mornings a week for those children who will turn 4 by Sept. 1. This class meets from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

•Transitional Kindergarten meets four mornings a week, Monday to Thursday, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

This class is for children who will be 5 years of age by Sept. 1 and can benefit from an additional year of kindergarten preparation.

All children enrolled in Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten can stay "extended day" one or two afternoons a week until 3 p.m.

For more information, call Arlys Tarwater, director, at (913) 642-8525. n

Card

Here’s My

WINDOWS

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• Windows - Any Style • Entry Doors/Patio Doors • Seamless Gutters & Gutter Topper • Facia/Soffit • Siding • Rotted Wood Replacement State of the art high efficiency, double lifetime warranty windows at extremely affordable prices! Will beat any competitors price.

Call now for your FREE in home estimate! www.clearchoice185.com Buy 8 windows Get 1 FREE!

The Johnson County Sun thanks the many merchants listed in this service directory and reminds our readers to support these fine businesses for all your service needs.

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 25

Government

T

ake a look around and get to know the cities and local governments that make up Johnson County.

Municipal Governments Of Johnson County

De Soto www.desotoks.us Mayor: David Anderson City Clerk: Lana McPherson (913) 583-1182, ext. 110 Fire Chief: Johnson County Northwest Consolidated Fire District Serving DeSoto and Northwest Johnson County, Terry Zahner (913) 583-3886 Police Chief: Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning (913) 791-5800 Area in Square Miles: 11.12 City Hall: 32905 W. 84th St. (913) 583-1182 Edgerton www.edgertonks.org Mayor: Donald Roberts City Administrator/City Clerk: David Dillner Fire Chief: Johnson County Fire District No. 1, Max Seilert (913) 782-3258 Police Chief: Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning (913) 791-5800 Area in Square Miles: 2.2 City Hall: 404 E. Nelson (913) 893-6231 Fairway www.fairwaykansas.org Mayor: Jerry Wiley City Administrator/City Clerk: Kate Gunja Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, Phil Hodgdon (913) 432-1105 Police Chief: John G. Simmons (913) 262-2364 Area in Square Miles: 1 City Hall: 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100 (913) 262-0350

Gardner www.gardnerkansas.gov Mayor: David C. Drovetta City Administrator: Stewart Fairburn City Clerk: Doreen K. Pesek Area in Square Miles: 10.18 City Hall: 120 E. Main (913) 856-7535 Lake Quivira Mayor: Wayne Hidalgo City Clerk: Diane Newton Fire Chief: Mark Stephan (913) 631-5300 Police Chief: Roger Villanueva (913) 631-5300 Area in Acres: 963.75 City Hall: 10 Crescent Blvd.

(913) 631-5300 Leawood www.leawood.org Mayor: Peggy J. Dunn City Administrator: Scott Lambers City Clerk: Deb Harper Fire Chief: Ben Florance (913) 681-6788, ext. 11 Police Chief: John Meier (913) 642-5555, ext. 202 Area in Square Miles: 14.7 City Hall: 4800 Town Center Drive (913) 339-6700 Municipal Court: 4800 Town Center Drive (913) 339-6735, ext. 224 Lenexa www.ci.lenexa.ks.us Mayor: Michael Boehm City Clerk: David Bryant City Administrator: Eric Wade Fire Chief: Dan Rhodus (913) 888-6380 Police Chief: Ellen Hanson (913) 477-7300 Area in Square Miles: 34.4 City Hall: 12350 W. 87th St. Parkway (913) 477-7500 Municipal Court: 12400 W. 87th St. Parkway (913) 477-7600 Merriam www.merriam.org Mayor: Ken Sissom City Clerk: Juli Pinnick City Administrator: Phillip Lammers

26 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

Fire Chief: Bob Pape (913) 322-5530 Police Chief: Bill Lietzke (913) 322-5560 Area in Square Miles: 4.5 City Hall: 9000 W. 62nd Terrace (913) 322-5500 Municipal Court: 9000 W. 62nd Terrace (913) 322-5540 Mission www.missionks.org Mayor: Laura McConwell City Administrator: Mike Scanlon Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, Phil Hodgdon (913) 432-1105 Interim Police Chief: Mark Sullivan (913) 676-8300 Area in Square Miles: 3 City Hall: 6090 Woodson Road (913) 676-8350 Mission Hills www.missionhillsks.gov Mayor: Rick Boeshaar City Administrator: Courtney Christensen Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, Phil Hodgdon (913) 432-1105 Police Chief: Prairie Village Chief Wes Jordan (913) 381-6464 Area in Square Miles: 2.1 City Hall: 6300 State Line Road (913) 362-9620 Mission Woods Mayor: Darrell Franklin City Clerk: Shelley Gregory Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, Phil Hodgdon (913) 432-1105 Police Chief: Westwood Chief Carlos Wells (913) 362-3737 Area in City Blocks: 5 City Hall: 4700 Rainbow Blvd.

(913) 236-8926 Olathe www.olatheks.org Mayor: Michael Copeland City Manager: Michael Wilkes

City Clerk: Tracy Howell Fire Chief: Jeff DeGraffenreid (913) 971-6333 Police Chief: Steve Menke (913) 971-7455 Area in Square Miles: Approximately 60.1 City Hall: 100 E. Santa Fe (913) 971-8600 Overland Park www.opkansas.org Mayor: Carl Gerlach City Manager: Bill Ebel City Clerk: Marian Cook (913) 895-6150 Fire Chief: Bryan Dehner (913) 888-6066 Police Chief: John Douglass (913) 327-6937 Area in Square Miles: 75.3 City Hall: 8500 Santa Fe Drive (913) 895-6000 Prairie Village www.pvkansas.com Mayor: Ronald L. Shaffer City Administrator: Quinn Bennion City Clerk: Joyce Hagen-Mundy Police Chief: Wes Jordan (913) 642-6868 Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, Phil Hodgdon (913) 432-1105 Area in Square Miles: 6.7 City Hall: 7700 Mission Road (913) 381-6464 Roeland Park www.roelandpark.net Mayor: Adrienne Foster City Administrator: John Carter City Clerk: Debra Mootz Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, Phil Hodgdon (913) 432-1105 Police Chief: Rex Taylor (913) 677-3363 Area in Square Miles: 1.64 City Hall: 4600 W. 51st St. (913) 722-2600 Shawnee www.cityofshawnee.org Mayor: Jeff Meyers City Manager: Carol Gonzales City Clerk: Keith Campbell

Government Fire Chief: Jeff Hudson (913) 631-1080 Police Chief: Larry Larimore (913) 631-2155 Area in Square Miles: 42.25 City Hall: 11110 Johnson Drive (913) 631-2500

Driver's Licenses

Offices: 6507 Johnson Drive Mission, KS 66202 (913) 432-2266

1839 S. Ridgeview (151st Street and Ridgeview) Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 829-2501

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. All testing Spring Hill (driving and written) is done before www.springhillks.com 5 p.m.

Mayor: Mark Squire Driver's licenses issued are valid City Administrator: Jonathan Robfor four years for people under 21 or erts over 65 or for commercial driver's City Clerk: Anna Keena licenses.

Fire Chief: Johnson County Fire Licenses are valid for six years for District 2, Jeffery Johnson people between the ages of 21 and (913) 592-3926 65. Driver's licenses are renewed on Interim Police Chief: Richard Mann the person's date of birth.

(913) 592-2700 A student driving permit at age Area in Square Miles: 8.25 14 is $10. Four-year licenses cost $28 City Hall: 401 N. Madison for students passing a driver's edu(913) 592-3664 cation course and $31 without.

Six-year licenses have a fee rangWestwood ing from $26 for six years and $29 if www.westwoodkansas.org you have to do a driver's test.

Mayor: Steve Stubbers Duplicate driver's licenses are City Clerk: Kathleen McMahon $16. An address or license number Fire Chief: Consolidated Fire District change is $8. A fee of $1 is charged No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, for late renewals in addition to Phil Hodgdon normal fees.

(913) 432-1105 For out-of-state applicants, a KanPolice Chief: Carlos Wells sas driver's license is required within (913) 362-3737 90 days of established residency.

Area in Square Miles: 1 With a valid out-of-state operator City Hall: 4700 Rainbow Blvd. or motorcycle license, new residents (913) 362-1550 must take a vision test plus verify their name by birth certificate and/ Westwood Hills or marriage license and show proof http://heeney.us/westwoodhillof residency. sks/index.htm For name changes or duplicate Mayor: John Heeney licenses, licensees should bring the City Administrator/Clerk: appropriate documentation to prove Duncan Samuel a name change and proper identifiFire Chief: Consolidated Fire District cation for duplicates. You must have No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County, your Social Security number now for Phil Hodgdon these changes, and the name on the (913) 432-1105 Social Security card must match the Police Chief: name on the driver's license.

Westwood Chief Carlos Wells Those applying for the first time (913) 362-3737 should bring in an original birth Area in City Blocks: 5 certificate, passport or a certified P.O. Box 922 Shawnee Mission, KS copy, or military identification card, 66201-0922 and proof of residency. People under (913) 262-6622

16 must have their birth certificate and one form of ID and a parent with them; those 16 and over must have their birth certificate and two forms of ID. Everyone must provide a Social Security number to get a driver's license or ID.

Register to Vote

Johnson County Election Office 2101 E. Kansas City Road Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 782-3441 www.jocoelection.org To be eligible to vote in Kansas, you must be a U.S. citizen, resident of the state of Kansas, and have reached the age of 18 years prior to the next election. ID is required for first-time voters in the county.

You may register to vote when you get or renew your Kansas driver’s license. Applications are also available at the Election Office, libraries, city halls, and at www.jocoelection. org. Citizens with a valid Kansas driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card may now register to vote online. You must re-register each time you change your name, address, or party affiliation for voting. Go to www.voteks.org and click on Online Voter Registration Application.

Beginning 20 days prior to Election Day, voters may review their sample ballot and confirm their polling place on the Election Office website at www.jocoelection.org.

Visit www.jocopolo.com for a map from home to your polling place.

Three voting options in Johnson County are: 1) Advance voting in person at the Election Office. In addition, satellite sites are open for fall elections.

2) Advance voting by mail beginning 20 days prior to Election Day. 3) Voting at the polls on Election Day (polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for General Elections).

Advance voting locations and hours are subject to change depending on the election. Check the Election Office website at www.jocoelection.org for current information.

By Mail – Advance Voting: To

vote in advance by mail, registered voters may complete an Application for an Advance Voting Ballot and fax to (913) 791-8931 or (913) 791-8932, or mail to Johnson County Election Office, 2101 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS 66061. A separate application must be submitted for each election. Applications are available on the Election Office website, or at the Election Office, city halls and public libraries. The completed application must be received at the Election Office before 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to the election. Ballots are mailed beginning 20 days prior to Election Day. Voted ballots may be returned by mail or hand-delivered to the Election Office. An afterhours drop box is available near the front entrance. Ballots may NOT be faxed. To be counted, the ballot must be received at the Election Office before 7 p.m. on Election Day. League of Women Voters of Johnson County (913) 901-9107 The League of Women Voters is a political, but nonpartisan, organization of women and men. The league provides voter service information; studies issues; develops a position statement based on membership consensus; and then takes action at the local, state and national levels.

Each member is encouraged to participate in the party of her or his choice and to be politically active.

Johnson County Motor Vehicle http://treasurer.jocogov.org Mission Office 6000 Lamar Mission, KS 66202 Phone: (913) 826-1800 Fax: (913) 715-2510 Olathe Office 782 N. Ridgeview Road Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 826-1800 Fax: (913) 715-2510 Continued on page 26

The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 27

Government Continued from page 25 Hours of Operation Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Closed on holidays Get in line online or by phone.

Before going to title or register your vehicle reserve your place in line at either the Mission or Olathe DMV at http://treasurer.jocogov.org or by calling 1-888-9-JOCO-KS (1-888956-2657). This new service provides customers estimated wait times for each location, the ability to place themselves in line prior to coming in the office and status updates by text messaging by providing their cell phone number.

Renew online…not in line. You may renew your vehicle tags using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express or DISCOVER) or by eCheck (debit your checking or savings account) online at http:// treasurer.jocogov.org. You may also renew your tags using a credit card over the phone at 1-866-4KS-TAGS (1-866-457-8247). There will be a convenience fee charged by the payment processor for this service.

Some registrations may not qualify for electronic renewal.

Vehicle Tag Registration and Renewal Information New Residents: Any vehicle must be registered within 90 days from the date a Kansas residency has been established.

Established Residents: Used vehicles must be registered within 30 days of purchase, which is the assigned date on the title, to avoid a possible penalty. New vehicles must be registered within 30 days of purchase, which is the assigned date on the certificate of origin, to avoid a possible penalty. After a vehicle is registered for the first time in Johnson County, the owner is responsible for the annual renewals prior to expiration.

Any vehicle garaged in Johnson County may owe property tax, even if it belongs to a company that is headquartered out of state.

What You Need Proof of Insurance: State law requires that each vehicle carry an insurance card with the name of insurer, name of insured, policy number, effective date and expiration date to include current date, and vehicle description including V.I.N. Odometer Disclosure Statement: Vehicles less than 10 years old require the Odometer Disclosure Statement completed by the seller and the buyer.

Kansas Highway Patrol Inspection Slip: This is needed only if the vehicle has an out-of-state title, or Kansas salvage title, as well as vehicles that have been assembled or are homemade.

Sales Tax Receipt: If the vehicle is purchased new, the receipt must come from a Kansas motor vehicle dealer. If the vehicle is purchased from a dealer outside Kansas, a bill of sale for sales tax purposes is needed. Sales tax can be as much as 9.275 percent of the purchase price, depending on the area in which a person lives.

Payment: Payment may be cash, check or credit card. Valid proof of identification must be provided when paying by check or credit card.

Renewal Form: Courtesy notification of renewal is generally mailed by the Kansas Department of Revenue 45 days prior to expiration.

If the form is lost or not received by the 5th of the month in which the current tag expires, you can get a duplicate renewal notification by calling or going to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Have your plate number on hand.

Determining Property Taxes: If the property tax is not listed on the renewal form, call the Johnson County Appraiser's Office at (913) 715-9000 and ask for assistance.

Vehicle Inspection Information Kansas law requires the Kansas Highway Patrol to inspect vehicles

28 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

that were previously titled in another state to verify the identification number on the vehicle is genuine and agrees with the identification number shown on the out-of-state title. Vehicles that have been issued a Kansas non-highway title or Kansas salvage title, as well as vehicles that have been assembled or are homemade, are also required to be inspected. For more information, location times or additional inspection locations, visit www.KansasHighwayPatrol.org.

The following items must be presented to complete the inspection: • Vehicle, title and/or supporting documents (salvage, owner retain salvage, assembled vehicles) • Valid driver’s license for person presenting vehicle for inspection • Inspection fee (payable by cash, check, VISA or MasterCard) • $10 for regular MVE-1 inspection • $15 for salvage/prior or rebuilt salvage Locations and Phone Numbers: Kansas City Office (913) 334-9604 7330 I-70, Exit 415, Kansas City, KS 66112 Lamar Office (913) 677-5276 3101 S. 24th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 Olathe Office (913) 780-6058 395 E. Dennis, Olathe, KS 66061 •CALL FOR INSPECTION HOURS•

Johnson County Government www.jocogov.org Administration Building 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 3300 Olathe, KS 66061 County Manager: Hannes Zacharias (913) 715-0725 Sheriff Frank Denning (913) 791-5800 The sheriff and his deputies

patrol the streets and highways in unincorporated areas of the county and help investigate crimes. The office is charged with serving subpoenas issued by the courts, collecting delinquent taxes and operating the county's jails.

District Attorney, 10th Judicial District Stephen Howe (913) 715-3000 The district attorney's office sees that the laws of the state of Kansas are faithfully executed and enforced.

Its primary responsibility is the prosecution of criminal violations, both adult and juvenile.

Johnson County Commissioners

County Chairman Ed Eilert (913) 715-0500 E-mail: Ed.Eilert@jocogov.org District 1 Ed Peterson (913) 715-0431 E-mail: Ed.Peterson@jocogov.org District 2 Jim Allen (913) 715-0432 E-mail: Jim.Allen@jocogov.org District 3 David Lindstrom (913) 715-0433 E-mail: David.Lindstrom@jocogov.org District 4 Jason Osterhaus (913) 715-0434 E-mail: Jason.Osterhaus@jocogov.org District 5 Michael Ashcraft (913) 715-0435 E-mail: Michael.Ashcraft@jocogov.org District 6 Calvin Hayden (913) 715-0436 E-mail: Calvin.Hayden@jocogov.org n

Area hospitals provide state-of-the-art health care

Health

Here is a list of a few of Greater Kansas City’s many health care facilities: Centerpoint Medical Center 19600 E. 39th St. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 698-7000 Website: www.centerpointmedical.com

(913) 696-8000 Website: www.childrens-mercy.org

(816) 995-2000 Website: www.kindredhospitalkc.com

Crittenton Children’s Center 10918 Elm Ave. Kansas City, MO 64134 (816) 765-6600 Website: www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org

Lee’s Summit Medical Center 2100 S.E. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 282-5000 Website: www.leessummitmedicalcenter.com

Children’s Mercy Hospital 2401 Gillham Road Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 234-3000 Website: www.childrens-mercy.org

Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital 10720 Nall Ave. Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 754-5000 Website: www.hssh.org

Children’s Mercy Northland 501 N.W. Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64155 (816) 413-2500 Website: www.childrens-mercy.org

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute 3651 College Blvd.

Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 338-4100 Website: www.kcoi.com

Menorah Medical Center 5721 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 498-6000 Website: www.menorahmedicalcenter.com

Children’s Mercy South 5808 W. 110th St. Overland Park, KS 66211

Kindred Hospital 8701 Troost Ave. Kansas City, MO 64131

Mid America Rehabilitation Hospital 5701 W. 110th St.

North Kansas City Hospital 2800 Clay Edwards Drive North Kansas City, MO 64116 (816) 691-2000 Website: www.nkch.org Northland LTAC (Long-Term Acute Care) Hospital 500 N.W. 68th St. Kansas City, MO 64118 (816) 420-6300 Website: www.rehabcare.com/partner/hospitals/northland Olathe Medical Center 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 791-4200 Website: www.olathehealth.org © The University of Kansas Hospital

Marillac Center 8000 W. 127th St. Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 681-KIDS or (816) 508-3300 Website: www.marillac.org

Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 491-2400 Website: www.midamericarehabhospital.com

We’re here when you need us.

Four Convenient Urgent Care Locations When you or someone you love is sick or has a minor medical emergency, you can trust our urgent care physicians and staff.

Creekwood Urgent Care 816-505-5050 Weekdays, 5:30-9 p.m.

Weekends, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

KU MedWest Urgent Care 913-588-8450 Weekdays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Weekends, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Westwood Urgent Care 913-588-8700 Weekdays, 5-9 p.m.

Weekends, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wyandotte Urgent Care 913-321-4567 Weekdays, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

kumed.com/urgentcare

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The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 29

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6980 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66223 913-498-3033 11952 West 95th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 913-438-2000 We Service All Makes, Brands & Models 30 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

Health Overland Park Regional Medical Center 10500 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66215 (913) 541-5000 Website: www.oprmc.com Providence Medical Center 8929 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66112 (913) 596-4000 Website: www.providence-health.org Research Belton Hospital 17065 S. 71 Highway Belton, MO 64012 (816) 348-1200 Website: www.researchbeltonhospital.com Research Medical Center 2316 E. Meyer Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64132 (816) 276-4000 Website: www.researchmedicalcenter.com St. Joseph Medical Center 1000 Carondelet Drive Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 942-4400 Website: www.carondelethealth.org Saint Luke’s East-Lee’s Summit 100 N.E. Saint Luke’s Blvd.

Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 347-5000 Website: www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org Saint Luke’s Hospital 4401 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 932-2000 Website: www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital Barry Road Campus 5830 N.W. Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64154

(816) 891-6000 Website: www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital Smithville Campus 601 S. 169 Highway Smithville, MO 64089 (816) 532-3700 Website: www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org Saint Luke’s South 12300 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66213 (913) 317-7000 Website: www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org St. Mary’s Medical Center 201 N.W. R.D. Mize Road Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-5900 Website: www.carondelethealth.org Shawnee Mission Medical Center 9100 W. 74th St. Merriam, KS 66204 (913) 676-2000 Website: www.shawneemission.org Shawnee Mission Outpatient Pavilion at Prairie Star Parkway 23401 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa, KS 66227 (913) 676-8500 Website: www.shawneemission.org Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill 2301 Holmes Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 404-1000 Website: www.trumed.org University of Kansas Hospital 3901 Rainbow Blvd.

Kansas City, KS 66160 (913) 588-1227 Website: www.kumed.com VA Medical Center 4801 E. Linwood Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64128 (816) 861-4700 Website: www.kansascity.va.gov

n

© 2010 0 Kansa K Kaansas City C Cancer Center

Cancer is a journey.

We walk it with each and every patient.

Cancer is more than a diagnosis and a treatment — it’s a journey. At Kansas City Cancer Center, we’ve made that journey with thousands of patients and will make it with many more. We are currently seeking additional staff, and invite dedicated, patient-focused individuals to explore employment opportunities at K Kansas City Cancer Center. Please visit www.KCCancerCenter.com for a list of current openings, or submit your resume to KCCCResumes@USOncology.com The Sun Newspapers • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • April 2011 • 31

Different reasons for coming…

For every senior who has found a home in Overland Park Place, there is a different story, a different reason for choosing our very special independent living community.

Meet Jody Cummings. After a stroke and months of rehabilitative therapy, she needed an environment that would keep her on the right path to recovery. Overland Park has been a wellspring of inspiration!

She enjoys all of our services and amenities, from surfing the internet to joining familiar faces in the dining room. We’re happy to report that Jody is experiencing the healing power of Overland Park Place – a place where support is the best medicine!

If you are looking for a senior community that may be the right fit for you, please call us at 913-383-9876.

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6555 West 75th Street • Overland Park, KS

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32 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

Senior Services

T

he following is a sampling of the many local offerings seniors can take advantage of.

Accessibility Program Johnson County Human Services 11811 S. Sunset, Suite 1300 Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 715-8861 (older adults) (913) 715-8918 (younger adults) The Accessibility Program advocates full access to all aspects of Johnson County life for individuals with a disability through case management, home-delivered meals and light housekeeping, disability awareness, deaf services and support groups.

Catch-A-Ride 11811 S. Sunset Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 715-8900 Coordinator: Barbara Gerhard barbara.gerhard@jocogov.org Catch-A-Ride is a volunteer transportation service for older adults, people with disabilities and people in life transition. Catch-A-Ride was established in cooperation with three other county departments: Mental Health, Developmental Supports and Public Works/Transit. The CatchA-Ride program utilizes volunteer drivers to drive people to the doctor, the grocery store and shopping.

Volunteers needed.

50-Plus Program Roeland Park, KS (913) 826-3160 Overland Park, KS (913) 642-6410 Olathe, KS (913) 782-1878 Coordinator: Sharon Maisch The 50-Plus Program provides leisure opportunities for active adults over 50. As a division of Johnson County Park and Recreation District, the program is also sponsored by the cities of Olathe, Overland Park and Roeland Park. It offers a variety of opportunities that encourage older adults to remain active.

Programs: Fitness and recreational programs include pickelball, swimming, hiking, biking, educational

classes, creative workshops, computer classes and special events.

Classes and programs are held mornings, afternoons and evenings at three centers and various satellite locations. Dances, walking clubs, card and cribbage activities, dance and fitness classes, and craft and instructional courses are offered each season.

Access to many free services and support programs also is provided in cooperation with other local agencies.

The 50-Plus Travel program provides an opportunity for day trips, overnights, and domestic and international extended tours.

Foster Grandparents Program 209 S. Silver Paola, KS 66071 (913) 294-3880 Director: Jennifer Haley About 65 to 70 low-income senior adults are involved in the Foster Grandparents Program of Miami, Franklin, Linn, and Johnson counties.

The program provides seniors with the opportunity to volunteer to praise, encourage and motivate children and youths in areas of literacy and other achievement of goals. Stipend offered to those who are eligible.

Johnson County Area Agency on Aging 11811 S. Sunset Dr., Suite 1300 Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 715-8800 The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging is part of Johnson County Human Services and is responsible for planning and implementing services for persons 60 years of age and older in Johnson County. The Area Agency on Aging receives and allocates federal, state and county funds to provide services to residents 60 and over. Its Nutrition Program provides hot, nutritious noon meals; fellowship; recreation Monday through Friday at eight senior nutrition centers; and delivery of meals to homebound older adults. AAA also offers information and referral, case

Senior Services management, in-home services and other programs to help older adults remain independent in their homes.

Kansas Legal Services 400 State Ave., Suite 1015 Kansas City, KS 66101 Local phone: (913) 621-0200 To apply for services, call: (800) 723-6953 Kansas Legal Services, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides quality legal advice and representation to low-income applicants regarding civil issues where there is no legal right to representation. The Kansas City office serves Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Miami, Franklin and Linn counties. Kansas Legal Services has an elder law project that requires applicants to be 60 or older of any income range and live in one of its service areas. Senior citizen applicants can schedule appointments

to meet with staff members at a number of locations. KLS assists seniors with a variety of issues including advance directives, housing issues, Medicare/Medicaid, patients’ rights and insurance issues. KLS assists applicants who are under 60 years of age through a variety of programs.

There are several programs that allow KLS to assist victims of domestic violence with obtaining Protection from Abuse orders and divorces. It also assists applicants who are on General Assistance with obtaining Social Security benefits. In addition, there is a program to assist applicants with bankruptcy. KLS does not represent persons charged in criminal or traffic cases, fee-generating cases or contingency fee cases. Due to limited resources and prioritization of need, KLS is not able to provide assistance in every case or case type.

Kansas University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 1515 St. Andrews Drive Lawrence, KS 66047 (785) 864-5823 (877) 404-5823 (toll-free) www.osher.ku.edu The KU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a part of KU Continuing Education. It provides accessible and innovative learning environments for the Lawrence, Topeka, Overland Park and Kansas City areas, with special focus on participants age 50 and over.

Learners from all backgrounds and levels of education are welcome to enjoy the benefits of Institute membership. Choosing from a diverse collection of non-credit courses, learners create their own program of personal development, expanding their views of the world and enriching their lives and their communities.

Shepherd's Center of KC Central 5200 Oak Kansas City, MO 64112 (816) 444-1121 www.sccentral.org

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Director: JoEllen Wurth, MSW Shepherd’s Center Central provides a variety of programs and services in Johnson County and a portion of South Kansas City that assist mid-life and older adults in staying independent and in their home. The Center also provides a range of volunteer opportunities and lifelong learning experiences.

Exclusive to Johnson County are the Grocery Shopper and Friendly Visitor services that match volunteers with homebound older adults. Once a year in the fall the Extreme Yard Rakeover project brings volunteers to the homes of older adults to rake and bag leaves, bundle sticks and trim bushes.

In late 2009 Shepherd's Center added the KC Caregiver Supportline, a service geared to caregivers of older adults that need targeted information, and Coming of Age: Kansas City, a civic involvement initiative that is geared to baby boomers and beyond.

Shepherd's Center recently became the home to the Retirement Services Volunteer Program.

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34 • April 2011 • THE GUIDE TO JOHNSON COUNTY • The Sun Newspapers

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