Explore Liberty — 2014

Explore Liberty INSIDE...

Downtown Map Calendar of Events “Old Soles”

Mace Shoe Repair

and much more!

March 2014

www.explorelibertymo.com

Trim 8.5” x 11”

40 Years

Safe Image 7.62”

x 10.12”

of Caring for You.

Committed to our community.

Times have changed since we first opened our doors in 1974.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to you and a healthy community.

As we continue to develop the services you need – from primary care to obstetrics to orthopedics/sports medicine and cardiac care – we are grateful to be celebrating 40 years of connecting to you .

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CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Explore Liberty is published by the Liberty Tribune in partnership with Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. and the City of Liberty.

The City of

Photographs contributed by Explore Liberty!

Community Partners and Liberty Tribune Archives

104 N. Main • Liberty, MO 64068 Sandy Nelson................................... Publisher Amy Neal............................................ Editor Julie Baker............................Graphic Designer

Table of Contents

M ES S AGE FR O M TH E M AY O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

H I S T ORY & H E R I TA GE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

4 5

14 ART S , C U LTU R E & E NTE RTA I NM E NT.. . . . . . . ... 16 AR EA M A P .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 ED UC ATI O N.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24 R EC R EATI O N.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 28 C AL ENDA R O F E V E NTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34 AR EA C I V I C I NFO R M ATI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 37 OL D S OL E S .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

On the Cover...

The likeness of the first U.S. president, George Washington, is the first statue in The Great Americans Project public art initiative. (Page 19)

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Life, Liberty...

A M E S S A GE FR O M TH E MAYOR

For 185 years people have been living, visiting and exploring the wonderful community of Liberty, Mo. It is fitting that this publication is titled Explore Liberty, for this is a community with a wide variety of opportunities and experiences and where there is something here for everyone.

Incorporated as a town in 1829, Liberty is the perfect blend of old and new. The historic downtown area, affectionately known as the Square, is surrounded by a multitude of well-preserved homes and landmarks found within five historic districts, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We are proud to be recognized as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street communities and a Preserve America community.

This heritage is complimented by the vibrancy of unique shops, museums, historic sites and a variety of restaurants.

The atmosphere is friendly, and access is convenient — a perfect place to relax and explore at your own pace. If your tastes are more urban, other areas of Liberty offer a wide selection of commonly known retailers, restaurants, services and other businesses found in large communities. If you can’t find it in Liberty, you probably didn’t need it anyway!

Make a day or evening of it and join us for one of our special events such as the Liberty Arts Squared festival in June, the Liberty4thFest in July and the Fall Festival in September. Become a regular at the award-winning Saturday Farmers’ Market and monthly cruise nights that are sponsored by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc., or Jazz on the Square and other special events offered by the Corbin Theatre. There is an abundance of other recreational and cultural activities offered throughout the year by our own Parks and Recreation Department, the Liberty Symphony Orchestra and the Liberty Community Band. The fine arts and athletic departments of William Jewell College and Liberty Public Schools provide excellent events. They are definitely a value for your money worth exploring; costs are very reasonable, the arts productions are excellent and the athletic contests are exciting.

Education and health care are proud hallmarks of the Liberty community. In each of the 12 years the state of Missouri has presented the Distinction in Performance Award, Liberty Public Schools has been consistently recognized as high performing, making it one of only 6 percent of Missouri districts to be placed in this category.

William Jewell College’s 200-acre campus in Liberty is 4 Explore Liberty • March 2014

a nationally recognized NCAA Division II liberal arts college receiving honors from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Well-regarded Liberty Hospital is a Level II Emergency Trauma Center equipped to handle a broad range of emergencies, offers a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery and was recently named among “100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs” by Becker’s Hospital Review.

Whatever you are looking for — a place to live for life, visit for a day or just explore for a few hours — you are sure to find what you are looking for here. I encourage you to Explore Liberty ... and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Best wishes,

Lyndell Brenton, Mayor

H I S T O R Y & H E R I TA G E

With a strong commitment to its rich history, Liberty was designated a Preserve America community in 2007.

The city’s local and national historic districts, historical museums and regular guided history-themed tours are a few ways to enjoy Liberty’s heritage.

LIBERTY SETTLEMENT

During the unprecedented wave of westward migration in the early 19th century, farmers, fur-traders and land speculators were attracted to the less expensive, unclaimed lands of the nation’s westernmost frontier. Access to northwestern Missouri was possible for migrants from Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, thanks to the availability of transportation on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

historian, told the Liberty Tribune. “The seizure of the arsenal in 1855 signaled that a true civil war was in progress years before the guns of Ft. Sumter convinced our country of it.

The second seizure in 1861 demonstrated the course of action to be taken against the United States in Missouri.

It alerted those in charge of the larger arsenal at St. Louis and legitimized the severe actions taken by U.S. forces in response.�

The Liberty Arsenal was used during the Civil War to house U.S. troops from other states that occupied Missouri and to hold female prisoners who were arrested for disloyalty. It was torn down after the war.

A few weeks after the 1861 arsenal raid, Frank James, 18, joined the Con-

federate Missouri State Guard. His unit was involved in several battles including Wilson’s Creek. In September, the Battle of Blue Mills was fought south of Liberty when Federal forces were ambushed by Southerners and driven back to William Jewell College, which was used as a burial ground and hospital.

Frank was arrested twice in 1862 for disloyalty, escaped from the Liberty jail, and had to forfeit $1,000. By 1863, he became a rebel guerrilla riding with a Liberty man named Fernando (or Ferdinand) Scott under William Clarke Quantrill. In May 1863, the guerrillas raided Missouri City.

Also in May, a Union militia group went to the James farm, roughed up Jesse and his pregnant, twice-widowed mother, Zerelda, and hanged her third

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While western Missouri was embroiled in the Border Wars with territorial Kansas in the mid-1850s, Clay County was in a relatively safe position, protected by the difficult-to-cross Missouri River. Just like our state, Clay County was populated by a mixture of people with both northern and southern roots and loyalties.

Frank and Jesse James, destined to become the county’s most infamous residents, were growing up here during that time.

The Civil War officially began April 12, 1861. Eight days later it came to Missouri when Henry Routt of Liberty led a bloodless, two-week-long raid on the Federal arsenal south of town. “The United States arsenal of Liberty is one of the most important historical sites in our state. It was seized twice by American citizens who were acting in opposition to their government,� Jay Jackson, a Civil War re-enactor and

5 (ZO (]LU\L 3PILY[` 4PZZV\YP Ç Explore Liberty • March 2014

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L I B E R T Y ’ S H I S T O R Y & H E R I TA G E

Explore Liberty’s

was born. There is an admission fee. To contact the museum, call 736-8500.

L I B E R T Y ’ S H I S T O R Y & H E R I TA G E

C L AY C O U N T Y M U S E U M & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Located in the heart of downtown in the county seat, the Clay County Museum and Historical Society offers a wide variety of exhibits and activities.

In existence since 1965, the museum is located in a historic building that has always previously housed drugstores.

The first drugstore at this site was opened in 1865 and remodeled in 1877 to its current appearance. Honoring its building’s heritage, museum exhibits include a restored doctor’s office and X-ray room from the 1920s, as well as many patented medicines in their original containers displayed in 1877 cabinetry.

Clay County Museum & Historical Society Other exhibits include pioneer tools, period tools, period rooms and an standing and open for tours as the Jesse extensive display of American Indian husband, Dr. Reuben Samuel. Dr. Samuel survived, and the baby girl born James Bank Museum, located on Libartifacts. Music lovers will enjoy seeerty’s downtown square at 103 N. Water ing a rare harp piano in the museum’s several months later was named FanSt. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to Victorian Parlor. Items recently put on nie Quantrell Samuel. “Fannie Q” has many descendants still residing in Clay 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There display at the museum include the “Old is an admission fee. To contact the County today.

Spanish Canon” that used to sit on the Young Jesse finally joined the guerril- museum, call 736-8510. grounds of the old Clay County CourtAnother Clay County historic site la ranks when he was 16. Both brothers house. with ties to the local infamous outwere undoubtedly later present at the revenge killings of four men associated law, the James Farm & Museum east of Kearney, is where Frank and Jesse with the 1863 hanging party of Dr. lived. It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Samuel.

The first steamboat passed up the in the summer months. From October When the war came to an end in Missouri River. A few decades later, 1865, it wasn’t really over. Missouri had to April, the doors are open 9 a.m. to during the 1830s, Liberty Landing 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and welcomed at least one docking earned the reputation of the bloodiest steamboat daily. noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Visitors state. The James boys launched a 16year criminal career in 1866 at the Clay can view galleries of artifacts and take a County Savings and Loan, which is still guided tour inside the house where Jesse Activities offered to the community include presentations and study groups.

Presentations have included topics such as Watkins Mill, Lake Maurer and Frank James. Recent study group session have delved into discussions as varied as the World War II prisoner of war camp located in Clay County, the Interurban (Kansas City, Clay County, & St. Joseph Railroad) and one-room ® school houses.

The museum and historical society 9800 NE Barry Rd (Hwy 152) also hosts an annual homes tour, a Just west of I-35, in front of Home Depot picnic and trivia nights. The museum, at 14 N. Main St., is open every day 6 Explore Liberty • March 2014

1819

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L I B E R T Y ’ S H I S T O R Y & H E R I TA G E

except Sunday. It is recommended visitors call ahead to verify hours. Contact the museum at 792-1849 or visit www. claycountymusuem.org.

and a 7-inch axle hole in the middle, it measures 8 inches thick by 65 inches in diameter and weighs about 1,000 pounds. It was pulled by a mule or ox to crush bark peeled from oak trees to C L AY C O U N T Y A R C H I V E S release the acidic substance tannin.

The bark was then thrown into a & HISTORICAL LIBRARY shallow leaching pit with cold water The History of the city of Liberty and Clay County is varied and interest- that yielded a thick sickly sweet tannin liquor. Scraped animal hides were ing. We have seen the likes of Carrie Nation, Jesse James and George Caleb laid into this pit to absorb the tannin, which helped the tissue resist decay.

Bingham, to name a few. People have been applying their talents in many oc- Although oak-bark tanning is rarely practiced today, leather processed in cupations and businesses here as well. the Clay County Archives and Histori- this way is still considered to be the highest quality. cal Library has a rather large artifact The Clay County Archives has been to one of these professions — tanning leather — on its front lawn. The huge, procuring this kind of information since 1979, and it’s been collecting round, gear-toothed stone that greets records from all sources ever since. The visitors was recovered from a piece of archives has accumulated hundreds property about 5 miles northwest of Liberty formerly owned by John Dunn, of thousands of records, photographs, maps, family histories, history books, who purchased it in 1830.

Dunn operated a tanyard there in the obituaries and other documents.

Donations of materials that would be 1840s and used this “edge runner stone” of interest to current and future hisin the process. Carved from a single piece of limestone with serrated edges torians are always being sought, as are

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volunteers to help preserve the history of Clay County.

The archives and library are located a block east of Liberty Square at 210 E. Franklin St. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 6:30 to 9 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. Contact the archives at 781-3611 or info@claycountyarchives.org. For more information, visit claycountyarchives.org.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

Clay County African American Legacy Consortium Inc. is a Libertybased group dedicated to educating and informing the community about the history and influence of African-Americans in Clay County. The group began in 2000 as grassroots effort to preserve black history in conjunction with Kansas City’s sesquicentennial celebration.

At its inception, CCAAL sponsored a variety of projects, including the dedication of the Freedom Fountain Monument in 2001 on the lawn of

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the the school, plans are in the works to modernize the kitchen, restrooms and auditorium.

CCAAL is excited to offer new programs at Garrison, including a Fourth Friday event that will feature local art, poetry and dance each month. The group is also working with Liberty’s Corbin Theatre on a community theater project that will serve as a fundraiser for the historic school. These programs are in addition to the group’s annual Kwaanza and Juneteenth celebrations.

CCAAL supports two major yearlong programs that are focused on improving the quality of education for Liberty’s youth. The first is the After School Educational Mentoring program, which is a collaboration between the city of Liberty, Liberty Public Schools and William Jewell College.

Designed for high school students, the program provides support for student development in four areas, including ACT preparation, leadership training, drug education and cultural enrichment, with trips to attractions like the 18th & Vine District, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Federal Reserve Bank. Another CCAAL program, the Lion and Unicorn Reading Program, is a free early childhood literacy program for second-graders that was established in 2004.

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the old Clay County Courthouse. The monument was funded by a brick paver project that raised $40,000. In 2003, the CCAAL facilitated the installation of an 8-by-10-foot mural on the third floor of the old courthouse at the center of the downtown square, currently the Clay County Administration Building.

The mural depicts African-American pioneers from the 1800s to the present day.

Also in 2003, the CCAAL incorporated its organization and purchased the Garrison School building from Liberty Public Schools. Named in honor of William Lloyd Garrison, an abolitionist who served in President Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet, the school was established in 1877 as Liberty’s only African-American school. It later earned the reputation as being the best school for African-American students in the state of Missouri.

The school now serves as offices for CCAAL, as well as a place for community events, exhibits, and cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. It is listed on national, state and local registries as a historic landmark.

An extensive beautification project is under way at Garrison School. Community partners are working to add an outdoor patio, terraced landscaping and murals by renowned artist Mark English to the exterior of the building. Inside

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L I B E R T Y ’ S H I S T O R Y & H E R I TA G E

James Country Mercantile

JAMES COUNTRY MERCANTILE One of the largest “sutleries� in existence can be found in downtown Liberty. James Country mercantile offers a full line of historically accurate goods, custom sewing, research and consultation specializing in the 19th century and emphasizing the Civil War

on the Missouri-Kansas border.

Founded in 1986, the business operated strictly “in the field� for the first 10 years as Del and Jean Warren took their tent to outdoor events such as re-enactments and rendezvous. Their retail store at 111 N. Main St. opened in March 1996 and is the largest of its kind in the Midwest. They have served

as historical consultants to numerous artists, authors, living history sites and even a few movies.

With apparel, books on every aspect of mid-19th century life, both military and civilian, period sewing patterns, all types of muzzleloading firearms, cleaning accessories and more, James Country can outfit the 1800s living historian from head to foot, outside and underneath. Lady or gentleman, civilian or soldier, Union or Confederate, cowboy, outlaw or lawman, they will help you establish your camp, get the correct clothing, cook your grub, get your gun and keep it shooting and generally spruce up your living history impression.

Visit James Country Mercantile and step back in time. Visit www.jamescountry.com for more information.

CEMETERIES

Mt. Memorial Cemetery was the first cemetery established in Clay County other than family burial grounds and has been in continuous use from the

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early 1820s to the present. In the summer of 2012, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While cemeteries are not typically eligible for listing in the National

LIBERTY TRIBUNE

The Liberty Tribune is one of the oldest continuously published news-

papers west of the Mississippi River.

Since its first issue on April 4, 1864, the newspaper’s motto has been, “Willing to praise but not afraid to blame.”

Although founder Robert Hugh Miller was only 19 years old at the time, the publisher already had six years of experience in the newspaper business.

In its 168-year existence, the Liberty Tribune has had 11 owners. In addition to Miller (39 years), those who have owned it the longest include Irving Gilmer (39 years), A.L. Preston (29 years) and Harold Townsend (38 years). The Tribune was purchased by St. Joseph-based News-Press & Gazette Co. in 2004.

New editions of the printed newspaper hit the streets and subscriber mailboxes each Thursday, and additional community news can be found online daily at www.LibertyTribune.com.

The paper’s office is downtown, just off the Square, at 104 N. Main St. To contact the newsroom or sales staff, call 781-4941. n

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L I B E R T Y ’ S H I S T O R Y & H E R I TA G E

Fairview and New Hope Cemeteries

Register, Mt. Memorial has special historical significance because it is the final resting place of many of the original settlers and founding fathers of Liberty and Clay County. It is also associated with historic events such as westward expansion, the settlement of the city of Liberty and the Civil War. It also retains a collection of artistic grave markers and monuments from the mid19th to the early 20th century.

Fairview Cemetery was established in 1857 and was so named because it overlooked the fairgrounds to the south, where during the Civil War, Union soldiers camped on the fairgrounds. In 1901, the old fairgrounds were acquired by the city to extend the cemetery.

A contest was held to name the new cemetery, and the name “New Hope” was chosen. When new graves are dug, stirrups, spoons, belt buckles, and other such items occasionally appear.

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Liberty’s history lives on in numerous well-preserved historic districts and landmarks. There are five local historic districts, six National Register districts, 17 locally designated landmarks and eight properties individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Clay County Savings Bank: In 1866, this was the site of the first successful daylight bank robbery by the Jesse James Gang. It now houses the Jesse James Bank Museum.

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HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND L A N D M A R K S AT A G L A N C E

Jewell Hall: Built in 1851, the hall is the centerpiece and oldest building on the campus of William Jewell College.

Liberty Jail: Built in 1833, the jail is known for its most famous prisoner, Joseph Smith, first president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. Smith and six of his followers were housed in the jail during the winter of 1839.

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Odd Fellows Home Complex: Now home to the Belvoir Winery and event center, the complex is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its fine architecture and its contribution to local and state history. The site is significant for the intact examples of Jacobethan Revival architecture and its association with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, one of the largest fraternal and benevolent orders in the United States.

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Garrison School: High on the hill of North Water and Main streets stands Garrison School, established in 1877 to educate the black youth of Liberty. The men and women who attended Garrison were the descendants of slaves who first came to Liberty in 1817 with white southerners from Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia.

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Old Soles Daryl Mace, Mace Shoe Repair at 20 N. Main Street, Liberty, MO

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2 generations of Mace Shoe Repair bring fancy footwork to downtown Liberty

by Stacy Burt

As the owner of Mace Shoe Repair at 20 N. Main St., Daryl Mace has been around the business long enough to see fashion come, go and come back again.

“Some things repeat,” said Mace, the second-generation owner of the shop.

“We saw very few stilettos at the beginning, but they’re becoming popular again.”

It’s not the same with cowboy boots, which were popular in the 1970s.

“That urban cowboy thing kind of died out a long time ago,” Mace said.

Mace Shoe Repair has been a familyowned business since it opened in 1940. Daryl’s father, Robert Mace, started the business in a building on Franklin Street, just a half block off the historic Liberty Square. Daryl recalls his dad as a hard worker who held the title of a taxi cab driver, farmer and firefighter before becoming a shoe repairman. In fact, when he opened the shoe repair business, Robert Mace had to hire a man from Kansas City to teach him the ropes.

In 1944, the elder Mace moved the business to its current location, which had previously been occupied by the Liberty Chronicle newspaper. It has been Mace Shoe Repair ever since.

Daryl Mace joined his father in the shop in 1975. He had just graduated with an associate degree from an electronics school and was helping his dad temporarily while he looked for a job.

As it turned out, Daryl liked the work at the shoe repair store so much that he stayed on and took over running the business Jan. 1, 1980. His father passed away in June of that year.

Daryl said his father was well-respected and had really built a base in the community. One of the highest compliments he ever heard about his dad came from a customer who had been coming to the shop before desegregation in Liberty.

“He said, ‘Us black kids knew we could come into the shoe shop here, and we’d be safe,’” Daryl recalled. He said his father wouldn’t tolerate the mistreatment of others.

Mace has seen a lot of over the years in the shoe repair business. Like many things, shoes have become more disposable. For example, they’re more often glued instead of stitched, he said.

He recalls working on some unusual jobs, such as dance costumes for the Worlds of Fun theme park a few years back. Once, they asked Daryl to make shoes that curled on the toe with a punch for a bell. Another time, they asked him to dye a number of shoes in different colors.

“Strange colors,” he said. “Really strange.”

One of the oddest jobs the Maces were asked to perform came from (now retired) William Jewell College art professor David Johnson. He asked the two to cut panels out of a parachute, which was later used as part of an outdoor art exhibit on campus.

While times have changed, tradition carries on at Mace Shoe Repair. Daryl still uses much of the same equipment that his father used, including a bulky but trusty in-line finisher from the 1950s. Some of his customers have been coming to the shop that long. But as Liberty has grown, a lot of Mace’s customers are new.

Mace said one of the best business decisions he has made was to bring on board two part-time canine associates who can often be found in the storefront display: Ellie May, a terrier mix, and Laila, a boxer mix that he and his wife adopted just before Christmas.

“It has been great for PR,” he said.

“People will just stop in to talk.”

In-line finisher from the 1950s

Liberty Wednesday Farmers’ Market where business and community meet

Join us for these upcoming events...

Find us at 1332 W. Kansas, Liberty, Mo., on Wednesdays at the FELDMANS parking lot from May 7 through Oct. 29, 7 a.m. to noon.

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816.781.5200 Find us on Facebook

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Exploring Liberty

L I B E R T Y A R T S , C U L T U R E & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

HISTORIC A R T S , C U L T U R E & LIBERTY JAIL FREE TOURS PUBLIC WELCOME

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

LIBERTY ARTS COMMISSION

Liberty’s longstanding commitment to the arts dates back for years. In 2006, the city took steps to ensure that tradition lives on when it created the Liberty Arts Commission to plan and promote the artistic and cultural development of the city, and to encourage the community’s awareness of and participation in the arts. It coordinates regular exhibits of local artists at Liberty City Hall, 101 E. Kansas St., and works to bring public art to Liberty. In 2013, the arts commission installed six kinetic sculptures by Lyman Whitaker in the roundabouts in the Liberty Triangle.

The commission also maintains an arts calendar of events on the city’s website and co-sponsors the annual Liberty Arts Squared Festival in June.

The Liberty Arts Foundation is an outgrowth of the Liberty Arts Commission but is a separate, private, charitable organization committed to supporting all art-related endeavors that benefit Liberty residents. As funding becomes available through private donations and grants, the foundation will support the projects of the Arts Commission, Liberty Symphony, Community Chorus, Corbin Theater and other arts-focused organizations and individuals.

Visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Arts for more information.

L I B E R T Y P E R F O R M I N G A R T S T H E AT R E The Liberty Jail Visitors’ Center provides interesting exhibits, audiovisual presentations, sculpture, and artwork to help visitors learn about the significant events that took place in the jail. Other aspects of Church history are also introduced.The visitors’ center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for free guided tours.

216 North Main Street Liberty, MO 64068-1629

816-781-3188

www.lds.org/placestovisit The Church of

JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS www.mormon.com

The 700-seat Liberty Performing Arts Theatre has hosted at least one, and often more, Paul Mesner Puppets production every year for the past decade. These shows are popular attractions for kids in kindergarten through third grade and contain just the right amount of unadulterated fun, humor and “how to play well with others” practical lessons that even the grown-ups enjoy.

But the theater is not just for kids. It has a plethora of events to appeal to just about every audience with performances, shows, competitions and events produced by Liberty Symphony Orchestra, Corbin Theatre Company, Liberty Public Schools, Natural Build Fitness, dance studios, and other local and national organizations.

Stay tuned — New to the LPAT this year will be open band rehearsals, which provide time and space for progressive ensembles to rehearse in a professional environment and also be heard by an audience — with no required charge to either players or listeners.

Located inside the Liberty Community Center at 1600 S. Withers Road, the LPAT offers excellent acoustics, is one of the largest stages in the area and is the only professional live performance venue in the Northland of the Kansas City metro area. To see what’s happening at the theater or to check out rental information, visit ww.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPAT.

SUMMER BAND

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Explore Liberty • March 2014

The Liberty Summer Band, which is an all-volunteer group of approximately 80 musicians, annually performs three free concerts during the month of June, plus a performance in conjunction with the community’s Fourth of July celebra-

Corbin Mill www.corbinmill.com

816-781-3313

Liberty Summer Band

BEAD Browsery 816-415-8750

Bratcher Cooperage

tion, Liberty4thFest. The June concerts are scheduled on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in front of the James S. Rooney Justice Center, 11 S. Water St. Concertgoers should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, concerts are held at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 1600 S. Withers Road. To check out concert dates and times, visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPAT.

816-781-3988

OLD MILL STITCHERY

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The Liberty Parks & Recreation Department will add to the 2014 entertainment mix in historic downtown Liberty with its fourth annual summer concert series.

June 14 — Live music will help officially kick off summer in conjunction with the annual Taste of Liberty.

July 3 — The Stolen Winnebagos will get Liberty’s annual two-day Fourth of July party started. With covers from just about every music genre — including rock, pop, hip hop, grunge, punk, classic rock, classic country and hard rock — the Stolen Winnebagos have a little something for just about every music lover out there.

August 16 — In the final concert of the summer, Cherry Bomb will delight fans and attendees of Historic Downtown Liberty Inc.’s third annual Beer Crawl with the best hits of the decades.

The concerts will get under way at 7 p.m. on the corner of Kansas and Water streets. Spectators should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

Visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/lpr for more information about these live performances.

816-792-3670

The Stone Cottage 75015688

Cottage Shabby Chic

LIBERTY ARTS SQUARED

Liberty Arts Squared is a familyfriendly event that takes place in early June on Liberty Square. The festival offers opportunities for art lovers of all ages to see, purchase and experience world-class artwork in a relaxed, smalltown setting. This year’s festival will be June 6 and 7, featuring visual arts, live musical entertainment, children’s art and activities including a musical petting zoo, and literary arts. Artists and Liberty Arts Squared artisans compete in two juried categories: Fine Arts and Crafts. The festival activities are free and open to the public. Visit www.LibertyArtsSquared.org for more information.

816-792-2611

111 North Water Street Historic Liberty Missouri Open: Wed. - Sat. 10:30 AM - 5 PM

Aggiealsattic.com Tel. 816-407-1591

75016480

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L I B E R T Y A R T S , C U L T U R E & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

131 S. Water St. Liberty, MO 64068

LIBERTY4THFEST

Liberty Fall Festival in September

Liberty4thFest

fireworks. Events will start on July 3 with a beer garden on Liberty Square, a dessert competition and live music from The Stolen Winnebagos. The

morning of the Fourth kicks off with a parade, and continues on the Square with a car show and barbecue contest.

That evening, Greene Stadium at William Jewell College will host a patriotic fireworks display.

City of Liberty, the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce, Historic Downtown Liberty Inc., William Jewell College and other supporting partners make this event possible. Visit www.liberty4thfest.com for more information.

19TH CENTURY LIVING HISTORY!

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816-781-6839 16 N. Main Street on the historic Liberty square

Stop by and take a trip down memory lane!

• Antique & vintage goods • Shop our inventory of books, frames, buttons, art, mirrors, jewelry, textiles, lamps, artist handmades, old time soda & candy.

FA L L F E S T I VA L

Held on the fourth full weekend in September — this year Sept. 26 to 28 — the Liberty Fall Festival brings about 200 vendors, carnival rides, a parade, local entertainment and much more to Historic Downtown Liberty. Festivalgoers can get their fill of giant turkey legs, footlong corndogs, homemade root beer and funnel cakes; all while perusing vendors selling anything and everything. The Downtown Farmers Market rounds out the festivities with its beautiful displays of fall pumpkins, mums and veggies for sale. The event, organized by the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce, traces its roots back to 1934 with ties to 4-H in Clay County and homecoming activities at William Jewell College. Visit www.libertyfallfest.com for more information.

C O R B I N T H E AT R E

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L I B E R T Y A R T S , C U L T U R E & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Liberty4thFest celebrates Independence Day each year with food, fun and

The Corbin Theatre Company is Liberty’s official community theater.

Located at 15 N. Water St. in historic downtown Liberty, the theater is committed to providing the finest theatrical entertainment, encouraging and facilitating community participation in every phase of live theater, and sponsoring and promoting educational opportunities that create greater knowledge of the performing arts. The theater features numerous theatrical performances throughout the year, as well as regular live music nights and other events. To contact the theater, call 529-4988 or email info@

corbintheatre.org. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.corbintheatre.org.

LIBERTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

P ublic A rt

LIBERTY COMMUNITY CHORUS

For the past decade, the Liberty Community Chorus has fostered the musical talents of a mixed SATB choir and shared the art of choral music with the community. The non-auditioned group is open to singers 16 and older and is under the direction of Bryan Taylor of the Grammy-winning The first statue of The Great American Project Kansas City Chorale. The Liberty group performs concerts G R E AT A M E R I C A N S P R O J E C T in both the fall and spring. The nonprofit chorus is funded The first of what city officials hope one day will be a through member dues, ticket sales and donor support. For collection of statues in The Great Americans Project was more information, visit www.libertycommunitychorus.org. unveiled last summer. The life-size bronze statue of George Washington debuted to the public at a new park located on LIBERTY YOUTH CHORUS the corner of Mill and South Leonard streets.

Hosted by the Community School of Music at William “It is a young George Washington at the time of the RevoJewell College, the Liberty Youth Chorus is a nonprofit orgalutionary War. The idea is he’s pointing to a rising empire nization with a children’s choir for students in first through and the future is bright. It’s supposed to be inspiring,” former fourth grades and a youth choir for students in fifth through mayor Greg Canuteson said. “I think it’s a fabulous contrieighth grades. Its mission is to enrich the community “by bution to the cultural identity of the city. I think it will help inspiring area youth to cultivate a lifelong love and unrevitalize downtown in a patriotic way that will also proderstanding of choral singing.” For more information, visit mote Liberty4thFest.” www.libertyyouthchorus.org.

Canuteson has led the efforts for the art initiative with the Great Americans Project Board. Organizers envision adding one sculpture of an American icon to the collection each year.

The public square in present-day downtown Liberty was “We want it to be something that would be a regional and cleared of timber. On the west side, a well was dug, and national attraction,” Canuteson said. “We want to have a the first log residences were built in the first block north of streetscape from (Heritage Middle School) to William the square on Water Street. Until 1826, there were about Jewell College. There would eventually be a walking trail a dozen log cabins in Liberty and about 75 residents. with the life-size sculptures of great Americans.”

The city commissioned the sculpture from StudioEIS KANSAS CITY ZOO located in Brooklyn, N.Y. A significant portion of funding for the Kansas City Zoo, “They are the best and most productive bronze sculptors 6800 Zoo Drive in Kansas City, comes from Clay County. in the country. What you see there is an original bronze In 2011, voters in Clay and Jackson counties approved a sculpture,” Canuteson said. “Liberty deserves to have the one-eighth-cent sales tax to benefit the zoo. Annually, the best arts. We didn’t want to do something that was second zoological tax districts raise $13.5 million for the zoo. In rate.” recognition of the support, the zoo has created exclusive benefits for residents of the two counties, including free admission days, discounted Friends of the Zoo memberships, K I N E T I C W I N D S C U L P T U R E S The Liberty Arts Commission installed six kinetic sculpreduced daily admission, access to Zoomobile programming, tures in 2013 in two roundabouts — on College Street free school field trips and a specialized classroom curriculum. between Conistor Street and Bluejay Drive — to improve For more information, visit www.kansascityzoo.org.

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L I B E R T Y A R T S , C U L T U R E & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

For more than four decades, the Liberty Symphony Orchestra has presented the best in classical and pop music, and featured local musicians and composers. With its mission to “be a part of the cultural fabric of our community through accessible, entertaining and inspiring performances,” the symphony annually presents a series of four regular concerts and an educational concert for area youth at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. For concert dates and ticket information, visit www.libertysymphony.org.

Explore Liberty

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Explore Liberty • March 2014

Come Explore Historic Downtown Liberty and Discover the Heart of the Community!

Historic Downtown Liberty

• Boutique Shopping • Unique Dining • Events for All Ages • Intriguing History at Our Area Museums and Historical Sites www.HistoricDowntownLiberty.org

Download our mobile app Search Liberty, MO 75016046

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L I B E R T Y A R T S , C U L T U R E & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Kinetic Wind Sculptures at Liberty Triangle

Clay County Administration Building Murals — A massive piece of art — 28 feet wide by 8 feet tall — depicting Clay County history adorns the third floor of the county administrative center and former courthouse. Another mural shows a former POW camp that was in Liberty. The third is a scene at dusk at Multnomah Plantation. The fourth, the African-American Legacy Mural, honors African-American pioMURALS neers, businesses, churches and schools Several murals, each paying tribute to the area’s history that contributed to the founding of four and heritage, decorate downtown Liberty.

Lewis & Clark Mural — This painting at Water and Mill county cities with vital African-American popluations: Liberty, Excelsior streets commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Lewis Springs, North Kansas City and Misand Clark Expedition. Artist: David McClain. souri City. Artist: David McClain.

Justice Center Mural — Each scene in this collection of murals illustrates a different aspect of Clay County history.

Artist: Matthew Monks; tiles made by Ron Taylor.

THE PENCIL Liberty, The Heritage Years — Significant events in LibEven though its primary purpose is erty’s history, including the arrival of early settlers at Liberty not decorative, a telecommunications Landing, decorate the Council Chamber where today’s city tower has brightened the Liberty skyleaders meet at City Hall. Artist: Eric J. Bransby. line since 2011. Artistic and function22 Explore Liberty • March 2014

The Pencil

the appearance of this highly visible retail location.

The sculptures were created by internationally known artist Lyman Whitaker, whose work is also found in California, Florida and abroad. The organic forms of each unique piece are sculpted in metal, which is designed to patina over time and move gently in the wind.

Funding for the project was raised through donations from individuals, local businesses and the developers of the Liberty Triangle with the assistance of the Liberty Arts Foundation.

al, a 100-foot metal tower northwest of downtown Liberty has been painted to look like a giant yellow No. 2 pencil.

The colorful landmark serves AT&T customers.

With the establishment of Fort Leavenworth, Liberty grew quickly. The fort relied on the farmers and merchants of the surrounding area to provide construction materials, labor, supplies and other necessities for the military base and its personnel.

BOTTLE TREE

The Blue Bottle Tree is the first art work completed for the Garrison School exterior renovation project.

The 800-pound steel sculpture was created by Liberty resident and Shaped Steel owner Robert Evans, and unveiled at the 2013 Juneteenth celebration.

Bottle trees hold an interesting place in African-American history and tradition. Yale art history scholar Robert Farris Thompson traced bottle trees to the Bakongo people of the African Congo, who adorned the land near their homes with glass bottles in hopes of capturing evil forces.

The Africans of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, specifically the Gullah culture of South Carolina, brought the bottle tree to the Americas. According to folklore, the trees

Bottle Tree at Garrison School

were anchored outdoors near the house. It was thought that the trees with their “leaves” of cobalt blue glass would trap prowling evil spirits after dusk, then vaporize them in the heat of the morning sunlight. n

Liberty Public Schools – Inspire • Invest • Innovate

Liberty Public School District is proud of our students and staff, parents and families, and supportive communities of Liberty and Kansas City. One of the fastest growing school districts in the state, LPS strives for excellence and continues to provide opportunities for students to best prepare them for the future.

Take a tour of our schools and learn more about the great things we offer. Visit us online at www.liberty.k12.mo.us or contact our administration office at (816) 736-5300.

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Explore Liberty L I B E R T Y E D U C AT I O N

E ducation LIBERTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Students in class at Liberty Public Schools

Michael D. Hopkins Insurance Agent Auto • Home • Life • Business

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Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers' Market Farm-Fresh Flowers, Produce, Meats, Eggs, Baked Goods, Prepared Foods and Craft Items. On the Historic Square in Downtown Liberty.

Saturdays, May 3rd through Oct. 25th 7 a.m. to Noon through Sept.

8 am. to Noon in Oct.

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Explore Liberty • March 2014

816-309-3346 75016953

As the Liberty Public Schools mission reads, the district seeks to “inspire and equip all learners to discover their voice and unlimited potential.”

Liberty Public Schools continues to be one of the destination districts for families around the Kansas City metropolitan area, state of Missouri and the entire region.

LPS educates students at a high level while also being one of the fastest growing school districts in the state. Currently, more than 11,600 students are enrolled in Liberty Public Schools. These students attend one of 10 elementary schools, six secondary schools, an early childhood center or the Liberty Academy Alternative School.

In November 2013, local voters approved a ballot issue that will construct additions to existing facilities and provide technology for students to allow for 21st century opportunities. In August 2014, LPS will introduce the community to its eleventh elementary when EPIC Elementary opens its doors.

This project-based learning school — with the name Every Person Inspired to Create — will house 300 students and is designed to increase student engagement and inspire creativity.

Liberty Public Schools is known across the state for excellence. Science, music, journalism, food service, engineering and staff development programs have all won state or national recognition for excellence in recent years. LPS has always shown a strong commitment to fine arts. Numerous groups represent the district annually at state, regional and national competitions, conferences and conventions.

On the athletic front, the Liberty High School girls soccer team was crowned state champions in 2010 and 2011, and the Liberty North High

S T. J A M E S C AT H O L I C S C H O O L

St. James Catholic School provides a Catholic education to children in preschool through eighth grade. The school philosophy is the education of the whole child, including emotional, intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social development. Students

experience the integration of faith and knowledge through strong family involvement, dedicated staff, a positive and caring atmosphere, excellence in learning, innovative extra-curricular programs, an outdoor learning environment, state-of-the-art technology, training for decision-making, and an emphasis on personal responsibility and respect for others.

St. James provides a compassionate yet disciplined setting where ethics and values are taught on a daily basis with the goal of forming well-balanced, morally responsible students as a basis for their growth as responsible citizens.

For more information, call 781-4428 or visit www.stjames-school.org.

counties. If you are looking for a new career, studying for an exam, searching for entertainment or just discovering the world, MCPL has the resources to help.

The Liberty Branch, located at 1000 Kent St., has been serving the larger Liberty area since 1981. The branch features live programming for teens, adults, and children throughout the year, including regularly scheduled storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents. For more information on these programs, and to register, visit mymcpl.org/events.

Woodneath Library Center opened in summer 2013. Located at 8900 NE Flintlock Road just west of Liberty, the new 35,000-square-foot library features a children’s literacy area, a 200-seat MID-CONTINENT community conference room, several PUBLIC LIBRARY Mid-Continent Public Library is the small meeting spaces, an advanced largest library system in the metropoli- computer lab and an Espresso Book tan area, operating 35 libraries and pro- Machine that can print a book in minutes. Attached to this technological viding access to books, ebooks, music, movies and more to more than 770,000 marvel is the original antebellum home built at the site in the 1850s. residents in Clay, Jackson and Platte

Take Control Of Your Career.

MidAmerica Nazarene University's convenient Liberty location gives you options. Attend class just 1 night a week and earn a degree in as little as 1 year. Some programs offer part-time or full-time options.

Available Programs:

5th Annual

Professional

LIBERTY ARTS SQUARED

→ Applied Organizational Leadership → RN to BSN → Associate of Arts

FESTIVAL

Graduate

→ MBA → Master of Science in Nursing → Master of Arts in Counseling

June 6 & 7, 2014 Downtown Liberty

Ask about our online Master of Education degree and distance learning options for our Master of Education in Adaptive Special Education.

www.LibertyArtsSquared.org (Save the Dates: June 5 & 6, 2015)

Presented by Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. & the Liberty Arts Commission.

Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a State Agency.

75016020

mnu.edu/liberty

75016143

816.407.3070

pgadmissions@mnu.edu

105 N. Stewart Ct., Suite 210, Liberty, MO 64068

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L I B E R T Y E D U C AT I O N

School boys basketball team made state final four appearances in its early years of existence. Other recent state championships for LPS high schools have been captured in cheerleading, dance, cross country and girls basketball.

Liberty Public Schools recognizes that success cannot be obtained without the caring teachers, staff, parents and community support that make up the district. All of these factors combined have helped LPS become one of the most attractive school districts for families to want their children to attend.

For more information, visit liberty. k12.mo.us.

L I B E R T Y E D U C AT I O N

Mid-Continent Public Library — Woodneath Library Center

The home’s future as a Story Center, and the advanced technology of the Woodneath Library Center, will allow Liberty residents the opportunity to build their future while preserving their past.

For more information about the Mid-Continent Public Library system, visit mymcl.org.

Instead of bound volumes, the Pryor Learning Commons provides students with learning spaces driven by technology.

“The 21st century learner has been inundated with technology, so they expect that to be part of their learning experience,” said Elise Fisher, director of instructional technology and adjunct instructor.

Jewell staff spent the better part of three years researching and designing the building’s interior. The first floor includes WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE two “innovation studios,” complete with white boards, group William Jewell College, founded in 1849, is a private liberal-arts college with approximately 1,100 undergraduate seating and wireless Internet connection. A rendering studio with a 3-D printer, and production studios where students students. can create audio-visual productions and compose and edit The college promises students an outstanding liberal arts music also occupy the main level. education that cultivates leadership, service and spiritual The second and third floors contain study spaces, a coffee growth within a community inspired by Christian ideals and shop and additional suites for group projects and meetings. committed to open, rigorous intellectual pursuits.

William Jewell has been ranked among America’s best col- College administrators said the commons was designed to promote collaboration, and will open up new possibilities for leges by numerous national magazines including The Princeton Review, US News & World Report, Forbes Magazine and learning among students and staff.

“Traditionally, when I went to school, the instructor Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. lectured, we took notes, we would understand content and The school offers more than 40 diverse majors and preprofessional programs in addition to numerous graduate pro- then be tested,” Fisher said. “In a learning-centered environment, activities are designed to bring the learner into a more grams. The flagship program at the college is the Oxbridge active role.”

Honors Program, where students take one-on-one tutorials with faculty tutors and spend their junior year at Cambridge or Oxford. It is the only program of its kind in the nation.

COLLEGE HISTORY Dr. William Jewell, physician, legislator, and Baptist layman, offered $10,000 in land to start a college in 1843.

PRYOR LEARNING COMMONS On Feb. 27, 1849, the Missouri Legislature granted a charAt William Jewell College, the focus on 21st century learning has taken form in the Pryor Learning Commons, a ter which created one of the first private, four-year men’s colleges west of the Mississippi. In addition to Jewell and 26,000-square-foot facility that opened in the fall of 2013.

Mexican War hero Alexander Doniphan, one of the foundThe $15 million, three-story facility was designed to serve ing members of the Board of Trustees was the Rev. Robert as the campus’ main library, although it contains no books.

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EARNEST SHEPHERD YOUTH CENTER

Earnest Shepherd Youth Center, located on 62 acres of woods, meadows and creeks, is the ideal setting for both outdoor and indoor activities. The center, located off Interstate 35 in Liberty, M I D A M E R I C A N A Z A R E N E serves the entire metro area and prides UNIVERSITY itself in “helping youth help themMidAmerica Nazarene University in selves.” The center partners with 17 Liberty is exclusively dedicated to pro- area school districts to provide teamfessional and graduate studies. MNU building and leadership programming.

Liberty offers accelerated coursework There are four kinds of workshops for toward adult associate and bachelor’s school-age groups wanting to learn in degree completion, as well as graduate an adventurous setting. degree programs in business, nursing During the summer, kids can traverse and counseling. The site, which opened through a world of adventure in one of in 2009, is conveniently located at the the many day camps. Time spent at the crossroads of Missouri Highway152 and youth center is sure to create memories Interstate 35. for a lifetime.

Current programs include AssociOther activities include annual ate of Arts; Bachelor of Arts: Applied fundraisers. August brings a barbecue, Organizational Leadership; Master of December brings Brunch with Santa, Business Administration; Master of and February serves up a chili supper.

Science in Management; RN-BSN and The youth center also has rental RN-; Master of Science in Nursing; and availability for family reunions, reMaster of Arts in Counseling. treats, scouting events, celebrations

L I B E R T Y E D U C AT I O N

James, father of Frank and Jesse James.

World War I and the burning of a local women’s college brought women students into the college. Women were admitted on the same terms as men in 1920.

Earnest Shepherd Youth Center

and other activities. Call 781-7733 to inquire about booking an event.

Earnest Shepherd Youth Center, 610 Shepherd Road, is a private, nonprofit agency funded through grants, individual and business donations and fundraising events. For more information regarding programming, camp offerings, event dates, rental offerings and donations, visit www.earnestshepherd.com. n

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MNU students enjoy modern technology in classrooms and a convenient online learning system. Online offerings include classes in nursing and graduate studies in education. Faculty include area professionals and professors with real-world experience as well as expertise in teaching adults. While coursework is rigorous, it is also designed with the working professional in mind, with evening and weekend courses available.

MNU Liberty facilities with state-ofthe art technology and spacious rooms are available for meeting space as well.

Founded in Olathe, Kan., in 1966, MNU is a private, Christian, liberal arts university.

For more information, visit www.mnu. edu/professional/liberty, email pgadmissions@mnu.edu or call 407-3070.

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Liberty was incorporated as a town.

It is the second oldest incorporated town west of the Mississippi River.

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R ecreation

Liberty Dog Park at Stocksdale Park

Come Worship With Us

Rev. Tony P Johnson, Pastor and First Lady Edna P Johnson

“For to me to live is Christ….”

Phillippians 1:21

Sunday School 9am • Morning Worship 10am

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LIBERTY

The Liberty Parks & Recreation Department and community stake holders including Liberty Public Schools, Liberty Hospital and Clay County Health Center are working together to build a healthier community. With 10 parks covering more than 500 acres of parkland that include playgrounds, spraygrounds, tennis courts, ball fields and paved and natural trails, as well as sports, fitness and instructional programs for youth and adults, the Parks & Recreation Department has a pretty good start on providing amenities that residents and visitors need to stay active.

Recognizing that public funding is limited, the Liberty Parks & Recreation Department has established the Liberty Parks & Recreation Charitable Fund to help raise money for projects, youth scholarships and other unfunded needs.

In 2013, the department coordinated Tee It Up Fore Parks, a golf tournament to raise money for the charitable fund.

Twenty-one teams helped to raise $7,000. The second annual golf tournament is scheduled for July 18, 2014.

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The Liberty Jail’s most famous prisoner Joseph Smith, first president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints was housed in the jail with six of his followers in the winter of 1839.

336 N. Gallatin, Liberty, MO 64068 • (816)781-4385 2014 75018171

Liberty Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

All Are Welcome Here 138 N. Main Street, Liberty, MO 64068 Phone (816) 781-6528

Traditional Worship Service: 10am Sunday Mornings Nursery available during worship for children 0-5 yrs old

www.fpcliberty.org 75018173 75017749

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Rev. Dave Culver and Rev. Kevin Kelley New Traditions Worship 8:30AM Sunday School 9:30 AM • Traditional Worship 10:50 AM

75018175

First Presbyterian Church, Liberty Est. 1829 Rev. Nikki Cooley y

427 E. Kansas Liberty, MO 64068 (816)781-3621 • www.lccdoc.org

PA R K S & T R A I L S

Disc Golf: This summer the Parks & Rec Department will unveil its newest addition to the Liberty parks system — a premier, blue-level 18-hole disc golf course. Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports, requires very little equipment, and is suited to a wide variety of fitness levels. Bring your discs

L I B E R T Y R E C R E AT I O N

Outdoor Pool at Liberty Community Center

and check out the new 6,875-foot, par 59 course, which is slated to open in the summer of 2014 in Stocksdale Park, 901 S. La Frenz Road.

Dog Park: Canine companions will enjoy the Liberty Dog Park, a popular 3-acre fenced area at Stocksdale Park.

There’s even a 5,400-square-foot section dedicated to more diminutive canines who don’t like to play with the big dogs.

Trails: More than 10 miles of asphalt trails provide walkers and runners with citywide opportunities for recreation and fitness. Trails range from less than a quarter mile to 2.2 miles, and many of the trails connect with neighborhood sidewalks. Mountain bikers will find one of the region’s most extensive single-track trail systems at Stocksdale Park and adjacent Walnut Woods Conservation Area.

their many benefits.

Did you know? A recent Community Forest Conservation Assessment found that for each acre of forest in Liberty, more than $500 per year of public health costs associated with air pollution are avoided.

For more info on parks and trails, visit www.ci.liberty. mo.us/Parks.

LIBERTY COMMUNITY CENTER

The Liberty Community Center offers aquatics, aerobics, recreational and instructional programs to help area residents and visitors maintain an active lifestyle throughout the year.

In the summertime, the Community Center also is home to Liberty Storm, a developmental team in the Metropolitan Communities Swimming Association. The team, which has been swimming at the Community Center since 1993, has come on strong in its second decade, winning nine championTrees: In March 2014, volunteers from TreeLiberty, ships in the past 10 years.

Heartland Tree Alliance and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity With a day pass, summer pass or annual membership, anyat William Jewell helped Liberty Parks & Recreation staff one can take advantage of the many amenities at the Liberty plant some history along an existing path in the WestboroCommunity Center, 1600 S. Withers Road: two indoor pools Canterbury Park. Staff and volunteers planted 14 native (lap pool and warm water pool); two outdoor pools including trees, which are adapted to our local climate and play an a children’s fountain pool; hot tub; sauna; three-quarters court important role in local ecosystems. This native Tree Trail gymnasium; locker rooms; and a 5,400-square-foot fitness cenwill provide abundant shade and beauty while also serving as ter featuring cardiovascular and strength training equipment. an education resource to promote the use of native trees for The Liberty Community Center also offers five beautiful Explore Liberty • March 2014 29

L I B E R T Y R E C R E AT I O N

meeting and banquet rooms and a 700-seat theater suited to accommodate a multitude of special event needs and a variety of group sizes. Perfect for business seminars and meetings, receptions, anniversaries, family gatherings, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and much more.

For more info, visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/CommunityCenter.

Winter Fishing at Fountain Bluff Sports Complex

F O U N TA I N B L U F F S P O R T S C O M P L E X

Known by many near and far for hosting baseball, softball and soccer leagues and tournaments, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex also offers amenities not seen in other similar facilities. While many think of fishing as a summertime activity, it goes on year-round at Fountain Bluff.

Fountain Bluff’s eight ponds are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation for public fishing. Three to four times each winter, MDC stocks two of the ponds with rainbow trout to provide winter fishing. MDC also checks the population of other fish species — bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish — and restocks the ponds as needed.

The sports amenities are the largest draw to Fountain Bluff. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far have walked through the gates at Liberty’s Fountain Bluff Sports Complex since it opened in June 2002. With nine softball/baseball fields, extra-wide covered dugouts, playgrounds, six soccer fields, restrooms and concession stands, this facility hosts recreation baseball, softball, soccer and flag football leagues as well as competitive local, state, regional and national baseball and softball tournaments. In 2014, the complex will host three state and seven World Series or national tournaments. For more information, visit www. ci.liberty.mo.us/FountainBluff.

YOUTH & ADULT SPORTS PROGRAMS

The Liberty Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of youth sports programs that help kids build lifelong skills of teamwork and sportsmanship, and instill the importance of an active lifestyle to help develop youth with the confidence of tackling any future obstacle. Children, even as young as 3 years old in some sports, have the opportunity

30

Explore Liberty • March 2014

to participate in programs geared toward developing the fundamental skills required for soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf and football. In addition, the Liberty Parks & Recreation also offers a variety of introductory leagues which include, but are not limited to, baseball, softball, basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball and cheerleading.

Liberty Parks & Recreation also offers a number of competitive youth leagues in soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.

Additionally, the Fountain Bluff Sports Complex hosts local, regional and state baseball, softball, basketball and soccer tournaments on an annual basis.

However, it is not only the kids who get to play these sports. The Liberty Parks & Recreation Department also provides adults the opportunity to fulfill their competitive drive through softball, baseball, volleyball, kickball and basketball leagues. Tournament offerings are also available for adult softball, as well as adult soccer.

Whether young or just young at heart, Liberty Parks & Recreation has the activity that is right for you. For more information about sports leagues and instructional programs, visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPR.

SENIOR SERVICES

Liberty Senior Services, a division of the Parks & Recreation Department, offers support services and a variety of social activities and programs to older adults and seniors of our community.

The Parks & Recreation Department’s Over 50 after 5:00 program offers activities that encourage social, intellectual and physical activity for the “50 and better” crowd. Popular events include an annual Veterans Day Dance, Valentine’s celebration and more. However, it’s not all about the parties.

Over 50 After 5:00: Over 50 After 5:00 also offers fitness and recreational programs including line dancing, an annual field day at Fountain Bluff Sports Complex, and a wide variety of land and water aerobics classes. The division is a proud partner with the SilverSneakers program through Humana, offering both day and evening classes. The Over 50 After 5:00 program also offers educational seminars on a variety of health, wellness and planning topics including community supported agriculture, Medicare and healthy cooking Silver Center: The Liberty Silver Center is a place where older adults (60 and older) come to socialize, participate in activities and enjoy a hot nutritious meal. In addition to weekly activities that include various card games, computer classes, seminars, land aerobics classes and special events, the Liberty Silver Center has partnered with Focus Healthcare to provide a monthly Wellness Wednesdays programming. Offered on the fourth Wednesday of each month, Wellness Wednesday provides relevant information on health care, caregiving, financial fitness, music therapy, resources within the community and more.

Access Bus: The Liberty Access Bus provides free essential transportation within the city limits of Liberty to older

Connected to

connected to you.

Your Family You’re having a baby.

For this special ial time, we’ve got a special place.

The Birthing Center at Liberty Hospital provides mothers and babies a home away from plete with private delivery home—complete rooms and a team of board-certified nd caring nurses by your side physicians and throughout your stay.

To learn more, e, visit our website at LIB ER T YHOS SP P I TA L .O R G

VOTED

Favorite Place to Have a Baby IN MISSOURI 75017501

Explore Liberty • March 2014

31

seniors within the city limits of Liberty who are unable to cook for themselves.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Liberty Meals On Wheels program, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in March 2014. The volunteers not only deliver much needed meals, but they also provide a smiling face and a daily wellness check for these homebound residents.

For more information on this and other activities, call the city’s Senior Services Division at 439-4365 or visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/SeniorServices.

standing that all Earth’s inhabitants are part of a complex, interdependent ecosystem, and opportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with the natural world.

The nature center offers a wide variety of public programs for all ages, as well as private programs, birthday parties, scout groups and school field trips. It features hands-on exhibits, live animal exhibits, fossil displays and a bird feeding station, as well as restrooms, drinking fountains, classrooms and a gift shop. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round — Monday to Saturday from April through SepMARTHA LAFITE tember, and Tuesday to Saturday from T H O M P S O N N AT U R E October through March.

SANCTUARY The sanctuary has approximately four Martha Lafite Thompson Nature miles of trails, most of which are less Sanctuary is a private, nonprofit nature than a mile in length. There are two sanctuary with 100 acres of land on the east side of Liberty. Its mission is to of- asphalt trails, one of which is ADA fer engaging, hands-on environmental accessible. The area is open for hiking, nature study, birding, photography, and natural science education for all ages, create biodiversity of native plants sketching and relaxing in the beauty of and animals through wise management the natural world. Trails are open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April through of our natural resources, foster under-

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adults (60 and older) and physically challenged individuals (age 18 to 59) who do not have access to their own transportation. The Liberty Access Bus provides many seniors the opportunity to age in place; staying in their own homes and caring for themselves.

Essential trips include: doctor, grocery store and pharmacy. Non-essential trips such as those to the bank or nongrocery stores are available as space permits. Coupons are required for each segment of the trip; a book of 10 coupons can be purchased for $10.

Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Clay County Senior Services, the Liberty Senior Services Division replaced a 12-year-old Liberty Access bus that had more than 100,000 miles. Last year, Liberty Access provided more than 2,350 one-way trips to area seniors.

Meals On Wheels: Liberty Meals On Wheels has been delivering noon day meals in Liberty for more than 40 years. Monday through Friday, volunteers deliver affordable, hot and nutritious lunches to nearly 80 homebound

32

Mon, Fri, Sat 9am-5pm • Tue, Wed, Thu 9am-9pm • Sunday Closed We advise to make appointments to accomodate your schedule, but walk-ins are welcome.

Explore Liberty • March 2014

Now Enrolling: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool & Kindergarten North

THREE LOCATIONS:

5026 N. Brighton 455-1175 75016210

Westport/Plaza

Lee’s Summit

3930 Baltimore 753-6633

812 Forestpark Lane 246-9300

Since 1977

1851

Liberty was granted its first charter.

The town encompassed one square mile, with the courthouse as the physical center.

GOLF

Golf enthusiasts will find a wealth of public and private courses within 10 miles of downtown Liberty. The local nearby facilities include: Cardinal Hill Golf Course (Public) 18 holes — 6,484 yards — Par 72 925 N. Lightburne St., Liberty 781-6522 Liberty Hills Country Club (Private) 18 holes — 6,340 yards — Par 71 19808 Country Road H, Liberty 781-3636 Shoal Creek Golf Course (Public) 18 holes — 6,983 yards — Par 71 8905 Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City 407-7242 Hodge Park Golf Club (Municipal) 18 holes — 6,181 yards — Par 71 7000 NE Barry Road, Kansas City 781-4152

On Dec. 6 the museum offers A Visit with St. Nicholas. Experience Shoal Creek Living History Museum Christmas as it was meant to be in the 19th century. Visit the farm house is a village of more than 20 authentic of 1889 and log cabins of the 1830s; 19th century buildings. The buildings experience the Civil war encampments; date from 1807 to 1885 and include make Christmas purchases at the 1876 log cabins and clapboard structures, as Mercantile; post letters to St. Nicholas well as an antebellum brick mansion.

Covering more than 80 acres of beauti- at the post office; visit the serene setting of the 1884 church; at the Arnold ful rolling hills, the museum dedicates itself to bringing 19th century Missouri Home see how Swedish immigrants of to life through special events, programs, the 1880s celebrated Santa Lucia Day and watch how lace was made. tours and re-enactments.

Warm up by the potbellied stove in The facility is open each day for the school or visit the doctor’s office. walking tours from dawn to dusk, and At the end of the day, ride the horsefeatures three large annual events. drawn sleigh for a brief ride through The Harvest Festival, Oct. 11, is an the countryside. For more information old-fashioned county fair. Attendees about the site, visit www.shoalcreeklivcan bring baked goods, sewing and inghistorymuseum.com. handcrafts for judging or participate Tours, weddings and school programs in the buffalo chip throwing contest. are available by appointment. For more Demonstrations on canning, gardeninformation, visit www.kcmo.org/ ing, quilting and other skills happen Parks. n throughout the day.

On Nov. 1 the museum hosts a Wilderness Run starting at 9 a.m.

SHOAL CREEK LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM

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L I B E R T Y R E C R E AT I O N

September and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October through March.

There are no fees to tour the building or explore the grounds, but a suggested donation of $1 per person is welcome.

Fees are charged for guided hikes, and public or private programs.

The sanctuary is located at 407 N. La Frenz Road. For more information, call 781-8598 or visit www.naturesanctuary. com.

Explore Liberty CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

RECURRING EVENTS

Jazz on the Square: 5:30 - 8p.m. first Monday of each month. Enjoy an evening of jazz at the Corbin Theatre.

Free. Concessions available for purchase.

Summer Cruise Nights: 5 - 8 p.m. on the last Saturday night of the month from April through August. Classic cars will be parked around the historic Square in downtown Liberty. Restaurants are open for your dining pleasure.

Moonlight Yoga: Nightfall, April 15, May 14, June 13, July 12, Aug. 10, Sept. 9 and Oct. 8. Bring a mat or blanket and a donation to Stocksdale Park for some yoga by moonlight. This Easter Egg Hunt event helps raise funds for the Liberty Liberty Wednesday Farmers MarDog Park. ket: 7 a.m. - noon every Wednesday from May through October. This is a 100 percent vendor-grown market that provides fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, eggs, salsa, jams, jellies and craft items. At the FELDMANS Farm & Home parking lot, 1332 W. Kansas St.

SPRING

Farmers Market

Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers’ Market: 7 a.m. - noon every Saturday from May through October.

Farm-fresh flowers, produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods and craft items. On the Square in downtown Liberty.

34 Explore Liberty • March 2014

Sowing Seeds of Friendship: April 5. Celebrate spring as you stroll the historic downtown area and gather free flower pots and free seed packets. Buy new spring merchandise in shops and enjoy delicious meals in restaurants.

Music, food and fun!

Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m., April 12.

Free. Kids up to 8 years old will hunt for 15,000 candy-filled eggs in Stocksdale Park, 901 S. La Frenz Road.

Historic Walking Tour: Historical Murals: 10 a.m., May 3. Tour meets at the Lewis & Clark Mural, corner of Mill and South Water streets.

Liberty Arts Squared: 4 - 9 p.m.

June 6 and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. June 7 in historic downtown Liberty. This event features visual arts, live entertainment, activities for children and a chalk

art contest. Liberty artists as well as regionally and nationally known artists will have their work on exhibit and for sale. Visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Arts for more information.

Historic Walking Tour: New Hope / Fairview Cemeteries: 10 a.m., June 7. Tour meets at meets at the stone arch entry to the cemetery on Shrader Street.

Get Away for the Night Summer Passport Party: 5 - 9 p.m., June 12.

Get together with friends and come “take a trip” to historic downtown Liberty. Pick up a passport that will yield savings now and return-trip specials.

This Girl’s Night Out offers special deals, discounts, refreshments, music and fun!

10th Annual Taste of Liberty: 5 - 8 p.m., June 14 in historic downtown Liberty. Purchase a ticket and sample the tastes of many restaurants in Liberty. Sponsored by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc.

SUMMER

Liberty4thFest: July 3 & 4. This year’s event will feature The Stolen Winnebagos in concert on Liberty

Square on July 3; and a barbecue contest, Corvette car cruise, parade and fireworks on July 4. For more information, visit www.liberty4thfest.com.

Historic Walking Tour: Three Downtown Churches: 10 a.m., July 12.

Tour meets at the Presbyterian Church, corner of North Main and Mississippi streets.

Tee It Up Fore Parks: July 18. 9 a.m. shotgun start. Teams of golfers tee it up in support of the Liberty Parks and Recreational Charitable Fund as it works to strengthen Liberty Parks and Recreation’s programs, services and amenities.

Sizzlin’ Summer Sidewalk Sale: July 25 & 26. The downtown sidewalks will be sizzlin’ hot with late-summer bargains.

Historic Walking Tour: Jewell & Lightburne Historic districts: 10 a.m., Aug. 2. Tour meets at the parking lot at the corner of Franklin and Lightburne streets.

FA L L

Liberty Fall Festival: Sept. 26 - 28.

Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing and boundless fun for all at the 38th annual festival. Coordinated by the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce.

Trivia Night: 7 p.m., Oct. 2 at Heritage Hall, 117 E. Kansas St. Come by yourself or bring a group of friends to test your trivia knowledge. Tickets available at the door or online at historicdowntownliberty.org. Sponsored

by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. Historic Walking Tour: Mt. Memorial Cemetery, 10 a.m., Oct. 4. Tour meets at the entrance to the cemetery; enter William Jewell College campus from Miller Street and continue up the hill.

Scare on the Square: 5 - 7 p.m., Oct. 31. Participating businesses welcome costumed children and families for a fun evening of trick or treating in downtown Liberty. Sponsored by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. Veterans’ Day celebration: Nov. 11.

Honor United States military veterans at a ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial in Fairview Cemetery.

1866

Clay County Savings Bank was the site of the first successful daylight bank robbery in peacetime. The crime was attributed to the James-Younger Gang.

Dog Days of Summer Craft Beer Crawl: 3 - 7 p.m., Aug. 16. Visit historic downtown Liberty, purchase a commemorative glass and sip samples of unique craft beers at participating businesses. Sponsored by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. Cherry Bomb will entertain the crowd beginning at 7 p.m. and is brought to you by Liberty Parks & Recreation.

Downtown Divas at Dusk: 5 - 9 p.m., Sept. 11. This Girl’s Night Out kicks off with a fashion show held at City Hall Plaza and continues throughout the downtown with specials, demonstrations and refreshments at participating businesses.

Historic Walking Tour: Dougherty Historic District: 10 a.m., Sept. 13.

Tour meets at the parking lot at Rotary Park, corner of Franklin and Gallatin streets.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Bark for Our Park: Sept. 14 at Stocksdale Park. This fundraising event will feature a new and improved 5K route along with more dog-friendly activities. Proceeds will go toward a shade structure at the Liberty Dog Park.

Scare on the Square

WINTER

Small Business Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Nov. 30. Celebrate the season as you “shop small, shop local” and discover all that the downtown businesses have to offer.

Wish Upon A Store: 5 - 9 p.m., Dec. 4. Join the fun at the last Girl’s Night Out of the year. Special discounts, refreshments, music and fun!

Breakfast with Santa: 9 - 11 a.m., Dec. 6. Enjoy a great breakfast as your children get to spend some one-on-one time with Santa at Heritage Hall. n

Serving Liberty for more than 165 years THURSDAY

March 6, 2014 www.Libert yTribune.co m

$1.00

more than 165 years Serving Liber ty for

JOLLY TIMEputs on

Senior standout show in his final home game PAGE B1

ions build community Neighborhood associat borhood grants is April 1 INVOLVEMENT

By Stacy Burt

In a Liberty neighborJewell hood near William husband College, there is a years had and wife who for s about been meticulou garden. maintaining their attention Its beauty got the neighthe in of everyone dborhood until unexpecte suffered ly, the husband his a stroke and needed

AUGUST PRIMARIES

Candidates begin to file for Clay County offices, Missouri House and Senate PAGE A4

When Tara Prosser locked eyes with her Weimaraner, Lily,

five pet shop in Joplin, she

years ago in that the felt, in that moment, hands of fate. That puppy dog, was meant to be her her Lily, she knew this, yet she could never have foreseen the unexpected journey that single moment would inspire.

PATCHWORK HISTORY

CHAPTER 8: Hope

Joplin today is Driving the streets of two cities. On the like driving through the original brick outskirts of town are a few trees or homes, a few storefronts, the middle is a perhaps a garden. But

Museum study group has a comforting conversation about heritage PAGE A9

Dig

They have found their “good fight” in their a search and rescue work, them to search challenge that has led and bring closure for those who are lost

wife’s full attention. neighThat’s when the to help. borhood pitched in garden “Their prized ” said was a shambles, presKelley Wrenn Pozel, of ident and secretary ood the Jewell Neighborh was nice Association. “It

mobilize to see everybody like that.” assoNeighbor hood a vital ciations can be y as part of a communit residents a means to keep and safeinformed of news property issues, improve a ty values and provide

enforce require dues and l codes, certain residentia but many are voluntarys neighborhood association

to local voice of advocacy government. are In Liberty, there neighabout 18 organized meet borhood groups that directly to discuss issues affecting their neighborhomehoods. Some are s that owners association

roll in and let the good times

for

today!” Silver Center line up is going to a lunch.

So, for now Lily and live right, train hard fight the good fight.

STACY BURT/Staff Photos And Joplin will too.

“Lily’s Story” was adapted from author Carolyn Mueller’s hardback children’s book, “Lily: A True Story of Courage and the Joplin Tornado,” published with Reedy Press and available April 2014 wherever books are sold.

Dig A Little

that are free to join.

The newest neighborLiberty is hood to form in which Arthur’s Addition, homeown represent s side ers around the south of east of Mill Street and NEIGHBORHOODS/Page

A8

LIBERTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Jungmann’s departure finalized

tendent Community invited to superin13 search meeting March

Tara said. me she has had Someday she will tell theis think thatofday members I do not Below, enough, but

‘LILY’S STORY’ FINAL CHAPTER

on the sides of new place. Shiny siding projects. homes. Construction

Deadline for neigh

Nora Bailes serves desert to Leonard

By Ray Silver during the Liberty Carolyn Center’s Mardi Gras March Mueller potluck Tuesday, 4, at Liberty Community Center. Ray embraced the Fat Tuesday spirit, and mask a donning the with mind,” beads associated my “Retiring Lily has crossed celebration.

“But she wants to work.

Tara and Lily have a motto. “Live right, train hard, and fight the good fight.”

•Award-winning sports coverage •City and county government news •Local feature stories •Weekly calendar of community events •Mail delivery every Thursday

12 is lucky number for cheer squad at nationals PAGE A2

Mardi Gras beads take on different meanings depending on the person.

Some people associate luck, the beads with good the while others believe t “jewelry” is reminiscen afford of royalty who could less lavish baubles. The on fortunate would stand begging roads of side the for trinkets from the the view Others wealthy. beads as a form of currency

said The press release is Liberty Public School negotiations y to final contract Jungmann inviting the communit for are ongoing. the remainweigh in on the search super- will complete the district’s next school year with p.m. der of the intendent at 6:30 district before 13, at the Liberty March new his to Thursday, transitioning School.

Discovery Middle position July 1.

Liberty’s sitting superin“This is a good opportu, tendent, John Jungmann nity for both my family and the was officially named of professionally,” Jungmann dent next superinten “We will miss Liberty. said.

Schools the Springfield Public We are accepting 5. the on Wednesday, March opportunity to serve According to a Springfield Springfield kids and will here until ic Schools press release,

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Explore Liberty • March 2014

35

Committed to health care Liberty Hospital builds on 40 years of service to community

F

orty years ago, Liberty Hospital was the dream of a handful of determined community leaders and physicians. These visionary leaders believed a community hospital was vital to the health and well-being of Liberty area residents, as well as to those in the Northland.

Their hard work and determination resulted in the state-of-the-art medical campus here today. With its expanded services and technology, the founders would be impressed with its skilled physicians and staff who provide advanced treatments and complex medical care.

But what’s even more impressive is that after four decades, the hospital remains committed to its original mission — to work in partnership with the community to improve the health and wellbeing of those it serves.

“As a community hospital, our goal has been to stay focused on the community’s needs, yet keep pace with rapidly changing industry,” said David Feess, the hospital’s president and CEO. Feess has been a member of the Liberty Hospital administrative team for 26 years. “The physical growth of the Liberty Hospital campus is probably the most visible sign of the changes we have experienced through the years,” Feess said. “But the dedication of our founders, board of trustees, physicians,

Liberty Hospital’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Complex is designed as a 12,000-squarefoot state-of-the-art facility featuring a new sports medicine program, as well as outpatient rehabilitation.

employees and volunteers is what has made our continued community service possible.”

Pat Flannery, vice president of medical staff development, also joined Liberty Hospital 26 years ago, and has seen its medical staff grow to 332 members representing nearly every medical specialty. “When the hospital opened in 1974, there were 39 physicians on staff,” she said. No matter their numbers, Flannery says the thing that

For the first time, Liberty Hospital went red for heart month in February. The red lights are part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red emphasis in the Kansas City area.

36

Explore Liberty • March 2014

stands out to her about Liberty Hospital is how much care and commitment the physicians show their patients.

“The camaraderie and collaboration of our medical staff is second to none.

I think our patients really appreciate how much our doctors care about their health.”

Looking toward the future, the hospital’s leaders see an organization that continues its commitment to Liberty through exciting new programs, such as the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Complex under construction at 398 Blue Jay Drive in the Liberty Triangle and a new Women’s Imaging Center inside Medical Plaza East. Both are set to open during the summer of 2014. A new Urgent Care Center also is scheduled to open in late 2014 on the west side of I-35.

“Today, and in the years ahead, our focus remains on delivering the highest quality health care to our community,” Feess said.

Explore Liberty CITY OF LIBERTY Main Number....................... 816-439-4400 Access Elderly Transportation... 816-439-4395 Administration....................... 816-439-4410 Aging Services..................... 816-439-4395 Ambulance Non-Emergency.... 816-439-4700 Animal Shelter...................... 816-439-4790 Building Permits & Inspections.. 816-439-4530 Business & Liquor Licenses....... 816-439-4417 City Taxes............................ 816-439-4458 Community Center................. 816-439-4360 Fairview & New Hope Cemeteries.......... 816-439-4457 Fire Department, Non-Emergency.................... 816-439-4310 Historic Preservation............... 816-439-4530 Human Resources.................. 816-439-4440 Meals on Wheels.................. 816-439-4398 Municipal Court Clerk............ 816-439-4430 Nuisance & Code Enforcement................. 816-439-4530 Liberty Silver Center............... 816-439-4368 Parks & Recreation................. 816-439-4360 Planning & Zoning................. 816-439-4530 Police Department, Non-Emergency.................... 816-439-4700 Public Works/Engineering...... 816-439-4500 Public Works/Maintenance..... 816-439-4514 Recycling, Trash.................... 816-439-4514 Water/Sewer-New Service & Billing.................... 816-439-4460 Water - Emergency After Hours........................... 816-439-4700

ONLINE RESOURCES Administration .................. www.ci.liberty.mo.us/CityAdmin Finance Department ...................... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Finance Fire Department........www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LFD Human Resources..... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/HR Parks & Recreation.... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPR Planning.......... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Planning Police................. www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Police Public Works ................ www.ci.liberty.mo.us/PublicWorks

OTHER RESOURCES Animal Adoptions .................. www.ci.liberty.mo.us/AdoptAPet Building Inspection ..................... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Building City Code...... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/CityCode Jobs..................... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Jobs Events..... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/calendar.aspx Fountain Bluff Sports Complex ............... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/FountainBluff Historic Preservation ................ www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Preservation Liberty Community Center ........ www.ci.liberty.mo.us/CommunityCenter Liberty Performing Arts Theatre .......................... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPAT News Flash sign-up ................. www.ci.liberty.mo.us/NewsFlash Parks & Trails........ www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Parks Recycling....... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Recycling Senior Services .............www.ci.liberty.mo.us/SeniorServices Trash Collection.... www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Trash

CITY OF LIBERTY RECYCLING CENTER 400 Suddarth Road — accepts the same materials as the curbside program plus glass

G L A S S R E C Y C L I N G L O C AT I O N S • City of Liberty Recycling Center, 400 Suddarth Road • Belvoir Winery, 1325 Odd Fellows Road (Look for the green Deffenbaugh bin behind the winery, next to the storage shed. This bin is open to the public.)

• Mabee Center at William Jewell College, Route H between NE Bowles Drive and N. Spring Avenue • Price Chopper, 9717 N. Ash Ave. in Kansas City

TRASH & RECYCLING The city of Liberty prides itself on having a comprehensive solid waste management program.

This program not only offers residents curbside collection of solid waste and recycling, but it also includes: • A drop-off recycling center, located at 400 Suddarth Road, that accepts the same materials as the curbside program plus glass; • Bulky item pickup in the spring and fall each year; • Subscription-based yard waste collection; • Subscription-based recycling waste collection for businesses; • A tree limb disposal yard that is available during fall and spring cleanup, and often after major storms; • A household hazardous waste collection event in Liberty each year plus access to permanent household hazardous waste facilities throughout the year; • A free recycling program for cell phones and rechargeable batteries; • A free Christmas tree recycling program after the holiday season; • Access to a regional brush and yard waste facility in Gladstone.

Explore Liberty • March 2014

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L I B E R T Y A R E A C I V I C I N F O R M AT I O N

A rea C I V I C I nformation

UTILITY PROVIDERS

Solid Waste/Recycling Allied Waster Services For Service Problems: 816-254-1470 For Billing/Payment Information 816-439-4463

L I B E R T Y E D U C AT I O N

Electricity KCP&L 816-471-KCPL (5275) 1-888-471-KCPL (5275)

Water City of Liberty: 816-439-4460

Natural Gas Missouri Gas Energy 816-756-5252 1-800-582-1234

C L AY C O U N T Y

Administration Building 1 Courthouse Square Liberty, MO 64068 407-3600 www.claycountymo.gov

Sanitary Sewer City of Liberty 816-439-4460

Bring this ad and

*Accepting children 6 weeks to kindergarten *Degreed teachers in every age group *Theme-based developmental educational programs *Whole child philosophy teaches all aspects of early learning social, intellectual, physical and language development *Camera surveillance throughout center *Breakfast, lunch & snacks at no additional charge *Parent’s Night Out monthly *Monthly family events *Hoked on Phonics early reading program *On-site soccer, dance, gymnastics, computer classes & more...

75015716

RECEIVE A FREE WEEK after four weeks of attendance.

• • • •

Free Hot Continental Breakfast Free WIFI 4 Free Waterslide Passes Kids Stay FREE (max 6 persons per room)

1840 N. Church Rd. Liberty, MO 64068

75017768

38

Please visit... www.KClibertylagoon.com or call 1-816-335-4402 for reservations.

Explore Liberty • March 2014

Clay County Administration Building Liberty serves as the county seat for Clay County. Home to more than 220,000 residents, Clay County is one of the largest counties in the state of Missouri. As county seat, a majority of the county’s elected officials and governmental functions operate from the city’s downtown square in the Administration Building, which formerly served as the county courthouse. Additional offices and services including the public defender, assessor mapping, planning and zoning, building permits, code enforcement and administrative services are located in the Shrader Building, 234 W. Shrader St. The James S. Rooney Justice Center, where the 7th Judicial Circuit meets, is next to Liberty City Hall at 11 S. Water St. The Clay County Detention Center is also part of the justice center and located at 14 S. Water St. The Westside Annex is at 1901 NE 48th St. in Kansas City.

County Administrator.............. 816-407-3620 County Assessor.................... 816-407-3500 County Auditor...................... 816-407-3590 County Clerk........................ 816-407-3570 County Collector................... 816-407-3200 County Commission............... 816-407-3600 County Recorder of Deeds...... 816-407-3550 County Sheriff....................... 816-407-3750 County Treasurer................... 816-407-3540 Citizen Services.................... 816-407-3656 Emergency Management........ 816-407-3730 Facilities Management........... 816-407-3320 Highway............................. 816-407-3300 Historic Sites......................... 816-736-8500 Human Resources.................. 816-407-3660 Midwest National Air Center... 816-407-3390 Parks................................... 816-407-3400 Planning and Zoning.............. 816-407-3380

Purchasing........................... 816-407-3630 7th Judicial Circuit Court......... 816-407-3900 Election Board............816-415-VOTE (8683) Health Department................. 816-595-4200 Medical Examiner................. 816-881-6600

Clay County is home to the Midwest National Air Center, a hub for local and transient corporate and general aviation services. Patrons can count on fast and friendly service at Clay County’s airport, in addition to one of the lowest fuel rates in the country. Hangers are available to accommodate aircraft ranging from two-seat Cessna 150s to a Piper Navajo Chieftain through privately owned Executive Air Share.

The airport, owned and operated by Clay County, is situated on 573 acres at a nexus of air, rail and highway access near Excelsior Springs. It boasts a landing strip 5,504 feet long, allowing landing and take-off for even a Gulfstream 550.

For more information about the facility, visit www.midwestnationalaircenter.com or call 407-3390.

The current services and programs provided by the health center include: General Information.............. 816-595-4200 Birth/Death Certificates & Immunization Records......... 816-595-4200 Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)........ 816-595-4358 Women’s Health Services...... 816-595-4357 Tuberculosis (TB) and STD Testing................... 816-595-4357

For more information on the health center and its activities, visit www.clayhealth.com.

n

The Stone-Yancey House Bed and Breakfast

www.stoneyanceyhouse.com email: stay@stoneyanceyhouse.com 421 N. Lightburne Liberty, MO 64068-1811

816-415-0066

1913

Carolyn and Steve Hatcher, Innkeepers

The Interurban Railroad began its run through Liberty on its way from Excelsior Springs to Kansas City.

Several trains stopped at the depot on Mill Street daily until 1933.

75015680

Enjoy life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

In an 1889 Victorian in the Kansas City metropolitan area

LLC LLLC LL LLC LLC CC

“Your Kansas City BBQ Source!

C L AY C O U N T Y PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

• Classes • Sauces-Rubs • Supplies • Accessories

*ACUZZI HOT TUBS AND SPAS WATER THAT MOVES YOU Financing available.

When you are looking for all the comforts of home home, make sure that one of those comforts is a quality Jacuzzi hot tub spa. Relax and enjoy your own private hydrotherapy session. Rejuvenate sore muscles and joints after a long day of work or play. Spend some family time together. Beat the chill of a cold day by soaking in your own home hot tub spa. With so many models to choose from, there’s a relaxing Jacuzzi spa to fit any home and any budget.

Financing available.

KCBBQSOURCE.COM • LIBERTYHOTTUB.COM Follow us on

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The Clay County Public Health Center is located at 800 Haines Drive in Liberty. In addition to its regular services (listed below), the health center also provides clinical space to Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. Samuel U. Rodgers staff provides primary physician care for uninsured and underinsured individuals and dental care for people of all ages. Additionally, CCPHC partners with CLAIM, the state’s health insurance assistance program by providing space for volunteers to assist people on Medicare with reviewing plans and enrolling in Medicare Part D. The Clay County Public Health Center annually evaluates its programs and services to assure that they are aligned with national public health performance standards for public health agencies to assure that it meets the identified needs of Clay County. In April 2014, CCPHC will be reviewed by the National Public Health Accreditation Board in its effort to become a nationally accredited local public health agency. Achieving PHAB accreditation means

Communicable Disease Prevention/Control............... 816-595-4256 Environmental Health Services.816-595-4350 Public Health Emergency Response............ 816-595-4254 Health Policy & Planning (Assistance with health data)... 816-595-4204 Community Development (population based health improvement)..... 816-595-4204 Lending Library for Health Education Programs.............. 816-595-4241

2101 Kara Ct. • Liberty, MO 64068 816.781.8884

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L I B E R T Y A R E A C I V I C I N F O R M AT I O N

M I D W E S T N AT I O N A L AIR CENTER

that Clay County Public Health Center demonstrates a commitment through action to deliver quality public health services at an advanced level to the residents of Clay County.

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

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Nancy Adams nancy.adams@mofb.com

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816-781-4370 75016192

944 Sutton Place Liberty, MO 64068