2015 Explore Liberty by Marty Novak

Explore Liberty

www.explorelibertymo.com

March 2015

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

Table of Contents

M ES S AGE FRO M T HE MAY O R.......................... . . . . . . . . . .4 H I S TORY & HERITA GE . . .................................... . . . . . . . . .5 ARTS , CULT URE & ENT ERTA INMENT .................. . . . . . . . . . .8 PLAYI NG FO R T HE HO ME T EA M........................ . . . . . . .14 ED U C AT IO N.................................................. . . . . . . . 16 C OM MUNE WIT H NAT URE............................... . . . . . . . 18

Photographs contributed by Explore Liberty! Community Partners and Liberty Tribune Archives

LI B ERTY A REA MA P......................................... . . . . . . . 20 I N TH E BA SKET AT BA D RO CK CREEK................ . . . . . . . . 22 F OU NTA IN BLUFF SPO RT S CO MPLEX .................. . . . . . . . 24 PAR K S A ND RECREAT IO N............................... . . . . . . . . 26

104 N. Main St. • Liberty, MO 64068 Publisher.................................. Sandy Nelson Editor............................................Amy Neal Editorial Contributors..... Stacy Burt, Ryne Dittmer, Corey Edwards, Chris Geinosky Graphic Design..............................Julie Baker

WI N E & SPIRIT S............................................ . . . . . . . . 30 B U S I N E SS DIRECT O RY ..................................... . . . . . . . 32 AR EA CIVIC INFO RMAT IO N . . ........................... . . . . . . . . 34 C ALEN DA R O F EVENT S................................... . . . . . . . 36 J U S TI C E ST ILL STA NDS . . .................................. . . . . . . . . 38

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Explore Liberty

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

“...among these are Life, Liberty...”

There are approximately 30 cities and towns in the U.S. with “liberty“ in their names; Liberty, Missouri, is the most populous with more than 30,000 residents. Founded in 1822 and incorporated in 1829, the city is named for the principle that Americans hold most dear. And for nearly 200 years, people have been living, visiting and experiencing Americana at its best right here in the heart of the heartland. Explore Liberty provides a sampling of what our community has to offer those who come spend a day, a week or a lifetime. This is a place where there is a freedom of choice between a wide variety of opportunities and experiences, ensuring there is something for everyone. Liberty is the perfect blend of old and new. The historic downtown area 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. Liberty’s 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 contemporary, other areas of Liberty offer a wide selection of wellknown retailers, restaurants, services and other business rivaling that of any large community. If you can’t find it in Liberty, you probably didn’t need it anyway! Be sure to peruse the Explore Liberty events calendar as it highlights many of the festivals and events that attract residents and visitors alike throughout the year. From Wine About Winter in February to the Liberty Arts Squared festival in June to the Liberty4thFest in July and the Fall Festival in September, there’s something for everyone. New this year in November will be a Hometown Holidays event on Small Business Saturday. In partnership with Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. and Clay County, the city of Liberty will build upon the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, encouraging support of local businesses and adding entertainment and more for an expanded holiday festival. Mark your personal calendar now and plan to be with us for one or more of these wonderful celebrations. 4

Explore Liberty • March 2015

Become a regular at our award-winning Farmers’ Market, which offers an in-season variety of farm-fresh flowers, produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods and craft items each Saturday, May through October, around the historic downtown Liberty Square. Don’t miss Corbin Theatre’s monthly Jazz on the Square or the free outdoor summer concerts that complement the Taste of Liberty (June), 4thFest (July) and Dog Days of Summer Craft Beer Crawl (August). Liberty’s Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of programs and events for all ages, 360 days a year. There is always something going on at the Liberty Community Center, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex, the many gymnasiums, parks and trails sprinkled throughout the community. There is an abundance of other recreational and cultural activities offered throughout the year by Liberty’s own Symphony Orchestra, Community Band, Community Chorus and Youth Choir. The fine arts and athletic departments of William Jewell College and Liberty Public Schools provide excellent events. They are always enjoyable and a great value worth exploring; costs are very reasonable, the arts productions are excellent and the athletic contests are exciting. History buffs will enjoy the free monthly walking tours that highlight Liberty’s historic features. Offered on the first Saturday of the month from May to October, the tours are led by a variety of volunteers and local experts, and feature a different topic each month. The tours are a favorite among history and architecture buffs across the metropolitan area. Education and health care are proud hallmarks of the Liberty community. In each of the 12 years that the State of Missouri presented the Distinction in Performance Award, the Liberty Public School District was 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 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 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 experience 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

Present-day Liberty was first established in the early 1800s during an unprecedented wave of western migration. The settlement became the Clay County seat in 1822, and before the end of the decade, Liberty was incorporated as a town, making it the second oldest incorporated town west of the Mississippi River. A little more than two decades later, in 1851, Liberty — covering one square mile with the courthouse at the physical center of town — was granted its first charter. The name “Liberty” was inspired by patriotic sentiment. As a tribute to the city’s commitment to its rich history, Liberty was designated a Preserve America community in 2007. Residents and visitors alike can connect with Liberty’s heritage through local and national historic districts, historical museums, and regular guided historythemed tours, among other activities. LIBERTY JAIL HISTORIC SITE Among the historical figures whose timelines intertwine with Liberty’s early days is prophet Joseph Smith. During the Mormon War, a time when church followers were being chased from the

Explore Liberty

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

state of Missouri, the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and six of his followers were kept at Liberty Jail for five months. While imprisoned in late 1838 and early 1839, Smith received three revelations that are included in the faith’s Doctrine and Covenants today. The jail site at 216 N. Main St. is now a visitor’s center that includes a reconstruction of the space where Smith was held. It is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, call 816-781-3188. JESSE JAMES BANK MUSEUM On Feb. 13, 1866, the James gang completed the first successful daylight bank robbery during peacetime in the country’s history at the Clay County Savings Bank in downtown Liberty. The robbery resulted in the loss of $60,000 and left one man dead. The bank is still standing and open for tours as the Jesse James Bank Museum, 103 N. Water St. To contact the museum, call 816-736-8510. Another Clay County historic site with ties to the local infamous outlaw, the James Farm & Museum east of Kearney, is where Frank and Jesse lived. Visitors can view galleries of artifacts and take a guided tour

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inside the house where Jesse was born. There is an admission fee. To contact the museum, call 816-736-8500. 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 at 14 N. Main St., 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. Activities offered to the community include presentations and study groups. The museum and historical society also hosts an annual homes tour, a picnic and trivia nights. Contact the museum at 816-792-1849 or visit www.claycountymusuem.org. C L AY C O U N T Y A R C H I V E S & HISTORICAL LIBRARY The Clay County Archives and Historical Library, 210 E. Franklin St., has

been collecting records since 1979. The archives has accumulated hundreds of thousands of records, photographs, maps, family histories, history books, obituaries and other documents. Donations of materials that would be of interest to current and future historians are always being sought, as are volunteers to help preserve the history of Clay County. Contact the archives at 816-781-3611 or info@claycountyarchives.org. For more information, visit claycountyarchives.org. AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY A grassroots effort started in 2000, the present-day Clay County African American Legacy Consortium Inc. is dedicated to educating and informing the community about the history and influence of African-Americans in Clay County. The CCAAL offices are housed in the Garrison School building, which the incorporated organization bought from Liberty Public Schools in 2003. Established in 1877 as Liberty’s only African-American school, Garrison earned a reputation for

being the best school for African-American students in the state. Now knows as the Garrison School Cultural Center, it was named in honor of William Lloyd Garrison, an abolitionist who served in President Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet. Listed on national, state and local registries as a historic landmark, Garrison hosts community events, exhibits, and educational and recreational activities, including Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations. A Freedom Tree is lit each December, and in recent years National African American Read-In activities have been held February. Through the years, CCAAL has sponsored a variety of projects, including ongoing beautification efforts at Garrision, the installation of an 8-by-10-foot mural on the third floor of the current Clay County Administration Building in 2003, the dedication of the Freedom Fountain Monument in 2001 on the lawn of the old Clay County Courthouse, a mentoring program for high school students, and an early literacy program.

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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.

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 early 1820s to the present. In the summer of 2012, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fairview Cemetery was established in 1857 and was so named because it overlooked the fairgrounds to the south, where during

LIBERTY TRIBUNE Since 1846, the Liberty Tribune has been operating under the motto, “Willing to praise but not afraid to blame.” It is one of the oldest continuously published newspapers west of the Mississippi River. Located just off the downtown square at 104 N. Main St., the Tribune traces its lineage to founder Robert Hugh Miller, who was just 19 when the newspaper’s first edition rolled off the presses. He owned the paper for 39 years. The Tribune’s current owner, St. Joseph-based News-Press & Gazette Co., purchased the newspaper in 2004. The Tribune’s print edition hits the streets and subscriber mailboxes each Thursday, and additional community news can be found online daily at www.LibertyTribune.com. To contact the newsroom or sales staff, call 816-781-4941.

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ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

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. The commission also maintains an arts calendar of events on the city’s website and cosponsors 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 citizens. As funding becomes available through private donations and grants, the foundation will support the projects of the Arts Commission, the Liberty Symphony, the Community Chorus, Corbin Theater and other arts focused organizations and individuals. Visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Arts for more information. LIBERTY ARTS SQUARED Liberty Arts Squared is a family-friendly event that takes place in early June in downtown Liberty. The festival offers opportunities for art lovers of all ages to see, purchase and experience world-class artwork in a relaxed, small-town setting. This year’s festival will be June 5 and 6, featuring visual arts, live musical entertainment, children’s art and activities, and a chalk art contest. The festival activities are free and open to the public. Visit www.LibertyArtsSquared.org for more information. 8

Explore Liberty • March 2015

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LIBERTY PERFORMING ARTS T H E AT R E 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 productions are popular attractions for kids in kindergarten through third grade and contain just the right amount of unadulterated fun, humor and â&#x20AC;&#x153;how to play well with othersâ&#x20AC;? practical lessons that even the grownups will enjoy. But the LPAT 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 the by Liberty Symphony Orchestra, Corbin Theatre Company, Liberty Public Schools, Natural Build Fitness, dance studios and other local and national organizations New in 2014, the LPAT now offers open band rehearsals, which provide time and space for progressive ensembles to rehearse in a professional environment and also be heard by an audience â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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 Kansas City Northland area. To see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening at the theater or to check out rental information, visit ww.ci.liberty. mo.us/LPAT. SUMMER BAND 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 Liberty4thFest, the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fourth of July celebration. 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

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Road. To check out concert dates and times, visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPAT. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Liberty Parks and Recreation Department will add to the entertainment mix in historic downtown Liberty with its fourth annual summer concert series June 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Indie pop-singer Gracie Schram will help officially kick off summer in conjunction with the 11th annual Taste of Liberty. July 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Blues-influenced roots rock trio Katy Guillen and the Girls will get Libertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual two-day Fourth of July party started. August 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In the final concert of the summer, a to-be-announced band will delight fans and attendees of Historic Downtown Libertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth annual Beer Crawl. The concerts will get underway 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 regarding these live performances.

The 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. FA L L F E S T I VA L Held on the fourth full weekend in September â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this year Sept. 25 to 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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 LIBERTY4THFEST while perusing vendors selling anything and Liberty4thFest celebrates Independence everything. The Downtown Farmers Market Day each year with food, fun and fireworks. rounds out the festivities with its beautiful Events will start on July 3 in downtown displays of fall pumpkins, mums and veggies Liberty, including the blues-influenced roots for sale. The event, organized by the Liberty rock trio Katy Guillen and the Girls. The morning of the Fourth kicks off with a parade, Area Chamber of Commerce, traces its roots and continues on the Square with a car show back to 1934 with ties to 4-H in Clay County and barbecue contest. That evening, Greene and homecoming activities at William Jewell Stadium at William Jewell College will host a College. Visit www.libertyfallfest.com for more information. patriotic fireworks display.

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C O R B I N T H E AT R E The Corbin Theatre Company, located downtown at 15 N. Water St., is Libertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official community theater. The theater features numerous theatrical performances throughout the year, as well as regular live music nights and other events. To contact the theater, call 816-529-4988 or email info@corbintheatre.org. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.corbintheatre.org.

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LIBERTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA For more than four decades, the Liberty Symphony Orchestra has presented the best in classical and pop music, and featured local musicians and composers. The symphony presents a series of four regular concerts annually and an educational concert for area youth at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. For concert dates and ticket information, visit www.libertysymphony.org. LIBERTY COMMUNITY CHORUS The Liberty Community Chorus features the musical talents of a mixed SATB choir open to singers 16 and older. Bryan Taylor of the Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale directs the decade-old chorus, which performs concerts in both the fall and spring. The nonprofit chorus is funded through member dues, ticket sales and donor support. For more information, visit www.libertycommunitychorus.org.

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PUBLIC ART Great Americans Project: The first of what city officials hope one day will be a collection of statues in The Great Americans Project was unveiled in the summer of 2013. The life-size bronze statue of George Washington debuted at a park on the corner of Mill and South Leonard streets. Former Mayor Greg Canuteson has led the efforts for art initiative with the Great Americans Project Board. Organizers hope to eventually create a walking trail lined the life-size sculptures of great Americans. Kinetic wind sculptures: Commissioned by the Liberty Arts Commission, six kinetic

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which is designed to patina over time and move gently in the wind. Bottle Tree: First unveiled at the 2013 Juneteenth celebration, the Bottle Tree at Garrison School Cultural Center is an 800-pound steel sculpture created by Liberty resident and Shaped Steel owner Robert Evans. Bottle trees hold an interesting place in African-American history and tradition. Traced to the Bakongo people of the African Congo, it was thought that the glass bottles would capture evil forces. Africans of the TransAtlantic slave trade brought the bottle tree to the Americas. According to folklore, the trees would trap prowling evil spirits after dusk then vaporize them in the heat of the morning sunlight. The Pencil: Even though its primary purpose is not decorative, a telecommunications tower has brightens the Liberty skyline. Artistic and functional, a 100-foot metal tower northwest of downtown Liberty has been painted to look like a giant yellow No. 2 pencil.

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MURALS A series of murals, each paying tribute to the area’s history and heritage, decorates downtown Liberty. Lewis & Clark Mural: This painting at Water and Mill streets commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 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. Liberty, The Heritage Years: Significant events in Liberty’s history, including the arrival of early settlers at Liberty Landing, decorate the Council Chamber where today’s city leaders meet at City Hall. Artist: Eric J. Bransby. 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 scene at dusk at Multnomah Plantation. The fourth, the African-American Legacy Mural, honors African-American pioneers, businesses, churches and schools that contributed to the founding of four county cities with vital African-American popluations: Liberty, Excelsior Springs, North Kansas City and Missouri City. Artist: David McClain.

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LITTLE FREE LIBRARY The Little Free Library movement has made its way to Liberty. With a “take a book, leave a book” philosophy, these whimsical containers allow the community to share literary favorites. Several of these mini libraries are found throughout the city, but not all are registered with Little Free Library. When you see one, stop to take or to leave a book for the next lucky bookworm.

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Explore Liberty • March 2015

After spending more than seven years in the minor leagues, Scott Carroll finally broke into the Majors in 2014. Carroll, who was called up in late April, spent nearly the entire season with the Chicago White Sox. He made his professional debut on April 27 that year, outpitching former Cy Young award winner David Price in a 9-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays and finished his first pro season with a 5-10 record and 4.80 ERA. A 2003 Liberty High School graduate who helped lead the Blue Jays’ baseball program to the state championship in 2002, Carroll went on to play two years of college football at Purdue before transferring and playing both football and baseball at Missouri State University. He was selected in the third round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft and spent six seasons in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization before signing with the White Sox.

Shea Groom and Kaysie Clark

Marcus Lucas

No matter where he has gone, Marcus Lucas has made people take notice. He did it again during training camp in the summer of 2014 and earned a place on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Lucas, regarded as the most talented football player to come out of Liberty, was a two-time winner of the prestigious Otis Taylor Award, given to the top high school receiver in the Kansas City area before he graduated in 2010. He caught 128 passes for 2,267 yards and 34 touchdowns for the Blue Jays, all Liberty team records. In his four-year college career at the University of Missouri, Lucas caught 130 receptions for 1,638 yards and 11 touchdowns, numbers that place him just outside the top 10 on the Tigers’ career lists. He finished his career in style, catching a touchdown in Mizzou’s 41-31 victory against Oklahoma State in the 2014 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.

Two of the most accomplished players in Liberty High School girls soccer program history have been reunited. Shea Groom and Kaysie Clark led the Blue Jays to back-to-back state championships in 2010 and 2011 before leaving for productive college careers — Groom at Texas A&M University and Clark at the University of Missouri. Both players were selected by FC Kansas City during the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League College draft in January. Groom, the high school program’s all-time leading scorer with 155 goals, 75 assists and 385 points, went on to become a two-time All-American and led the Aggies to the national final four in December 2014. She registered 41 goals and 107 points at A&M, both of which rank sixth in team history. Clark notched 15 goals, 23 assists and 53 points for Mizzou, joining the Tigers’ career leaders.

March 2015 •

Explore Liberty

E D U C AT I O N

LIBERTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Liberty Public Schools continues to be one of the destination districts for families around the Kansas City metropolitan area, the state of Missouri and the entire region. As its mission reads, the district seeks to “inspire and equip all learners to discover their voice and unlimited potential.” With an enrollment of nearly 12,000, LPS educates students at a high level while also being one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state. Students attend one of 11 elementary schools, six secondary schools, an early childhood center or Liberty Academy Alternative School. LPS is known across the state for excellence, annually receiving state and national awards and distinctions in various categories. Students achieve at high levels in academics, fine arts and athletics. The administration recognizes that success cannot be obtained without the caring teachers, staff, parents and community support that make up the 16

Explore Liberty • March 2015

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 www.liberty. k12.mo.us. 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. The school integrates faith and knowledge through strong family involvement, dedicated staff, innovative extra-curricular programs, an outdoor learning environment, state-of-the-art technology, and an emphasis on personal responsibility and respect for others. The school is at 309 S. Stewart Road. For more information, call 816-781-4428 or visit www.stjames-school.org.

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY Two of Mid-Continent Public Library’s 31 library branches are located in the Liberty area. The Liberty Branch, at 1000 Kent St., has been serving residents since 1981. The branch underwent a series of renovations in 2014, including the addition of self-service radio frequency identification scanners for book checkout, new carpet and shelving, and enhanced Wi-Fi infrastructure. The Woodneath Library Center, located at 8900 NE Flintlock Road just west of Liberty, opened in 2013. The branch features a 200-seat community conference room, several small meeting spaces and an Espresso book printing machine. An on-site café is expected to open in 2015. Woodneath is built around the 1850s Elbridge Arnold home, which MidContinent plans to renovate into a future Story Center. For more information about the Mid-

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

Continent Public Library system, visit mymcpl.org. WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE William Jewell College was founded in 1849. The liberal-arts college provides its approximately 1,100 undergraduate students with an education that cultivates leadership, service, and spiritual growth. The school offers more than 40 majors, pre-professional programs and graduate programs. William Jewell’s nationally unique Oxbridge Honors Program gives students the opportunity to spend their junior year abroad at one of two British universities: Cambridge or Oxford. The Pryor Learning Commons was added to the campus in 2013. With a focus on 21st century learning, the $15 million facility provides students with learning spaces driven by technology instead of a traditional book-centric library. William Jewell has been ranked among America’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, US News & World Report, Forbes Magazine and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

As one of the premiere performing arts series in the country, the Harriman-Jewell Series has showcased notable performances for 50 seasons, including world-acclaimed tenor Luciano Pavarotti’s international recital debut in 1973. Visit www.jewell.edu for more information. MIDAMERICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY MidAmerica Nazarene University in Liberty, located at 105 N. Stewart Ct., Suite 210, is dedicated to professional and graduate studies. Current programs include Bachelor of Arts in Applied Organizational Leadership, RN-BSN, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management. MNU students enjoy modern technology in classrooms and a convenient online learning system with evening and weekend courses available. Online offerings include classes in nursing and graduate studies in education.

Founded in Olathe, Kan., in 1966, MNU is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. For more information, visit www.mnu. edu/professional/liberty, or call 407-3070. EARNEST SHEPHERD YOUTH CENTER Earnest Shepherd Youth Center is located at 610 E. Shepherd Road, just off of Interstate 35. The facility, which sits on 62 acres of woods, provides metropolitan area school groups with an ideal space for teambuilding and leadership programming. During the summer, kids can traverse through a world of adventure in one of the many day camps. The youth center also hosts the Clay County 4-H Fair each summer. Earnest Shepherd has rental availability for reunions, retreats and other activities. Call 781-7733 to inquire about booking an event. For more information regarding programming, camp offerings, event dates, rental offerings and donations, visit www. earnestshepherd.com.

Liberty Public Schools – Inspire • Invest • Innovate

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year is now online! Visit us at https://registration.liberty.k12.mo.us/ to enroll your 2015-2016 kindergartner. Take a tour of our schools, and learn about more great things we offer, by going to our website at www.liberty.k12.mo.us, or you may contact our administration office at 816-736-5300.

Mission Statement: Inspire and equip all learners to discover their voice and unlimited potential. Vision: A future-focused community with a passion for lifelong learning.

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Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary offers independent and guided respite from city life Even the simplest of activities, such as enjoying nature and our surroundings, can be done in Liberty. Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is a private, nonprofit nature center with 100 acres of land located on the east side of Liberty. Its mission is to offer engaging, hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages; create biodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources; foster understanding that all Earth’s inhabitants are part of a complex, interdependent ecosystems; and provide opportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with the natural world. The nature sanctuary 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 September, and Tuesday to Saturday from October through March.

COMMUNE with nature

by Chris Geinosky

Martha Lafite offers a wide variety of public programs, including specialty astronomy and gardening classes for all ages, as well as private programs, birthday parties, scout group activities and school field trips. The sanctuary also offers its Earth Guardians Adventure Days summer program. EGADS is a youth camp designed to get kids outside interacting with the environment. “We provide a strong educational program in a safe and fun environment for the kids,” Martha Lafite Director Michael Sandy said. “The kids are going to learn a lot of really cool stuff about wildlife, nature, gardening, plants and animals, and the environment. All of these science subjects are incorporated into the programming.” The sanctuary has approximately four miles of trails, most of which are less than a mile in length. There are two asphalt trails, one of which is ADA accessible. The area is open for hiking, nature study, birding, photography, sketching and relaxing in the beauty of the natural world. Trails are open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April through 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 for public or private programs. The sanctuary is located at 407 N. La Frenz Road. For more information, call 816-7818598 or visit www.naturesanctuary.com.

Explore Liberty • March 2015

Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

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Aced it!

An ace occurs when a player makes the first shot, or drive, into the basket. It is equivalent to a hole-inone in traditional golf. According to the Disc Golf Association, it is common practice to have all participants in an ace group — or all spectators — sign the disc used to make the ace.

Disc golf course brings growing sport to Stocksdale Park by Chris Geinosky

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888 HAINES DR. STE 100, LIBERTY MO 781-0017 Liberty Lions Club has a motto of “We Serve” and within the Liberty/Clay County area our primary service project is eye exams and glasses on a referral basis. We collect and recycle approximately 10,000 pairs of glasses a year and when added to those collected by others Lions clubs provide improved eyesight to needy in foreign countries. Annually, a scholarship is awarded to a deserving Liberty senior.

We also support many other service works in the community.

Contact: Donna Bailey, Secretary

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings at 6:30pm for dinner at Perkins Restaurant in Liberty.

Email: dbailey1930@att.net

We invite you to come join our organization.

Phone: 816-792-3359

Explore Liberty • March 2015

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LIBERTY LIONS CLUB

Disc golf, a sport that is growing in popularity across the country, has arrived at Stocksdale Park. Liberty Parks and Recreation christened the Bad Rock Creek Disc Golf Course with a ribbon cutting in the fall of 2014. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the hard work of Parks and Recreation staff, area disc golfers have a new three-in-one course on which to test their skills. Designed by Kansas City disc golf course designer John Thiess, this course was developed for players of all skill levels â&#x20AC;&#x201D; beginner, advanced and pro. Through the placement of alternating tee pads and additional baskets, the Bad Rock Creek Disc Golf Course is

actually three courses in one with 18 holes, 33 tee pads and 26 baskets. The course was made possible through donations from course sponsor Rogers Sporting Goods and individual sponsors for each of the 18 holes. City staff spent hundreds of hours clearing the way for the newest amenity in Libertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park system, installing the tee pads and baskets and putting the finishing touches on the course. According to Chris Wilson, Libertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks and open spaces manager, the course earned its name from the annals of history, more specifically the Lewis and Clark Expedition that traversed the area more than 200 years ago. Rush Creek flows along the east side of Stocksdale Park and Walnut Woods Conservation Area before flowing south into the Missouri River. Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journal of June 24, 1804 noted â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś a bad part of the river, on the S.S. the rocks projected into the river some distanceâ&#x20AC;? just above its confluence with the creek. Lewisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comrade Sgt. Charles Floyd referred to the creek as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creek of the Bad Rock.â&#x20AC;? Liberty Parks and Recreation works cooperatively with the KC Flying Disc Club on course maintenance, enhancement and promotion. The club plans weekly tournaments at the course each Monday evening in the spring through fall.

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Fountain Bluff Sports Complex offers something for everyone by Chris Geinosky

2200 E. Old Highway 210, Liberty, MO 64068 • 816-439-4393 • www.ci.liberty.mo.us/FountainBluff

For more than a decade now, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex has been considered one of the premier destinations in the Kansas City area for ball teams near and far. An estimated quarter million sports enthusiasts per year have passed through the gates at Fountain Bluff since it opened in 2002, part of a $6.8 million project. The complex, which is located near the southeast end of town off Missouri Highway 291, has served as the host site for countless baseball and softball state tournaments and national World Series events, and that is expected to only continue in the future, bringing many out-of-town guests to Liberty and helping to boost the local economy. Nine baseball and softball fields and six full-size soccer fields, all of which are irrigated underground, spotlight the park. Fountain Bluff hosts both youth and adult recreational and competitive leagues — baseball, softball, soccer and flag football — throughout the year.

the winter months. Three to four times each winter, MDC stocks two of the ponds with rainbow trout. MDC also checks the population of other fish species and restocks the ponds as needed. And that’s not the extent of activities that can be found at Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. In past years, the site has also hosted various sports leagues, camps and clinics, and summer sand soccer tournaments. In 2014, the complex opened its gates to a new style of event when the city of Liberty partnered with LoziLu Women’s Mud Run to host a metro-area event. More

than 1,600 individuals got down and dirty in the 5K obstacle course that featured mud pits, climbing walls and inflatable slides. With additional local, regional and national youth baseball and softball tournaments, greater fishing opportunities, more youth/adult sports leagues and even the possibility of another mud run, 2015 is shaping up as one of the busiest seasons out at the complex to date. For more information about Fountain Bluff Sports Complex and a complete listing of upcoming events, rainout information and directions, visit www. ci.liberty.mo.us/FountainBluff.

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However, the 146-acre site offers so much more to its guests. The complex also features picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, covered seating, concession stands, paved parking lots, eight ponds stocked for fishing, and more than two miles of paved trails for both walking and biking with historical markers posted along the route commemorating past events that have taken place on the site. The Fountain Bluff Sports Complex is rich in local history and heritage with ties to events such as the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Liberty Landing, the Mormon Trail and a World War II prisoner of war camp. One of the amenities not seen in other similar facilities are the ponds, which are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation for public fishing year round. Many different species can be found in the waters including bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish, as well as rainbow trout in

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PARKS AND RECREATION

Whether physical connections — like trails that connect neighborhoods to schools and parks — or social connections — through special events and recreation programs — the Liberty Parks and Recreation Department strives to enhance the quality of life for the Liberty community. With 10 parks covering more than 500 acres, Liberty residents and visitors can enjoy playgrounds, spraygrounds, tennis courts, ballfields, a dog park, a disc golf course, and many miles of trails for walking, running, or biking.

PA R K S & T R A I L S 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 1/4 mile to 2 1/2 miles, and many of the trails connect with neighborhood sidewalks. Mountain bikers will find one of the region’s most extensive Volunteering for Parks: The Liberty Parks single-track trail systems at Stocksdale Park and Recreation Department offers a wide and adjacent Walnut Woods Conservation range of volunteer opportunities to assist Area. with park maintenance, tree plantings, The city of Liberty recently adopted a stream cleanups and special events. The new Trails and Greenways Plan to provide the Park Ambassador program allows volunteers framework for a citywide, interconnected, to serve as stewards, advocates or docents multi-use trail system encompassing more in parks throughout Liberty. Want to help? than 80 miles of trails along streets, streams, Call LeAnn Lawlor, community services upland greenways, former roadways, and manager, at 816-439-4396. within rail corridors and other rights of way. 26

Explore Liberty • March 2015

The plan will enhance community health and quality of life by accomplishing three main goals: 1. Provide safe, easily accessible opportunities for recreation for all Liberty residents. 2. Create an alternate transportation system that gives citizens the option to use nonmotorized transportation for travel within and outside of Liberty. 3. Ensure that our residents can experience nature in their everyday lives by locating trails along streams and other greenway corridors wherever possible. Disc Golf: Bring your discs and check out the new premier, blue-level 18-hole disc golf course in Stocksdale Park, 901 S. La Frenz Road. The KC Flying Disc Club holds drop-in mini tournaments at the course on Monday evenings April to October. Other tournament dates can be found on the group’s website at KCFDC.org. Spraygrounds: When the summer sun arrives, kids seek the cooling water jets and

L I B E R T Y PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N

sprays in one of Liberty’s two spraygrounds at City Park, 970 S. Missouri Highway 291, and Ruth Moore Park, 410 N. Morse Ave. The spraygrounds are free and are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information on parks and trails, visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Parks. LIBERTY COMMUNITY CENTER The Liberty Community Center offers aquatics, fitness, as well as youth and adult community programs to help area residents and visitors maintain an active lifestyle throughout the year. With a day pass, summer pass or annual membership, anyone can take advantage of the many amenities at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S. Withers Road. Amenities include two indoor pools (lap pool and warm water pool); two outdoor pools including a children’s fountain pool; hot tub; sauna; 3/4 court gymnasium; locker rooms; and the 5,400-square-foot fitness center featuring cardiovascular and strength training equipment. This year, the Parks and Recreation Department is replacing several older pieces of cardio equipment with newer models that will not only have built-in televisions but will also have Internet connections that will allow users to create and track their workouts online. The Web-based system will automatically adjust the settings on the equipment to match the workout designed by the user or his or her personal trainer. The system also will interface with a variety of fitness apps. The Liberty Community Center also offers five 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 information, call 816-4394360 or visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/ CommunityCenter. F O U N TA I N B L U F F SPORTS COMPLEX Known by many near and far for hosting baseball, softball, flag football and soccer leagues and tournaments, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex also offers amenities not seen in other similar facilities. (See Page 24-25.)

P U R P O S E F U L LY D I F F E R E N T

Programs available in Liberty: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Organizational Leadership RN-BSN

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March 2015 •

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L I B E R T Y PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N

YOUTH & ADULT SPORTS PROGRAMS The Liberty Parks and 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 two and a half in some sports, have the opportunity to participate in programs geared toward developing the fundamental skills required for soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf and football. In addition, Liberty Parks and 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 and Recreation also offers a number of competitive youth leagues in soccer, basketball, baseball, flag football and softball. The Liberty Storm offers kids 18 and younger an opportunity to swim competitively in an environment that stresses fundamentals, good sportsmanship and fun. This summer swim program, which has been swimming at the Liberty

Community Center since 1993, has come on strong in its second decade, winning nine championships in the last 10 years. It’s not just the kids who get to have all the fun. The Liberty Parks and 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. Whether young or just young at heart, Liberty Parks and Recreation has the activity that is right for you For more info about sports programs, visit www.ci.liberty. mo.us/LPR. Parks and Recreation Charitable Fund: Recognizing that public funding is limited, the Liberty Parks & Recreation Charitable Fund was established to support projects, youth scholarships and other needs. The LPRCF board provided more than $5,000 to fund the completion of the new disc golf course. In the last two years, 108 youth scholarships were awarded through the fund. Private donations and an annual Tee it Up Fore Parks golf tournament help to raise more than $10,000 each year for the charitable fund. The third annual Tee it Up Fore Parks golf tournament is scheduled for

this July 10. Donations to the LPRCF can be made securely online at www.ci.liberty. mo.us/LPRCFdonate. COMMUNITY SERVICES The Community Services division of the Parks and Recreation Department offers support services and a variety of social activities and programs to older adults and seniors of our community. The division offers activities that

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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. Fitness is a vital component for aging well, so a wide variety of fitness classes are offered for all fitness levels. Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that combines continuous, gentle movement with deep breathing. For the swimmers, there are a number of water aerobics classes that are gentle on the joints. The division is a proud partner with the SilverSneakers program through Healthways, offering both day and evening fitness classes free of charge. The Community Services division also offers educational seminars on a variety of topics, including promoting lifelong learning opportunities. The Liberty Silver Center is a place where older adults (60-plus) come to socialize, participate in activities and enjoy a hot nutritious meal. In addition to weekly activities, which include various card games, computer classes, seminars, land aerobics class and special events, the Silver Center has partnered with Focus Healthcare to provide monthly Wellness Wednesdays. 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. The Liberty Access Bus provides free essential transportation within the city limits of Liberty to older adults (60 and older) and physically challenged individuals (age 18-59) 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 the doctor’s office, grocery store and pharmacy. Non-essential trips such as those to the bank or non-grocery 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. 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 seniors within the city limits of Liberty who are unable to cook for themselves. For more information on this and other activities, call the City’s Community Services Division at 816-439-4365 or visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/CommunityServices.

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Wine & Spirits by Stacy Burt

Belvoir Winery has a haunted reputation

Set back but still visible on the hill to the east of Missouri Highway 291 at Claywoods Drive sits Belvoir Winery. Purchased by the International Order of Odd Fellows in 1895, the property served as an orphanage while adjacent buildings held a nursing home, hospital and a morgue. After years of abandon and disrepair, Dr. John Bean and his wife, Marsha, purchased the historic property with a dream of converting it into a winery. Today, with their dream realized, the winery also serves as a special event destination and soon-to-be inn. Although the main building and associated properties were quiet and empty for years, some say past residents have never actually left. Visitors to the property began sharing stories about unusual sounds and sights, and eventually, Belvoir attracted the attention of the producers of the SciFi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters,” whose 2013 broadcast from the Liberty winery went out to homes across the nation. One of the show’s hosts, Amy Bruni, was particularly intrigued by the paranormal activity on the property and has returned to conduct further investigations with her spinoff company Strange Escapes. “I’ve investigated so many times there. We’ve seen shadow figures, we’ve heard voices. There’s definitely something in the morgue and in the nursing home that is not very happy. He’s really grumpy,” said Bruni. “I’ve heard him speak with this low, gruff, kind of grunting voice, and you can tell whatever’s down there wants to get out. So that’s always pretty impressive.” Bruni recalled a particular experience during the filming of the “Ghost Hunters” episode. “In the winery itself, when we were shooting and investigating, we had a really crazy experience,” she said. “They have pianos at opposite ends of the building, so the person I was investigating with — my partner in crime Adam Berry — we’re at one end of the

building and we could hear all the way down at the other end a piano playing. So we ran down there and, obviously, there was no one else in the building at the time.”

Jesse Leimkuhler, CEO and part owner of the winery, said he and his staff had heard and seen some odd things, recalling a time when he was in the ladies’ room tidying up and saw the image of a little boy about 8 to 10 feet away from him. “I saw it for about five seconds,” he said. “He was wearing blue knickers and socks, a red shirt and brown boots. He was about 3 feet tall.” Event coordinator Rachel Shirk also has had strange experiences. She was working in an office on the main floor and heard footsteps on the wooden floor outside. When she walked out to see who it was, the hallway was empty, Leimkuhler said. While the winery doesn’t market itself as a haunted venue — it hosts many weddings and private parties — Leimkuhler said the winery hosts monthly murder mystery shows and regular paranormal tours. For guests who don’t mind bare-bones company, they can have a drink next to “George,” the skeleton of a man who died in the 1880s and donated his body to science, in the Belvoir bar. For more information, call 816-2001811 or visit the winery’s website at www. belvoirwinery.com.

1325 Odd Fellows Road, Liberty, MO 64068 www.belvoirwinery.com email: info@belvoirwinery.com call us: 816.200.1811 Hours: Sunday 12:00-6:00 • Monday-Wednesday 11:00-4:00 Thursday-Saturday 11:00-8:00 75040229

• • • •

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

75040563

Please visit... www.KClibertylagoon.com or call 1-816-335-4402 for reservations. March 2015 •

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BANKING National Bank of Kansas City 9750 N Ash Ave Kansas City, MO 64157 800-627-3999 www.bankofkc.com

BED & BREAKFAST

ANTIQUES Bradford’s Antiques 1317 East H Hwy, Suite D Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-4022 www.bradfordsantiques.com

APARTMENTS Westowne Apartments 1136 W College Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-1919 Wilshire Apartments 205 Belmont St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-6492

APPLIANCE REPAIR Mr. Appliance of Liberty 935 S Brown St Liberty, MO 64068 816-698-5656 www.mrappliance.com/liberty

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT B & B Theatres, Liberty 12 2101 W Kansas St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-4141 Liberty12@bbtheatres.com Corbin Theatre 15 N Water St Liberty, MO 64068 816-529-4988 www.corbintheatre.org Liberty Community Chorus PO Box 884 Liberty, MO 64069 816-510-5933 www.libertycommunitychorus.org Liberty Symphony Orchestra 500 College Hill, Box 1137 Liberty, MO 64068 816-866-0576 www.libertysymphony.org

Explore Liberty • March 2015

Stone-Yancey House Bed & Breakfast 421 N Lightburne Liberty, MO 64068 816-415-0066 www.stoneyanceyhouse.com

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Goodwill Western Kansas & Eastern Missouri 9470 N Cedar Ave Kansas City, MO 64157 816-883-2790 www.mokangoodwill.org

DAY SPA / SALON Salon Oasis & Day Spa 8504 N Church Rd Kansas City, MO 64157 816-415-3733 www.salonoasisanddayspa.com

DENTAL Seaport Family Dentistry 2 Westwoods Dr Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-1430 www.seaportdentistry.com

DINING Conrad’s Restaurant & Alehouse 210 N State Route 291 Liberty, MO 64068 816-407-1717 www.conrads816.com The Fish Market 1120 E Old State Route 210 Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-8705 www.facebook.com/FishMarket/Liberty Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 9800 NE Barry Rd Kansas City, MO 64157 816-792-9902 www.freddysusa.com Rock & Run Brewery and Pub 110 E Kansas St Liberty, MO 64068 816-415-2337 www.RockAndRunBrewery.com

Texas Roadhouse 168 N Stewart Ct Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-9899 www.texasroadhouse.com

EARLY EDUCATION / DAYCARE Liberty Christian Church Early Education Center 427 E. Kansas Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-7654 www.lcceec.org Liberty Montessori Center 650 E Ruth Ewing Rd Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-6295 www.libertymontessoricenter.com Spectrum Station 3250 Ameristar Dr Kansas City, MO 64161 816-459-8000 www.spectrumstation.com

EDUCATION Liberty Public Schools 8 Victory Lane Liberty, MO 64068 816-736-5300 www.libertyk12.mo.us MidAmerica Nazarene University 105 N Stewart, Suite 210 Liberty, MO 64068 816-407-3070 www.mnu.edu/graduate The Tutoring Center - Kansas City 9775 N Cedar Ave Kansas City, MO 64157 816-781-0000 www.kansascitytutoringcenter.com William Jewell College 500 College Hill Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-7700 www.jewell.edu

ELECTRICIAN/ELECTRIC CO. Mike Hagen Electric Company 8820 NE 108th St Kansas City, MO 64157 816-734-5100 mikehagenelectric.com

EVENTS Belvoir Winery 1325 Odd Fellows Road Liberty, MO 64068 816-200-1811 www.belvoirwinery.com

FARMERS MARKET

HOTELS & FAMILY FUN

Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers’ Market Historic Square Liberty, MO 64068 816-581-6523 www.HistoricDowntownLiberty.org

Days Inn - Liberty 209 N State Hwy 291 Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-8770 www.daysinn.com

FITNESS Anytime Fitness 888 Haines Dr, Suite 100 Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-0017 www.anytimefitness.com Eagle Fitness 913 W Liberty Dr Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-8600 www.eaglefitnessliberty.com

GROCERY Cosentino’s Price Chopper 896 S 291 Hwy Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-4649 www.mypricechopper.com 9717 N Ash Ave Kansas City, MO 64157 816-883-2770 www.mypricechopper.com Hy-Vee 109 Blue Jay Dr Liberty, MO 64068 816-792-3210 www.hy-vee.com

HEATING & COOLING Gladstone Furnace Co. 303 NE 58th Terrace Gladstone, MO 64118 816-452-0400 www.gladstonefurnace-ac.com

HEALTH & WEIGHT LOSS Visi Nutrition & Weight Loss Products Cody Phillips - Independent Distributor 816-694-0115 www.codys.govisi.com

HOSPITAL Liberty Hospital 2525 Glenn Hendren Dr Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-7200 www.libertyhospital.org

Hampton Inn - Kansas City / Liberty 8551 N Church Rd Kansas City, MO 64157 816-415-9600 www.kansascityliberty.hamptoninn.com Sleep Inn & Suites and Indoor Waterpark 1840 N Church Road Liberty, MO 64068 816-335-4402 www.sleepinn.com/Liberty

INSURANCE/AUTO/ LIFE/PLANNING AAA Shoal Creek - Debra Watson 9205 NE Missouri 152 Kansas City, MO 64158 816-781-4222 www.aaa.com

INTERIOR DESIGN/DECORATING Aggieal’s Attic 111 N Water Liberty, MO 64068 816-407-1591 www.aggiealsattic.com

LIBRARY Mid-Continent Public Library 1000 Kent St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-9240 mymcpl.org

LIQUOR & CIGAR STORE Y Liquor & Cigar 346 S State Route 291 Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-9442

MAIL / PACKAGE HANDLING FedEx Ground 12501 NE 40th St Kansas City, MO 64161 816-413-1120 www.fedex.com

MEDICAL Harbor View Medical 110 Westwoods Dr Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-6127 www.harborviewmedical.com

Liberty Medical Center 1504 NE 96th St Liberty, MO 64068 816-415-2233 www.libertymedicalcenter.com

ORGANIZATIONS Historic Downtown Liberty 111 N Water St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-3575 www.HistoricDowntownLiberty.org Historic Liberty Jail 216 N Main St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-3188 www.lds.org/placestovisit Liberty Arts Squared Historic Square Liberty, MO 64068 www.libertyartssquared.com Liberty Chamber of Commerce 1170 W Kansas St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-5200 www.libertychamber.com Liberty Lions Club 354 Lakeside Dr Liberty, MO 64068 816-792-3359

PET CARE No Worries Pet Care, LLC 816-415-9267 www.noworriespetcare.net

RETAIL Corbin Mill 131 S Water St Liberty, MO 64068 www.corbinmill.com James Country Mercantile 111 N Main St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-9473 www.jamescountry.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Main Street Goods and Goodies 16 N Main St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-6839

THRIFT STORE Manor Thrift Shop 931 Brown St (across from Mid-Continent Public Library) Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-5472 www.imanor.org/manor-thrift-shop March 2015 •

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AREA CIVIC INFORMATION

CITY OF LIBERTY With a population of more than 30,000, the city of Liberty is governed by an elected mayor and eight-member City Council. Two representatives from each of four wards serve on the council, which generally meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at City Hall. City Hall 101 E. Kansas Street Liberty, MO 64068 Main Number......................816-439-4400 Access Elderly Transportation..................816-439-4395 Administration.....................816-439-4413 Aging Services....................816-439-4395 Ambulance Non-Emergency..816-439-4700 Animal Shelter.....................816-439-4790 Building Permits & Inspections....................816-439-4541 Business & Liquor Licenses.....816-439-4417 City Taxes...........................816-439-4450 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...............816-439-4543 Police Department, Non-Emergency................816-439-4716 Public Works/Engineering.....816-439-4500 Public Works/Maintenance ..816-439-4514 Recycling, Trash...................816-439-4514 Water/SewerNew Service & Billing.......816-439-4450 Water - Emergency After Hours.......................816-439-4701 ONLINE RESOURCES Administration ............. www.ci.liberty.mo.us/CityAdmin Finance Department .................www.ci.liberty.mo.us/Finance

Explore Liberty â&#x20AC;˘ March 2015

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 ROAD CONDITIONS 816-439-4514 ULITITY PROVIDERS Electricity KCP&L 816-471-KCPL (5275) 1-888-471-KCPL (5275) Natural Gas Missouri Gas Energy 816-756-5252 1-800-582-1234 Sanitary Sewer City of Liberty 816-439-4460 Solid Waste/Recycling Allied Waster Services For Service Problems: 816-254-1470 For Billing/Payment Information 816-439-4463

Water City of Liberty 816-439-4460 C L AY C O U N T Y Liberty is the county seat for Clay County. Home to an estimated 230,000-plus residents, Clay County is one of the largest counties in the state of Missouri. Administration Building 1 Courthouse Square Liberty, MO 64068 816-407-3600 www.claycountymo.gov 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 JESSE JAMES REGIONAL AIRPORT Clay County is home to the Jesse James Regional Airport (formerly 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 Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airport, in addition to one of the lowest fuel rates in the country. 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. For more information about the facility, visit www. midwestnationalaircenter.com or call 816-407-3390.

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C L AY C O U N T Y PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER The Clay County Public Health Center is located at 800 Haines Drive in Liberty. In addition to its regular services, 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. To contact the health center, call 816-595-4200. For more information, visit www.clayhealth.com.

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Thanks for voting Y Liquor one of the best liquor stores of the northland SERVING THE LIBERTY AREA FOR 20 YEARS.

WE OFFER A FULL LINE OF HAND SELECTED WINE’S, HUGE CRAFT BEER SELECTION - INCLUDING A BUILD YOUR OWN 6 PACK SECTION. ONE OF THE BEST SCOTCH AND BOURBON SELECTIONS IN THE AREA. AND, OF COURSE, A HUGE WALK-IN HUMIDOR FULL OF SOME OF THE FINEST CIGARS AVAILABLE.

JOHN FUHRMAN - OWNER • LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED 346 S. 291 HWY., SW Corner of 152 Hwy & 291 Hwy LIBERTY, MO. 64068 • (816) 781-9442 75041624

LIBERTY HOSPTIAL Liberty Hospital opened its doors to patients in February 1974. In the past 40 years it has grown to a state-of-the-art 250-bed care center with more than 330 physicians covering all medical specialties. The comprehensive medical center provides full range of services, the latest technology and a compassionate staff focused on providing exceptional care. Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Kansas City at 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty Hospital serves Clay, Platte and Ray counties, as well as the northwest Missouri corridor. As a public hospital, Liberty Hospital is governed by a publicly elected six-member board of trustees chosen by residents of the hospital district. Trustees serve six-year terms. In the past year, the hospital has opened Women’s Imaging in Medical Plaza East on the hospital campus, a sports medicine and rehabilitation center at 398 N. Blue Jay Drive in Liberty, and Urgent Care Shoal Creek at 8300 N. Church Road in Kansas City. In 2013 it announced plans to build a Healthy Living Community with two partner firms. The project — a $60 million investment in Liberty — is intended to establish the hospital as the region’s leader in advancing new models of care. For more information about Liberty Hospital and its services call 816-781-7200 or visit www.libertyhospital.org.

yliquor@att.net • https://www.facebook.com/yliquor March 2015 •

Explore Liberty

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday thru Friday open 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Voted Best Daycare/ Preschool in the Northland for 5 years running! Best Student/Teacher Ratio North of the River and Excellent Teacher Tenure

RECURRING Jazz on the Square: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Enjoy an evening of jazz at the Corbin Theatre, 15 N. Water St. FREE. Concessions available for purchase. Moonlight Yoga: Nightfall on fullmoon nights in April through October. Bring a mat or blanket and a donation to Stocksdale Park for some yoga by moonlight. This event helps raise funds for the Liberty Dog Park.

Over 36 years of educating and caring for children Accepting children ages 6 weeks thru Kindergarten

650 E. Ruth Ewing Road Liberty, Missouri 64068

www.libertymontessoricenter.com

816-781-6295 75039968

Explore Liberty • March 2015

Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers’ Market: 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May through October. Farm-fresh flowers, produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods and craft items. On the historic Square in downtown Liberty.

Liberty Arts Squared: 4 to 9 p.m. June 5 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 6 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.libertyartssquared.org for more information. Historic Walking Tour: 10 a.m. June 6. FREE and open to the public. Location TBD.

11th Annual Taste of Liberty: 5 to 8 p.m. June 13 in Historic Downtown Liberty. Purchase a ticket and sample the tastes of many restaurants in Liberty. Sponsored by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. Stay for the sound in Liberty Parks SPRING & Recreation’s free summer concert Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. March 28. featuring indie pop-singer Gracie FREE. Kids up to 8 years old will hunt for Schram at 7 p.m. 15,000 candy-filled eggs in Stocksdale SUMMER Park, 901 S. La Frenz Road. Historic Walking Tour: 10 a.m. May 2. FREE and open to the public. Location TBD. Popcorn in the Park: May 29. FREE family-friendly outdoor movie screening of “Big Hero 6” and popcorn in Bennett Park, 1100 S. Clayview Dr.

Liberty4thFest: July 3 and 4. This year’s event will feature the bluesinfluenced roots rock trio Katy Guillen and the Girls in concert on July 3; as well as a barbecue contest, Corvette car cruise and fireworks on July 4. For more information, visit www.liberty4thfest.com.

Historic Walking Tour: 10 a.m. July 11. FREE and open to the public. Location TBD.

FA L L

HISTORIC LIBERTY JAIL

Tee It Up Fore Parks: 8 a.m. July 10 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. Historic Walking Tour: 10 a.m. Aug. 1. FREE and open to the public. Location TBD.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

FREE TOURS PUBLIC WELCOME Liberty Fall Festival: Sept. 25 to 27. Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing and boundless fun for all at the 39th annual festival, held in downtown Liberty. Coordinated by the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce. Historic Walking Tour: 10 a.m. Oct. 3. FREE and open to the public. Location TBD.

Dog Days of Summer Craft Beer Crawl: 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 15. Visit Historic Downtown Liberty, purchase a commemorative glass and sip samples of various unique craft beers at participating businesses. Sponsored by Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. The last free summer concert of the year will feature The Stolen Winnebagos. Named one of the best cover bands in the metro area, the group will entertain the crowd beginning at 7 p.m. The concert is brought to you by Liberty Parks & Recreation.

Trick or Treat Downtown: 5 to 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.

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

Downtown Divas at Dusk: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10. This fun event kicks off Veterans’ Day celebration: 11 a.m. with a style show held at City Hall Plaza Nov. 11. Honor United States military and continues throughout the downtown veterans at a ceremony at the Veterans’ with specials at participating businesses. Memorial in Fairview Cemetery Historic Walking Tour: 10 a.m. Sept. 12. FREE and open to the public. Location TBD. Bark for Our Park: Sept. 13 at Stocksdale Park. This fundraising event will feature a 5K route along with more dog-friendly activities. Proceeds will go enhancements to the Liberty Dog Park.

816-781-3188

www.lds.org/placestovisit The Church of

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

Hometown Holiday Event / Small Business Saturday: Nov. 28. Celebrate the season as you “shop small, shop local” and discover all that the downtown businesses have to offer. The event culminates in the Liberty Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which begins at 6 p.m. 75040270

March 2015 •

Explore Liberty

Justice still stands A hidden treasure of Liberty’s past

Keeping watch over the third floor of the Clay County Administration Building is a relic of Liberty’s past. The “Statue of Justice,” on display adjacent to the main staircase, stood atop the second Clay County Courthouse from 1859 until 1934. The second courthouse, located in the center of the Liberty Square on the site of the current administration building, was constructed for $41,000 after the first courthouse burned in 1857. The rebuilt structure’s design incorporated four clocks facing each cardinal direction and a dome where the 8-foot-tall wooden “Statute of Justice” stood. After the second courthouse was razed in 1934 to begin construction of the third county courthouse and present-day administration building, the statue was saved and made its way through several owners. “Justice” eventually found her way into the possession of Mrs. Louise Sandstrom, who installed it in front of her Sandy’s Oakridge Manor Restaurant, which is now the popular Stroud’s Oak Ridge Manor Restaurant in Kansas City. Sandstrom and her daughter gave the statue back to the county in 1982, and it was put on display in Liberty, the county seat. Restorations in 1985 and 1994 have helped preserve the statute, which is one of the last remaining artifacts from the second courthouse. Today, the “Statue of Justice” is displayed beside one of the clocks from that courthouse. Other items from the second courthouse, including the original wooden bun from the statue’s hair, are on display at the Clay County Historical Museum at 14 N. Main St. on the Liberty Square. Efforts to salvage items from the second courthouse led to the creation of the Clay County Museum and Historical Society to document the county’s history. 38

Explore Liberty • March 2015

by Ryne Dittmer

The original wooden bun from the hair of the “Statue of Justice” is on display at the Clay County Historical Museum with other items salvaged from the second county courthouse.

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