Fall/Winter 2010 Merriam Highlights

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MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS Published for Merriam Residents & Businesses

FALL 2010

Will you be ready when disaster strikes?

- Adapted from “Taking Action to Be Ready” by Darryl J. Madden, Director, Ready Campaign

How often do you think about emergencies or disasters? Probably not very often. Maybe after it happens to someone else. However, taking just a few steps can give you the tools to ensure you and your family’s safety in an emergency. According to the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey, only 36 percent of individuals believed there was a high likelihood of a natural disaster to EVER happen in their community. But disasters happen every day in many different forms – from hurricanes to snowstorms, even localized events such as floods and power outages. Many people think that it will be easy to grab items from your pantry if disaster strikes. But what if you aren’t at home? What if your family is separated? What if you have to leave quickly? What about your elderly neighbor? The Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps encourage you to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any emergency. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and a good reminder

that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives. This year, NPM focuses on encouraging you and other Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. We have to work together, as a team, to ensure that individuals, families, and communities

are ready. Make a plan, Put together an emergency supply kit. Stay Informed. Work as a team to keep everyone safe.

Being Ready starts with you! Readiness comes in many forms, and preparedness is everyone’s responsibility!    

Make a family emergency plan. Get an emergency supply kit Stay informed. Work as a team to keep everyone safe.

To help get your family started, visit www.ready.gov and challenge the entire family to get involved. The Ready Kids website features fun activities such as a scavenger hunt, matching game, crossword puzzles and coloring pages, as well as ageappropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to better prepare for emergencies and the role kids can play in that effort.

CITY OF MERRIAM, KANSAS 9000 W. 62ND TERRACE MERRIAM, KS 66202-2815

www.merriam.org | (913) 322-5500 | CityofMerriam@merriam.org

» For more information about National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov.

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 576 SHAWNEE MISSION, KS


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MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS - SUMMER 2010

Merriam wins Take Charge Challenge!

Planning a Home Remodeling Project? You may qualify for a special low-interest home equity loan. The City of Merriam and the Mid-America Regional Council has partnered with CommunityAmerica Credit Union to offer low-interest, fixed-rates on home equity loans to qualifying homeowners.

These loans can be used for a wide variety of home renovation projects, including window and door replacement, roof repair, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and add-ons such as new rooms, decks, porches and fences.

For more information about the MARC Home Remodeling Loan Program, please call CommunityAmerica at 913.905.6629 or visit www.marc.org/loanprogram.

Building Permits 101 If your family has to wait in line to take a shower, or if you’re storing pots and pans in the laundry room due to lack of cabinet space, it could be time to consider a home remodeling project. If you’re considering a home improvement project, you might need a permit to perform the work.

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When do I need a permit? The following list includes types of work that require a permit: • Major electrical • Internal plumbing • Roofing • Windows • Fences • Deck installation • Garage construction • Sheds & Outbuildings • Patios • New or replacement driveways • Swimming pool or spa installation

If you’re not a professional contractor, you might be intimidated by the whole permit process or wonder why you must go through it at all. However, the permit process is there is protect us, and our community, from the very real risks of faulty construction.

Be sure to check with Merriam’s Community Development Department before beginning any home improvement project. They will help you determine if a permit is required, provide detailed code and building requirements, and assist you throughout the permit process.

What are permits exactly? The International Building Code (IBC) is an evolved system of legal specifications for building materials and construction techniques. These specifications were devised to protect public health and safety by requiring sound, durable construction that complies with the code. The permit process is part of this system.

How do I obtain a building permit? Building permit applications can be found at the City’s website, www.merriam.org, or picked up at City Hall. If you are unsure if a permit is required or if you have any questions, please call the Community Development Department at (913) 322-5520 before you begin your home improvement project.

Amidst worries about the economy and rising energy costs, the City of Merriam decided to take charge – charge of their energy future, that is. Over the course of a year (April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010), the City of Merriam competed against Quinter, Salina, Mount Hope/Haven, Wellington and Kinsley in the Take Charge Challenge – a friendly contest to see which community could reduce their energy consumption by the greatest percentage.

By switching bulbs and participating in KCP&L’s programs, Merriam residents have already saved 662,000 kWh, saving their community $60,000, reducing their energy consumption by 5 percent, and ultimately claiming the title of...

When the competition ended, residents “The Most Energy Efficient and businesses in Merriam proved that City in Kansas!” energy efficiency works – and that small individual actions can make an enormous As the winning community, the City of difference!

Merriam will receive solar panels for our Merriam Historic Plaza -- a prize valued at $10,000 donated and installed by Energy Savings Store. The Take Charge Challenge Leadership Team would like to thank our residents and businesses for their hard work in this effort. It’s because of YOUR efforts that the City emerged as the winner of the Take Charge Challenge!

Merriam Police Dept. offers women’s self-defense seminar On Saturday, September 18th, the Merriam Police Department will offer its second annual, “Avoiding & Surviving a Violent Encounter,” women’s self-defense seminar. The seminar is led by the Merriam Police Department Training Unit. It is a FREE program that teaches self-defense options for women to use if confronted by an aggressor. Those options, when used correctly, will allow potential victims to escape their attacker. Hands-on experience helps women test their skills in a crisis and discover their own special strengths and talents. The Women’s Self Defense program is designed to give women confidence, awareness and a security plan The class will be held at the Irene B. French Community Center from 1-3PM. Attendees should dress in comfortable clothing with little/no jewelry if they plan on participating in the physical portion of the seminar. For more information or to register, call (913) 322-5550.

Large item clean-up scheduled for October 18th - 22nd The City of Merriam will conduct its spring clean-up campaign during the week of October 18th through 22nd. Large items such as furniture, appliances, lumber, and other building material and miscellaneous large items are to be put curbside before your scheduled pickup day. A one-time pickup in your area will occur as outlined to the right. Set items curbside before the day of your pickup or before 7 AM the day of the pickup. If you are a senior citizen or resident with disabilities, please call the Public Works Department at (913) 322-5570 and you will be placed on a list of citizens needing assistance in removal of large items from the home or yard.

The following items will NOT be picked up: • • • • • •

Routine trash (goes to local trash service) Concrete, asphalt, cinder blocks, or rocks Landscaping timber/railroad ties Tree branches, brush, firewood, leaves, yard waste Roofing materials/shingles (we do take lumber/building materials if nails have been removed) Paint cans, chemicals, tires, motor oil, brake fluid, gas/gas tanks, diesel fuel, pesticides, etc. (For assistance with these items, call the Johnson County Hazardous Waste Collection, 913-492-0402).

Do not load items into truck beds, trailers or inside containers you wish to keep. For more information, visit www.merriam.org, or call (913) 322-5570.


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MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS - SUMMER 2010

Merriam wins Take Charge Challenge!

Planning a Home Remodeling Project? You may qualify for a special low-interest home equity loan. The City of Merriam and the Mid-America Regional Council has partnered with CommunityAmerica Credit Union to offer low-interest, fixed-rates on home equity loans to qualifying homeowners.

These loans can be used for a wide variety of home renovation projects, including window and door replacement, roof repair, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and add-ons such as new rooms, decks, porches and fences.

For more information about the MARC Home Remodeling Loan Program, please call CommunityAmerica at 913.905.6629 or visit www.marc.org/loanprogram.

Building Permits 101 If your family has to wait in line to take a shower, or if you’re storing pots and pans in the laundry room due to lack of cabinet space, it could be time to consider a home remodeling project. If you’re considering a home improvement project, you might need a permit to perform the work.

3

When do I need a permit? The following list includes types of work that require a permit: • Major electrical • Internal plumbing • Roofing • Windows • Fences • Deck installation • Garage construction • Sheds & Outbuildings • Patios • New or replacement driveways • Swimming pool or spa installation

If you’re not a professional contractor, you might be intimidated by the whole permit process or wonder why you must go through it at all. However, the permit process is there is protect us, and our community, from the very real risks of faulty construction.

Be sure to check with Merriam’s Community Development Department before beginning any home improvement project. They will help you determine if a permit is required, provide detailed code and building requirements, and assist you throughout the permit process.

What are permits exactly? The International Building Code (IBC) is an evolved system of legal specifications for building materials and construction techniques. These specifications were devised to protect public health and safety by requiring sound, durable construction that complies with the code. The permit process is part of this system.

How do I obtain a building permit? Building permit applications can be found at the City’s website, www.merriam.org, or picked up at City Hall. If you are unsure if a permit is required or if you have any questions, please call the Community Development Department at (913) 322-5520 before you begin your home improvement project.

Amidst worries about the economy and rising energy costs, the City of Merriam decided to take charge – charge of their energy future, that is. Over the course of a year (April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010), the City of Merriam competed against Quinter, Salina, Mount Hope/Haven, Wellington and Kinsley in the Take Charge Challenge – a friendly contest to see which community could reduce their energy consumption by the greatest percentage.

By switching bulbs and participating in KCP&L’s programs, Merriam residents have already saved 662,000 kWh, saving their community $60,000, reducing their energy consumption by 5 percent, and ultimately claiming the title of...

When the competition ended, residents “The Most Energy Efficient and businesses in Merriam proved that City in Kansas!” energy efficiency works – and that small individual actions can make an enormous As the winning community, the City of difference!

Merriam will receive solar panels for our Merriam Historic Plaza -- a prize valued at $10,000 donated and installed by Energy Savings Store. The Take Charge Challenge Leadership Team would like to thank our residents and businesses for their hard work in this effort. It’s because of YOUR efforts that the City emerged as the winner of the Take Charge Challenge!

Merriam Police Dept. offers women’s self-defense seminar On Saturday, September 18th, the Merriam Police Department will offer its second annual, “Avoiding & Surviving a Violent Encounter,” women’s self-defense seminar. The seminar is led by the Merriam Police Department Training Unit. It is a FREE program that teaches self-defense options for women to use if confronted by an aggressor. Those options, when used correctly, will allow potential victims to escape their attacker. Hands-on experience helps women test their skills in a crisis and discover their own special strengths and talents. The Women’s Self Defense program is designed to give women confidence, awareness and a security plan The class will be held at the Irene B. French Community Center from 1-3PM. Attendees should dress in comfortable clothing with little/no jewelry if they plan on participating in the physical portion of the seminar. For more information or to register, call (913) 322-5550.

Large item clean-up scheduled for October 18th - 22nd The City of Merriam will conduct its fall clean-up campaign during the week of October 18th through 22nd. Large items such as furniture, appliances, lumber, and other building material and miscellaneous large items are to be put curbside before your scheduled pickup day. A one-time pickup in your area will occur as outlined to the right. Set items curbside before the day of your pickup or before 7 AM the day of the pickup. If you are a senior citizen or resident with disabilities, please call the Public Works Department at (913) 322-5570 and you will be placed on a list of citizens needing assistance in removal of large items from the home or yard.

The following items will NOT be picked up: • • • • • •

Routine trash (goes to local trash service) Concrete, asphalt, cinder blocks, or rocks Landscaping timber/railroad ties Tree branches, brush, firewood, leaves, yard waste Roofing materials/shingles (we do take lumber/building materials if nails have been removed) Paint cans, chemicals, tires, motor oil, brake fluid, gas/gas tanks, diesel fuel, pesticides, etc. (For assistance with these items, call the Johnson County Hazardous Waste Collection, 913-715-6900).

Do not load items into truck beds, trailers or inside containers you wish to keep. For more information, visit www.merriam.org, or call (913) 322-5570.


MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS - FALL 2010

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Cache in on Merriam!

Last summer, the Merriam Visitors Bureau launched a “Cache in on Merriam” geocaching contest during National Tourism Month. After placing five caches around Merriam and receiving over 160 official entries, one lucky geocacher from Starbuck, Washington won the grand prize -a Garmin GPS!

Because of the success of that contest and the eco-friendly tourism practices that geocaching provides, we are bringing back the virtual treasure hunt yearround. Although our caches won’t lead to a Garmin this time, we felt it would be a nice addition for families and visitors to Merriam to spend a day caching in our fine city! If you haven’t heard, geocaching is a virtual treasure hunt of sorts. Someone places a hidden cache, lists it online for others to find via coordinates and clues, and then people plug in that data to their navigation unit and set out on a mission to find the cache.

Although the coordinates will get you close, typically you must use the clues to truly find the hidden treasure, because sometimes they can be pretty tricky to locate.

Coordinates and clues for the new Merriam caches can be found at exploremerriam.com. We hope you will take a moment to explore Merriam, find our hidden treasures, and login to geocaching.com to let us know about your geocaching adventures in Merriam!

Merriam Parks & Recreation Community Garage Sale Last year’s event, though cold, was so successful, we’ve scheduled another community garage sale! Saturday, October 16, 2010 8AM - 5PM Merriam Marketplace 5740 Merriam Drive The Community Garage Sale gives participants a chance to clean out their garages, attics, storage sheds and closets without sending those valuable items to the landfill.

Booth space is still available for a small fee. Back your vehicle right into the parking stall at the Marketplace and start selling. Space is limited, however, so call (913) 322-5550 to reserve your space today! Attention bargain hunters -- electronics, books, household goods, clothing for all ages, candy, produce, crafts, and more! You’ll find it all at the Merriam Parks & Recreation Community Garage Sale, Saturday, October 16th!

Come see what treasures you can find!

10th Annual Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show Drive, and on Merriam Drive between 57th and 58th Terrace from 10AM to 4PM.

On Saturday, September 11, downtown Merriam hosts the 10th Annual Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle Show with over 200 classic cars, hot rods, street rods, antique cars and custom motorcycles on display. The event draws over 3,000 spectators and will be held at the Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam

Car show activities will include music by a D.J., door prizes, concessions, and demonstrations. A $4,000 gift certificate to Superior Chevrolet will be given away as the grand prize drawing to one lucky registered entry. Registered entries will be judged for one of the over fifty awards to be presented at 3PM. A Blues Cruise featuring the music of 51% Blues Band will be held from 6-9PM. Show spectators are welcome, and there is no admission fee. Spectator parking will be limited in the downtown Merriam area. Parking is suggested at the following locations: Irene B. French Community Center (5701 Merriam Drive),

Merriam Christian Church (9401 Johnson Drive), or IBT Corporation (9400 W. 55th Street). Registrations are limited to 300 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, first come - first served. The registration fee is $20 per entry or $25 on event day if openings are still available. The first 250 registrants will receive a dash plaque, event t-shirt, “goody bag,” and be eligible for door prizes. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.merriam.org/park. Event volunteers are still needed for this year’s car show. If you are interested in helping on event day, please call (913) 322-5550.


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