Blue Springs City Guide 2012

20 12

City Guide The Examiner • Saturday, July 28, 2012

Blue Springs www.remax.com

Heritage • 816-224-8484 heritagehomesandland.com

Buy Local… Buy Chamber Buying locally and from members of the Chamber: • keeps dollars in the local economy which helps fund city and county services through sales tax.

• helps Blue Springs businesses provide jobs for residents.

• helps to build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communities, linking neighbors and encouraging contributions to local causes.

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Presents:

Blue sPrinGs 2012 FAll Fun FestivAl! September 14, 15 & 16, 2012 In Downtown Blue Springs, MO!

• shows businesses that you support them and want them to stay in Blue Springs.

What makes Chamber members so special?

• Chamber business owners select products and service based on the needs and interests of their customers, guaranteeing a broader range of product choices for the citizens of Blue Springs.

• They support the community with sponsorships, donations and by serving as volunteers and/or your elected officials.

• Chamber member business owners are your neighbors and friends.

• Chamber members believe BUSINESS IS GREAT in Blue Springs, because Blue Springs is great.

• FREE Admission • FREE Shuttle Service • FREE Concerts in the Beer Garden • Market & Craft Vendors • Commercial Vendors • Game Vendors • GREAT Festival Food • Karaoke Contest and AWESOME Carnival Midway and MUCH MORE!

Join in or just enjoy the AnnuAl FAll Fun FestivAl PArAde! sAturdAY, september 15, 10:00 a.m.

1000 SW Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015

816-229-8558 Fax: 816-229-1244 BlueSpringsChamber.com BuyBlueSprings.com DiscoverBlueSprings.com BlueSpringsFallFestival.com Visit our websites for a list of businesses, products and services available in Blue Springs.

If you have family and friends visiting the Blue Springs area, encourage them to shop, dine, stay and play in Blue Springs.

“Peace, Love & Rock ‘n Roll”!

Fun brought to you by:

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Call THE CHAMBER at 816.229.8558 for Vendor and/or Parade entry information or visit bluespringsfallfestival.com.

The Examiner

The Examiner Independence • Blue Springs • Grain Valley

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Heritage 816-224-8484

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Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

WHAT’S INSIDE History

Blue Springs origins – 5

Demographics Growth – 6 By the numbers – 6

Government

Mayor Q&A – 5 City Council – 7 City staff – 7 City Administrator Q&A – 8 Boards & Commissions – 10 Voting – 11 Federal delegation– 13 State officials – 14 State delegation – 15 Jackson County – 16

CJC Fire Protection District – 19

Community

Licenses – 20 Utilities –21 Recycling – 22 Post offices – 22 Vesper Hall – 23 Veterans organizations – 24 Public art – 26 Pets – 27 Animal hospitals – 27 Libraries – 30 Buses – 31 Barbeque Blaze Off – 32 Fall Fun Fest – 32 StandUp Blue Springs – 35 Civic organizations – 36 Family Week – 36

Public safety

Blue Springs Police – 17 Police Chief Q&A – 18 Sheriff, Highway Patrol – 18

Religion

Churches – 28

Education

High schools – 37 Middle schools – 37 Elementary schools – 37 Superintendent Q&A – 38 Board of Education – 46 Rainbow Center – 46 District administration – 47 MCC-Blue River – 48 Area colleges – 48 School of Economics – 53 Private Schools – 53 Home schooling – 53

Business

Chamber of Commerce – 54 Chamber president Q&A – 54 Business organizations – 54

Helping hands

Eastland Community Foundation – 56 Truman Heartland Community

Foundation – 56 Midwest Foster Care – 56 Community Services League – 58 Salvation Army – 58

Health

Community Blood Center – 59 Hospitals – 60 Public health services – 60, 62 Women’s health – 61 St. Mary’s CEO Q&A – 61 St. Mary’s Medical Center – 61 Cancer Action – 62 Comprehensive Mental Health – 62

Things to Do

Fine arts – 63 Recreation/Golf – 64 Outdoors recreation – 67 Youth sports – 68 City parks – 70 County parks – 71

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide

2012

HISTORY

City started near a spring When the pioneer couple arrived in their wagon they found a place of great beauty. There was a series of springs, open valley and rolling fertile land for cultivating and grazing, plus a good stand of timber.

While others had camped around the springs on the edge of the prairie, it wasn’t until 1832 that William and Rhoda Harris arrived from Henry County, Va., with their two children, becoming the first people to settle there.

He was fond of hunting and, to a certain extent, was involved in preaching.

She was one of those pioneer women who were “on call” night and day as a practical nurse and as a mid-wife who brought newborn babies into the world.

Mrs. Harris tended an herb garden and

Portraits of the past Ted Stillwell was the neighborhood pharmacist. The Harrises had 11 more children after they settled in to their new surroundings.

In 1845, their infant son, Lewis, died and was the first child buried in the Blue Springs Cemetery. When Mr. Harris died, he was the first adult buried there. Of those 13 children, there was only one girl, Nancy. She became the grandmother of Rufus Burrus, an Independence at-

torney, and one of Harry Truman’s close advisers.

In 1838, Franklin Smith Jr. opened the first store and post office and called it Blue Springs. A small community soon grew up around the edge of the spring near today’s intersection of Woods Chapel Road and Walnut Street where the Burrus Old Mill Park is located, just east of Lake Tapawingo.

In 1850, T.J. Horn built a mill using from the spring to grind wheat and corn.

Following the Civil War, the completion of the Chicago-Alton Railroad changed the face of the small community forever.

Since Blue Springs was in a valley, the railroad refused to put a depot in town.

Shannon K. Knox foresaw good times ahead with the construction of the

railroad, so in 1878 he purchased 100 acres around the train depot and divided 60 acres of it into town lots. He and his brother-in-law, James Parr, built a general store on the south side of Main Street selling general merchandise and town lots.

The pioneers of Blue Springs simply picked up and moved the town to the top of the hill.

To serve the railroad, James Parr also built the Chicago and Alton Hotel in 1878, which is the oldest commercial building still standing in Blue Springs. In 1978, the hotel was moved from its foundation, just south of Main Street along side the tracks, to its present location next door to the Dillingham-Lewis House.

Reference: Blue Springs Historical Society.

GOVERNMENT

• Carson Ross

Q&A questions

answers

Blue Springs Mayor

1

What challenges are you facing as mayor in your second term? Blue Springs, like almost every other local government, is being asked to do more with less. We are committed to providing the services that create the high quality of life we enjoy in Blue Springs. Although there are small indicators of better times ahead, we continue to prioritize projects and maximize our revenue. I believe we have developed a comprehensive

economic development strategy for our community and have put in place tools and resources to be successful in all areas of our city, including Woods Chapel Road, Colbern and Missouri 7, U.S. 40 and Missouri 7, downtown, and the Adams Dairy corridor.

2

What are some major accomplishments during the past year? The voterapproved bond projects continue to progress ahead of schedule and

below budget. In January, the Colbern Road and Missouri 7 intersection was completed. This project not only improved traffic flow, but also visually enhances the southern gateway into Blue Springs.

The Let’s Move! initiative has had several accomplishments including the new community garden in Central Park, the first ever Kids Triathlon and the continued success with Let’s Move! Saturdays. The Downtown Alive! group has made significant progress including hosting a town hall meeting, developing a calendar of events and establishing officers and bylaws.

3

What can residents expect to see this coming year?

There are many exciting things in the upcoming year. The Sni-a-Bar Sewer

Treatment Plant should be completed this fall and construction on the Woods Chapel Road corridor is in full swing. When this corridor is complete, it will provide a beautiful entryway from I-70 west into Blue Springs. A project near to my heart is the Veterans Way Memorial, set to be dedicated this fall in Pink Hill Park. This memorial will be dedicated to all the veterans of our nation’s wars.

We continue to make strides implementing the Public Safety Sales Tax projects. By year’s end, the new radio system will be in place, and we hope to have construction started on the Howard L. Brown Public Safety building. In 2011, we signed a Letter of Agreement with the University of Missouri and the Economic Development Corporation to develop the

first phase of the Missouri Innovation Park. We expect to start construction of the MIZZOU Center in the first quarter of 2013.

4

What is the city’s greatest asset?

I have said it before and I will say it again – great cities don’t just happen.

They happen because people, businesses and organizations come together for the greater good.

Our greatest asset is our abundant spirit of cooperation. Two great examples would be the recent community effort to save and move the historic Chicago and Alton train depot and construction of the Veterans Way Memorial in Pink Hill Park. Both of these projects have required hours of work, financial donations and skilled volunteers donating their time.

5

What challenges is the city facing?

We are not immune to the current economic environment. City administration has closely monitored our financial situation and provided the City Council with an expenditure and capital spending plan that allows us to maintain essential services, especially in the areas of public safety and infrastructure maintenance.

We continue to work with RED Development and do all we can to help facilitate and encourage the completion of the new retail shops at Adams Dairy Landing. We also continue to support is the Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Blue Springs and Discover Blue Springs programs. These are designed to help keep and attract revenue into our local economy.

Blue Springs City Guide

2012

BLUE SPRINGS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Blue Springs School District Administration Center, 1801 NW Vesper, at 8:00 AM Pat Meyer Insurance Dale's Automotive Collision Repair Center Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce St Mary's Medical Center America's Community Bank Spring Oak Property Management Billups, Snyder & Associates Ponzer Youngquist PA Net Solutions, Inc The Historic Soda Fountain/ Flower Shop Incite International, Inc Stewart Title of Kansas City Cosentino Price Chopper North Rainbow Center John Hardy State Farm Insurance City of Blue Springs Special Events Tyree, Eskew & Roberts First American Title Co

The Village Gardens Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation CPROS, Inc Patrick Goldsworthy, DC PC Blue Springs R-IV School District Central Jackson Co Fire Protection Dist Metcalf Bank Zarda Bar-B-Q Zuvers Real Estate Fullerton & Co, LLC, CPA's Adams Pointe Conference Center Blue Springs Historical Society McCamm Management Co dba McDonalds Kennedy's Custom Jewelers, Inc M.A.C. Corporation Cosentino Price Chopper South The Examiner Print Graphics Christine's Salon at 7 & Main

Guests always welcome.

For more information contact Ken Billups Jr at (816) 229-4100

www.bsba.biz

The Examiner

DEMOGRAPHICS Population 60,000

Blue Springs growth 2010 52,575

55,000

2000 48,483

50,000 45,000

1990 40,153

40,000 35,000 1980 25,936

30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000

1960 1950 2,555 5,000 1,068 1,000

‘50

‘60

1970 6,779

‘70 ‘80

‘90

YEAR

‘00

‘10

u Blue Springs by the numbers u Population (as of 2010): 52,575 u Males: 25,519 u Females: 27,056 u Median Age: 34.7 years u Under 5 years: 3,795 u 18 years and older: 37,892 u 65 years and older: 4,940 u Average household size: 2.63 u Median household income: $70,101 u Per capita income (in 2009 inflation-adjusted dollars): $28,309 u Median home sale price: $120,371 u Races: white – 90.5 percent, African American – 7.6 percent, Hispanic – 5 percent, Asian – 1.9 percent. u High school graduate or higher (age 25 years or older): 93.5 percent u Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25 years and older): 29 percent u Veterans (population 18 years and older): 4,420 u In labor force (population 16 years and older): 31,018

u White-collar jobs: 76.77 percent u Blue-collar jobs: 72.23 percent u Mean travel time to work: 25.95 minutes u Households: 19,471 u Households with children: ,7,864 u Households without children: 11,602 u Annual precipitation: 43.14” u Sales tax: 7.95 percent (1% city general tax, 0.5% city transportation tax, 0.5% city public safety tax, 0.5% Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, 0.5% Jackson County general tax, 0.375% county tax for stadiums, 0.25% county anti-drug tax, 0.125% Kansas City Zoo tax, 3% state general tax, 1% state tax for Proposition C, 0.125% state tax for conservation, 0.1% state tax for soil conservation, – Information from 2010 U.S. Census; 2006-10 American Community Survey; americantowns.com; tax figures from city of Blue Springs

• Blue Springs City Council

Elected council members lead city forward

Dale Carter

JEFF QUIBELL

District 1 A Blue Springs resident since 1995, Dale Carter was elected in April 2010.

He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 20 years and have four children, Andrew, Nicholas, Matthew and Jonathan.

His top priorities include attracting new residents, supporting local business development and reinvesting in public safety.

CHRIS LIEVSAY

District 1 Jeff Quibell returned to his former seat when he was elected in April 2011.

Quibell has helped the city realize new shopping opportunities and restaurants, as well as redevelopment projects throughout the city.

He has been married to Wanda since 1984 ,and they have two daughters, Crystal and Ashley.

District 2 Chris Lievsay has lived in Blue Springs most of his life.

Elected in 2010, Lievsay says his top priorities are development in the Woods Chapel Road corridor, encouraging a vibrant downtown through revitalization and quality development, and public safety.

1

Roanoke Dr

Dr

District 3 A resident of the city for more than 23 years, Bowerman was elected in April 2010. He and his wife Jane have been married for more than 35 years. They have three grown children, Rachel, Sarah and David.

y Pk w airy

Duncan Rd

Key people at City Hall

15th St

70

RD Mize Rd

RD Mize Rd

Vesper St

Main St

22nd St

Woods Chapel Rd

Kings ridge

District 3 Ron Fowler has served as a council member since 1992. He is employed at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Along with his love of water-related activities, Ron is an avid golfer and cyclist. He has two sons, Ryan and Jeff.

GRANT BOWERMAN

ms D

Adams Dairy Rd

Rd

70

Valley View Rd

District 2 Edmondson was elected in April 2008.

He’s been a resident for 33 years. He has been a Main Street business owner with Kwik Kopy Printing since 1989. He has been married to Sue Ann for 25 years, and they have three sons and two grandchildren.

RON FOWLER

Ada

7

Duncan Rd

KENT EDMONDSON

• City staff

Pink Hill Rd

ize

Walnut St

2

South Ave

40

40 19th St

AA Hwy

Clark Rd

Taylor Rd

r

Moreland School Rd

Adams Dairy Pkwy

ne D

3

Christine Cates Todd Pelham Scott Allen Assistant city admin. Comm. development Finance 816-228-0202 816-228-0110 816-228-0707

u City council districts

7

Wyatt Rd

Wyatt Rd Harris-Potts Rd Shrout Rd

Cowherd Rd

Mason School Rd

Colbern Rd

Oliver DeGrate III Public works 816-228-0195 Sue Heiman Human resources 228-0190

Rd

Cook Rd

Lig gett

Eric Johnson City administrator 816-228-0110

sto Key

s Lievsay strict 2

GOVERNMENT

M

nie Lauer strict 1

Blue Springs City Guide

2012

RD

n

ator

The Examiner

Robert McDonald Kim Nakahodo City attorney Communications 816-228-0110 816-228-0110

Wayne McCoy Dennis Dovel Parks and Recreation Police chief 816-228-0164 816-228-0137

Dan Hood Information technology 228-0232

Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Eric Johnson

Q&A questions

3

answers

Blue Springs city administrator

1

What exciting projects are under way? Perhaps one of the most exciting projects is the reconstruction of Woods Chapel Road. A long-awaited improvement, this project will completely change the functionality of Woods Chapel. Completion is expected within two years.

Other projects in the works include a new Walmart neighborhood market grocery coming to Duncan Road and Missouri 7, Dunkin’ Donuts, and additional stores at Adams Dairy Landing.

I-29 and Barry Road Boardwalk Square (816) 746-0500

to accommodate businesses looking to expand or remodel and will actively market our community to new retail, office, research and technology growth opportunities.

2

What challenges face the city as the economy recovers? Even though there are some modest indicators that certain sectors in the economy are beginning to recover, we know local revenue sources can be volatile at times, and being equipped to forecast accurately and react quickly is important. City staff will continue to be fiscally conservative, focusing on key council priorities like infrastructure, public safety, and development. We will work hard

“Your Total Music Store” Since 1966- 45 Years in Business

Ted & Betty Meyer & Family Family Owned and Operated

Main Store – Blue Springs, 1512 Hwy. 40 (816) 228-5656

What’s the secret of Blue Springs’ success in opening stores in this economy? There are many variables that affect this, but some key factors include: partnering with the right development team with access to capital and long-term financing, good tenant and retailers relationships, and an overall commitment to the success of the project. Also positioning our organization and policies to encourage a business-friendly environment, one that will support growth and investment in the community, will help facilitate success in this economy.

These key elements have existed

Overland Park 119th & 69 Hwy. (913) 491-6636

the past few years, and the result has been new investment, such as Adams Dairy Landing, Coronado Place, the new Hy-Vee, and many other stores.

4

Are there any projects in planning stages that you can tell us about?

A couple of projects (previously mentioned) include a new Walmart neighborhood market store, Dunkin’ Donuts, new development along Woods Chapel and the possibility of a CVS store among others. A continued priority and focus for staff and the City Council will be the Missouri Innovation Park. Planning continues on final financing, design, and construction of the first office building, which is being planned at 60,000 square feet. Construction is planned for 2013. The Missouri Innovation Park includes a collaborative partnership between the city

and the Economic Development Corporation.

5

Tell us about the new police station/dispatch center, as well as the new related technology, and when work should begin.

The 2011 voter-approved public safety initiative will have a very positive impact on local law enforcement by giving our department the tools and resources they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively. The new radio system is scheduled to go online in the fall. The public safety building expansion and remodel is moving forward. The City Council awarded the construction manager contract to Burns and McDonnell. The next step is to select the architectural firm and eventually obtain a general contractor. We hope a majority of this work completed over the next 18 to 24 months.

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide

10 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

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♦ Patio style apartments – all one level Huge closets ♦ Washer/dryer connections Pets welcome (restrictions apply) in every apartment 1 bdrm $533.00 (730 sq ft) ♦ Minutes from shopping 2 bdrm $629.00 (960 sq ft) ♦ Open floor plans 3 bdrm $700.00 (1080 sq ft) ♦ Breakfast bar in kitchen (current rental prices as of 6/1/12) ♦ Thermal windows ♦ All electric paid by resident Tax credit income restricted ♦ Individually controlled Max gross income: heating/air conditioning 1 person $31,080.00 ♦ Water/sewer/trash 2 people $35,520.00 paid by management 3 people $39,960.00 ♦ Garage rental available (as of 6/1/12) ♦ Section 8 vouchers accepted

Cottages of BeLton apartments

55 And Older SenIOr lIvInG renTAl cOMMunITy

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816-322-8827

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Patio style apartments – all one level Individual private porches Open floor plans Breakfast bar Washer/dryer connections in each apartment Thermal windows Huge closets Water/sewer/trash paid by management resident pay gas/electric/cable/phone Individually controlled heating/air conditioning Pets welcome (restrictions apply) Section 8 vouchers accepted 2 minutes south of Belton community center Major shopping minutes away

3 Bedroom available (1054 sq ft)

$700.00 per month

Huge closets Pets welcome (restrictions apply) 1 bdrm $533.00 (730 sq ft) 2 bdrm $652.00 (960 sq ft) 3 bdrm $700.00 (1054 sq ft) (current rental prices as of 6/1/12) Tax credit income restricted Max gross income: 1 person $31,080.00 2 people $35,520.00 3 people $39,960.00 (as of 6/1/12)

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Boards and commissions

City’s success depends on you

Appearance Review Committee

This committee reviews applications for building permits and sign permits in areas of the Adams Dairy Parkway corridor overlay zoning district or other areas as may be determined by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Meetings are held at the call of the chairman.

Board of Zoning Adjustment

This board hears and decides appeals when an applicant requests a variance to the unified development code. This board is unique in that, unlike the other city boards and commissions, its decisions are final. No recommendations are made for the City Council to act upon. Appeals of board decisions are referred to the Circuit Court of Jackson County. Meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month.

Development Advisory Commission

This commission was formed with the express intent of fostering proactive communication between the city and the building community. The commission meets as needed. Proposed development regulation changes are reviewed by the commission and recommendations are forwarded to the Mayor and the City Council. Whether proposed by the city or the building community, issues affecting new legislation are first discussed by this commission.

Economic Development Corporation

The primary focus of the Economic Development Corporation is to attract

and retain industrial, manufacturing and professional employers to the city and to make recommendations to the mayor and the City Council regarding financial incentives and the cost versus benefits of development. Meetings are scheduled as needed.

Historic Preservation Commission

This commission serves in an advisory capacity to the mayor and City Council, the Planning Commission and the community development director.

Its purpose is to protect and enhance the city’s architectural, cultural and social history, safeguard heritage and promote the use of historic districts or landmarks as educational and cultural resources for the city. The commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Park Commission

This commission is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the mayor and City Council regarding the city’s Parks and Recreation Department programs and services.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month.

Personnel Board

This board advises the City Council, city administrator and human resources director on matters relating to personnel administration. Meetings are held as needed.

Planning Commission

This commission advises the mayor and City Council regarding planning and zoning regulations in the city.

The commission includes 11 citizens appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. The commission MORE ON PAGE 11

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 11

GOVERNMENT

• Voting

It’s a big election year As residents move from one county or one voting jurisdiction to another, they must re-register to vote.

To be eligible to vote, residents must be registered at their current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to an election. Citizens who relocate within the county must notify the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners in writing for eligibility to vote in future elections.

The Election Board’s main office is at 215 N. Liberty St. Its hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.jcebmo. org or call 816-325-4600 for more information.

Residents can register at the main office or at the following Blue Springs and Independence locations: u BLUE SPRINGS CITY HALL 903 Main St. Phone: 816-228-0110 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Friday u MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY: BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH BRANCH 2220 S. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-229-3571 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday u MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY: BLUE SPRINGS NORTH BRANCH 850 N.W. Hunter Drive Phone: 816-224-8772 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday u BLUE SPRINGS LICENSE BUREAU 903 Main St. Phone: 816-228-0127 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 8 a.m. to noon the second and last Saturday of each month

Boards link citizens and city officials BOARDS: FROM PAGE 10 meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Public Art Commission

The commission advises the City Council on the community’s cultural needs. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

Solid Waste Management Commission u INDEPENDENCE LICENSE BUREAU 16643 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-252-7557 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday u METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-BLUE RIVER CAMPUS LIBRARY 20301 E. Missouri 78 Phone: 816-220-6648 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday u JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 313 S. Liberty St. Phone: 816-404-6416 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. the second Monday each month u MISSOURI DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY 15301 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-325-5890 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday u UPCOMING ELECTION DATES Aug. 7, 2012, primary election Nov. 6, 2012, general election (Voter registration deadline is Oct. 10.)

Feb. 5, 2013, special election (Voter registration deadline is Jan. 9, 2013.)

– Adrianne DeWeese

The commission acts as an advisory committee and keeps the City Council informed regarding state and federal regulation of solid waste. Meetings are held as needed.

Tax Increment Finance Commission

This commission makes recommendations to the City Council concerning the adoption of redevelopment plans and redevelopment projects and designation of redevelopment project areas. Meetings are held as needed.

Technical Review Committee/Housing Advisory and Appeals Board This committee considers appeals of decisions regarding plat approval.

Meetings are held as needed.

Call the city at 816-228-0110 for more information about the boards and commissions.

– Jeff Martin

12 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

IT’S A NEW STAY!®

Holiday Parties

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1400 NE Coronado Drive • Blue Springs, MO 64014

Fax 816-228-4606

Contact: events@adamspointecc.com

816-228-8100

816-220-4400

The Examiner

2012

GOVERNMENT

• Federal delegation u Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who lives in St. Louis, was elected in 2006. She is seeking a second six-year term this year. McCaskill sits on these committees: Special Committee on Aging; Armed Services; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Washington office: Suite 506 of the Hart Senate Office Building. Phone: 202-224-6154. Web: http://mccaskill.senate. gov/ Her Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., suite 101. Phone: 816-421-1639 u Sen. Roy Blunt, a Republican from Strafford, Mo., was elected to a six-year term in 2010.

Blunt sits on these committees: Appropriations (ranking member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development subcommittee); Select Committee on Intelligence; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Rules and Administration.

Washington office: 260 Russell Building. Phone: 202-2245721. Web: http://blunt.senate.gov/public/ His Kansas City office is at 911 Main St., suite 2224. Phone: 816-471-7141. His term ends in 2017.

Claire McCaskill

Roy Blunt

For several years, most of Blue Springs has been in the 6th District, represented by Republican Sam Graves of Tarkio. With redistricting that takes effect with this year’s elections, about half of the city will be in the 6th and and about half will be in the 5th. Everything north of Interstate 70 is in the new 6th. So is everything west of Woods Chapel Road, including Lake Tapawingo. Also included in the 6th is the area west of Missouri 7 and south of Clark Road. The rest of the city is in the new 5th. That means everything south of I-70 and east of M-7 plus the area – the central part of the city – that is south of I-70, east of Woods Chapel Road and north of Clark Road. Rep. Vicky Harztler, a Republican from Harrisonville, represents the 4th District. With redistricting the 4th will no longer include any of Jackson County.

u Sam Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, Mo., represents Missouri’s 6th District. He was first elected in 2000. The district includes northwest and north-central Missouri but also includes a section Eastern Jackson County, including the Oak Grove area north of I-70. He is Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.

Washington office: 1415 Longworth Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone: 202-225-7041.

His Liberty office is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100, Liberty, Mo., 64068. Phone: 816-792-3976

Sam Graves

u Emanuel Cleaver II, a Democrat from Kansas City, represents Missouri’s 5th District.

He was first elected in 2004 and is running for re-election.

The newly drawn district includes most of Independence, most of Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, plus Lake Lotawana east of M-7 and much of Blue Springs, as well as Grain Valley and Oak Grove and Ray, Lafayette and Saline counties.

He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Emanuel Cleaver II Services and serves on the Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee and the Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology Subcommittee. His Washington office is at 1433 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515. Phone: 202-225-4335.

His Independence office is at 211 W. Maple Ave. on the Square. Phone: 816833-4545. Website: http://cleaver.house.gov/

Blue Springs City Guide 13

14 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

Opening Doors, Unlocking Dreams

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

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Missouri government structure similar to that of federal government It’s not official yet, but Missouri is likely to soon cross the 6 million mark in population if it hasn’t already.

The 2010 census put the state at 5.88 million, and the officials project a population of 6.18 million in 2015.

Official 2012 estimates are due later this year.

Those more or less 6 million Missourians are represented by 197 state legislators and served by six statewide officeholders in state government, including the governor.

State government in Missouri is organized in a way similar to the federal government, with a supreme court, governor and legislature.

The General Assembly has two parts. The House of Representatives has 163 members, each elected to two-year terms. The Senate has 34 members, elected for four-year terms. The lieutenant governor is president and presiding officer of the Senate. The General Assembly meets each year from January through midMay and again in late summer to consider acting on any bills the governor may have vetoed. The governor also can call a special session to deal with specific issues.

To pass a law, legislation is first introduced in either the House or the Senate. Once it is introduced, it is moved to a committee. If a bill gets committee review and approval, it goes back to the floor of the house where it was introduced. If the legislation passes, it moves to the other legislative body and goes through the same process.

If it is passed in the second house, it moves to a conference committee, which is made up of members of both

houses. The committee compromises to come up with the final bill that is then approved or rejected by the House and Senate. After this process is completed, the governor receives the bill and can sign it into law, veto it or allow it to go into effect without his signature. Most new laws go into effect in late August.

The General Assembly meets in Jefferson City, which has been the capital since 1826, just five years after Missouri became a state.

Five of the six constitutional officers are elected to four years at the same time as presidential elections, so voters this November will chose a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and state treasurer. The state auditor is elected to a four-year term as well.

That’s in even-numbered, non-presidential years, as the same time as offyear congressional elections.

For more information, visit www. mo.gov. The General Assembly website is at www.moga.mo.gov. u Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, 573-751-3222, www.gov.mo.gov u Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, 573-751-4727, www.ltgov. mo.gov u Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, 573-751-4936, www.sos. mo.gov u State Auditor Thomas A. Schweich, 573-751-4824, www.auditor. mo.gov u State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, 573-751-2441, www.treasurer.mo.gov u Attorney General Chris Koster, 573-751-3222, www.ago.mo.gov – Jeff Fox

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 15

2012

GOVERNMENT

Redistricting shuffles legislative maps, numbers With its growth between 2000 and 2010, Blue Springs picked up an extra seat in the Missouri House of Representatives with redistricting that takes effect with this year’s elections.

The district currently represented by Republican state Rep. Jeanie Lauer changes some, keeping Blue Springs north of Interstate 70 as well as much of the east part of the city south of I-70, plus Grain Valley and Oak Grove. That district loses the sliver of Independence it had.

That new district is the 32nd. Lauer is unopposed in the Republican primary in August and faces Democrat Sherbaz Khan of Kansas City in the November election. (Because state officials missed key deadlines to get new districts in place, candidates are allowed to run in districts in which they do not live.) Jeanie The district currently represented by Republican state Rep. Lauer Sheila Solon also has been redrawn, taking in the area south of I-70 and west of Missouri 7 (plus some neighborhoods east of M-7) as well as the Fleming Park area.

That new district is the 31st. Solon is being challenged in the August Republican primary by Blue Springs City Council Member Chris Lievsay. Democrat Dale Walkup, president of the Blue Springs Board of Education, and Syed Asif of Lake Lotawana are running in the Democratic primary.

Another new district, the 33rd, is a north-to-south rectangle Sheila that runs from the southeastern corner of Jackson County to Solon the northeastern corner of Cass County, jutting west at the bottom to take in Harrisonville. It includes a small portion of southeast Blue Springs, the area generally south of Moreland School Road and east of Adams Dairy Parkway. It also includes Lake Lotawana east of M-7, the southern edge of Grain Valley, much of Oak Grove, plus Lone Jack and Pleasant Hill.

The only candidate is Harrisonville Alderman Donna Pfautsch, a Republican who retired this year after 40 years as a teacher and gifted education facilitator in the Harrisonville School District.

The changes are less dramatic in the Missouri Senate. Jackson County is divided among four Senate districts, and Blue Springs remains in the 8th District, represented by Republican Will Kraus of Lee’s Summit. He’s in the middle of his first four-year term.

– Jeff Fox COMMUNITY BLOGGER

Pedaling across Missouri Bicycle enthusiast Lisa LaCombe shares adventures from Missouri's cycling trails and paths www.examiner.net/community/blogs

Lisa LaCombe is part of the community blog network at The examiner. If you have expertise in an area, find out how to join out network.

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16 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Jackson County

County is a key population center

Jackson County, with a 2010 population of 674,158, is home to four of the largest cities in the state.

Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city with 459,787 residents (many in Platte and Clay counties), followed by No. 4 Independence at 116,830, No. 6 Lee’s Summit at 91,364 (some in Cass County) and No. 10 Blue Springs at 52,575.

Overall, about half of the county’s residents live in Kansas City and about half live in Eastern Jackson County.

The county operates with a division of powers similar to that used at the state and federal levels, with executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The county executive runs the county day to day, although the county prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run Jackson their offices independently of the executive.

County The voters adopted the current charter in 1972 and Executive Mike made some revisions in August 2010.

Sanders The county is responsible for many roads, mostly in unincorporated parts of Eastern Jackson County, and it has an extensive system of parks. It also operates a jail in downtown Kansas City. It owns Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.

Legislators, the executive, the sheriff and the prosecutor all serve four years.

Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders was elected to a second term in 2010. He can be reached at 816-881-3333.

Sheriff Mike Sharp was elected in 2008 and is seeking a second term this year. He can be reached at 816-524-4302.

County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker was appointed the position in 2010 and is running unopposed for a full term this year. She can be reached at 816-881-3555.

The County Legislature has nine members. Six are elected from specific districts. Three others are elected from larger districts but are elected by all county voters. (New districts go into effect with the elections of 2014.)

u 1ST District – Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3076. The district is in Kansas City, basically the area west of Troost to the state line plus the area north of Truman Road to the Missouri River. u 2ND District – James D. Tindall, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3163. That disScott trict is in Kansas City, roughly a rectangle bounded Burnett

by Blue Ridge Cut-off, I-470 and I-435, Troost and Truman Road.

u 4TH District – Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3362. That district includes the western edge of Kansas City basically south of Gregory; the Grandview area; the area south, west and north of Longview Lake; and much of Raytown as far north as 79th Street. u 6TH District – Bob Spence, R-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-881-4423. The district includes the southeast corner of the county, with Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, Greenwood, Unity Village, much of Raytown. It includes the Lakewood area and much of the area east and south of Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake. To the east, the northern edge of the district is Wyatt Road.

Dan Tarwater

The three at-large districts:

The six districts:

Greg Grounds

u 5th District – Greg Grounds, R-Blue Springs.

He can be reached at 816-881-4476. The district runs east to west across the middle of the county, from Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs – the area from Burgess Road to the north and Wyatt Road to the south – and reaches into Independence and a Raytown north of 59th Street.

The area of Independence is roughly from the southern city limits to 35th Street, but that northern boundary also jogs north on Lee’s Summit Road and then takes R.D. Mize Road east to the Little Blue River.

u 3RD District – Dennis Waits, D-Independence.

He can be reached at 816-881-4441. The district includes most of Independence north of 35th Street, as well as Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, and it goes a little into east Kansas City, as far west as Topping.

Dennis Waits

James Tindall

Theresa Garza Ruiz

Bob Spence

u 1st District at large – Theresa Garza Ruiz, D-Blue Springs. She can be reached at 816-881-3132. The district is roughly the northern third of the county, taking in a slice of northeast Kansas City, Independence, Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs.

It’s mostly north of U.S. 40, but to the east drops as far south at Major Road.

u 2ND District AT LARGE – Crystal Williams, D-Kansas City. She can be reached at 816-881-3464. The district is in Kansas City, bounded by Red Bridge Road to the south, the state line to the west, the river to the north and, generally, Interstate 435 to the east.

Fred Arbanas

u 3RD District AT LARGE – Fred Arbanas, D-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-8814477. The district includes Raytown, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Greenwood and Lake Lotawana.

The county’s website is at www.jacksongov.org

Crystal Williams

– Jeff Fox

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 17

2012

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Blue Springs Police Department The Blue Springs Police Department 1100 S.W. Smith St. Phone: 228-0164 Fax: 816-228-0147

Staff

McCoy, Wayne: chief of police – 816-228-0164 Stark, Raquel: administrative secretary – 816-228-0164

Community and Youth Outreach Unit 205 S.W. 11th St. Phone: 816-228-0178 Fax: 816-228-0242 CYOU brings together a committed team of professionals with extensive training and experience in prevention services and youth intervention, as well as providing or referring to supportive services.

Staff

Modrell, Anthony: captain of Community and Youth Outreach – 816-228-0178 Harman, Bob: 816-228-0178 DeMo, Linda: sergeant and CALEA accredidation manager – 816-2204567 Kunkel, Tammy: secretary – 816228-0178 Kintz, Allen: sergeant for crime prevention – 816-228-0178 Russell, Mike: school resource officer – 816-228-0178 Covington, Ralph: school resource officer – 816-228-0178 Klote, Terri: school resource officer – 816-228-0178 Heishman, Doug: crime prevention officer – 816-228-0178 Golden, Ed “Doc”: director of volunteers in police services – 816228-0178 Grice, Amber: crisis counselor

– 816-228-0178 Welch, Kerri: crisis counselor – 816-228-0178 Waites, Charlie: DARE – 816-2280178

Operations Bureau

Phone: 816-228-0149 Fax: 816-228-0147 The Operations Bureau is responsible for the provision of basic police response and service to prevent and deter crime.

Staff

Snyder, James: captain, Operations Bureau: 816-228-0151 Hotmer, Judy: administrative secretary: 816-228-0149

Staff Services Bureau

records unit.

Staff

Myers, Rea: captain: 816-220-0156 Taylor, Macie: administrative secretary: 816-228-0156

Professional Standards Bureau

Phone: 816-228-0170 Fax: 816-228-0147 The Professional Standards Bureau consists of the Communications Unit, Blue Springs Police Deparment Accreditation and Internal Affairs.

Staff

Phone: 816-228-0156 Fax: 816-228-0147 The Staff Services Bureau consists of the investigations unit and the

Morton, Robert: captain, Professional Standards Bureau: 816-2280164 Stark, Raquel: administrative secretary: 816-228-0164 – Jeff Martin

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18 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Wayne McCoy

ing academies and be on the street assisting our community.

Q&A

3

questions

answers

Blue Springs police chief

1

There’s a lot going on with the Police Department of late. How is progress going with all the pending improvements?

The new radio system project is on schedule with completion prior to the end of the year. It will significantly improve the safety for officers and the public by ensuring that communications can be maintained.

Hiring processes are either completed or in process for all positions authorized under the PSST, including officers, evidence custodian, deputy

chief, animal control and detention officers. All are on pace to be completed this year.

The building remodel planning process is underway, with Burns and McDonald selected to manage the process.

2

What new features can residents expect to be in place by the end of theyear?

The radio system will be completely in place, and Officers hired will have completed the six month train-

Are the new police officers on the street?

Currently the additional personnel are completing their six month academies at the Kansas City Police Academy. Seven new officers were hired in January, 2012, and graduate on August 9, 2012, then will go on the street for field training. Three additional new officers were hired in May, 2012 and will graduate in December, 2012, before going on the street for field training.

These positions will greatly assist us in providing the needed manpower to ensure prompt response even during busy periods and allow for continuing increases in neighborhood and retail area patrol.

What challenges do you anticipate for the upcoming year?

The training and oversight of additional personnel is an important and challenging process that involves all of our current experienced personnel, especially at the supervisor and field training officer levels.

Planning processes for the building renovations are crucial to meet future needs of the department while using

4

our resources in an effective manner.

This is a challenge that will require input and foresight from all segments of our department to design a building that will serve the community for many years.

5

What makes Blue Springs a special place to live?

By far, the interest in what goes on and the willingness of our residents to provide constructive input into the future of our city makes it special, and keeps it that way. This is evident at BSPD through the incredible donations of time and energy we receive from citizen volunteers who care enough to make our city and department a priority.

The support BSPD has received (and continues to receive) from the community through the PSST and through continuing partnerships in crime prevention and education help us to provide quality service and enhance the safety of all.

What makes BSPD special is the professional and caring personnel we have who truly understand that law enforcement is a career of service to community, not just a “job”.

– Jeff Martin

• County sheriff, Highway Patrol

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JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Sheriff’s Office is at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Summit. It is responsible for enforcing laws in unincorporated areas of Jackson County and assisting local police departments.

The office is led by Sheriff Mike Sharp and Col. Ben Kenney and Col. Hugh Mills. Divisions include patrol, investigations, communications and courthouse security.

Within the patrol division, the office has an ATV unit, K-9, motorcycle and

an emergency response team.

Call the office at 816-524-4302.

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A is stationed in Lee’s Summit. Troop A includes Jackson, Bates, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Platte, Ray and Saline counties.

The phone number is 816-6220800. The website is www.mshp. dps.mo.gov – Jeff Martin

The Examiner

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Employees and volunteers of the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District work to protect 57 square miles.

Protecting Blue Springs and most areas of Grain Valley and Lake Tapawingo, the CJC has 136 staff members to do it. Dispatchers, firefighters, administrators, emergency medical technicians and paramedics – CJC has it all, utilizing some of the most advanced technology in the business.

Firefighters also are charged with fire prevention and public education and offer fire safety inspections and EMS training for staff members

Blue Springs City Guide 19

2012

and others interested in obtaining a license.

Operating on a budget of about $13.8 million, the district has five stations in Blue Springs and Grain Valley.

The district was nationally accredited, a distinction only160 departments nationally can claim.

Over the past few years, the CJC has added equipment and personnel, and it has opened a training facility on U.S. 40. The facility hosts numerous training sessions for CJC and metro departments.

The district is led by Chief Steve Westermann, Assistant Chief Eddie Saffel; and Deputy Chief Todd Farley.

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20 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Licenses

From driving to fishing...

DRIVER’S LICENSES

Missouri driver’s licenses are available from through the Department of Revenue at several area locations.

The Blue Springs office is located at 903 Main St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is also open on the first and last Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts road tests for new driver’s license applicants.

The Independence testing location is at 16647 E. 23rd St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call 816-325-6177 for more information.

The Lee’s Summit testing location is

at 1950 N.E. Independence Ave. Hours are 8 a.m. tot 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 816-622-0720 for more information.

Missouri drivers are eligible for a license at age 16. Drivers under the age of 18 are subject to the state’s graduated driver’s license laws. For more information, visit http://dor.mo.gov/ drivers/teens/gradlaw.php.

Acceptable forms of identification include U.S. birth certificate with embossed, raised seal; U.S. passport; U.S. certificate of citizenship, naturalization or live birth; U.S. military ID card; or immigration documents.

Name changes are recognized with certified marriage certificate or divorce decree, certified court order,

certified adoption papers or amended birth certificate, U.S. passport or Social Security card.

Applicants should know their Social Security number or have their Social Security card. New applicants must also prove Missouri residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, paycheck, government check, mortgage document, voter registration card, property tax receipt, housing rental contract or bank statement.

Driver’s licenses typically expire on your birthday and must be renewed in person unless the applicant is active duty military personnel. To renew, bring expiring license, acceptable form of ID and any applicable name change documentation. Renewal ap-

plicants must pass a vision test and a road sign test.

Visit http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/ for more information and list of fees.

VEHICLE LICENSES

Vehicles must be registered with the Department of Revenue whether purchased new or used, from a dealer or an individual, to be driven in the state of Missouri.

Initial registration must be done in person, 903 Main St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is also open on the first and last Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon.

MORE ON PAGE 21

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 21

COMMUNITY LICENSE: FROM PAGE 20 To register a vehicle for the first time, bring lien release or manufacturer’s statement of origin; notarized lien release; odometer disclosure statement; personal property tax receipt or statement of non-assessment; vehicle inspection; and proof of insurance.

You’ll also need to fill out a form. If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you’ll need to bring the original title.

Non-resident active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and full-time, out-of-state college students attending a Missouri school are not required to register their vehicle in the state.

Vehicles no longer need a safety inspection for the first five years after manufacture.

Not all forms to title a vehicle can be downloaded. Some must be requested from your local license office or ordered online. Visit http://www.dmv. com/mo/missouri/vehicle-registration for more information.

Temporary permits are issued for 30 days.

Registration must be renewed annually. The Department of Revenue notifies vehicle owners by mail when their registration is about to expire. Renew online at http://plates.mo.gov or at your local license office. Alternatively, send renewal form and payment to Motor Vehicle Bureau, 301 W. High St., Rm. 370, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.

Drivers need a safety inspection for older vehicles, a paid personal property tax receipt, insurance card, the correct license fee and a registration fee of $3.50 for one year or $7 for two years.

New, enhanced anti-theft tabs now include the vehicle’s license number on the sticker itself. If your tabs are still stolen, submit a police report, application for replacement tabs and a processing fee.

Visit http://www.dmv.com/mo/ missouri/vehicle-registration-renewal for more information.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Couples can obtain a marriage license at the Courthouse Annex Recorder of Deeds Office, 308 W. Kansas Ave., Ste. 104, Independence.

The office is open Monday through

Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though applicants are asked to apply prior to 4:30 p.m. to allow time for processing.

Applicants must be 18 years of age to marry without parental consent.

A custodial parent may give permission if the applicant is 15 to 17 years of age. The parent should bring proper identification – a driver’s license is acceptable – and a birth certificate for the child showing the parent’s name.

Couples must appear together at the Recorder of Deeds office. They will need their Social Security numbers and proper identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid driver’s license, Missouri ID, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa or U.S. entry stamp, military ID, certifified copy of U.S. birth certificate with photo ID or government ID card.

Divorced or widowed applicants must provide the month/year the last marriage ended.

The cost is $50 and may be paid with cash, credit or debit. American Express cards are not accepted. Certified copies of the marriage license are available for $10 and may be required by the Driver’s License Bureau and Social Security Administration to effect a name change.

Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days following the date of issue and must be returned to the Recorder of Deeds. For more information, call 816881-1577.

CIVIL UNIONS

Neither the State of Missouri nor Jackson County recognizes civil unions, but individuals who wish to register their private union may do so at the Courthouse Annex Recorder of Deeds Office, 308 W. Kansas Ave., Ste. 104, Independence.

The registry provides public recognition of a relationship and may be required to fill health insurance eligibility requirements.

There is no fee to register a civil union.

Hunting/fishing licenses

Missouri residents need permits for most hunting and fishing in the state.

Hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must also complete an approved hunter education program to hunt with a

firearm unless they qualify for an exemption.

Children under the age of 15 do not need to complete a hunter education program if they are under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter. Hunters should carry their hunter education card with them while hunting with a firearm or have their certification verified at the vendor’s computer terminal.

Fishing permits are required unless the angler is fishing on privately stocked waters or qualifies as disabled under an exemption. Visit mdc. mo.gov/permits/fishing-permit-information to learn more. Tags may be purchased for a day, year or lifetime.

Trout tags must be purchased seperately.

Different permits are available depending on the season and animal. An online system, https://www. mo.wildlifelicense.com/, allows hunters to pick and choose permits depending on what kind of game they will be hunting. Most permits cost less than $20. There is a $1 convenience fee for purchasing permits online.

Permits can be printed at home.

There is a $2 convenience fee for purchasing permits over the phone, 800-392-4115. Allow 10 days for delivery.

Permits can also be purchased at the Kansas City regional conservation office, 12405 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee’s Summit, or at any authorized vendor.

For more information, visit www. mdc.mo.gov

CONCEALED WEAPONS

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issues concealed weapons permits at headquarters, 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive, Lee’s Summit.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., though applicants are advised to arrive by 3 p.m. to allow adequate processing time.

Permits cost $100, payable by personal check or money order as $33.25 to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and $66.75 to the Jackson County Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

Applicants must be residents of Jackson County. Bring valid driver’s license, a non-driver’s license or military identification with orders showing assignment in Missouri to prove eligibility. Applicants will also need a copy their firearms safety training course certification, which should be provided by the instructor.

Permits are issued for three years.

Renewals cost $50, payable to the Jackson County Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Bring proof of residency. Delinquent renewals – applied for after the original permit lapses – will be charged a $10 per month penalty fee.

After six months, a new permit must be issued.

Call 816-524-4302 for more information.

• Utilities connections u Electricity and street lights • Kansas City Power & Light, all ZIP codes; 816-471-5275. u Water • City of Blue Springs utility billing, ZIP codes 64014 and 64015; 816228-0135 • City of Grain Valley Water Department, ZIP code 64029; 816-847-6200 • Jackson County Public Water Service District No. 13, ZIP code 64064; 816-578-2249 u Natural gas • Missouri Gas Energy, ZIP codes 64014, 64015, 64029 and 64064;

816-756-5252 or 800-582-1234. u Cable TV or telephone • Comcast Cable, ZIP codes 64014, 64015, 64029 and 64064; 816-7951100.

• AT&T, zip codes 64014, 64015, 64029 and 64064; 800-288-2020.

• CenturyLink, ZIP code 64064 south of Mason School Road; 800366-8201. u Sanitary sewer • City of Blue Springs, ZIP codes 64014, 64015, 64029 and 64064; 816-228-0135.

–Jeff Martin

22 Blue Springs City Guide

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COMMUNITY

• Recycling

Reduce, re-use, recycle here...

Several private recycling facilities and trash haulers are available in Blue Springs. ◆ Pink Hill Recycling Center 2725 N.W. Park Road Phone: 816-655-0431 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays.

This center accepts common recyclable materials such as glass, plastic, aluminum, tin cans, paper and cardboard materials.

For more information about Blue Springs recycling centers, visit www. bluespringsgov.com. ◆ Blue Springs Recycling Center 499 S. Missouri 7 (American Legion parking lot) Phone: 816-935-9235 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

This recycling center pays for aluminum cans and accepts other aluminum materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals, some appliances and vehicle batteries. Appliances such as freezers or refrigerators must be removed of Freon. It does not accept cardboard, glass or electronics. ◆ Office Depot 450 N.W. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-220-8151 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

This location recycles only electronics, such as VCRs, cameras and televisions smaller than 13 inches. In order to use their recycling service, purchase a recycling box from Office Depot for $5 to $15 (depending on the size). Fill the box with the electronics to be recycled and take it, unsealed, to any Office Depot store.

◆ Cartridge World 2630 S.W. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-229-0800 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays.

Cartridge World refills empty cartridges for inkjet and laser printers, photocopiers and fax machines. ◆ Abitibi Consolidated Recycling There are more than 20 Abitibi Consolidated Recycling locations in Blue Springs. All local schools have Abitibi bins in their parking lots that are available for public use. They collect paper, cardboard and other recyclable items, depending on the location. ◆ Ripple Glass 1305 N. Missouri 7 (Price Chopper parking lot) Ripple Glass accepts only glass products. Glass materials can be

• Post offices

Drop your U.S. mail at any of these locations The post office is a one-stop shop for mailing a letter, getting a passport and renting a post office box, and Blue Springs has three such locations to meet residents’ needs. n 200 N.W. 11th Street. The primary post office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. The last collection is at 5:30 p.m. weekdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Passport processing and photos are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays.

The site includes an automated postal center, which is open 24 hours

to ship packages, buy stamps or check a ZIP code.

Blue Springs and Grain Valley residents are eligible to rent a post office box. Bring two forms of identification.

Boxes are rented for six-month or one-year increments. Call 816-2298456 for more information. n 500 S.W. South Ave. The post office annex is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon.

The last daily collection is at 5 p.m. on weekdays and at 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Call 816-220-0657 for more information. n 625 S.W. U.S. 40. The Hy-Vee

post office retail hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The last collection takes place at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday only.

Call 816-224-4288 for more information.

Stamp booklets only also are available at Hy-Vee, 625 S.W. U.S. 40; U.S. Bank, 701 W. Main St.; QuikTrip, at 211 N.W. Missouri 7 and at 1701 N.W. Missouri 7; Walmart Supercenter, 600 N.E. Coronado Drive; Office Depot, 450 N.W. Missouri 7; Walgreens, at 3200 S.W. Missouri 7 and at 1701 N.W. Missouri 7; and CVS, 3201 S.W. Missouri 7.

– Adrianne DeWeese

dropped in any of the purple Ripple Glass bins. For more information visit www.rippleglasskc.com.

Other RECYCLING Locations u Independence Recycling Center 13600 E. 35th St. Phone: 816-325-7623 u Smurfit Stone Recycling Center 1009 E. U.S. 24 Phone: 816-254-3366 u Lee’s Summit Recycling 2101 S.E. Hamblen Road Phone: 816-969-1980 u City Scrap Metal LLC – Lee’s Summit 1638 S.E. Decker St. Phone: 816-525-4322 u Grain Valley Recycling Center 711 Main Phone: 816-847-6200

TRASH SERVICE IN BLUE SPRINGS Blue Springs does not provide trash service. However, several private trash hauling services in the city: ◆ AAA Disposal: 816-6503180 ◆ EnviroStar Waste: 816220-3227 ◆ Deffenbaugh Disposal: 913-631-2407 – Jeff Martin

The Examiner

2012

COMMUNITY

• Vesper Hall

A place for classes, lunch, gathering Vesper Hall, an older adult recreational center, is a public facility at 400 N.W. Vesper St. in Blue Springs, overlooking Rotary Park.

It is a popular place for wedding receptions, and anniversary and graduation parties. There are five rooms available to rent, or an option to rent the entire building for larger events is available. The room sizes and accommodations are small enough for gatherings of 10 to 20 people or large enough for groups of up to 300. Alcohol is allowed in the hall. The facility provides only tables and chairs.

Some of the amenities are public address system, tiered ceilings, a gas fireplace, large windows, commercial kitchen, computers, exercise equipment, ceramic kiln and more.

A variety of educational, recreational, health and fitness opportunities awaits any citizen 50 years and older.

It offers fitness classes, trips, dances, computer classes, cards, arts and crafts, meals and much more. Programs are offered free of charge or at a nominal fee.

Blue Springs Parks and Recreation also offers classes most evenings for those of any age.

For more information, call Vesper Hall at 816-228-0181 or Parks and Recreation at 816-228-0137. – Jillayne Ritchie

Find what you are looking for daily in

Blue Springs City Guide 23

24 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Veterans organizations in Blue Springs

Resources for those who served

Several veterans organizations serve the Blue Springs area. They include: u American Legion Stanley-Pack Post 499: 816-229-4990, 499 S.W. Missouri 7, www.alp499. org.

Linda Kramps is Post 499’s commander for 201112.

Events at the post include weekly bingo games as well as events such as commemoration of Veterans Day. The post maintains the American Legion Farm, used by Scouts and other groups, near the Adams Pointe Golf Club.

Chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, the American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization. Chapters mentor and provide sponsorship youth programs, which in turn promote patriotism and honor, a strong national security and devotion to members.

u The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vaughn-Hudnall Post 6603: 816-220-0515, S.W. Missouri 7, vfwwebcom.org/mo/post6603 The VFW offers assistance to military members and family. In addition to establishing a voice for veterans, the organization has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. The VFW was the first veterans’ organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in 2010.

The VFW and its auxiliary, nationwide, contribute more than 11 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. The group has provided $2.5 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year.

u Disabled American Veterans office in Independence, 816-836-0368.

The DAV runs Red Racks DAV Thrift Stores in the area, including one at 922 S.W. Missouri 7 in Blue Springs (816-874-8812) and one at 16813 E. 23rd St., in Independence. More information at www. davthriftstores.com/ In addition to representing veterans and their dependents with their claims, volunteers operate a network of people who provide veterans free rides to and from VA medical facilities. u American Legion Tirey J. Ford Post 21, 16701 E. U.S. 40, Independence, Mo., 816-373-0221, www. alpost21.org u VFW, Lake Lotawana Don Avise Memorial Post 6272, 9613 S. Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, 816-578-4063, http://myvfw.org/mo/ post6272/

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 25

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COMMUNITY

• Public art

Submitted

Whimsy and imagination meet on the city streets Blue Springs has been accepting art for various public outdoor displays for 10 years, and that’s something special when you get right down to it.

Its aim is simple: make Blue Springs an even more desirable place to live, work and locate a business.

When the Blue Springs Art Commission was formed in 2000, one of its goals was to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the city. A seven-member volunteer advisory board was created, and meeting regularly, members review ways by which to beautify the city – specifically by obtaining various pieces of art for public display.

Over 10 years, some of those pieces

have remained a permanent fixture in the city; other pieces have been purchased by private citizens and, sometimes, the host site.

In one example, RED Development purchased art that is at the Adams Dairy Landing retail complex.

Artists from across the country have been chosen to participate in the program. Commission members have stressed that the program promotes not only art itself but cooperation among the artists when they arrive.

In 2007, the commission received $15,000 from the city to fund the temporary art exhibits and some operating expenses. Of this amount, $11,000

‘Duel Nature II,’ by Cecilia Lueza is one of pieces of public art in Blue Springs in 2012. the free-standing structure is in the median of U.S. 40 near 19th Street. was used to cover costs associated with the call to artists, loan fees, dedication ceremonies, signs for the art and general advertisements.

The remaining amount covered administrative costs.

This year’s exhibit is entitled “Connections,” the selections from which have been place at the different entranceways into the city.

In the past, art has been typically placed in quieter places, like Pink Hill Park and St. Mary’s Medical Cen-

ter. This year’s art will be on display through Sept. 30.

For information about the program, the commission, or how to apply, contact City Hall at 816-220-0110.

– Jeff Martin

STATE FARM SELECT AGENT TM

Steve Shipman 2690 SW 7 Highway Blue Springs, MO 64014

816-228-6696 steve@steveshipman.net

STATE FARM SELECT AGENT TM

John Hardy

1201A NW Jefferson Blue Springs, MO 64014

816-224-6560 john@johnhardyagent.com

State Farm

®

we live where you live.® Providing Insurance and Financial Services

like a good neighbor, State Farm iS there.®

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 27

COMMUNITY

• Pets

Be good to your best friend GREGORY O. GROUNDS DOG PARK REGULATIONS u Daily hours of operation shall be from sunrise until sunset. u Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by them. Users of this facility do so at their own risk. u Dogs must be current on all vaccinations, and all tags must be displayed on their collar. u Close gates firmly after entering or leaving park. u Owners/handlers must clean up after their dogs. u Dogs showing any aggression toward people or other dogs must be removed from this facility. u Puppies using the facility must be at least four months old. u Dogs that bark constantly must be removed from the facility. u Spiked collars are not permitted. u Owners/handlers must remain in the park and maintain visual contact with their dogs at all times. u Bringing children under the age of 5 into this facility is discouraged. If you bring young children into this facility, you do so at your own risk. u Children ages 5 through 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Keep young children close by and under constant supervision. u Dogs in heat will not be allowed inside this facility. u Dogs must be leashed before entering and prior to leaving this facility. Owners must carry a leash at all times. u No more than two dogs per adult owner/handler are permitted in this facility. u If your dog digs, it must be stopped and the hole filled in by its owner/handler. u No human food allowed. Drinks are allowed but no glass containers are permitted. u Treats to be used for training purposes only are permitted. Please feed your dog only. u Repeated violators of any of the above rules and regulations will be subject to removal from this facility and prohibited from future use.

To report unattended dogs or other rule violations, please contact Blue Springs Animal Control at 816-228-0149. For more information, contact Blue Springs Parks and Recreation at 816-228-0137 or visit www.bluespringsgov.com.

– Jillayne Ritchie

BLUE SPRINGS ANIMAL CONTROL

The city of Blue Springs Animal Control is responsible for enforcing all city codes concerning the ownership of domestic animals.

Blue Springs does not have an animal shelter.

Animal Control is at 1100 S.W. Smith St. in Blue Springs; on the 2nd floor of the police station.

They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 816-228-0149. After 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends, the number rings to police dispatch. Animal Control fees are collected at the Blue Springs Police Department on the second floor before you pick up your pet.

To report a lost or found animal, a “Lost and Found Form” can be filled out and returned to Animal Control. The form may be downloaded from the “Animal Control” page at www. bluespringsgov.com or call Animal Control to have an agent fill out the form over the phone.

When your pet is lost, call Animal Control during business hours to see if the pet was picked up.

Anyone who harbors or cares for an animal for more than three days is considered the pet’s owner. Call animal control immediately upon taking in any stray animal.

Blue Springs residents are allowed to own up to four adult animals. Adult animals are 6 months of age and older. All animal species count toward the limit of four. All dogs and cats must wear their rabies vaccination tag at all times. The rabies tag is the only license requirement for pets in Blue Springs.

There is a leash law in Blue Springs for both dogs and cats; they must be kept under restraint at all times. There is also an ordinance for nuisance animals, Article I, Section 215.050 of the Municipal Code states that no owner shall permit a dog or cat to bark, howl, meow or cry disturbing a reasonable man. Any animal that has bitten a person will be quarantined, according to state law.

Livestock and farm animals are forbidden within the city. Certain exotic pets are forbidden as well; call ahead before adopting an exotic pet to ensure compliance with city code.

GREGORY O. GROUNDS DOG PARK

The dog park is at 1049 N.E. 20th St. in Blue

ANIMAL HOSPITALS u ANIMED OF BLUE SPRINGS 1715 S. Missouri 7 816-220-0222 Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For after hour emergencies, call pager number 816-853-8075. u BLUE SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND PET RESORT 1201 S.W. U.S. 40 816-229-1544 Animal Hospital hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays (call to schedule an appointment.) Pet Resort boarding hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays (call to schedule a reservation.) u CAVANAUGH PET HOSPITAL 2400 N.W. South Outer Road 816-220-2233 Hospital hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Boarding hours are the same as the operating hours, but you’ll need to call for reservations. For more information, visit www.cavanaughpet.com.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Springs. Located off Jefferson Street near the Kohl’s Distribution Center, the dog park has been open since 2007. The park features a pond, open space and shade trees. There are water fountains for people and dogs and a dog washing area.

There is also a separate area for small dogs under 14 inches at the shoulder and 25 pounds and under.

– Jillayne Ritchie

28 Blue Springs City Guide

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COMMUNITY

• Area churches

Express your faith in church of your choice

Specializing in Women’s Health

BAPTIST

u Blue Springs Baptist Temple 4101 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-7777 Sunday services are at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday services are at 7 p.m.

Complete women’s healthCare… …for all stages of your life.

We invite you to schedule your appointment

Thomas F. Green, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Richard K. Gutknecht, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Timothy A. Hall, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

today!

u Calvary Baptist Church 900 N.W. 22nd St. 816-228-5540 Sunday School takes place at 9:30 a.m.

The Sunday morning worship and children’s worship is at 10:45 a.m., and the Sunday evening worship is at 6 p.m. Bible study takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday. u Duncan Road Church 430 N.E. Duncan Road 816-228-7620 Worship takes place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Bible study is available at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Youth and adult activities take place at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. u First Baptist Church Blue Springs 1405 Main St. 816-229-9335 Separate worship services are available for children ages preschool through fifth grade, middle school and high school on Sunday mornings. The adults’ morning worship services and small group Bible studies take place at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. u First Bible Baptist Church 1441 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway 816-220-2337 Services are at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday and at 7 and 8 p.m. Wednesday.

816.478.0220 Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Michelle R. Lemberger, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Amy L. Trout, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

19550 E. 39th Street Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 Alisa Ash, M.D.

Debra Sims, WHNP-BC

Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP-BC

Visit us on the web: www.independencewomensclinic.com

u Harvest Baptist Church of Blue Springs 901 N.W. 19th St. 816-224-9113 The following services are available on Sunday: adult Sunday school and children’s Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship service and children’s church, 11 a.m.; and adult Bible study and children’s activities, 4 p.m.

Adult Bible study, as well as AWANA Kids Club, take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday. u Holy Hill Baptist Church 206 N.W. 16th St. 816-220-3444

Sunday services take place at 11 a.m. Bible study is available at 7 p.m. Wednesday. u Plaza Heights Baptist Church 1500 S.W. Clark Road 816-229-4077 Sunday worship services take place at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school for all ages is at 9:30 a.m., with children’s church at 10:45 a.m. for grades kindergarten through fifth.

At 6 p.m. Sunday, an evening message and youth group for grades 6 through 12 takes place. u Woods Chapel Bible Fellowship 701 N.W. Woods Chapel Road 816-228-1411 Worship services take place from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Sunday, with children’s ministry for up to fifth grade also available.

Sunday services also is from 10:45 a.m. to noon, with separate children’s ministry for ages birth through fifth grade and for sixth through eighth grades.

CATHOLIC

u St. John LaLande Catholic Church 805 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 816-229-3378 Weekend Mass is celebrated at 5 p.m.

Saturday and at 8 and 10 a.m. and at noon Sunday. Daily Mass or communion service is at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Reconciliation takes place from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday or by appointment. The rosary is recited at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. u St. Robert Bellarmine 4313 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-5168 Mass is celebrated at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; at 4 p.m. Saturday; and at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

u Blue Springs Church of Christ 1000 Clark Road 816-229-2021 Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Worship services are 10:30 a.m. and at 6 p.m. Sunday.

MORE ON PAGE 29

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Blue Springs City Guide 29

2012

COMMUNITY CHURCHES: FROM PAGE 28 u Church of Christ 314 N.E. R.D. Mize Road 816-224-1105 Services are at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Thursday. u Southside Church of Christ 4000 S.W. Christiansen Drive 816-228-9262 Sunday Bible study takes place at 10 a.m.

Worship is at 9 a.m. and at 11 a.m. Sunday.

COMMUNITY OF CHRIST

u Colonial Hills Community of Christ 3539 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-9344 Sunday school is at 9:15 a.m., and the worship service is at 10:15 a.m. u Mission Woods Community of Christ 2800 N.W. Duncan Road 816-224-0095 Sunday school takes place from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. Sharing and caring is from 10:45 to 10:55 a.m., with the main worship from 11 a.m. to noon Sunday.

The Wednesday prayer service is from 7 to 8 p.m.

u Parkview Community of Christ 801 S.W. 19th St. 816-229-1045 Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m., and the Sunday morning worship begins at 11 a.m. A prayer and testimony service takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

u First Christian Church of Blue Springs 701 N.W. 15th St. 816-229-8400 A traditional service takes place at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Church school is at 9:50 a.m., and a celebration service is at 11 a.m.

On Wednesdays from September through April, a fellowship meal takes place at 5:15 p.m. Faith Followers and CROSS youth groups meet at 6 p.m., and an adult Bible study takes place at 6 p.m.

A chapel service is offered at 7 p.m. Thursday. u Good Shepherd Christian Church 111 S. Woods Chapel Road 816-228-6908 Church school is at 9 a.m. Sunday. Sunday worship services start at 10 a.m.

LUTHERAN

u All Saints Lutheran Church 421 S.W. 19th St. Terrace 816-229-3633 Worship is celebrated at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday. Sunday school for all ages meets at 9:30 a.m. following the first service, and a fellowship hour takes place after the 10:30 a.m. service each week.

Communion is available during the second and fourth Sundays of each month at the 8 a.m. service and at the first and third Sundays of each month at the 10:30 a.m. service. u Pointe of Hope Church 1215 N. Missouri 7 816-220-2609 Worship is celebrated at 10 a.m. Sunday. u Timothy Lutheran Church 425 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 816-228-5300 An informal Saturday worship service takes place at 6 p.m. at the North Campus on R.D. Mize Road. Traditional worship services also take place at 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday, and Sunday school is at 9:15 a.m.

At the South Campus, 301 S.W. Wyatt Road, a contemporary worship service is at

9:30 a.m. Sunday, and Sunday school is at 10:45 a.m.

Communion takes place in all services at both locations on the first, third and fifth weekends of each month.

METHODIST

u First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs 301 S.W. Woods Chapel Road 816-229-8108 Traditional services take place at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday and at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Communion is available at 8 a.m. Sunday services.

A contemporary service is celebrated at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. u Resurrection Blue Springs 601 N.W. Jefferson St. 816-389-8900 A campus of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. A contemporary worship service takes place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Nursery care is available for children ages birth to age 3 during worship, and Sunday school is offered for children ages 4 through fifth grade at 10:30 a.m.

MORE ON PAGE 33

Golden Living Center of Independence is a warm

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• 21 private rehab to home suites, with hardwood floors and flat screen TVs!!

• State of the art therapy with Nautilus® equipment, designed especially for geriatrics

skilled nursing & rehabilitation 17451 E. Medical Center Parkway, Independence, Missouri 64057

816.373.7795

Please refer questions to our Director of Admissions.

• Outpatient therapy services available • A gorgeous private dining room for rehab to home residents • A redesigned shared dining room with chef inspired cuisine • A newly designed hair studio • Assisted living apartments located on complex

30 Blue Springs City Guide

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COMMUNITY

• Mid-Continent Public Library

Library is your ‘everything’ resource The Mid-Continent Public Library system has two branches in Blue Springs. For more information visit the website at www.mymcpl.org. u Blue Springs North Branch 850 N.W. Hunter Drive Phone: 816-224-8772 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

The Blue Springs North Branch was established in 1992 and is home to more than 110,000 items, including books, DVDs, reference materials, CDs, audiobooks and VHS tapes. The library also offers free Wi-Fi access, as well as computers, printers and copy machines available for public use.

The branch hosts numerous programs throughout the year for families, teenagers, adults and children.

During the summer, both North and South branches participate in the summer reading program, which encourages children and teens to read during the summer by offering free books as rewards for meeting reading goals. This year, the theme for the children’s program is “One World, Many Stories.” The theme for the teen program is “You Are Here.” The program ends on July 30. To participate, sign up at any local branch. u Blue Springs South Branch 2220 S. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-229-3957 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

The Blue Springs South Branch holds more than 143,000 items and hosts programming for adults, teens and children. The library offers free Wi-Fi access in addition to public computers available for use with a library card.

Mid-Continent libraries offer an eBook rental service through their

website. The eBooks are compatible with most eReaders. Visit www. mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/downloadable-ebooks for more information.

To sign up for a library card, visit any Mid-Continent branch. Library cards are free and are available to anyone who lives, works or owns property in the Mid-Continent district service area (Clay, Platte an Jackson counties, excluding the Kansas City School District and North Kansas City). u Midwest Genealogy Center 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence Phone: 816-252-7228 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday.

The center opened in 2008 and is one of the largest genealogy resources in the country. Its collection holds more than 96,000 circulating and reference titles, as well as periodicals, newspapers, microforms and maps.

These online databases are available through the Genealogy Center: u America’s GenealogyBank – Includes historical newspapers, books, documents, obituaries and the Social Security Death Index, 1937-present, with some newspapers and books dating back to the 1600s. u America’s Obituaries & Death Notices – Newspaper obituaries and death notices published since 1980.

The database is available for searches by name, date range or specific text. u Ancestry Library Edition (library use only) – An enhanced library version of Ancestry.com that searches the U.S. Federal Census from 1790 to 1930. Also search immigration, vital, military, court, church and ethnic records. u Archive Finder – Search for in-

Mid-Continent Public Library photo

Book clubs explore a variety of genres at Mid-Continent Public Library. formation from thousands of archival collections from the U.S., U.K., and Ireland. u Biography and Genealogy Master Index – A comprehensive index to more than 13 million biographical sketches from both contemporary and historical figures throughout the world. u Digital Sanborn Maps – A collection of fire insurance maps created between 1867 and 1970. Search through maps for more than 12,000 American cities and towns.

u HeritageQuest Online – Thousands of family and local history books and the complete U.S. Federal Census from 1790 to 1930. They can be searched by name, place of birth, age, ethnicity and more. It also includes Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank, and the PERSI periodical index. u ProQuest Obituaries – More than 10 million obituaries and death notices in full image format from national newspapers dating back to 1851.

The Examiner

2012

COMMUNITY

• KCATA

Commuter buses

Thanks to public transportation, Blue Springs residents can get to downtown Kansas City during rush hour on weekdays.

Riders can get on the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s No. 170 Blue Springs Express in one of four places between 5:42 a.m. and 7:14 a.m.: u White Oak Plaza at U.S. 40 and Missouri 7. u 11th and Smith streets. u The commuter lot at Missouri 7 and North Ridge. u The commuter lot at Interstate 70 and Woods Chapel Road.

The bus takes Interstate 70 west into Kansas City and makes stops at 13th and Cherry streets; 11th Street and Grand Boulevard; Pershing Road and Broadway Street; and Pershing Road and Grand Avenue. For example, the ride from Woods Chapel and I-70 in Blue Springs to 11th and Grand in Kansas City is scheduled to take

about 35 minutes.

In the afternoon, buses leave the downtown locations between 3:30 p.m. and 5:22 p.m., and they arrive in Blue Springs from 4:15 p.m. to 6:17 p.m.

The fare is $3, and a monthly pass is $95. Daily fares are reduced by half on ozone alert days. Metro passes are available at both Blue Springs Price Chopper stores at 1305 N. Missouri 7 and at 1100 S.W. Missouri 7.

Route 170 does not run on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

KCATA runs Route 170 but has no other service available in Blue Springs. There is no service from Blue Springs to Independence or to Lee’s Summit, for example.

Visit www.kcata.org for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

Blue Springs City Guide 31

32 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Fall Fun Festival

It’s a fun-for-all

Each year, the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival brings more than 100,000 people to downtown.

This year’s festival is Sept. 14, 15 and 16, and the theme is “Peace, Love and Rock and Roll.” That theme will not only be carried throughout the weekend, but also during the parade.

Individuals, businesses, clubs and

organizations, as well as the marching bands from Blue Springs and Blue Springs South high schools participate in the parade.

Musicians play on two stages.

The main stage in the beer garden hosts the headliner bands, while the community stage hosts the karaoke contest finals, local bands and dance groups.

The festival also includes a children’s area, petting zoo, carnival and more than 280 food, craft and service vendors. Treats include the Timothy Lutheran Steakburger, BBQ Sunday, turkey legs and the traditional funnel cakes.

For more information, visit the website at www.bluespringsfallfestival. com or call 816-228-6322.

– Kelly Evenson

• Barbeque Blaze Off

A hot time in the old town Started in 1984, the Barbeque Blaze Off is one of the oldest barbecue contests in a fourstate area. The only other contests that are older are the American Royal and Great Lenexa BBQ contests.

The 2012 Blaze Off is Sept. 7 and 8 at the Hidden Valley Park Sports Complex. The weekend starts with the opening ceremony, followed by the Buck-A-Bone Public BBQ tasting, live entertainment and then the barbeque judging on Saturday afternoon. This year’s theme is “Pigs Just Wanna Have Fun.” The Blaze Off features separate contests for chicken, pork ribs, pork butt or shoulder, beef brisket, sausage, dessert and the Kid-Q. However, only brisket, pork, chicken and pork ribs will count toward the overall grand championship. In addition, the team voted “most The Examiner file photos enthusiastic” will receive an award.

For more information, visit the BBQ Blaze Off website at www.bluespringsblazeoff.com.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

2012

COMMUNITY CHURCHES: FROM PAGE 29 u St. Peter United Methodist Church 3609 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-9889 A traditional worship service takes place at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school for all ages is at 9:45 a.m., and a contemporary worship service is at 11 a.m. u Woods Chapel United Methodist Church 4725 N.E. Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit 816-795-8848 Traditional worship services take place at 8 and at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. Contemporary services are at 9:05 and at 10:10 a.m.

OTHER DENOMINATIONS

u Blue Springs Assembly 2501 N.E. Duncan Road 816-847-0200 Sunday worship services are from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday school takes place from 9 to 9:45 a.m.

Evening praise and worship or Life Groups take place at 6 p.m. Sunday. Life Groups are small groups that meet in homes one Sunday night a month.

Family Night takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday. u Blue Springs Kingdom Hall Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 901 N.W. 15th St. 816-228-2070 Meeting times take place from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Sunday and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday. u Celebration Community Fellowship 101 S.W. South Ave. 816-229-8282 Services take place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

“House of Prayer” meets the first Sunday of each month in the pastor’s home at 6 p.m. u Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church 3108 W. U.S. 40 816-229-3367 Communion takes place weekly at the 8:15 a.m. Sunday worship service. Communion is given the first Sunday of the month only during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. u Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1416 S.W. 19th St. 816-229-4344 u Church of the Nazarene 2801 S.W. Walnut St. 816-228-4651

Worship takes place at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Sunday school is at 10:45 a.m. u Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 1433 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 816-228-4220 Sunday services take place at 8 (Holy Eucharist, Rite I) and at 10:30 a.m. (Holy Eucharist, Rite II). The children’s chapel is open at 10:30 a.m., and nursery care is available at 9 a.m. to noon. u Lakeview Pentecostal Church 217 S.E. South Ave. 816-229-0124 The Sunday celebration is at 11 a.m., and a nursery is available. An adult Bible study takes place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, and a nursery also is available then.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

u Blue Springs Christian Church 7920 S. Missouri 7 816-229-7311 Classic worship begins at 8:15 a.m. Sunday. Worship Alive and children’s worship is at 9:30 a.m. Worship Alive, Fusion Teen Worship and children’s worship is at 11 a.m. The nursery is available at every service. u City Church 1600 S.W. Smith St. 816-229-9933 Services are at 9 and at 11 a.m. Sunday. Life groups also take place throughout the week and meet at various locations. u Cornerstone Church 301 S.E. Missouri AA 816-228-1979 Services take place at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday. u Faith Covenant Church 23300 N.W. Pink Hill Road 816-229-5550 Services are at 10 a.m. Sunday and at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. u Gateway Church 1101B W. Main St. (mailing address only) 816-229-6454 Worship services take place at 10 a.m.

Sunday at Hall-McCarter Education Center, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road. u Heartland Church 400 S.W. Lake Village Blvd.

816-224-3219 Sunday services are at 9 and at 10:45 a.m.

– Adrianne DeWeese

Blue Springs City Guide 33

34 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

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810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO

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The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 35

2012

COMMUNITY

• StandUp Blue Springs

Organization marks 10 years making community healthier The StandUp Blue Springs office provides this update on the initiative that launched in 2002. Visit www. standupbluesprings.org for more information.

1 This year marks the 10th anniversary of StandUp Blue Springs.

What impact do you think the program has made in Eastern Jackson County?

Our strongest program, Dental for Kids, has created greater awareness of children’s dental health, with many successful smiles as testimonials.

Our annual Princess Party continues to dazzle Blue Springs for eight years running. Our leadership in the Let’s Move! Blue Springs initiative has sent strong ripples of healthy eating and active living throughout our community. Our Wellness Resource Directory continues to meet the needs of many. Meet Me for a Mile continues to support the best health of its participants as they report every month.

And our community summits to date have helped create R.U.F.F. (Blue Springs’ off-leash dog park) and the Frisbee Golf Park.

2 How do you think the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding health insurance will affect StandUp Blue Springs?

Our Dental for Kids program will always be here for those in need.

3 What are some ways that residents can get involved with the initiatives surrounding StandUp Blue Springs?

Please feel free to join us! Our annual Princess Party happens every October – sponsors and volunteers are welcome to this Dental for Kids fundraising event. Sparkle Smile Academy presents an animated preventive dental care program to younger children up to second grade.

Let’s Move! Saturdays promote the joy and play in movement for children and families. The community garden is growing at the corner of 10th and Walnut streets. The Backpack Program is going strong. And Meet Me for a Mile continues to encourage those who log personal monthly miles into a friendly collective.

4 What have you personally gained from your involvement with StandUp Blue Springs?

Each one of us at StandUp has learned to experience a quietly profound ownership in – and grateful appreciation for the success and enduring energies – of our agency, unique in its efforts to effect good into the community.

5 How would you like to see the program expand in its next 10 years?

StandUp would very much like to continue our journey to empower, engage, enlighten and enrich those living in Blue Springs, particularly through our programs, as well as promoting ideas and leadership in facilitated community summits. – Adrianne DeWeese

“Dedicated to Caring for Our Community�

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Beautiful Landscaped Enclosed Courtyard

Offering Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care

4600 Little Blue Pkwy • Independence, MO 64057 816-795-7888

36 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Civic organizations

Outlets for your inner philanthropist

u BLUE SPRINGS JAYCEES This is a national organization that depends on volunteers, between the ages of 18 and 40, to improve community quality of life. Jaycees is typically involved in a variety of projects that are divided into four categories: Business, individual, community and international. Jaycees is divided into chapters and districts. They meet on Monday evenings at different locations; please call for location. For more information, call 816-392-3427. u BLUE SPRINGS ROTARY CLUB This branch of the worldwide organization seeks to contribute to the Blue Springs local community, as well as the global community. This chapter is in District 6040 of Rotary International, which has more than

33,000 clubs worldwide. They meet from noon to 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the Blue Springs Country Club, 1600 N.W. Circle Drive. For more information, call Carolyn at 816-2205585 or visit www.rotary6040.org. u ELKS LODGE The Elks National Foundation seeks to build stronger communities. The Elks seek to give youth a healthy beginning, never forget veterans, and help state Elks associations to accomplish their charitable objectives.

This chapter is in District 4790, Lodge 2509. They meet the first and third Thursday of the month at the Elks Lodge, 100 N.E. Brizendine Road. You may contact them at bpoe2509@att. net or visit www.elks.org or call 816229-6081.

u KIWANIS CLUB Kiwanis Club is a global organization that is located in 80 nations. Kiwanis looks to accomplish together what one person cannot alone. Members stage nearly 150,000 service projects and raise $107 million annually. The Blue Springs chapter meets Tuesdays at noon at the Blue Springs Country Club, 1600 N.W. Circle Drive. For more information, call President Tom Marthaler at 816-229-2522. u LIONS CLUB Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization. They are located in more than 206 countries. The Lions serve a number of causes, such as the blind and disabled, feeding the hungry, caring for the environment and often serv-

• Family Week

ing local children and schools through recreation, mentoring and scholarships. They meet at the Bean Counter Cafe inside Lead Bank, 9019 S. Missouri 7. For more information, call President Stu May at 816-694-0510. u ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY St. Mary’s Auxiliary seeks to benefit both the Medical Center and the community. The organization promotes wealth and welfare in the community, volunteers in the St. Mary’s gift shop, and helps sponsor charity events, such as the Butterfly Ball. The Auxiliary gives scholarships for nursing education to nurses employed at St. Mary’s Medical Center, 201 W. R.D. Mize Road. For more information, call 816-655-5362.

– Jillayne Ritchie www.entofgkc.com

Jackson County Family Week Address: 790 W. U.S. 40, PMB 271 Phone: 816-228-1795 Website: www.jacksoncountyfamilyweek.org Social media: www.facebook.com/#!/JacksonCountyFamilyWeek Part of the community: 1998 Role in the community: The focus of Jackson County Family Week is to encourage families to spend more time together, always “putting families first.”

More about Family Week: Family Week is held each year, usually during April. Among the activities during the week-long event is honoring the Family of the Year. Other activities include an essay contests and a family time contest. During this activity, families can submit coupons explaining how they have increase their time together as a family.

Funding: Private funding.

Major fundraisers: Friends of the Family. The program offers $150 sponsorships to area businesses.

Contact: Diane Mack, 816-228-1795.

– Kelly Evenson

4880 NE Goodview Circle Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

William B. Mangum, MD, FACS ❏

205 W. R.D. Mize Road, Suite 208 Blue Springs, MO 64014

Andrew S. Pavlovich, MD, FACS ❏

John C. Ellis, MD, FACS ❏ Kelvin L. Walls, MD ❏ Mark O. Covington, MD ❏

Phone: 816-478-4200 Fax: 816-875-2597

(816) 690-6566 1900 Broadway • Oak Grove • Full-Spectrum Quality Family Healthcare for Over 30 Years • Most Same-Day Appointments Accommodated • New Patients Welcome!

• X-Rays and Lab Draws Done In-House

Steve T. Gialde, D.O. Bryan Hughes, M.D. • Matthew John, M.D. Stephanie Hutchison, FNP

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 37

2012

EDUCATION

• Elementary schools * Numbers based on the 2011-12 year. u Chapel Lakes Elementary 3701 N.E. Independence Ave., Lee’s Summit 816-525-9100 Principal: Bryce Johnson 435 students u Cordill-Mason Elementary 4001 S.W. Christiansen Road 816-224-1370 Principal: Greg Johnson 657 students u Daniel Young Elementary 505 S.E. Shamrock Lane 816-224-1335 Principal: Ryan Crum 329 students u Franklin Smith Elementary 1609 Clark Road 816-224-1375 Principal: Jan Castle 479 students u James Lewis Elementary 717 N.W. Park Road 816-224-1345 Principal: Todd Nurnberg 499 students u James Walker Elementary 201 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1380 Principal: Abbie Swisher 480 students u John Nowlin Elementary 5020 N.W. Valley View Road 816-224-1355

Principal: Kacey Roush 458 students u Lucy Franklin Elementary 111 N.E. Roanoke Drive 816-224-1390 Principal: Doug Nielsen 586 students u Sunny Pointe Elementary 3920 South R.D. Mize Road, Independence 816-224-7800 Principal: Nick Goos 478 students u Thomas Ultican Elementary 1813 Main St. 816-224-1365 Principal: Kelly Flax 481 students u Voy Spears Elementary 201 N.E. Anderson, Lee’s Summit 816-478-9899 Principal: Renee Murry 615 students u William Bryant Elementary 1101 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1340 Principal: Jennie Alderman 386 students u William Yates Elementary 3600 Davidson Road, Independence 816-224-1350 Principal: Ramona Dunn 358 students – Kelly Evenson

• Middle schools * Numbers based on the 2011-12 school year. u Brittany Hill Middle School 2701 N.W. First St. 816-224-1700 Principal: Dallas Truex Mascot: Eagles Colors: Red and blue 849 students u Delta Woods Middle School 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit 816-795-5830 Principal: Steve Cook Mascot: Gators Colors: green and orange 769 students

u Moreland Ridge Middle School 900 S.W. Bishop Drive 816-224-1800 Principal: Kevin Grover Mascot: Husky Colors: forest green, silver, black and white 1,017 students u Sunny Vale Middle School 33930 South R.D. Mize Road, Independence 816-224-1330 Principal: Steve Goddard Mascot: Grizzly Colors: purple, black and white 754 students – Kelly Evenson

• High schools

Four schools serve secondary students All high school freshmen in the Blue Springs School District attend the Blue Springs Freshman Center before entering the Blue Springs High School or Blue Springs South High School.

The Freshman Center, 2103 N.W. Vesper St., opened in 1999. The building once housed GeorgeffBaker Middle School.

Students who will attend Blue Springs High School are considered Wildcats and those who will attend Blue Wildcats Springs South are considered Jaguars. The Freshman Center uses the colors and mascots from both high schools.

Students are separated only for organizations, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Those who want to participate in activities are bused to their assigned high schools. Students from both high schools are mixed for all academic purposes.

Freshmen take classes in the four core subject areas – communications arts, science, social studies and mathematics. There are also a variety of exploratory classes to choose from to complete the rest of a student’s schedule.

These exploratory classes include prerequisite classes in two programs – Project Lead the Way and agricultural sciences. Project Lead the Way is a pre-engineering program, and agricultural sciences allows students to study a variety of careers such as animal science, cell biology, golf course and turf management and food science.

Upper level courses in these programs are offered at both high

Jaguars

schools.

Another opportunity for students is the A-plus program. Students can begin participating as a freshman and receive two years of free tuition at any community college in Missouri if all requirements are met. To qualify, students must complete 50 hours of unpaid tutoring/mentoring, maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average; have at least a 95 percent attendance average over four years; meet good citizenship standards and attend an A-plus designated school for the final three years of high school. u Freshman Center 2103 N.W. Vesper St. 816-224-1325 Principal: Brandon Martin 1,070 students u Blue Springs High School 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive 816-229-3459 Principal: David Adams Mascot: Wildcats Colors: purple and gold 1,789 students u Blue Springs South High School 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway 816-224-1315 Principal: Randy Dowell Mascot: Jaguars Colors: green and blue 1,415 students u Valley View High School Valley View High School 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 816-224-4388 Principal: Charles Weber – Kelly Evenson

38 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Paul Kinder

Q&A questions

answers

Blue Springs School District superintendent

1

What makes the Blue Springs School District a good choice for Eastern Jackson County parents?

The Blue Springs School District provides the highest quality education for students through a comprehensive curriculum that meets the needs of learners. We create opportunities through a continuum of experiences in the classroom and beyond that prepare our students to reach their goals. We do this all while making fiscal choices that allow our families a quality of life in a great community.

2

What kinds of programs have been added in recent years that benefit students?

The Project Lead the Way program has really transformed the educational experience. Last year, more than 570 of our students began exploring possible career paths through course work in the area of engineering and biomedical sciences.

In addition, because of the expanded opportunities for dual credit, we have students that graduate from high school with a college associates degree or up to 30 hours of college credit.

This fall we are beginning our transitional kindergarten program which will serve students across the district as they begin their formal educational experience. This allows students that might struggle in a traditional kindergarten program to develop skills in a setting conducive to the developmental readiness level of each student.

3

How will reductions in state funding affect the district’s budget in the coming year?

I cannot see a time in the near future we will not be discussing the challenges of state funding. The Board of Education has put us in a strong fiscal position by planning for reductions in state funding. We are continuing to be conservative in our allocation of funds while striving to meet the needs of our students.

4

What do you see as the next need, whether facility or curriculum, in the school district?

Student learning and curriculum is always our priority. The district is evaluating current strategies and research in order to provide the most effective teaching methods so that every student is given the tools to succeed. We are also striving to keep our curriculum in line with the Common Core Standards adopted by DESE.

5

What is the greatest issue impacting education right now?

Increasing mandates and decreased funding is having a huge impact on education. Standards for student performance on one time a year assessments continue to increase, yet the resources for achieving these has been cut. The method for evaluating schools based on those assessments is extremely questionable.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 39

2012

MEDICALDIRECTORY audiology

Family mediCine

Hearing Associates

Family Medicine, Inc.

Hearing Associates

Family Medicine, Inc.

Bary E. Williams, Au.D. New Blue Ridge Bank Tower 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com Dustin Spaulding, BC-HIS New Blue Ridge Bank Tower 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com

ChiropraCtiC Balanced Body Chiropractic Center, P.C.

Britton Batchelor, D.C. Chiropractic & Acupuncture Care, Healthcare for all Ages 19301 E. 40 Hwy., Suite B (at Little Blue Pkwy) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 254-0606 Fax: (816) 254-1895 www.drbritt.net

Family mediCine

Marvin P. Steiner, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Johnna Bodenstab, FNP, BC Family Nurse Practitioner 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Grain Valley Family Medicine Deb Bersano, R.N., Nurse Midwife 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

Grain Valley Family Medicine

Michelle Hirsch, RN, Nurse Practitioner 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

Family Medicine, Inc.

Independence Family Medicine

Larry Legler, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Randy Cramer, D.O. 10010 Truman Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 404-6785

Family Medicine, Inc.

Oak Grove Medical Clinic

Gregory Markway, M.D. Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Steve T. Gialde, D.O. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

40 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine

Continued

Family medicine

Continued

Oak Grove Medical Clinic

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood

Oak Grove Medical Clinic

GastroenteroloGy

Bryan Hughes, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

Matthew John, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Stephanie Hutchison, F.N.P. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Edwin Kraemer, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Wael Mourad, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Kathleen Tang-Beltran TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Deb Bersano, RN, Nurse midwife TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C. R. Wade McCullough, D.O. Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 | Fax: (816) 836-2244 www.MidwestGastro.com

Dr. McCullough completed his medical school at the University of Health Sciences, now KCUMB. He went on to complete the Internal Medicine Residency program and a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has been in private practice since graduating his fellowship. Dr. McCullough is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American College of Gastroenterology.

Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C.

Mark K. Taormina M.D. FASGE, AGAF, FACG, FACP Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 | Fax: (816) 836-2244 www.MidwestGastro.com Dr. Taormina is a Kansas City native. He graduated from the University of Missouri. Dr. Taormina’s postgraduate training in Gastroenterology was completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He continued as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps until 1991. Dr. Taormina is triple Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the specialties of internal medicine, gastroenterology and geriatric medicine. He has attained Fellowship status in the American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is currently on the active staff of Centerpoint Medical Center, Centerpoint Ambulatory Surgery Center, Midwest Physicians Surgery Center and St. Luke's Northland Hospital. He is active in clinical research and serves as the medical director for the Midwest Center for Clinical Research.

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 41

MEDICALDIRECTORY GastroenteroloGy

Continued

Summit Gastroenterology

Kit Bartalos, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Bartalos was born and raised in Kansas City. He received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University and went on to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences for his medical degree. Completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri and finished his fellowship in Gastroenterology. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and board eligible for Gastroenterology. His area of special interest is an inflammatory bowel disease. He enjoys having opportunities to teach medical students and residents at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and to mentor others in their medical career. Hobbies include hunting, fishing, horseback riding and most importantly, time with his family.

Summit Gastroenterology Richard D. Lozoff, M.D., F.A.C.G. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Lozoff was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. From there he went to the University of Bologna in Italy before transferring to the Rush University Medical College in Chicago, in Internal Medicine, where he became the Chief Medical Resident. This was followed with a Fellowship in Gasteroenterology at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago, after which he became Board Certified. Dr. Lozoff is Board Certified Gastroentererologist and Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow in the American College of Gastroenterology, member of the American Gastroenterological Association and The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He has been in private practice in Kansas City since 1983. He also has a degree in Culinary Arts and enjoys cooking, traveling, and cycling.

Summit Gastroenterology Mary Lynne Lucido, M.D. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Lucido was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She completed the BA/MD program at the University of Missouri - Kansas City obtaining both her undergraduate and medical degrees in six years. She then moved to Minneapolis to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She was the Chief Medical Resident at the Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center and then completed a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Minnesota. During her fellowship, she spent a year performing research and training in Endoscopic Ultrasound. Dr. Lucido is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

GastroenteroloGy

Continued

Summit Gastroenterology

Jeffrey L. Schlachter, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Schlachter is a native of New York and a graduate of Brooklyn College. He earned his medical degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, as well as a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Barnes Hospital, Washingto University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Schlachter is an Associate Professer of Medicine at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He has been in private practice in the Kansas City area since 1989. He is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association, Metropolitan Medical Society and the American College of Osteophathic Interest. Dr. Schlachter's hobbies include fishing, collecting antique watches, as well as classic automobiles. He has recently celebrated 36 years of marriage with his wife, Linda. His daughter Julie, is in the advertising and promotion business. His son Andrew, is in his medical residency and plans on following in his father's footsteps.

Summit Gastroenterology

Frank Totta, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Totta was born and raised in the Kansas City area and graduatedfrom Bishop O'Hara High School in 1987. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology at the University of Central Missouri, he entered Medical School at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. Following Medical School, he trained at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Internal Medicine, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident from 1998-1999. This was followed by a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center - University of Phoenix Medical Center combined Fellowship program in Arizona. Dr. Totta is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterology Association. He has been in practice in the Kansas City area, since 2002. He is married and enjoys spending time with his three children.

Summit Gastroenterology

Amy Waller, A.P.R.N., B.C., A.N.P. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Amy Waller was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She received her undergraduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia with honors and her masters degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with honors. Amy has over 14 years of GI experience and is certified as a Clinical Specialist by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. She emphasizes wellness and selfcare by giving patients the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions. Amy and her husband reside in Lee's Summit with their two children. She enjoys exercising, yoga, shopping and spending time with her family.

42 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY GynecOlOGy Gynecology - TMC Lakewood Peter Greenspan, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

HearinG aid specialist Rita's Hearing Center & Repairs Rita Harman, Mo-Lic. BC-HIS Locally owned & operated 1914 N. Plymouth Road Independence, MO 64058 (816) 796-8165

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy

Continued

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Thomas F. Green, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Richard K. Gutknecht, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Timothy A. Hall, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Alisa R. Ash, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Michelle R. Lemberger, M.D. Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP-BC Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 43

2012

MEDICALDIRECTORY Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

ontinued

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Debra K. Sims, WHNP-BC Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Amy Trout, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Obstetrics Obstetrics - TMC Lakewood Kristin Kruse, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

OphthalmOlOGy - pediatric Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates Marcia E. Bray, O.D. Pediatric & Adult Optometry 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com

Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates Cara A. Vander Wilt, O.D. Pediatric & Adult Optometry 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com

Oral & maxillOfacial surGery Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists Christopher J. Haggerty, D.D.S., M.D. 3600 NE Ralph Powell Road, Suite D Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816-554-8300 www.LakewoodOMFS.com

Dr. Haggerty founded Lakewood Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists on the premise of combining modern surgical practices and outstanding patient care with state of the art facilities. Dr. Haggerty specializes in surgeries of the mouth, jaws and face to include wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement and facial reconstructive surgery.

OphthalmOlOGy - pediatric Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com

OrthOdOntics David E. Dykhouse, D.D.S.

Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com

44 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY OrthOdOnticS

Continued

Vance J. Dykhouse, D.D.S., M.S.

Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com

James B. Indiveri, D.M.D.

Specialist in Orthodontics Board Certified – American Board of Orthodontics 300 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.indiveriortho.com (816) 229-1245

OrthOPedic Surgery Orthopedic - TMC Lakewood Akin Cil, M.D. TMC Lakewood Specialty Annex 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-0031

Orthopedic - TMC Lakewood Tom McCormack, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Pain ManageMent Rockhill Pain Specialists

Dan Hancock, M.D. Board Certified Pain Management, Anesthesiology and Emergency Medicine

Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. For an appointment, call our scheduling office at

(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com

Rockhill Pain Specialists

Daniel Kloster, M.D. Board Certified Pain Management, Anesthesiology

Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. For an appointment, call our scheduling office at

(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com

PharMacy Fifty Plus Pharmacy 211 W. Lexington Independence, MO (816) 461-6546

Lowe Drug at Centerpoint Mike Hefley, R.Ph Centerpoint Medical Building 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 120 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 795-0086

Marr’s Pharmacy Larry Link, R.Ph 205 N.W. R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 104 Blue Springs, MO 64014 St. Mary's Professional Bldg.

(816) 229-7755

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 45

MEDICALDIRECTORY podiatry Heartland Podiatry, P.C. Arthur Weisman, D.P.M. 2406 East R.D. Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-FEET (3338)

Specialzing in the treatment of adults and children requiring special attention and reconstructive surgery due to sports injuries, diabetes, or age related problems.

Heartland Podiatry, P.C. Ryan Frank, D.P.M. 2406 East R.D. Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-FEET (3338) Specialzing in the treatment of adults and children requiring special attention and reconstructive surgery due to sports injuries, diabetes, or age related problems.

SportS Medicine Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood Margaret Gibson, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025

Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood George Harris, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025

SportS Medicine

Continued

Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood Russell D. White, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025

k w

46 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Board of Education

Dale Walkup

Dale Walkup has served on the board of education for almost 20 years and is currently serving as president. He and is wife operate Luckytime Dog and Car Wash in Blue Springs and are partners in Destination Unlimited Travel.

He formerly managed Walmart and Sam’s Wholesale Club.

He has three daughters, all graduates of the Blue Springs School District and five grandchildren.

Seven people serve the community on the Blue Springs Board of Education.

Incumbents Kent Bradford, Jennifer Casey and Kay Coen were re-elected in April. Members are elected at large and serve three-year terms.

Dave Wright

Dave Wright is starting his 12th year on the board.

He works as chief of financial operations for the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. He is also pastpresident of the Missouri School Boards Association and is involved with several foundations, boards and committees in the community. He has one daughter, who graduated from Blue Springs schools in May 2010.

Kent Bradford

Kent Bradford is beginning his ninth consecutive year on the board and is serving as treasurer. He also served on the board from 1993 to 1996. He is a director with Hubwoo USA, LP and has served on various community and professional organizations’ boards. Bradford and his wife have two daughters, who are both graduates of Blue Springs High School.

Rhonda Gilstrap Rhonda Gilstrap has served on the board for eight years and has served as board president in the past. She has been an active parent in the school district, serving as the district’s PTA Council president for two years.

She was also chairperson of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Gilstrap and her husband have four children.

Dale Falck

Dale Falck is beginning his sixth year on the board. He works for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and is part owner of MDDK Homes LLC. He belongs to a variety of professional councils and also volunteers on several community organizations.

He and his wife have three children, all graduates of the Blue Springs School District.

Jennifer Casey

Jennifer Casey is beginning her fourth year on the board of education. She has been a leader in Blue Springs schools for several years, serving as vice president and director of membership services for the Missouri PTA. She has also been involved with a variety of volunteer organizations in the community.

She and her husband have one daughter in the Blue Springs School District.

Kay Coen

Kay Coen is beginning her first full term on the board of education after being appointed last year to fill the remaining months on her late husband’s (Jim Coen) term.

She is a retired teacher, spending 27 years as a library/media specialist at Blue Springs High School.

She remains an active volunteer in the school district. She has two children, both graduates of Blue Springs High School.

– Kelly Evenson

• Rainbow Center

Special needs options available in Blue Springs Opening in 1977, the Rainbow Center in Blue Springs continues to serve both children and adults who suffer from developmental disabilities.

Among these disabilities are autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other learning disabilities.

Rainbow Options now includes the Rainbow Center Day School, which provides academic curriculum and therapeutic interventions and Rain-

bow Options, which serves adults older than 21. In Rainbow Options, emphasis is placed on daily living skills, integrating into the community, developing hobbies, volunteering and health and fitness.

Both programs have a small student to staff ratio and feature individualized programming for the students. Emphasis is also placed on developing self-esteem and socialization and working with families to

support academics at home.

More than 116 students in the youth and adult program are served through the Rainbow Center. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including fundraising, partnering with area school districts, the United Way, the Missouri Department of Transportation and Empowering Individuals Through Advocacy and Support.

The Rainbow Center Day School is at 900 N.W. Woods Chapel Road.

Rainbow Options I is at 405 N.W. Fifth St., and Rainbow Options II is at 3420 N.W. Kingsridge Drive. The Day School is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. while both Rainbow Options facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Rainbow Center or how you can volunteer, call 816-229-3869 or visit the Rainbow Center’s website at www. rainbow-center.org.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 47

2012

EDUCATION

• District administration

Meet those who make Blue Springs District run smoothly day to day Paul Kinder superintendent Kinder has been superintendent of the district for 13 years and has been with the district for 24 years. Before he was superintendent, he served as deputy superintendent and director of special education. Kinder was with the school district eight years before becoming superintendent of the Aberdeen School District in South Dakota. He served in that position for three years. His duties include interaction with residents and community groups and overseeing the district’s daily operations.

Scott Young assistant to the superintendent Young has been with the district for 32 years. He is beginning his seventh year at the central office.

Young has previously been the interim director of buildings and grounds, the director of at-risk services and the night school administrator. He was also a high school counselor and a mathematics teacher for one year in the King City School District. His duties include overseeing the programs housed at the Hall-McCarter Education Center, including valley View High School, Community Education and the Family Literacy programs.

Bill Cowling management services Cowling is the assistant superintendent for management serves and has been with the school district for 18 years. He is beginning his eighth year at the central office.

Previously, Cowling was principal at the Blue Springs Freshman Center. He has also been an associate principal at Blue Springs High School, an assistant principal at the Freshman Center and Blue Springs High School and a teacher at Moreland Ridge and Georgeff-Baker middle schools. His responsibilities include overseeing the district’s transportation department, food services and facilities.

The Blue Springs School District central office is at 1801 N.W. Vesper St., next to the Blue Springs Freshman Center. To reach the central office, call 816-224-1300.

Annette Seago deputy superintendent, curriculum Seago has been at the central office for 13 years.

Seago was previously principal at Delta Woods and Georgeff-Baker middle schools as well as principal at James Lewis Elementary School. In addition, taught in the district for 16 years and worked one year in the Raymore-Peculiar district. Seago’s responsibilities include overseeing the instructional programs and curriculum for K-12. She also oversees curriculum development, textbook adoption and operations of Valley View High School and is in charge of staff development.

Kim Brightwell finance Brightwell is the chief financial officer of the school district and has worked in the district for 12 years.

Before coming to Blue Springs, Brightwell worked 11 years in the business office for the North Kansas City School District. Before working in a school setting, she worked as a certified public accountant with an accounting firm and in financial reporting for an insurance company.

Brightwell is responsible for all aspects of school business including budget, payroll, accounts payable, audit, investments and state reporting.

Steven Brown director of transportation Steve Brown has been with the school district for 19 years. He taught middle school for 10 years before becoming an administrator at both the school and district level. After serving as the Director of Emergency Services for the last four years, he is now beginning his first year as director of transportation.

Jim Finley assistant superintendent, administration Finley has been with the school district for 17 years and is starting is eighth year at the central office.

Before becoming an assistant superintendent, he was principal at Blue Springs High School for five years. He has also been an associate principal and an assistant principal at Blue Springs High School and a social studies teacher and basketball coach at Columbia Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo. Finley’s responsibilities include monitoring student attendance, overseeing the drug education program and working with the Citizens Advisory Committee.

Leslie Evans human resources Evans is the assistant superintendent of human resources and is beginning her 23rd year with the school district. This is her eighth year at the central office, but the previous seven years have been spent as the director of public relations. Prior to coming to Central Office, Evans was a staff trainer in the technology department.

She was also a counselor at Blue Springs High School for two years and taught art at Delta Woods Middle School.

In addition, she was an art teacher at Georgeff-Baker Middle School and James Lewis Elementary. Her duties include the assignment and hiring of personnel, both classified and certified as well as extra duty pay.

Not pictured: Cara Anger director of information Anger is the director of information and public relations, and this is her first year with the Blue Springs School District. She previously worked in the business office of the Independence School District. Her responsibilities include acting as a liaison with the media and designing and implementing student and staff recognition programs.

48 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Other colleges

Regional colleges plant campuses in our midst

Graceland University

The Examiner/KELLY EVENSON

The Blue River banner leads the 2012 graduating class.

MCC-Blue River MCC-Blue River Community College opened in 1997, and more than 3,500 students now attend the campus at 20301 E. Missouri 78, in Independence, each semester.

Classes are available in day, night or online sessions. All applicants are accepted. A variety of programs are offered by the academic divisions of business technology, mathematics, public safety, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

Students can choose a transfer program or a career program. The transfer program allows students to transfer credits to a four-year college or university to continue with their education. A career program leads to an associate’s degree.

In addition to these degrees, which can be earned in everything from arts, teaching and computer science to engineering and applied science, certificates are available to students.

Certificates are earned in career and technical programs such as biotechnology or automotive.

Blue River is the home of the Trail Blazers men’s and women’s soccer teams and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

It offers student groups such as the Science Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Center Place Restoration Campus Ministries,

Student Activities Council, Drama Club, Re-Entry Club and the Organization for the Purpose of Political Discussion.

Selective programs are available, such as the police and fire academics at the Public Safety Institute. The academies include time in hands-on, real-world type situations and at the Precision Driving Track. Although most students take classes during the day, night classes are available.

There are even options for high school students through the Trailblazer Collegiate Academy. The goal of the two-year program is to put high school students on a fast track to post-secondary success while helping to curb the cost of tuition.

Students can earn an associate degree by the time they graduate high school. The reading and English scores from the ACT exam will be used for acceptance into the program. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and be able to read and write at a college level.

MCC-Blue River also offers a large community and continuing education program with online courses as well as skills-based, short-time programs.

For more information, visit the website at www.mcckc.edu/blueriver or call 816-220-6500.

– Kelly Evenson

The Independence campus of Graceland University is home to the School of Nursing as well as the Global Campus. Its main campus is in Lamoni, Iowa, which serves around 1,200 undergraduate students each year.

Graceland University, 1401 W. Truman Road, has been operating in Independence for more than 30 years. In addition to the nursing program, there are undergraduate and graduate programs in education as well as a graduate studies program in religion.

Independence serves as the headquarters for the online programs as well as the Center for the Study of the Korean War and the International Health Center.

Through a partnership with MCC-Blue River, a business administration program is offered with at Blue River.

For more information, visit Graceland University’s Web site at www.graceland. edu or call 816-833-0524.

National American University

The National American University site in Independence has been serving residents since 1990 and has been considered one of the university’s flagship locations.

Associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available in a variety of programs including medical assisting, paralegal studies and health care management.

Those who cannot attend campus classes have the option to take online courses in order to complete their degrees.

The NAU campus in Independence is at 3620 Arrowhead Ave. For more information, visit NAU’s Web site at www.national.edu/Locations/Independence or call 816-412-7700.

Columbia College

Columbia College-Kansas City is a branch of Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. Offering more than 500 online classes and 19 online degree programs in addition to campus classes and degrees, Columbia College is an affordable option for those wanting to continue their education.

The college, which is specifically geared for military personnel and working adults, offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The eight-week courses meet once or twice a week, and there are five sessions each year starting in January, March, June, August and October. There is also the flexibility of starting and stopping classes based on work, military and family obligations.

The Kansas City campus is in the Blue Ridge Bank Tower at 4240 Blue Ridge Blvd. in Kansas City. For more information, call 816-795-1515.

WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY

William Woods University is offering Eastern Jackson County area residents the opportunity to pursue an education degree without quitting work.

Programs offered are master of education and a master of education in athletics/activities administration.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the university’s Graduate and Adult Studies at 1-800-995-3199 or contact William Woods by email at AdultEd@ WilliamWoods.edu or more information. These programs make it possible for people with full-time jobs to complete a baccalaureate or a graduate degree while remaining employed. The programs are designed to prepare students for career advancement and to enhance their marketability in the job market.

– Jeff Martin

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 49

Independence

SQUARE

images provided courtesy of The Examiner and Freeland Photography

50 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

Experience A Taste of

Germany!

OPEN Sunday & Monday 11:00-2:30 Tues.-Sat. 11:00-9:00

The Rheinland Restaurant 208 N. Main

816.461.5383 www.rheinlandrestaurant.com

&

A w n i n g s Since 1949

Storm Doors Carports & Patio Covers Replacement & Storm Windows

Awnings • Carports Patio Covers

Enjoy Shoco’s energy saving products year round 317 W. Maple • 816-252-8130

816-252-6300 208 W. Lexington Ave Independence, MO 64050 Tuesday - Saturday • 10am-5pm Thursday • Open to 7pm

a fun and funky boutique!

Spend the day with us…

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 51

elena’s

Dine in, Carry Out & Special Events

Mon. - Fri. 11am-2pm

816-461-1977

120 South Main Street Independence, MO 64050

www.elenascatering.com elenascateringkc@yahoo.com

Catering too!

on the Independence Square.

52 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

Independence Square Events Calendar 2012 June - December

Third Fridays Art Walk

June thru Mid August

FREE Moonlight Movies

July

FREE Thursday Concerts

August

Camaro’s on the Square Car Show

August 31-September 3 Santa-Cali-Gon Days October

Friday Ghost Tours

October 4

Girls Night Out

October 27

Halloween Parade

November 17

Holiday Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Open House

Independence

SQUARE All images provided courtesy of Freeland Photography

The Examiner

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 53

2012

EDUCATION

• Private schools

Public school isn’t for every family

u Montessori Children’s House 950 S.W. 37th St., Blue Springs Montessori offers educational programs for children ages 3 to 6. For more information call 816-228-2008 or visit www.think-montessori.com/. u St. John LaLande 801 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs St. John LaLande is aCatholic elementary and middle school. For more information call 816-228-5895 or visit www.stjohnlalandeschool.com.

students, ninth through 12th grades, based on values of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information call 816-252-8733. For more information, visit www.stmhs.org. u Archbishop O’Hara High School 9001 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City O’Hara is a college preparatory Catholic high school for students in grades nine through 12. For more information, call 816-763-4800 or visit www.oharahs. org.

u Nativity of Mary 10021 E. 36th Terr., Independence u Timothy Lutheran Nativity of Mary is a Catholic school 425 N.W. R.D. Mize Road that serves children pre-K to eighth 301 S.W. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs grade. For more information, call Timothy Lutheran serves pre-school 816-353-0284 or visit www.nativityof- age through eighth grade. The premary.org/School.html. school is at the church on R.D. Mize Road. The K-8 school is on Wyatt Road. u St. Mary’s High School For more information call 816-228622 N. Main St., Independence 5300 or visit www.timothylutheranSt. Mary’s serves high school school.com.

• School of Economics

u Messiah Lutheran 613 S. Main St., Independence Messiah Lutheran is a private school that serves students pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. For more information, call 816-254-9409 or visit the school’s website at www. messiahlancers.com. u Lutheran High School 12411 Wornall Road, Kansas City Lutheran High School is a parochial school that serves students in grades 9-12. For more information, call 816241-5478 or visit the website at lhskc. com/. u Center Place Restoration School 819 W. Waldo Ave., Independence Center Place educates students kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information call 816-252-1715 or visit www.cprseagles.org.

u Plaza Heights Christian Academy 1500 S.W. Clark Road, Blue Springs Plaza Heights serves students kindergarten through 12th grades and also has a preschool. For more information call 816-228-0670 or visit www.plazaheights.org/#/phca-k-12-preschool. u Tri-City Christian School 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence Tri-City works with students preschool through 12th grade. Call 816795-1088 or visit www.tccrusaders.org. u Rockhurst High School 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City Rockhurst is the only Jesuit preparatory school in Kansas City for boys in ninth through 12th grades. For more information call 816-363-2036 or visit rockhursths.edu.

– Kelly Evenson

• Home Schooling

Kids learn to be money smart

Families for Home Education

The goal of the Blue Springs School of Economics is to give students in kindergarten through sixth grade hands-on training in how to manage money.

The school, which is at 200 N.W. 14th St., opened in 1991 and serves students throughout the Kansas City area, including in the Blue Springs, Independence, Fort Osage, Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit and Raytown school districts. It offers different age-appropriate programs from September to May. Programs include No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, Mini Town, Choose Your Own Adventure and the popular International Bazaar, where students experience a simulated mini-cultural neighborhood.

In addition, the school of economics awards two scholarships to graduating seniors every year.

For more information about the Blue Springs School of Economics or to volunteer, call 816-224-8171 or visit us website at www.schoolofecon.org.

Address: P.O. Box 742, Grandview, Mo. 64030 Phone: 877-MYMOFHE (696-6343) Website: www.fhe-mo.org Social media: www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Families-for-Home-Education/285373759115 Part of the community for 29 years.

Role in the community: Statewide home school organization More about Families for Home Education: FHE is Missouri’s original state home school organization, and we have maintained a full-time, active, registered lobbyist in Jefferson City. Our purpose is to protect the inalienable right of the parents of Missouri to teach their own children without state regulation or control.

Funding: FHE Private donations Contacts: Call 877-MY-MO-FHE or visit us at www.fhe-mo.org or on our Facebook page.

– Kelly Evenson

– Kelly Evenson

Local news at your fingertips • www.examiner.net

d

54 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

BUSINESS

• Donna Best

Q&A

and our volunteers are so much a part of this. There is a place for anyone who would like to be involved.

4

questions

answers

2012 chair of Chamber of Commerce

Donna Best is the chairman of the board this is a great way to do so. of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce. As the Kansas City area escrow How have the needs of chammanager for First American Title, she ber members changed over manages escrow offices in Blue Springs, the years? Our members needs Independence and Gladstone. have changed because our business climate has changed. The way we used What role does the chamber to do business is not the same as only have in helping the city grow a few years ago in large part due to the and prosper? The Chamber of Internet and social media. That has Commerce has become an integral part opened a new world of doing business. of growth and prosperity within our Marketing strategies and how our busicommunity. Our chamber brings forth nesses reach their client base are draand addresses issues that pertain to matically different than years past. We our business community whether that as a business community must learn to be legislatively or by providing educaadapt or be left behind. The chamber tional opportunities. We continually provides informative and educational look for opportunities for our members monthly luncheons as well as additionto showcase their businesses. al networking opportunities between One of our main focuses has become our members. Our members get a lot that of bringing people to Blue Springs of exposure on the chamber, Buy Blue as well as keeping our community Springs and Discover Blue Springs shopping and spending their dollars websites as well as the MyChamber within our own community. We promote app. Sometimes the best help for a what Blue Springs has to offer to our business is that of another business – a residents and to our visitors. Buy Blue support system or mentor. We all help Springs and Discover Blue Springs are one another. a direct response to this initiative.

The chamber has also been very inChambers of commerce run on volved in Downtown Alive! Blue Springs. volunteers. Where are the Blue We want our downtown area to be one Springs chamber’s most pressof our destination points. Many of our ing needs? We have a great group of own residents are discovering and volunteers and continue to build our rediscovering what our downtown area volunteer base. We are always looking has to offer. for new and innovative ideas. The Blue We are in the process of developing Springs Fall Fun Fest is our biggest an innovation grant for one of our comevent and thus requires the most volmunity businesses in to be awarded in unteers. But that being said, there are 2013. We hope this will become an anmany opportunities for involvement. nual award for a business that submits Again, fresh new ideas or suggestions an innovative idea of doing business on how to build on what we have thus within our community. The grant is exfar are always welcome . We have many pected to be a $5,000 award. It is excit- committees that fall under Community ing. Our businesses should be looking Development, Member Services and for additional information soon and Business Support. It is through these if someone would like to get involved, three divisions of the chamber where contact the chamber office. We want to we strive to develop, promote and faciligive back to our community and think tate a strong economic environment,

2

1

3

How did you get involved in the chamber? I initially attended the luncheons with the chamber because that is what I thought I needed to do as a business. At some point, I was asked if I would help on the golf committee. I am not a golfer, but I accepted and I enjoyed being involved. I continued to serve on that committee and was asked if I would be interested in participating as a board member. It didn’t take too much consideration on my part before I accepted. I love Blue Springs. I graduated from here. It is my home and where I work. I wanted to give back to the community and do all I could to make our community even better. The chamber is a great platform to grow your business and meet some

awesome individuals.

5

How much time, on an average day, do you devote to chamber activities? That is hard t o answer because there are days that I don’t spend any time on chamber activities and then there are days where I may have several chamber functions. I will say that you get out of your membership what you put into it and that includes your time. Because of my involvement with the chamber, I have built a network of people I do business with, many of whom I call friends. I know who I will call when I need something. And that is a good feeling. When you are involved in the chamber you are building your business. My involvement with the chamber has opened many avenues and opportunities for me and my business. I am glad I got involved.

– Jeff Fox

• Chamber of Commerce

More ways to shop The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce continues to emphasize its “Buy Blue Springs” program, saying that spending locally keeps money in the community and helps local entrepreneurs and other businesses.

The program’s website lists many local businesses with discounts and other offers. It’s at www.buybluesprings.com.

The chamber also holds a monthly luncheon, runs the Leadership Blue Springs program, holds ribbon cuttings and sponsors the Fall Fun Fest

each September in downtown Blue Springs. The chamber also is supporting the Downtown Alive! effort.

The chamber is at 1000 Main St., in downtown Blue Springs. The phone number is 816-229-8558.

The president of the chamber of Lara Vermillion. The 2012 chairman of the board is Donna Best of First American Title, and the chair-elect for 2013 is Bill Fickle of Side Pockets.

The chamber’s website – www. bluespringschamber.com – also has a directory of members.

• Business groups u American Business Women’s Association: The Dynamic Connections Chapter serves Blue Springs, Kansas City, Independence and Lee’s Summit in Eastern Jackson County. Monthly dinner meetings take place at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month.

Visit www.abwadynamicconnections. org or e-mail abwadynamicconnections@yahoo.com for more information. u Blue Springs Business Associa-

tion: The association meets at 8 a.m. one Thursday a month at the Blue Springs School District central office, 1801 N.W. Vesper St. Contact Ken Billups Jr. at 816-229-4100 u Eastern Jackson County Builders and Developers Association: The association usually meets on the evening of the third Thursday of the month at the Elks lodge at 100 N.E, Brizendine Road. Call Fred Byam at 816-252-3519.

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 55

2012

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive repair technicians.

Consumers can find ASE-Certified Technicians at repair facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence.

ASE: Certifying The Automotive Professional Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance.

Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to a national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With some 420,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition.

ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even munici-

pal fleets.

Certification Benefits Motorists ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASEcertified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business.

Greg’s Tire Center 1837 S. Noland • Independence

254-3388

Cunningham Autobody, Inc. 1234 S. Dodgion Rd. • Independence

461-3323

We have ASE Master and Certified Technicians

Serving Independence Since 1974.

56 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

HELPING HANDS

• Eastland Community Foundation

Make your donations count locally Jump-starting healthy lifestyles is a significant focus for Eastland Community Foundation across Eastern Jackson County.

At www.energizeeastland.org, more than 65 partners from local hospitals, parks departments, community gardens, school districts, cities and nonprofit organizations have compiled the area’s resources, whether it’s finding a 5K run, a healthy recipe, where health

screenings are available or a trails map.

The initiative grew out of a needs assessment that the Eastland Community Foundation board of directors had conducted. The Community Foundation serves the eastern and southern part of the Kansas City area, from east of the state line, running south of Interstate 435, up to the Missouri River. This includes Blue Springs.

The foundation allows those who are

• Aid for families Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association Address: 3210 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Building 6, Independence, Mo. 64055 Phone: 816-350-0215 Website: www.mfcaa.org Social media: www.facebook.com/pages/Midwest-Foster-Care-and-Adoption-Association/110555265641140 Part of the community for 10 years.

Role in the community: MFCAA is the premier children and family charitable solution in the Midwest dedicated to support and advocacy for abused and neglected children and the families caring for them. MFCAA specializes in solving problems for kids and families involved in and affected by the child welfare system in a variety of ways. We are committed to assuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up successful, healthy and happy, despite childhood histories of abuse or neglect. Focused on building long-term relationships founded in experience, expertise and personal service, MFCAA delivers evidence based solutions, dedicated customer service and personal concern through integrity and transparency. Dedicated to sound fiscal operations, client privacy and ethical, honest partnership, MFCAA strives to exceed expectations for its employees, clients, donors and its community, while providing a positive voice for foster and adoptive families in the broader community.

More about MFCAA: It provides services to foster and adoptive homes throughout the state of Missouri and beyond. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Funding: MFCAA is funded through private donations, grants and government funds.

Major fundraisers: There are two major fundraisers each year. In late April McGonigle’s Market sponsors Ribs for Kids, and in August we have our annual Forever Homes Gala and Auction.

Contacts: The office at 816-350-0215 or info@mfcaa.org – Kelly Evenson

interested in giving to organize that generosity through a personal, family or corporate fund. Those who contribute then decide when and where they specifically give their charitable dollars.

Or, those interested in giving can form a giving circle with friends and family, pooling smaller donations to make larger gifts. Giving Cards also are an option for birthday or holiday presents. These cards, similar to retail

gift cards, are redeemed to benefit any 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States.

The Eastland Community Foundation is part of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation at 1055 Broadway St., Suite 130, in Kansas City.

Contact Executive Director Debbie Stark at 816-627-3435 or visit www. gkccf.org for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

• Helping others Truman Heartland Community Foundation Address: 300 N. Osage St., Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-836-8189 Website: www.thcf.org Social media: www.facebook.com/messages/17001053#!/pages/Truman-Heartland-Community-Foundation/163242623693408 Part of the community since 1982.

Role in the community: The foundation works within the community to promote and serve private giving for the good of the public. The foundation works for each cause, passion and charitable goal of the donor partners to ensure their dreams are realized through charitable funds. This includes providing scholarships, establishing family funds, supporting faith communities, creating international programs, forming new charities or raising support for existing charities.

More about the foundation: The Truman Heartland Community Foundation has the National Standards Seal, indicating official confirmation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board that the foundation has met most of the standards in philanthropy and affirms that the grantmaking process is open and competitive. The foundation has also created the Community for all Ages Coalition, the Shared Care Free Heath Clinic and the Youth Advisory Council to expand its mission from providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and creating young philanthropists.

Funding: The foundation receives its funds from donations.

Major fundraisers: Toast to Our Town gala is an annual event that honors the foundation’s thousands of donors. Area citizens are also recognized during this event.

Contacts: Contact the foundation at 816-836-8189.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 57

COL. CHARLIE ANGEL AUCTION SERVICE 816-353-1277

See

www.trustanangel.com

Raytown, MO

THE EXAMINER on Wednesdays for the current AUCTION BLOCK!

58 Blue Springs City Guide

2012

The Examiner

HELPING HANDS

• Community Services League

• Salvation Army Crossroads Shelter part of campus at Salvation Army

Main address: 404 N. Noland Road, central ceadquarters Phone: 816-254-4100 (main) Website: www.cslcares.org Social media: Twitter, @cslcares; Facebook, www.facebook. com/pages/Community-ServicesLeague/100641951530 Part of the community since 1916 Role in community: To empower families to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

More about CSL: CSL is the oldest and largest emergency services provider in Eastern Jackson County. In many communities, CSL is the only option residents have for emergency food, clothing, shelter, utility or medical assistance.

CSL has three umbrella programs: Work Express (training individuals to re-enter the workforce and helping them gain employment); Emergency Assistance (help with most basic needs of food, clothing, medical services and utility bill assistance); and Housing (assisting the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless through counseling, budgeting, homebuyer education and other efforts). CSL helps clients living at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

Funding: In-kind donations, direct assistance, special events, government contracts, United Way, grants and other contributions.

Major fundraiser: Formerly known as Outpouring of Hope, the 2012 Ooh! fundraiser was a food, drink and music extravaganza in May. The fall gala event will take place Nov. 3 at the Independence Hilton Garden Inn. Contact: Bruce Bailey, site man-

Address: 14700 E. Truman Road, Independence Phone: 816-252-3200 Website: http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_kan.nsf/vw Role in the community: The Salvation Army is a worldwide organization serving those in need. In Independence, the Salvation Army satisfies many needs, including after-school programs, a bread pantry, a community food pantry, and emergency assistance with money for utilities and prescription medications.

More about the Salvation Army: At the Independence branch, the Crossroads Shelter has 62 beds for those individuals and families that need them. It is the only one of its kind in Eastern Jackson County. The shelter is open 24/7, 365 days per year. Residents are permitted up to a 90 day stay, and they also have the opportunity to take life skills classes and participate in a required support group.

Funding: The Salvation Army operates primarily by donations and fundraising means.

Major fundraisers: Several fundraisers are held throughout the year. Contact the Salvation Army directly for more information.

Contacts: Captain Butch and Lisa Frost; store staff can be reached at 816833-8881 – Jeff Martin

A hand in need

The Examiner file photo

Distributing school supplies in backpacks is an annual event at the Community Services League.

ager, Noland Road.

Donations: 816-912-4484; volunteer, 816-254-4100; hire CSL clients, 816-912-4491; advocate, email donate@cslcares.org to arrange a presentation at your church, workplace, school or civic organization.

– Adrianne DeWeese To learn more about the Community Services League, visit www.cslcares.org or call the main office at 816-254-4100.

To receive assistance from the league, visit any of its local locations: u Blue Springs – 200 S.W. 10th St., 816-229-0033. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. u Grain Valley – 207 W. Walnut,

816-355-0328. Wednesdays 9 to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. u Independence (main office) – 404 N. Noland Road., 816-2544100. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. u Fairmount – 800 S. Hardy Ave., Independence, 816-2540446. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. u 39th Street – At Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St., Independence. 816254-8209. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. u Buckner – 1001 S. Sibley St., 816-249-5820. Wednesdays 8 a.m. to noon. u Oak Grove – 1408 S.E. Austin St., 816-690-8213. Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Examiner

2012

Blue Springs City Guide 59

HEALTH

• St. Mary’s Medical Center

St. Mary’s renovates and expands services Two major signs of progress – one visible, one through accreditation – took place at St. Mary’s Medical Center in 2011.

In October, St. Mary’s earned Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, a designation that staff members say shows the hospital’s commitment to quality health care when a patient is experiencing chest pain or discomfort.

Two months later, on Dec. 14, the 30-year-old facility celebrated the $3.7 million renovation and expansion of its surgery area, the first of its kind since St. Mary’s opened in 1981.

Both marks of progress took months and extensive staff member collaboration at the Blue Springs hospital.

“The certification is one more notch in our belt because it shows the public that we are dedicated to caring for the community,” said Suzy DePaoli, a registered nurse at St. Mary’s with several certifications. She is the Chest Pain Center coordinator and led the chest pain accreditation work.

With the accreditation, St. Mary’s aims to provide patients in the emergency room with chest pain

or discomfort the most immediate treatment to avoid heart damage. For example, DePaoli said, when patients reach the emergency room door, the goal is to perform an EKG – a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of the heart – within five minutes.

The hospital also is working to improve its community outreach related to chest conditions, including meetings at Vesper Hall about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what residents should do if those signs and symptoms occur.

St. Mary’s Medical Center is part of Carondelet Health’s nonprofit, Catholic-sponsored health care system in Kansas City. St. Mary’s includes the Carondelet Heart Institute, a 24-hour emergency department, the Women’s Health Institute, a birthing center, a breast cancer center, radiation oncology, a rehabilitation center, outpatient therapy, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, a pain center and a stroke center.

Visit www.carondelethealth.org or call 816-228-5900 for more information.

The other major sign of progress at St. Mary’s had been in the works for many years, said Aubrey Miller, nurse manager of Surgical Services at St. Mary’s, regarding the renovation of the hospital’s surgery area. Two operating rooms underwent “a complete overhaul,” Miller said, with the addition of at least one-third of the previous space to each. The rooms received flat-screen LCD high-definition monitors and brand-new LED operating room lights.

With larger operating rooms, Miller said, St. Mary’s medical staff are able to take on cases that require more instruments, such as spinal fusion and total joint replacements in the hips and knees.

The surgery area also received new paint and flooring, a centralized scheduling desk and new locker rooms for staff members. The preoperation and recovery area each have seven new bays, complete with new nurses’ stations and access points.

“Before, it was kind of muddled the way we had our patient flow,” Miller

Submitted photo

Susan Brawner, RN, BSN, discusses the results of a Personal Heart Risk Assessment with a patient.

said. “Now, we’re a lot more streamlined. I guess you could say that there have been fewer traffic jams in the hallway.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

• Support in the community

Blood centers provide critical health service Area hospitals need blood every day, and one person’s donation can make a difference for several others.

There is one fixed location in Eastern Jackson County to give blood, the Community Blood Center office at 1124 W. U.S. 40 in Blue Springs.

It has recently reduced its hours and stopped collecting platelets, but donations of whole blood are still taken. Call 816-224-0728 or 816-753-

4040 to make an appointment.

Hours are: u Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. u Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. u Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donations, including platelets, also are taken at the CBC’s office at 4040 Main St., Kansas City. It’s open seven days a week. Call 816-753-4040.

The American Red Cross also holds blood drives at various loca-

tions, including several in Eastern Jackson County. To find a blood drive, go to http://www.redcrossblood. org/ and type in your ZIP code.

The Red Cross says four types of transfusable products can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of those are produced from a pint of donated whole blood.

The process of donating spe-

cific blood components – red cells, plasma or platelets – is apheresis.

Blood is drawn and passed through a cell-separating machine that collects the platelets, and the rest is returned to the donor, with some saline. Platelets often are needed by patients undergoing chemotherapy, who have had an organ transplant or who have weakened immune systems.

– Jeff Fox

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HEALTH

• Hospitals & emergency care

Other health centers in area offer care CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER

Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, is a part of the HCA Midwest Health System. The 221-bed, acute care hospital is the only Level II Trauma Center in Eastern Jackson County.

The hospital also has an accredited Chest Pain Center as well as a variety of other cardiovascular services; has an accredited Cancer Program and a state-of-the-art Breast Center; offers orthopedic services that include total joints and sports medicine; has Women’s Services, including the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Eastern Jackson County and offers neuroscience services. The hospital’s outpatient services include a surgery center, advanced wound care center, sleep disorders center, imaging and rehab, among others.

Sleeper chairs, waiting areas and wireless Internet are available to visitors.

For more information, visit Centerpoint Medical Center’s website at www.centerpointmedical.com or call 816-698-7000.

Children’s Mercy East

Children’s Mercy East, at the southeast corner of Interstate 70 and Little Blue Parkway, officially began construction in June 2011 and is expected to be complicated in the fall of 2012. The facility will serve children who live in Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding region, granting the same access as the original Children’s Mercy Hospital in downtown Kansas City.

It will offer urgent care services as well as select specialty services. Outpatient clinics will include cardiology; ear, nose and throat; endocrinology, orthopedics, neurology, hearing and speech and gastroenterology. The Edward G. and Kathryn E. Mader Ur-

gent Care Center will offer after hour urgent care services. Lab and radiology services will also be available.

For more information, visit Children’s Mercy’s website at www. childrensmercy.org.

TRUMAN MEDICAL CENTERS

Truman Medical Centers oversees the management of the Jackson County Health Department as well as a number of primary care practices in Eastern Jackson County.

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood, 7900 Lee’s Summit Road, is in southern Kansas City near Lee’s Summit. The hospital includes a variety of health care services including dental, chiropractic, emergency medicine, counseling, podiatry, sports medicine, rehabilitation services and addiction recovery.

It is also is the home to the Lakewood Family Birthplace, the Eye Care Center and the Family Medicine Center. The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Community and Family Medicine Residency Program is also based out of TMC-Lakewood.

For more information, visit the Truman Medical Centers website at www. trumed.org or call 816-404-7000.

WALK-IN CLINICS ADULT QUICK CARE

Adult Quick Care, 19000 E. Eastland Center Court, Suite 300, in Independence, is designed for adults and children 14 and older. It provides quick and efficient health care for acute and urgent medical problems.

This includes common illnesses and injuries such as basic X-ray services, EKG testing, hearing testing and lab services. It is not equipped to care for children under the age of 14, life threatening situations or complications due to pregnancy. Appointments are not required.

Those who are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, severe

abdominal pain, vomiting of blood or unconsciousness are asked to seek services from the nearest emergency room.

For more information, visit www. adultquickcare.com or call 816-3739200.

It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.emergentcareplus.com or call 816-554-2600.

Emergent care plus

Urgent Care of Kansas City, 4741 S. Arrowhead Dr. in Independence, provides urgent care services to patients of all ages. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday and holidays, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information, call 816-7956000.

– Kelly Evenson

Emergent Care Plus, 2741 N.E. McBaine Drive in Lee’s Summit, is an urgent care facility that offers a variety of services ranging from physicals to vaccinations. Treatment is available in areas related to eyes, ear, nose and throat, gastrointestinal; orthopedic, respiratory, dermatology and neurologic. Walk-ins are welcome. Laboratory and x-rays services are also available.

urgent CARE

• Public health

Jackson County Health Department Address: 313 Liberty St., Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-404-6415 Website: www.jacohd.org/ Part of the community for more than 80 years Role in the community: The Jackson County Health Department is operated

by Truman Medical Centers. It offers disease prevention and testing, confidential testing and treatment for STDs as well as tuberculosis case management. Adult, childhood and travel immunization services are also available.

More about the department: Other services at the Jackson County Health Department include health education and screening services, CPR and First Aid training, child care provider education, preventative health screenings, smoking cessation, emergency preparedness, HIV/AIDS case management and the Show Me Health Women and WiseWomen programs. Birth certificates are also available if born in Missouri after 1920, and death certificates are available if the person died in Missouri after 1980. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Funding: The health department receives funds from Jackson County as well as from the state of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and fees collected from patients. It also received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 that focuses on creating healthier communities.

Contacts: Contact the Jackson County Health Department at 816-404-6416.

– Kelly Evenson

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2012

HEALTH

• Women’s health The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City Address: 815 N. Noland Road, Suites 4 and 5, Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-836-9000 Website: www.thewomensclinic.net Social media: www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Womens-Clinic-of-KansasCity/255745340412 Part of the community since 2004 Role in the community: The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City offers services to women facing unplanned pregnancies or other issues that relate to sexuality and parenting. All of the services are free, confidential and available to anyone who needs assistance.

More about the clinic: Medical services include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds for at-risk pregnancies, low-cost STD testing, referrals and professional counseling. The women’s clinic also offers education services, including fetal development and parenting classes, abortion counseling, pregnancy resources and alternatives to abortion, abstinence education programs and Bible studies.

The hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays.

Funding: The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City is funded through private donations and fundraising events.

Major fundraisers: Run/Walk for Life 5K is held each fall. This year’s event begins at 8 a.m. Sept. 29 at the corner of Maple and Liberty Streets in Independence. All proceeds go to The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City. Contact TWC director of development Cindy Isabel at 816-836-9000 for more information. TWC also as an annual benefit einner each year to raise additional money for services.

Contacts: Contact the 24/7 Hotline and Clinic Main Phone Number at 816836-9000 or text “PREGNANT” to 72727 for help.

– Kelly Evenson

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri Address: 815 N. Noland Road, Suite 6, Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-252-3800 Website: www.plannedparenthood.org Social media: www.facebook.com/#!/PlannedParenthood Role in the community: Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri provides sexual and reproductive health care services for women. Emergency contraception is available on a walk-in basis and language interpretation is available over the telephone. Scheduled appointments are available.

More about Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood provides birth control, emergency contraception, HIV testing, HPV and hepatitis vaccines, patient education, pregnancy testing and STD testing and treatment. Women’s health services include breast exams, check-ups, cancer screenings, mammogram referrals, pap smears and testing and treatment for vaginal infections and pap smears. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Funding: Planned Parenthood receives a majority of its funding from the federal government and from federal grant programs. It also receives funding from private donations and bequests as well as revenue from the local clinics.

Contacts: Contact the Independence Planned Parenthood location at 816252-3800.

– Kelly Evenson

• Annette Small

Q&A questions

answers

St. Mary’s Medical Center CEO

1

What are responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center?

As the CEO, I am responsible for the care of every patient at St. Mary’s – to be sure that we provide safe, compassionate care to everyone who comes through our doors. Of course, I have a team of dedicated leaders and associates who are also committed to providing compassionate, quality care. I am also responsible for the financial reliability of operating the medical center. The business success of St. Mary’s impacts the economic development of the community.

2

What new programs or services has the hospital added in the past few years to make it a desirable choice for a medical facility?

Keeping patient safety always foremost in our strategic planning, we seek out those accreditations that help us improve. In the past year, St. Mary’s earned Chest Pain Accreditation, and the Breast Center was named a Center of Excellence. Going through the accreditation forces organizations to examine their processes and improve patient care. I believe we have a responsibility to care for the health of our whole community and obesity continues to be a major health threat. St. Mary’s recently began providing Bariatric Services to help care for those who are severely obese.

3

How have your experiences as a registered nurse shaped you as a CEO for St. Mary’s?

My years of working at the bedside taught me how important the “little” things can be. Taking the time to do that little bit extra can make a big difference in how a patient feels. As a CEO, I have to look at the big picture, and as a nurse, I continue to pay attention to the little details that can make all the difference.

4

What do you enjoy most in your current position and what do you miss the most as a registered nurse?

I will always be a Registered Nurse and patient care was and will always be my calling. But as a CEO, I’m able to care for patients in a different way.

I am still a patient advocate, but as a CEO, I can influence the type of care that is provided not just on one unit, but in our whole community.

5

How have you worked to make St. Mary’s Medical Center the number one choice for patients in Eastern Jackson County?

Patient safety is our number one priority – it is something we work on every day. I think we’ve built a reputation for providing safe, compassionate care.

And, we have to provide the services residents need. We’ve invested a lot into developing our cardiac program, stroke program our Joint and Spine Institute and Breast Center. We opened the first Birthing Center in the state of Missouri but we don’t rest-we continue to look for ways to improve care. And we have expanded services to meet the needs of our community.

– Kelly Evenson

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HEALTH

• Public health

• Support in the community

Shared Care Free Clinic of Jackson County Address: 17611 E. U.S. 24, Suite 103, Independence, Mo. 64056 Phone: 816-404-6455 Website: sharedcarefree.org/ Part of the community for 12 years Role in the community: The clinic serves low-income, uninsured adults with chronic illness so that they can continue to work, raise families and be productive members of the community.

More about the clinic: The clinic provides health care and medications to uninsured adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high cho-

lesterol and asthma. There is also a hypertension clinic that provides care in the areas of high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Funding: The clinic is funded through private donations and grants.

Major fundraisers: Scopes for Hope is an annual benefit for the Shared Care Free Clinic. This year’s event is Nov. 9.

Contacts: Appointment line is 816-404-6455.

– Kelly Evenson

Cancer Action Address: 4010 S. Lynn Court, Independence, Mo. 64055 Phone number: 816-350-8881.

Part of the Independence community since 1997, nonprofit for 52 years in the Kansas City area.

Role in the community: Services and support for cancer patients and their families throughout the Kansas City area.

More about Cancer Action: Can help with financial assistance for medications, nutritional and medical

supplies, emotional help, wigs and such, transportation.

Funding: Nonprofit, individual donations, foundation grants, United Way. Fundraisers: Fundraising breakfast in the fall. Third-party events.

Contacts: Call the office at 816350-8881 to be registered for assistance or to volunteer. Volunteers make comfort supplies for patients, provide transportation and more.

– Sheila Davis

Comprehensive Mental Health Services Addresses: 17844 E. 23rd St (Main); 17886 E. 23rd St. (Carol Roper Vaughan outpatient building); 17421 Medical Center Parkway (Parkway Addiction Center), Independence, Mo. 64057 Phone number: 816-254-3652 Part of the community since 1969.

Role in the community: To provide community mental health and substance abuse treatment services.

It provides education, outpatient programming, community support services, medication clinic and more.

Need a new love

More about Comprehensive Mental Health: CMHS is certified by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Commission on Accreditation and Rehabilitation Facilities.

Funding: United Way, Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund, COMBAT and other public and private sources.

Contacts: Call the main number at 816-254-3652.

– Sheila Davis

Check out Adopt-A-Pet on Wednesday

in your life?

and Saturday in…

The Examiner

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Blue Springs City Guide 63

THINGS TO DO

• Fine arts organizations

Area has myriad outlets for creativity

BLUE SPRINGS CITY THEATRE

“Touching Lives for Christ”

Timothy Lutheran Church and School 425 NW R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014 Located next to St. Mary's Hospital off of Highway 7 and R.D. Mize Rd.

816-228-5300 •

301 SW WYATT ROAD BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015

Timothy Lutheran School For grades K-8 • Monday-Friday

www.timothylutheran.com

E-mail: info@timothyluthEran.com

Join us!

RD Mize Site Worship Saturday, 6 pm Sunday, 8, 9:15 and 11 am Education Hour Sunday, 9:15 am

301 SW Wyatt Rd Site Contemporary Worship Sunday, 9:30 am Education Hour Sunday, 10:45 am

LCMS

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR Plaza Heights Christian Academy and Little Lions Preschool Age 3 years - 12th Grade 1500 SW Clark, Blue Springs, MO 64015

816.228.0670 www.plazaheights.org

Blue Springs City Theatre productions take place in the Blue Springs Civic Center, which is on the campus of Blue Springs High School at 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive.

The City Theatre is in constant need of volunteers, which includes everything from construction to technical assistance, painting sets to designing costumes and hanging show fliers around town to writing grants, according to its website, www. bluespringscitytheatre.com. Contact Michelle Brown, City Theatre president and volunteer coordinator, by email at president@bluespringscitytheatre.com for more information on getting involved.

They also have a Scout troop workshop before some performances. Scouts can sign up to usher and they are given an introductory theatre class, plus they get to see the show for free and their families receive discounted tickets.

Tickets for performances are $8 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.

For tickets to upcoming productions, call 816-228-0137.

BLUE SPRINGS BALLET

Melissa Morris opened Blue Springs Ballet in 1992, and has taught ballet in the Blue Springs area for nearly 30 years.

The Blue Springs Ballet studio at 1116 W. Main St. has grown to include more fitness-oriented classes and instruction throughout the years. Classes include Zumba, a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class; Creative Movement, in which young students learn ballet positions and simple steps; Pre-Ballet, which incorporates a ballet barre and terminology is taught for simple ballet steps; Ballet, beginning through advanced levels; Pointe; Pas de deux, a partnering class for boys and girls; Junior Jazz; Jazz; Adult Ballet; and a new program called Angelina Ballerina for ages 3 to 6, which is based on the story book mouse Angelina Ballerina. This class encourages reading skills as well as dancing.

Friends of the Blue Springs Ballet, a nonprofit organization, supports the Blue Springs Ballet Company, as well as culture awareness throughout Eastern Jackson

County and scholarships to company members for various workshops and dance programs. Since 1993, the company has performed “The Nutcracker” to the general public. The Blue Springs Ballet also offers field trips to school groups.

Ballet princess birthday parties are available for children ages 3 through 10.

Visit www.bluespringsballet.com or call 816-224-5505 for more information about classes.

ENGLEWOOD STATION ARTS DISTRICT

Englewood, one of the original suburban shopping districts in the area, now offers a wide variety of art in the multiple galleries and businesses on Winner Road from Sterling to Ralston avenues in Independence. The galleries are open anytime during regular business hours and house an ever-changing selection of artisan works.

A rotating collection of more than four dozen local and regional artists display their works for sale from 5:30 to 9 p.m. each month during the Third Friday Art Walk. They are usually on-site for meet and greet. In addition to art, this familyfriendly event includes street performers, music, food, fashion and more. New 17-foot-wide sidewalks are planned to improve pedestrian travel.

For more information, visit www. englewoodstation.com or call Appleton Avenue Arts at 816-252-1945.

MyARTS

MyARTS program provides a direct service to low- and moderate-income, at-risk youth. Youth ages 15 through 19 begin the program in a 72-hour unpaid apprenticeship, and once completed, they may interview into a studio of their choice where they become paid, part-time artists.

According to its website, this program serves as “a haven” for at-risk teenagers from all parts of the Kansas City area.

MyARTS has three goals, a safe place where they are able to build positive mentoring relationships; an opportunity to have a voice through working with

MORE ON PAGE 65

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THINGS TO DO

• Recreation

Plenty available for active lifestyles

MULTIPURPOSE FACILITIES u SPORTSCITY 425 N.E. Mock Ave, Blue Springs 816-229-1314 Offering 76,000 square feet of playing fields and courts, SportsCity caters to all kinds of adult and youth sports enthusiasts. SportsCity is an indoor, climate-controlled complex containing two full-sized soccer/ flag football fields, a basketball and volleyball gym, four batting cages, Galactic Golf miniature course and other amenities.

SportsCity features league sports and open play. The facility also contains accommodations for lock-ins, school dances, birthday parties, and field trips. It also features the Post Game Bar & Grill on the upper level.

Hours are 10 a.m. until the last game ends Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to final game on Saturdays and noon until the final game on Sundays. Winter hours are the same, except that it opens at 9 a.m. on Sundays.

For more information, visit www. sportscitykc.com. u BLUE SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 1300 Adams Dairy Parkway 816-224-9620 The Blue Springs Family YMCA features an indoor pool, a wellness and fitness center and an indoor walking track. Swimming and exercise classes are offered along with youth sports. Open and lap swimming are available.

For more information on hours, classes, fees, membership and financial assistance, call or visit http:// www.kansascityymca.org/locations/locations-map/blue-springsfamily-ymca/. u KC SPORTS LODGE 19310 E. 50th Terrace, Independence 816-795-7171 With 70,000 square feet of indoor

playing fields and courts, KC Sports Lodge offers youth and adult indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and flag football. It also offers baseball and softball lessons from former Kansas City Royals player Rod Myers.

KC Sports Lodge has 60x25-yardfields, a 40x30-yard practice area, one walled field and one field with no walls with FieldTurf playing surfaces.

For more information, visit www. kcsportslodge.com.

BOWLING

open to 2 p.m., $35 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. $28 after 5 p.m. Friday tee times with cart are $47, $39 and $28 for the same time frames. Saturday and Sunday, tee-times with cart are $52 from open to 11 a.m. $48 from 11 a.m.

To 2 p.m. $39 from 2 p.m. To 5 p.m.

And $28 after 5 p.m.. Seniors may golf for $39 Monday through Friday. Walking rates are cheaper. Several annual membership plans also are available.

For more information, visit www. adamspointegolfclub.com/ or call.

u LUNAR BOWL 2001 N.W. Missouri 7, Blue Springs 816-220-7722 Lunar Bowl features 32 lanes and is a wonderful location for a party. A game room, arcade and pro-shop are also available.

Lunar Bowl offers Cosmic Bowling every Friday and Saturday night. The Blue Moon lounge features live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Leagues are also available. Prices and hours vary.

For more information visit www. lunarbowl.com.

u STONE CANYON GOLF CLUB 22415 E. 39th Street, Independence 816-228-3333 The only Greg Norman Signature Design course in Missouri, Stone Canyon Golf Club opened in 2009 as a private club and became a public facility in 2011. The 18-hole course is available for tournaments.

Tee times are $45 on weekdays, $55 on weekends. Junior, senior and twilight rates, after 1:50 p.m. are $35.

Super-twilight rate is $30 after 4 p.m.

For more information visit www. stonecanyongolfclub.com.

GOLF

u BLUE SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB 1600 N.W. Circle Drive, Blue Springs 816-229-8103 This 18-hole championship course is now a semi-private club. It was recently purchased by Blue Springs resident Ralph Hembree and his company, Summit Investment Group, and features a new pro, Mark Baumann, and a newly renovated pro shop. Four different discount playing cards are now being offered: Twilight Players, Weekday Players, Monday Players and Any Day Players. Call for more information.

u ADAMS POINTE GOLF CLUB 1601 R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs 816-220-3673 Located right off Interstate 70 and Adams Dairy Parkway, Adams Pointe Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course with bentgrasss fairways and greens carved out of woods and wetlands by noted local course designer Don Sechrest, The short-game center features bentgrass practice greens with 30,000 square feet of space for putting, chipping and bunker shots.

Private instruction and golf lessons also are available. There is also a player development program for $49 per month.

Monday through Thursday, teetimes with a GPS cart are $44 from

u FAMILY GOLF PARK 1501 N.E. U.S. 40, Lee’s Summit 816-228-1550 Family Golf Park offers a driving range, two 18-hole miniature golf courses and a nine-hole par-3 course.

Corporate outings and large parties are also available.

Family Golf Park is open daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Prices vary.

For more information visit www. familygolfpark.com.

SWIMMING

u ‘THE BLUE’ – CENTENNIAL POOL PLEX 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive, Blue Springs 816-228-0188 Centennial Pool Plex, now also called The Blue and run by the Blue Springs School District, is in Baumgardner Park across from Blue Springs High School. It has a 25-yard indoor pool and a 50-meter outdoor pool for competitive, instructional and recreational use. Both can be rented. There’s also an outdoor wading pool. Swimming lessons are offered. Entry fee is $5. Kids 3 and younger are admitted free.

For more information visit www. funattheblue.com.

TENNIS

u METRO EAST TENNIS CENTER 3109 N.W. Vesper St., Blue Springs 816-224-7999 Indoor tennis facility offers leagues, tournaments, open play, lessons and fitness programs for adults and youths on its five indoor, climate controlled cushioned hard courts.

Membership is required.

For more information, visit www. metroeasttennis.com/ or call.

VOLLEYBALL

u CENTERLINE BEACH VOLLEYBALL 1900/1910 U.S. 40, Blue Springs 816-224-4455 Centerline Beach Volleyball features beach volleyball and a new indoor court in addition to a sports bar.

For more information, visit www. centerlinevolleyball.com/ or call.

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THINGS TO DO FINE ARTS: FROM PAGE 63 MyARTS clientele and through their personal art shows, and the responsibility of paid employment that promotes their own economic development and acts as a springboard to post-secondary opportunities.

The building will feature visual arts, screen printing, ceramics, photo darkroom and graphic design studios. It will also feature a retail outlet for student art, a gallery and office space.

The Jackson County, COMBAT-funded program opened in May 2006 and is now located at 1522 Holmes St. in Kansas City.

The Independence site at 315 N. Main St. will expand the program to include performing arts.

For more information, call 816-4610201, ext. 313 or info@myartskc.org.

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE CONCERT BAND

The band is the cultural arts partner with Metropolitan Community CollegeBlue River campus.

Danny Lane, the conductor and music director, has taught music in Missouri for more than 30 years. His major instrument is the trumpet.

The band has 60-plus members and rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays at MCCBlue River. Students from the college may participate in the band for college credit.

The band performs many free concerts throughout the year, including a Fourth of July performance outside the Mormon Visitors Center, at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the Strawberry Festival at the Vaile Mansion, all in Independence.

The band is always looking for new members. For more information, additional dates of performances and how to join, call Laura Browning at 816-7970521. You may follow them on Facebook at Spirit of Independence Band.

INDEPENDENCE MESSIAH CHOIR

The Independence Messiah Choir joins with the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus to continue its 96-year tradition of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” performance. The performance dates are 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

Tickets range from $20 to $50. All seats are reserved and available through the Kansas City Symphony at 816-4710400. For more information on the Messiah Choir, call Pam Robison at 816833-1000, ext. 2324 or email probison@ cofchrist.org.

CITY THEATRE OF INDEPENDENCE

Beginning its 33rd season this fall, this volunteer group presents five productions a season at the Powerhouse Theater inside the Roger T. Sermon Community Center, at the corner of Truman and Noland roads, Independence. Auditions are open to the public.

The Powerhouse Foundation, which includes City Theatre, Encore Theatre and the Children’s Performing Theatre, also presents the Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park, a nonscary Halloween event.

Tickets for shows are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and musical show prices are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors. Dinner theater performances for the first Saturday performance of each production for a non-musical are $23, $25 for a musical.

Season tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors. For tickets, call 816-325-7367 or visit www.citytheatreofindependence. org.

Children’s performing THEATRE

This group focuses on children as actors and actresses, and performances are in the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence.

They perform three times a year, twice as an audition performance and once as a learning experience. Membership is open to all children 5 to 15 years old. Every child must audition.

Rehearsals are six to eight weeks before each performance, and performances are Friday, Saturday and Sundays for two weeks. The Summer Fantasy workshop is for beginners and advanced actors to gain confidence and experience to perform. This class lasts a few weeks and ends in a showcase for parents to enjoy.

Tickets for the shows are $7 for adults, $6 for adults 62 and older, and $3 for children 10 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370, and for tickets, call 816-325-7367.

ENCORE THEATRE

This is a thespian group for adults age 50 and older, who enjoy fun-loving drama, that specializes in melodrama. The members perform at the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence. The group also divides into smaller traveling troupes.

The group invites anyone 50 and older to audition or volunteer for backstage work. Meetings are 1:30 p.m. the first and

third Friday of each month.

The shows are open seating and are $7 for adults, $6 for adults 62 and older, and $3 for ages 12 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370, and for season tickets, call 816-325-7367.

PUPPETRY ARTS INSTITUTE

Diane Houk is director of the Puppetry Arts Institute at 11025 E. Winner Road, Independence. The institute is also the home of Kansas City’s Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum. An entire room is devoted to the Rollins marionettes. The museum also has a collection of marionettes from the late Robert Smith.

After tours, children may paint a Hazelle hand puppet for $6. Hours of the museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The institute is open year-round. Many groups tour the facility, including senior citizens, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and church groups, plus birthday parties may also be held at the institute.

Museum admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for children younger than 16. The institute hosts a puppet show once a month and the cost is $5 per person. For more information, call 816-833-9777 or visit www.hazelle.org.

GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

The George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts, now in its 16th year, has an ambitious goal: To combine all creative arts, while focusing on individual disciplines. The office is located at 1010 S. Pearl St., Independence.

Students from approximately 18 to 20 high schools and home-schooled students take part in the annual five-week summer academy, named after famed artist George Caleb Bingham.

Students must display their talents to be chosen for the academy, which includes the visual arts, dance, theater, music and creative writing. The student must have completed their freshman year in high school. The students conclude the academy with a graduation ceremony, followed by a free public performance.

For more information, call 816-7297097.

MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTE

For almost 34 years, the institute has offered instruction in all classical orchestral instruments, voice, piano/organ, classical guitar, harp and percussion.

Advanced ensembles are offered in classical harp, world percussion and Suzuki Strings.

The children’s choir, Young MAIsters Singers, have performed numerous times with the Kansas City Symphony. MAI cooperates with the George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts. There are several summer camps, including a two-week Shakespeare camp, taught by members of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.

This not-for-profit community school of performing arts is open to people of all ages. All teachers are professional musicians.

The institute presents student and faculty recitals, as well as an adjudicated music festival in the spring. The institute offers classes and private lessons. Enrollment begins in August for the academic year. Scholarships may be applied for May 1 through 15 for the coming year.

For an enrollment appointment or for more information, call 816-836-1998 or visit www.musicartsinstitute.org.

JACOMO CHORALE

Jacomo Chorale is Eastern Jackson County’s original community choir, founded in 1983.

The chorus performs all genres of music, and the group asks that members be 18 or older.

Rehearsals are weekly at Mission Woods Community of Christ, 2800 N.W. Duncan Road, Blue Springs. The group relies on donations and ticket sales to fund activities.

For more information, or to get involved, call Nancy White, manager, at 816355-0114 or visit www.jacomochorale.org.

HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC

Celebrating its 68th season, the Heritage Philharmonic is one of the oldest community orchestras in the United States. Members are professional and non-professional musicians. The 60member orchestra performs the 2012-13 season under the direction of James Murray III. This season includes three regular concerts and a traditional holiday concert.

As all of the concerts are free admission, community support is welcomed and vital. Donations can be made to the Heritage Philharmonic, P.O. Box 2276, Lee’s Summit, Mo. 64063.

For concert dates and additional information, visit www.heritagephilharmonic.org.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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Calvary Baptist Church of Blue Springs

Y Sunday School/ Bible Study . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service . 10:45 AM Sunday Evening Worship . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting . 6:00 PM

900 NW 22nd Street

816-228-5540 www.calvarybluesprings.org

Nursery available during services

Office Hours 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday - Friday

VBS annually grades K-6 Gospel Concerts every 5th Sunday at 6:00 PM

Email: cbcbsmo@sbcglobal.net

Serving Blue Springs Community Since 1980 Traditional Southern Baptist Worship Services and Music

Timothy Lutheran Ministries and School Come worship St. Mark's is located 1 mile north of I-70 on Lee's Summit Rd.

with us!

3736 S. Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 816-373-2600 www.stmarksparish.com

LCMS

425 NW R.D. Mize Road • Blue Springs, MO 64014 (Church) Saturday Evening Worship – 6 pm Sunday Morning Worship – 8 am, 9:15 am, 11 am Education Hour – 9:15 am Wednesday Religion Classes for Youth – Sept/April – 6:30 - 8:00 pm 301 SW Wyatt Rd (School and Church) Contemporary Service of Joy – 9:30 am – Wyatt Rd Education Hour – 10:45 am “Touching Lives for Christ”

816-228-5300

www.timothylutheran.com

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THINGS TO DO

• Outdoors recreation

EJC blessed with parks and nature areas

u BURR OAK WOODS CONSERVATION AREA 1401 N.W. Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area features six designated hiking trails (including on disabled-access trail), a Nature Center, a 167-seat auditorium, a live animal display, a bird-viewing area and a 3,000-gallon aquarium containing native fish.

The Missouri Department of Conservation facility, around since 1977, is in a 1,071-acre forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, as well as fields, ponds, glades, creeks and limestone outcroppings.

Several times a week the nature center offers special events and classes for adults and children. The center’s website is updated frequently. Some events require preregistration.

Burr Oak also features two picnic areas.

The trails are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time.

The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and all Monday state holidays.

Pets, horses, hunting, fishing, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the area. Mushroom collecting is permitted for personal use. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are restricted to paved roads.

For more information call 816-2283766 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/ regions/kansas-city/burr-oakwoods-nature-center u FLEMING PARK Located two miles east of I-470/ Missouri 291 on Woods Chapel Road, Fleming Park encompasses both Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake, and it covers more than 7,800 acres.

HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES

Missouri residents need permits for most hunting and fishing in the state.

Hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must also complete an approved hunter education program to hunt with a firearm unless they qualify for an exemption.

Children under the age of 15 do not need to complete a hunter education program if they are under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter. Hunters should carry their hunter education card with them while hunting with a firearm or have their certification verified at the vendor’s computer terminal.

Fishing permits are required unless the angler is fishing on privately stocked waters or qualifies as disabled under an exemption. Visit mdc.mo.gov/permits/ fishing-permit-information to learn more. Tags may be purchased for a day, year or lifetime. Trout tags must be purchased separately.

Different permits are available depending on the season and animal. An online system, https://www.mo.wildlifelicense.com/, allows hunters to pick and choose permits depending on what kind of game they will be hunting. Most permits cost less than $20. There is a $1 convenience fee for purchasing permits online. Permits can be printed at home.

There is a $2 convenience fee for purchasing permits over the phone, 800-3924115. Allow 10 days for delivery.

Permits can also be purchased at the Kansas City regional conservation office, 12405 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee’s Summit , or at any authorized vendor.

For more information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov.

There are campsites at both lakes that are open April 1 through Oct. 31.

The prices are $27 for a full hookup.

To reserve a site, call 816-503-4805.

Credit cards only.

The park also includes the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure, where visitors can see elk and bison.

Blue Springs Lake: Blue Springs Lake covers 720 acres and offers numerous activities including jet skiing, power boating, tubing, swimming, water skiing and fishing. Boating and motor permits are required. Available services at the marina include boat rental, lakeside gasoline pumps, concessions, fishing supplies, fishing licenses, boat ramps, bait and overnight slip rental. The marina, at 1700 N.E. Bowlin Road, is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day (weather permitting). Dock fishing closes at 7 p.m.

A fish-cleaning station is provided for fishermen wanting to clean and filet their catch. Fish species include hybrid striped bass, bluegill, catfish, carp and largemouth bass.

The beach, at 1500 N.E. Bowlin Road in Lee’s Summit, is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor

Day weekend, weather permitting.

Entrance costs are $3 for children 15 and younger and $5 for adults. Group rates and season passes are also available. For more information call 816-503-4876.

Lake Jacomo: This lake covers 970 acres and offers activities such as windsurfing, sailing, boat rentals and fishing. The marina, at 7401 W. Park Road in Blue Springs, offers fishing supplies, fuel and a convenience store. The marina is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Lake Jacomo has a limited-horsepower regulation, which keeps the lake still for sailboat and paddleboat use.

Fish in the lake include crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, hybrid striped bass and carp.

Dock fishing is also offered.

Lake Jacomo also offers cruise tours every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Call 816-795-8888 for prices and times.

Numerous recreational events are offered during the summer.

For more information call 816-7958888.

u George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Road., Independence 816-325-7115 The George Owens Nature Park in eastern Independence provides plenty of entertainment for the nature lover.

The 86-acre, city-owned park is open year round and has two fishing lakes, a family picnic area, a nature center, an overnight camping area for organized groups and five hiking trails, including one paved trail. Overnight camping facilities can be reserved in advance.

Air-conditioned shelters are available for rent. Some of the activities visitors enjoy are fishing, hiking, bird watching, picnicking and nature photography.

Fish commonly caught in the two lakes are bluegill, channel catfish and bass.

Fishing rules are posted at the park.

The park hours May through August are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The park is closed on Mondays.

The park is off Speck Road, across from Pioneer Ridge Middle School about a mile east of Missouri 291 and north of 23rd Street. For park information visit www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/owens.aspx. u LITTLE BLUE TRACE TRAIL 39th and Little Blue Parkway, Independence 816-795-8200 Jackson County Parks and Recreation provides this 1,856-acre nature preserve with a biking and walking trail that follows the Little Blue River.

Access entrances to the trail at Blue Mills Road, Ripley Junction, Bundschu, Missouri 78 shelter just west of Missouri 7, Necessary Road at R.D. Mize Road, and Little Blue Parkway in the Hartman Heritage Center and Longview Lake.

The trail includes a softball field, 30 picnic tables and four shelters.

For more information visit www. jacksongov.org/parks/#LittleBlue.

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THINGS TO DO

• Youth sports

Don’t let your youngster be a couch potato

BASEBALL

u Blue Springs Baseball Address: PO Box 1753, Blue Springs, MO 64013 Website: www.bluespringsbaseball.org Part of the community for more than 40 years Role in the community: To provide baseball activities for the youth of Blue springs ages 5 -18.

More about Blue Springs Baseball: BSB is a privately run and financed 501c3 organization dedicated to providing a quality baseball experince for the youth of Blue Springs ages 5-18.

Funding: Privately funded through registration fees and sponsor support.

Major fundraisers: BSB will hold our first fundraiser golf tournament this fall.

Contacts: David Henry at dahenry8607@sbcglobal.net u American Legion Baseball Address: c/o Jim Moran, 4007 SW 15th Court, Blue Springs, MO 64015 Phone: 816-225-2015 Website: www.fike499baseball.com Part of the community for more than 30 years Role in the community: Two teams serving 15-16 and 17-18-year-old basball players.

More about American Legion Baseball: We represent the oldest baseball program in America and are proud of the number of young men we have had in our program. Over 70 percent of these men have gone on to play college ball with some of them also having an opportunity in the professional ranks. Tryouts are usually held in late August and are listed in The Examiner.

Funding: Sponsorship budget, player fees and fund raisers.

Contact: Jim Moran at 816-225-2015

BASKETBALL

u Blue Springs Athletic Association Basketball Phone: 816-229-4298 Website: www.BSAABasketball.com Part of the community since 1978 Role in the community: To provide a great basketball experience for the kids

of Blue Springs.

Contact: Terry Cornelius, BSAA League Commissioner at 816-229-4298 or tercor523@aol.com

FOOTBALL

u Blue Springs Athletic Association Football Website: www.bsaafootball.com Role in the community: The competitive league offers flag football for grades K-1 and tackle football for those in second grade and older. Games stretch through mid-August to Ocotber and are held in Hidden Valley Park. Practices are held at locations within the Blue Springs School District. All players must have a physical to participate.

Contact: Scott Smithpeter, league president, at president@bsaafootball. com u Blue Springs Pop Warner Gators Website: www.heartofamericapopwarner.com Role in the community: Provides football league for boys ages 5-8 and tackle leagues for ages 7-13. Tackle teams are formed by age and weight divisions. Teams and coaches stay together through their advancement of divisions.

The regular season is 10 games long.

Games begin in late August and run for about 10 weeks.

Contact: Terry Bowen, president, tbowenhoa@att.net

GYMNASTICS

u Great American Gymnastics Express Address: 1101 N.W. Jefferson, Blue Springs Phone: 816-220-7775 Website: www.gagecenter.com Role in the community: Offers a variety of programs that help children embrace health and fitness as fun.

Former gymnasts include 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool, 2008 U.S. Olympic alternate Ivana Hong and 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate Sarah Finnegan.

Programs include boys, girls and preschool gymnastics, swim school, cheerleading, birthday parties, field trips

and more. GAGE offers a free trial lesson and a 100 percent money-back guarantee for its first timers.

GAGE is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Contact: 816-220-7775 u Rebound Gymnastics Address: 8316 S.W. Missouri 7, Blue Springs Phone number: 816-229-8834 Website: www.reboundgym.com Role in the community: Rebound Gymnastics offers gymnastics for preschool boys and girls and school-aged girls. Toddler classes are available for any children who can walk. Girls from age 5 1/2 are eligible for the school age classes.

Open gym is also available for $7.50 per child.

SOCCER

u Blue Springs Soccer Club Address: BSSC, PO Box 476, Blue Springs, MO 64013 Website: www.bluespringssoccerclub. org Contact: bruce.a.sewell@gmail.com

SOFTBALL

u Blue Springs Girls Softball Association Address: P.O. Box 1097, Blue Springs, MO 64013 Website: www.bsgsa.net Role in the community: BSGSA’s role is to promote and protect the interests of Blue Springs girls interested in playing softball, to elevate the standard of softball play, to provide means for competition for girls beyond the local level, to encourage and promote the display of sportsmanship by child and adult alike and to further the development of mental and moral character of participants.

More about BS Girls Softball Association: Spring season begins with sign-ups starting in January, practice starting in March and games in April through June. Fall ball starts end of August through October. All the contact information can be found on the league website. This is for girls 5-18 years of age that are interested in playing softball.

Funding: Each child/family pays a fee to play in the season with fundraising options at sign-ups. We rely on sponsorships from local companies as well to help fund the league expenses and pay for upkeep and improvements of the fields.

Major fundraisers: Currently, we only do candy sales for fundraising.

Contact: Recommend referring to website for contact information. u The Exceptionals Website: www.bsgsa.net Role in the community: This organization is for those mentally and/or physically handicapped and incapable of playing in other baseball/softball leagues. Season runs from May to June.

Games are played in Hidden Valley Park and participation is free to anyone from the area.

Contact: Refer to website for contact information.

TRACK & FIELD

u Eastern Jackson County Track Club Address: 1209 Graystone Drive, Grain Valley Phone number: 816-847-0252 Website: https://ejcrunnerstrackclub. com/EJCRUNNERSTRACKCLUB.php Part of the community for four years Role in the community: To provide a track club that is open to kids in the KC metro area.

More about EJC Track Club: We offer track and field/cross country to kids ages 5-18 years of age. We host 3 developmental track meets during the spring and host the Meet of Champions (a Missouri/ Kansas All-Star track for graduating seniors.) We are hosts of several free track clinics during the summer time.

Funding: We are a non-profit organization sponsored by East Side Baptist Church Contact: Chris Earley – 847-0252.

Email the commissioner at commissioner@bsyvl.com

VOLLEYBALL

u Blue Springs Youth Volleyball League

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2012

Blue Springs City Guide 69

THINGS TO DO RECREATION: FROM PAGE 67

jacksongov.org/parks/#Landahl.

u Landahl Park Located 2 miles east of Missouri 7 on Truman Road.

Landahl Park is a 1,397-acre county park in eastern Independence near Blue Springs, east of Missouri 7 and south of Truman Road.

The former Lake City Park Reserve was renamed William L. Landahl Park Reserve in honor of the former Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department director.

The park includes miles of trails for mountain biking. The park also includes horseback riding trails, soccer fields, a softball field, a picnic shelter and many picnic tables, camping, hiking, and cross country skiing in the winter. The newest facility is an archery range complex with static targets and three walking courses.

For more information, contact Jackson County Parks and Recreation at 816-503-4805 or visit http://www.

u Crossfire Recreational Center 21200 E. Truman Road, Independence 816-796-0023 Crossfire Recreational Center LLC is an indoor firing range for pistol and archery practice. The range offers 10 firearm-shooting lanes for users to hone their shooting skills. The firearm lanes can accommodate most pistol cartridges, .22 caliber rifles, and carbine type rifles shooting pistol ammunition. National Rifle Association training classes are available in basic pistol shooting, shooting fundamentals and marksmanship. Instructional and conceal and carry classes are available Memberships are available for $50 for one person or $85 for two people.

Members shoot for $6 per day. Nonmembers can shoot for $8.50 per hour or $11.50 for two people per

YOUTH SPORTS: FROM PAGE 68 Website: www.bsyvl.com Part of the community since 1998 Role in the community: Introducing girls to volleyball and developing their fundamentals in a participation league format.

More about BS Youth Volleyball League: Our sign ups are typically two Saturdays in July and games are Saturdays in September and October. We’re always looking for people to coach teams and be involved in keeping the league going.

Funding: Registration fees

WRESTLING

u Blue Springs South Youth Jaguars Wrestling Address: 1200 SE Adams Dairy Rd Phone number: 816-582-6011 Role in the community: Youth club is for kids in kindergarten till the 8th grade.

Club starts up right around Thanksgiving and goes through March. Practices are held 2-3 nights per week.

Contact: Doug Black at dblack@bssd. net

BISCUITS ARE GOOD. BIG BISCUITS ARE BETTER. • Black Angus Burgers • Tenderloins • Big Salads • Breakfast Served All Day Mon.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Sun. 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Blue Springs 530 N. 7 Hwy. 816-229-3108

Independence 16506 East 40 Hwy., 816-478-6958

hour.

Crossfire is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www. crossfirerec.com/ for more information. u Lake City Range and Training Center 28505 East Truman Road, Buckner The Lake City Public Range and Training Center offers a number of training options. Whether it is shooting clay pigeons, or targets on the rifle and pistol ranges, Lake City has amenities for any skill level. The center offers 20 covered firing positions.

Targets on the rifle and pistol ranges cost $3 per hour, and the trap shooting houses run for $3 per shooter per round (25), but trap shooters must provide their own clay pigeons.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m., May 2 through Sept. 16, and noon to 4:30

p.m., Sept. 19 through April 30. The range is open Wednesday through Sunday and special deer-sighting hours are available 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 through Nov. 11, except Mondays, Tuesdays and all state and federal holidays.

Groups wanting to use the range must schedule times in advance by contacting the training center supervisor at 816-249-3194. Group reservations are only available when the center is closed.

The center offers one-day hunter education classes on the second Saturday of each month. Call 816655-6250 to register.

To get the Lake City Range take Missouri 7 north 4 miles from Interstate 70 to Highway FF (Old Truman Road.) Turn right on FF and follow it for 2 miles.

For more information, visit http:// mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/ lake-city-shooting-range.

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THINGS TO DO

• City parks

There’s a park nearby, everywhere If you want to have fun in Blue Springs, go to a park.

Lakes, playgrounds, swimming pools, softball and baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis, volleyball basketball courts, and much more are some of the amenities the parks system offers Blue Springs residents. The city has received numerous awards for its park, and many of the activities held in the parks are free.

Here is a list: u BAUMGARDNER PARK 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive This 12-acre park offers tennis courts, volleyball courts, a baseball field, playground equipment, and restroom and shelter facilities. Located across from Blue Springs High School, it is the home of The Blue – the new moniker for the Centennial PoolPlex – equipped with a 25-yard indoor pool and a 50-meter outdoor pool for competitive, instructional and recreational use. The PoolPlex also offers an outdoor wading pool.

Entry fee to the PoolPlex is $5. Kids 3 and under are admitted free. u BLUE SPRINGS PARK 2204 S.W. South Ave. Blue Springs Park is the first park acquired by the city of Blue Springs.

The 14 acres accommodate lighted softball, tennis and basketball courts as well as unlighted fields. A sand volleyball court is also available as well as a playground, two shelters and barbecue areas. The park is handicapped accessible. u BURRUS OLD MILL PARK 112 N.W. Woods Chapel Road Located on the spot where the City of Blue Springs was founded, Burrus Old Mill Park is one of the oldest parks in Blue Springs. The spring nearby gave Blue Springs its name.

With baseball and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball and basketball

courts, this 14-acre park has a lot to offer. It also houses the first skate park in Blue Springs. u FRANKLIN SMITH SCHOOL PARK 1609 S.W. Clark Road Owned by the Blue Springs School District, this 4-acre park stands adjacent to Franklin Smith Elementary School. It is equipped with practice soccer and softball fields. It is also used for the school’s physical education programs. u JAMES WALKER SCHOOL PARK 214 S.E. Walnut St. The baseball field, basketball court and soccer field on this 8-acre park are used by students of James Walker Elementary School as well as youth leagues and the surrounding neighborhood. The park also features Blue Springs’ second skate park. u KEYSTONE PARK 2214 S.W. Keystone Drive Known for being the place to be when it snows, due to its large hills, Keystone Park also offers two lighted softball fields, a playground, walking and jogging trails, and barbecue and picnic areas on its 42 acres. u PINK HILL PARK 2715 N.W. Park Drive Sitting on 40 acres, this park is equipped with three lighted baseball fields, two soccer fields, two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, three playgrounds, one ADA accessible, and a competition BMX race course.

There are also five shelters and horseshoe pits. u ROTARY PARK AT RAILROAD LAKE 600 N.W. Vesper St. Home of the Blue Springs Annual Music in the Park concert series each summer, the 12-acre park also is a

well-known venue for birthday parties, picnics and weddings. The park also has many amenities such as Railroad Lake, a gazebo, tennis courts, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a walking trail and restroom and shelter facilities. The park also has horseshoe pits and the largest playground in the Blue Springs Park System. It displays several pieces of public art and is connected to Vesper Hall. u WARD PARK 1000 S.W. 22nd St. Located in an established residential area, the 13-acre park offers two shelters, picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts, and a walking and jogging trail. u WILBUR YOUNG PARK 1100 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway Opened in 2010, an 18-hole disc golf course, is the newest addition to Wilbur Young Park. It is on the north end of the Park. The course offers league play every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Cost for league play is $5 for amateurs and $7 for professionals.

Wilbur Young Park is a 40-acre facility that also features six tennis courts, four sand volleyball courts, three softball fields with concessions and restrooms, a lighted basketball court, a playground, and a shelter.

The pond located on the grounds is maintained by Blue Springs South High School science classes. u WOODS CHAPEL PARK 3925 N.W. Dogwood Terrace Surrounded by residential homes, this 10-acre park offers a playground, a small pond, a walking trail, and a shelter area with barbecue grills and picnic tables.

For more information on the Blue Springs park system, visit http:// mo-bluesprings.civicplus.com/ – Jeff Martin

u GREGORY O. GROUNDS PARK 1901 N.E. Jefferson St. Gregory O. Grounds Park is the newest park added to Blue Springs. After the completion of the first phase of construction, the park houses Lake Remembrance where fishing is allowed with a permit. There are three different park access points, a walking trail and restroom facilities.

The park also features a 2.7acre off-leash dog park. The open space and shade make it friendly for pets and owners.

At least three more phases are planned which would include a skate park, basketball courts, playgrounds, practice ball fields and a soap-box derby track. Further construction has been postponed because of insufficient funding.

Post 499/Fike pitcher Jordan Oddo at Hidden Valley. u HIDDEN VALLEY PARK SPORTS COMPLEX 6500 N.W. Valley View Road The Hidden Valley Sports Complex is the most used parks in Blue Springs. The 116-acre facility features multiple football and soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, and volleyball courts. There are plenty of picnic areas, an ADA accessible play area and lots of parking.

The facility is also home to the city’s annual Barbeque Blazeoff competition.

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THINGS TO DO eR

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Jackson County parks and historical sites

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Facility information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Adair Park Blue and Gray Reserve Blue River Parkway Fleming Park (Blue Springs Lake) Fleming Park (Lake Jacomo) Fort Osage Park Hayes Park Landahl Park Reserve Little Blue Trace Reserve Longview Lake Missouri Town 1855 Monkey Mountain Reserve River Bluff Reserve Salem Park Truman Courtroom Truman Sports Park Vest Pocket Parks William Klein (Cave Springs)

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