Blue Springs Guide 2011

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2 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

Chamber of Commerce

Blue Springs

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• 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.

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• 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.

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The Examiner

M

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Blue Springs Location

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 3

EYERS

funeral chapels

"How Does Meyers Funeral Chapels serve their communities?"

• We offer live webcasting capabilities for families with out-of-town relatives • In these difficult economic times, we are here to help. We offer discounts and savings, including a special veterans discount.

Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland Location

• We offer affordable cremations plans for all incomes.

• Our Pre-Arranged trust account is held locally, helping to support our bank.

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• We are a proud supporter of many little league teams and our high school athletic teams.

• We are also a proud supporter or our area churches and civic organizations.

• Every year we proudly present the Jimmy Meyers Baseball Scholarship.

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4 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

The Examiner Independence • Blue Springs • Grain Valley

Publisher Steve Curd

816-350-6311 • steve.curd@examiner.net

Executive Editor Sheila Davis

816-350-6365 sheila.davis@examiner.net

Advertising Director David T. Lammers

816-350-6326 dave.lammers@examiner.net

Marketing Director Sharon Dankenbring

816-350-6341 sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net

Production Manager Matt Goodspeed

816-350-6353 matt.goodspeed@examiner.net

Business Manager Deneane Hyde

816-350-6342 deneane.hyde@examiner.net

Circulation Director Peggy Paul

816-350-6346 peggy.paul@examiner.net

New Media Emilee Bilyeu

816-350-6372 emilee.bilyeu@examiner.net

Managing Editor Karl Zinke

816-350-6316 karl.zinke@examiner.net

The Examiner, (USPS 260-540) established in 1898, is a locally managed division of GateHouse Media Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y. It is published daily Tuesday through Saturday except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Periodical postage paid, Independence, Mo. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051-0459.

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The paper is printed five days a week – Tuesday through Saturday – and offers the voice of many local columnists.

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The Examiner is a locally managed division of GateHouse Media Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y. To subscribe, call 350-6302.

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The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 5

WHAT’S INSIDE Demographics Growth – 6 By the numbers – 6

History

Blue Springs origins – 7

Government

Mayor Q&A – 7 City Council – 8 Boards & Commissions – 10 City staff – 11 State delegation – 14 & 15 State officials – 15 Jackson County – 16 Federal delegation– 17

Public safety

CJC Fire Chief Q&A –18 CJC Fire Protection District – 19 Police Chief Q&A – 20 Sheriff, Highway Patrol – 20 Blue Springs Police – 23

Community

Recycling – 24 Utilities –24 Voting – 25 Post offices – 25 Veterans organizations – 26 Public art – 27 Vesper Hall – 27 Licenses – 28 Libraries – 29 Family Week – 29 Pets – 30 Animal hospitals – 31 Buses – 36 Barbeque Blaze-Off – 36 Fall Fun Fest – 37 StandUp Blue Springs – 38 City Administrator Q&A – 43 Civic organizations – 43

Education

High schools – 44 Middle schools – 44

Elementary schools – 44 Superintendent Q&A – 45 Board of Education – 45 MCC-Blue River – 46 Area colleges – 46 Rainbow Center – 47 School of Economics – 47 District administration – 48 Private Schools – 48 Home schooling – 48

Business

Chamber of Commerce – 49 Chamber president Q&A – 49 Business organizations – 49

Helping hands

Eastland Community Foundation – 49 Community Services League – 50 Truman Heartland Community Foundation – 50

Health

Community Blood Center – 51 Comprehensive Mental Health – 64 Women’s health – 60 Public health services – 61 Cancer Action – 61 Hospitals – 62 St. Mary’s CEO Q&A – 64 St. Mary’s Medical Center – 65

Things to Do

Outdoors recreation – 66 City parks – 68 Burr Oak Woods – 69 Centennial Pool-Plex – 71 Youth sports – 73 Fine arts – 76 Blue Springs Ballet – 76 City Theatre – 76 Recreation/Golf – 77 County parks – 82

Religion

Churches – 80 & 81

6 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

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 Ponzer Youngquist PA M.A.C. Corporation Billups, Snyder & Associates, Insurance Agency Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation Metcalf Bank Incite International, Inc Rainbow Center Blue Springs Ford America's Community Bank Sissy Reed Blue Springs Historical Society Blue Springs R-IV School District Central Jackson Co Fire Protection Dist City of Blue Springs J C Hunter Realtor, Inc First American Title Co John Hardy State Farm Insurance

CPROS, Inc McCamm Management Co dba McDonalds Cosentino Price Chopper South Cosentino Price Chopper North Steve Steiner UMB Bank The Village Gardens Patrick Goldsworthy, DC PC Adams Pointe Conference Center Spring Oak Property Management Stewart Title of Kansas City Zuvers Real Estate Zarda Bar-B-Q Fullerton & Co, LLC, CPA's The Examiner Kennedy's Custom Jewelers, Inc Special Events That Catering Company

Guests always welcome.

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

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 Average household size: 2.82 u Median household income (in $2009 inflation-adjusted dollars): $70,097 u Per capita income (in 2009 inflation-adjusted dollars): $28,309 u Male: 26,412 (2009 estimate) u Female: 28,247 (2009 estimate) u Male, now married, except separated (population 15 years or older): 12,518 u Female, now married, except separated (population 15 years or older): 12,216 u Median Age: 35.1 years u Under 6 years: 4,670 u 18 years and older: 39,373, 72 percent u 65 years and older: 4,555 u Median value of owner-occupied homes: $151,000 u Races: white – 92.3 percent, African American – 3.2 percent, Hispanic

– 2.3 percent, Asian – 1.2 percent. u High school graduate or higher (age 25 years or older): 93.8 percent u Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25 years and older): 30.7 percent u Civilian veterans (population 18 years and older): 4,515 u In labor force (population 16 years and older): 31,018 u Mean travel time to work: 25.2 minutes u Families below poverty level: 6 percent u Individuals below poverty level: 7 percent u Total housing units: 20,525 u Occupied housing units: 19,305 u Owner-occupied housing units: 14,758 u Renter-occupied housing units: 4,547 – Information from 2010 U.S. Census; 2005-09 American Community Survey

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 7

2011

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 midwife who brought newborn babies into the world.

Mrs. Harris tended an herb garden and was the neighborhood pharma-

Portraits of the past Ted Stillwell cist. 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 attorney, 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 the present 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 locate 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 DillinghamLewis House, where the two-story hotel is under renovation.

Reference: The Blue Springs Historical Society.

GOVERNMENT

• Carson Ross

Q&A questions

answers

Blue Springs Mayor

1

What challenges have you faced this past year?

Blue Springs, as well as every other local government nationally, is being asked to do more with less. Last year, we as a Council adopted our guiding principals to help guide our budget decision as we prioritize projects and continue to maximize our revenue dollars. We are committed to continuing to provide

the services that create the high quality of life we enjoy in Blue Springs. Better times are ahead, and we continue to position ourselves for when the times do change. I believe that we have developed a world class 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, 40 and 7 Highway,

Downtown and the Adams Dairy corridor.

2

What are the three areas you will be concentrating on in the coming year?

My focus as mayor has and will continue to be centered on strengthening our business environment, promoting public safety and investing in our infrastructure and quality of life initiatives. Specifically, my focus along with the City Council’s is to support the continued initiatives of the EDC (Missouri Innovation Park,) Chamber of Commerce (Buy Blue Springs Campaign) and the Downtown Alive group; implement the public safety sales tax initiatives approved by MORE ON PAGE 38

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8 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Blue Springs City Council

City’s representatives elected to three-year terms Dale Carter

JEFF QUIBELL

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

Carter has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 20 years. They have four children, Andrew, Nicholas, Matthew and Jonathan. Carter is employed as a radio personality for KFKF (94.1 FM).

District 1 Returned to his former seat after he was elected in April 2011. As a previous District 1 council member, Quibell, who owns his own business, helped the city realize new retail opportunities, as well as redevelopment projects throughout the city. He has been married to Wanda since 1984 and they have two daughters, Crystal and Ashley.

CHRIS LIEVSAY

District 2 Lievsay has lived in Blue Springs most of his life. Elected to serve in 2010, Lievsay has served as chairman of the Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens Advisory Board.

He also serves as president of the Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. He is married to Grace.

KENT EDMONDSON

District 2 Edmondson was elected in April 2008.

He’s been a resident for 33 years, including the last 22 in District 2. He has served as a Main Street business owner with Kwik Kopy Printing since 1989. He has been married to Sue Ann for 25 years and have three sons and two grandchildren.

RON FOWLER

District 3 A resident since 1986, Fowler has served as a council member since 1992 and was re-elected in April. He is employed at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant as a mission assurance engineer. Along with his love of water-related activities, Ron is an avid golfer and cyclist. He has two sons, Ryan and Jeff.

GRANT BOWERMAN

Grant Bowerman

District 3 A resident of the city for more than 23 years, Bowerman was elected to the district in April 2010. He works for Traffic Control Corporation. The U.S. Navy veteran and his wife, Jane, have been married for more than 35 years. They have three grown children: Rachel, Sarah and David.

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The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 9

10 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Boards and commissions

Citizens help shape direction of city peals 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.

The mayor and City Council appoint civic-minded residents from a list of applicants to serve on a variety of boards and commissions.

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

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.

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

Board of Zoning Adjustment

This board hears and decides ap-

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.

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.

Historic Preservation Personnel Board Commission This board advises the City Council, This commission serves in an advisory capacity to the mayor and City Council, the Planning Commission and the Community Development director.

city administrator and human resources director on matters relating to perMORE ON PAGE 42

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1

Roano ke Dr

sridge

Dr

Pk w y

Department heads run city

70

15th St

King

RD Mize Rd

RD Mize Rd

Vesper St

Main St

22nd St

Woods Chapel Rd

Valley View Rd

Duncan Rd

airy

Adams Dairy Rd

70

Ada ms D

7

Duncan Rd

Rd

Walnut St

2

South Ave

40

40 19th St

AA Hwy

Clark Rd

Taylor Rd

r

Moreland School Rd

Todd Pelham Scott Allen Assistant.city admin. Comm. develoment 816-228-0110 816-228-0707

Christine Cates Finance 816-228-0202

u City council districts

7

Wyatt Rd

Wyatt Rd Harris-Potts Rd Shrout Rd

Cowherd Rd

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

Rd Cook Rd

ett

Adams Dairy Pkwy

ne D

3 Lig g

Eric Johnson City administrator 816-228-0110

sto Key

n Fowler strict 3

• City staff

Pink Hill Rd

ize

s Lievsay strict 2

GOVERNMENT

M

nie Lauer strict 1

Blue Springs City Guide 11

2011

RD

n

ator

The Examiner

Mason School Rd

Colbern Rd

Fiscal Year 2011 City Council Districts

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

Wayne McCoy Roscoe Righter Parks and Recreation Police chief 816-228-0164 816-228-0137

Dan Hood Information technology 228-0232

12 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

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Corporate Meetings Adjacent to: Adams Pointe Conference Center and Adams Pointe Golf Club

Weddings

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The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 13

14 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Blue Springs state delegation: Representatives State Rep. Jeanie Lauer

Republican, Blue Springs District 54: This district is roughly a rectangle running on the north of Interstate 70 from Missouri 291 in southeast Independence to the Lafayette County line. It includes Blue Springs north of I-70 and much of the city south of I70 and west of Missouri 7. It includes unincorporated parts of Jackson County north of Grain Valley and Oak Grove.

Committees: Local Government, Jeanie Lauer Small Business, Tax Reform, Economic Development, the Special Standing Committee on Disability Services.

Contact her: u Email: Jeanie.Lauer@house.mo.gov u District phone: 816-228-9152 u Capitol phone: 573-751-1487 u Capitol fax: 573-526-2619 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 415A Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

State Rep. Sheila Solon

Republican, Blue Springs District 55: This district is roughly an east-towest rectangle between Interstate 70 and Wyatt Road from Oak Grove to the east side of Blue Springs. It also goes north of I-70 in Oak Grove and Grain Valley. In Blue Springs, the district includes the area east of Missouri 7 between I-70 and a line roughly even with Wyatt. To the west of M-7, it includes the area between Sheila U.S. 40 and Southcrest Drive. That’s the area north of Blue Springs Chris- Solon tian Church. The district runs as far west as Liggett Road in places.

Committees: Local Government, Appropriations – Public Safety and Corrections, International Trade and Job Creation, Downsizing State Government.

Contact her: u Email: Sheila.Solon@house.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-8636 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 305B Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

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State Rep. Mike Cierpiot

Republican, Lee’s Summit District 56: This district is prmarily in Lee’s Summit but also includes Lake Tapawingo, the Fleming Park area, Lakewood and portions of Blue Springs generally south of Wyatt Road.

Committees: Cierpiot is chairman of the Transportation Funding and Public Institutions Committee.

He also serves on the Elections, Utilities, and Crime Prevention and Public Mike Cierpiot Safety committees.

Contact him: u Email: Mike.Cierpiot@house.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-0907 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 305A Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 15

2011

GOVERNMENT

• State: Senators

• Missouri

State Sen. Will Kraus

Executives, legislatures run state

Republican, Lee’s Summit District 8: This district includes most of Eastern Jackson County, including Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, Buckner, Levasy, Sibley and the area generally east of Sugar Creek between the Missouri River and U.S. 24.

Committees: Kraus is vice chair of the Ways and Means and Fiscal Oversight Committee. He also serves on Will these committees: Appropriations; Kraus Government Accountability; Judiciary and Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence; Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections.

Contact him: u Email: use www.senate.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-1464 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 220 Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

Missouri is home to almost 6 million people.

Jefferson City has been the capital city since 1826 – just five years after statehood – because of its central location.

The state government 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 mid-May and again in late summer to considering 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 it

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. The governor then 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.

For more information, visit www.missouri.gov. The General Assembly Web site is at www.moga.mo.gov. u Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, 573-7513222, www.gov.mo.gov u Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, 573-7514727, www.ltgov.mo.gov u Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, 573-7514936, www.sos.mo.gov u State Auditor Thomas A. Schweich, 573-7514824, www.auditor.mo.gov u Attorney General Chris Koster, 573-7513222, www.ago.mo.gov u State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, 573-751-2441, www.treasurer.mo.gov

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16 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Jackson County

County led by executive, legislature 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. The county executive runs the county day to day, although the county prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run their offices independently of the executive.

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

Executive Mike The county is responsible for many roads, mostly in Sanders 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. Mike Sanders has served as the county executive since 2006. He was re-elected in April after running unopposed.

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. In the spring of 2011, a committee created new districts, which will be in effect in time for the 2014 elections.

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

u 1ST District – Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. The 1st District is represented by Burnett of 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. The 2nd District is represented by Tindall of Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3163.

That district is in Kansas City, roughly a rectangle bounded by Blue Ridge Cut-off, I-470 and I-435, Troost and Truman Road.

Scott Burnett

u 4TH District – Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City. The 4th District is represented by Tarwater of 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.

Dan Tarwater

u 6TH District – Bob Spence, R-Lee’s Summit. The 6th District is represented by Spence of 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.

Greg Grounds

Bob Spence

At-large districts:

THE LEGISLATURE The six districts: u 3RD District – Dennis Waits, D-Independence. The 3rd District is represented by Waits of 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.

James Tindall

Dennis Waits

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

The 5th District is represented by Grounds of 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.

Theresa Garza Ruiz

u 1st District at large – Theresa Garza Ruiz, DBlue Springs. The 1st District at large, represented by Ruiz of Blue Springs, includes Independence. Ruiz 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. The 2nd District at large is represented by Williams of 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.

Crystal

Fred Arbanas

u 3RD District AT LARGE – Fred Arbanas, Williams D-Lee’s Summit. The 3rd District at large is represented by Arbanas of Lee’s Summit, a Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer. He can be reached at 816-881-4477.

The district includes Raytown, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Greenwood and Lake Lotawana.

– Jeff Fox

The Examiner

2011

GOVERNMENT

• Federal delegation u Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who lives in St. Louis.

Her Washington office is at 717 Hart Building. Phone: 202-2246154.

Her Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 101.

Phone: 816-421-1639.

Website: http://mccaskill.senate.gov/ Her term ends in 2013.

Claire McCaskill

u Sen. Roy blunt, a Republican from Strafford, Mo. His Washington office is at 260 Russell Senate Office Building.

Phone: 202-224-5721.

His Kansas City office is at 911 Main St., Suite 2224. Phone: 816-471-7141.

Website: http://blunt.senate.gov/public/ His term ends in 2017.

Roy Blunt

u U.S. REP. SAM GRAVES, a Republican from Tarkio, Mo., represents Missouri’s 6th District. The district includes 26 counties, mostly in northwestern Missouri but also parts of Jackson County, including a part of northern Blue Springs.

His Washington office is at 1415 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-225-7041. Website: www.house.gov/graves/ His office in Liberty is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, suite 100. Phone: 816-792-3976.

His mobile office makes periodic stops in Eastern Jackson County. His term ends in 2013.

Sam Graves

u U.S. REP. VICKY HARTZLER, a Republican from Harrisonville, Mo., represents Missouri’s 4th District. The district includes much of western and central Missouri, including Oak Grove south of Interstate 70.

Her Washington office is at 1023 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-225-0148 Her Harrisonville office is at 1909 N. Commercial St. Phone: 816-884-3411 Website: http://hartzler.house.gov/ Her term ends in 2013.

Vicky Hartzler

Blue Springs City Guide 17

18 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Steve Westermann

Q&A questions

answers

CJC Fire Protection Chief

1

What’s new and exciting this year at CJC? The CJC Emergency Medical Services Education Division is seeking international accreditation as an accredited educational institution. A portion of the process includes affiliation with a university or college, eligibility for federal student loans and tuition assistance, and other benefits. The entire process takes two to three years to complete successfully

and CJCFPD is in its second year of the process. We are confident that we will receive the accreditation in the fall of this year and we will be the first in the KC metro to receive it.

2

Has there been any talk of expanding coverage area for the CJC district? If so, what would that entail and what are the benefits?

There are no active discussions to expand the CJC

coverage area, but we are always open to offers of consolidation and expansion. The bottom line is “what is best for our citizens and those we serve?” The current economic situation and changes in the fire service naturally lead towards collaboration and working together.

We work professionally and cooperatively to provide the best service possible to all we serve and constantly work to provide more efficient services more economically.

3

Can you tell us a little bit about CJC’s new training facility?

With the gracious support of our citizens, we were able to obtain an existing commercial building to transform into an outstanding education and maintenance facility after outgrowing the old one. We are fortunate to offer nationally

recognized emergency medical education and fire training in a large number of forums as well as maintain our trucks and equipment for immediate response. Medical conferences, national courses, and other programs are offered at the new training facility and with attendees from across the country, registration fees help offset the cost of the training center’s operation.

What new features and/or programs are in the works for CJC? The Vital Heart program is an effort to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death in our communities. The goal is to train more citizens in CPR, make automatic external defibrillators more available, and increase survival for heart attack victims. Partnered with Zoll Medical, CJCFPD is embracing this

4

initiative and taking steps with community leaders, healthcare professionals and businesses to make the program a reality.

5

Where would you like CJC to be in five years?

In five years, our goal is to still be providing the best services possible to our citizens.

EMS Education accreditation, renewal of the Fire Service accreditation, reducing the number of sudden cardiac deaths in our communities and reducing injuries and loss of property from fire and accidents are short term and long term goals of CJCFPD. As our mission states, we are committed to the preservation and protection of life and property, fully dedicated to the communities we serve.

– Jeff Martin

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 19

2011

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Central Jackson County Fire District

CJC Fire Protection District serves large area, population The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District serves customers within 65 square miles: Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo and unincorporated areas of the county.

The population is approximately 85,000.

The district, which celebrated its 50th year, employs 140 people, with 100 being firefighters, four fire inspectors and the rest being clerical and maintenance workers.

The central headquarters are at 805 N.E. Jefferson at Adams Dairy Parkway and Interstate 70. Other stations are at Kingsridge just east of Woods Chapel Road, south of Blue Springs South High School on Adams Dairy Parkway, U.S. 40 and 10th Street in Blue Springs and in Grain Valley.

Most of the calls are in Blue Springs, with 80 percent of those calls medical related and the remaining being fires, accidents and alarms, according to district officials. A fire truck accompanies the ambu-

lance on medical calls for service to give extra hands and support to take care of the patient.

New in 2010 was the district’s training facility on U.S. 40, one of the few such centers in Jackson County. Several classes for staff and the public are offered throughout the year.

The district has a fully operational HAZMAT unit that responds to accidental chemical spills and suspected methamphetamine labs. The unit is a joint effort with Sni Valley Fire Protection District in Oak Grove and Fort Osage Fire Protection District in Buckner.

The district was formed in 1961 after community members realized the potential for growth.

Before that, Blue Springs Fire Department had been serving the community. When the district formed, it replaced the Blue Springs Fire Department, Grain Valley Fire Department and Lake Tapawingo Fire Department.

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20 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Wayne McCoy

neighborhoods. The Citizen Public Safety Board issues quarterly reports to ensure that funding is spent as promised and that the established goals are being met.

Q&A questions

3

answers

Blue Springs Police Chief

1

How safe is Blue Springs compared to other cities its size?

Blue Springs is a safe community. In 2010, as reported by Missouri Uniform Crime Report, cities of our size had an average of 2.4 violent crimes reported per 1,000 population; Blue Springs had only 1.8 violent crimes per 1,000 population in 2010, 25 percent below the average. Violent crimes include homicide, rape, robbery and arson. The awareness of Blue Springs citizens and their will-

ingness to partner with BSPD is a significant factor in keeping our crime rate low.

2

Can you tell us about the recently passed sales tax and what it will fund?

The public safety sales tax provides funding in three areas including equipment, personnel and facilities. The first step is to replace our outdated communication system (as mandated by the federal government) and provide additional officers for safety in our

How many divisions does the department have and how many lieutenants, sergeants and patrol officers do you have on staff?

BSPD has three bureaus, including the Patrol Operations Bureau, Staff Services Bureau and Community and Youth Outreach Bureau, each overseen by a single commander at the rank of captain. Our department currently has 89 authorized sworn officer positions (including two lieutenants in Patrol), which will increase to 99 sworn officers once the public safety sales tax is fully implemented.

What is the department’s greatest asset?

The easy – and true – an-

4

swer is our people. I would expand that to say that it is the character of our people that is so important. Not only do BSPD employees have integrity, compassion and work ethic, but they have a sincere desire to enhance the quality of life in Blue Springs.

5

What challenges does the department face in the coming year?

Implementation of the public safety sales tax projects will take a great amount of planning and implementation, especially the new communication system and the hiring of the best possible personnel. Maintaining our effective crime prevention, training and enforcement programs at current high levels during the time that we will be implementing upcoming changes is a great challenge that we expect to meet.

– Jeff Martin

• County Sheriff, Highway Patrol

Agencies protect citizens 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.

Coverage responsibilities include Jackson, Bates, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Platte, Ray and Saline counties.

The Troop A office phone number is 816-622-0800.

– Jeff Martin

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 21

22 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

State

The Examiner

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816-229-7878

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The Examiner

2011

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Blue Springs Police

City’s police department has many different units BLUE SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT 1100 S.W. Smith St. Blue Springs, Mo 64015 Phone: 228-0164 Fax: 816-228-0147

Staff

Wayne McCoy: Chief of Police: 816228-0164 Raquel Stark: Administrative Secretary: 816-228-0164.

Doug Heishman: Crime Prevention Officer: 816-228-0178 Ed “Doc” Golden: Director of Volunteers in Police Services: 816-228-0178 Amber Grice: Crisis Counselor: 816228-0178 Kerri Welch: Crisis Counselor: 816228-0178 Karen Foster: Property Room Custodian: 816-228-0239

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY AND YOUTH STANDARDS BUREAU Phone: 816-228-0170 OUTREACH UNIT Fax: 816-228-0147 205 S.W. 11th St. Blue Springs, Mo 64015 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.

The Professional Standards Bureau consists of the Communications Unit, Blue Springs Police Deparment Accreditation and Internal Affairs.

Bob Harman: School Resource Officer: 816-228-0178 Tammy Kunkel: Secretary: 816-2280178 Allen Kintz: Sergeant for Crime Prevention: 816-228-0178 Van Fredrickson: School Resource Officer: 816-228-0178 Jason Floyd: School Resource Officer: 816-228-0178 Ralph Covington: School Resource Officer: 816-228-0178 Terri Klote: School Resource Officer: 816-228-0178

OPERATIONS BUREAU

Staff

Staff

Robert Morton: Captain, Professional Standards Bureau: 816-228-0164 Raquel Stark: Administrative Secretary: 816-228-0164

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

James Snyder: Captain, Operations Bureau: 816-228-0151 Judy Hotmer: Administrative Secretary: 816-228-0149 – Jeff Martin

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Blue Springs City Guide 23

24 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Recycling

Don’t just throw it away, recycle

There are no curbside recycling services offered in Blue Springs. However, several private recycling facilities are available: u Blue Springs Recycling Center 499 S. Missouri 7 (American Legion Post 499 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.

u 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. u 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. Satur-

days.

Cartridge World refills empty cartridges for inkjet and laser printers, photocopiers and fax machines. u 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. u Ripple Glass 1305 N. Missouri 7 (North Price Chopper parking lot) Ripple Glass accepts only glass products. Glass materials can be dropped in any of the purple Ripple Glass bins. For more information visit

www.rippleglasskc.com. u 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.

Several other facilities have recycling bins, including Timothy Lutheran Church at 500 N.W. R.D. Mize Road.

That bin accepts most aluminum, plastic, paper and paperboard.

For more information about Blue Springs recycling centers, visit www. bluespringsgov.com.

– Mikayla McLean

Other AREA 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 Southeast 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 – Mikayla McLean

• Utilities connections u Water • City of Blue Springs, ZIP codes 64014 and 64015; 816-228-0135 • 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 Electricity • Kansas City Power & Light, all ZIP codes; 816-471-5275. 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; 800-366-8201. u Sanitary sewer • City of Blue Springs, ZIP codes 64014, 64015, 64029 and 64064; 816228-0135.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 25

COMMUNITY

• Voting

Practice your civic duty Any person intending to vote is required to be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Citizens convicted of a felony must be off probation or parole.

In order to register to vote in Jackson County, citizens must be at least 17.5 years old at the time of registration and must be a resident of Jackson County.

Voting registration locations are as follows: u Blue Springs City Hall 903 W. Main St. Phone: 816-228-0110 u Blue Springs License Bureau 903 W. Main St. Phone: 816-228-0127 u Mid-Continent Public Library (South) 2220 S. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-229-3571

u Mid-Continent Public Library (North) 850 NW Hunter Drive Phone: 816-224-8772 Polling locations are decided shortly before the election. To find these locations, visit the Jackson County Election Board website at www.jcebmo.org.

– Mikayla McLean

• Post offices

Mail services available at three locations in city Need to mail a letter, get a passport or rent a post office box? Blue Springs has three post offices to meet your 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 12 p.m. Saturday. Last daily collection is 5:30 on weekdays and 2:30 on Saturdays. Passport processing and photos are available from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 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.

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

Boxes are rented for six-month or one-

year increments.

For more information, call 816-2298456. 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 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays to pick up bulk mail only. Customers will receive a notice from their mail carrier if they have mail waiting to be picked up.

Last daily collection is 5 p.m. on week days and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information, call 816-2297412. n 602 S.W. U.S. 40. The Hy-Vee post office express is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Last daily collection is 5 p.m. on weekdays only.

For more information, call 816-2244288.

– Elle Moxley

26 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Veterans

Organizations serve those who served There are several veteran organizations in the Blue Springs and its immediate surroundings. The following list is of those organizations and some of the services they provide. u American Legion Stanley-Pack Post 499: 816229-4990, 499 S.W. Missouri 7, www.alp499.org.

Chartered and incorporated 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 throughout the United States mentor and provide sponsorship youth programs, which in turn promote patriotism and honor, a strong national security and devotion to members.

The organization is nonprofit and depends upon active membership, participation and volunteers.

Call the Blue Springs chapter to see which programs are available.

Karry Boardman is Post 499’s commander. u The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vaughn-Hudnall Post 6603: 816-220-0515, S.W. Missouri 7, vfwwebcom.org/mo/post6603

The VFW offers a wide variety of 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.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November, 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: 816-796-8290,

1002 E. U.S. 24, Independence, Mo. Approximately 1.2 million men and women belong to the organization, which was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I. In 1932, the DAV was congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans.

In addition to representing veterans and their dependents with their claims, volunteers operate a comprehensive network of people who provide veterans free rides to and from VA medical facilities.

The DAV also runs Red Racks DAV Thrift Stores in the area, including one at 922 S.W. Missouri 7 in Blue Springs (816-874-8812, www.davthriftstores.com/).

Other area organizations include: 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, vfwwebcom.org/mo/post6603 – Karl Zinke

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 27

2011

COMMUNITY

• Public art

• Vesper Hall

Outdoor art displays Versatile facility can see 10th anniversary host parties, classes

Blue Springs has been accepting art for various public outdoor displays for 10 years this year, 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.

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.

The cost to the city is minimal. In 2007, for example, the commission received $15,000 from the city’s budget to fund the temporary art exhibits and some operating expenses. Of this amount, $11,000 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 “Inspired

Vesper Hall 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 equip-

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

(Above) ‘Duel Aspirations,’ by Jake Balcolm is one of four pieces of public art installed in March at Adams Dairy Landing. (Above left) ‘Arabian’

by Victoria Reed is one of the four new pieces at Adams Dairy Landing.

Visions.” When the call to artists was put out earlier this year, 24 artists responded, but when the program started 10 years ago, the applicants were fewer.

The art will be on display at the Adams Dairy Landing retail center.

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

This year’s art will be on display from April 1 to Sept. 30.

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

– Jeff Martin

ment, ceramic kiln and more.

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

Participants soon realize Vesper Hall is no ordinary older adult recreation center. 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

28 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Licenses

How to get your license DRIVER’S LICENSES Missouri driver’s licenses are available from through the Department of Revenue at serveral area locations.

The Blue Springs office is located at 903 Main Street. 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 16647 E. 23rd St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 816325-6177 for more information.

The Lee’s Summit testing location is 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 utility bill, pay check, 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 applicants 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 Street. 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.

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.

Effective Jan. 1, 2010, vehicles do not 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 must give permission if the applicant is age 15 to 17. 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 and need Social Security numbers and proper identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver’s license, Missouri ID, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa or U.S. entry stamp, military ID, certified 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 816-881-1577.

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., Suite 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.

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 of the 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.

– Elle Moxley

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 29

COMMUNITY

• Mid-Continent Public Library

Libraries offer more than books The Mid-Continent Public Library system has two branches in Blue Springs. Mid-Continent libraries are funded by local tax dollars. For more information visit the website at www.mymcpl.org.

which encourages children and teens to read during the summer by offering free books as rewards for meeting reading goals. To participate, sign up at any local branch.

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 WiFi access, as well as computers, printers and copy machines available for public use.

The North 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,

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 WiFi 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-Conti-

BRING THE Focus on families SECURITY OF AAA HOME The main goal of Family Week, held

• Family Week

each April, is to reinforce and stabilize families in the area.

Contests and prizes are available. A “Family of the Year” award is given out to a deserving family. The winning family is nominated by a non-family member with a 100- to 200-word essay discussing how the family puts each other first. All nominees and winning families are recognized at the Family of the Year Dinner and Reception, which kicks off the festivities.

Families may also fill out “Family Time” coupons explaining how they spend at least one hour together and what they accomplished during that time. The more coupons filled out, the greater chance the family has for winning a grand prize. Coupons are turned into participating businesses.

For more information, contact Diane Mack, Family Week coordinator, at 816838-0838 or Familyweek@juno.com.

Also visit the website at www.jacksoncountyfamilyweek.org.

These days it just makes “cents” to be a member. Not only for the security that AAA is known for, but for the many benefits that you receive when you join.

• 24-Hour Emergency Road Service

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• AUTO • HOME • LIFE •

Check our NEW LOWER RATES Call today for a free quote or to join the Auto Club

FREE USA MAP WITH QUOTE

William E. Arbuckle

(816) 224-9559

710 W. Main, Suite H Blue Springs, MO 64015

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

Sarah and Grace Klein search through their books during a meeting of the Book Nuts at the Blue Springs North Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library. nent branch. Library cards are free to sign up 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, Mo., School District and North Kansas City).

– Mikayla McLean

30 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Pets

Be a responsible pet owner 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 younger 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 816-2280149.

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 located at 1100 S.W. Smith St. in Blue Springs; on the second floor of the police station. It 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 six 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

Blue Springs has several veterinary clinics available for domestic pets. 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. u ERICSON VETERINARY HOSPITAL 1000 N.W. South Outer Road 186-229-8255 Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays. They have limited boarding space available for their clients (especially for large dogs), so call ahead to reserve a space.

– 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

The Examiner

Independence

SQUARE

2011

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32 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

Since 1949 816-252-6300 208 W. Lexington Ave Independence, MO 64050 Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm Thursday Open to 7pm

a fun and affordable boutique!

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

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 33

34 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

Dave's Bakery & Deli

Hot Breakfast, Fresh Homemade Deli Sandwiches, Ice Cream, Pastries, Cookies, Drinks and a lot more!

214 W. Maple Independence, MO 64050

"Best Sandwiches in Town"

816-461-0756 Mon.-Fri. 7:00-5:00 • Sat. 7:00-3:00

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

The Examiner

The Examiner

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36 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• KCATA

Take the bus

The Blue Springs Express gets riders from Blue Springs to downtown Kansas City during rush hour on weekdays.

There are four places in Blue Springs to catch the No. 170 between 5:42 a.m. and 7:14 a.m.: u White Oak Plaza at U.S. 40 and Missouri 7. u 11th Street and Smith Street (there’s a lot at 12th and Smith). u The commuter lot at Missouri 7 and North Ridge u The commuter lot at Interstate 70 and Woods Chapel Road.

The bus takes I-70 west into Kansas City and makes stops at 13th and Cherry, 11th and Grand, Pershing and Broadway, and Pershing and Grand. As one example, the ride from Woods Chapel and I-70 to 11th and Grand is scheduled to take 33 minutes.

In the afternoon, the bus leaves those downtown locations between 3:30 p.m. and 5:22 p.m.,

and it arrives in Blue Springs between 4:15 p.m. and 6:17 p.m.

The fare is $3, and a monthly pass is $90. (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 1100 S.W. Missouri 7.

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

The Kansas City Area Transit Authority runs Route 170 but has no other service in Blue Springs. Although a rider can catch any number of other ATA buses in downtown Kansas City, there is, for example, no service from Blue Springs to Independence or Lee’s Summit.

Regular bus fare is $1.50 ($50 for a monthly pass).

For more information, visit the website at kcata.org.

– Jeff Fox

• Barbeque Blaze-Off

Still smokin’ hot The Blue Springs Barbeque Blaze-Off is a long-standing tradition for the four-state area.

The focus is to provide the community with “good times, good friends, and great barbecue.”

This year will be the 27th anniversary of the barbecue contest and the fourth year that the event has taken place at Hidden Valley Park at 6500 N.W. Valley View Road. All proceeds benefit the Blue Springs Community Services League.

Each year the number of teams available reaches max capacity, so get your entry form in early. Over 70 teams will be competing this year’s event, which is scheduled for Sept. 1011.

Many teams travel the country to compete and show off their barbecue skills. Often friendships and rivalries develop between traveling teams.

The event features six categories with prize money for winning teams. This year, the prize money totals $10,000.

A free shuttle service will be available from John Nowlin School Friday evening from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Live music from local bands and a “Kid-Q” event round out the fun.

For more information, visit bluespringsblazeoff.com or call 816-2280238.

– Matt Mitchell

The competition gets hot and heavy – and tasty – at the Barbeque Blaze-Off each September at Hidden Valley Park. Doug Polc (left) turns his ribs for the Buzzard’s Roost BBQ team.

The Examiner/ ADAM VOGLER

The Examiner

2011

COMMUNITY

• Fall Fun Festival

Fun, food for all

The annual Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival will be held Sept. 16, 17 and 18 in downtown Blue Springs.

Every year the Fall Fun Fest draws crowds of more than 100,000 people to downtown Blue Springs for a weekend of family fun and entertainment. The festival has two stages for concerts and local performing groups; a carnival complete with fair games and rides; a Beer Garden and poker tournament; more than 280 food, craft and service vendors; and a children’s play area featuring a petting zoo and inflatable play sets. Additionally, the MoKan Dock Dogs will return for another year of competition and play.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Fall Fun Fest will host Eastern Jackson County’s largest parade.

The parade starts at 15th and Main streets and ends at St. John LaLande Catholic Church. The theme for 2011 is “Tom Sawyer.”

The Fall Fun Fest Beer Garden will be open Friday and Saturday. The main stage is located in the Beer Garden and will host the festival’s headliner bands. This year, Bransen Ireland will play Friday night and Trampled Under Foot will play Saturday. A poker tournament will be held in the Beer Garden Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Fall Fun Fest’s popular food vendors will be back for another year, including Timothy Lutheran steakburgers, BBQ sundaes, turkey legs, curly fries, funnel cakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade. The festival also includes ethnic foods and fair foods like corn dogs, kettle corn and cotton candy.

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

– Mikayla McLean

Full line WESTERN STORE at old fashioned prices....

FLETCHER’S J BAR S

Full Line of Western, English Saddles & Tack Hats • Boots • Shirts • Dresses • Coats and MUCH MORE

Eastern Jackson County’s Favorite Western Store For Over 39 Years!

1209 W. 40 Hwy • Blue Springs • 229-9829 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Lay-A-Way Available

f llection o Finest Co & Boots in r Wea Western Metro area! the Entire

Blue Springs Monuments  Since 1970 

• Markers • Single, Double • Mausoleums • Final Dates • Stone Repair • Government Markers Installed • Service in any cemetery

Dedra Arlint • 224-9395

Blue Springs City Guide 37

38 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Monica Meeks

Q&A questions

answers

Executive director of StandUp Blue Springs

1

What is StandUp Blue Springs?

StandUp is a nonprofit agency that engages local citizens in health, safety and community enrichment activities that serve 4,000 children and adults in Eastern Jackson County each year.

2

What projects should residents watch for in the coming year?

Our annual Princess Party, held the

first Saturday in October for girls ages 2 to 12 and their adult companions, supports our Dental for Kids program, which serves more than 2,200 children in Eastern Jackson County each year with no-cost dental care, health education and dental supplies. Our newest dental education component is Baby Sparkle Smile, which teaches proper dental care for infants, so we are equipped to present dental education to parents of newborns to children through grade 2. Parent groups and pre-schools can call to schedule

presentations. All of our programs are funded solely by individual donations, grants and proceeds from the Princess Party.

3

Why should people get involved in StandUp Blue Springs?

StandUp engages volunteers in programs that benefit the community. Our programs are identified by residents, generally through Citizen Summits.

For example, the Surgeon General has defined tooth decay and obesity as epidemics. Volunteers take a pro-active role in addressing these needs by encouraging better dental care, healthy eating and physical activities.

4

What can citizens do to help strengthen their community?

Get involved! StandUp relies on volunteers to donate dental care, present dental education, organize dental supply drives, and plan community activities that promote physical fitness and

healthy eating. While the list sounds varied, it all relates back to StandUp’s focus on children’s dental health and healthy lifestyle programs.

5

How is the Let’s Move! campaign progressing?

Citizen workgroups are planning to organize Let’s Move! Saturdays to increase physical fitness activities in the community; increase access to fresh produce through community gardening; work with the Blue Springs School District to expand its Back Snack program; support the Blue Springs site of Girls on the Run; and promote healthy food in schools. Blue Springs School District residents are invited to join these workgroups by calling StandUp at 816-478-4500 or emailing LetsMove@StandUpBlueSprings.org for more information or volunteer for StandUp. – Elle Moxley

Mayor: City ready to implement public safety sales tax CARSON ROSS: FROM PAGE 7 voters in April; and continue work on the voter approved bond projects for Woods Chapel, Moreland School Road, Sni-Bar Wastewater treatment plant, and Highway 7 and Colbern. I am also very excited about the progress our community is making on the yearlong Let’s Move! Blue Springs initiative.

3

Has the city accomplished any noteworthy goals this past year?

First and foremost, the approval of the dedicated public safety sales tax Initiative on the April 5 ballot was absolutely critical to the continued safety of our community. The City Council and I want to personally thank all the Blue Springs residents for your trust in our stewardship of your dollars. The men and women in our Police Department thank the voters for giving them the appropriate tools to keep our community safe. In March, Blue Springs was officially declared a Let’s Move! community and we have been working with StandUp Blue Springs to develop a comprehensive, citizen-generated community plan to build generations

of healthy citizens. We also are very proud of our popular and well received recycling center at Pink Hill Park. To further our commitment to a sustainable City, we will be co-hosting our first paper shredding/recycling event in with the Downtown Alive! group on July 30 in downtown Blue Springs.

How does the city plan to weather the current economic climate?

As stated before, the city is not immune to the current economic environment, and we have seen reductions in several of our main revenue sources, specifically in the area of development related fees. City administration has closely monitored our financial situation and provided the Council with an expenditure and capital spending plan that allows us to maintain essential services, especially in the areas of public safety and road 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 have also been working with the Chamber of Commerce’s

4

Buy Blue Springs and Discover Blue Springs programs help keep and attract revenue into our local economy.

5

Can you tell us about the city’s healthy life style initiative?

Physical fitness is very important to me. When I took office, I started the “March with the Mayor” program that invites the community to join me for a 30-minute walk in Blue Springs.

Earlier this year, we joined the Let’s Move! initiative and have worked with StandUp Blue Springs to host several Community Summits to adopt a longterm, sustainable, and holistic approach to fight childhood obesity. This initiative allows the city to partner with community stakeholders to address this important public health issue, with the overall goal being to develop a healthier city for residents of all ages.

I recently challenged area mayors to a (basketball shooting) game of M-AY-O-R as part of the Eastern Jackson County Municipal Challenge to show the importance of wellness and fellowship between neighboring communities. I am proud to say that Blue

Springs employees brought home the gold in the Municipal Challenge! What we hope to accomplish through these initiatives is to show that small lifestyle changes can add up to big health improvements.

– Jeff Martin

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 39

LEGALSERVICES ADAMS LAW OFFICES

Nell Adams • Attorney at Law

COCHRAN, OSWALD & ROAM, LLC

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AFFORDABLE LEGAL SERVICES Since 1985 • Bankruptcy •Family Law •Criminal • Probate/Wills • Traffic • Mediation Services • Other Legal Service

“A full service law firm serving Eastern Jackson County for over 44 years” •Corporate •Real Estate •Family Law •Personal Injury •DWI/Traffic •Social Security & Employee Rights •Wills & Estate Planning

2307 NW South Outer Road Suite 202 • Prudential Building Blue Springs, MO

(816) 229-8121

(816) 228-1776 adamslawoffices.com

BARTON, HALL & SCHNIEDERS, PC Accident & Injury

Probate - Real Estate Auto Accidents - On-the-Job Injuries Medical Malpractice - Personal Injury Defective Products - Civil Litigation Criminal Law - Bankruptcy Workers Compensation - Wrongful Death

1117 South Broadway Oak Grove, MO

(816) 690-4111

601 NW Jefferson Street Blue Springs, MO www.cochranoswaldlaw.com

K. MARTIN KUNY, P.C. Attorney-at-Law

Family Law/Divorce • Traffic Personal Injury Small Business

114 South Main Independence, MO 64050

(816) 254-0535 www.lawyers.com/kunylaw

TYREE, ESKEW & ROBERTS Attorneys at Law

Personal Injury • Workers' Compensation Bankruptcy • Family Law Criminal and Traffic Defense Probate and Estate Planning • Real Estate

George A. Tyree J. Brand Eskew Mark Roberts Erica L. Briscoe Heartland Financial Building 1600 NE Coronado, Suite 242 Blue Springs, MO 64014

(816) 228-6400 www.terlaw.com

Fax: (816) 625-7204 Clay Barton • Jim Hall Bob Schnieders

BREDEHOFT LAW FIRM MICHAEL BREDEHOFT, Attorney at Law Licensed in MO & KS Since 1998 Free Initial Consultation Bankruptcy/Criminal/Family Law/Mediation DWI/Traffic/Wills-Probate

1200 S. Outer Road, Suite 109 Blue Springs, MO

(816) 229-8533 www.bredehoftlaw.com

LAW OFFICE OF

JAMES H. YOUNG AND ASSOCIATES, LLC

DEDICATED TO THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY LAW 3300 NE Ralph Powell Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 246-9981 Fax: (816) 246-9987

JAMES H. YOUNG MICHELLE E. JAKOBE ABRAHAM D. KUHL akuhl@jameshyoung.com

40 Blue Springs City Guide

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR Plaza Heights Christian Academy and Little Lions Preschool

2011

The Examiner

Messiah Lutheran School 613 S. Main • independence, MO • 254-9409

Age 3 years - 12th Grade 1500 SW Clark, Blue Springs, MO 64015

816.228.0670 www.plazaheights.org

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS

now enrolling p/K - Grade 8 Quality Christian Education Fully Accredited Sports program and band also offered.

The Examiner

2011

Messiah Lutheran Day Care 613 S. Main Independence, MO 64050

254-9990

Ages 2-14 • Day Care and Extended Care Open 12 months a year, Monday-Friday 6 am - 6 pm

Quality childcare in a Christian environment “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

Blue Springs City Guide 41

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Citizens help city make decisions BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: FROM PAGE 10 sonnel 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 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

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. – Jeff Martin

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 43

2011

COMMUNITY

• Eric Johnson

Q&A questions

answers

Blue Springs City Administrator

1

What challenges has the City faced this past year?

It seems that this year has presented similar challenges to last year, mainly centered around implementing our operating and capital budget as we deal with an unpredictable economy. Deferred maintenance issues and increasing operating costs with our aging city facilities, parks and equipment is something that we are addressing but continues to be a challenge with flat

or declining revenue sources.

We are very thankful that several of our public safety challenges can be addressed by the voter approved public safety sales tax approved this past April.

2

What challenges will the city face for the upcoming year? The economic environment in 2011-12 will continue to have our full attention as we implement annual capital and operating budgets.

The city is facing several challenges that will need to be addressed including funding for increasing operating costs and deferred maintenance on several aging city assets. We will also work with the mayor and City Council as they develop policy direction in the areas of solid waste disposal, economic development and updates to the Unified Development Code.

3

What’s the progress on major projects like Woods Chapel Road and I-70, Adams Dairy Landing, Sni-a-Bar wastewater treatment plant, etc.? The 2008 bond projects have been completed or are on schedule and budget as planned. Despite a soft retail market in certain areas, Adams Dairy Landing continues to progress with many new tenants planned for the next year. The sewer

plant expansion is scheduled for completion in spring 2012.

Final construction plans have been approved by state and federal authorities for the Woods Chapel Road project, as have the right-of-way plans.

Additional information is available on all these projects at www.bluespringsgov.com.

4

What makes Blue Springs a special place to live in? Much of staff’s focus this year will be on implementing the voter approved projects associated with the passage of the public safety sales tax.

Significant work must be accomplished before Jan. 1, 2013 on the new digital communication system to meet the federal mandate. Sighting of a new communication tower, design and procurement of the system, and coordination efforts with our regional partners, in-

cluding Central Jackson County Fire will all happen in the next six to nine months. We will also begin work on remodeling and expanding the current public safety building and adding additional staffing in the 2012 operating budget to help in our patrol efforts and response times.

5

What makes Blue Springs a special place to live in? While we have been nationally recognized and praised for our low cost of living, nationally recognized schools, low crime rates, park system and central location, I believe that Blue Springs continues to be distinctive because of our ability to collaborate and work on issues together. We are very fortunate to live in a community that values this collaborative spirit.

– Jeff Martin

• Civic organizations

Organizations help you network, volunteer

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 Country Club of Blue Springs, 1600 N.W. Circle Drive. For more information, call Carolyn at 816-220-7660 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, while giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Members stage nearly 150,000 service projects and raise $107 million annually. The Blue

Springs chapter meets Tuesdays at noon at the Country Club of Blue Springs, 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 serving local children and schools through recreation, mentoring and scholarships.

Their motto is “We Serve.” 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 com-

munity. 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. u SUNSET OPTIMIST CLUB OF BLUE SPRINGS Sunset Optimist Club is a branch of Optimist International, which conducts service projects that help youth. The club’s key goal is to help bring out the best in kids. The organization is comprised of 87,000 members. The Blue Springs branch was chartered in 1986. The branch offers scholarships to students and sponsors youth events. They meet at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at Liggett Trail Education Center, 3575 S.W. Liggett Road.

– Jillayne Ritchie

44 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Elementary schools

• High schools

13 elementaries serve district All freshmen attend one

* Numbers based on the 2010-11 year. u Chapel Lakes Elementary 3701 N.E. Independence Ave. 816-525-9100 Principal: Jason Woolf 450 students u Cordill-Mason Elementary 4001 S.W. Christiansen Road 816-224-1370 Principal: Al Michelson 510 students u Daniel Young Elementary 505 S.E. Shamrock Lane 816-224-1335 Principal: Ryan Crum 476 students u Franklin Smith Elementary 1609 Clark Road 816-224-1375 Principal: Jan Castle 396 students u James Lewis Elementary 717 N.W. Park Road 816-224-1345 Principal: Jennie Alderman 477 students u James Walker Elementary 201 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1380 Principal: Greg Johnson 468 students u John Nowlin Elementary 5020 N.W. Valley View Road 816-224-1355

Principal: Debbie Curtis 433 students u Sunny Pointe Elementary 3920 South R.D. Mize Road, Independence 816-224-7800 Principal: Nick Goos 483 students u Lucy Franklin Elementary 111 N.E. Roanoke Drive 816-224-1390 Principal: Jill Johnston 596 students u Thomas Ultican Elementary 1813 Main St. 816-224-1365 Principal: Kelly Flax 453 students u Voy Spears Elementary 201 N.E. Anderson, Lee’s Summit 816-478-9899 Principal: Renee Murry 628 students u William Bryant Elementary 1101 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1340 Principal: Doug Nielsen 489 students u William Yates Elementary 3600 Davidson Road, Independence 816-224-1350 Principal: Ramona Dunn 372 students – Kelly Evenson

• Middle schools

District has four middle schools * Numbers based on 2010-11 year. u Brittany Hill Middle School 2701 N.W. First St. 816-224-1700 Principal: Dallas Truex Mascot: Eagles Colors: Red and blue 808 students u Delta Woods Middle School 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way 816-795-5830 Principal: Steve Cook Mascot: Gators Colors: Green and orange 752 students

u Moreland Ridge Middle School 900 S.W. Bishop Drive 816-224-1800 Principal: Kevin Grover Mascot: Huskies Colors: Green, silver, black and white 994 students u Sunny Vale Middle School 3930 South R.D. Mize Road 816-224-1330 Principal: Steve Goddard Mascot: Grizzlies Colors: Purple, black and white 745 students – Kelly Evenson

building, then split off to pair of high schools 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 Georgeff-Baker Middle School.

Students who will attend Blue Springs High School are considered Wildcats and those who will attend Blue 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 extracurricular 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 schools.

Another opportunity for students is the A-plus program. Students can begin participating as a freshman and receive two years of free tuition

Blue Springs Freshman Center 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: Dan Anderson 1,078 students u Blue Springs High School 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive 816-229-3459 Principal: David Adams Mascot: Wildcats Colors: Purple and gold 1,809 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 1,379 students u Valley View High School 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 816-224-4388 Principal: Charles Weber – Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 45

2011

EDUCATION

• Paul Kinder

and services are focused on preparing students for their future.

Q&A

3

questions

answers

Blue Springs School District Superintendent

1

What makes the Blue Springs School District stand apart from other districts in Jackson County?

We have outstanding schools in Jackson County, and I am proud to be a part of just one of them. The Blue Springs School District has high standards, exceptional staff and amazing community

support, and together we provide great opportunities for student success.

2

What programs are available in the school district to help prepare students for the future?

From kindergarten through high school all of our programs, courses

How will the budget challenges next year and in the future affect children and families in the school district?

Because of careful planning and vigilance by our board of education, we are continuing to stand strong amid the economic issues. Our board has worked hard to trim the budget over the past three years which required some tough decisions. We will continue to watch the bottom line while still providing the quality education our students deserve and our community expects.

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

4

• Board of Education

Dave Wright

Wright is starting his 11th year on the board.

He works as chief of financial operations for the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. He is also past-president 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.

Where do you see the Blue Springs School District headed in the future?

The outlook for the future of our district is bright. We have a strong and rich tradition of excellence and innovation that will continue and we also have the support of our community that will guide us.

– Kelly Evenson

Bradford is beginning his eighth consecutive year on the board and is serving as president. He also served on the board from 1993 to 1996. He is a director with InforGlobal Solutions 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.

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

Incumbents Dale Walkup, Jim Coen and Dale Falck were re-elected in April.

Members are elected at-large and serve three-year terms.

Walkup is entering is 19th year on the board and is serving as vicepresident. He and is wife operate Luckytime Dog and Car Wash in Blue Springs and are partners in Destination Unlimited Travel. He formerly managed Wal-Mart and Sam’s Wholesale Club.

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

5

Kent Bradford

Board represents families

Dale Walkup

Our district continues to plan for the future while simultaneously addressing the current needs of students. We have the potential for growth and we are monitoring that. In addition, with the rapidly changing curriculum and technology our district, like all others must continue to look for better ways to meet the changing needs of our students.

Rhonda Gilstrap

Gilstrap has served on the board for seven years and is serving as board president. 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.

Jennifer Casey

Casey is beginning her third 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.

Jim Coen

Coen is beginning his 13th year on the board. He is a retired teacher, having taught for 31 years, mostly in the Fort Osage School District. In the past, he has served as president of the board. He remains active in many educational organizations.

He and his wife have two children, who were both graduates of Blue Springs High School.

Dale Falck

Falck is beginning his fifth year on the board and is board treasurer.

Falck 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.

– Kelly Evenson

46 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Other area colleges

• MCC-Blue River

Area offers other local higher educational options 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’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The eightweek 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 or visit www.ccis.edu/nationwide/main.asp?kansascity.

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

Enrollment at Metropolitan Community College’s Blue River campus in Independence was up 489 students in the 2010-11 school year.

A college close to home Independence residents have a nearby option for post-secondary education – MCC-Blue River.

The local campus of the Metropolitan Community College opened in 1997.

More than 3,500 students now attend MCC-Blue River, 20301 E. Missouri 78, each semester.

Classes are available in both day and night sessions as well as online, and all applicants are accepted. A variety of programs are offered by the college’s academic divisions of business technology, mathematics, public safety, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

Students have two choices – 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 the associate’s degrees, which can be earned in everything from arts, teaching and computer science to applied science, certificates are available to students. Certificates are earned in career and technical programs such as biotechnology or automotive.

Among its many activities, Blue River

is the home of the Trail Blazers soccer team 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 academies at the Public Safety Institute. The academies include hands-on, real-world type situations and at the Precision Driving Track, located not far from the college’s main campus. Although most students take classes during the day, night classes are available in both programs.

If becoming a full-time student is not an option, MCC-Blue River also offers a large community and continuing education program with online courses as well as skills-based, short-time programs.

Certificate programs in business are available through this option as well as classes purely for fun.

For more information about MCC-Blue River, visit the website at www.mcckc.edu/ blueriver or by calling 816-220-6500.

– Kelly Evenson

Graceland University

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

In addition, NAU’s Zona Rosa campus offers a nursing and pharmacy technician program. 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.

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.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

2011

EDUCATION

• Rainbow Center

Options for special needs

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 Rainbow 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 selfesteem 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

• School of Economics

Learning the basics of business

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. 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.

– Kelly Evenson

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Blue Springs City Guide 47

48 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• District administration

Paul Kinder Superintendent

Executives run Blue Springs school district’s day-to-day operations

Jim Finley Assistant superintendent, administration

Scott Kim Young Brightwell Assistant Finance to the superintendent

Nancy Stonner Human resources

Bill Cowling Management services

Steven Brown Director of transportation

Leslie Evans Director of information

Will Cumberford Director of buildings and grounds

• Private schools

Several private options available

u Timothy Lutheran School 425 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, and 301 S.W. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs Timothy Lutheran serves pre-school age through eighth grade. The preschool is at the church on R.D. Mize Road. The K-8 school is on Wyatt Road For more information, call 816-2285300 or visit www.timothylutheranschool.com. u Messiah Lutheran School 613 S. Main St., Independence Messiah Lutheran is a fully accredited 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 St. John LaLande Catholic 801 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs St. John LaLande is a fully accredited Catholic elementary and middle school.

For more information, call 816-2285895 or visit www.stjohnlalande.com.

u Nativity of Mary 10021 E. 36th Terr., Independence Nativity of Mary is a Catholic school that serves children pre-K to eighth grade. For more information, call 816353-0284 or visit the school’s website at www.nativityofmary.org. u St. Mary’s High School 622 N. Main St., Independence St. Mary’s serves high school students based on values of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information call 816-252-8733. For more information, visit the school’s website at www. stmhs.org. u Rockhurst High School 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City Rockhurst is the only Jesuit Catholic preparatory school in Kansas City for young males grades 9-12. For more information, call 816-363-2036 or visit rockhursths.edu. u Archbishop O’Hara High School 9001 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City O’Hara is a college prep Catholic high school for students in grades 912. For more information, call 816-7634800 or visit the school’s website at www.oharahs.org.

u Plaza Heights Christian Academy 1500 S.W. Clark Road, Blue Springs Plaza Heights is a Christian school that serves students kindergarten through 12th grades and also provides a preschool. For more information, call 816-228-0670 or visit www.plazaheights.org/#/phca-k-12-preschool. u Center Place Restoration School 819 W. Waldo Ave., Independence Center Place is a Christian school that educates students kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, call 816-252-1715 or visit www. cprseagles.org. u Tri-City Christian School 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence Tri-City is a Christian school that works with students pre-school through 12th grade. Call 816-795-1088 or visit www.tccrusaders.org for more information. 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/.

– Kelly Evenson

Annette Seago Deputy superintendent, curriculum

David Brouse Director of elementary education

Norma Anderson Director of secondary education

• Home Schooling Tools available for parents to teach

A resource for families who choose to home school is Families for Home Education. Created more than 25 years ago, the Kansas City-based organization serves as a resource for homeschooling families in and around the Kansas City metropolitan area. FHE provides an information packet, First Things First, which includes everything on how to begin a home schooling program.

The state law on home education, RSMO 167.031, says a home school’s purpose is to provide a private or religious-based education. Students should be between the ages of 7 and 16, and there should be no tuition, fees or other form of payment. Parents also must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction with at least 600 in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science or other core academic areas. These requirements do not apply to students over the age of 16. Other rules apply.

For more information about support groups, speech and theater clubs, coop classes, field trips and other activities, contact FHE at 877-696-6343 or visit its website at www.fhe-mo.org.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 49

2011

BUSINESS

• Chamber of Commerce

Buy Blue Springs As retail options continue to expand in Blue Springs, the Chamber of Commerce is trying to get people buy locally more often.

Keeping every dollar in town helps, advocates say, helping create jobs and stimulating marketplace competition.

“Now’s a time when people need to watch how they spend their money,” says chamber President Lara Vermillion.

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 cut-

tings and sponsors the Fall Fun Fest each September in downtown Blue Springs.

The chamber also lent its support to the new Downtown Alive effort.

“We’d like to see every storefront filled,” Vermillion said.

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

The 2011 chairman is Jennifer Splittorff of The Vernon Company, and the chair-elect for 2012 is Donna Best of First American Title.

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

– Jeff Fox

• Business groups u American Business Women’s Association: The American Business Women’s Association 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 The Roundtable: The Roundtable aims to enhance communication among local groups. Contact Bill Essmann, general manager of Adams

Pointe Conference Center, at bessmann@adamspointecc.com or call 816-220-4465 for more information. u Blue Springs Business Association: The association meets at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of every month at the Blue Springs School District central office, 1801 N.W. Vesper St. Contact Joe Haney at 816-550-5622 for more information. u Eastern Jackson County Builders and Developers Association: The association is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 3501 S. Sterling Ave., Suite G. Call 816-2523519 for more information.

• Jennifer Splittorff

Q&A questions

answers

2011 chair of Chamber of Commerce

1

What are the chamber’s three biggest accomplishments of the last 10 years? I can only really speak on the past six years as that is how long I’ve been a chamber member. We changed leadership in 2009, which was huge for us and has helped us become a more dynamic, diverse and energized team working for the betterment of our community. Over the past two years we have maintained retention and have gained new members despite the tough economy by offering real value to members.

2

The city has added many retailers in the last few years.

As you talk with people in the community, what do you hear being expressed as the kinds of retailers the community needs or wants next? The feedback we are hearing is that the citizens are very pleased with the retail that has been brought to Blue Springs over the past couple years, and they continue to want more. I believe more boutique type stores would be beneficial in making Blue Springs a unique place to shop for our citizens, and for those outside our area.

3

The city has added many retailers in the last few years.

As you talk with people in the community, what do you hear being expressed as the kinds of retailers the community needs or wants next? We have strong, dedicated business owners here in Blue Springs. They work harder with less today than they did three years ago, and are continuing to maintain and increase their business. Our chamber has programs that businesses can get involved in, to help increase exposure and to connect them with people or resources that may be able to help them.

4

What’s the biggest change the chamber needs to make in the next five years to serve its members? We are currently working on a five-year, strategic plan that is addressing our forseeable challenges.

Communication with all of our members will definitely be a focus, gathering feedback and implementing ideas that come forth. Being in tune with our members and engaging them is our top priority.

– Jeff Fox

HELPING HANDS

• Eastland Community Foundation

Program matches donors with charities

The Eastland Community Foundation serves the eastern and southern parts of the Kansas City metro area, combining what were once separate foundations for Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit.

The foundation helps individuals organize their giving, connecting donors to causes and charitable organizations

in their areas. The Eastland Community Foundation also provides leadership on critical community issues.

Donors can direct gifts to community projects through their charitable fund, or they can purchase “giving cards” to gift to others. The recipient can then donate to the 501(c)(3) of their choice.

A current focus for the Eastland Community Foundation is the “Energize Eastland” campaign, which encourages residents in Eastern Jackson County to take advantage of the lakes, trails and parks in their community. For tips on nutrition and recreation, visit www.energizeeastland.org

The Eastland Community Foundation is part of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, 1055 Broadway, Suite 130, Kansas City. For more information, contact Debbie Stark at 816-627-3435, or visit www.gkccf.org to set up your charitable fund.

– Elle Moxley

50 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

HELPING HANDS

• Community Services League

• Truman Heartland Community Foundation

The Community Services League is an organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance, housing counseling and employment aid for families and individuals.

The League was established in 1916 by a group of women, including wife of Harry S. Truman, Bess Truman. The League focuses on providing low-income people throughout Eastern Jackson County and seeks to “help people help themselves.”

The Community Services League aids thousands of families and individuals every year and has seven area locations.

The League provides numerous charity and counseling services to low-income individuals and families.

Their emergency assistance aims to meet the immediate needs of families and provides food, clothing, school supplies, utility payment and rental assistance, medication payment assistance, transportation services and access to the CSL Holiday Store.

People with 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to receive these benefits.

The League also aids low-income, homeless and marginally housed individuals in finding decent and affordable housing. Housing services including referrals to shelters and other temporary housing, deposits on apartments and utilities, mortgage payment assistance, placement in public, affordable and permanent housing, transitional housing, budget counseling and case management.

In addition to charity and housing services, the League provides employment aid through its Work Express program. Work Express seeks to support and encourage individuals to attain self-sufficiency by providing assistance in finding and maintaining employment. Its services include job training, trans-

Foundation helps manage charitable interests

CSL aids needy

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

School supplies sit ready to be loaded into backpacks at the Community Services League’s Central Resources Building. Supplying backpacks for needy students is one of the many services provided by CSL. portation, child care assistance referrals, resume writing, job referrals, provision of work and school clothing, mentoring and developing basic computer skills.

The League is funded by private donations, government grants and numerous fundraisers. It depends on private and community donations to keep its food pantry and clothing banks stocked, and always welcomes donations. During the summer, donations of lunch items and school supplies are especially needed. Donations may be dropped off at any local branch.

Those interested in volunteering for the League should contact their local branch.

To learn more about the Community Services League, visit its website at www.communityserv. org or call the main office at 816254-4100. To receive assistance from the League, visit any of its local

locations: u Blue Springs – 200 SW 10th St., 816-229-0033. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. u Grain Valley – Walnut & Capelle St., 816-229-5890. Wednesdays 9 a.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., 816-254-0446. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. u 39th Street – 14500 E. 39th St., 816-254-8209. Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. u Buckner – 1001 S. Sibley, 816249-5820. Wednesdays 8 a.m. to noon. u Oak Grove – 1408 SE Austin St., 816-690-8213. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

– Mikayla McLean

Private giving, public good.

That is the mission of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, which is entering its 29th year of service in Eastern Jackson County. The foundation’s assets total more than $28 million in more than 500 donor funds, and the annual grants reached $2.8 million in 2010. More than 1,000 area donors serve as the driving force behind the foundation and its success.

The establishment of a donor-advised fund can be done in three simple steps, the foundation says. First, identify the types of causes you are passionate about supporting. Next determine the type of gift you will make at a minimum value of $5,000. The gift may be cash, stocks or a harder-to-value asset.

Lastly, decide on a name for the fund, and determine which colleagues or family members you’d like to involve in giving, either as successor advisers or additional advisers.

The THCF lists many benefits in giving through a community foundation, including personalized service, professional advisers, tax advantages, endowment funds and working with a community leader. The foundation has three locations – North Office/Operation Center, Commerce Bank, 300 N. Osage St., Independence; East Office/Conference Center, Blue Ridge Bank Financial Center, 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 550, Independence; and South Office/Conference Center, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, 1812 Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit.

Visit www.thcf.org or call 816-8368189 for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

2011

HEALTH

• Community Blood Center

Places to give blood nearby More than 70 local hospitals in Missouri and Kansas rely on the Community Blood Center to provide plasma, red cells and platelets. It takes 580 donors a day to keep local supplies sufficient.

The center opened at its current location, 4040 Main St., in Kansas City in 1958 and has seven satellite locations to serve the community. The Blue Springs Center, 1124 W. U.S. 40, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org to make an appointment.

It takes about an hour to donate blood, and whole blood can be donated every 56 days. The center also operates local blood drives operated by volunteers at schools, churches, organizations and businesses. For more information about organizing a blood drive, call the donor recruitment office at 913-363-6803.

In addition to donating blood and organizing drives, volunteers are needed to help staff mobile blood drives and neighborhood donation centers. For more information about how to help, contact volunteer services at 816-968-4079.

– Elle Moxley

• Comprehensive Mental Health

Services promote wellness Now in its fourth decade of operation, Comprehensive Mental Health Services offers outpatient care, addiction recovery, community support, family support groups, crisis services and those geared toward family, children and the elderly.

Mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, case managers and nurses.

The community mental health center’s main location is at 17844 E. 23rd St. in Independence. The Carole Roper Vaughan Building, 17886 E. 23rd St., provides outpatient services, a medication clinic, adult community support services, school services staff and Club House.

The Sunrise House, 17830 E. 23rd St., provides U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-based

housing for those with mental illness.

Visit www.thecmhs.com or call 816254-3652 for more information.

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood also provides behavioral health services at 7900 Lee’s Summit Road. Most communities in Jackson County include crisis intervention teams, which have specially trained police officers to respond to persons with mental illness.

The Missouri Access Crisis Intervention toll-free, around-the-clock number is 888-279-8188. Qualified staff members are available to talk about the crisis and help. All calls are confidential.

Military veterans are encouraged to contact the Kansas City VA Medical Center at 816-861-4700.

– Adrianne DeWeese www.entofgkc.com

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

Blue Springs City Guide 51

52 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY

auDiology Hearing Associates

Bary E. Williams, Au.D. Blue Ridge Bank Building Towers 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com

Hearing Associates

Dustin Spaulding, BC-HIS Blue Ridge Bank Building Towers 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

Dentistry My Dentist

Emily Handley, D.D.S. Hawthorn Square 14227 Highway 40 East Independence, MO 64136 (816) 398-8410 www.mydentistinc.com General Dentistry. Same day service, emergencies & walk-ins.

Dentistry

Continued

My Dentist

David Moyer, D.D.S. Hawthorn Square 14227 Highway 40 East Independence, MO 64136 (816) 398-8410 www.mydentistinc.com General Dentistry. Same day service, emergencies & walk-ins.

Family meDiCine Family Medicine, Inc.

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

Family Medicine, Inc.

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

Family Medicine, Inc.

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

Family Medicine, Inc.

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

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 53

2011

MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine

Continued

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

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

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

Family medicine Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Debra A. Ahern, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

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

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

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

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Elaine Akin, F.N.P. 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

Continued

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 Beth E. Rosemergey, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

54 Blue Springs City Guide

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MEDICALDIRECTORY GastroenteroloGy 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 12 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.

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 55

MEDICALDIRECTORY GastrOenterOlOGy

Continued

Gastroenterology - TMC Lakewood Osama Yousef, M.D. 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/GynecOlOGyC

ontinued

Health Care For Women

Terry V. Morris, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Leanna M. Mosher, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy Health Care For Women

Kenneth A. Adams, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Stephanie J. Carpino, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Thomas R. Dowd, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Nathan T. Wegner, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Kimberly Negrete, C.N.M. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Karla Wilmot, C.N.P. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

56 Blue Springs City Guide

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MEDICALDIRECTORY

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

ontinued

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

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.iwc.yourmd.com

ontinued

Michelle R. Lemberger, 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.iwc.yourmd.com

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

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. 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.iwc.yourmd.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.iwc.yourmd.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.iwc.yourmd.com

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

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

The Examiner

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2011

MEDICALDIRECTORY 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

OptOmetry Blue Springs Family Eye Care, Inc. Member American Optometric Association Joyclyn R. Westfall, O.D. 900 Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 224-EYES (3937) Dr. Westfall graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry and has been in practice in Blue Springs for over 20 years. She enjoys providing full eye care for all ages. Special services include medical and fitting, specialty contact lenses for astigmation and presbyopia. I am a member of the AOA, and AOA Contact Lens Section.

Blue Springs Optical Dana Krause, O.D. 1116 S.W. 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2020

Blue Springs Optical Richard C. Wilson, O.D., F.A.A.O. 1116 S.W. 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2020

OptOmetry

Continued

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

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

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 (816) 229-1245

58 Blue Springs City Guide

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MEDICALDIRECTORY OrthOPedic surgery 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

Pediatrics

Continued

Blue Springs Pediatrics

Camille Lucito, PNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com

Pediatrics - Grain Valley Family Medicine Suzanne M. Hestwood, M.D. 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

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

Pediatrics Blue Springs Pediatrics

Cynthia M. Dean, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com

Blue Springs Pediatrics

Kelly R. Fritz, PNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com

PharMacy Fifty Plus Pharmacy Becky Culbertson, R.Ph 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

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2011

Blue Springs City Guide 59

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

Surgery - general Surgery-General - TMC Lakewood Lynn Happel, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Surgery-General - TMC Lakewood Mark Reintjes, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

60 Blue Springs City Guide

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HEALTH

• Women’s health

Health care choices available PLANNED PARENTHOOD

“Dedicated to Caring for Our Community” The Facility • • • • •

Spacious Private and Semi-Private Rooms Available Nestled In A Beautiful Hillside Handicap Accessible Single Level Floor Plan Beautifully Landscaped and Enclosed Courtyard Family Oriented and Managed

Care & Medical Services • • • • •

Licensed Nurses on Duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week RN Weekend Manager on Duty Medication Management On Site Physicians On Site Dental, Podiatry, Optometry and Psychiatry Support Services

Services provided on a Non-Discriminatory Basis

Skilled Nursing Facility • Exceptional Therapy Department • Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies Provided by Aegis, Inc. Featuring “Freedom through Functionality” Exercise Equipment • Restorative Nursing Care • All Beds Dually Certified and Licensed by Medicare & Medicaid • Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Coventry Insurance Accepted • Federal VA Inpatient Contract • Beauty/Barber Services On Site

Meals & Activities • Selective Meal Services Including Ala Carte Items • Meals Planned by Registered Dieticians and Director of Nutrition • Large and Small Dining Areas Providing a Comfortable and Social Dining Experience Chapel and religious services

Beautiful Landscaped Enclosed Courtyard

Offering Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care

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

Planned Parenthood, 815 N. Noland Road, Suite 6, which is operated by Planned Parenthood of Kansas and MidMissouri, provides sexual and reproductive health care services for women.

Sexual health services include birth control, emergency contraception, HIV testing, HPV and hepatitis vaccines, patient education, pregnancy testing and STD testing and treatment. Women’s health services include problem checkups, breast exams, cancer screenings, mammogram referrals, pap smears and testing and treatment for urinary tract and vaginal infections.

Language interpretation is available over the phone. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. There are no appointments on Wednesday, only pill pickup. Emergency contraception is available on a walk-in basis when the clinic is open. Walk-ins are accom-

modated between scheduled appointments. Call 816-252-3800 or visit www.plannedparenthood.org.

WOMEN’S CLINIC OF KC

The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City, 815 N. Noland Road, Suites 4 and 5, has served Jackson County since 2004. The nonprofit is run by a board of directors and a medical advisory board.

Free medical services include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds for at-risk pregnancies, low-cost STD testing, referrals and professional counseling. The 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.

Walk-ins are welcome. Call 816-8369000 to make an appointment. For more information, visit www.thewomensclinic.net.

– Elle Moxley

The Examiner

2011

HEALTH

• Public health Free health care services offered JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Jackson County Health Department, at 313 S. Liberty St., is managed and operated by Truman Medical Centers and is led by director R. James Kelly.

The department offers disease prevention and testing, including communicable disease surveillance, epidemiology, confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis case management.

Health education and screening services include CPR and first aid training, child care provider education, preventative health screenings and smoking cessation. Adult, childhood and travel immunization services also are available.

Other services include adult head/ traumatic brain injury, emergency preparedness, HIV/AIDS case management, lead risk assessment, maternal child health programs and Show Me Health Women/WiseWomen programs.

Birth certificates are available for any family member (except a cousin) if you

were born anywhere in Missouri after 1920. Birth certificates are $15 each by cash, check or money order only.

Death certificates are available if the person died anywhere in Missouri after 1980. The fee is $13 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies. Cash, check or money order only accepted.

The Independence site is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.jacohd.org or call 816404-6416 for more information.

SHARED CARE FREE CLINIC OF JACKSON COUNTY

Now in its 11th year, the clinic offers assistance to uninsured adults with chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes and asthma. A new hypertension clinic provides specialized care in high blood pressure and kidney disease.

At 17611 E. U.S. 24, Suite 103, the clinic is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Its message line is 816-404-6455.

– Adrianne DeWeese

• Cancer Action Support available for cancer patients Cancer Action provides support and services to people living with cancer.

The nonprofit’s Independence office, 4010 S. Lynn Court, opened in 1997.

Services are provided to anyone living with cancer in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri, and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. To register

and receive services, call 816-350-8881.

To volunteer, contact Leslie Berning, 913-642-8885 or leslieb@canceractionkc.org.

More information about Cancer Action is available at www.canceractionkc.org.

– Elle Moxley

(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

Steven T. Gialde, D.O. Bryan Hughes, M.D. Stephanie Hutchison, FNP

Blue Springs City Guide 61

62 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

HEALTH

• Hospitals & emergency care

Specializing in Women’s Health Complete women’s healthCare… …for all stages of your life.

We invite you to schedule your

CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER

Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, is the only hospital in Independence. As part of the HCA Midwest Health System, Centerpoint is a 221-bed acute care hospital.

The hospital features a Level II trauma center with around-the-clock emergency services; an accredited chest pain center and cardiovascular services; orthopedic services, including total joints and sports medicine; an accredited cancer program and a state-of-the-art breast center; neuroscience services for the treatment of injuries and brain and spine disorders; women’s services and a variety of outpatient services.

Visit www.centerpointmedical.com or call 816-698-7000 for information.

TRUMAN MEDICAL CENTERS

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.

appointment today!

816.478.0220 Visit us on the web: www.iwc.yourmd.com

Other health centers in area offer care

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.

Truman Medical Centers oversee management of the Jackson County Health Department and a number of primary care practices in Eastern Jackson County.

More than one-fourth of TMC’s patients are uninsured. A counselor visits patients admitted to TMC during their stay to determine eligibility for financial programs.

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood is in southern Kansas City near Lee’s Summit at 7900 Lee’s Summit Road.

The hospital includes full health care services, ranging from dental care to addiction recovery.

Visit www.trumed.org or call 816404-7000 for more information.

ADULT QUICK CARE

Adult Quick Care, 19000 E. Eastland Center Court, Suite 300, in Indepen-

19550 E. 39th Street Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057

dence, provides adults and children age 14 and older with quality and efficient health care for acute and urgent medical problems.

Appointments are not necessary.

The facility includes X-ray and other basic ancillary testing for diagnosis and treatment. The staff physicians are experienced in treating adult and adolescent acute injuries and illnesses.

Adult Quick Care is not equipped to provide care for children younger than 14, life- or limb-threatening emergencies or complications in pregnancy.

Major emergencies should be taken to the nearest emergency room. Visit www.adultquickcare.com or call 816373-9200 for more information.

Emergent care plus

Emergent Care Plus is at 2741 N.E. McBaine Drive in Lee’s Summit. Walkins are welcome. Services available include urgent care for mild to moderate illness and injury, occupational medicine, physicals, drug screening, prescriptions, lab work and digital Xrays. All ages are welcome.

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. Visit www.emergentcareplus.com for more information, including a convenient online check-in, or call 816-554-2600.

urgent CARE

Urgent Care of Kansas City at 4741 S. Arrowhead Drive in Independence 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. Call 816-795-6000 for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The best in local high school sports coverage.

Alisa Ash, M.D.

Debra Sims, WHNP

Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 63

2011

Renew at Carmel Hills A truly innovative concept in post-acute care, designed especially for women, doesn’t just meet the needs of those recovering from an acute illness, injury or exacerbation of a disease process.

Renew also offers services to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your spirit with a facial or massage in our Spa. Renew is located in a separate area with a private entrance, and equipped with state of the art equipment and furnishings that are geared towards enhancing each step of your recovery.

Carmel Hills Long Term Care

Sunset Place at Carmel Hills

Our long term care services are designed for individuals who need 24 hour nursing care. Theses residents may be chronically ill, frail, or experiencing a very slow recovery from an illness or injury. Our long term care units offer private and semi-private rooms including room furnishings, multiple common areas and dining lounges. We offer respite care or vacation care that allows families an opportunity to take a brief break from the demands of roundthe- clock care giving.

The dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit offers dedicated, caring and compassionate staff well trained to assist residents in living their lives to the fullest. We offer structured activities designed to maximize interaction with each resident. Personalized behavioral management designed to encourage participation in a calm environment. We provide semi private and private rooms, complimentary cable television, nutritionally balanced meals and rehabilitation services.

810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO

816.461.9600

For those seeking short term medical and or rehabilitative services, we focus our efforts on working closely with patient and family and strive to achieve the most successful functional outcomes. Our nursing team is support by licensed therapists who provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

This dedicated team works together to design individualized care plans tailored to each patients specific needs. We believe our best results are achieved when we work together

64 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

HEALTH

• Annette Small

Q&A questions

answers

St. Mary’s Medical Center CEO Annette Small is the chief executive officer at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs. Small has worked for the hospital since May 2000 and was promoted to CEO in mid-2009.

1

What are some lessons you’ve learned in your first two years as the chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center?

There are many things I’ve learned during my tenure as CEO. One is that there is always more to learn, which I welcome because I don’t believe in problems; I believe in opportunities.

I’ve learned that you find what you’re looking for when dealing with others, so I’ve learned to look for the best in them. I’ve learned that no matter how hard you work at something, sometimes God has another plan, and you must accept it.

2

How are St. Mary’s Medical Center staff members staying abreast of the changes and reforms to health care legislation?

St. Mary’s takes it responsibility to the community very seriously. Our mission calls us to provide compassionate, quality care for body, mind and spirit with a special concern for the poor.

We are very active in the community and local organizations, and yet, as a member of Ascension Health, we can see the bigger picture of what’s happening at the national level and how that impacts us at home.

3

Similarly, how are medical professionals at St. Mary’s adapting and learning from the country’s aging population, including the baby boomer generation?

We’re learning through experience, by listening and by responding to the needs of an aging population. Technology has improved the lives of many of

us as we age. Advances in cardiac care, joint replacement, stroke treatment and others have led to better outcomes than we saw a generation ago.

Today’s 60 year olds are more active, and in some ways, more demanding of quality care than their parents and grandparents. They’re educated and are more inclined to question their health-care providers, and I think it’s improving the quality of care.

4

What are the three most important lifestyle changes that people should adapt to stay healthy?

Exercise, exercise, exercise. It doesn’t even have to be that strenuous – walking provides so many benefits. And the more you do, the more you can do.

5

What are some changes Eastern Jackson County residents may expect at St. Mary’s Medical Center in the upcoming years?

This year, St. Mary’s is celebrating 30 years of providing quality, compassionate care. So much has changed since we first opened our doors. Not only has our physical space more than doubled in size, we can do so much more today. Today, if you’re having heart attack symptoms or stroke symptoms, our Emergency Department is the place to be. Our Endovascular Center provides streamlined care for vascular problems. Right now, we’re in the process of expanding our surgery suites to accommodate our growth, particularly in orthopedics and general surgery. We provide a much higher level of care now than we could in the past, and we are committed to continuing to expand services to meet the growing needs of our community and so residents in Eastern Jackson County can get the highest level of care as close to home as possible.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 65

HEALTH

• St. Mary’s Medical Center

St. Mary’s celebrates its 30th anniversary

Submitted photo

A brick walkway outside at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs

From its strong base of volunteers to its full-time staff of medical professionals, St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs is still going strong in its 30th year.

Blue Springs resident Lillian Ratcliff has worked as the volunteer coordinator at St. Mary’s Medical Center for three years, though she’s been employed with the hospital for 22 out of its 30 years in business. St. Mary’s, 201 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, relies on more than 150 volunteers who run the information desk, transport patients, host the waiting rooms, deliver the mail and run the gift shop.

These volunteers are all residents of Eastern Jackson County, Ratcliff said, and they range from 14 years to older than 90 years. A program also takes place in the summer for high school students who are interested in volunteering.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the hospital, in my opinion,” Ratcliff said.

“Volunteers don’t give clinical care, but the volunteers facilitate getting people where they need to be in making sure they receive the care that their physician thinks they need to have.”

St. Mary’s is always seeking additional volunteers, she said, and residents may contact 816-655-5362 for more information. They should be willing to work a minimum of a four-hour shift, “but we are very flexible, and we can work with folks,” Ratcliff said.

St. Mary’s Medical Center is part of Carondelet Health’s nonprofit, Catholic-sponsored health care system in Kansas City. Amy McKay, St. Mary’s director of rehabilitative services and outpatient services, said the hospital has a family-like atmosphere to it that is immediately noticeable.

“You feel it when you walk in here,” she said. “When I came here, it felt

right. It’s very hard to explain until you’ve felt it. We’re all here together as one team, working for the good of the patients.

“It’s a business, but it’s a family business.”

McKay said she has seen numerous changes take place at St. Mary’s since she started at the hospital seven years ago, including an expansion in orthopedic services, the addition of the Breast Center within the Women’s Health Institute, a complete renovation of patient rooms and an overall “facelift” to the hospital’s infrastructure.

“It makes it feel more like home than a hospital,” McKay said.

The 146-bed hospital 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. St. Mary’s has 351 physicians on staff who represent 34 medical specialties.

The hospital is the only one in Eastern Jackson County that has earned Magnet Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for excellence in nursing care.

“I believe in the mission,” Ratcliff said. “I believe in what St. Mary’s stands for – there is definitely a place for faith-based health care in America today.”

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

– Adrianne DeWeese

66 Blue Springs City Guide

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The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

• Outdoors recreation

Facilities offer chances to fish, hunt, hike, etc.

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. 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, 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. jacksongov.org/parks/#Landahl. 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

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, 800392-4115. 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. 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 1 through Sept. 15, and noon to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 16 through April 30. The range is open Wednesday through Sunday and special deer viewing hours are provided around deer season.

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 816-6556250 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. u FLEMING PARK Located 2 miles east of I-470/Mis-

souri 291 on Woods Chapel Road.

Fleming Park encompasses both Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake, and it covers more than 7,800 acres.

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 is open from 7 a.m. to sunset each day.

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 Memori-

al 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 sunset 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. Call 816-795-8888 for prices and times.

Numerous recreational events are offered during the summer. The local favorite, Lake Fest, runs each June.

Lake Fest features games, rides, contests, food, and a fireworks show.

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, two shelter houses, an overnight camping area for organized groups and nearly 4 miles of hiking trails.

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 is open from 8:30 a.m. to MORE ON PAGE 69

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 67

2011

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The examiner

on Wednesdays for the current

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68 Blue Springs City Guide

2011

The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

• City parks

Facilities offer a variety of activities There is no shortage of family fun to be had in Blue Springs. Much of it is provided for free, through Blue Springs Parks and Recreation.

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. Visit http://mobluesprings.civicplus.com/index. aspx?nid=337 for more information on the Blue Springs parks system. u BAUMGARDNER PARK 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive This 12-acre park offers tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a ball field, horseshoe pits, playground equipment and restroom and shelter facilities. Located across from Blue Springs High School, it also is home of Centennial PoolPlex, equipped with a 25-yard indoor pool and a 50-meter outdoor pool for competitive, instructional and recreational use. Hours are dawn to dusk. 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 include a lighted softball field, lighted tennis and basketball courts and a sand volleyball court as well as a playground, two shelters and barbecue areas. The park is handicapped accessible. Hours are 6 a.m. to midnight. u BURRUS OLD MILL PARK 112 N.W. Woods Chapel Road Located on the spot where the city of Blue Springs was founded, it is one of the town’s oldest parks. The spring nearby gave Blue Springs its name.

With baseball and soccer fields and tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, this 14-acre park has a lot to offer. It also houses the first skate park in Blue Springs. Hours are dawn to 11 p.m. u FRANKLIN SMITH SCHOOL PARK 1609 S.W. Clark Road Owned by the Blue Springs School District and managed by the city,

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.

Hours are dawn to dusk. u GREGORY O. GROUNDS PARK 1901 N.E. Jefferson St. Named after the former mayor, Gregory O. Grounds Park is the newest 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. Small boats are allowed on the lake. The park also features a 2.7-acre off-leash dog park at the 20th Street entrance.

At least three more phases are planned but not currently funded. They include a skate park, basketball courts, playgrounds, practice ball fields and a soap-box derby track.

Hours are dawn to dusk. u JAMES WALKER SCHOOL PARK 214 S.E. Walnut St. The baseball and soccer fields and basketball court 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. Hours are dawn to dusk. u KEYSTONE PARK 2214 S.W. Keystone Drive Known for being the place to be for sledding when it snows, due to its large hills, Keystone Park also offers two lighted softball fields, a playground, a walking/jogging trail and barbecue and picnic areas on its 42 acres. u PINK HILL PARK 2715 N.W. Park Drive Sitting on 40 acres between James Lewis Elementary School and Burr Oak Woods, this park is equipped with three lighted baseball fields, two soccer fields, two tennis courts, sand volleyball

courts, an ADA-accessible playground and a competition BMX race course.

There are also five shelters and horseshoe pits. Hours are dawn to dusk. 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 wellknown venue for birthday and sports parties, picnics and weddings. Amenities include Railroad Lake, a gazebo, public art, 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 parks system.

An Arbor Walk was recently added.

It contains 40 trees that have been marked with signs that identify their species, form, foliage, fruit and culture.

Hours are dawn to dusk. 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.

Hours are sunrise to 11 p.m. u WILBUR YOUNG PARK 1100 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway Young Park is a 40-acre facility that features six tennis courts, four sand volleyball courts, three softball fields (two lighted) with concessions and restrooms, a new 18-hole disc golf course (see above) a lighted basketball court, a playground and a shelter. The fishing pond located on the grounds is maintained by Blue Springs South High School science classes. Hours are dawn to dusk. 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. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

– Matt Mitchell

u DISC GOLF PARK After 20 years of trying, the Blue Springs Parks and Rec department proudly unveiled its disc golf course at Wilbur Young Park in May 2010.

The 18-hole course features movable disc baskets and two tee boxes per hole.

The course is on the north end of Young Park.

The course offers league play every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 for amateurs and $7 for professionals.

Post 499/ Fike pitcher Jordan Oddo at Hidden Valley. u HIDDEN VALLEY PARK SPORTS COMPLEX 6500 NW Valley View Road 816-228-0137 Hidden Valley Park is one of the most used parks within the Blue Springs park system and the main facility for outdoor youth sports.

The 116-acre facility features three football fields, seven soccer fields, three baseball diamonds, nine softball diamonds, three mud volleyball courts, one ADA-accessible play area, two picnic shelters, concessions, restrooms and more.

These facilities make Hidden Valley one of the premier amateur sports parks in the metro, hosting several regional softball, baseball and soccer tournaments each year.

The baseball complex is used by the city’s two American Legion baseball teams, Post 499/Fike and Rod’s Sports A’s, and it plays host to the annual American Legion Wood Bat Invitational, which features 40 teams from as many as six states. It also has hosted several zone, state and regional Legion tournaments.

The main field, Jim Moran Field, features seats from the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium.

The park plays host to the annual Barbeque Blaze-Off contest each September.

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 69

2011

THINGS TO DO

• Burr Oak Woods

Conservation area offers much for nature lovers

Blue Springs has a piece of urban wilderness within its borders, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

“The main purpose of the center is to help get people and families outside,” said Lisa LaCombe, Burr Oak Nature Center manager “and to get them comfortable in nature.”

Burr Oak, at 1401 N.W. Park Road in northwest Blue Springs features prairies, glades, ponds, wildflowers and forests. There is also a nature center with a 3,000-gallon aquarium featuring native Missouri fish and turtles. The center also has taxidermy displays, a bird-watching solarium, a live reptiles and amphibians display, an auditorium featuring nature movies on the weekends, and many exhibits.

The Missouri Department of Conservation facility 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.

One of the highlights of the center is its educational programs. The Nature Center is very kid-friendly and offers many resources for educators interested in a field-trip or in-class nature instruction. Burr Oak has programs for

home-schooled children and age-specific school programs.

Teachers interested in learning more about what field-trip opportunities await can go on a sight tour called the Magic School Bus on Aug. 12. The tour will begin and end at the Nature Center and also will hit Beanstalk: The Children’s Garden, Lakeside Nature Center and the John Wornall House.

Patrons do not need to worry about budgeting for a trip to Burr Oak. “All of our programs are free,” LaCombe said.

The Nature Center also features varying traveling exhibits. Check in frequently for updated information.

Several times a week special events and classes are offered. The center’s website is updated frequently. Some events require pre-registration. Education programs focus on fishing, forests, outdoor skills, canoeing, camping, backpacking, bird watching, tree identification and more. There are also natural history and restoration classes.

In addition to the activities at the Nature Center, the area offers nature study, family fishing programs (although there is no public fishing),

physical fitness and more.

Other events scheduled for this summer include the “Go Wild” nature series, “Wild Edibles” and more. An Outdoor Skills Camp is available for children. Pre-registration is required.

The hiking trails are the hallmark of the park. The trails vary in length and difficulty. The J. Ernest Dunn Jr. Discovery Trail is a half-mile paved parkway for visitors with strollers.

The three-quarter-mile Missouri Tree Trail also is paved and wheelchair accessible. It features many native trees and includes a bridge over a pond and a large deck overlooking a glade.

The Wildlife Habitat Trail is a 11⁄2-mile hiking trail with a short loop option that will allow hikers to see the major features of the trail, which include a pond,

prairie and stream crossing.

For longer hikes, the Hickory Grove Trail is 3.3 miles and the Bethany Falls Trail is 1.33 miles. The trails give hikers the opportunity to see many animals in their natural habitat.

Burr Oak also features two picnic areas.

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.

The trails are open seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight savings time.

For more information visit http:// mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/ burr-oak-woods-nature-center or call 816-228-3766.

– Matt Mitchell

Hunters, anglers have opportunities RECREATION: FROM PAGE 50 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 6 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. 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 pis-

tol 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.

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 hour.

Crossfire is open 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. Visit www.crossfirerec.com/ for more information.

– Matt Mitchell

*Tires *Wheel Balance *Computerized Estimates *Scheduled Maintenance *Brakes *Tune Ups *Oil Changes

Complete Car & Truck Repair

900-B NW Pink Hill Rd. ,Blue Springs, MO 64015 Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.

220-1133

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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 Ser- tified professionals can be found at vice Excellence (ASE). every type of repair facility, from ASE tests and certifies autodealerships, service stations, motive professionals in all and franchises to parts major technical areas stores, independent of repair and service. garages, and even With some 420,000 municipal fleets. currently certified professionals, Certification Benthe ASE program is efits Motorists national in scope and ASE certifies the has industry-wide acceptechnical competence of tance and recognition. ASE-cerindividual 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, ASE-certified 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

Cable Dahmer Chevrolet Barr’s Auto Service BLUE SPRINGS

1837 S. Noland • Independence

1834 S. Noland Rd. • Independence

254-3388

254-3860

220 W. 23rd St. • Independence

833-1348

FORD

3200 S. Outer Rd. • Blue Springs 224-0076 Service

Serving Eastern Jackson County for over 30 Years.

We have ASE Master and Certified Technicians

We have ASE Certified Mechanics

We employ only ASE Certified Technicians

We have 20 ASE Certified Mechanics

The Examiner

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THINGS TO DO

Centennial Pool-Plex offers many chances to get wet Blue Springs Parks and Recreation offers several aquatic activities and classes at Centennial Pool-Plex, the city’s only year-round aquatic facility at 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive.

Centennial Pool-Plex, which is run by Midwest Pool Management consists of three pools: A six-lane 25-yard indoor pool, an eight-lane 50-meter outdoor pool and an outdoor wading pool which features a sloped “beach-style” entry, water-spraying toys, and “rocking” jet

skis for small swimmers. Showers, restrooms and lockers are also provided.

Wellness classes offered during the summer season are Swimnastics, an aerobics class that takes place in the water for $4 per class; and Therapeutic Swim for anyone with physical difficulties such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery or injury rehabilitation for $3.75 per class and lap swim for $3 per visit. Swim lessons for all ages also are offered throughout the year. Visit

http://www.bluespringsgov.com/index. aspx?NID=260 for details.

Fees (through Sept. 5, 2011) are 3 and under is free with parent, 4 years and older are $5, Adult lap swim is $3 and the twilight open swim (after 5 p.m.) is $3.50. Season passes are also available for purchase: A resident family of four is $120, resident individual is $70, non-resident family of 4 is $150 and a non-resident individual is $95.

For more information call 816-228-

0188 or visit the website at http:// www.bluespringsgov.com/index. aspx?NID=260.

– Staff reports

Experience

ENGLEWOOD Home Sweet Home

11205 E. Winner Road • Independence, Mo 64052 “In Englewood”

Bakery & Coffeehouse

Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum ~ Special Exhibits Monthly Puppet Shows ~ Workshops Birthday Parties ~ Puppet Research Library Gifts and Puppet Parts For Sale Puppet - Repair, Restringing & Appraisal

11109 East Winner Rd. • Independence, MO Open 9am-2pm Sunday

• Closed Monday • Open 7am-6pm Tuesday ~ Saturday

816-833-9777

A unique bakery located in the Englewood Business District.

Serving baked goods, sweets, hot and cold beverages

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Puppet Shows $5/person Museum Tour: Adults-$3.00 • Children under 16 - $1.50 www.hazelle.org

S h o p p i n g ◆ D i n i n g ◆ 816-886-1359 www.homesweethomebakery.net hshbakery@yahoo.com

A r t

&

E n t e r t a i n m e n t

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Blue Springs City Guide 73

THINGS TO DO

• Youth sports

Many sports activities to choose for children

BASEBALL

u Blue Springs Baseball Ages: 5-17 (T-ball 5-7 only) For: Males only This association offers both competitive and recreational leagues. Players must reside in the Blue Springs School District, Eastern Jackson County, or the family must be affiliated with American Legion Stanley Pack Post 499. Signups stretch from late February to early March. Season runs from late April to mid June, depending on weather.

For more information, visit www. bluespringsbaseball.org. u American Legion Baseball Ages: Two Leagues: AA (15-16) and AAA (17-19) For: Males only This is a competition league for area high school students. Tryouts occur after the summer season at the beginning of August. The summer season lasts from late May until early August for AAA (senior) and from late May until July for AA (junior). For more information, students of Blue Springs High School should contact Mike Rooney at Rod’s Sports at 816-220-2315. For students attending Blue Springs South High School, contact Jim Moran at 816-225-2015. You can also visit www. missouriAmericanlegionbaseball. com for more information.

SOFTBALL

u Blue Springs Girls Softball Association Ages: 5-18 For: Females only Both recreation and competitive leagues are available through this association. The association offers T-ball, coach pitch, machine pitch, and competition/fast pitch leagues. There are spring/summer leagues and fall leagues.

Spring/summer recreational leagues stretch from late April to late June while competition leagues begin in March.

Competition leagues require tryouts.

For more information, visit www. bsgsa.net.

u The Exceptionals Ages: 5-20 For: Males and females 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 Mondays in Hidden Valley Park. Participation is free to anyone from the area. For more information about volunteering or participating, visit www.bsgsa.net and click on the “Exceptionals” tab.

BASKETBALL

u Blue Springs Athletic Association Ages: K-12 For: Males and females The season for this league, which was founded in 1978, begins in late November and stretches to early March.

Teams are created using a draft system. Signups begin in October. Games are held on Saturdays at various locations in the Blue Springs School District. Practices are twice a week at Blue Springs schools. For more information, visit www.bsaabasketball.com.

FOOTBALL

u Blue Springs Athletic Association Ages: K-7th grade For: Males only This 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 October 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. For more information, visit www.bsaafootball.com. u Blue Springs Pop Warner Gators Ages: 5-13 For: Males only This league requires no tryouts. Flag football is for ages 5-8, while tackle football is 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.

For more information, visit www. heartofAmericapopwarner.com.

GYMNASTICS

u Great American Gymnastic Express For: Males and females Great American Gymnastic Express, at 1101 N.W. Jefferson in Blue Springs, offers a variety of programs that “help children embrace health and fitness as fun,” according to its website.

Former gymnasts include 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool and 2008 U.S. Olympic alternate Ivana Hong.

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 first timers.

GAGE is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information visit www. gagecenter.com or call 816-228-7775. u Rebound Gymnastics 8316 S.W. Missouri 7, Blue Springs 816-229-8834 Rebound Gymnastics offers gymnastics for pre-school 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 also is available for $7.50 per child.

For more information, visit www. reboundgym.com.

SOCCER

u Blue Springs Soccer Club Ages: 4-14 For: Males and females This league, which follows Missouri Youth Soccer Association guidelines, offers both competition and recreational teams. Registration for the spring season is in January. Spring season lasts from March until May. Fall registration is in July. Fall season lasts

from August to October.

For more information you can visit www.bluespringssoccerclub.org.

TENNIS

u Blue Springs Junior Tennis Ages: 9-18 For: Males and females Blue Springs Parks and Recreation offers National Junior Tennis League (ages 9-12) and Junior Team Tennis (ages 13-18) each summer in June and July at Wilbur Young Park. For more information, call the Parks office at 228-0137 or visit www.bluespringsgov.com.

TRACK & FIELD

u Eastern Jackson County Track Club Youth track and field club for ages 618. Includes USA Track and Field membership. For more information, contact Chris Earley at 816-847-0252.

VOLLEYBALL

u Blue Springs Youth Volleyball League Ages: Grades 4-8 For: Females only Helps develop fundamental volleyball skills in a recreational format.

Registration is generally held on the last two Saturdays in July. Games are typically held on Saturdays in September and October. All games and practices will be held in Blue Springs School District facilities.

For more information, visit www. eteamz.com/BSYVL.

WRESTLING

u Youth Jaguar Wrestling Club Ages: Grades 4-15 For: Males only Team practices at Blue Springs South High School. For more information, contact Doug Black at dblack@ bssd.net or 816-582-6911. u Western Stars Wrestling Club Ages: Grades 4-15 For: Males only For more information, contact Phil Howk at 816-841-9852 or visit www. westernstars.org.

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481 NE Coronado Drive • Blue Springs

BISCUITS ARE GOOD. BIG BISCUITS ARE BETTER.

(Adams Dairy Pkwy & Coronado Drive. Across from Walmart)

816-224-WING (9464) Order Online at www.Wingstop.com

LUNCH DEAL FOR 2 • 11AM - 4PM 2 FREE 20 oz. Fountain Drinks & FREE Large Fries with any two 10-piece or more wing purchase.

Mix and Match Regular & Boneless Wing!

VALID AT NE CORONADO LOCATION ONLY!

Blue Springs City Guide 75

• 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

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THINGS TO DO

• Fine arts organizations

Chances to get involved in theater, music

BLUE SPRINGS CITY THEATRE

Following the production of more than 40 shows and with the aid of 1,900 cast members and volunteers, the Blue Springs City Theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

With the motto of “Creating magic, enriching lives,” the City Theatre performs two to four times each season for the Blue Springs community. “Lost & Foundling” and “Oliver” were performed earlier this year.

It is perhaps most fitting that “Scrooge: The Musical” will close out the 2011 season in December since “Scrooge” was the City Theatre’s first production in late 1986, as well as performances in 1988, 1990, 1996 and 2002. Auditions for “Scrooge: The Musical” will take place in early October.

Other well-known productions throughout City Theatre’s 25-year history include “The King and I,” “Sound of Music,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Music Man” and many others.

The 2012 season, which opens in March, will include “Blather, Blarney & Balderdash,” “Willy Wonka,” “A Tomb with a View” and “Babes in Toyland.”

The City Theatre is in constant need of volunteers for everything from construction to technical assistance, painting sets to designing customers 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.

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. Summer musicals occasionally take place in the Barbara Landes Performing Arts Center on the campus of Blue Springs South High School, 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway.

Call 816-228-0137 for more information.

BLUE SPRINGS BALLET

For nearly 20 years, Blue Springs Ballet and Performing Arts has continued the tradition of an annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” a classic ballet.

Melissa Morris opened Blue Springs Ballet in 1992, and she 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. Zumba, a popular Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class, is offered at Blue Springs Ballet.

The studio is now accepting new students for fall enrollment. Other classes offered include the following: Mommy & Me Dance, designed for 2 to 4 year olds and a parent or caregiver; Creative Movement, in which young students learn classical 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; and Jazz.

Adult ballet and Pilates courses also are available. Blue Springs Ballet features a 5,000-square-foot facility with two large dance rooms and a Mommy & Me dance studio.

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.

Many children who may not have otherwise seen the ballet also have experienced the art form because of Blue Springs Ballet and its offering of 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 and the staff members at Blue Springs Ballet.

Children’s

performing THEATRE

This group focuses on children as actors and actresses, and performances are in the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center in Independence.

The group performs three times a year, twice as an audition performance and once as a learning experience.

Membership is open to all children ages 5-15. 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.

For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370. For tickets, call 816-325-7367.

ENCORE THEATRE

This is a thespian group for adults age 50 and older, who enjoy fun-loving drama and specialize in melodrama.

The members perform at the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center in 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.

For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370. For season tickets, call 816-325-7367.

GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM ACADEMY OF THE ARTS The George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts, now in its 15th year, has an ambitious goal: to combine all creative arts, while focusing on individual disciplines. The office is located at 1010 S. Pearl St. in Independence.

Students from approximately 18 to 20 high schools and home-schooled students take part in the annual fiveweek 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 at least 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 816-729-7097.

MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTE

For more than 30 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, has 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, at 1010 Pearl St. in Independence, is open to people of all ages. All teachers are professional musicians. Enrollment begins in August for the academic 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 816-224-2839.

– Adrianne DeWeese, Jillayne Ritchie

The Examiner

2011

Blue Springs City Guide 77

THINGS TO DO

• Recreation

Plenty available for active lifestyles

MULTISPORT 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 fields, a basketball and volleyball gym, four batting cages 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.

Summer hours are 10 a.m. until the last game ends Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until the last game ends and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. or until the last game ends.

For more information, visit www. sportscitykc.com. u BLUE SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 1300 Adams Dairy Parkway 816-254-9622 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-springs-familyymca/. 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.

The facility also offers a homeschool physical education class for home-schooled children ages 41⁄2 to 18 each Friday at 2 p.m. It also has facilities for dances, parties and concerts.

For more information, visit www. kcsportslodge.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.

GOLF

u ADAMS POINTE GOLF CLUB 1601 R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs 816-220-3673 www.adamspointegolfclub.com/ Located right off Interstate 70, Adams Pointe Golf Club is one of Kansas City’s premier golf courses.

Created by noted local course designer Don Sechrest, Adams Pointe Golf Club was named “A 5-Star Course in Kansas City” by Tee Times Golf Guide. KC Golfer Magazine awarded Adams Pointe “Best Service” and “Best Greens Among Kansas City Courses.”

The course features bentgrass for “more reliable and beautiful conditions in the fairways.” It also includes Tee Times Golf Guides “Toughest Par-3” in Kansas City and its 18th hole was named KC Golfer Magazine’s “Best Golf Hole in KC.” The Short-Game Center features bentgrass practice greens with 30,000 square feet of space for putting, chipping and bunker shots. Adams Pointe also offers private instruction and golf lessons. There is also a player development program for $49 per month.

Monday through Thursday, teetimes with a GPS cart are $44 from

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.

To schedule tee times or for more information visit the website or call. u STONE CANYON GOLF CLUB 22415 E. 39th Street, Independence 816-228-3333 www.stonecanyongolfclub.com The only Greg Norman Signature Design course in Missouri, Stone Canyon Golf Club opened in 2009 as a private club and has recently become a public facility.

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 $29 after 5 p.m.

For more information visit www.stonecanyongolfclub.com. u COUNTRY CLUB OF BLUE SPRINGS 1600 N.W. Circle Drive, Blue Springs 816-229-1194 www.countryclubofbluesprings.net This 18-hole championship course is Blue Springs’ only private club. Call or visit the website for membership information. u BENT OAK GOLF CLUB 1300 S.E. 30th St., Oak Grove 816-690-3028 www.bentoakgolfclub.com Bent Oak Golf Club in Oak Grove is now open under new management.

Designed by Robert Simmons and opening in 1980 the 18-hole course is a public facility featuring a championship layout of 6,855 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72 . The course rating is 73.1 and it has a slope rating of 134, featuring four sets of tees, new zoysia tee boxes along with bentgrass greens and bluegrass and

rye fairways.

Weekday tee times with cart are $29, twilight rates are $19. Weekend rates with cart are $31, weekend twilight rate is $21 For more information visit www. bentoakgolfclub.com u FAMILY GOLF PARK 1501 N.E. U.S. 40, Lee’s Summit 816-228-1550 1501 NE U.S. 40, Lee’s Summit 816-228-1550 Family Golf Park was selected by the Golf Range Association of America as one of the Top 100 Ranges in America in 2009. 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.

BOWLING

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.

VOLLEYBALL

u CENTERLINE BEACH VOLLEYBALL 1910 U.S. 40, Blue Springs 816-224-4455 With a fun and friendly atmosphere, Centerline Beach Volleyball delivers beach volleyball action to the area.

MORE ON PAGE 81

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Timothy Lutheran Ministries and School

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 Crosswalk & 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

Trinity Church of the Nazarene

19800 E. Truman Rd., Independence, MO 64056 * (816) 796-2750

‘Jesus For Your Journey’ Time: Sundays - 10 a.m.

Web: www.lscckc.com Pastor: Dan Roye

Location: Grain Valley High School Address: 551 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley Phone: 816.228.1404

“ You also, as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5)

Sunday Schedule: Worship 8:30am, 11:00am & 6:00pm Sunday School 9:45am Wednesday’s @ 7:00pm: Adult, Youth & Children’s Ministries Relevant Worship – Exciting Programs – Mission Minded – Lasting Relationships

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2011

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church NW Corner I-70 & Lee’s Summit Road

4000 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence 373-5333 www.St.MichaelsChurch.org

Calvary Baptist Church of Blue Springs 22nd & Ashton • 228-5540 • www.calvarybluesprings.org Jim Millstead, Pastor

Wednesday 12:15pm & 6:30pm

Sunday Morning Bible Study...............................................9:30 am Morning Service.................................................................10:45 am Evening Worship.................................................................6:00 pm Wednesday Service..............................................................6:00 pm

All are Welcome!

Loving God, Loving People - Matthew 22:37-40

Sunday 8am & 10:30am Christian Education 9:30am

Come Feel Christ’s Love.

The REMNANT CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints Blue Springs Congregation

Center Congregation

5555 Valley View Drive Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3336 Presiding Elder – High Priest Austin Purvis

709 W. Maple Independence, MO 64050 816-836-6883 Presiding Elder – High Priest Bill Derr

First Congregation

Woods Chapel Congregation

2820 South 291 Highway – Outer Road Independence, MO 64055 816-373-3560 Presiding Elder – High Priest Mike Hogan

Headquarters:

700 W. Lexington Avenue Independence, MO 64050 816-461-7215 816-461-7278 FAX

501 NW Woods Chapel Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-885-6356 Presiding Elder – High Priest David Scott

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

www.theremnantchurch.com

The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been called into renewal to preach the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen, and to prepare and gather a righteous people for the building of the Kingdom of God on earth, Zion.

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RELIGION

• Area churches

Many places to worship in Blue Springs

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. u Blue Springs Free Will Baptist 4116 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 816-229-9937 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 Capernaum Missionary Baptist 202 S.W. 8th St. 816-228-5301 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 and 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. u Grace Unlimited Missionary Baptist Church 2001 S.W. 9th St. 816-228-0055 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 and children’s Bible studies, 4 p.m.

Adult and children’s Bible studies, as well as Fusion, take place at 7 p.m.

Wednesday. u Holy Hill Baptist Church 201 N.W. 11th St. 816-220-3444 u Plaza Heights Baptist Church 1500 S.W. Clark Road 816-229-4077 Sunday services take place at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Small group Bible studies or Sunday school take place at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday and at 6 p.m.

Wednesday. u Woods Chapel Bible Fellowship 701 N.W. Woods Chapel Road 816-228-1411 Worship services take place at 8:30 and at 11 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m.

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 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 9:30 a.m. Morning worship is at 10:20 a.m. Sunday, and evening worship is at 5 p.m. Sunday. A Bible study also takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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 morning classes, including a Scripture study, take place from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. The Sunday morning worship is at 11 a.m.

Sunday evening choir practice runs from 5 to 6 p.m. A Wednesday prayer service takes place at 7 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 5:45 p.m. Faith Followers and CROSS youth groups meet at 6:30 p.m., and an adult Bible study takes place at 6:30 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 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 Lutheran Church 3719 W. U.S. 40 816-220-2609 Worship is celebrated at 10 a.m.

Sunday. Communion is available on the first and third Sunday of each month.

The Blue Springs Planning Commission approved a site plan design review and a preliminary and final plan for Pointe Center in early July. The center, the former 84 Lumber building at 1215 N. Missouri 7, will be the home for Pointe of Hope in the future. 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.

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RELIGION

Blue Springs churches offer variety of choices AREA CHURCHES: FROM PAGE 80

METHODIST

u First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs 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 United Methodist Church of the Resurrection 601 N.W. Jefferson St. 816-389-8900 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 9:15 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. u St. Peter United Methodist Church 3609 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-9889 A “blended” worship service takes place at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school 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.

RECREATION: FROM PAGE 77 Centerline offers recreational and competetive beach volleyball leagues.

Open volleyball is available Saturdays after 5 p.m. A banquet room and sports bar are also available. Call to reserve the banquet room for private parties.

Summer leagues begin June 5, and Fall leagues begin Aug. 16. Price is $240 for a 6 player team and $160 for a four player team.

For more information, call or visit www.centerlinevolleyball.com.

Sunday school is available for children ages 2 through fourth grade at 9:05 and 10:10 a.m.

OTHER DENOMINATIONS

u Blue Springs Assembly 2501 N.E. Duncan Road 816-847-0200 Sunday worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school takes place at 9:30 and 10:30 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 at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday and at 7:30 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

BMX

u BLUE SPRINGS BMX 2715 N.W. Park Drive, Blue Springs 816-392-9901 Blue Springs BMX is an American Bicycle Association sponsored track that allows racers of all ages to participate.

Age groups range from 5 and under to 51 and over.

Races are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Signups start at 6 p.m. Racing begins as soon as possible once signups are complete. The fee to race is $9.

Racers must be an ABA member to

a.m. worship service. u Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday 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 and at 10:30 a.m. The children’s chapel is open at 10:30 a.m., and nursery care is available at 9 a.m. u Lakeview Pentecostal Church 217 S.E. South Ave. 816-229-0124 Sunday services are at 11 a.m., and a nursery is available. An adult Bible study takes place at 7:30 p.m., and a nursery also is available then. u New Community Church 22603 N.W. Pink Hill Road 816-220-2844 Worship services take place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Age-specific Bible studies and prayer groups also take place on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

u Blue Springs Christian Church 7920 S. Missouri 7 816-229-7311 Classic worship begins at 8:15 a.m.

participate. Memberships are available at the track. For more information on schedules, rules, etc., visit www. bluespringsbmx.com.

AUTO RACING

u VALLEY SPEEDWAY 348 E Old 40 Hwy, Grain Valley 816-229-2222 Valley Speedway offers a summer season of dirt-track racing. The onethird-mile, banked track offers racing Friday and Saturday evenings during the spring, summer and early fall months.

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. The Edge Student Ministries take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Life groups also take place Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 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. and at 5 p.m.

– Adrianne DeWeese

On Friday nights, the action usually includes sprint cars and vintage racing cars. Gates open at 6 p.m. and hot laps begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays usually feature modifieds, stock cars and dirt demons. Gates open at 5 p.m. and hot laps begin at 6:30 p.m.

Prices for all events are $10 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children age 6 through 12. Children five and under are free. Concessions are available.

For more information, visit www.valleyspeedway.com.

– Matt Mitchell, staff reports

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THINGS TO DO R.

Jackson County parks and historical sites

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Dogs and their owners at the annual Dogtober Fest event at Fleming Park.

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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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skilled nursing & rehabilitation Golden Living Center of Independence is a warm environment that offers dedicated staff to our residents and their families. Please stop by and see all of the state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment and other amenities:

• • • •

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 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

17451 E. Medical Center Parkway • Independence, Missouri 64057 • 816.373.7795 Please refer questions to our Director of Admissions, Melissa Bauman.

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