Blue Springs Guide 2010

The Examiner | July 29, 2010

Blue Springs

| City Guide 2010 |

www.remax.com

Heritage • 816-224-8484

heritagehomesandland.com

Education l Blue River

Colleges

Get a college education and stay close to home 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 eight-week courses meet once or twice a week, and there are five sessions each year starting in January, March, June, August and October. There is also the flexibility of starting and stopping classes based on work, military and family obligations.

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

Graceland University

The Independence campus of Graceland University is home to the School of Nursing as well as the Global Campus. It’s 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 Metropolitan Community College-Blue River, a business administration program is offered with classes held at the Blue River campus.

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

Kyle Hannsen, left, and Ellie Heatherly look through the program before Metropolitan Community College-Blue River’s 2010 Commencement

A college close to you Independence residents have an option close to home for post-secondary education - Metropolitan Community College-Blue River.

Opened in 1997, more than 3,500 students attend MCC-Blue River, 20301 E. Missouri 78 in Independence, each semester. Classes are available in both day and night sessions as well as online. 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, which includes more than 70 percent of students at MCC-Blue River, 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 energizing and 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 Ath-

National American University Members of the MCC-Blue River Trailblazers women’s soccer tea.m.. letic 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.

If becoming a full-time student is not on option, MCC-Blue River also offers a large community and continuing education progra. m 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, visit the Web site at www.mcckc.edu/blueriver <http://www.mcckc. edu/blueriver> or call 816-220-6500.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

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 website at www.national.edu/Locations/Independence or call 816-412-7700.

Park University

Park University’s main campus is in Parkville, Mo., but offers more than 40 campus centers in the Kansas City metropolitan area as well as online courses.

The Independence campus, 2200 S. Missouri 291, offers undergraduate programs in an accelerated format. Online classes are offered in conjunction with campus classes, and day, weekend and evening programs are also a part of the various programs.

Park University holds the distinction of being the largest provider of online education to the military.

For more information on Park University, visit its website at www.park.edu/indp or call 816-584-6561.

2010

– Kelly Evenson

Blue Springs City Guide 45

l Education School of Economics

Learning the business basics The School of Economics established in 1991 is at 200 N.W. 14th St., gives hands on training to students grades kindergarten through sixth on how to manage money. The School of Economics serves school districts in Missouri including Blue Springs, Independence, Fort Osage, Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley, Park Hill, North Kansas City, Raytown, some private schools and home schooled students. The school runs from May to September.

The Blue Springs School of Economics also awards two scholarships each year to graduating seniors.

For more information on how to get involved, volunteer or scholarship information call director Vicki Stanton at 816-224-8171.

– Nikki Bomgardner

Rainbow Center

Options for special needs The Rainbow Center is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to help children and adults with developmental disabilities, like autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, PDD, and many learning disabilities.

The facility began in 1976, initially serving only three students. However, as time progressed, the center expanded, first in 1996 when the center opened Rainbow Options, an adult habilitation center and later again in 1998 when it expanded its adult habilitations with Rainbow Options II. The Rainbow Option programs are for anyone over age 21 whose disabilities limit them from working. The programs allow them to experience community integration, creative expression, and health and fitness.

“The children and adults of Rainbow enjoy a variety of activities while in programming,” said Jill Calvert, Director of Development. “These activities include educational learning, speech,

46 Blue Springs City Guide

physical and occupational therapies, community access that involves (but not limited to) swimming, bowling, volunteering at local churches and Harvesters, and other outings to enhance their experiences.”

The center now serves more than 60 youths, ages 3-21, and more than 120 total. Despite the large numbers, the center boasts a small staff to consumer ratio (1:3).

The organization’s mission is “To provide a safe, nurturing, and social environment in order to serve persons with special educational and developmental needs.”

To accomplish this, the Rainbow Center focuses on self-esteem and socialization.

“We take pride in our nurturing environment by making sure that all of our staff members are trained in ‘Gentle Teaching’, Mandt, CPR and others to provide the best environment for the children and adults,” said Calvert.

The Rainbow Center is funded by a number

2010

of sources.

“We receive funding by partnering with school districts, along with receiving funding through EITAS, MO-DOT, United Way and other important funders. We supplement our operating budget with fundraisers throughout the year. These events include; auction gala, golf tournament and a trivia event called Wreaths & Wits,” said Calvert.

The Rainbow Center Day School is at 900 N.W. Woods Chapel Road while 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 Options facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Rainbow Center or how you can volunteer you can call 816-2293869 or visit the center online at www.rainbowcenter.org.

– Melissa Shephard

The Examiner

Education l Private schools

Private schools available

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-montssori. com. u St. John LaLande 801 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs St. John LaLande is a fully accredited elementary and middle school. There are 44 teachers who educate 298 students. For more information call 816-228-5895 or visit www. stjohnlalande.com. u Nativity of Mary 10021 E. 36th Terr., Blue Springs

Nativity of Mary serves children pre-K to eighth grade. For more information, call 816353-0284 or visit the school’s Web site at www. nativityofmary.org. u Plaza Heights Christian Academy 1500 S.W. Clark Road, Blue Springs For more information call 816-228-0670 or visit www.plazaheights.org. u Timothy Lutheran 425 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 301 S.W. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs Timothy Lutheran servers pre-school age through sixth grade. For more information call 816-228-5300 or visit www.timothylutheranschool.com.

u Center Place Restoration School 819 W. Waldo Ave., Independence Center Place educates students kindergarten through grade 12. For more information call 816-252-1715 or visit cpreagles.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. u Tri-City Christian School 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence Tri-City works with students preschool through grade 12. Call 816-795-1088 or visit tccrusaders.org.

u Rockhurst High School 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City Rockhurst is the only Jesuit preparatory school in Kansas City for young males grades nine through 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 Archbishop is a college prep Catholic high school for students in ninth to 12th grades. For more information, call 816-763-4800 or visit the school’s website at www.oharahs.org.

– The Examiner staff

Home schooling

Parents as Teachers

Tools available for parents to teach children from home

Big changes in the works

There are times when parents want a different choice in education for their children other than public, private or parochial schools.

The choice they turn to – home schooling.

An estimated two million families home school their children in the United States. But before the decision is made to home school, families must know the law and what is expected of them.

A resource for families is Families for Home Education. Created 25 years ago, the Kansas City-based organization serves as a resource for home schooling 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.

One of the first things to understand is the state law on home education, RSMO 167.031.

Under state law, a home school’s primary purpose is to provide a private or religious-based education.

Students should be between the ages of 7 and 16 years old, and there should be no tuition, fees or other form of payment.

In addition, parents 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.

The Metro Homeschool Robotics team competed at nationals this year. The team earned a first place BEST award at the BEST National Championship.

These requirements do not apply to students over the age of 16.

Parents must maintain records that include a plan book, diary or other written record that shows what subjects are being taught, a portfolio of samples of the child’s academic work and a record of evaluations.

Parents that make the decision to home school should provide a signed, written declaration to the child’s home school district that states the intent to home school.

This letter should include the name and age of the child as well as the address and phone

The Examiner

number of the home school. Other information needed includes the na.m.e of each person teaching.

The letter should be submitted within 30 days of establishing a home school and by Sept. 1 the following years.

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

A progra.m. that started in Missouri will see big changes for the 2010-11 school year.

Parents As Teachers is designed to provide parents with the tools to help this child develop and learn until they reach kindergarten. A progra.m. that was once free and open to any fa.m.ily in the Blue Springs School District, major cuts at the state level have forced a drastic change to the statemandated program.

Questions remain as to what the progra. m. will look like when school begins in August. A portion of the progra.m. has always been using trained parent educators to work with parents and children in the home environment, providing them with the appropriate tools to help children learn and develop.

In addition, the progra.m. has included personal visits and group meetings as well as develop.m.ental screenings and links to community resources.

For more information on Parents As Teachers and the potential changes, call 816-224-1740.

– Kelly Evenson

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 47

l Helping hands

Community Services League

Eastland Community foundation

Food, financial help for families Program matches donors with charities

The Community Services League focuses on “helping people help themselves.” The CSL does this through a wide variety of charities to the public that provide both long-term and immediate relief to those in need. Their most commonly used services include their food pantry and clothing assistance.

The league was founded in 1916 by a group of women, including wife of Harry S. Truman, Bess Truman. The league serves low-income people throughout all of Eastern Jackson County.

The league’s wide range of services offered to the public go beyond income and ethnic boundaries to serve a variety of individuals and families. The services it provides include rent and utility assistance, counseling, senior services, providing school supplies, minor home repair, financial assistance for temporary shelter, assistance with prescription medicine, and assisting those in the job search via employment referrals.

The league also helps individuals to obtain birth certificates.

The league serves thousands and in the last year alone their assistance has nearly doubled.

It is for this reason, in addition to others, that the league is relocating in December to the intersection of Truman and Noland in Independence. The league also cites the need to get out of an old building and move to a nicer place with more room and a more efficient design as reason for the move.

Private donations, government grants, and a number of fundraisers fund the league.

If you would like to donate to the Community Services League, it is accepting food pantry

donations, particularly lunch items now that school is out. It is, also, accepting school supplies for the coming school year. For those willing to donate time, volunteers are a necessity for this organization, and the league accepts volunteers from all walks of life.

To learn more about the Community Services League you can reach it at 816-254-4100 or go online at www.cslcares.org. If you wish to receive assistance from the league you may stop by any of the following local offices: u Blue Springs – 200 S.W. 10th St., 816-2290033, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. u Grain Valley – Walnut and Capelle Street,

816-229-5890, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. u Independence (main office) – 300 W. Maple, 816-254-4100. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. u Fairmount – 800 S.Hardy Ave., 816-2540446. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. u 39th Street – 14500 E. 39th St., 816-2548209, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. u Buckner – 1001 S. Sibley, 816-249-5820, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to noon. u n Oak Grove – 1408 S.E. Austin St., 816690-8213, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Melissa Shephard

Truman Heartland Community Foundation

Start a memorial scholarship, manage donations The mission of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation is to improve area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good.

Donors are the driving force behind THCF and make the difference in the success of the organization.

THCF offers many options for giving. With a minimum of $5,000, donors may chose from the following ways to give: cash, “in memory

of”, appreciated securities, real estate, personal property and planned gifts.

Some benefits for charitable donations may include; involvement in an organization the donor cares about, impact based on pooling donations received by others for the same organization, tax savings and investing.

THCF has three locations in the area: North office operation center in the Commerce Bank building in Independence, East office confer-

48 Blue Springs City Guide

ence center in the Blue Ridge Bank Financial Center at 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Ste. 550 in Independence and the south office at Conference Center in the Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, 1812 Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit.

Contact number for THCF is 816-836-8189 or you may reach them on the web at www. thcf.org.

The Eastland Community Foundation was formed in 2005 when the community foundations of Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit merged. The foundation serves the eastern and southern parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area by connecting donors to needs and organizations they care about as well as providing leadership on critical community issues.

“Essentially, we really help people to organize their giving,” said Executive Director Debbie Starke.

The organization also provides Giving Cards for purchase, an encouraged special occasion gift option, which can be redeemed to benefit public charities.

“We were the first group in the country to develop this,” said Starke. “Anyone can go online and purchase a giving card of $25, $50, or $100 and they get the tax deduction for that. Then you can give them to anyone else and they will go online and redeem them at the charity of their choice anywhere in the country.”

Currently, the foundation is focused on its Healthy Lifestyles Task Force, a team. of more than 70 members including school districts, medical centers, and recreation departments that helps to fund healthy living in the metro.

“It creates easy access to affordable recreation and healthy lifestyles,” said Starke.

The Eastland Community Foundation is in Lee’s Summit at 200 N.W. Missouri Road, Suite 200. To find out more information you can call Executive Director Debbie Starke at 816-627-3435 or visit the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation at www.gkccf.org.

– Nikki Bomgardner

2010

– Melissa Shephard

The Examiner

Helping Hands l Civic organizations

Make a difference in your community u Blue Springs Jaycees 7752 Bass Road 816-229-1958 This is a national organization that is dependent upon volunteers, between the ages of 18 and 41, 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. u Blue Springs Rotary Club 1600 N.W. Circle Drive 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. For more information go to www. rotary6040.org. u Elks Lodge 100 N.E. Brizendine Road 816-229-6081 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 4940, Lodge 2509. u Kiwanis Club (Meeting location) 1600 N. Circle Drive 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. For more information go to www.sites.

kiwanis.org. u Lions Club 816-220-0178 (Meeting location) Golden Corral, 1203 E S.W. Missouri 7 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.”

The Blue Springs chapter meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 12:15 p.m. u St. Mary’s Medical Center Auxiliary 201 W R.D. Mize Road 816-655-5362 St. Mary’s Auxiliary seeks to benefit both the medical center and the community. The organization promotes wealth and welfare in the community, volunteers in the St. Mary’s gift shop, and helps sponsor charity events like the Butterfly Ball. The Auxiliary gives out 10 scholarships of $1,000 annually to students pursuing a medical career. u Sunset Optimist Club of Blue Springs (President Robert Eddington) 816-229-0494 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 comprises 87,000 members. The Blue Springs branch was chartered in 1986. The branch offers scholarships to students and sponsors youth events.

– Melissa Shephard

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 49

MEDICALDIRECTORY Cardiology Cardiology Associates, P.C.

C. David Akin, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Cardiology Associates, P.C.

Paul R. Chu, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Cardiology Associates, P.C.

Sarat C. Pachalla, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Cardiology Associates, P.C.

G. William Pogson, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels

ChiropraCtiC

Continued

Gilkison Family Chiropractic

Jennifer L. Gilkison D.C., F.I.C.P.A. Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition & Pediatrics Specializing in personal injury, family care, migraine headaches, back and neck pain.

672 SE Bayberry Lane, Suite 105, Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-7246 www.gilkisonchiro.com

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.

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.

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

50 Blue Springs City Guide

ear, nose

and

throat

ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. William B. Mangum, M.D., F.A.C.S. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service.

4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Professional Bldg.

Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474 2010

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY Ear, NosE

aNd

ThroaTC

ontinued

Family mEdiciNE

ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C.

Family Medicine, Inc.

Mark O. Covington, M.D. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service.

4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg.

Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474

Family Medicine, Inc.

ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. John C. Ellis, M.D., F.A.C.S. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service.

4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg.

Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474

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

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

ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. Andrew S. Pavlovich, M.D., F.A.C.S. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service.

4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg.

Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474

ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. Kelvin L. Walls, M.D. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service.

4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg.

Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474

The Examiner

Family Medicine, Inc.

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

Garcia Family Medicine & Women's Health Theresa C. (Tess) Garcia, M.D. 1203 N. Buckner Tarsney Road, Suite C Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 867-2065 www.garciafamilymed.net

Dr. Theresa (Tess) Garcia is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. She served her residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Family Practice Residency Program at Truman Medical Center – Lakewood. Dr. Garcia has extensive obstetrics training. She is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians, Missouri Academy of Family Physicians and Family Health Foundation of Missouri. Garcia Family Medicine and Women’s Health is a full scope of care family practice.

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 51

MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine

Continued

Grain Valley Family Medicine Kathleen Eubanks-Meng, D.O. 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

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

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Joseph DeBlase, D.O. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

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

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

52 Blue Springs City Guide

Family medicine

Continued

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

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

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood

Wael Mourad, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600 2010

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine

Continued

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood

Continued

Summit Gastroenterology

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

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

Dr. McCullough completed his medical school at the University of Health Sciences, now KCUMB. He went on to complete the Internal Medicine Residency program and a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

He has been in private practice since graduating his fellowship. Dr. McCullough is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology.

Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C.

Mark K. Taormina M.D. FACP, FACG, AGAF, FASGE Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 www.MidwestGastro.com Dr. Taormina is a Kansas City native. He graduated from the University of Missouri. Dr. Taormina’s postgraduate training in Gastroenterology was completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He continued as a Major in the US Army Medical Corps until 1991. Dr. Taormina is triple Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the specialties of internal medicine, gastroenterology and geriatric Medicine. He has attained Fellowship status in the American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is an active volunteer with the Kansas City Free Health Clinic and MetroCare providing GI specialty services to the uninsured in the Metro area. He serves as the administrative officer for the Medical Reserve Corps of KC and is the current chair of the medical regional advisory committee for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. He is currently on the active staff of Centerpoint Medical Center, Centerpoint Ambulatory Surgery Center, Midwest Physicians Surgery Center and St. Lukes Northland Hospital. He is active in clinical research as serves as the medical director of the Midwest Center for Clinical Research.

The Examiner

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.

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 53

MEDICALDIRECTORY 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

GastroenteroloGy

Continued

Gastroenterology – TMC Lakewood Laura M. Alba, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7679

Gastroenterology – TMC Lakewood Wendell Clarkston, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7679

Gastroenterology – TMC Lakewood Owen J. Smith, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7679

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

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 self-care 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.

54 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY 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

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

ontinued

Health Care For Women

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

Health Care For Women

Health Care For Women

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

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

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

The Examiner

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

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

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. 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 2010

Blue Springs City Guide 55

MEDICALDIRECTORY Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

ontinued

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

ontinued

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

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

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. 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

56 Blue Springs City Guide

OphthalmOlOGy Leibsohn Eye Center - Independence

Joel M. Leibsohn, M.D. Cataract Surgery Lens Implants, Cosmetic Eyelid and Facial Surgery, LASIK Vision Correction • Glaucoma Care 19101 E. Valley View Pkwy., Suite D Independence, MO 64055 (816) 836-8166 Fax: (816) 836-3160

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

2010

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY OptOmetryC

OptOmetry

ontinued

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 Family Eye Care, Inc. Member American Optometric Association Julia E. Mills, O.D. 900 Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 224-EYES (3937) Dr. Mills graduated from University of Missouri â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St. Louis College of Optometry and enjoys practicing complete eyecare for the entire family. Eyecare specialties include medical contact lens fitting including astigmatism and multifocals and children's vision examinations.

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

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

Oral & maxillOfacial Surgery Anthony Trakas, D.D.S. 412 N.W. Mock Ave. Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-9225

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

Graduate of UMKC Dental School and University of California at Irvine-Oral & Maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Trakas specializes in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery from simple extractions to major jaw surgeries. He, his wife and four children live in Blue Springs.

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

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

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 57

MEDICALDIRECTORY OrthOdOntics

Continued

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

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

James B. Indiveri, D.M.D.

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

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

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

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

Lisa B. Joline-Goppert, M.D. 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

Jennifer M. Sauer, M.D. 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

Barbara S. Trites, M.D. 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

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

58 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Continued

Continued

Blue Springs Pediatrics

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

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

Mark Mozer, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Annette M. Beck, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 11200 Winner Road Independence, MO 64052 (816) 836-4300

Thomas A. Seck, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Charles F. Cockerell, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300

Cindy L. Kirby-Diaz, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-4770

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Michele C. McIntosh, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 11200 Winner Rd. 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Independence, MO 64052 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 836-4300 (816) 228-4770 The Examiner

Timothy J. Sullivan, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-4770

Joseph R. VanBiber, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Amy MacCiush, RN, CPNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 59

MEDICALDIRECTORY Pediatrics

Continued

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.

Deana Raby, RN, CPNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300

Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C. Michelle L. Roach, RN, MSN, CPNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-4770

Pharmacy Fifty Plus Pharmacy Becky Culbertson, R.Ph 211 W. Lexington Independence, MO (816) 461-6546

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

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

Marrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 60 Blue Springs City Guide

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

2010

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY 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

Women's HealtH

Health l St. Mary’s Medical Center

Streamlining care Dr. John Borsa works on all different types of organs within the human body.

Sometimes, Borsa, an interventional radiologist at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, drains abscesses in the abdomen and pelvic region following an appendectomy.

Other times, he’ll examine blocked or narrowed arteries and then fix them with metal stints and angioplasty balloons.

Borsa is one of a handful of specialist doctors now part of the St. Mary’s Endovascular Center that started in early 2010. The center’s purpose is to streamline patients’ care so a team. of specialists can facilitate care of their health problems, according to Jennifer McClaran, a registered nurse with certification in radiology nursing. Doctors within the center include Borsa; Dr. Daniel Dunker, interventional cardiology; Dr. Maria Gomes, endocrinology; Dr. Daniel Hanon, podiatry; and Dr. Michael Nelson, wound care and hyperbaric care.

“There’s one number that physicians’ offices or patients can call that will facilitate who they need to see,” McClaran said. “It’s definitely a one-stop shop that helps streamline care for patients so they may have more prompt care for diagnosis and then treatment of their symptoms.”

For example, if patients are experiencing wounds on their feet and legs that hurt when they walk, the center would facilitate diagnostic imaging in radiology and then the patients would be referred to wound care, McClaran said.

The center has seen patients of all ages and from across the Kansas City region, but McClaran said patients are more likely to be in the 30s all the way to age 100.

The center is on the bottom floor of St.

Mary’s, 201 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, in the middle of radiology. The phone is answered 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 816-655-5577. Patients may leave a voice mail and will hear a response from a hospital staff member within 24 hours.

“We’re open 24 hours, but we schedule different tests at different times,” McClaran said.

“We work with patients’ schedules.”

Borsa said the brain is the most sensitive organ he works on. He’ll often perform an angiogram, looking for blockage in the brain.

(An angiogram is an X-ray of blood vessels after they’ve been injected with a special dye.)

If a blockage is seen, Borsa said, patients are then transferred to St. Mary’s sister hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, at Interstate 435 and State Line Road in Kansas City.

Arteries in the neck can be opened with a stint to prevent a stroke, Borsa said. If the problem exists farther up in the brain, a chemical is dripped through a catheter in the brain to remove the clot.

Image guidance with ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays and other methods is used when a needle punctures the skin and enters the artery, Borsa said, calling the method less invasive than others.

“I don’t think anyone knows as a kid that they want to be an interventional radiologist,” he said. “It was just sort of a blend between the technology that’s on the edge and helping people. I just thought it was really cool that you could help people and do it in these new, slicker ways.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

Garcia Family Medicine Theresa C. (Tess) Garcia, M.D. 1203 N. Buckner Tarsney Road, Suite C Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 867-2065 www.garciafamilymed.net Dr. Theresa (Tess) Garcia is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. She served her residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Family Practice Residency Program at Truman Medical Center – Lakewood. Dr. Garcia has extensive obstetrics training. She is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians, Missouri Academy of Family Physicians and Family Health Foundation of Missouri. Garcia Family Medicine and Women’s Health is a full scope of care family practice.

(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. Joyce Peterson, FNP • Elaine Akin FNP • Stephanie Hutchison, FNP

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 61

l health

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

816.478.0220

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

Annette Small

Q&A

My primary responsibility is to make sure our patients get the highest quality, safe and compassionate care. I partner not only with physicians, staff and volunteers at the medical center but also with community and business leaders to meet the health-care needs of the residents of Eastern Jackson County.

2

today!

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

are higher than other hospitals in the area. We have earned Magnet Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It recognizes health-care organizations questions demonstrating excellence.

St. Mary’s has a proven answers track record in providing quality, compassionate care – it’s our mission, but it is also our passion. We St. Mary’s Medical Center chief executive officer take our responsibility to serve the health care What are your responsibilities as needs of our community very seriously. chief executive officer?

1

We invite schedule your

Volunteer Diane Kisow straightens up in the gift shop at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Kisow has volunteered at the hospital for more than two years.

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.

You stated in a previous interview that you would like to make St. Mary’s “the prime choice for everyone in Eastern Jackson County.” How do you intend to make that happen?

In order to be the prime choice for patients, we have to be the prime choice for physicians to practice and for associates to work. In order to do that, you have to listen to people, bring them together as a team and find solutions.

We have a culture of respect at St. Mary’s – we respect our patients; we respect each other; and we value input from those we serve.

3

What factors should people consider when making the decision of where to receive their health care?

They should review what people are saying about a facility. Our patient satisfaction scores Alisa Ash, M.D.

Debra Sims, WHNP

Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP

4

What are several simple, everyday habits that people can adopt to ensure a healthy lifestyle?

Walk, walk, walk. Be committed. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables. If you eat fast food, consider healthful options. Make preventative health care a priority – yearly exams, scheduled screenings, and if you have a health concern, get it checked out.

5

What are some lessons you have learned in your career as a registered nurse and now as a hospital execu-

tive?

I’ve learned that everything counts. Yes, hightech, innovative care counts, and little things are just as important. I’ve learned that when I talk with someone, I need to be honest and confident enough to say the tough stuff in a respectful manner. I believe compassion goes a long way, and it’s important to connect in every interaction.

62 Blue Springs City Guide

–– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

Health l Hospitals

More than emergency care

Centerpoint Medical Center

Centerpoint Medical Center, at 19600 E. 39th St., is the only hospital in Independence.

Centerpoint is a 221-bed, acute care hospital.

Services that set Centerpoint apart, according to its website at centerpointmedical.com, include the hospital’s emergency services, a regional trauma center, an accredited chest pain center, women’s services including Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Human Motion Institute, advanced diagnostic imaging, a diabetes center and other acute care specialty services.

Centerpoint Medical Center is part of the HCA Midwest Health System.

HCA Midwest Health System is the area’s largest health care network.

For more information about Centerpoint, call 816-698-7195.

truman medical centers

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood is located in southern Kansas City near Lee’s Summit at 7900 Lee’s Summit Road. It has full health care services, from addiction recovery to dental services. The facility has carefully planned entrances and exits and spacious private rooms and registration areas designed for comfort and privacy, according to its Web site, www. trumed.org.

To contact TMC Lakewood, call 816-4047000.

Adult quick cares

Adult Quick Care, at 19000 E. Eastland

Center Court, suite 300, provides adults and children age 14 or older quality and efficient health care for acute and urgent medical problems.

Physicians experienced in treating adult or adolescent acute injuries and illnesses make up the staff.

The general scope of services includes common illnesses and injuries like ancillary services, basic X-ray, EKG testing, spirometry testing, hearing testing and lab services. Adult Quick Care is not equipped to provide care for children younger than age 14, life- or limbthreatening emergencies or complications in pregnancy.

If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood or unconsciousness, please obtain emergency care at the nearest emergency room.

For more information, call 816-559-6320.

Emergent Care Plus

Another quick care facility is Emergent Care Plus located at 2741 N.E. McBaine Drive in Lee’s Summit. Started by four residency-trained physicians, the doctors offer full-service urgent care and occupational and environmental services and an on-site laboratory and a high-tech radiological suite for imaging and rehabilitation therapies.

Urgent care

Urgent Care of Kansas City at 4741 S. Arrowhead Drive in Independence offers emergency care services like flu testing, imaging diagnosis and other services. The number is 816-7956000.

– Michael Glover

The Examiner

Blue Springs City Guide 63

l health

Community Blood Center

Just a few drops for life The Community Blood Center at 4040 Main St., Kansas City, serves more than 70 hospitals in more than 70 Missouri and Kansas hospitals.

Since opening in 1958, nearly 2 million pints of blood have been collected and 800,000 people have received blood.

More than 99 percent of the blood collected stays in the community.

There are eight locations in the Kansas City area including one in Blue Springs, 1124 W. 40 Highway.

The CBC is always looking for volunteers.

Duties include, observing donors for negative reactions, greet donors, provide direction and assistance, assist various offices, assist donors

and staff with various aspect of a special event blood drives, assist with minor repairs and maintenance, pack supplies for mobile drives and call potential blood donors.

The CBC conducts approximately 1,000 blood drives annually to meet the 580 donors needed each day to meet hospitals’ needs.

For more information about donating or volunteering, call 816-753-4040 or the Blue Springs office at 816-224-0728 or stop by the offices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center’s website is savealifenow.org.

-Andrea Hewitt

Comprehensive Mental Health

Find help coping Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Inc. is at 10901 E. Winner Road in Independence. It provides help to individuals and families who suffer from emotional and problems coping with everyday situations along with chronic mental illness.

They have psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, case managers and nurses on staff.

The company will be relocating into a new facility that is being constructed on 23rd Street and Swope Drive next door to an existing outpatient service building. It will provide ex-

panded room for more in and out patient care.

To reach them, call 816-254-3652.

Other mental health facilities in Eastern Jackson County include Truman Medical Centers Lakewood hospital oat 7900 Lee’s Summit Road. Most EJC communities have crisis intervention teams where police officers are specifically trained to respond to persons with mental illness in crisis. Missouri’s Access Crisis Intervention number is 1-888-279-2132.

– Michael Glover

Cancer Action

Support available for cancer patients call 816-350-8881 or come into the office for a short intake process 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday - Friday. Cancer Action is looking for volunteers. For information on visit www. canceractionkc.org.

– Andrea Hewitt

Independence Health Department Director Larry Jones addresses a variety of health topics every Tuesday in The Examiner.

64 Blue Springs City Guide

HEALTH

Cancer Action offers many free services for anyone with a cancer diagnosis in the Kansas City area.

They have three locations including one in Independence at 4010 S. Lynn Court.

For more information about these services,

The Examiner

Community

Carmel Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is nestled in the historic Independence area. Carmel Hills is committed to the health and well-being of all those for whom time has been both a celebration and a challenge. We are proud to serve those residing in Independence and the surrounding area.

Commitment

Carmel Hills provides a continuum of care to meet needs ranging from rehabilitation, long-term nursing, Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and respite care.

Through individual care planning each resident at Carmel Hills receives personalized care from experienced members of our healthcare team.

Neighbor

Carmel Hills is proud to be part of the Independence neighborhood for over eight years. Our residents, guests and families appreciate our historic location and we give back to our neighborhood by taking part in such events as SantaCaliGon Days.

CARMEL HILLS HEALTHCARE AND REHABILITATION 810 E. WALNUT â&#x20AC;˘ INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI 64050 (816) 461-9600

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 65

l Things to do

City parks

Lots to offer in city parks There is no shortage of family fun to be had in Blue Springs. The best part is, much of it is provided for free thanks to Blue Springs Parks and Rec. Lakes, playgrounds, swimming pools, softball and baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, and much more are some of the amenities the parks system offer Blue Springs.

BAUMGARDNER PARK

2401 N.W. Ashton Drive This 12-acre park offers tennis courts, volleyball courts, a baseball field, playground equipment, and restroom and shelter facilities.

Located across from Blue Springs High School, it is the home of the Centennial Pool-Plex, equipped with a 25-yard indoor pool and a 50meter outdoor pool for competitive, instructional and recreational use. The poolplex also offers an outdoor wading pool. Entry fee to the poolplex is $5. Kids 3 and under are free.

Disc golf couse

Wilbur Young Park After 20 years of trying, the Blue Springs Parks and Rec department proudly unveiled its disc golf course at Wilbur Young Park this spring.

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

The course is on the north end of Wilbur Young Park. The course was officially opened May 22.

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

Fike hitter Brett Valentine at Hidden Valley Park.

BLUE SPRINGS PARK

2204 S.W. South Ave. Blue Springs Park is the first park acquired by the city of Blue Springs. The 14 acres accommodate lighted softball, tennis and basketball courts as well as unlighted fields. A sand volleyball court is also available as well as a playground, two shelters and barbecue areas.

The park is handicap accessible.

BURRUS OLD MILL PARK

112 N.W. Woods Chapel Road Located on the spot where the City of Blue Springs was founded, Burrus Old Mill Park is one of the oldest parks in Blue Springs. With baseball and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, this 14-acre park has a lot to offer. It also houses the first skate park in Blue Springs.

FRANKLIN SMITH SCHOOL PARK

1609 S.W. Clark Road Owned by the Blue Springs School District, this 4-acre park stands adjacent to Franklin Smith Elementary School. It is equipped with practice soccer and softball fields. It is also used for the school’s physical education programs.

MORE ON PAGE 67

Hidden Valley Park Sports Complex

6500 NW Valley View Road 816-228-0137 Its easy to see why Hidden Valley Park is one of the most used parks within the Blue Springs park system. 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, 671 parking spots, concessions, restrooms and much more.

With all these facilities, Hidden Valley Park is one of the premier amateur sports parks in the metro.

Each year, the park plays host to the Barbeque Blazeoff competition. This July 23, the park will play host to a local branch of the NFL’s Punt, Pass and Kick Competition.

Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Director Roscoe Righter said that the business of Hidden Valley Park is testiment to is popularity.

“The number of events we can hold out there is overwhelming,” Righter said.

“And that park is often overwhelmed with people using it.”

– Matt Mitchell

66 Blue Springs City Guide

The Examiner

things to do l

Take a walk, ride skateboard, all in Blue Springs parks FROM PAGE 66

GREGORY O. GROUNDS PARK

1901 N.E. Jefferson St. Gregory O. Grounds Park is the newest park added to Blue Springs.

After the completion of the first phase of construction, the park houses Lake Remembrance where fishing is allowed with a permit.

There are three different park access points, a walking trail and restroom facilities.

The park also features a 2.7-acre off-leash dog park. The open space and shade make it friendly for pets and owners.

At least three more phases are planned which would include a skate park, basketball courts, playgrounds, practice ball fields and a soap-box derby track.

Further construction has been

postponed because of insufficient funding.

James WALKER SCHOOL PARK

214 S.E. Walnut St. The baseball field, basketball court and soccer field on this eight-acre park is used by students of James Walker Elementary School as well as youth leagues and the surrounding neighborhood. The park also features Blue Springsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second skate park.

KEYSTONE PARK

2214 S.W. Keystone Drive Known for being the place to be when it snows due to its large hills, Keystone Park also offers two lighted softball fields, a playground, walking and jogging trails, and barbecue and picnic areas on its 42 acres.

The Examiner

PINK HILL PARK

2715 N.W. Park Drive Sitting on 40 acres, this park is equipped with three lighted baseball fields, two soccer fields, two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, three playgrounds, one ADA accessible, and a competition BMX race course.

There are also five shelters and horseshoe pits.

ROTARY PARK AT RAILROAD LAKE

600 N.W. Vesper St. Home of the Blue Springs Annual Music in the Park concert series each summer, the 12-acre park also is a well-known venue for birthday parties, picnics and weddings. The Park also has many amenities such as Railroad Lake, a gazebo, tennis courts, basketball and sand volleyball

courts, a walking trail and restroom and shelter facilities. The park also has horseshoe pits and the largest playground in the Blue Springs Park System. It displays several pieces of public art and is connected to Vesper Hall.

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.

WILBUR YOUNG PARK

1100 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway The big news for 2010 at Young Park is the new 18-hole disc golf course, opened in May. It is on the north end of Wilbur Young Park.

2010

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

Wilbur Young Park is a 40-acre facility that features six tennis courts, four sand volleyball courts, three softball fields with concessions and restrooms, a lighted basketball court, a playground, and a shelter.

The pond located on the grounds is maintained by Blue Springs South High School science classes.

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.

- Matt Mitchell

Blue Springs City Guide 67

l things to do

Centennial Pool-Plex

Burr Oak Woods

Take a dip 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 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, 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.

Centennial Pool Plex Fees (May through Sept. 6, 2010) are 3 and under is free with parent, 4 years and older are $5, Adult lap swim is

Come explore nature

$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.

– Nikki Bomgardner

68 Blue Springs City Guide

Blue Springs is fortunate to have 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 Lacomb, 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 exhibits galore.

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 Oaks programs for home-schooled children, and age specific school programs. Little Acorns is a program for children age three through six. Conservation Kids Club, for kids age 7 through 13 meets every second Tuesday of the month. The different age groups share a common topic, but material is adjusted to fit the individual age groups.

Patrons do not need to worry about budgeting for a trip to Burr Oaks.

“All of our programs are free,” Lacomb said.

The nature center also features varying traveling exhibits. Check in frequently for updated information. Several times a week the nature center offers special events and classes.

The center’s website is updated frequently. Some events require preregistration. 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

2010

center, the nature area offers nature study, family fishing programs (although there is no public fishing,) physical fitness and more.

One of the events Lacomb is excited about this year is Prairie Day, Sept. 25.

“People can come out to learn about past, present and future of prairies,” Lacomb said.

The event will feature a walkthrough timeline of prairie related events ranging from the ice-age to the future. The event will also include live music.

Other events scheduled for this summer have titles like “Surviving the Wild,” “Insect-A-Mania,” “Creek Cruisin’” and more.

An Outdoor Skills Camp is available for children. Preregistration is required.

The hiking trails are the hallmark of the park. The trails vary in length and difficulty.

The J. Earnest Dunn Jr. Discovery Trail is a half-mile paved parkway for visitors with strollers.

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

The Wildlife Habitat Trail is a one and a half 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 many animals in their natural habitat. The area has plentiful deer and turkey populations, and is home to many more animals, including dozens of birds.

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 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight time.

For more information visit http://mdc. mo.gov/areas/cnc/burroak/ or call 816-2283766.

– Matt Mitchell

The Examiner

things to do l Youth sports

Roscoe Righter

Q&A

Get active

questions

BASEBALL

answers

Director of Parks and Recreation

1

What’s new at Blue Springs Parks and Rec for 2010?

We’ve finished some of the trail work in the fall of ’09. We’ve opened up and dedicated the disc golf course at Wilbur Young Park, something we’ve been trying to do for 20 years.

It’s an 18-hole disc golf course. We’ve also done some rehab work on the swimming pool. It’s not a new facility but we’ve spruced it up.

2

What’s unique about Blue Springs’ parks?

We have some unique facilities. We have the BMX track, the

disc golf course and the dog park.

Our parks are somewhat scattered so they’re easy for folks to get to.

We’re pretty broad based with our programs for seniors, arts, theater, sports and aquatics.

3

What does your job entail?

I have defined responsibilities including the daily management of the facilities, working with the council and community appearances.

With the new facilities, those were my grants, so it was my responsibility to get those done and open.

The Examiner

4

What made you decide to choose to become a parks and rec professional?

It was literally an accident. After college, I had a teaching certificate and was going to teach and coach. I was teaching, that first year, and had a bad car wreck. I decided I didn’t like what I was doing. During my recovery I learned about parks and rec, and realized I had been doing it my whole life and didn’t know it. It’s very fulfilling for me, very rewarding.

5

What has been your biggest challenge, and your biggest success, in your time with Blue Springs Parks and Rec? My biggest challenge is getting the funding we need for capital work, not just recently, but historically. My biggest success, I would have to say, is Hidden Valley Park. The number of events we can hold out there is overwhelming, and that park is often overwhelmed with people using it.

– Matt Mitchell

2010

u Smart Start Baseball Ages: 3-5 For: Male and Female This service offers organized tee-ball, baseball, and softball in a laid-back, non-threatening atmosphere. The program lasts from the first week of June to the last week of June at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Young Park basketball court (near Blue Springs South High School).

Registration costs $60 and provides players with a ball, bat, glove, koosh ball, and participant’s manual. For returning players registration is only $45 if the player still has the required equipment.

For more information you can

MORE ON PAGE 73

Blue Springs City Guide 69

l Things to Do

Outdoor recreation

Be one with nature

FLEMING PARK

816-503-4800 Fleming Park in Eastern Jackson County features 1,690 acres of lake area between two lakes, Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake.

There are also 7,809 acres of park space.

The largest of Jackson County’s parks offers two full-service marinas, boat ramps, fishing pond, fishing docks and more.

More than 950 docks are available and the marinas also feature mooring and dry dock services. The three lakes cater to windsurfers, sailors, boaters and swimmers alike.

The area also features multiple campgrounds. Blue Springs and Jacomo campgrounds are open April 1 through Oct. 31.

Rates vary.

Shelter houses are also available. Contact 816-503-4800 for more information.

Blue Springs Lake covers 720 acres and is a popular site for fishing, power boating, water skiing, tubing and jet skiing. It also features a beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission for seniors and children is $3 and $5 for adults. Season passes and group rates are also available. Blue Springs Lake also features two hiking trails.

Lake Vista Trail is a five-mile loop and North Shore Trail is a 3.5 mile one-way hike.

The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species, including hybrid striped bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp and catfish.

Blue Springs Lake is at 1700 N.E. Bowlin Road. For more information call 816-795-1112.

Lake Jacomo is a 970-acre lake in the heart of Fleming Park.

Its marina offers boat rental, concessions, lakeside gasoline, tackle, bait and dock fishing.

The lake has a limited horsepower regulation, which keeps the waters calm for sailboating and paddleboating.

New Cruise Tours are available at Lake Jacomo. Sit back and enjoy a scenic ride aboard a 30-foot pontoon boat. Cruises are every Saturday, Sunday and holiday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call the marina for more information.

Missouri Town 1855 is located at 8010 E. Park Road in Fleming Park and features more than 25 buildings dating from 1820 to 1860, period attire, equipment, rare livestock and crop breeds.

See what life was like in 19th century Missouri. Admission for adults is $5 and $3 for children and seniors. Missouri Town 1855 is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March 1 through Nov. 15. From Nov. 16 through Feb. 28, the living history museum is open weekends only, from 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

Also, see bison, elk and white-tailed deer at the native hooved animal enclosure or learn about nature at the Kemper Outdoor Education Center.

For more information call Jackson County Parks at 816-5034805 or visit www.jacksongov.org/content/3279/3827/3835.aspx

Prices for the range are $3 per booth per hour, $3 per hour for the archery range and $3 per round of 25 trap/skeet projectiles. Shooters must provide their own required eye protection.

Hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Expanded hours prior to deer season are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer hours from June through September are noon to 6 p.m.

Groups must schedule at least two weeks in advance by contacting the center. Special fees apply. The center offers one-day hunter education classes the second Saturday of the month July through March.

The facility is maintained by the Missouri Conservation Department.

For more information visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/ranges/ lakecity

LANDAHL PARK RESERVE JAmES A REED MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

13101 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee’s Summit 816-622-0900 The 3,084-acre area provides visitors an opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can bird watch, fish, hike, ride horses, hunt and partake in many other activities. The area highlights woodlands, old fields, grasslands and wetlands.

There are six miles of paved and gravel roads, 13 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and three miles of hiking-only trails. Check with the office to make sure that construction hasn’t closed portions of the trails.

The wildlife area also features 12 fishing lakes containing bass, blue gill, crappie and channel catfish. A winter trout program is also available. Check the office for limits and details.

Hunting is also available at the Reed Area. Hunters are required to have daily tags.

Public contact hours at the area’s office are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving.

For more information visit http://mdc.mo.gov/a5501

LAKE CITY SHOOTING RANGE AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

28505 E. Truman Road, Buckner 816-249-3194 Lake City Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center opened its new facility on Truman Road in this year. The range is a great spot for the avid shooter, offering a variety of ranges for any skill level.

The new range offers 20 rifle and 10 pistol stations, an archery range, two trap/skeet overlays and a stand-alone trap range.

70 Blue Springs City Guide

Missouri 7 and Truman Road 816-503-4800 Landahl Park Reserve is a 1,397-acre county park east of Missouri 7 and South of Truman Road. The park, renamed for former Jackson County Parks Director William L. Landahl, includes hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horseback riding trails, soccer fields, picnic shelters, Camping sites and cross-country skiing in winter. Newest additions include an archery range and walking courses.

For more information visit www.jacksongov.org/parks/ #landahl

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 are at Blue Mills Road, Ripley Junction, Bundschu Road, M-78 shelter just west of Missouri 7, Necessary Road at R.D. Mize Road, and Little Blue Parkway in the Hartman Heritage Center. The trail includes three soccer fields, 30 picnic tables and four shelters.

For more information visit www.jacksongov.org/parks/ #LittleBlue

LONGVIEW LAKE PARK

11100 View High Drive 816-966-0131 Longview Lake is found in Longview Lake Park. The park offers many amenities including full-service marina, public campground, Fred Arbanas Golf Course, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing pond, bicycle trails, the Frank White Jr. Softball Complex, radio controlled model-airplane field and a beach.

Fore more information visit www.jacksongov.

- Matt Mitchell

2010

The Examiner

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The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 71

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 progra.m. conducted by the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With some 420,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE progra.m. is national

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

in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.

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.

Certification Benefits Motorists By passing difficult, national tests, ASE certifies the technical com- ASE-certified technicians prove their petence of individual technicians, not technical competence to themselves,

McCorkendale Auto Service

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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.

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We have 20 ASE Certified Mechanics

We employ ASE Certified Technicians

72 Blue Springs City Guide

We have ASE Master and Certified Technicians

2010

The Examiner

Things to Do l Youth sports

Soccer, basketball just a few options FROM PAGE 69

goal, shin guards, four cones, and a participant’s manual. Returning players only need to pay $45 if they still have their equipment. For more information contact Blue Springs Parks and Recreation at 816-228-0137.

call Blue Springs Parks and Recreation at 816228-0137. u Blue Springs Baseball Association Ages: 5-17 (tee-ball 5-7 only) For: Male 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 you can visit www. bluespringsbaseball.org u American Legion Baseball Ages: Two Leagues: AA (15-16) and AAA (17-19) For: male 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 and from late May until July for AA. 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 tee-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 try-outs.

For more information you can contact visit the association online at 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

u SportsCity Lil Kickers Ages: 18 months to 9 years For: Males and Females Classes once a week, no games are played.

Classes can be on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays at SportsCity. Sessions are eight weeks long and cost $94. For more information visit www.sportscitykc.com or call 816-229-1314.

Coach Ruby Draves talks with Colin Flattery, 5, left, Madelyn Jones, 5, and Kyle Gross, 5, during Lil’ Kickers at SportsCity in Blue Springs. 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, contact Laurie Murzuris at 816-522-6749.

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 Athletic Association Ages: K-12 For: males and females The season begins in late November and stretches to early March. Teams are created using a draft system. Sign ups 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 you can visit www. bsaabasketball.com

u Pop Warner Ages: 5-13 For: bales only This league requires no try outs. 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 you can visit www. heartofAmericapopwarner.com.

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

BASKETBALL

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 beyond. Games stretch through mid-August to October and are held in Hidden Valley Park. Cost is $150 for equipment and supplement insurance coverage.

The Examiner

u Smart Start Soccer Ages: 3-5 For: males and females Classes stretch from the first week of June to the final week of June and are from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays at Hidden Valley Park. The league encourages interaction with participants and their children while learning the fundamentals of soccer. Cost is $60 for newcomers, which includes a soccer ball, kwik

u Blue Springs Soccer Club Ages: 4-14 For: males and females This league offers both competition and recreational teams. Registration for the spring season is in January. Spring season lasts from March until May. Fall registration is July 10 and 17. Fall season lasts from August to October.

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

TENNIS

u Pee-Wee Power Tennis: Quick Start Ages: 5-9 For: males and females Matches are held at the Metro East Tennis Facility near Old Mill Park. This facility provides smaller courts and smaller racquets for the children. Cost is $40. Summer sessions began July 6 and last until July 22. Matches are Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. Fall sessions are also offered, dates have not yet been set.

VOLLEYBALL u Blue Springs Youth Volleyball Ages: fourth through eighth grade 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. The league is open to all participants; however, all games and practices will be held in the Blue Springs School District.

Cost is $60 per player.

For more information you can visit www. etea.m.z.com/BSYVL

2010

– Melissa Shephard

Blue Springs City Guide 73

l Things to Do

Fine arts

Blue Springs Ballet

Plenty of creative outlets available

Ballet company offers fine arts, fitness

DECLARATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE

A desire to sing for fun is what brings this group together. This group was established in 1986.

The members perform patriotic, religious and show tunes at churches, nursing homes and other festivities throughout the year. Two performances for the general public are given each year, once in the spring and one at Christmas. The director is Rick Gilpin.

Practices are from August through June.

Members pay a small amount per month for a practice room and for new music. Anyone in the greater Kansas City area is eligible. For more information, call Rick Gilpin at 816-8355808.

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE CONCERT BAND

The band is the cultural arts partner with Metropolitan Community College-Blue River campus.

Danny Lane is the conductor and music director. He has taught music in Missouri for more than 30 years. His major instrument is the trumpet.

The band has 60-plus members and rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays at MCC-Blue River.

Students from the college may participate in the band for college credit.

The band performs many free concerts throughout the year, including a Fourth of July performance outside the Mormon Visitors Center, at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and at the Strawberry Festival at the Vaile Mansion, all in Independence.

The band is always looking for new members. For more information, additional dates of performances and how to join, call Laura Browning at 816-650-5081.

INDEPENDENCE MESSIAH CHOIR

The Independence Messiah Choir is in its 94th season. The 2010 concert of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Community of Christ Auditorium, River Boulevard and Walnut Street, Independence.

The Independence Messiah Choir will join with the Kansas City Symphony and the Symphony Chorus to present this seasonal event.

Choir rehearsals will begin Tuesday evening, Sept. 21.

All seats are reserved and are available through the Kansas City Symphony at 816-4710400. For more information, call 816-833-1000, Ext. 2363 or visit www.cofchrist.org/messiah.

MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTE

For almost 35 years, the institute has offered instruction in all classical orchestral instruments, voice, piano/organ, classical guitar and percussion. Advanced ensembles are offered in classical guitar and world percussion.

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 Arts. There are several summer camps, including a twoweek Shakespeare camp, taught by members of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.

This not-for-profit community school of performing arts is open to people of all ages.

All teachers are professional musicians.

The institute presents student and faculty recitals, as well as adjudicated music festivals in the spring. The institute offers classes and private lessons. Enrollment begins in August for the academic year. Scholarship may be applied for May 1 through 15 for the coming year.

For enrollment appointment or for more information, call 816-836-1998 or visit www. musicartsinstitute.org.

GEORGE CALEB BINGHAm ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

The George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts, now in its 14th 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 five-week summer academy, named after famed artist George Caleb Bingham. Students must display their talents to be chosen for the academy, which includes the visual arts, dance, theater, music and creative writing. The student must have completed their freshman year in high school. The students conclude the academy with a graduation ceremony, followed by a free public performance.

For more information, call 816-729-7097.

JACOMO CHORALE

Jacomo Chorale is Eastern Jackson County’s original community choir, founded in 1983.

The chorus performs all genres of music.

74 Blue Springs City Guide

Bailey Mill, 16, uses her fingers to apply paint to a landscape oil painting while taking part in the Bingha. m. Academy of the Arts. The painting she titled ‘Hole in the Woods’ is of a scene on the at MCC-Blue River campus.

Auditions are in August and January, or by appointment, and anyone is welcome to audition. The groups asks that members be 18 or older. Auditions are informal and consist of opportunities to demonstrate your sense of pitch, music-reading abilities and vocal technique.

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.

HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC Celebrating is 66th season, the Heritage Philharmonic is one of the oldest community orchestras in the United States. Members are professional and non-professional musicians. The 60-member orchestra performs the 2010-11 season under the direction of Ja.m.es Murray III. This season includes four regular concerts and a traditional holiday concert. In order to keep the symphony, community support is welcomed and needed, not only by purchasing tickets, but with a gift to the endowment fund. Visit www.thcf.org. Openings exists for experienced community players, and anyone interested in auditioning should contact Murray at maestroconcertatore@yahoo.com.

For more information, visit www.heritagephilharmonic.org.

2010

The Blue Springs Ballet Company, an organization founded in 1993 by Director Melissa Morris, performs two main ballets every year, with some smaller recitals sprinkled in between.

The company is composed of around 25 dancers including students from Blue Springs Ballet, a dance studio that Morris owns.

“We’re not just ballet, we do a lot of fitness as well, although we have a very full curriculum of ballet,” said Morris. “People can start as a little one and go all the way to advanced classes and be able to have a career. We have several students that were here that are professionals now.”

The company’s dancers range in age from 12 to 30 and vary in skill levels from advanced intermediate to pre-professional.

The company seeks to provide the Blue Springs community with the ability to experience classical ballet and its culture.

“It offers a lot to the community. We have kids who never saw a ballet until they came to ours,” said Morris.

Each November, the Company performs “The Nutcracker.”

“It’s a very popular ballet in America, across the whole United States it is the Christmas ballet. It’s the one that kids talk about, everyone knows about the ‘Nutcracker’,” said Morris.

Each spring the company performs a different ballet. This year’s ballet was “Sleeping Beauty.” Next spring’s ballet is still to be determined.

The company is assisted by Friends of Blue Springs Ballet, an not-for-profit organization that serves as a support group to the company, providing assistance on and off stage.

“They provide scholarships to the dancers if they go and are accepted into a ballet workshop for the summer, things like that,” said Morris.

The Blue Springs Ballet Company traditionally performs at the Blue Springs Civic Center, however, they occasionally perform at the Blue Springs South Barbara Landes Performing Arts Center. For more information about the company or ticket information you can contact Melissa Morris at her Dance Studio at 816-224-5505 or visit them online at www.bluespringsballet.com.

– Melissa Shephard

The Examiner

Things to Do l

3

What is your most memorable moment in Blue Springs theater?

There are so many memorable moments. But one the most memorable was seeing my son, Zane as he waltzed on stage during the “Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.” During that scene, he portrayed Santa as he grows and changes. Something that Zane is really doing a lot of!

Michelle Brown

Q&A questions

answers

1

Why is theater important to the Blue Springs community?

Theater is so much more than what you see on the stage. It’s about building teamwork, learning new skills, and testing your personal limits. A strong community theater gives back to the community in many ways. And, with limited entertainment venues in Blue Springs, it helps to keep entertainment dollars here.

2

If the Blue Springs Theatre had the capability to put on any show next year, which would you choose and why?

We would put on one of the Disney shows like “102 Dalmatians” or “Beauty and the Beast.” These are well known shows, very family oriented, and have huge casts.

4

How has Blue Springs Theatre evolved?

The theater has gone through ups and downs like any organization. Right now, we are in a growing phase again, with many new faces. It started through the efforts of Pam Buck and Jim Stamburger almost 25 years ago and through the efforts of many has been kept alive. Hopefully, we will continue to grow and thrive!

President/Volunteer Coordinator of the Blue Springs City Theatre

5

What is your number one rule of theater?

My number one rule of theater is to keep the magic. When our shows start, we have an empty stage and a room full of strangers. By the time the show closes, we have created a whole new setting and a new group of friends. It is a magical process to see that happen!

– Melissa Shephard

City Theatre

Productions for all ages

The Blue Springs City Theatre performs two to four times annually for the Blue Springs community. A different community charitable organization is supported in conjunction with each production. This year the theater put on three productions: “Rented Christmas: The Musical,” “The Sound of Music,” and “NigHt of tHe PterodActyls.”

Since its start in 1986, with a production of “Scrooge,” the theater has put on more than 40 productions including “Peter Pan,” “Oklahoma,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”

“We produce a variety of dramas and musicals, primarily family-oriented,” said Todd Wangsgard, publicity manager. “We strive to involve as many community members as we can to help us fulfill our mission.”

Each play features members of the community who audition for their roles.

“Some casts for smaller dramas involve as few as four people while major summer musicals may include a cast of 50-plus. We strive to involve people in our casts and stage crews of all ages and abilities,” said Wangsgard.

MORE ON PAGE 78

Experience

ENGLEWOOD S h o p p i n g ◆ D i n i n g ◆ E n t e r t a i n m e n t

The Examiner

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

816-833-9777

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

Museum Tour: Adults-$3.00 Children under 16 - $1.50 www.hazelle.org

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 75

BISCUITS ARE GOOD. BIG BISCUITS ARE BETTER. • Black Angus Burgers • Tenderloins • Big Salads • Breakfast Served All Day Mon.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Sun. 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Blue Springs 530 N. 7 Hwy. 816-229-3108

Independence 16506 East 40 Hwy., 816-478-6958

76 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

Buy One Original Get Oneâ&#x20AC;Ś

Visit us on Facebook and become a fan.

www.facebook.com/chick-fil-a at independence center Watch for updates on Facebook for clothing drive to help students in the Independence School District.

Check out our upcoming events tab on www.chickfilaindependence.com

18785 E. 39th St. in front of Independence Center

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 77

l Things to Do

Full season of productions set at city theater FROM PAGE 75

The company is a not-for-profit organization that is funded by a number of sources, from corporate donors like Panera Bread, Sonic, and Vintage Stock, to private patrons. The company also makes money through selling ads in programs and ticket sales.

“The BSCT has a long relationship with the city of Blue Springs and the Blue Springs School District which hosts our productions on stages at both of our city’s high schools. Ticket sales also help to off-set production cost,” said Wangsgard.

The theater welcomes any volunteers or people who would like to participate in the productions cast or crew.

“Anyone can participate in BSCT activities, by either auditioning for the casts or volunteering services behind the set. The theater creates a great place to make friends, find a community family and explore one’s talents and abilities,” said Wangsgard.

Most performances of the Blue Springs City Theatre are held on the Blue Springs High School campus in the Civic Center at 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, though occasional performances are held on the Blue Springs South High School campus in the Barbara Landes Performing Arts Center at 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway.

For more information about how you can donate, volunteer, or participate in the Blue Springs City Theatre you can contact Sheila Cage at 816-228-3138. For more information about show times and how to purchase tickets you can call 816-228-0137. You can also visit the Theatre online at www.bluespringscitytheatre.com – Melissa Shephard

Adams Pointe Golf Club Right off Interstate 70, AdamsPointe Golf Club is one of Kansas City’s premier golf courses.

Created by noted local course designer Don Sechrest, Adams Pointe Golf Club was declared “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 Bentwood grass for “more reliable and beautiful conditions in the fairways.” It also includes Tee Times Golf Guides “Toughest Par-3” in Kansas City and KC Golfer Magazine’s “Best Golf Hole in KC.” The 18-hole championship facility is known for its layout and superior conditions. The front nine is carved out from forest and wetlands and the back nine offers links-style golfing with dramatic changes in elevation.

The Short-Game Center features bent-grass practice greens with 30,000 square feet of space for putting, chipping and bunker shots. Adams Pointe also offers private instruction and golf lessons.

The dress code requires collared shirts with sleeves, pants or bermuda shorts, soft spiked shoes and no denim.

Monday through Thursday, tee-times with a GPS cart are $47 from open to noon, $39 from noon to 3 p.m. $32 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and $24 from 5 p.m. to close. Friday through Sunday, tee-times with a GPS cart are $57 from open to noon, $49 from noon to 3 p.m. $29 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and $24 from 5 p.m. to close. Seniors may golf for $39 Monday through Friday.

To schedule tee times or for more information visit www.ada.m.spointegolfclub.com or call 816-220-3673.

– Matt Mitchell

Blue Springs High School’s Ryan Buerk lines up his put on the seventh green during the Suburban Seven Golf Championship at AdamsPointe Golf Club in Blue Springs.

Golf

Lots of places to hit the links u COUNTRY CLUB OF BLUE SPRINGS 1600 N.W. Circle Drive, Blue Springs 816-229-1194 www.countryclubofbluesprings.net u STONE CANYON GOLF CLUB 22414 E 39th St., Independence 816-228-3333 www.stonecanyongolfclub.com Memberships required. “Preview” rates for Quarry Club members $45 M-Th, $60 F-Sun. u DRUMM FARM GOLF CLUB 15400 E 34th St., Independence 816-350-9900 http://drummfarmgolfclub.com

78 Blue Springs City Guide

$49 M-TH, $60 F-SUN. Twilight begins 2 p.m. Super-twilight begins 5 p.m. u FRED ARBANAS GOLF COURSE 11100 View High Drive, Kansas City 816-761-9445 http://jacksongov.org/golf/ Weekends and holidays $35. Weekdays $25. Discounts for patrons. u ROCKWOOD GOLF CLUB 2400 S. Maywood, Independence 816-252-2000 www.rockwoodgolfclub.com M-F $30. Sat, Sun and Holidays $34.

Discounts for juniors and seniors.

2010

u BENT OAK GOLF CLUB 1300 S.E. 30th Street, Oak Grove 816-690-3028 www.bentoakgolfclub.com “Dollar Mondays” $1 per hole. T-Th $33. Fri-Sun and holidays $38. Twilight starts at 1 p.m. Nine holes $20. u WINTERSTONE GOLF CLUB 17101 E Kentucky Road, Independence 816-257-5755 www.winterstonegolf.com $52 weekdays. $57 weekends.

“Thunder Time” rates at 2 p.m. $42 weekdays, $47 weekends.

– Matt Mitchell

The Examiner

LEGALSERVICES

Professionals Serving Eastern Jackson ADAMS LAW OFFICES, LC

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

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

(816) 228-1776

COCHRAN, OSWALD & ROAM, LLC

“A full service law firm serving Eastern Jackson County for over 43 years” •Corporate •Real Estate •Family Law •Personal Injury •DWI/Traffic •Social Security & Employee Rights •Wills & Estate Planning

601 NW Jefferson Street Blue Springs, MO

(816) 229-8121 www.cochranoswaldlaw.com

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 Fax: (816) 625-7204

TINA PARSLEY HUGHES, LLC Attorney & Counselor at Law Practice area focuses on Tax, Estate and Probate Law FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Tina Parsley Hughes, JD, LLM MBA

515 Main St. • P.O. Box 309 Grain Valley, MO

(816) 295-1253 tina@tphugheslaw.com www.tphugheslaw.com

Clay Barton • Jim Hall Bob Schnieders

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

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

(816) 229-8533

John S. Newhouse, Ronald G. Byers, James O. Swaney, Jr., Daniel T. Jeffers

304 W. Walnut • Suite 210 Independence, MO 64050

(816) 833-3000 mleonard@homeisp.com 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 LAW OFFICE OF

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

Family Law/Divorce • Traffic Personal Injury EAP Referrals Welcome • Small Business

114 South Main Independence, MO 64050

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

www.bredehoftlaw.com

The Examiner

Traffic • Family Law • Real Estate Small Business • Computer Law Estate Planning

TYREE, ESKEW & ROBERTS

adamslawoffices.com

BARTON, HALL & SCHNIEDERS, PC

NEWHOUSE, BYERS & SWANEY P.C.

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

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 79

l Things to Do

SportsCity

SportsCity has a little bit of everything u SPORTSCITY 425 N.E. Mock Avenue, Blue Springs 816-229-1314 Offering 76,000 square feet of playing fields and courts, SportsCity caters to the sports enthusiast in everyone. SportsCity is an indoor, climate controlled complex containing two fullsized soccer fields, a basketball and volleyball gym, four batting cages, a video arcade, The Post Game Bar and Grill and a nine-hole black light miniature golf course.

Football, basketball, volleyball and soccer leagues are offered, along with field/court rentals, part reservations, and open play. Soccer league games are played with two certified referees.

SportsCity is also home to the Lil’ Kickers,

a non-competetive, introductory soccer and movement skills programs for kids 18 months to 9 years old.

Galactic Golf is a nine-hole, blacklit, indoor, miniature golf course. The price for walk-ins is $4. Room reservations are also available.

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 2:30 p.m. until the last game ends Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 9 am to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. until the last game ends.

Coach Ruby Draves runs with Kyle Gross, 5, left, Madelyn Jones, 5, and Colin Flattery, 5, during Lil’ Kickers at SportsCity in Blue Springs.

– Matt Mitchell

Recreational facilities

Get fit, stay active close to home

CLIMBING

u IBEX CLIMBING GYM 801 NW South Outer Road, Blue Springs 816-228-9988 Completely remodeled in March, IBEX Climbing Gym calls itself “Kansas City’s premier indoor climbing facility.” IBEX features 6,900 square feet of climbing space, including overhang, vertical and slab terrain to provide a challenge to climbers of all skill levels.

A required Belay safety class is offered for $25 and includes equipment, climbing and instruction.

Participants are shown how to equip a harness, tie in properly and belay correctly. Participants must be 13 years of age to enroll. Classes are offered Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m.

IBEX is open Mondays and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Day entry is $13, kids 12 and under are $10. Equipment rental is extra.

Memberships are also available.

For more information visit www. climbibex.com

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. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. Racing begins as soon as possible once sign-ups are complete. The fee to race is $9.

Racers must be an ABA member to participate. Trial 30-day memberships are available for $25. Full memberships are $45 per year.

Racers must wear helmets, enclosed shoes and long pants. All chain guards, kickstands, fenders, and reflector brackets must be removed prior to racing.

For more information visit www. bluespringsbmx.com

GYMNASTICS

u REBOUND GYMNASTICS 8316 S.W. Missouri 7, Blue Springs 816-229-8834 Rebound Gymnastics has offered gymnastics for pre-school boys and girls, and school aged girls. Toddler classes are available for any children who can walk. Girls from five and a half are eligible for the school age classes. Open gym is also available for $5 per child.

The yearly registration fee is $40. Classes, hours and programs vary. Parents are welcome to watch practices.

For more information visit www. reboundgym.com u GREAT AMERICAN GYMNASTIC EXPRESS 1101 N.W. Jefferson, Blue Springs 816-229-7775 Great American Gymnastics Express promotes its goal to be part of a child’s physical and mental

80 Blue Springs City Guide

development. With professionally trained instructors, gymnastic camps and a celebrity status alumni of 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphry and Courtney McCool. Children of all ages will develop self confidence and begin to see fitness as fun.

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.

Birthday party opportunities are available throughout the week.

For more information visit www. gagecenter.com

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

u FIGHT TO THE FINISH AT WHISKEY TANGO 401 E. Outer Belt Road, Grain Valley Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing full-contact sport today.

Two opponents enter a cage with only their specialized skills in American and Brazilian Jujitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, grappling, Muay Thai fighting and other techniques to

2010

protect themselves.

Whiskey Tango hosts monthly, amateur MMA fights. General admission tickets are free, and ticket buyers can upgrade to table seats for $15 or VIP tickets for $22.

Come see Fight to the Finish every first Friday of the month at Whiskey Tango. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information visit www. truefightfan.com or www.whiskeytangokc.com

MINIATURE GOLF/ BATTING /GO-CARTS/ SPORTS PARKS

u COOL CREST 10735 E. U.S. 40, Independence 816-358-0088 For more than 50 years, Cool Crest has been entertaining families in the Kansas City area. Cool Crest is a popular choice for birthday parties, group events or a night of fun.

Cool Crest offers four 18-hole miniature golf courses, a 7,000-square foot video game arcade, an indoor

MORE ON PAGE 81

The Examiner

Things to Do l

Racing, swimming, bowling all available in or near Blue Springs FROM PAGE 80

913-328-3300 Kansas Speedway offers major racing events such as IZOD Indy Car Series, and NASCAR events including the Camping World Truck Series, Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series. The speedway also offers the Dale Jarret Racing Adventure, Mario Andretti Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience, and NASCAR Racing Experience driving schools.

Ticket prices vary.

For tickets call 1-866-450-RACE. For more information visit www.kansasspeedway.com

soft-play area, Go-Karts, a pizzeria and batting cages. Group events and birthday parties are also available.

One round of miniature golf is $6. A second round on the same day is just $2 more. Seniors can golf for $3.50 on Wednesdays. Children three and under play for free with a paid adult. Twelve Buck Tuesday gives access to unlimited golf and video games for $12 all day Tuesdays. Go-Karts are $7 for drivers and $3 for passengers. The indoor soft-play area is $4 per person for an all-day pass.

Cool Crest is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Miniature golf and batting cages are open from May through October. Hours are subject to change.

For more information visit www.coolcrest. com u Family GOLF PARK 1501 N.E. 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 2009. Family Golf Park offers a driving range, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper boats, and a nine-hole, par-3 course.

Corporate outings and large parties are also available. Family Golf Park will provide staffing for your group event.

Family Golf Park is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. Miniature golf is $6 for adults on weekdays, $7 for adults on weekends and $5 for children anytime. The par-3 course is $9 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Prices for parties and large group events vary.

For more information visit www.familygolfpark.com

SWIMMING

u BLUE SPRINGS YMCA POOL 1300 S.E. AdamsDairy Parkway, Blue Springs 816-224-9620 The Blue Springs YMCA offers many aquatic classes to accommodate entire fa.m.ilies.

Aquatics include water fitness and swim lessons for all ages, shallow water, deep water and arthritis programs for adults and American Red Cross lifeguard training. The YMCA also provides Swim Club for kids to develop their skills in the competitive strokes.

Besides the aquatic center, the YMCA offers a wellness center with cardio and strength equipment, an aerobic center, free child watch

Great American Gymnastics Express Center owner and founder Al Fong with student Katelyn Ohashi, 12, of Independence at the Blue Springs gymnastics center. The GAGE Center will celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. for up to two hours and more. Membership to the facility is required. Membership prices vary.

Trial memberships are also available.

The center is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sundays.

For more information visit www.kansascityymca.org/welcome-to-blue-springs-Familyymca.html

AUTO RACING

u I-70 SPEEDWAY 12773 N. Outer Road, Odessa I-70 Speedway announced their grand reopening and a lease agreement with S&G Inc with a press release in February. Since then their Faceook page has been updating frequently. Details are sparse but racing on both the dirt and asphalt tracks.

The historic track closed after the 2008 season and had been trying to sell or lease the track ever since. According to the press release, “S&G Inc. is currently working on assembling staff and putting together operations plans as

The Examiner

well as rules packages for the classes. At this time – rules will be similar to the IMCA rules set – but the track will not be sanctioned as such.”

Further information will be coming in the near future – a new website, www.i70racing. com is live with a survey for fans. u KC INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY 8201 S Noland Road, Kansas City 816-358-6700 “Your home for NHRA Drag Racing in Kansas City” is Kansas City International Raceway. KCIR offers racing action 4 days a week.

Wednesdays are Fun Drags and Fridays feature Friday Night Grudge. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Prices are $20 for racers and $10 for spectators.

Events vary on Saturdays and Sundays so check the calendar often.

For more information visit www.kcironline. com u KANSAS SPEEDWAY Interstate 70 and Interstate 435, Kansas City, Kan.

u VALLEY SPEEDWAY 348 E Old U.S. 40, Grain Valley 816-229-2222 Valley Speedway offers an action-packed summer season of dirt-track racing. The onethird mile, banked track offers excitement for the whole Family.

On Friday nights the action includes sprint cars and vintage racing cars. Gates open at 6 p.m. and hot laps begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays 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

BOWLING

u BLUE SPRINGS BOWL 1225 S.W. U.S. 40, Blue Springs 816-228-9994 This 12-lane alley features video games, a bar and a snack bar. Open bowling is $4 and shoe rental is $2. The alley is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to midnight.

For more information visit Blue Springs Bowl’s Facebook page. 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

2010

– Matt Mitchell

Blue Springs City Guide 81

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Calvary Baptist Church of Blue Springs 22nd & Ashton • 228-5540 • www.calvarybluesprings.org Jim Millstead, Pastor Sunday Morning Bible Study...............................................9:30 am Morning Service.................................................................10:45 am Evening Worship.................................................................6:00 pm Wednesday Service..............................................................6:00 pm Loving God, Loving People - Matthew 22:37-40

The Church of Christ With The Elijah Message

Welcome!

THE ASSURED WAY OF THE LORD, Inc.

Independence Local, Headquarters Offices, and Library

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sunday School 10:00 A.M. Church Service 11:00 A.M. (SW corner, Indep. Courthouse Square)

Hillcrest Bank Bldg - Suite 100 - 201 West Lexington, Independence, MO 64050 - Phone 816-836-1913

www.johnthebaptist.info | theassuredway.org | ancientofdays.org Rev. 12:1, Msg. 2:7, Matt. 17:11, Rev. 14:6, Mal. 3:1

82 Blue Springs City Guide

Dynamic Praise and Worship • Caring Children’s Ministry • Practical Bible Teaching • Exciting Teen & Young Adult Ministry • The Link Café • Rock House Bookstore SERVICE SCHEDULE: Saturday 5 p.m. • Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

301 SE ‘AA’ HIGHWAY • BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64014 • (816) 228-1979

www.cornerstonelife.org

2010

The Examiner

The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints promotes and defends the original Restoration Gospel message at 4 congregations in the Independence area: Center Congregation at 709 W. Maple Street; First Congregation at 2820 S. M-291 Highway—Outer Rd.; Northeast Mission at 912 N. Atherton Rd., and in Blue Springs, Blue Springs Congregation at 5555 Valley View Rd. 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

For questions or directions call 816-461-7215, M-F, 8:30am-4pm. e-mail: churchoffice@theremnantchurch.com

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

Timothy Lutheran Ministries and School

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH A Mission Congregation of LCMC

Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ Bible-based, Traditional Lutheran Confessions

An Alternative to the ELCA Synods Worship Sunday 10am, Adult Bible Study 11am 14500 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055 Ph: 816-805-2198

The Examiner

www.newhope-foryou.com

LCMS

425 NW R.D. Mize Road • Blue Springs, MO 64014 (Church) Saturday Evening Worship – 6 pm Sunday Morning Worship – 8 am, 9:15 am, 11 am 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

2010

www.timothylutheran.com

Blue Springs City Guide 83

l things to do

County parks eR

.

Jackson County parks and historical sites

Li

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lu

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ou

ri

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14

iss

291

24

M

15

435

7

Truman Rd.

16

Truman Rd.

23rd St.

R.D.

18 70

17

Buckner- Tarsney Rd.

24

9

Mize Rd.

1

71

10 R.

19

4

70

291

5

50

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435

12

Colbern Rd.

470

3

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Air fiel Arc d (m he ode Bas ry l) eb Bik all ep Boa ath tl Boa aunc t r hin Cam ental g p Cam ing (m p o Can ing tor) oe Cro ing ss Dri -coun nki try Exe ng w skiin rc ate g Fis ise tr r hin ail Gol g f Gym n Hik asium ing His tor Hor ic site se Ma ridin rin g Mu a seu Nat m ur Pic e area nic Pla area yg Rac round qu Ran etbal ge l She r sta lte tio Soc r n ce Sw r imm Tar ing ge Toi t rang lets e Wa ter ski ing

50

Facility information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

84 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

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)

The Examiner

Religion l Area churches

Many places to worship in Blue Springs Baptist u Blue Springs Baptist Temple 4101 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-7777 u Sunday services Sunday School at 10 a.m. morning services at 11 evening services at 6.

Wednesday services are 7 p.m. u Blue Springs Free Will Baptist 4116 Northwest RD Mize Road 816-229-9937 u Calvary Baptist Church 900 NW 22nd Phone : 816-228-5540 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship & Children’s Worship 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m. u Capernaum Missionary Baptist 202 Southwest 8th St. 816-228-5301 u Duncan Road Church 430 N.E. Duncan Road Phone: 816-228-7620 Bible Study: 8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning, 6:45 p.m. Wednesday Evening Worship Times: 10 a.m. Sunday Morning u First Baptist Church Blue Springs 1405 Main Street Phone: 816.229.9335 Sunday morning worship and bible study at 9 and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday evening at 5 p.m.

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. u First Bible Baptist Church 1441 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway 816-220-2337 Sunday Mornings 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday Evenings 7 p.m. - 8:30 P.m. u Grace Unlimited Missionary Baptist

Church 2001 S.W. 9th Street 816-228-0055

816-229-3378 Weekend Masses Saturday – 5 p.m.

Sunday – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon Daily Mass or Communion Service Monday, Wednesday & Friday Tuesday and Thursday – 6:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

u Harvest Baptist of Blue Springs 901 N.W. 19th St. 816-224-9113 Sunday – 9:45 a.m.

Adult Sunday School Children’s Sunday School 11 a.m.

Worship Service Children’s Church 4 p.m.

Adult Bible Study Children’s Activities Wednesday 7 p.m.

Adult Bible Study Children’s Bible Study

u St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church 4313 Missouri 7 816-229-5168 Mass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m.

Saturday 4 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Church of Christ

u Blue Springs Church of Christ 1000 S.W. Clark Road 229-2021

u Holy Hill Baptist Church 201 Northwest 11th Street 816-220-3444 u Plaza Heights Baptist Church 1500 Southwest Clark Road 816-229-4077 Sunday Mornings 8 a.m. First Light Contemporary Service 8 a.m. Children’s Church (K-5) 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Children’s Church (K-5) Sunday Evenings 6 p.m. Prayer Groups (Adults) 6 p.m. Youth Activities (9-12 grade) 6 p.m. Bible Drill (K-3, 4-6, 7-8) 6:20 p.m. Evening Message Wednesday Evenings 6 p.m. Prayer Meeting/Bible Studies (Adults) 6 p.m. Youth Group/Children’s Choirs u Woods Chapel Bible Fellowship 701 N.W. Woods Chapel Road 816-228-1411 Sunday School:8:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship : 10 a.m.

Catholic u St. John LaLande Catholic Church 805 N.W. RD Mize Road

The Examiner

u Church of Christ 314 N.E. RD Mize Road 816-224-1105 u Southside Church of Christ 4000 S.W. Christiansen Dr. 816-228-9262

Community of Christ u Colonial Hills Community of Christ 3539 Missouri 7 816-229-9344 Sunday School - 9:15 a.m.

Worship Service - 10:15 a.m. u Community of Christ: Mission Woods 2800 Northwest Duncan Road 816-224-0095 9:30-10:40 a.m. Sunday Morning Classes Includes Scripture Study 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 7 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Service u Community of Christ: Parkview 801 Southwest 19th Street 816-229-1045 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m. prayer and testimony

Disciples of Christ u First Christian Church of Blue Springs 701 Northwest 15th Street 816-229-8400 Sunday 8:30 a.m. Traditional Service 9:50 a.m. Church School 11 a.m. Celebration Service Wednesday 7 p.m. Adult Bible Study Thursday 7 p.m. Chapel Service Good Shepherd Christian Church 111 Southwest Woods Chapel Road 816-228-6908

Lutheran

u All Saints Lutheran Church 421 Southwest 19th Street 816-229-3633 u Point of Hope Church 3719 U.S. 40 816-220-2609 Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays 9-10 a.m.

Saturdays 10-11 a.m. Sundays 9 and 10:45 u Timothy Lutheran Ministries - Missouri Synod 425 Northwest RD Mize Road 816-228-5300 Traditional worship: Sunday: 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m.

Contemporary/Traditional mixed worship: Saturday 6 p.m.

Education Hour: 9:15 a.m. on Sunday

Methodist u First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs 301 S.W. Woods Chapel Road 229-8108 Saturday 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 10:45 Sunday School 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. (winter only) u North Spring United Methodist Church 601 N.E. Jefferson 224-9490 (likely to change)

MORE ON PAGE 86

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 85

l Religion

Area churchs

FROM PAGE 85

Wednesday 7 p.m.

and 6:30 p.m. (teens)

The North Spring United Methodist Church is currently transitioning to The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Until the transition is finalized, there are no services, though they are likely to start again in late August or early September. Times have not yet been set.

u Blue Springs Kingdom Hall Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 901 N.W. 15th St. 228-2070 Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Thursday 7:30 p.m.

u Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 1433 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 228-4220 Sunday 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Educational Services 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Childcare from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

u St. Peter United Methodist Church 3609 S. Missouri 7 229-9889 Sunday 8:30 a.m. (classic worship) and 11 a.m. (contemporary worship) Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

u Celebration Community Fellowship 101 S.W. South Avenue 229-8282 Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Children’s Services 10:30 a.m.

u Lakeview Pentecostal Church 217 S.E. South Ave. 229-0124

u Woods Chapel United Methodist Church 4725 N.E. Lakewood Way Lee’s Summit 795-8848 Sunday 8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. (traditional) and 9:05 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. (contemporary) Sunday school 9:05 a.m., 10:10 a.m., and 11:15 a.m.

Other Denominations u Blue Springs Assembly 2501 N.E. Duncan Road 847-0200 Sunday (until Sept. 19) 10 a.m.

Sunday (starting Sept. 19) 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday school 9 a.m.

Sunday Evening 6 p.m.

u Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church 3108 W. U.S. 40 229-3367 Sunday 8:15 a.m. (meditative worship) and 10:20 a.m. (traditional worship) Sunday school 9:15 a.m. u Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1416 S.W. 19th St. 229-4344 Sunday (split up between three wards) 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. u Church of the Nazarene 2801 S.W. Walnut 228-4651 Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday School 11 a.m.

Wednesday night activities 7 p.m. (adults)

86 Blue Springs City Guide

Sunday 11 a.m.

Sunday school 10 a.m.

Wednesday night activities 7:30 p.m. u New Community Church 2603 N.W. Pink Hill Road 220-2844 Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Children’s Church 11 a.m.

Sunday evening worship activities 6 p.m.

Non-Denominational u Blue Springs Christian Church 7920 S. Missouri 7 229-7311 Sunday services 8:15 a.m. (classic worship), 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (worship alive) Sunday school 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Fusion classes (for teens) 11 a.m.

2010

u City Church 1600 S.W. Smith St. 229-9933 Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Wednesday (student ministries) 7 p.m. u Cornerstone Church 301 S.E. Route AA 228-1979 Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Sunday School 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Saturday 5 p.m.

Wednesday night activities 6:30 p.m. u Faith Covenant Church of Prayer 23300 Pink Hill Road 229-5550 Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Saturday 5 p.m.

Wednesday night activities 6:30 p.m. u Gateway Church 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 229-6454 Sunday 10 a.m.

Sunday School 10 a.m. u Heartland Church 400 S.W. Lake Village Blvd.

224-3219 Sunday 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

– Nikki Bomgardner, Melissa Shephard

The Examiner

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 87

THE WITT TEAM

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5. Members only services.

6. Member advocacy.

7. Have a voice in issues affecting your business.

8. Improve your bottom line.

9. Expand your networking.

10. Give back to your community.

www.bluespringschamber.com

September 17, 18 and 19, 2010 Brought to you by

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GIGGLES ‘N JIGGLES INFLATABLES

COMMUNITY STAGE — LOCAL DANCE & KARATE GROUPS! CHAMBER AFTER HOURS EVENT • 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 in the Beer Garden Entertainment by local band “Mary Goes Round” from 4 to 7:30

BEER GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 17

4:00-6:30 p.m. — Mary Goes Round 8:00 - Midnight — Outlaw Junkies

1000 SW Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015

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816-229-8558 Fax: 816-229-1244 Trampled

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4:00-7:30 p.m. Pieces of Jake 8:00 p.m.-Midnight — Trampled Under Foot Sponsored by

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Meyers Funeral Chapel

Blue Springs Location

EYERS

funeral chapels

"How Does Meyers Funeral Chapels serve their communities?"

• We are one of the proud sponsors of The Wall That Heals, coming to Blue Springs September 30th October 3rd, 2010.

• We offer live webcasting capabilities for families with out-of-town relatives

Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland Location

• In these difficult economic times, we are here to help.

We offer discounts and savings, including a special veterans discount.

• We offer affordable cremations plans for all incomes.

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

1600 West Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64105

816.229.3276 The Examiner

• 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.

401 Main Street Parkville, MO 64152

816.741.0251

2010

Blue Springs City Guide

Bringing you the news The Examiner was founded in 1898 by Colonel William Southern and continues to emphasize local news – focusing on sports, city, education and business news that readers won’t find anywhere else.

Today The Examiner is delivered to more than 13,000 homes every day with separate editions for Independence and the Blue Springs area and more than 100,000 readers at the website examiner.net.

The paper is printed five days a week – Tuesday through Saturday – and offers the voice of many local columnists. Daily special pages: Tuesday – Business, Health section Wednesday – Storytellers, Law & Order, Pets, Food and Fashion Saturday – Business, Outdoors, Life & Times, Milestones, Religion and Reader News.

The Examiner also prints comics, TV listings, crossword puzzles, boggle, soduku, education news and local opinions every day.

The Examiner is a locally managed division of GateHouse Media Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y. Contact The Examiner Publisher Steve Curd – 350-6311 Executive Editor Sheila Davis – 350-6365 Advertising Director David Lammers – 350-6326 Marketing Director Sharon Dankenbring – 350-6341 Production Manager Ginger Kuftack – 350-6353 Circulation Director Peggy Paul – 350-6346 – Stephanie Boothe

Heritage 816-224-8484

Marlene Barnett-Williams

Nate Brazier

Jonathan Haase

853-5588

863-6283

918-0630

Brenda Magie Bell CRS, GRI

564-5222

Louane Holeyfield Steve Holeyfield ABR

590-1178

210-3669

James Hopkins

Carole Huber

463-6803

805-3923

Jason Morgan

Chuck Sears

Robin Stewart

Lance Tomlin

David Wiesemann

786-3649

456-5157

686-5592

616-3046

309-9445

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Blue Springs City Guide

Bonnie Hutchcroft

805-9602

Brett Wren CRS, GRI

463-6744

Susan Kearney

Holli Kearney-Albertson

668-7771

668-4566

Dave Zibro ABR

305-9294

Steve Banks Broker/Owner

463-6749

heritagehomesandland.com 2010

The Examiner

Content l Demographics Growth – 6 By the numbers – 6

Community

By the numbers – 7 From the mayor – 8 City staff – 9 City Council – 10 From the City Administrator – 14 Jackson County – 15 State delegation – 16 Federal delegation– 17 State officials – 17

Voting – 21 Post offices – 21 Recycling – 22 Licenses – 23 Extension office – 23 Public art – 24 Utilities –25 Vesper Hall – 25 Veterans – 26 Pets – 27 Animal hospitals – 27 Buses – 29 Libraries – 29 Fall Fun Fest – 30 Barbeque Blaze-off – 30 Family Weeek – 30

Public safety

Business

History

By the numbers – 7

Government

From the Police Chief –18 Crime statistics – 19 CJC – 19 From the fire chief – 20 Sheriff, Highway Patrol – 20

From the chamber – 32 Chamber of Commerce – 33 Business organizations – 33 Adams Dairy Parkway – 34 Downtown – 35

The Examiner

Missouri Innovation Park – 36 South development – 36

Education

From the superintendent – 37 High school sports – 38 Ligget Trails Principal – 39 Board of Education – 40 District administration – 40 Elementary schools – 43 High schools – 43 Middle schools – 44 Blue River – 45 Colleges – 45 School of Economic – 46 Rainbow Center – 46 Private Schools – 47 Home school – 47 Parents as Teachers – 47

Helping hands

Community Services League – 48 Community foundations – 48 Civic organizations – 48

Health

From the CEO – 62 St. Mary’s Medical Center – 63 Community Blood Center – 64 Comprehensive Mental Health – 64 Cancer Action – 64

Things to Do

City Parks – 66 Centennial Pool-Plex – 68 Burr Oak Woods – 68 From the director – 69 Youth sports – 69 Outdoor recreations –70 Fine arts – 74 Blue Springs Ballet – 74 City theater – 75 Adams Pointe – 78 Golf – 78 SportsCity – 80 Recreational facilities – 80 County Parks – 84

Religion

City Parks – 66

2010

Blue Springs City Guide

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 Joe Haney Steve Steiner Billups, Snyder & Associates Adams Pointe Conference Center Dale's Automotive Collision Repair Center America's Community Bank Net Solutions, Inc Central Jackson Co Fire Protection District Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation Metcalf Bank First American Title Co Blue Springs R-IV School District Fullerton & Co, LLC, CPA's McCamm Management Co dba McDonalds Incite International, Inc Ponzer Youngquist PA The Village Gardens

M.A.C. Corporation Rainbow Center Patrick Goldsworthy, DC PC City of Blue Springs Zuvers Real Estate Cosentino's Price Chopper South Clancy's Café & Pub Tyree, Eskew & Roberts Spring Oak Property Management UMB Bank Fogel Anderson Construction Co John Hardy State Farm Insurance CPROS, Inc Stewart Title of Kansas City Cosentino's Price Chopper North Zarda Bar-B-Q Pat Meyer Insurance J C Hunter Realtor, Inc

Guests always welcome.

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

l Demographics Population 60,000

Blue Springs growth 2000 48,080

55,000

2008 55,698

2009 55,817

50,000 45,000

1990 40,153

40,000 35,000 1980 25,936

30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 1950 5,000 1,068 1,000

‘50

1960 2,555

‘60

1970 6,779

‘70

‘80

‘90

YEAR

‘00

‘10

u Blue Springs by the numbers u Population (as of 2009): 55,817 u Average household size: 2.67 u Median household income (in $2007 inflation-adjusted dollars) $68,684 u Per capita income (in 2008 inflationadjusted dollars): $28,901 u Male: 25,263, u Female: 26,250 u Male, now married, except separated (population 15 years or older): 12,174 u Female, now married, except separated (population 15 years or older): 11,531 u Median Age: 36.1 years u Under 5 years: 4,093 u 18 years and older: 36,829, 71 percent u 65 years and older: 36,878 u Median value of owner-occupied homes: $151,000 u Races: white- 74.3 percent, African American- 12.3 percent, Hispanic- 15.1 percent, Asian- 4.4 percent, Other- 5.8 percent

u High school graduate or higher (age 25 years or older): 94.5 percent u Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25 years and older): 29.8 percent u Civilian veterans (population 18 years and older): 4,679 u Disability status (population 5 years and older):1,146 u In labor force (population 16 years and older):28,727 u Mean travel time to work: 25.1 minutes u Families below poverty level: 5.2 percent u Individuals below poverty level: 6.6 percent u Total housing units: 20,591 u Occupied housing units: 19,195 u Owner-occupied housing units: 14,508 u Renter-occupied housing units: 4,687 u Vacant housing units: 1,396 – Information from U.S. Census Bureau

Blue Springs City Guide

The Examiner

History l History of Blue Springs

It started near a spring And the 10th largest city in the state was born When the pioneer couple arrived in their wagon they found a place of great beauty.

There was a series of springs, open valley and rolling fertile land for cultivating and grazing, plus a good stand of timber.

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

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

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

Mrs. Harris tended an herb garden and was the neighborhood pharmacist. The Harrises had 11 more children after they settled in to their new surroundings.

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

Portraits of the past Ted Stillwell 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 Dillingham-Lewis House, where the two-story hotel is under renovation.

Reference: The Blue Springs Historical Society.

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The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide

l Government

Carson Ross

Q&A 1 questions

answers

Blue Springs mayor

What unique challenges have faced you as mayor this past year? Blue Springs,

as well as every other local government nationally, has had to face a challenging and often unpredictable economic situation.

Every community is being asked to do more with less, and we will continue to try to maximize the revenue we do have and tie that to citizen priorities. We also have seen challenges to several of our development initiatives, that are being affected by the ability of the development community to access financing. We believe better

times are ahead, and we will 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, U.S. 40 and Missouri 7, downtown, and the Adams Dairy corridor.

2

What are the three areas you’re concentrating on as mayor for 2010/11?

My focus as mayor has and will continue to be centered around

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 will be to look at ways we can help support the initiatives of the EDC (Missouri Innovation Park) and Chamber of Commerce (Buy Blue Springs Campaign), develop solutions for our public safety communication and staffing needs, and implement 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 opportunity to honor our Vietnam Veterans and showcase our community when The Wall That Heals comes to Blue Springs this Sept. 30 through Oct. 3.

3

Has the city reached or accomplished any specific milestones and/or achievements this past year? We continue to be very proud of our nationally accredited police department and our recent recognition by

Blue Springs City Guide

BusinessWeek magazine as one of the “Best Places to Raise Your Kids.”

These types of accomplishments highlight the great work of our city personnel and our nationally recognized school district. As the 10th largest city in Missouri, we are so fortunate to have such strong community partners as we address our growth and resource needs. We also are very proud of the opening of our very popular and well received disc golf course at Young Park and the upcoming opening of our recycling center at Pink Hill Park. Both these projects are examples of our commitment to providing quality of life amenities to our citizens.

4

How is the city surviving the difficult economic climate? Has it had to cut back on services, etc.? 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 areas of development related fees. Our administrative team has closely monitored our

2010

financial situation and provided the Council with an expenditure and capital spending plan that has allowed us to maintain essential services, especially in the areas of public safety and road maintenance.

5

What’s the status of the proposed Missouri Innovation Park? We are so excited

to see the University of Missouri have a presence in Blue Springs.

This past May, we were able to celebrate the opening of the Mizzou Center in Blue Springs at the Heartland Financial Building and welcome them to our community. Over the next year, we plan to work with our partners at MU and the EDC to highlight the programming being offered at the Heartland Building and continue to pursue legislative and master planning initiatives to support the Innovation Park. We continue to be extremely excited about this long-term economic development.

– Jeff Martin

The Examiner

Government l

City Staff

Behind the scenes

Department heads run city’s day-to-day business

Eric Johnson city administrator 816-228-0110

Todd Pelham asst. city administrator 816-228-0110

Scott Allen community develoment 816-228-0707

Christine Cates finance 816-228-0202

u City council districts Robert McDonald city attorney 816-228-0110

900 NW Woods Chapel Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.rainbow-center.org

RAINBOW CENTER

• Day School for Children ages 3-21 • Therapies (OT/PT/ST) • Before and After School Care • Summer Programs • Certified Teachers and Therapists

Kim Nakahodo Communications 816-228-0110

Roscoe Righter Parks and Recreation 816-228-0137

Wayne McCoy Police chief 816-228-0164

Oliver DeGrate III public works 816-228-0195 Sue Heiman human resources 228-0190 Dan Hood, information technology 228-0232

Contact Person: Executive Director: Marilu W. Herrick 816-229-3869/FAX 816-229-4260

RAINBOW OPTIONS

• Day Habilitation for Adults over age 21 • Community Integration • Before and After Program Care • Life Skills Programming • Trained Staff

Disabilities served include: Autism Spectrum Disorders • Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome • Severe Learning Disabilities and other Behavioral and Mental Disabilities

Services are provided without regard to culture, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, language, age or disability.

Serving Metro Kansas City and surrounding area

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide

l Government

City Council

City Council members elected to three-year terms

Dale Carter

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

Carter has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 20 years.

They have four children, Andrew, Nicholas, Matthew, and Jonathan. Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priorities include supporting local business development, attracting new residents and reinvesting in public safety.

Jeanie Lauer

District 1 Lauer was elected in April 2008.

Councilman Lauer is the founder and owner of The Management Edge, a consulting firm which provides mediation, strategic planning and performance improvement services for area businesses.

She has lived in Blue Springs since 1984. Jeanie is the mother of a son Chris, 19.

Chris Lievsay

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

Elected to serve on the City Council for District 2 in 2010, Lievsay wants to focus on successful development in the Woods Chapel corridor, encouraging a vibrant downtown through revitalization and quality development, and ensuring public safety has the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

10 Blue Springs City Guide

KENT EDMONDSON

District 2 Elected to serve as District 2 City Councilman in April 2008, Kent Edmondson has been a Blue Springs resident for 32 years.

He has served as a Main Street business owner with Kwik Kopy Printing since 1989.

Councilman Edmondson and his wife Sue Ann have been married for 24 years and have three sons and two grandchildren.

RON FOWLER

District 3 Ron Fowler has served as a city councilman since 1992 and has lived in the Blue Springs community since 1986.

Ron is employed at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant as the manager of quality services. Along with his love of water-related activities, Ron is an avid golfer and cyclist. He has two sons, Ryan and Jeff.

2010

Grant Bowerman

District 3 A resident of District 3 in Blue Springs for over 22 years, Grant Bowerman was elected to the District 3 council seat in April 2010.

Grant and his wife Jane, have been married for over 35 years. They have three grown children: Rachel, Sarah (husband, Mike, and daughter, Anna), and David (wife, Libby).

The Examiner

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 11

12 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

Promoting Business Growth & Jobs in Blue Springs!

The Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation (EDC) exists to promote business development and investment, lead to the creation of jobs, and support economic development in the City of Blue Springs, Missouri.

We partner with the City of Blue Springs, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Springs School District, the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, and the business community. The EDC also proactively provides assistance to companies and individuals seeking to open, locate or expand their business in Blue Springs.

The EDC is funded by “Investing Partners” who believe in Blue Springs! Our Investors contribute to programs and initiatives that further development and investment in Blue Springs. And, they are invited to attend investor meetings and receive up-to-date news and information regarding growth and development throughout the City.

HOW WE SERVE BLUE SPRINGS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Blue Springs EDC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors, consisting of the following representation: 6 - City of Blue Springs 6 - Nominated by Membership 1 - Past Chairman of the Board

1 - Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce 1 - Blue Springs School District 1 - Central Jackson County Fire Protection District

Funds are allocated to promote business growth and development in Blue Springs, to market Blue Springs locally, regionally and nationally as a “Community of Choice,” and to the operations of the organization. Below are the expense categories for the Blue Springs EDC:

Blue Springs EDC’s oversight and governance includes its Board of Directors, the Executive Committee (Officers), an annual audit, legal counsel, and an accountant.

Monthly financial reports are provided to the City of Blue Springs & City Council.

Operations: - Membership Events & Meetings - Organizational Development & Meetings - Contract Services - Facilities & Equipment - Supplies, Fees & Misc. Operations Personnel: - Salaries & Wages

• Adams Dairy Parkway:

Assisted with the development of the new Adams Dairy Landing retail center containing Target & Gordman’s.

Kohls, Michael’s, Staples & Lowes opening soon. Also assisted with the development of the Coronado Place retail center containing Texas Roadhouse, Panera, Taco Bell, Sonic and Adams Dairy Bank.

• Highway

7: Assisted with development & redevelopment of retail businesses, including Mall at Fall Creek (Culver’s, Mirror Image Car Wash, Side Pockets), Copperleaf Village, Village Gardens, and other recent activity along the corridor.

Surveyed over 100 businesses seeking their input and discovered their business growth needs. Assisting with future downtown redevelopment efforts.

Did you know?

Business Retention & Expansion Project Development Business Development Marketing & Advertising

Innovation Park: Initiation & development of a new science and technology park with the University of Missouri as the anchor tenant, focused on supporting the local creation and hiring of higher wage/benefits jobs.

• Downtown:

Business Support & Growth: -

• Missouri

Questions? Please contact us at (816) 228-0208

• 40

Highway: Assisted with redevelopment of the former Walmart building and planned redevelopment of the old K-Mart.

MEET THE STAFF: The Staff of the Blue Springs EDC is passionate about the growth and development needs of our community!

Brien Starner, President:

Want to know more about an exciting development that is designed to bring more jobs and economic growth to Blue Springs?

For more information, go to: www.MissouriInnovationPark.com

Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation

�

1600 NE Coronado Drive

The Examiner

�

Sher Lopez, Business & Investor Relations Manager: Hired in April 1999 by the City of Blue Springs, Sher provides over 11 years of local government and business experience. Sher is a certified Business Retention and Expansion professional who assists our local businesses and our Investing Partners.

Ann Judd, Communications and Operations Manager: Hired in March 2007, Ann provides over 20 years of non-profit organization experience and corporate administrative experience. Ann provides management and support of the communications, marketing, and overall operations of the organization.

Blue Springs, Missouri 64014

Sher Lopez, Brien Starner, Ann Judd

Hired in April 2005 after serving as the Economic Development director in Overland Park, KS and having worked in economic development for over 20 years, Brien provides a strong vision and a focused passion for the goals and strategic objectives for the organization.

�

(816) 228-0208

�

info@bluespringsedc.com

2010

�

www.bluespringsedc.com

Blue Springs City Guide 13

l Government efforts and our annual citizen survey.

Our goal as always is to meet the priorities and performance standards of the City Council and citizens, while operating within our means.

Eric Johnson

Q&A

3

questions

answers

Blue Springs City Administrator

1

What unique challenges have faced the city this past year?

Our challenges this past year have mainly centered around implementing our operating and capital budget as we deal with an unpredictable economy. Estimating our available resources is challenging in that historical trends that we have typically relied on to project our revenues are not as strong a predictive tool as they once were. We also are continually being challenged to reassess all of our existing programming as resources and grants from other levels of government are reduced or eliminated.

We are optimistic about the future though, and we will work to provide

a high level of essential services in all areas of the City.

2

Are there any difficult challenges facing the city in 2010/11? We will continue to face a challenging economic environment in 2010/11 that will affect the city’s upcoming capital and operating budget. The city is facing several challenges that will need to be addressed including funding for essential public safety capital and personnel needs, and deferred maintenance on several aging city assets. We remain committed to providing essential services and priorities that the citizens have established through our strategic planning

The city was recently recognized for its quality of life.

Could you explain a little more in detail what the honor was and what it means to residents?

Blue Springs was the only city in the state of Missouri which earned a place on BusinessWeek magazine’s “America’s Best Places to Raise Your Kids” list.

This list ranked America’s top cities for raising a family in 2010. In the report, Blue Springs was praised for its low cost of living, nationally recognized schools, low crime rates, parks, hiking trails, and it’ central location. Recognition by BusinessWeek magazine places a national spotlight on Blue Springs and validates the efforts of citizens, businesses, elected officials and many other community partners to make Blue Springs an attractive place for families, patrons and visitors.

4

What new events and/or programs are being planned for

YOURTAKE

What do you enjoy about living in Blue Springs?

Carol Williams Blue Springs

Shannon Gray Blue Springs

Abby Wendell Blue Springs

“It’s a great town to raise my kids.”

“The small town atmosphere and everyone is really friendly.”

“The parks.”

the city in the near future?

The city is always looking to utilize technology to help enhance our service delivery and public safety. We are excited about the launch of two new programs the Text-A-Tip program which allows citizens to anonymously report crime tips through their cell phones and our newest program Code Red, which is an emergency notification system that can notify our citizens of emergency and weather related events through their home or cell phone. More information is available about these two programs on the city’s website. We are also looking forward to the Wall that Heals event coming to Pink Hill Park this Sept. 30 through Oct. 3. We expect over 75,000 people to attend this event honoring our Vietnam veterans. This, along with other popular events such as our Concerts in the Park series held at Rotary Park on Sunday nights provide educational and entertainment options for our citizens to enjoy.

5

How much progress has been made on major projects like the water plant, Woods Chapel Road corridor, and others?All

of the 2008 bond projects are on schedule and on budget. We continue construction activities on the voter approved Sni-a-Bar wastewater plant expansion such as clearing, grubbing and major earthwork activities. The sewer plant expansion is scheduled for completion in late 2012. Preliminary construction plans have been approved by state and federal authorities for the Woods Chapel Road project, as have the right-of-way plans. We are currently in the right-of-way acquisition process. Final plan approval is expected soon and depending on how the right-of way acquisition process goes, we hope to bid a portion of the project some time in 2011. Significant construction has begun on our Moreland School Road project which will connect to Liggett Road, and we plan on substantial completion this fall. right-of way acquisition is also occurring on the Colbern and Highway 7 intersection project, and we hope to bid that project in late 2010 or early 2011. Additional information is available on all these projects at www. bluespringsgov.com – Jeff Martin

Round we go

– Melissa Shephard

Tyler Fluhrer, 7, plays on the merry-go-round at Pink Hill Park in Blue Springs

14 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

Government l Jackson County

County home to state’s largest cities

COunty executive mike sanders

Jackson County, with an estimated population of 668,417 in 2008, is home to four of the largest cities in the state.

Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city with 480,129 residents (many in Platte and Clay counties), followed

by No. 4 Independence at 110,440 (according to the state’s estimate in 2008), No. 6 Lee’s Summit at 84,208 (some in Cass County) and No. 10 Blue Springs at 55,698.

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

The county operates with a division of powers similar to that used at the state and

federal levels, with executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The county executive runs the county day to day, although the county prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run their offices independently of the executive.

The voters adopted the current charter in 1972 and in August will vote on proposed revisions to the charter.

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. A voter in Blue Spring, for example, will vote in four races this year: the 5th District and all

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The Examiner

three at-large races.

The six districts: u The 3rd District is represented by Dennis Waits, D-Independence. He can be reached at 816-8814441. 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. u The 5th District is represented by Greg Grounds, R-Blue Springs. He can be reached at 816-8814476. The district runs east to west across the middle of the county, from Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs – the area from Burgess Road to the north and Wyatt Road to the south – and reaches into Independence and a Raytown north of 59th Street.

The area of Independence is roughly from the southern city limits to 35th Street, but that northern boundary also jogs north on Lee’s Summit Road and then takes R.D. Mize Road east to the Little Blue River. u The 1st District is represented by Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813076. 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 The 2nd District is represented

by James D. Tindall, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813163. That district is in Kansas City, roughly a rectangle bounded

by Blue Ridge Cut-off, I-470 and I-435, Troost and Truman Road. u The 4th District is represented

by Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813362. That district includes the western edge of Kansas City basically south of Gregory; the Grandview area; the area south, west and north of Longview Lake; and much of Raytown as far north as 79th Street. u The 6th District is represented by Bob Spence, R-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-8814423. 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

2010

is Wyatt Road.

The three at-large districts: u The 1st District at large is represented by Theresa Garza Ruiz, D-Blue Springs.

She can be reached at 816-881-3132.

The district is roughly the northern third of the county, taking in a slice of northeast Kansas City, Independence, Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs. It’s mostly north of U.S. 40, but to the east drops as far south at Major Road. u The 2nd District at large is represented by Henry Rizzo, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813464. 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. u The 3rd District at large is represented by Fred Arbanas, D-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-881-4477.

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

The county’s website is at www.jacksongov.org – Jeff Fox

Blue Springs City Guide 15

l Government

State delegation

Four legislators serve Blue Springs in Jefferson City Term limits mean new set come January

State Sen. Matt Bartle, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, represents the 8th District.

The district covers most of Eastern Jackson County, from the Cass County line north to the Missouri River.

Bartle is serving his second fouryear term in the Senate and cannot run for re-election this year.

He is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and serves on these committees: Ways and Means; Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections; and Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment.

Phone: 816-305-6288 E-mail: matt_bartle@senate.state.mo.gov Jefferson City office address: State Capitol Building, Room 319, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Office phone: 573-751-1464 State Rep. Bryan Pratt, a Republican from Blue Springs, represents the 55th District.

The district includes Blue Springs south of U.S. 40 plus the part of the city south of Interstate 70 and east of Missouri 7. It also includes Grain Valley, Oak Grove and the rest of the area between I-70 and Wyatt and Round Prairie roads between Blue Springs and the Lafayette County line.

Pratt is serving his fourth term in the House

16 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

and by law cannot run for the House again in 2010. He is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Matt Bartle.

Pratt is speaker pro tem in the House and an ex-officio member of all House committees. He also serves on these committees: Ethics, Rules, Local Government, the Joint Committee on Legislative Research (he is vice chairman).

Phone: 816-220-1099 E-mail: Bryan.Pratt@house.mo.gov Capitol address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 301, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Phone: 573-751-8636 State Rep. Gary Dusenberg, a Republican from Blue Springs, represents the 54th District, which includes the northern and western parts of Blue Springs, part of eastern Independence and some of the unincorporated area of Jackson County. He was first elected in 2002 and cannot run again. He is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Matt Bartle.

Phone: 816-228-6923 Jefferson City office address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 235, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Office phone: 573-751-1487 Office fax: 573-526-2619 E-mail: Gary_Dusenberg@house.mo.govlkj District 56, which includes the southeast corner of Jackson County but also reaches as far as the western edge of Blue Springs – basically the area north of Blue Springs Lake – is vacant. State Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, resigned before the 2010 session of the General Assembly. A new representative will be elected in November 2010.

–Jeff Fox

The Examiner

Government l

Federal delegation

State officials

Running the state

Working for you in Washington Four people – two Democrats, two Republicans – represent Blue Springs in Congress. u Sen. Christopher S. “Kit” Bond, a Republican from Mexico, Mo His Washington office is at 274 Russell Building. Phone: 202-224-5721.

His Kansas City office is at 911 Main St., suite 2224.

Phone: 816-471-7141.

Web site: http://bond.senate.gov/public/ His current term ends in 2011, and he is retiring from Congress. u Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, lives in St. Louis.

Her Washington office is at 717 Hart Building. Phone: 202-224-6154.

Her Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., suite 101. Phone: 816-421-1639 Web site: http://mccaskill.senate.gov/

McCaskill, a former Jackson County legislator and former state auditor, was elected to the Senate in 2006. Her current term ends in 2013. u Rep. Ike Skelton, a Democrat from Lexington, Mo., represents Missouri’s 4th District.

His Washington office is at 2206 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone: 202-225-2876 Skelton’s Blue Springs office is at 514-B N.W. Missouri 7.

Phone: 816-228-4242 .

He was first elected in 1976, and his current term ends in 2011. u Sam Graves, a Republican, represents Missouri’s 6th District.

His Washington office is at 1415 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-225-7041 Graves’ office in Liberty is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, suite 100. Phone: 816-792-3976 – Jeff Fox

From Independence to Iberia, from St. Joseph to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri is home to almost 6 million people.

The state government is organized in a way similar to the federal government, with a supreme court, governor and legislaure.

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 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. After this process is completed, the governor receives the bill and can sign it into law, veto it or allow it to go into effect without his signature. Most new laws go into effect in late August.

For more information, visit www.missouri. gov. The General Assembly Web site is at www.moga.mo.gov. u Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, 573751-3222, www.gov.mo.gov u Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, 573751-4727, www.ltgov.mo.gov u Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, 573751-4936, www.sos.mo.gov u State Auditor Susan Montee, 573-7514824, www.auditor.mo.gov u State Treasurer Clint Zewifel, 573-7512441, www.treasurer.mo.gov u Attorney General Chris Koster, 573-7513222, www.ago.mo.gov – Jeff Fox

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The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 17

l Public Safety

captain oversees each bureau, and there are two lieutenants and ten sergeants throughout the department. Our 72 sworn officers include uniformed patrol, detectives, school resource officers, DARE, crime prevention, drug task force and street crimes unit personnel.

Wayne McCoy

Q&A 1 questions

answers

Blue Springs police chief

What would you tell a father who is considering moving to Blue Springs when he ask you about how safe the city is to raise the family?

I would tell him, father to father, that Blue Springs a safe place to live! I came to Blue Springs nine years ago, and a good environment for my family was a major factor for me. Three of my children graduated from Blue Springs schools and have grown up safely in a wonderful community atmosphere. The fact that our crime rate is significantly

lower than other Kansas City metro areas is a great comfort to parents.

2

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

BSPD has a total of 89 sworn police officers and 32 full-time civilians. The department is divided into four bureaus –patrol operations, staff services, professional standards, and the Community and Youth Outreach Unit. A

3

What is new that the department has implemented this year? This could be equipment or personnel upgrades, or something else?

New in personnel for 2010 is our second K-9 unit (Bandit) and an additional detective to help us better assist victims of crimes. Technology changes are on the horizon to enhance our resources, with Mobile Data Terminals and license plate recognition software approved for patrol cars in the 2010-11 capital improvement budget.

4

Have department statistics shown a spike in property crimes or non

violent crimes over the past year?

Not in Blue Springs. Comparing the most recent full year, violent crimes (murder, rape, robber, aggravated assaults) were down 5.6 percent from 2008, while property crimes (burglary, larceny/theft, auto theft) were down even more, dropping 9.9 percent from the previous year.

2010 statistics show similar rates to 2009.

5

What do you think the greatest asset of the Police Department is, other than providing basic citizen protection?

People are every organization’s greatest asset, and that is true at BSPD. Our caring, dedicated personnel are committed to serving our citizens and making our neighborhoods safe. The partnership we share with citizen volunteers and neighborhood groups make a huge difference, and we’re proud of our partnership with our community.

– Michael Glover

CRIME STATISTICS Crime

2008

2009

CHange

Homicide 1

0

–

Rape

0

–

Robbery 34

32

-5%

Assault

69

-6%

1

74

Burglary 378 352 Theft

-6%

1,394 1,223 -12%

Auto theft

161

164

-1%

Total

2,066 1,862 -9%

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2010

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The Examiner

Public Safety l Central Jackson County Fire District

Fire district serves 65 square miles The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District covers Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo and unincorporated areas of the county. It totals 65 square miles with a population of 85,000.

The district 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 and south of Blue Springs South High School on Adams Dairy Parkway and 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 medically related and the remaining being fires and accidents and alarms, according to district officials.

A fire truck accompanies the ambulance on medical calls for service “to give extra hands and support to take care of the patient,” said district spokesman Eddie Saffell.

The district has a HAZMAT unit that responds to accidental chemical spills, 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. 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.

There are no plans to expand coverage area despite a growing Eastern Jackson County, according to district officials.

A couple years ago, district officials talked about consolidating with other fire departments, but voters rejected the plans twice.

Among several new initiatives at CJC, the district implemented a new communications system, bringing it into compliance with the federal guidelines, according to Chief Steve Westermann.

“This will help in reducing our response times and provides vital information to each unit as they respond with little verbal communication,” Westermann said.

The Examiner

– Michael Glover

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 19

l Public Safety

Steve Westermann

Q&A 1 questions

answers

Central Jackson Fire Protection District Chief Please fill in readers about an aspect that is new and exciting this year at CJC. We have several exciting things going on right now. We have moved into our newly remodeled fire training and EMS education center located at 4715 W. U.S. 40. This facility is 56,000 square feet which provides classrooms, a theater-style auditorium to give us adequate space to grow our EMS education center.

This provides continuing educa-

tion to those holding an EMT or paramedic license, along with training new people to become paramedics. The location also holds our fleet maintenance center. This move also allowed our Fire Prevention Bureau to re-locate at Station 3 to better serve our citizens.

2

Has there been discussion of expanding the coverage area of CJC to accommodate the growing EJC? If so, in what ways

will the department handle expansion?

Fire districts are like cities in that it is very hard to expand boundaries. We are always open to discussion for consolidation to make a regional fire district to save on expenses to the taxpayer and increase response capabilities. In consolidation, “both sides” have to have positive elections. With the two elections we’ve had to date, our citizens have been very positive, but the issue failed due to the total vote. Consolidation has been the trend across the country and will continue to be the norm particularly in these economic times.

3

Give us a sample of a typical day for you?

As the chief of the department, it is my responsibility to maintain the district’s path at the strategic level and to meet the goals set out in our strategic plan. As our organization grows, day-to-day operations many

time makes me feel like the old semaphore sailor on the deck of an aircraft carrier – signaling with various flags, providing direction, resources and coordination for each of the moving parts, and then getting out of the way.

4

Are the majority of calls medical or fire related?

Why is this?

About 80 percent of our 6,000 calls a year are EMS related. We hear daily about healthcare and fitness of this country’s population. That is very much a driver in increased EMS calls. Regarding fires, with quicker response times, quicker discovery and greater awareness of a problem, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and (we would like to believe) positive public education programs in the schools, fires have reduced dramatically over the years. This 80/20 percent between fires and EMS calls is a trend nationwide.

5

What are the department’s short and longterm goals?

The district has a three year strategic plan and through the accreditation process in 2008, we have met many of our current, short range goals. In the long term, as our community grows and our call load increases, to ensure the level of service to the community and the safety of our personnel, staffing will continue to be an issue in the forefront.

We have two stations that are 40 and 25 years old that will either need significant maintenance or consideration of replacement. If Grain Valley continues to grow, particularly to the north, an additional station is planned in that area. Consolidation for a regional district is still, and will continue to be a goal of this district.

– Michael Glover

Sheriff, Highway Patrol

More policing agencies offer protection for EJC residents Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

The sheriff’s office is at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Summit.

The office 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 Colonels Ben Kenney and 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.

To reach the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, call 816-524-4302.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

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

The phone number is 816-622-0800.

– Michael Glover

20 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

Community l Voting

Practice your civic rights In order to vote, you need to be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Also, citizens must be off probation or parole after being convicted of a felony. You can register at any of these locations: u Blue Springs City Hall 903 W. Main St. Phone: 816-228-0110 u Blue Springs Water Billing Department 903 W Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 Phone: 816-228-0127 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

850 NW Hunter Drive Phone: 816-224-8772 Polling locations for elections are decided shortly before the election according to Jim McKincie, Assistant Director of the Election Board. To find these locations, check out the Jackson County Election Board website at http://www.jcebmo.org.

u Mid-Continent Public Library (North)

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Melissa Shephard

Post offices

Mail a letter here Blue Springs has three post offices.

The primary post office is located at 200 N.W. 11th St. Its hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon. on Saturdays. The last daily collection on weekdays is 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. This location offers online P.O. boxes, automated postal centers, and passport application services.

Passport processing hours and passport photo hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Post office boxes can be purchased in the post office or online via www.usps.com. Prices range from $30 to $168 in six-month increments, depending on their size (boxes can be purchased in a one year increment if desired).

The basic 3x5 box is $30 and a 4x8 box is $48. A $2 refundable deposit is required for the two keys to your P.O. box.

You will need two forms of i.d. and to live in Blue Springs or Grain Valley in order to be eligible for a post office box.

For more information about this location in general call 816-229-8456. For more information about p.o boxes call 816-229-2739.

The South Avenue Annex Post Office is at 500 S.W. South Ave. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Last daily collection is 5 p.m. on weekdays and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

This office is only for picking up bulk mail. Customers need to have a notice from their mail carrier in order to do this.

For more information about this location call 816-229-7412.

The Hy-Vee Post Office Express is located inside of the Hy-Vee on 602 S.W. US 40. Hours of operations are every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., however last daily collections are only on Mondays thru Fridays at 5 p.m.

For more information about this location call 816-224-4288.

The Examiner

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Melissa Shephard

Blue Springs City Guide 21

l community

Recycle

Don’t just throw it away, recycle Blue Springs offers one recycling facility that is made available by private companies.

This facility accepts limited materials, including aluminum, plastics #1 and #2, metals, and newspapers. Appliances are also accepted for a small fee.

Blue Springs Recycling Center 499 S. Missouri 7 (in the American Legion parking lot) 816-935-9235 This service will pay for aluminum cans. It does not accept cardboard, glass or electronics. Appliances, such as freezers and refrigerators, must be removed of Freon. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Center is not open on Sundays.

Office Depot.

450 N.W. Missouri 7 816-220-8151 This location only offers electronic recycling

– items such as VCRs, cameras, and televisions less than 13 inches. You can purchase a recycling box from Office Depot for $5 to$15 (depending on the size) that you can put your recyclable electronics inside of to be sent away for recycling. Hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10: a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cartridge World 2630 S.W. Missouri 7 816-229-0800 Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Cartridge World is closed on Sundays.

Cartridge World refills empty cartridges for inkjet and laser printers, photocopiers and fax machines.

Abitibi Consolidated Recycling There are more than 20 Abitibi Consolidated Recycling locations in the area, including

local schools. They collect paper, cardboard and other items depending on the location. These “paper retriever” recycling bins pay schools for the recycled paper. They are located in parking lots and can be accessed at any time.

Ripple Glass 1305 N. Missouri 7 (Price Chopper) Ripple Glass in Kansas City accepts glass products in purple bins around the metro.

The bins collect only glass products that will later be used in a variety of items. For more information visit www.rippleglasskc.com.

Pink Hill Recycling Center Scheduled to open late this summer, Blue Springs isbuilding a recycling center at Pink Hill Park. The facility will accept aluminum, plastic, glass, newspaper, office paper, cardboard and tin cans. For more information about the facility visit www.bluespringsgov. com.

Other Locations

Independence Recycling Center 13600 East 35th Street 816-325-7623 Smurfit Stone Recycling Center 1009 East U.S. 24 816-254-3366 Lee’s Summit Recycling 2101 Southeast Hamblen Road 816-969-1980 City Scrap Metal LLC- Lee’s Summit 1638 Southeast Decker Street 816-525-4322 Grain Valley Recycling Center 711 Main Street 816-847-6200 – Melissa Shephard

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710 W. Main, Suite H Blue Springs, MO 64015 22 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

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www.firstam.com

The Examiner

Community l Licenses

Do you have a license for that?

Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses can be obtained in Independence at the Courthouse Annex Recorder of deeds office at 308 W. Kansas Ave., Suite 104. The office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fee for obtaining a license is $50 at the time of application and is accepted in cash or credit/debit cards with the exception of American Express. Both parties must be present at the office at the time of application, must provide their Social Security numbers and identification and must be 18 years old to marry without parental consent.

The marriage license is valid for 30 days after it is issued and may only be used in Missouri. A marriage certificate can be purchased for $10 within ten days of the wedding.

Vehicle licenses

Missouri license plates must be renewed during or before the expiration month found on the plate.

Drivers may renew their plates either online

at www.plates.mo.gov or by visiting the license office in City Hall, 903 W. Main St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon the first and last Saturday of the month.

When renewing, drivers must present a vehicle registration notice, a safety or emissions inspection of no more than 60 days old, a paid personal property tax receipt, insurance card, the correct license plate fee and a registration fee of $3.50 for one year or $7 for two years.

Those who still have the old license plate design will receive the new “bluebird” plates when they renew. An additional fee of $1.39 per plate will be required for standard plates and personalized plates will require a fee of $4.25. To replace stolen license plate tabs, the driver must complete an application for replacement plates/tabs form, submit a police report and provide a $3.50 processing fee.

Fishing/Hunting

Missouri residents may obtain fishing and hunting permits for a fee.

To buy a firearms hunting permit, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, must complete a hunter education program in Missouri.

Children age 15 and under are not required to complete an education class but they are required to hunt with a licensed adult hunter.

Daily, annual or lifetime fishing permits are available to Missouri residents as well. No training course is required before purchase.

Missouri residents under the age of 65 and over the age of 15 are required to have a fishing permit.

Different permits are required depending on hunting seasons and animals. For Missouri residents prices range from $10-$19.

Permits may be purchased over the phone by calling 1-800-392-4115 or by visiting the Kansas City regional conservation office in Blue Springs at 3424 N.W. Duncan Road.

Permits can also be purchased online at www.wildlifelicense.com/mo. A $2 surcharge will be added to the total cost and payment can only be made by providing credit card information. Before receiving the permit by mail, hunters may print temporary permit informa-

tion and use it until the permit arrives.

For additional information on hunting and regulations in Missouri visit www.mdc.mo.gov.

The Blue Springs facility moved to a new location – 1106 W. Main St. – in 2008.

Brien Starner, Blue Springs president of the Economic Development Corporation, said there is the possibility that the extension office could relocate from the downtown area and into the Mizzou Center at the Heartland Financial Building.

“It’s everyone’s aim to make the Mizzou Center a destination for many university services and programs,” Starner said.

For more information or to contact the office in Blue Springs, call 816-252-5051 or visit extension.missouri.edu/Jackson.

Concealed Weapons

Residents of Jackson County can visit Jackson County Sheriff Headquarters at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Summit to obtain a concealed weapons permit. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applicants need to bring proof of Jackson County or Missouri residency with a valid Missouri driver’s or non-driver’s license or military identification.

Applicants must also provide a copy of the certificate from a completed firearms safety training course, a check or money order payable to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for $33.25 and a check or money order payable to the Jackson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office for $66.75.

Additional information can be obtained by calling 816-524-4302 or visit www.jacksongov. org/content/4847/4853/4869/4929.aspx.

-Andrea Hewitt

University of Missouri Extension

Working through issues

Extension office offers help in a variety of areas The University of Missouri Extension aims to help many people understand and work through problems and learn informed decisionmaking practices.

The Extension is a partnership among the campuses of the University of Missouri, Lincoln University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The 1914 Smith-Leve Act provides federal funding for land-grant schools, such as the University of Missouri, to offer educational programs outside of the main campus. This act provided Jackson county and others in the state with extension programs.

Jackson County has two extension offices, one on Main Street in Blue Springs and one in Kansas City. Through the MU Extension, 577 firefighters and emergency services personnel in Jackson County received education in 2008.

The extension has many programs available to the community including 4-H youth

development, agriculture and natural resource management, business and workforce development and human environmental sciences.

A number of programs are also offered for continuing legal, medical, veterinary education, fire and rescue training and other continuing educational programs.

The MU Extension makes information and resources available for improving life both at home and at work. These resources can be obtained online, in print, or though workshops and classes.

The Jackson County Extension Center offers canner gauge tests for dial-type pressure canner lids as well as soil testing and plant diagnostic services.

The University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City hosts a hotline: 833-TREE, to answer any gardening questions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday from March through October.

The Examiner

2010

– The Examiner staff

Blue Springs City Guide 23

l community

Public art

New pieces keep coming For 2010, the Blue Springs Public Art Commission is presenting “Time in Place,” a temporary public art exhibit featuring four original artworks located at Pink Hill Park, 2715 N.E. Park Drive in Blue Springs. “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam veterans memorial half scale wall will also be exhibited in the same park from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3.

The four pieces of original work are: “Restless Recovery” by Iowa artist Beth Nybeck, “Passing through Time and Place” by Missouri artist Mark LaMair, “Parenthesis ” Missouri artist Brian Zimmerman and “Quasarc” by Illinois artist Nicole Beck.

The commission is responsible for securing and maintaining various sites for the art throughout Blue Springs. The seven-member board is appointed by the mayor and approved by the City council.

The commission displays one temporary, outdoor art exhibit per year in various parts of Blue Springs from March to September. A panel selected by the board selects five pieces

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

Permanent art pieces from the exhibit each year to be displayed in the community. The pieces are for sale throughout the exhibit. If by the end of the exhibit, the pieces have not been bought, they are either shipped back or donated by the artist.

The exhibition is available until Sept. 30.

“Your Total Music Store” Since 1966- 44 Years in Business

Ted & Betty Meyer & Family Family Owned and Operated

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

– Nikki Bomgardner

u Tree in the Park – Burrus Old Mill Park u Adams Dairy Parkway Art Wall u Art Wall prototype sculpture u BlueSprings.net – Adams Pointe Conference Center u Valley View Choo Choo & Goose Caboose – Rotary Park u Blue Spring – Missouri 7 and Interstate 70 u OH! –City Hall u Providence – Public Safety building u Angelic Interlude – City Hall u Tapped – Burrus Old Mill Park u Sun Dance – Rotary Park

u Chimney Swift Tower – Rotary Park (and various locations around city) u Luke Gundy Memorial – Burrus Old Mill skate park u The Child Playing Soccer – SportsCity u Catch Me If You Can – Home Depot u David Cook Mural –12th and Main St. u Bike Shop Mural – U.S. 40 and Missouri 7 u Shrout’s Motorsports Mural – Interstate 70 u Downtown Mural – Old Scotty’s Guitar Shop building u Mother and Child – Rotary Park u Convergence – Rotary Park u Weave Through – Rotary Park u The Visit St. Mary’s Medical Center

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

24 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

Utilities Be sure to get the right connections u Water 500 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-228-0195 www.bluespringsgov.com

u Telephone AT&T 1-800-288-2020 www.att.com

u Electricity Kansas City Power & Light Visit kcpl.com or call 816-471-5275. u Natural gas Missouri Gas Energy 756-5252 www.missourigasenergy.com

Embarq 888-723-8010 www.embarq.com u Cable television Comcast 24-hour phone line: 1-800-266-2278 www.comcast.com

Community l

Vesper Hall

A place for fun, memories Vesper Hall is a public facility in Blue Springs overlooking Rotary Park. It is a popular place for wedding receptions, anniversary parties 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 10-20 people or large enough for groups of up to 300.

Some of the amenities Vesper Hall offers are a state-of-the-art PA system, tiered ceil-

ings, a gas fireplace, large windows and a commercial kitchen.

Alcohol is allowed in the hall. The facility only provides tables and chairs.

Vesper Hall also offers activities for seniors including fitness classes, trips, dances, computer classes, cards, arts & crafts, meals and more.

For more information call 816-228-0181.

– Nikki Bomgardner

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2010

Blue Springs City Guide 25

l community

Veterans

Two organizations serve veterans VFW

Vaughn-Hudnall Post 6603 and Kenneth L. Yeagle Memorial Post 30 comprise the two Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Blue Springs. The posts “assist veterans with obtaining their medical, pension and disability benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs and financially assist families of deployed and activeduty personnel.” Post 6603 was founded in 1946 and is at 2115 S.W. Missouri 7.

Post 30 is led by Post Commander Ron Doyle.

The Ladies Auxiliary is an organization for women with family members in the military. Department of Missouri VFW Ladies Auxiliary president is Charlotte Jones out of Fulton, and she oversees the 18 districts in Missouri.

Blue Springs is in District 5 led by president Nicole Kelly of Lee’s Summit.

The women join under the name of their relative and serve veterans, their families, the community, children and youth.

Veterans move down the serving line at the Harvest Feast Veterans Lunch at American Legion Post 499 in Blue Springs.

26 Blue Springs City Guide

For more information on how to get involved with the VFW go to www.vfwwebcom.org.

American Legion

The Blue Springs American Legion post is Stanley-Pack Post 499, at 499 S.W. Missouri 7. Post 499 was founded in 1921 and is led by Commander Bill Miller.

Currently, 680 veterans and active duty members of the military who have fought in any war make up the post. Their goal is to take care of veterans, mentor youth, promote patriotism and a strong national security.

In September, the American Legion will be bringing “The Wall That Heals” to Blue Springs; “an exhibition featuring a 250-foot replica of the original memorial in Washington D.C., addressing not only the loss, but also the lives of more than 58,000 men and women whose names are inscribed on The Wall.”

The American Legion has nearly 3 million members and more than 14,000 posts worldwide.

For more information on the American Legion visit www. legion.org.

– Nikki Bomgardner

2010

The Examiner

Community l Pets

Be a responsible pet owner BLUE SPRINGS ANIMAL CONTROL

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

Animal Control is at 1100 S.W. Smith St. in Blue Springs. It can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 816-228-0149.

The number rings to police dispatch after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends.

Blue Springs does not have a city-run animal shelter. When a pet is lost, call Animal Control to see if the pet was picked up, and to locate which shelter the pet was delivered to.

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

Domestic pets that do not have identification will be taken to Lee’s Summit shelter until picked up by the owner. Owners will have five days to pick up their pet from 1991 S.E. Hamblin Road in Lee’s Summit. Lee’s Summit shelter can be reached at 816-696-7405.

Blue Springs residents are allowed to own up to four adult animals. Any animal over six months of age is considered an adult. All animal species count toward the limit of four.

Livestock and farm animals are forbidden within the city. Certain exotic pets are forbidden as well. Call ahead before adopting an

Animal hospitals Care options available for furry or feathered friends

exotic pet to ensure compliance with city code.

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.

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.

Any animal that has bitten a person will be quarantined.

Blue Springs has many veterinary clinics available for domestic pets.

GREGORY O. GROUNDS DOG PARK

BLUE SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND PET RESORT 1201 S.W. U.S. 40 816-229-1544

1049 N.E. 20th St., Blue Springs Located off Jefferson Street near the Kohl’s Distribution center, The Dog Park at Gregory Grounds 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 new separate area for smaller dogs under 14 inches at the shoulder and 25 pounds and under.

The dog park is open from dawn to dusk.

For more information contact Blue Springs Parks and Recreation at 816-228-0137 or visit www.bluespringsgov.com

ANIMED OF BLUE SPRINGS 1715 S Missouri 7 816-220-0222 Hours are 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Call after hours for emergency and pager information.

CAVANAUGH PET HOSPITAL 2400 N.W. South Outer Road 816-220-2233 ERICSON VETERINARY HOSPITAL 1000 N.W. South Outer Road 816-229-8255

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2010

Blue Springs City Guide 27

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Community l KCATA buses

Take the bus

The Metro in Blue Springs offers the community a way to save on money, a way to help the city’s air quality, and a way to cut down on congestion along Interstate 70. And with the average weekday ridership in Blue Springs being 300 passengers, many in the city are taking advantage of what Kansas City Area Transportation Authority can offer.

“The Metro rider saves, on average, nearly $6,000 annually by riding The Metro from downtown Blue Springs to downtown Kansas City,” said Deanna Catalano, marketing assistant for KCATA. There are four free Park-and-Ride bus stop locations in the city: White Oak Plaza, 11th & Smith, Commuter lot at Missouri 7 & North Ridge, and Commuter lot I-70 and Woods Chapel Road.

Bus No. 170 Blue Springs Express makes four trips to Blue Springs in the morning and

afternoon, running to and from Kansas City during rush hour.

“While this service is very popular, new riders are welcome,” said Catalano.

A monthly bus pass is $95. One way trips are $3 and round trips are $6, both must be paid in cash.

The Metro only operates in Blue Springs on weekdays. On ozone alert days, days when the Kansas City area is in an ozone alert bus fare is only 75 cents. The most common ozone alert months are June through September.

Bus passes can be purchased at either of the Price Choppers in Blue Springs, 1100 S. Missouri 7 or 1305 N. Missouri 7, or riders can purchase passes online through the KCATA website: www.KCATA.org.

Courtesy of KCATA

– Melissa Shephard

Mid-Continent Public Library

More than books

Blue Springs has two Mid-Continent Public Library branches.

The North Branch was established in 1992 and is managed by Susan Wray, who estimates that the branch is home to 114,000 items including DVDs, VHS, CDs, books, magazines, graphic novels, reference materials, an online database, Internet access, and a WiFi Internet connection.

The North Branch also hosts a number of services to the community, including computer help, interlibrary loans, and programming events for all ages, including book clubs and children’s story times.

The South Branch was established in 1991 and is managed by Jacqueline Reed. The branch is home to a similar variety of resources as the North Branch. The South Branch emphasizes patrons’ downloadable audio book sites, computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word, and self-check out machines, which allow customers to check out their own books at their leisure. The branch is home to 143,000 Children play with a multi-colored parachute during a meeting of the Book different items of media and emphasizes serving the community.

Nuts at the Blue Springs North Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library.

The Examiner

“We like to serve our customers,” said Reed, who also noted that her workers like to be out on the floor where they can be a better resource to the customers.

The South Branch has recently reconfigured its floor plan to bring a more conventional and easy-to-understand layout to the library, while also making the library more open with a more “aesthetic” layout, according to Reed.

Both branches are seeking to keep up with the digital age and continue to serve the community, regardless of the means of doing so.

“We have a saying that if they can’t find it at the library, where else are they going to go?” said Reed. “We want to make sure, however we can, that they find what they are looking for.”

The North Branch is at 850 N.W. Hunter Drive and the South Branch is at 2220 S. Missouri 7. The North Branch can be reached at 816-224-8772. The South Branch can be reached at 816-229-3571. For more information, visit http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/

2010

– Melissa Shephard

Blue Springs City Guide 29

l community

Fall Fun Festival

Fun for all

Blue Springs is celebrating the 40th annual Fall Fun Festival Sept. 17, 18 and 19.

The festival has previously drawn more than 100,000 people for the three days.

The festival provides entertainment on two stages and a carnival for the kids. Eastern Jackson County’s largest parade – as organizers claim – is held on Saturday the 18th. The 2010 parade theme is “American Heroes.”

For the two stage venues at the fest, the main stage in the beer garden will host headliner bands and the community stage will host the karaoke contest finals, local bands and dance groups throughout the weekend.

You can visit more than 280 food, craft and service vendors throughout the fest, a petting zoo for the kids or watch the Dock Dogs competition as seen on ESPN. Some traditional tasty treats at the festival include the Timmy burger, BBQ Sunday, turkey legs, funnel cakes, curly fries, shaved ice, kettle korn and fresh squeezed lemonade.

For more information on the Blue Springs Fall Festival visit the website, www. bluespringsfallfestival.com or call 816-2286322.

– Nikki Bomgardner

Barbeque Blaze-Off

Family Week

Start your cookers Put families first Blue Springs Barbeque Blazeoff is Sept. 10 and 11 this year at the Hidden Valley Sports Complex, 6500 N.W. Valley View Road in Blue Springs.

The organizing committee expects about 80 teams to participate in the blazeoff, close to the same amount as last year.

This year’s theme is the “Battle BBQ Challenge.” A committee will select two teams out of a raffle. They will have one hour to prepare three separate dishes using a secret ingredient for judging.

Some additional highlights of this year’s events include Buck-a-Bone; where contestants get to sell their barbecue to the public, sausage and dessert categories, Kid-Q Event, music and entertainment Friday and Saturday and a beer garden.

Christina Mitchell is the 2010 Blue Springs Barbeque Blaze-Off committee president.

For more information on the Barbeque Blazeoff contact Parks & Recreation at 228-0137 or visit www. bluespringsblazeoff.com.

– Nikki Bomgardner

30 Blue Springs City Guide

The main goal of Family Week, held each April, is to reinforce and stabilize families in the area.

Contests and prizes were available. A “Family of the Year” award is given out to a deserving family. The winning family is nominated by a nonfamily 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 accomplsihed during that time. The more coupons filled out, the greater chance the family had for winning a grand prize. Coupons are turned into participating businesses.

For more information contact Diane Mack, Family Week coordinator, at 816-838-0838 or Familyweek@juno.com. Also visit the Web site at www. jacksoncountyfamilyweek.org.

– The Examiner staff

2010

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2010

Blue Springs City Guide 31

l business

Ryan Fry

Q&A questions

answers

chairman Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Ryan Fry, an attorney with Cochran Oswald & Roam in Blue Springs, is this year’s chairman of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

1

What are the chamber’s main goals in the next three to five years?

The chamber’s main goal really is stated very well in the mission statement. We hope to develop,

promote and facilitate a sound business environment in Blue Springs. Speaking more directly to the organization itself, we are working very hard to continue increasing the chamber’s importance and reputation with businesses and the community alike.

2

In these rough economic times, how are the needs of local business-

es changing?

Local businesses, like all businesses in the country are looking for ways to work smarter, more cost effective and at a more rapid pace. Hopefully, our chamber can assist our members by providing tools that address these goals. Our Buy Blue Springs campaign just kicked off on July 1 and we look for that “buy local” program to give our local businesses a great opportunity to keep dollars in our community.

3

Do you expect the city to attract a wider range of retailers in the years ahead?

We do expect the city of Blue Springs to continue attracting a wide range of retailers into the future. Blue Springs continues to grow because of the tremendous benefits that the city offers (schools, parks, recreation and

32 Blue Springs City Guide

a safe environment – CJCFPD, BSPD and St. Mary’s Medical Center). As the city’s population continues to grow, retailers will certainly want to continue bringing their products to this market.

Additionally, the Missouri Innovation Park and several of our current local employers make Blue Springs a viable job destination to attract even more residents.

4

What are the community’s biggest challenges that come with business growth?

The challenges of business growth are fairly constant: infrastructure, traffic control and the rising cost of constructing new business space. The city of Blue Springs has done a great job addressing these issues. Attracting businesses to the downtown corridor is also a continuing challenge. We would certainly like to

2010

see that area of the city revitalized with an influx of business growth and the presence of light rail using the existing rail system downtown would be a tremendous help.

5

The chamber relies on volunteers. What’s the most pressing area of need?

We continue to have wonderful support from our volunteers.

I think our biggest need moving forward is community and business participation in our committees that report to our board of directors. Our business owners and citizens have a great opportunity to provide input directly to the board when they get involved at the committee level. Many of the chambers’ best ideas (i.e., Buy Blue Springs) come from our membership.

– Jeff Fox

The Examiner

BUSINESS l

Chamber of Commerce

Buy Blue Springs Shoppers have more and more options in Blue Springs, and the Chamber of Commerce is leading an effort to get people buy locally.

It’s an idea that a chamber member came up with, and the organization decided to run with it. It is one of many ways that the “I absolutely chamber works to advance the cause love helping of the local business businesses.” community. The project has been – Lara months in the makVermillion ing, and the website has a variety of Chamber president resources, including a directory of local businesses. It’s at www.buybluesprings.com.

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

That is one of several efforts by the 47-yearold chamber, which has close to 400 members, to promote the community.

“I absolutely love helping businesses,” says

chamber President Lara Vermillion.

The chamber also holds a monthly luncheon, runs the Leadership Blue Springs program, holds ribbon cuttings and sponsors the Fall Fun Fest each September in downtown Blue Springs. It’s also looking ahead with new efforts such as starting a tourism task force.

“We’ve come a long way, I think, in a year,” Vermillion said.

Vermillion acknowledged that business people are pushing harder these days, working longer hours and getting by with fewer people.

“They’re trying to make every penny work,” she said.

That means the chamber has stepped up with such services as as seminars on marketing and social networking.

The chamber is at 1000 Main St., in downtown Blue Springs. The phone number is 816-229-8558. The 2010 chairman is Ryan Fry of Cochran Oswald & Roam, and the 2011 chairman is Jennifer Splittorff of The Vernon Company.

– JEFF FOX

Submitted photo Blue Springs city and chamber leaders cut the ribbon of the new Gordman’s on Adams Dairy Parkway. The store, one of many new retailers to open in the area opened its doors this spring.

WHY STEWART?

Business groups

More ways to get involved in city 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.

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.

Blue Springs Business Association

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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.

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 816-252-3519 for more information.

The Examiner

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2010

Blue Springs City Guide 33

l BUsiness

Adams Dairy Parkway

Parkway booming with business

Additions to the Adam’s Dairy Landing continue. the south, Adams Dairy Parkway on the west and the Courtyard by Marriott and the Adams Pointe Golf Course to the east.

Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross said Adams Dairy Landing offers residents an opportunity to shop at home, which ties in with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Blue Springs campaign.

“People don’t have to leave Blue Springs to eat at nice restaurants and buy clothing,” Ross said. “They can stay right here.”

The development also provides a healthy supply of sales tax revenue for the city and

YOURTAKE

Bethany Larkins, 7, plays on a barrier outside the new Target at Adam’s Dairy in Blue Springs. Larkins’ father Bill works for Target in facilities management.

While many parts of the United States experienced retail closings in 2009 as part of the economic recession, Blue Springs saw the opening of first power center.

Enter Adams Dairy Landing, a 65-acre, 600,000-square-foot development widely visible from Interstate 70 at the Adams Dairy Parkway exit.

Target, one of the major retail anchors at Adams Dairy Landing, opened in October 2009, along with its adjacent in-line shops Gap Outlet, Sally Beauty Supply, GameStop, Famous Footwear, PETCO and Maurices.

Staples is under construction west of Target.

Michaels – The Arts & Crafts Store is scheduled to be built on Target’s east side.

In May, Gordmans opened just east of Target. Construction is now taking place on Kohl’s and on Books-A-Million next to Gordman’s.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Mattress Firm also opened on a separate site north of Northeast Coronado Drive. An Arby’s is scheduled to be built east of that pad site.

Four lifestyle center buildings also are scheduled to be built slightly southeast of Northeast Adams Dairy Parkway and Northeast Coronado Drive, focusing on specialty-type retail. Lowe’s Home Improvement will be built east of those buildings.

Olive Garden opened in March on a pad site west of the Northeast Adams Dairy Parkway and Northeast Coronado Drive intersection.

Adams Dairy Landing is a joint venture between RED Development LLC and Dallas Police & Fire Pension System. Visit www.reddevelopment.com for more information.

Adjacent to Wal-Mart and Home Depot, Adams Dairy Landing borders include Coronado Drive to the north, R.D. Mize Road to

34 Blue Springs City Guide

probably helped Blue Springs from “dipping lower than we would have been without it,” Ross said.

“One of the biggest hits we took was building permits. We just don’t have that activity except for what you see at the Adams Dairy Landing,” he said. “I think things are going to start to stabilize and pick up. I’m seeing some signs of improvement, so that’s why we placed ourselves where we did. I think we are going to be the place to be.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

Where is the best place to shop in Blue Springs?

Barbara Randall Blue Springs “I do crafts. I do art. I shop at Hobby Lobby a lot. I’m considering The Pointe Dance Studio, that looks nice. Oh, all that new shopping stuff they put in over

by Wal-Mart.”

SUNSIA O’BRIEN Grain Valley

John Hardy Blue Springs

“For a family of 6? WalMart.”

“Tell you what I like, Gordmans, because of the prices.”

2010

– MATT MITCHELL

The Examiner

business l Downtown development

Activities draw attention downtown Progress – small but significant – is the name of the game in downtown Blue Springs.

Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross says that, and efforts to improve its appearance and lure businesses there are common. That’s part of the reason city officials are looking to revitalize and redesign it.

The city has for some time been talking about building a new city hall where both the police station and the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce could be housed. There’s even talk of an area designed for community events such as Street Flicks, a common and popular event held downtown.

Funding issues remain, however, and many of those plans have been put on hold.

But there has been some progress, specifically with sidewalk, lighting and landscaping improvements. This summer, the city installed brick crosswalks at two locations, and lighting fixtures will soon replace the older models.

And there’s the Main Center Redevelopment

Submitted photo Corporation, which has attracted numerous property owners during the last few years.

Since 2000, 20 of the 190 downtown properties eligible for a tax incentive program have taken advantage of it. And there have been some significant changes to state tax abatement program to encourage investment and growth.

The boundary – currently at 46 acres with a 2007 appraised value of $27.3 million – has

been extended to include approximately 12 additional acres, boosting the overall appraisal value by $3.3 million and including an additional 37 properties in the Main and Walnut Street corridor.

Participants in the program (business owners and/or developers) can choose from three enhanced tax abatement categories for five years.

The first category – level A – offers Main Center Redevelopment Corporation participants two minimum investment choices, one for $750,000 and the other for $1 million.

Both minimums offer 100 percent tax abatements for the first 10 years, but the larger of the two investments allows the participant continued 100 percent tax abatement for an additional 15 years.

The lower investment option – that of $750,000 – offers an additional 15-year tax abatement period at 75 percent.

For level B, participants can invest a minimum of $250,000 and receive the 100 percent

tax abatement for 10 years and 50 percent tax abatement for 15 additional years.

Level C is considered more market stabilizing, with investments beginning at the $50,000 range, but the 100 percent tax abatement does not extend beyond 10 years.

downtown EVENTS

Traditional Blue Springs events return year after year, including Blue Springs Car Cruise Nights, held the first Saturday of the month May through October; Street Flicks, held in June and July; the National Night Out Against Crime, held this year on Aug. 3; the Fall Fun Fest, held this year from Sept 17-19; the BooSprings Harvest Fest, held this year on Oct. 30, and the Holiday Express Train in December.

Questions about downtown events can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at 816-228-0137 or the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce at 816-229-8558.

– Jeff Martin

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2010

Blue Springs City Guide 35

l BUsiness

Missouri Innovation Park

Plans still moving forward

The year 2010 brought some good news for the Missouri Innovation Park The long-awaited Mizzou Center officially opened in May. Representatives from the city of Blue Springs and the University of Missouri opened the doors in May to what they call the anchor that will attract students, researchers and, hopefully, aspiring companies to Blue Springs and the greater Kansas City area.

Once fully operational, the 8,000-square foot center in the Heartland Financial Building will offer six department services, with others planned for the future.

The departments include: u MU Academic Programs, which will provide advising, workshops, career development and educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in person and via video conferencing. u MU College of Engineering and Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, which will counsel businesses in the metro area to help them procure federal, state and local

government contracts. u MU College of Education, School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, which will provide website usability testing for businesses, government agencies and others, tapping faculty expertise to design training programs and information services. u MU College of Veterinary Medicine, which will help develop and extend research partnerships within the KC Animal Health Corridor.

The Mizzou Center was initially to be the first building constructed for the hugely ambitious Missouri Innovation Park, an estimated 118-acre complex that is expected to house research facilities and start-up companies that focus primarily on the animal health and life sciences. The Mizzou Center would be that location where research would take place, where graduate students assist on-site companies (both established and start-ups) .

In addition to the Innovation Park, a project that has commanded most of the attention since it was first unveiled in late 2008, Presi-

dent of the Economic Develoment Corporation Brien Starner said the EDC remains focused on other issues, including highway corridor development throughout the city.

For Starner, the project has been a challenge since it was first unveiled to the public in December 2008. Funding and design issues, the leaving of the master developer – all converged to make the last two and a half years difficult.

“But it’s still going strong, and we have some good things coming up,” Starner said recently.

For one, the Economic Development Corporation plans to unveil zoning guidelines and land use conditions for the site. Starner calls it a kind of user-friendly guide for those companies that express interest and, if all goes well, decide to build in the park.

“Whoever comes into the park can reference this guide,” he said.

And while funding remains an issue for land acquisition (all of which remains under

contract), Starner said the city hopes to acquire as much as $95,000 in federal funds through a technical planning grant.

“It’s not guaranteed, but we’re confident we’ll receive some funds,” he said.

Regarding the Missouri Jobs for the Future legislation, created to pull state sales and income taxes for local governments in land and infrastructure, Starner said the news isn’t good.

“It’s no where at this point,” Starner said of the legislation, a similar bill of which has passed out of the Missouri House only to fail in the Missouri Senate. “But we’ve certainly not given up.”

Yet there are indications that the area desires such a complex. In Liberty, for instance, the city recently leased about 45 acres of an already existing industrial park that will serve as a jump-start for life sciences company.

The EDC assembled several task forces, including one that will investigate industrial parks and companies that locate in them.

– Jeff Martin

South development

South side growing Development in south Blue Springs is in better shape than one might expect.

Scott Allen, director of the Community Development Department, said ever since the first of the year permits for construction at the Chapman Farms development have been trickling in.

“We’re seeing an increase in single-family home permits,” Allen said, especially in certain areas of the development, along Missouri 7 south of Wyatt Road and to Colbern Road.

The number of permits issued since January 2010 is in stark contrast to 2009, when city officials said the numbers were down. Allen said that with the economy picking up a little bit, developers, too, are picking themselves up.

“We had a number of homes in that area that were left unfinished, but other developers have stepped in,” Allen said.

The complex, proposed as a 500-acre mixed-use project with an estimated 1,100 units in nine neighborhoods, was scheduled to be complete in 2010.

And while that’s been pushed back, some of the areas have been completed, including The Orchards at Chapman Farms (fourplexes), and the Lead Bank at the intersection of Missouri 7 and Colbern Road.

Single-family homes located in the Villas at and Gardens at Chapman Farms are going up at a steady pace, Allen said. The homes are some of the most modest in the complex with no basements.

“But they’ve always moved,” he said. “At this point, with what the economy is, there’s a market for these homes.”

In terms of shopping and retail stores in south Blue Springs, there has been some activity. At the White Oak Plaza, the new Legend of Asia buffet has created a stir and following, though most of the complex remains empty.

Allen said most of his department’s work is in the ongoing school district building improvement projects scattered throughout the city.

“That’s what is keeping our office busy,” he said.

Besides schools, there are also church building projects. In the south end, Timothy Lutheran Church completed its new facility.

Other church projects include the United Methodist Church and Blue Springs Assembly of God. “At this point, it’s churches and schools that are keeping us busy,” Allen said.

– JEFF MARTIN

36 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

The Examiner

Paul Kinder

Q&A questions

answers

Superintendent of schools

1

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

First and foremost, we have highly supportive communities that share our vision and commitment to student success. This support was most recently demonstrated with an 89 percent approval rate on our 2009 $86.5 million bond issue. Our district covers more than 58 square miles and includes most of the city of Blue Springs, parts of Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, Independence and Grain Valley as well as Lake Tapawingo and portions of unincorporated Jackson County.

Yet, the strong and cooperative relationships that we sustain with our parents and the com-

munities we serve allows us to best serve our students. In addition, we employ the best and brightest professional staff and over 82 percent holding advanced degrees. We are a premiere district because of the caliber of students that we educate and teachers from across our state and nation apply to work with our children.

Finally, each and every one of the members of our learning community understands the importance of our responsibility, and we take our job very seriously.

2

How will the recent construction and renovation projects districtwide benefit students, families and the community?

With the support of our voters in 2009, we have safer and more efficient schools. Our high schools are now state-of-the-art facilities that are ready to prepare our students for success well into the future. The renovation of classrooms to meet the curricular needs of our young adults has allowed our staff to fully integrate technology and best practices. At the elementary level, the advances we made in the way of additional space and improved environments has created for our students great places to learn and grow. This additional space has allowed us to eliminate our temporary mobile classrooms for the first time in more than 40

years. This has also improved safety at our elementary sites.

3

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

Schools across our state and nation are feeling the pinch. These are difficult economic times for everyone. We have been planning for budget reductions for the last 18 months and have prioritized our cuts to minimize the impact on students and classrooms. With the assistance of the CAC, parents, staff and community members we reduced our spending by more than $13.5 dollars for the 2010-11 school year. While we all know that bond dollars cannot be used for operational and on-going cost, because of the recent bond issue our schools are in optimal condition and therefore we will save dollars that would have to be put into these facilities for maintenance and upkeep.

In the spring of 2010, 71 staff members retired from the district, and overall we have 188 fewer employees than we had in 2009. This will impact our district in a variety of ways, but we will continue to work hard at providing a distinctive and cost effective education.

4

Education l

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

Our school district is still seeing steady growth. Because of the improvements from the 2009 bond issue, we are prepared for this. Our facilities are in the best shape ever, and this fall we will begin school without a classrooms in mobile units for the first time in more than 40 years. Our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students and we must continue to look at new and innovate ways to prepare our graduates to take their place in our world. The greatest need we have at this time is the continued support and cooperation that has become a hallmark of our community.

As we struggle to provide the best educational opportunities with fewer dollars we need the confidence of our parents, students and staff and the shared vision to do what is best for students, even when it is not easy.

Right now it is particularly difficult to look into the future and see the potential growth that will someday necessitate more schools. We must not forget that because we serve a strong and vital community and because we have a shared commitment to our children our future will most assuredly be bright and dynamic.

MORE ON PAGE 39

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2010

Blue Springs City Guide 37

l Education

A good year for high school sports

BLUE SPRINGS WILDCATS

Blue Springs High School had a successful sporting year, finishing as state runners-up in four sports.

FOOTBALL: Blue Springs football had a banner year in 2009. The Wildcats finished with a 12-2 record and were Class-6 state runners-up.

The Wildcats’ put forth an offensive bonanza, led by junior running back Darrian Miller who rushed for 2,798 yards and 40 touchdowns. Blue Springs also had success through the air, led by senior quarterback Jared Lanpher, who passed for 2002 yards and 23 touchdowns, and senior receiver Keeston Terry, who totaled 928 yards and 11 touch-

downs receiving.

The Wildcats were no slouches on defense either, with Jordan Chrisman awarded the Buck Buchanan award for the best defensive lineman or linebacker in the metro.

In all, Blue Springs had six players represented on the Missouri all-state team. Blue Springs avenged an earlier loss to Rockhurst in the state quarterfinal, edging the Hawklets 23-21 before finally losing in the state championship game to Hazelwood Central.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Blue Springs girls basketball finished as state runners-up, losing to Incarnate Word in the state championship game at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The team was led by first team all-state performer Cee Cee Burris and transfer Azia Washington.

Though not named to any all-state rosters, Jamesia Price’s mid-season return sparked the Wildcats’ late-season run.

WRESTLING: The Wildcats finished a distant second behind champ Park Hill at the State Meet. Park Hill finished with 202.50 points and Blue Springs with 133.50. Josh Howk was state champion at 140 pounds. Billy Everett finished second in the heavyweight division. Lewis Foutz, Keenan Hagerty, Greg Hegarty and KDarick Lapaglia all finished with third-place trophies.

VOLLEYBALL: Blue Springs Volleyball also finished as state runners-up, falling to Ozark in three sets in the state final. Lisa Henning and Kirsten Erikson were named to the all-state team.

GOLF: Blue Springs did not compete for the state team championship in golf, but finished ninth none-the-less on the strength of individual champion Ryan Buerk’s two-day total of 143.

38 Blue Springs City Guide

GIRLS SWIMMING: The girls swimming and diving team fell short in their quest for a three-peat, finishing fifth at the state meet. They were led by Shelby Bolin, Ibby Simcox, Meryll Pampolina and Abby Stanley.

BOYS SWIMMING: The boys Swimming and Diving team finished 11th at the state meet.

SOFTBALL: The softball team finished 23-4 on the regular season but were upset by Lee’s Summit North 4-3 in sectionals. They were led by first-team allstater Ashtin Stephens and second-team all-stater Kelsey Kessler.

TRACK AND FIELD: Jordan Dodd was state champion in the 300m hurdles at the state meet and third place in the 200m dash.

BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH JAGUARS

FOOTBALL: The 2008 state runners-up had a difficult season in 2009, finishing with a disappointing 4-6 record. The Jaguars struggled down the stretch, failing to win a game in district play. The losing

2010

season was the school’s first since 1992, its first year of competition.

Dominique Wright’s receiving skills, coupled with his four interceptions, were good enough to place him on the all-state second team.

BASEBALL: South beat rival Blue Springs 11-4 to reach the district final, but lost to Rockhurst 4-2, missing out on a third straight district championship.

BOYS GOLF: South finished second in districts and sent three players to the state meet: J.P. Derksen, Blake Windsor and Matt Cumberford.

CROSS COUNTRY: Samantha Nightingale finished 4th place at the state meet. Her posted time at the championship was 19:10.

TRACK AND FIELD: Nightingale finished fourth in the 1,600 and fifth in the 3,200 at state.

- Matt Mitchell

The Examiner

Education l Cathy Paul

Q&A questions

answers

Liggett Trails principal

Cathy Paul is the principal at the Liggett Trail Education Center in the Blue Springs School District.

1

What is the Liggett Trail Education Center?

Liggett Trail Education Center is a setting designed to address the needs of students ages 3 through 21 years, encompassing preschool age children

who qualify for Early Childhood Special Education or Title I funded services and school age Multi-Disabled Special Education students.

2

What kind of services are offered at Liggett Trail?

Emphasis is upon school/ parent communication, developmentally appropriate prac-

tices, specialized therapies, and team approach that allows each student to work toward his or her potential. Speech, language, physical and occupational therapy are among the services from which students may benefit.

year?

I will make it my priority to develop relationships with students, parents, staff, and community partners who support the vision of LTEC.

3

What makes Liggett Trail a unique and special environment for children?

Liggett Trail provides educational programs that are specifically designed to meet the developmental and individual needs of students in a small classroom setting. The expertise and dedication of staff inspires confidence in parents that their children are both challenged and nurtured. I am privileged to have been chosen to be the leader of this very special school.

What is your philosophy in educating children?

My philosophy values each child for their unique educational journey. I have a strong belief in the power that excellent teachers and caring families have to make a difference for children. I believe it is my responsibility to develop a caring school community that comes together to provide the very best opportunities for students.

4

As the new principal, what will be your goals for the coming school

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Preparing for future FROM PAGE 37

5

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

The Blue Springs School District has built a tradition of excellence, and I have no doubt that this will continue.

Because of our outstanding community, highly trained professional staff and incredibly talented students we will remain leaders in education in our state and nation. The immediate future is quite uncertain economically, but our commitment to student success is and will remain steadfast even in the most trying times.

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Blue Springs City Guide 39

l Education

Board of Education

Kent Bradford

Kent 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.

Board elected to represent families

Dale Walkup

Walkup is entering is 18th year on the board and has served as president in the past.

He is currently treasurer. He and is wife operate Luckytime Dog and Car Wash in Blue Springs and are partners in Destination Unlimited Travel.

He formerly managed WalMart and Sam’s Wholesale Club. He has three daughters, all graduates of the Blue Springs School District and five grandchildren.

Dave Wright

Dave Wright is starting his 10th year on the board of education. He works as chief of financial operations for the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. He is also president of the Missouri School Boards Association and is very involved with several foundations, boards and committees in the community. He has one daughter, who graduated from Blue Springs schools in May 2010.

Rhonda Gilstrap

Rhonda Gilstrap is beginning her third term on the board. She has previously served as board president and is currently vice 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.

District Administration

Nancy Stonner Human resources

Bill Cowling Management services

Jennifer Casey is beginning her second 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 Finley Assistant superintendent

Working for children

Kim Brightwell Finance

Jennifer Casey

Glen McMillian executive director of transportation

40 Blue Springs City Guide

Leslie Evans Director of information

Jim Coen

Coen is beginning his 12th year on the board of education. 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 are both graduates of Blue Springs High School.

Dale Falck

Dale Falck is beginning his fourth year on the board.

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 two children, both graduates of Blue Springs South High School as well as one child attending Blue Springs schools.

Annette Seago Deputy superintendent

Will Cumberford Director of buildings and grounds

2010

Scott Young Assistant to the superintendent

David Brouse Director of elementary education

Norma Anderson Director of secondary education

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Blue Springs City Guide 41

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42 Blue Springs City Guide

2010

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Education l Elementary schools

High Schools

Freshmen in one building

13 elementary schools serve district Franklin Smith Elementary School kindergartners Kayla Short, right, and Addy Ingersoll perform a hula-hoop dance routine for their classmates during the last day of school. *Numbers based on the 2009-10 school year. u Chapel Lakes Elementary 3701 N.E. Independence Ave. 816-525-9100 Principal: Jason Woolf 436 students u Cordill-Mason Elementary 4001 S.W. Christiansen Road 816-224-1370 Principal: Al Michelson 544 students u Daniel Young Elementary 505 S.E. Shamrock Lane 816-224-1335 Principal: Ryan Crum 445 students u Franklin Smith Elementary 1609 Clark Road 816-224-1375 Principal: Jan Castle 387 students u James Lewis Elementary 717 N.W. Park Road 816-224-1345 Principal: Jennie Alderman 497 students u James Walker Elementary 201 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1380 Principal: Greg Johnson 474 students u John Nowlin Elementary 5020 N.W. Valley View Road

816-224-1355 Principal: Debbie Curtis 455 students

All freshmen in the Blue Springs School District attend the Blue Springs Freshman Center before entering the halls of either Blue Springs High School or Blue Springs South High School.

The Freshman Center, 2103 N.W. Vesper St., opened in 1999. The purpose of the building was to help relieve the overcrowding at the two high schools at the time. 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.

Students are only separated for things such as organizations, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Those who want to participate in activities are bused to their assigned high schools. Students from both high schools are mixed for all academic purposes. u Freshmen Center 2103 N.W. Vesper St.

u Lucy Franklin Elementary 111 N.E. Roanoke Drive 816-224-1390 Principal: Jill Johnston 624 students

816-224-1325 Principal: Dan Anderson 1,072 students u Blue Springs High School, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive 816-229-3459 Principal: David Adams Mascot: Wildcats Colors: purple and gold 1,811 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 1,346 students u Valley View High School 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 816-224-4388 Principal: Tony Henderson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kelly Evenson

u Sunny Pointe Elementary 3920 South R.D. Mize Road 816-224-7800 Principal: Stephen Goddard 513 students u Thomas Ultican Elementary 1813 Main St. 816-224-1365 Principal: Kelly Flax 417 students u Voy Spears Elementary 201 N.E. Anderson 816-478-9899 Principal: Renee Spaulding 638 students u William Bryant Elementary 1101 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1340 Principal: Doug Nielsen 520 students u William Yates Elementary 3600 Davidson Road, Independence 816-224-1350 Principal: Rhonda Jacoby 379 students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

2010

Blue Springs City Guide 43

l Education

Middle schools

Four middle schools

* Numbers based on the 2009-10 school year.

u Brittany Hill Middle School 2701 N.W. First St. 816-224-1700 Principal: Dallas Truex Mascot: Eagles Colors: red and blue 799 students u Delta Woods Middle School 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way 816-795-5830 Principal: Steve Cook Mascot: Gators Colors: green and orange 715 students u Moreland Ridge Middle School 900 S.W. Bishop Drive 816-224-1800 Principal: Kevin Grover Mascot: Husky Colors: forest green, silver, black and white 962 students u Sunny Vale Middle School 3930 South R.D. Mize Road 816-224-1330 Principal: Bob Jerome Mascot: Grizzly Colors: purple, black and white 717 students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kelly Evenson

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2010

The Examiner