Jackie October 2012

VOLUME: 4

jackie

OCTOBER 2012

ISSUE: 12

The Examiner’s

Women & Family Magazine

n How to talk politics with your kids, p4 n Gluten-free cooking, p6 n Throw a charitable birthday party, p12

Asia Cole

Fort Osage’s phenomenal athlete has higher ambitions | p8

calendar

Bring the kids out for the Independence Halloween Parade Oct. . | examiner file photo

{EDITOR’S PICK}

Trick or Treat Independence

H

ALLOWEEN TRICK OR

TREATING AND PARADE, 3 p.m. Oct. 27, on the Independence Square. Trick or treat at participating shops on the Square from 1 to 3 p.m. The parade begins at 3 p.m. Free. Call 4610065 for trick or treating, 252-4745 for parade details.

ANIMALS BEST FRIENDS ADOPT-A-PET, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, PetSmart, 39th Street and Missouri 291.

Independence Animal Shelter dogs will be available for adoption, and ABF dogs may be viewed.

“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES, demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, at Community of Christ Temple on even weekends; the Auditorium on odd weekends, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Independence. Free. Visit www.

CofChrist.org/dome_spire/recitals.asp or call 816-833-1000.

SKILL BUILDERS – for widows, widowers and caregivers, 9:45 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St. Weekly topics include: Home security and personal safety, managing your money, making simple home repairs and more. Free. Call 325-6200.

GATHER INN, for retired people, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Community of Christ Stone Church Education Building, River Boulevard and Lexington Ave., Independence. Activities: 9:30 a.m. blood pressure checks; 10 a.m. Bible study; 11 a.m. program; noon lunch ($3.50). Call 254-2211.

INDEPENDENCE FARMERS/CRAFT MARKET, 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays, Truman Road and Main Street. Items JACKIE

offered: Produce, crafts, baked goods, jams/jellies and farm-fresh eggs. Contact Joe Antoine at 591-3953 or joe@antoineseed.com.

MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS Gallery Walk, 2 p.m. Thursdays, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Take a guided tour and discover the hows and whys of westward expansion. Free with regular museum admission, $6 for adults; $5 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 325-7575 or visit www.frontiertrailsmuseum. org.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT ON THE SQUARE, a benefit for Cancer Action, 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4, Independence Square. Enjoy, dining, shopping, entertainment, raffles, treats and more. For details, call 461-0065 or visit www.theindependencesquare.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT GHOST TOURS ON THE SQUARE, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

Fridays Oct. 5 through 26. Experience a “ghostly” tour of the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum, plus a covered wagon narrated tour that shares ghost stories and yarns of haunted places on the Square. Cost, $18; $12 for ages 7 to 11. Not recommended for children under 7. For reservations, call 816-461-0065 or visit www. theindependencesquare.com.

“LAST TANGO IN PANGO PANGO,” presented by Encore Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14, Powerhouse Theatre inside the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $3 for children under 12.

Purchase tickets at the door. A dinner theatre is Oct. 13 (reservations required, call 325-7367).

DEPRESSION ERA GLASS AND POTTERY SHOW AND SALE, 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. The cost is $3.50 and is good for both days, 50 cents off with this listing. For questions, call 308-7495 or visit www.hoagc.org.

“PINOCCHIO TIME: Collodi to Disney,” Oct. 6, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 Winner Road, Independence. The 2 p.m. show is for families and children 8 years and older, $5 for adults, children are free. The 5 p.m. show is for adults and includes wine and appetizers, $5. For reservations, call 833-9777.

CORN HUSK DOLL MAKING WORKSHOP, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6, Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Cost, $15. Reservations required, call 325-7575.

TRAILS FROM THE SQUARE, 2 p.m. Oct. 6, Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. During this 50-minute walking tour, you’ll learn about early Independence and the role it played in opening the West.

Cost, $5. Reservations required, call 325-7575.

SENIOR INFORMATION FAIR, 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 9, Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St. There will be 45 vendors with information on items and services for seniors, complimentary health screenings, free refreshments and door prizes. Free admission. For details, call 325-6200.

“THE MILE STARTS HERE,” part of the Building a Healthier Independence initiative, walks begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 10, McCoy Park Trail, 800 N. Bess Truman Pkwy. (meet in northwest corner of park); Oct. 17, Independence Athletic Complex, 17800 E. Salisbury Road; Oct. 24, Little Blue Trace Trail, Necessary and R.D. Mize roads; Oct. 31, McCoy Park to Mill Creek Trail (meet in northwest corner of park). For details, call 325-7185 or visit www.BuildingaHealthierIndependence.org.

“WIT AND WISDOM OF MARK TWAIN,” for ages 7 and older, 10 a.m. Oct. 11, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Dave Ehlert portrays Twain and tells his story. Free, but reservations are required. Call 252-7228.

TALKIN’ TRUMAN: Eisenhower and Truman, Presidents of the Heartland, 11 a.m. Oct. 13, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Tim Rives, director of the Eisenhower Museum and Sam Rushay, supervisory archivist at Truman Library, will discuss these two remarkable men. Free with regular admission, $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.

MUSIC ON THE LAWN, 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 14, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Enjoy an evening filled with music, food and fun. The Kansas City Kansas Community Orchestra will play.

Hot dogs, chips and soft drink will be offer for $5, while supplies last. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Free, but donations accepted. Call 461-3491 or visit www.bwestate.org.

MEDICARE PART D ENROLLMENT, 9 a.m. Oct. 16, Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St. Seniors, bring your Medicare Part D insurance card and a current list of prescribed medications. For details, call 325-6200.

ENCHANTED FOREST, a non-scary Halloween event for ages 3 to 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27, George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road. Come early and watch a variety of activities and performers while you wait. Costumes welcome. Cost, $3 per person. Call 325-7115 or 325-7370.

ENGLEWOOD ART WALK, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19, 10900 E. Winner Road. The galleries in the Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue, open their doors to art lovers.

See artists in action, demonstrations, and enjoy live music. Free.

Call 252-3372 or visit www.englewoodstation.com.

INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION TRAINING, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19, 20 and Nov. 7-10, Community Mediation Center, 1212 W. Truman Road. Cost, $600; you OCTOBER 2012

may take the IRC class by itself for $200. Registration deadline: Oct. 8. To register, call 461-8255.

MYSTIC PUMPKIN FESTIVAL, 2 p.m. until the ghosts go home Oct. 20, Englewood Arts District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue.

This Halloween-themed festival includes carnival games, costume contests, pumpkin decorating, haunted fire truck rides, live entertainment and more. There is a fee for concessions, games and fire truck rides. Call 886-1478 or visit www.englewoodstation.com.

GHOSTS OF INDEPENDENCE PAST CEMETERY WALK, 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21, Woodlawn Cemetery, 701 S. Noland Road. As you tour the cemetery, you’ll encounter individuals from our city’s formative era, portrayed by Friends of the Trails Museum. Cost, $10; $5 for ages 15 and under. Pay at the cemetery. Light refreshments served.

Proceeds benefit the Museum. Rain date: Oct. 28. Call 325-7575.

“LET YOUR SKELETON’S DANCE,” Oct. 26, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. A barbecue dinner, classes, goodie bag and door prizes accompany researching ancestors.

Registration due Oct. 24. Cost, $25. Call 252-7228 to register.

“FUN IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH,” presented by Puppeteer Rosalie Perryman, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 27, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. The $5 cost includes seeing the museum.

For reservations, call 833-9777 or www.hazelle.org.

VICTORIAN SILVER EXHIBIT, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, through October, Vaile Victorian Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; $3 for children 6 to 16. Call 325-7430.

“A BIT OF ENGLAND,” a collection of royal memorabilia, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, through October, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave., Independence. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; $3 for children 6 to 16. 461-3491.

TRACING THE TRUMANS: An American Story, through Dec. 31, Truman Library, 500 W. U.S. 24. Admission, $8; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.

PUBLIC SKATE, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. Public sessions are open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. Cost, $5; $3 for 12 and under and 55 and older, non-residents add $1 to each price. Skate rental, $2. For times, call 442-6128.

MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING has grief survivors meeting second Monday in Independence. Help for bereaved or injured victims, volunteers accepted. For time and location, call Michelle Fordemwalt, 295-1545.

LA LECHE LEAGUE, Jackson County A.M. Group, 10 a.m., second Thursday, Trails West Public Library. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association, 6:30 to 8:30 Mondays. For locations, call Karen Costa, 252-8388, ext. 16.

WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue Springs

BLUE SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET, 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays through October, Main and 11th streets. Visit bluespringsfarmersmarket.com.

CAR CRUISE NIGHT, 5 p.m. until dusk Oct. 6, downtown Blue Springs on Main Street between 10th and 12th streets. Custom vehicles, cars, muscle cars, trucks and hot rods. Concessions treats and soda will be available during this family-friendly event.

MORE ON PAGE 11 Cover photo by karen Hacker at The Portrait Gallery, 124 S. Main St., Independence, 816-461-5400.

the cutting edge

Jackie Contact Us Phone: 816-350-6365 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising) Publisher: Stephen Wade stephen.wade@examiner.net Editorial: EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Sheila Davis sheila.davis@examiner.net MANAGING EDITOR: Karl Zinke karl.zinke@examiner.net Advertising: Director of Advertising: Donna Eye donna.eye@examiner.net Director of Marketing: Sharon Dankenbring sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: John McCarthy john.mccarthy@examiner.net Web Site: www.examiner.net FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/examiner.net Jackie is created monthly by GateHouse Media Inc., The Examiner's parent company. © 2012 gatehouse media • All rights reserved

Has your hair color faded with summer?

I

t’s closet turnover time! That’s what I call the time in fall, when we get into the closets around the house and change out the clothes for the season. This is also a good time to get rid of any clothes that do not fit, are out of style or are just used up. So it simply makes sense that we look at all of the components that contribute to our style. Besides clothes and accessories, this includes our haircut and hair color. They too can become out of shape, faded and used up. So here is a checklist of hairstyle things to consider when the season changes.

Has your hair color become too light, over processed or dull? Fall is a perfect time to adjust your color tone and add a deeper shade (or two) to your current color formula. This will integrate a more toned effect a little at a time so you can gradually get to a deeper shade. It will be good for your skin tone as your summer tan fades.

MARY COSTANZA-SCHWALLER It will also look appropriate with the richer colors in our fall and winter wardrobe.

Is your haircut grown out, or are the ends in need of a healthy trim?

Put some thought into cutting more than normal – if the need is there. Has the pool/summer sun combo done a number on your locks? Then now is the time.

Does the drier fall air mean that your curls are not as curly as they were

OCTOBER 2012

during the more humid summertime?

A change with your cut possibly including a new styling product should do the trick.

Is your look lacking shine and brilliance, due to summer sun exposure?

Now is the time to check with your stylist to make sure you have the correct home care for the changes in your hair. An in-salon deep scalp and hair treatment would be very nice now. It will restore your scalp to its healthy self and add shine, subtleness and moisture to your hair.

Even if this fall hair fashion check up seems all too simple, you’ll just have to give it a try. Sometimes it’s the little things that will help bring your entire look together for all the neat looks that are hot, hot, hot this cool season!

Have a beautiful day!

— Mary Schwaller owns Salon 208 on the Independence Square

JACKIE

politics

Learning right from left

Talking with kids about the issues can help them understand and get involved

By Erika Enigk | GateHouse News Service

JACKIE

OCTOBER 2012

politics

A

s the presidential election moves into its final days, your kids may be sharing opinions or asking questions about the candidates, the office and politics in general. Talking politics with youngsters can be difficult. Issues like the economy or health care can be difficult for even adults to grasp.

But taking it one question at a time and by seeking reliable information, parents can help kids understand the issues and get involved.

Nurture their interest

Encourage reliable sources

Acknowledge the failures

Including kids in conversations about issues can help grow their interest and encourage them to learn more. Lisa Frizzell, an Ontario, Canada, mom who has lived in Texas, said her 10-year-old son is naturally interested in history and government and will often ask about things he hears.

“It often surprises me how much he can contribute by sharing what he’s heard or by asking questions from a perspective that I haven’t thought about before,” she said.

Older kids may show an interest by talking about changes they’d like to see. Chrissy Faessen, vice president of communications and marketing for Rock the Vote, an organization that encourages young voters to get involved, said she introduces high schoolers to political ideas by asking about their concerns.

In the underserved communities she often visits, many students are not asking about the economy or terrorism but about who can help them get heat in their schools or trash picked up off their streets.

“We try to make the connection between those issues and (local) officials,” she said.

Bruce Buckle, a high school social studies teacher in Pennsylvania, said he visits hot issues from all sides with his students, talking to them about the importance of seeking reliable sources.

When a student came to class recently calling a certain elected official “a liar,” Buckle acknowledged that the person had broken an election promise but then explained what had gotten in the way of him keeping it. By presenting all the facts, adults can help kids realize things they hear in political ads or even news stories isn’t necessarily good information.

Frizzell encourages her son to form his own opinions but directs him toward sources that will allow him to do so. Sometimes, they do fact checking together to help him decide whether he agrees with something someone has said.

Talking about politics in positive ways can be difficult when an elected official breaks the law or otherwise angers or disappoints people. Some kids latch onto the idea that the failure of a person is a failure of the system and may lose interest altogether.

Buckle tells his students that Thomas Jefferson once called democracy the worst form of government … except all the others. He reminds them that being involved is the only way to bring about change.

“Young people are super-savvy. They hate that nasty side of politics,” Faessen said. However, they are the most hopeful age group and tend to get involved once they find an issue they care about.

Encouraging them to become a part of the system and work to improve it can be empowering, she said.

OCTOBER 2012

JACKIE

food

We lightened Rachel Begun’s Honey Almond Biscuits with rice flour and cornstarch, but they’re still very rich. Save them for special occasions. PHOTOS AND FOODSTYLING BY MARGARET MAPLES/GHNS

No gluten allowed Exploring a new field of flours

By Margaret Maples | GateHouse News Service

I

f your body says no to gluten, a substance that’s central to lots of American breads, do you have to give up the staff of life?

Not if you’re willing to accept flavors and textures that are a little different from bread made with wheat, rye, barley or related grains. The gluten in processed forms of these grains is the bad guy in celiac disease and other cases of gluten intolerance. Even oats can mean trouble because of cross-contamination from wheat.

For a gluten-intolerant person, this stuff inflames the lining of the small intestine, and the body can’t absorb nutrients from food. That’s only part of the experience. There are also a nasty rash, weight gain (or loss), lack of energy, insomnia, hyperactivity, migraines and more.

Millions of Americans are gluten-intolerant, and retailers have responded by offering baked goods and mixes for this audience.

If you’re into experimenting, you can try redesigning a family recipe without gluten. If your cornbread calls for cornmeal and wheat flour, try substituting rice flour for the wheat, plus a teaspoon of pure cornstarch for each cup of rice flour.

JACKIE

Our redesigned cornbread has a lighter texture. But it has more calories than the original, because rice flour has more calories than wheat flour. We’ll just have a smaller piece.

Almond joy Rachel Begun, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, offered the recipe for Honey Almond Biscuits from her website, rachelbegun.com. Begun loves bread, but she has celiac disease, so she has to work around gluten.

Her recipe makes a delicious but hefty biscuit. Can we lighten it up? Begun likes her biscuits without refined grains or starches.

“However,” she said in an e-mail, “for gluten-free baking results that are more similar to baking with gluten, it’s always best to work with a combination of flours, including a grain, legume or nut flour with a starch.” Just make sure all your ingredients are gluten-free.

We cut back the almond flour and added white rice flour and a bit of cornstarch. But even our less dense version is a very rich bread, so serve it as a treat on special occasions.

OCTOBER 2012

food Honey Almond Biscuits This is our lighter version of Rachel Begun’s original.

• 2 cups almond meal/ flour • 3/4 cup rice flour (white or brown) • 3/4 teaspoon 100 percent pure cornstarch • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 2 eggs • 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (corn oil or gluten-free canola oil also works well) • 2 tablespoons honey

Turn Honey Almond Biscuits into dessert by adding a little cinnamon and a little nutmeg to the dough. Top the split biscuit with sliced fresh or frozen peaches and garnish with a dab of gluten-free black raspberry preserves.

Dessert option: • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg Fruit: fresh or frozen peaches or tangerines, gluten-free black raspberry preserves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine almond meal, rice flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon and nutmeg, if using.

In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil and honey.

Stir the wet mixture into the dry. Use a medium scoop to make 14 biscuits. Flatten these to about 3/4-inch thick.

Bake for about 16 minutes, or until golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit comes out clean.

Cool the biscuits for about 5 minutes, then use a spatula to move them to a wire rack.

For dessert, slice a biscuit on a small plate and top with peaches. Garnish with preserves.

Makes 14 biscuits.

TicKeTS ON SaLe NOW!

Presented by The Examiner and Cosentino’s Price Chopper

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 The Pavilion at John Knox Village, 520 NW Murray Road • Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

Doors open at 4pM

Come early, reserve your seat and shop many local vendors. Food available to purchase.

show begins at 7pM

Tickets starting at $15 Order by phone 350-6341 with credit card Purchase at The Examiner office • Mon. - Fri. 8am to 4pm 410 S Liberty, Independence, MO 64050

VENDOR SPACE AVAILABLE! Call 350-6341 or email: sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net

Edwards

ElEctric, llc Commercial/Residential

OCTOBER 2012

JACKIE

cover story LIFE SPECTRUM | Asia Cole Highest High

So far, my junior year. I have a feeling this is going to be a good year.

I have never started a year off this solid. This could be my year.

Lowest Low

My freshman year. I got into a lot of trouble with my mom.

It was horrible. She was very disappointed in me, and I was afraid she was never going to talk to me again.

Achilles’ Heel

Myself. I distract myself. I either make the wrong decision or I make the right decision, but take them too far.

ASIA COLE

determined to be the best, athletically and academically

By Kelly evenson kelly.evenson@examiner.net

A

Greatest Mentor

My mom. She is the best mentor I could ever have. She is always there for me and knows the right thing to say at the right time.

School.

A three-sport athlete, she is a state champion in both the shot put and discus, with dreams of one day making it to the Olympics. But there is more to the Fort Osage junior, who credits one person for her remarkable ascension in both athletics and academics.

“It has always been me and my mom,” she said. “She has taught me to be very independent and to go out and get what I want.

She doesn’t push me competitively, she pushes me to do what I am comfortable doing and to do my best.”

Greatest Moment of Epiphany

Over the summer, I felt a lot of those “aha moments,” whether it was in sports or life. I felt like this summer was a big learning experience for me.

Where I see myself in 10 years

Hopefully, I will be a Stanford graduate and have competed in the Olympics. I see myself happily married and living on the West Coast. I want to be happy and worry free. I see myself very blessed.

What I really want to do

I want to live my life to the fullest.

I don’t want to look back. I want to make my own mistakes and learn from them. Most of all, I want to have no regrets.

Growing up

– Kelly Evenson

Unlike a lot of students at

PHOTOS BY KAREN HACKER | THE PORTRAIT GALLERY

JACKIE

sia Cole has had a pretty miraculous two years already at Fort Osage High

OCTOBER 2012

Fort Osage, Cole is not originally from the area. She moved to Independence as a second grader from Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother, Leslie Cole, is a teacher and sports manager, who managed Betty Lennox at the time.

Lennox spent three years at Fort Osage High School before moving on to college basketball at Louisiana Tech and later to the WNBA. “It was a big culture shock to move here,” Asia said. “I came from this big city to an elementary school that was the size of one class at the high school (in Cleveland).”

But Cole eventually began to adjust to life in suburban Kansas City. Born to be an athlete, she started playing a variety of sports. And to say that athletics is in her blood is a huge understatement. Her father, Robert Burnett, played for 14 years in the NFL and has a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens; her mother played volleyball and softball as well as basketball at Kent State University; her grandfather was track star and Cole has cousins who played sports for Oregon State and the University of California-Berkeley.

“I come from a family who works really hard for everything they get,” she said. “My grandmother did not go to college, but she worked hard for what she wanted. We may be spread all over

the country, but my family is still very close. We communicate a lot with each other, and they all are supportive.”

Cole says her best friend remains her mother.

“We have always been close. I would choose my mom over my friends any day of the week,” she said.

“She is very hard on me, but I know it is because she cares about me. She has gone through things I haven’t yet in school, life and sports, so of course I listen to her. My dad hasn’t really been in my life, so it has been just me and my mom. I really don’t feel like I have missed out on much. She is terrific.”

Born to run

Cole is a three-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field. She said when she started track two years ago, she had no intention of doing anything but running.

“I wanted to run. I honestly thought the throwing events were kind of dumb,” she said. “Who wants to throw? No one wants to watch that.”

But once Cole started in both the shot put and discus, she not only liked both events, she loved them. At her first state championship competition as a freshman, she came in second in shot put and seventh in discus. One year later, everything changed as she won state titles in both.

“I didn’t get the magnitude of winning those events at first. It wasn’t until I got home that I really understood it,” she said. “I was so thankful for the success I had last year.

It was pretty amazing.”

Sean Barrett, the varsity volleyball coach at Fort Osage, said Cole’s athletic ability is “amazing.” He said, however, that is no more impressive than her character and leadership qualities.

“Asia chooses to lead by example.

Her work ethic is outstanding and always finds the positive words for tough situation,” he said. “As she has grown older, she has become more of a

cover story vocal leader, but still remains positive in almost every situation. I don’t know what she intends on doing in the future but whatever she chooses, she’ll be successful at it, and those people she works with will love having her around.”

Not just an athlete

Cole may be a phenomenal athlete, but she stresses that academics come first.

“If my grades start to slip, then I don’t get to go to practice until they come up,” she said. “My mom has always pushed academics, and they do come first.”

Cole has a 3.8 grade point average, which includes a schedule full of advanced classes. She is also a member of the Student Council and has plans to run for president as a senior.

“Sure, it’s a lot sometimes when I don’t get home until 6 or 7 and have eight pages of homework,” she said. “It can also get difficult during the long sports seasons. But I get everything done somehow.”

Cole has some tough career aspirations too. She wants to attend Stanford University and become a chemist. She said science is her favorite subject, and she grew up loving to find out how something worked.

“I have always been fascinated with the outdoors. I love blowing things up or catching something on fire.

I am just into science,” she said. “It has always been my favorite. Not the easiest, but my favorite.”

Visiting the West Coast often to see her uncle, Cole fell in love with the environment. She said she knows Stanford could be a long shot, but that isn’t stopping her for reaching for it anyway.

“Ever since I was really young, I wanted to go to a really big school and always on the West Coast,” she said.

“Everyone would ask me MU or KU? I would say Stanford. I hope I make

it as an athlete, but I understand if I don’t.”

Working hard

Cole said she works hard for everything that has come to her, either in athletics or academics.

“I just see a tunnel and I know that if I work hard, I can make it to where I want to be,” she said. “Not only can I accomplish something, but let others know that they too can work hard for what they want.”

Working hard will come in handy for another one of her goals – to make it on the U.S. Track and Field Team at an Olympic games. Cole competed in the USA Track and Field National meet over the summer in Baltimore after coming in first in both discus and shot put at the USATF Region 9 Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships.

“I was obsessed with the Olympics. I recorded everything,” she said. “I saw what I would need to do to improve my distance in order to qualify. In discus, it is 40 feet longer from where I am now. I figure that is 10 more feet a year.

I am hoping I make it with a little hard work.”

Cole knows that means extra time in the gym and lifting weights, something she has never done before. She said she also needs to work on her technique in discus in order to

be lighter on her feet.

But her next goal is something she is hoping to reach this year – break the state record in shot put.

“I found out that I was a foot from the state record in shot put and that is something I definitely want to meet thus year,” said. “I am thankful for everything I have in my life. I think it is important not to expect anything to be handed to you. Work hard for everything you get, and eventually the goals you set will be met.”

“Ever since I was really young, I wanted to go to a really big school and always on the West Coast. Everyone would ask me MU or KU? I would say Stanford. I hope I make it as an athlete, but I understand if I don’t.”

– Asia Cole, on her college aspirations

OCTOBER 2012

JACKIE

holiday

F

Halloween safety Keeping trick-or-treaters safe

By Danielle Braff GateHouse News Service

H

alloween may be one of the most exciting holidays for kids, but it comes with its own array of tricks: poor visibility, germs, dangerous costumes and more.

Follow these key tips to keep your children safe on Oct. 31.

Street safety Chances are, your kids will be logging many hours on the streets this Halloween. And many of them will be wearing dark costumes.

Make sure drivers see them as they cross the street by fastening reflective tape to their costumes and trick-ortreating bags so that they’re not invisible come nighttime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bobbing for apples It’s a classic game, but in the modern world, bacteria runs rampant during those bobs. Reduce the number of bacteria that may be present on the apples by rinsing them under cool running water, says the Food and

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Drug Administration. Make them even cleaner by using a produce brush to remove any remaining dirt on the surface of the apple.

Receiving end If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters at your house, remove anything a child could trip over on your porch, such as toys, bikes, lawn decorations and garden hoses, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Sweep away wet leaves or anything slippery from your sidewalks and steps, and restrain any pets that may scare children.

Decorative contact lenses Decorative lenses may look good with your child’s costume, but don’t use them

OCTOBER 2012

without an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional, says the Food and Drug Administration. The packaging on the lenses may make claims such as “one size fits all” or ‘no need to see an eye specialist,” but wearing these without a prescription is actually dangerous and illegal.

In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Modern world Make trick-or-treating safer by providing your older children with a cell phone, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. They should understand how to make a call, and they need to know that they should dial 911 in case of any emergencies. Prevent them from getting lost by mapping out a route on the phone or via Mapquest before they leave the house.

Black licorice Think twice before you eat it, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While the candy is given out freely at Halloween, recent reports found that if you’re older than 40 and eat more than 40-50 grams daily for at least two weeks, you could be at risk for heart arrhythmias and possible heart failure.

FROM PAGE 2 LET’S MOVE! BLUE SPRINGS activities, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. to noon, dance party at Dynamic Dance, 1901 S.W. U.S. 40, and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. open roller skating at Watson Rolladium, 513 S.W. Keystone Drive; Oct. 13, 9 to 11 a.m. Kids Fit Boot Camp, fitness activities, open gym for adults at Club 7 Fitness, 1241 S.W. Missouri 7. All activities are free.

BABES IN THE WOODS HIKE for those under 36 months, 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 9, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Call 228-3766 to register.

DISCOVER NATURE FAMILIES: Shooting skills, for families with children 8 and older, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Call 228-3766 to register.

THESE TRICKS ARE FOR KIDS WORKSHOP, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Oct. 11, University of Missouri Extension Center. Learn about discipline with a proactive management style, managing the masses, and motivator magic. Cost, $18. Call 252-5051 to register.

INTRODUCTION TO DEER HUNTING for ages 11 and older, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Topics cover everything from scouting locations to hunting methods and processing your own deer and more.

Call 228-3766 to register.

PRE DANCE I and II, for 4 to 6 year olds, Dance I, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Dance II, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays Oct. 18-Jan. 24, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. This class is an introduction to dance using imagination and creativity. Cost, $96. Call 228-0181 to register.

INTRODUCTION TO MARTIAL ARTS, for ages 4 to 6, 5:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays/Wednesday Oct. 22-Dec. 3; ages 7 and older, 5:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays Oct. 23-Dec. 4, A-Plus Karate For Kids,

calendar 629A Mock Plaza. Cost, $45. Call 228-0137 to register.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ: Amazing Animals, for ages 6 to 13, 6 to 7 p.m.

Tuesdays Oct. 23-Nov. 27, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Projects include a monkey, spider, chameleon and other animas. Cost, $60.

Call 228-0137 to register.

WILD EDIBLES: Soup and fable, for adults, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Call 228-3766 to register.

BEGINNER GUITAR LESSONS, for ages 10 to 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m.; for adults, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m., Thursdays Oct. 25-Dec. 6, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $50. Call 228-0137 to register.

BALLROOM DANCING – Night Club 2-Step, 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Oct. 25-Nov. 8, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. This is a slow, romantic floaty dance that features rock steps and long glides across the floor. Cost, $21 per person. Call 228-0181 to register.

BRAIN DANCE FOR CHILDREN, 10 to 10:45 a.m. for ages 2 and under; 11 to 11:45 a.m. for ages 3 and 4, Fridays Oct. 26 through Nov. 16, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Children learn development movement patterns that wire the central nervous system laying a foundation for sensory motor development. Cost, $35. Call 228-0181 to register.

TRICK-OR-TREAT MAIN STREET, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27, Main Street between 10th and 12th streets. Dress in your Halloween costume and join the parade, registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Trick-or-treat businesses at 10 a.m. Activities: Games, kids crafts, face painting, an inflatable and haunted maze. Free. For questions, call 228-0137.

THOSE SENSATIONAL SPIDERS for all ages, 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 27, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road.

Learn about these resourceful, reclusive and essential animals. Call 228-3766 to register.

“BOO” SPRINGS TRICK-OR-TREAT NIGHT, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Kids ages 10 and under can trickor-treat different booths set up by local merchants and organizations. Activities: Crafts, games and a not-so-spooky mirror room.

Wear your costume and bring a sack for goodies. For questions, call 228-0137.

FEED THE CRITTERS on exhibit at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center at 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 816-2283766.

WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-2201007.

TOUGH LOVE Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesdays, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

MOM TO MOM LUNCH CLUB, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m., first and third Tuesday of each month, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. Call 816-655-5585.

LA LECHE LEAGUE of Blue Springs, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Parkview Church. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 816-833-0250.

agility contests, and obedience obstacle courses. Donations of dog food, in lieu of admission fees, benefit local animal shelters! For details, call 229-8980 or visit www.Dogtoberfest@jacksongov.org.

SPIRITS FROM THE PAST, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27, Missouri Town 1855 in Fleming Park. As darkness falls, the village comes alive with goblins, ghosts and other spooky creatures during this family oriented Halloween event. Advance reservations required.

Cost, $9 per person. To register, call 503-4860 or visit www.missouritown@jacksongov.org.

FALL MUSTER, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28, Historic Fort Osage in Sibley. This re-enactment relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812. Admission, $7 for adults; $4 for youth; $3 for seniors. For details, call 503-4860 or visit www.fortosage@ jacksongov.org.

Jackson County Parks & Recreation

VETERANS OCTOBERFEST, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13, The Pavilion,

FALL FESTIVAL OF ARTS, CRAFTS AND MUSIC, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 6; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7, Missouri Town 1855 in Fleming Park.

Admission, $10 per car/van; $20 per school/commercial bus. For details, call 503-4860 or visit www.missouritown@jacksongov.org.

DOGTOBER FEST, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21, Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Fleming Park. Dog owners can enter their canine companions in various events including “Tails for Trails,”

Buckner

“THE QUILT SHOW OF A MILLION STITCHES,” 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 26; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27, Buckner Elementary School, U.S. 24 and Sibley Road. Vendors will offer gifts, quilters’ tools, fabric and patterns. Guild Boutique will feature table runners, children/ baby quilts, purses, pincushions and more. Concessions available.

Grain ValleY

behind the Community Center, 713 Main St. Veterans: Event includes veteran resources, music, fun activities, food and entertainment.

Guest speaker, Col. Donald E. Ballard, the only living Missouri Medal of Honor recipient. To volunteer and/or donate, call Tranita Stanley at 753-1866 or Sgt. James Beale at 847-6250.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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charitable parties

Giving rather than getting Do-good parties a trend for children’s birthdays

By Melissa Erickson GateHouse News Service

L

ooking for a more meaningful way to celebrate your son or daughter’s special day?

A trend toward hosting charitable birthday parties is helping young ones understand that there can be more to a birthday party than just heaps of presents, cake and ice cream, and lots of friends.

“Teaching our children that giving gifts is just as great as receiving is sometimes a tough lesson that falls on little deaf ears,” said Kristin Williamson interactive marketing manager of Talk About Giving, an initiative developed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. “But once they grasp the concept, the lesson may last a lifetime.”

Family focus on philanthropy For the Siepman family of LaGrange Park, Ill., birthday parties offer a chance for their children to celebrate with friends and to help others, said mom Andrea: “A few years ago, my husband and I decided that instead of getting birthday party gifts, our kids would instead raise money for charity while celebrating with friends.”

This year, 8-year-old Allison hosted her friends at Chefs for a Day for a kid-friendly cooking class, and at the same time raised more than $400 for the Hinsdale (Ill.) Humane Society.

“When we first talked (about a no-present party), our kids weren’t really into it. But, doing it just once changed their minds. They really love it. They really get into it,” Siepman said.

First, the family discusses the donation, sometimes choosing local efforts such as raising funds for the fire department or something more global such as the Red Cross. Instead of presents, guests bring a check and the Siepmans match the total raised.

“They’re really learning that once you have what you need, it’s important to think about others,” Siepman said.

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OCTOBER 2012

charitable parties Never too young Four-year-old Macy Holthouser of Roanoke, Va., enjoyed making a lemonade stand so much at the beginning of this summer that she begged her mom to let her do it again — but this time for her birthday party, said mom Melody Holthouser.

After some Internet research, the Holthousers paired up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, www.Alexslemonade.org, which raises money to find a cure for childhood cancers, and got the party started.

“She’s only 4, but she gets it,” said Holthouser. “It went over really well and was a positive learning experience.” They raised more than $200.

Now it’s your turn There are plenty of opportunities for charitable birthday parties. To get things started, strike up a conversation. Talk about the needs that can be seen in the community and what can be done to help. Or, look at the bigger picture of what’s going on around the world.

Find a cause What does your child care about?

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Animals Local humane society, www.humanesociety.org World Wildlife Fund, www.panda.org

courtesy humanesociety.org

American Association for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals: www.aspca.org

www.independencemo.org/pl

stay informed.

The environment The Conservation Fund, www.conservationfund.org Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org The Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org Sports Global Sports Foundation, www.globalsportsfoundation.org Ball For All, www.ballforall.org Challenged Athletes Foundation, www.challengedathletes.org

visit tHE CitY OF iNDEPENDENCE POWER & LiGHt WEb sitE aND staY uP-tO-DatE ON iPL PROGRams aND sERviCEs

Alex’s Lemonade stand is a charity inspired by Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a young girl who wants to help find a cure for all childhood cancers. photo courtesy alexslemonade.

• ON-LiNE biLL PaY • HOmE ENERGY LOaN PROGRam (HELP)

org

Arts and crafts

“Your community energy partner”

Snuggles Project, www.snugglesproject.org

• HEat PumP/aiR CONDitiONER REbatEs

Binky Patrol, www.binkypatrol.org

• COmmERCiaL PROGRams – Rebates – infrared scanning – Energy audits

U.S. servicemen and women

• suRGE PROtECtiON PROGRam

Adopt A US Soldier, www.adoptaussoldier.org

• tREE tRimmiNG

Fisher House Foundation, www.fisherhouse.org

• ON-LiNE ENERGY auDit

• “Out OF siGHt” PROGRam • sECuRitY LiGHtiNG

Poverty and hunger

816.325.7485

www.heifer.org OCTOBER 2012

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