September 2014 – Page 60 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

AT&T opens its first Kansas ‘Store of the Future’ in KCK

A ribbon-cutting was held at the new AT&T store in Kansas City, Kan. It is AT&T's first "Store of the Future" in Kansas. (Staff photo) — A ribbon-cutting was held at the new AT&T store in Kansas City, Kan. It is AT&T’s first “Store of the Future” in Kansas. (Staff photo)

by Mary Rupert

Entering the new AT&T store, you first see an electric guitar. It’s in the middle of a table where shoppers can see for themselves how electronic devices work with it.

It’s a zone where visitors can look at products, and try them out, and it’s the first clue that this isn’t a typical store.

The new AT&T store at 10620-A Parallel Parkway is not like the former one in The Legends. There is no cash register, no counter, no book of sales receipts, and no fliers around the store. This is the store of the future, according to AT&T, and it focuses on the mobile lifestyle of customers.

AT&T opened the first Kansas “Store of the Future” at Plaza at the Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., with a ribbon-cutting this morning.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the first ‘Store of the Future’ in Kansas,” said Mike Scott, AT&T Kansas president, at the ribbon-cutting.

Two years went into researching the concept. The store is modeled on retail concepts developed in Chicago, according to AT&T officials. Soon, there will be other stores like it in other areas in Kansas.

Chris Lester of AT&T media relations said the Kansas City, Kan., location was chosen for the first Kansas store because there’s so much retail activity here.

In the new store, there are no barriers between the customers, the products and the retail consultants, according to Kevin Massie, director of sales. The sales force uses tablets to produce electronic receipts, although paper receipts will be available on request. The tablets have a new mobile point-of-sale system, and payments can be made from wherever the customer is.

There are three store zones. One is the “connected experience” area for everyday life where customers can see products that work in their lives, such as entertainment and home security products. Another is called the “community zone,” where shoppers look at devices and apps on display on tables, and a third area is the “explore zone,” where devices and apps are on walls of products, with digital monitors.

“It’s designed for you to integrate the technology in your life,” Massie said.

You can learn, for example, how it’s possible to program your electronic devices to view visitors at the door, unlock the door, turn on the lights, and then lock the door again – all without being anywhere near your home.

Throughout the store, posters and fliers have been replaced by screens that stream videos.

AT&T mentioned that the new Apple iPhone 6, launching soon, could be pre-ordered beginning today at att.com/iPhone. When store sales start, it will be available at the AT&T store. New phone features include faster speeds and the ability to make payments.

Massie said the company has had more than $800 million of investment in Kansas City area wireless and wire line networks since 2010.

State Rep. Tom Burroughs, D-33rd Dist., welcomed AT&T, saying that he was extremely excited about the new store, that AT&T had been a great partner, and he thanked AT&T for investing in the community.

AT&T is on the west side of the new building at 106th and Parallel Parkway, with Starbucks on the east side. The new AT&T store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

AT&T Kansas President Mike Scott, left, with Rep. Tom Burroughs, right, and Rep. Pam Curtis, center, at today's grand opening ceremony at 106th and Parallel Parkway. (Staff photo) — AT&T Kansas President Mike Scott, left, with Rep. Tom Burroughs, right, and Rep. Pam Curtis, center, at today’s grand opening ceremony at 106th and Parallel Parkway. (Staff photo)

Visitors to the AT&T store may see a guitar, and see how it works together with electronic devices. (Staff photo)

Kevin Massie, director of sales, said there are no barriers between customers, sales associates and the products in the new store. (Staff photo)

A home-like area in the new AT&T store discusses how a device can be used to turn off lights or lock the door remotely. (Staff photo)

Pat Crilly, left, who was with a Kansas City, Kan., Area Chamber of Commerce group at the ribbon-cutting, viewed products on display at the new AT&T store. (Staff photo)

The new AT&T store at 106th and Parallel Parkway is on the west side of a new building. On the east side is a Starbucks shop. (Staff photo)

Former Mayor Joe Reardon took a snapshot at today's tour of the new AT&T store at 106th and Parallel. (Staff photo) — Former Mayor Joe Reardon took a snapshot at today’s tour of the new AT&T store at 106th and Parallel. (Staff photo)

Community calendar

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to [email protected] and include your name and phone number.

‘Shakespeare in Parking Lot’ returns to Alcott Center Saturday
Alcott Arts Center, 180 S. 18th, Kansas City, Kan., will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as part of its Shakespeare in the Parking Lot series Sept. 13-14.The play will begin at 3 p.m. at the Alcott parking lot. Admission is $5 plus one nonperishable food item per person.

Renaissance Festival continues on weekends
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival continues on Saturday and Sunday at the festival grounds at 628 N. 126th St. (126th and State), Bonner Springs. The festival is the re-creation of a 16th century English village. Music, food, crafts, shows and other entertainment are featured at the festival, which runs on weekends through Oct. 14. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www.kcrenfest.com.

Blood donors needed
Blood donors are needed in the Kansas City area, according to the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City. Among the Community Blood Center blood drives scheduled in Wyandotte County: Renaissance Festival vessel, 628 N. 126th St., (near 126th and State), Bonner Springs, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

Summer concert to be Sept. 13 at Legends
Dave and Buster’s Summer Concert Series will continue at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, on the rooftop patio at The Legends Outlets. The Kaopectones Band will perform from 9 p.m. to close Sept. 6. Different bands will play on Saturdays through September.

Shepherd’s Center plans breakfast Sept. 13
The Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kan., is planning a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Welborn Community United Church of Christ, 5217 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan. The donation will be $8 for pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and juice. There also will be an additional fundraiser with a handmade quilt, art works and other items at the breakfast. For more information, call 913-281-8908.

Central Avenue Parade to be Sept. 13
The Central Avenue Parade and Band Fiesta will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Bethany Park, 1120 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The event will include vendors, music, and family activities. The event is sponsored by the Central Avenue Betterment Association and Latino Health for All Coalition.

‘It’s Up to Us’ event planned Saturday
A voter registration initiative, “It’s Up 2 Us,” is planned at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, in the Performing Arts Center, Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Those needing to register to vote may bring a valid U.S. passport or original or certified copy of birth certification. Guest artists are scheduled to perform.

Smithsonian traveling exhibit planned at museum
A Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, “Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program 1942-1964,” is scheduled to be on display at the Wyandotte County Museum starting Sunday, Sept. 14. The exhibit will be on display until November. A free community program is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 14 at the museum, 631 N. 126th, Bonner Springs, near 126th and State.

Big band benefit to support KCKCC Jazz Band
Kansas City’s own Kicks Band will be headlining a big band benefit later this month to support the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Band. The “Tea Dance” is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, in the ballroom of the Historic Lake of the Forest Club House, 100 Lake Forest in Bonner Springs. The club house is off of Highway 32, east of Bonner Springs and west of Interstate 435. Coffee, tea and cookies will be provided, and set ups will be available for a minimal charge. Tickets are $15 per person; $25 per couple or $100 for a table of eight. Special pricing is available for groups of 16 or more. The event is sponsored by the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Department at KCKCC. In addition to the refreshments, there will be a silent auction as well as drawings. The Kicks Band will provide big band-era music reminiscent of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Proceeds from the event will help with costs of the KCKCCC Jazz Band’s upcoming trip to the 30th-annual Havana Jazz Festival this December.

Problem gambling to be topic of workshop
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., will present a workshop, “Recognizing a Gambling Problem,” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15. The program is presented by Chiquita Miller of K-State Extension. To register, call 913-906-8990.

Business West plans annual dinner meeting
Business West plans its 29th annual dinner meeting from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the DeWitts residence, 4200 N. 123rd Terrace, Kansas City, Kan. A highlight of the dinner meeting will be the presentation of awards. There is no charge for the dinner, but reservations are strongly encouraged to 913-766-4300 or 913-406-6266.

Fairfax group plans train trip
The Fairfax Industrial Association plans a ride on the Union Pacific railroad for its September luncheon meeting. The group will leave at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, to travel from 201 S. 5th St. (I-70 and Pacific Avenue) to the Wolcott area of Kansas City, Kan. Boxed lunches will be served on the train. The group will return about 1:30 p.m. Union Pacific Railroad is the sponsor of this meeting and is expected to provide a guest speaker. Everyone on the train is expected to wear closed-toed, low-heeled shoes. Space is limited and priority is given to those Fairfax Industrial Association members who make their reservations first. The cost of the luncheon is $15 for FIA members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations may be made to Melissa Clark at [email protected].

Program offered on grieving
Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a “Living with Grief and Loss,” a six-week series for men and women, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 10 and 17, and Oct. 1 and 22. The group will help men and women address recent losses or those in the past. The group will be facilitated by Sister Loretta McGuire, LMSW, certified grief counselor. To register, call 913-906-8990.

Business Expo planned Sept. 19
The Kansas City, Kan., Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Business Expo Sept. 19 at Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kan. The event is open to the public. Those attending may explore the business world, with more than 75 exhibitors expected to showcase products or services. For more information, visit www.kckchamber.com.

Workshop to address issue of mentally ill in jail
A workshop, “Revolving Door for Mentally Ill in Jail: Addressing Complex Issues,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 19 at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd, Kansas City, Kan. The workshop is sponsored by the Mental Health America of the Heartland. The workshop fee is $40 and continuing education units are available. For more information, contact Stacy Davis at [email protected] or 913-281-2221, Ext. 112. Registration deadline is Sept. 15.

Nutrition class offered
“Breakfast for a Brighter Day,” a nutrition class presented by Master Food Volunteer Pat Callaghan in partnership with K-State Extension Services, will be offered at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. Space is limited. Call 913-906-8990 for information or to register for the free class.

Dotte Trot to benefit SAFE fund
The Dotte Trot, a 5K and 10K run, will be run at 8 a.m. Sept. 27 at Wyandotte County Lake Park, 9100 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan. All proceeds from the run benefit the Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund. SAFE supports the families of law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency service personnel in the Kansas City metropolitan area who have died while protecting the community and citizens. The event is limited to 500 participants. For early registration, visit www.enter2run.com.

Fundraiser set Sept. 27
A Texas Hold-‘Em and Taco Dinner to raise funds for Missy Kline is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Annual Bishop Ward auction planned Sept. 27
The 36th annual Bishop Ward auction is planned at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the school, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. For more information, call 913-371-6901.

‘Master of Memory’ class scheduled Oct. 2
A memory retention class, “Master of Memory,” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kan. The class may be suitable for people who have difficulty remembering names, or forgetting items at the store. The series of classes was designed to help people develop strategies to improve their memories. The class is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension of Wyandotte County and the West Wyandotte Library. For more information and to register for the class, call 913-299-9300.

Walk to Cure Lupus scheduled Oct. 11
The Kansas City Metro Walk to Cure Lupus is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 11, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at The Legends area in Kansas City, Kan. Former Kansas City Chiefs player Eddie Kennison, honorary co-chair, will lead the walk. For more information, see www.lupuswalkkc.org.
Counseling offered
Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers individual and couples counseling to women and men who might otherwise not be able to afford counseling. Nothing is billed. Donations are accepted. Call 913-906-8990 for information or to do an intake and schedule an appointment.

Head, neck cancer awareness event scheduled Friday

While the Royals take on the Red Sox on Friday, Sept. 12, The University of Kansas Cancer Center will take on head and neck cancers.

Head and Neck Cancer Education will take place at Gate D, where experts will answer fan questions, and there will be lip balm giveaways at gates D and B. The game is at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

The first pitch will be thrown by cancer survivor Teresa Walsh to Dr. Terry Tsue, physician-in-chief of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Another survivor, James “Hooty” Wade will sit in the Buck O’Neill Legacy Seat for his role in educating others about the dangers of smokeless tobacco.

Dr. Tsue said head and neck cancer numbers are growing. One reason is in the growth of throat cancer from the human papillomavirus (HPV), a cancer that is preventable for both men and women if a vaccine is administered before a teen is sexually active.

Dr. Tsue said in addition to HPV-caused cancers, other fast growing cancers are head and neck skin cancers and thyroid cancers.

Dr. Tsue said head and neck skin cancer often grows because we neglect to use sunscreen on our face, lips and the back of our necks. Environmental changes could also be a contributing cause, he said.

Thyroid cancers are often dangerous because there are not always clear symptoms as the cancer grows.

Dr. Tsue also warned of the dangers of smokeless tobacco, which has been linked to the cancer deaths of many baseball players, including Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.

To see a KU Hospital video on the topic, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1pWt4pZtig

– Story from KU Hospital