Month: November 2014

No food for needy today at KCK food distribution site

College student volunteers held up signs Saturday outside a food distribution site at the CrossRoads Family Church, 8822 Parallel Parkway. One of the signs reads, “What is the Zip Code for hunger?” A food distribution truck did not go to this site after the Unified Government told Harvesters that the UG thought the traffic from the food distribution site would be a safety hazard.
College student volunteers held up signs Saturday outside a food distribution site at the CrossRoads Family Church, 8822 Parallel Parkway. One of the signs reads, “What is the Zip Code for hunger?” A food distribution truck did not go to this site after the Unified Government told Harvesters that the UG thought the traffic from the food distribution site would be a safety hazard.

A food bank distribution truck did not arrive Saturday at the CrossRoads Family Church, 8822 Parallel Parkway, as it has on two Saturdays a month for the past several months.

The truck, serving hundreds of needy persons, was not sent to the food distribution site at CrossRoads church after the Unified Government told the food bank that traffic from the food distribution site would be a safety hazard.

“We’re just turning people away,” said Janice Witt, a Civitan Club past president who is working with this mobile food truck program, at the Reola Grant Civitan Center. “There’s no food. It’s quite sad.”

She said a few persons, not many, came by today and dropped off groceries for the needy.

In a statement, a UG spokesman said it was a disruption to traffic flow. The spokesman said a permit was needed. Witt does not agree that it is a traffic disruption.

According to Witt, her program had already done everything that the local government officers had requested of it, including purchasing cones to funnel traffic, but recently, it was told it could not receive more food deliveries because of the UG contacting the food bank about it. She said the food distribution center had worked with authorities including the sheriff and some police officers. The food distribution program had previously placed traffic cones where officers told them to place them, Witt said.

Witt said about 2,100 persons a month were served by this program. Also at the church are an inside food pantry and a used clothing distribution room, which are run by appointment. She said she believes that some people do not like a food distribution site in that area because it doesn’t fit in with the image of a wealthy western Kansas City, Kan., that they would like to portray.

She said she and her husband, retired chiropractor Ron Witt, were paying for the costs of the food distribution program out of their own pockets, and the program also received donations toward it. The church was donating the site and the utilities, and many volunteers for the program are from the church.

Witt and a volunteer from the church said that only a few of the nearby neighbors are unhappy about the traffic, and most of them are positive about the food distribution site. They said that several of the neighbors come to the food distribution site to receive food, and several others come there to volunteer their services.

Witt, an outspoken critic of the local government when she ran for mayor in 2013, said there is now a petition to restore the food distribution site, asking people to contact UG officials and the food bank. Her website petition is at this site.

A UG statement issued by Edwin Birch, UG spokesman:
“The City has received complaints from residents about the voluminous amount of traffic surrounding their neighborhood due to the food pantry. Residents have complained about their driveways being blocked and consistent disruption in traffic flow. Most importantly, it is illegal and against federal law to obstruct or disrupt the flow of traffic without a permit and the appropriate signage. There is approximately 16,000 motorists that travel on Parallel Parkway a day.

“While we are in favor of providing food to those who are in need in our community, it’s important for this to be done in a location that’s less disruptive to traffic flow and safer for residents living close in proximity to the activity. Also another major factor to consider is the proximity to the hospital. Having traffic congestion near the hospital for emergency vehicles was an additional consideration we had to take into our analysis of this location. Once again, the intent of the congregation is admirable but we have to consider safety too.

“UG personnel has spoken to the parties involved with the food pantry and have offered suggestions on alternative locations. However, they have not responded favorably to these recommendations.

“The City has never issued or authorized a permit for traffic disruption in this location.”

Kathy Conwell, a spokeswoman for Providence Medical Center, which is located across the street from the church, said that the first time the food deliveries were made, in July, people went to the Providence parking lot to park and wait for the late food truck. Providence security personnel were concerned about exits being blocked at that time, but it was all worked out after that one time, she said, and she wasn’t aware of any current problems. Those receiving food started parking on a nearby side street after then.

“We really applaud their efforts,” she said about the church program to feed the hungry. She said she understands that the UG works hard to keep access open to the hospital. She hasn’t worked on Saturdays, so she hasn’t noticed if there have been any traffic problems getting to the hospital.

“They’re good people, I’m sure they’ll come up with a solution,” she said about the program to feed the hungry.

Ron and Janice Witt have paid for a lot of the costs of the food distribution program at CrossRoads Family Church, 8822 Parallel Parkway. The church has donated the site and the cost of the utilities. Others also have made donations to the program.
Ron and Janice Witt have paid for a lot of the costs of the food distribution program at CrossRoads Family Church, 8822 Parallel Parkway. The church has donated the site and the cost of the utilities. Others also have made donations to the program.

Alexandra Arevalo, 7, held a poster she made about her church providing food for people.
Alexandra Arevalo, 7, held a poster she made about her church providing food for people.

A sign in front of the CrossRoads Family Church urged people to call the local government and food bank to get the food distribution site restored.
A sign in front of the CrossRoads Family Church urged people to call the local government and food bank to get the food distribution site restored.

Cones had been set up along Parallel Parkway, in this file photo from August, to direct traffic near a mobile food pantry site on Saturdays on Parallel Parkway. (File photo)
Cones had been set up along Parallel Parkway, in this file photo from August, to direct traffic near a mobile food pantry site on Saturdays on Parallel Parkway. (File 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.

Wyandotte County Veterans Day commemoration to be Nov. 8

The annual Wyandotte County Veterans Day commemoration celebration is planned at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Salvation Army, 6723 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Refreshments will begin at 10 a.m. and the program is at 10:30 a.m. Special speakers are planned. There is no charge to attend.

Benefit garage, bake sale continues Saturday

Young Women on the Move, a Kansas City, Kan., nonprofit organization serving teenage girls from the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools, continues its annual Garage and Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 8. The money raised will support program expenses such as transportation, Saturday workshops, the new peer health mentorship program and the expansion of its afterschool programs. Items in the garage sale may include gently used clothing, young men’s and women’s career clothes, shoes, baby items, toys, jewelry, cookware, dishes, books, furniture, electronics, computers, fax machine, scanner, home décor and other items. In the bake sale, Young Women on the Move members, under the director of Trezo Mare restaurant pastry chef, Kolika Kirk, will create varieties of desserts, breads and pastries. The garage and bake sale will be held at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 2907 N. 81st St., Kansas City, Kan. The sale hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. One hundred percent of the profits from this sale will benefit the Young Women on the Move program and projects.

‘Saturdays by the Grinter Stove’ program offered today

“Saturdays by the Grinter Stove” series returns to Grinter Place State Historic Site 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Writer and historian Cindy Higgins will discuss the history of the soda fountain After the presentation, visitors can stay for lunch. Ham salad or grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup will be served, as well as ice cream with sodas and traditional toppings. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children age 12 and younger. Grinter Place is at 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kan. . For more information, call 913-299-0373 or visit kshs.org/grinter_place. The Nov. 8 presentation of Saturdays by the Grinter Stove is the first of a four-part series. Additional programs are scheduled for Jan. 10, Feb. 14, and March 14. A different program will be featured each month. Admission includes lunch at least partially prepared on the wood stove.

Visiting artist presents art installation about Strawberry Hill

Larisa David, a visiting artist from Romania will present “7 Views from the Hill,” an installation of audio interviews and reenactments conducted with residents of the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood, from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Paragraph Gallery, 23 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. David’s appearance was in partnership with the Charlotte Street Foundation, and her work was completed during the past five weeks. The audio content recorded with members of the Slavic community from Strawberry Hill explores how they relate to their home, with their family history and the second wave of immigration, as well as reflecting on their identity as American citizens. Those who attend Sunday’s event are invited to return on Monday evening to hear from David about her time in Kansas City, and the development of the project. That event will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for public gallery hours, and then a talk at 6 p.m. Monday at the Paragraph Gallery.

Time management workshop planned

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will present a workshop, “Time Management for the Busy Woman,” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10. The workshop is presented by Chiquita Miller of K-State Extension. Space is limited. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

Book club to meet Nov. 11

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., holds a monthly book club for women that meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The book for Nov. 11 is “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

Leavenworth Road Association to meet Nov. 11

The Leavenworth Road Association will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 for a potluck dinner and meeting at Trinity Community Church, lower level, Fellowship Hall, 5010 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. The guest speaker will be from Northern Star. The LRA will prepare loaded baked potatoes and chicken casserole for the dinner. Those attending may bring covered dishes.

Support group offered for women with addictions

“All Addictions Group,” a support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction, at any stage of recovery, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Call 913-906-8990 or register online at www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

Mayor to speak at FIA meeting Nov. 13

Mayor Mark Holland will be the guest speaker at the Nov. 13 meeting of the Fairfax Industrial Association. The luncheon meeting will be from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Central Solutions, 401 Funston Road, Kansas City, Kan. The cost of the luncheon is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For reservations, contact Melissa Clark by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at [email protected].

Keeler to present ‘Holy Woman’ topic

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Holy Woman, The Salvadoran Martyrs,” presented by Sister Loretta McGuire, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

ArtMakers’ Place to hold art exhibit Nov. 13

ArtMakers’ Place, the fine art studio of Wyandot Center, 756 Armstrong Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will hold its annual art exhibit from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The exhibit will feature 80 works of art in different media. ArtMakers’ Place will hold a debut for a new recovery mural that will be permanently placed in Wyandot Center’s Health and Wellness Clinic. It will also unveil the first five pieces of the Healing Through Art exhibit that include stories and art that will be displayed at the center’s outpatient services building. At the annual event, calendars with representative art from the exhibit will be available for sale with all proceeds benefiting the studio. ArtMakers’ Place hosts art therapy, psychosocial groups and peer support groups for adult consumers of the community mental health center. For more information, call 913-621-7125 or email Tiffane Masimbi, ArtMakers’ Place coordinator, at [email protected].

Program offered on surviving breast cancer

A program is being offered on “Survivorship 360: Navigating Your Way through the Redesigned Breast Cancer Roadmap.” The free, live, Web-streamed event will be presented from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion Atrium, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Westwood, Kan. A panel of experts will discuss breast cancer survivorship care plans, patient-centered care and how to manage physical and emotional needs. Post-treatment resources and health care plan expectations for survivorship coverage are on the agenda. The program is presented by the University of Kansas Care Center, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Back in the Swing USA and Silpada. Register to attend in person or view online by Nov. 6. Visit lbbc.org/survivorship360 or call toll-free 855-807-6386.

Food Truck Friday planned Nov. 14

The Downtown Shareholders will hold a Food Truck Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14 in the parking lot across from the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Food truck vendors will provide a lunch for sale.

Autumn Arts Fest planned Nov. 14-15

The Autumn Arts Fest is planned Nov. 14-15 at the Bonner Springs District Activity Center (YMCA), 410 N. Bluegrass Drive, Bonner Springs. Hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 14 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15. It is sponsored by the Bonner Springs Arts Alliance. The public is invited to shop for holiday gifts, arts and crafts. One-hour workshops will be offered for adults and children to make their own gifts. The event includes music, performers and food.

Free kidney screening offered Nov. 15

A free kidney screening will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at the 8th Street YMCA, 900 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan. The National Kidney Foundation is sponsoring this screening for those who may be at risk for kidney disease. This includes those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure or over the age of 60.

ServSafe Course to be Nov. 18

A Food Handlers ServSafe Course will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the K-State Research and Extension Office, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The class is for anyone who works in food service or is interested in food service employment. That includes day cares, schools, restaurants, casinos, nursing homes or anyone who handles any type of food service or group meals. For registration information call 913-299-9300 or register at www.krha.org and click ServSafe training. Information about the Manager’s ServSafe Course is also available at krha.org.

Lung cancer program planned Nov. 19

Those who are affected by lung cancer, or at risk for it, may attend a free program, “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer,” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion Atrium, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Westwood, Kan. Participants will learn about the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment while connecting with others and hearing stories of survival. Free garage parking is available on the Belinder Road entrance. Registration is required to 913-588-1227 or visit Shinealightonlungcancer.org/Westwood.

AARP to meet a week early, Nov. 20

Because of the holiday, the Center City Chapter AARP No. 1544 will meet one week earlier at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Pat Hanlon Center, 11th and Ridge. The chapter will continue an in-depth review of local family caregiving alternatives, experiences with aging health issues and services led by Alma Clark and Betty Reynolds. Members will prepare a list of things they are grateful for in the annual Thankfulness tree ceremony and share holiday memories and preparations. New and potential members are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be pot luck. Evelyn Welton is president of Center City AARP Chapter No. 1544.

Free Kansas City Jazz Orchestra concert to be Nov. 20 at library

As part of the second annual Bop in the Dotte, Kansas City, Kan., Public Library is holding a free concert by the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra on Thursday, Nov. 20. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center, 7250 State Ave. Before the concert, there will be a reception with punch and cookies in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center. No tickets necessary; seating is first come, first served. The library invites all jazz lovers to attend this event. For more information about the concert, visit kckpl.org or call 913-627-0306. The library will also be holding a toiletries drive for homeless students in KCK during the concert. To help, bring in a new-full-sized toiletry item to leave in one of the donation boxes. For a list of preferred items, contact one of the library branches.

Thanksgiving Breakfast Dance scheduled

The historical Thanksgiving Breakfast Dance will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 18th and Ridge, Kansas City, Kan. The dance will feature blues artists Latimore singing “Let’s Straighten It Out,” “Bad Risk” and “Sunshine Lady.” There also will be performances by Lady Vivian and Rockin’ Rick. The event continues through 2 p.m. Tickets are $38, and reserved tickets are $50. Tickets at the door are $45. For information or tickets, call 816-353-4373 or visit ticketkc.com.

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.

Saturday events

Wyandotte County Veterans Day commemoration to be Nov. 8
The annual Wyandotte County Veterans Day commemoration celebration is planned at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Salvation Army, 6723 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Refreshments will begin at 10 a.m. and the program is at 10:30 a.m. Special speakers are planned. There is no charge to attend. The event is sponsored by the Kansas City, Kan., Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Benefit garage, bake sale continues Saturday
Young Women on the Move, a Kansas City, Kan., nonprofit organization serving teenage girls from the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools, continues its annual Garage and Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 8. The money raised will support program expenses such as transportation, Saturday workshops, the new peer health mentorship program and the expansion of its afterschool programs. Items in the garage sale may include gently used clothing, young men’s and women’s career clothes, shoes, baby items, toys, jewelry, cookware, dishes, books, furniture, electronics, computers, fax machine, scanner, home décor and other items. In the bake sale, Young Women on the Move members, under the director of Trezo Mare restaurant pastry chef, Kolika Kirk, will create varieties of desserts, breads and pastries. The garage and bake sale will be held at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 2907 N. 81st St., Kansas City, Kan. The sale hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. One hundred percent of the profits from this sale will benefit the Young Women on the Move program and projects.

‘Saturdays by the Grinter Stove’ program offered today
“Saturdays by the Grinter Stove” series returns to Grinter Place State Historic Site 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Writer and historian Cindy Higgins will discuss the history of the soda fountain After the presentation, visitors can stay for lunch. Ham salad or grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup will be served, as well as ice cream with sodas and traditional toppings. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children age 12 and younger. Grinter Place is at 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kan. . For more information, call 913-299-0373 or visit kshs.org/grinter_place. The Nov. 8 presentation of Saturdays by the Grinter Stove is the first of a four-part series. Additional programs are scheduled for Jan. 10, Feb. 14, and March 14. A different program will be featured each month. Admission includes lunch at least partially prepared on the wood stove.

Workshop offered for single moms ministry
Women and church community outreach pastors who desire to be part of a ministry that makes a difference in the lives of single moms and their children are welcome to attend a one-day workshop, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Peter CME Church, 1419 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan. Pastor Shirley Fletcher of St. Peter will welcome Karen Sinn, regional field representative for the Caring People in leading the workshop. Visit www.thecaringpeople.org or call 877-CARE-525 to sign up, or for more information.

Memorial Masses planned Saturday
Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas will hold special All Souls and Memorial Masses in three of its cemeteries, Saturday, Nov. 8. The Masses commemorate persons who have died in recent months and are buried in the Catholic cemeteries. The observance also gives area Catholics the opportunity to remember their faithful departed family members and friends. Persons are invited to attend the Masses. In Wyandotte County, a Mass will be 9 a.m. Nov. 8 at Holy Redeemer Mausoleum Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kan., remembering persons buried July 14 through Oct. 12.