June 2015 – Page 75 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

Rivers receding; Wyandotte County to be in flash flood watch with rain in forecast

Thunderstorm outlook Sunday. (National Weather Service graphic)

Wyandotte County is under a flash flood watch from 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, until 7 a.m. Monday, June 8, according to the National Weather Service.

The temperature was 87 degrees at 11 a.m. in Wyandotte County. Today, there is a 50 percent chance of showers and storms after 3 p.m., according to the weather service. More showers and storms are possible after 7 p.m. There is a 70 percent chance of precipitation tonight, the weather service said.

The weather service said a weak cold front is moving into the area late this morning into the afternoon, and scattered storms are possible along and just behind the boundary.

A few of the storms may be severe, with large hail and damaging wind gusts the primary hazards. The most probable time for severe weather will be between 3 p.m. to midnight, according to the weather service.

Thunderstorms will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall in a short period of time this afternoon into tonight, the weather service said.

Some areas may see repeated rounds of thunderstorms.

With already saturated soils, the potential for flash flooding exists with the most robust activity. A flash flood watch is in effect through Monday morning.

The rainfall from the last several days has led to widespread flooding along area rivers and low-lying areas.

The Kansas River in Kansas City, Kan., was in minor flood stage on Saturday. On Sunday, the river has begun receding below flood stage.

In the event of water on the roadway, the weather service advised motorists to turn around and seek a different, not to try to go through it.

To get the latest on river flooding, go to the website: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=eax.

Rainfall, flash flooding potential. (National Weather Service graphic)

Flash flood watch. (National Weather Service graphic)

The Kansas River in the Armourdale area of Kansas City, Kan., on Saturday. The Kansas River level decreased from flood stage to under the flood stage on Sunday morning.

The Kansas River in Kansas City, Kan., went below flood stage on Sunday morning, according to a hydrology chart. (NOAA chart)

The Missouri River at Kansas City remained under flood stage on Sunday morning. (NOAA chart)

Review: Musical about motherhood hysterically funny

A musical comedy about motherhood, "Mother Freaking Hood," is now playing at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Mo. Performing in the play were Nancy Nail, Sara Carolynn Kennedy and Jennifer Mays. The director of the play is Heidi Van, who grew up in Wyandotte County. (Photo courtesy of Moonshine Variety Company) — A musical comedy about motherhood, “Mother Freaking Hood,” is now playing at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Mo. Performing in the play were Nancy Nail, Sara Carolynn Kennedy and Jennifer Mays. The director of the play is Heidi Van, who grew up in Wyandotte County. (Photo courtesy of Moonshine Variety Company)

by William Crum

Recently, I saw the musical, “Mother Freaking Hood.”

It is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a very long time.

Unlike a lot of musicals where there is singing and dancing, this particular musical is humorous as well.

This is partly due to a young director who grew up in Wyandotte County. Her name is Heidi Van, and she directed the musical.

“I grew up in Wyandotte County and my father taught at Kansas City Kansas Community College,” she said.

She first got involved with this production in 2014 as an actress in one of the early productions, she said.

It wasn’t until later that she accepted a post from executive producer Seth Eckelman, who founded Moonshine Variety Company.

“Seth approached me later and said I should try out for the director’s position,” she said.

“This is a story about motherhood and the humor behind it,” she said. “It is a very positive humorous musical. I would call it a flashy musical. I have directed other musicals before but nothing like this,” Van said.

The musical starts with three women who are all different. They met at the doctor’s office, where their friendship begins, and they found out they were all pregnant. As the play proceeds, all three go through the same thing but each one of them handles it differently.

It’s one of the most entertaining plays I have seen in a long time. When I saw it I laughed so hard my sides began to hurt and tears rolled down my cheek.

Would I like to see the play again? The answer to that is definitely yes. Please keep in mind that this play is not recommended for young children — maternal discretion is advised. This is the play that you go to with your friends or your significant other.

The music was phenomenal as well as the acting, set design and sound. The two women who wrote it are Julie Dunlap and Sara Stotts, who did a fantastic job, and not to leave out actors and other members of the crew who gave a truly amazing performance.

I would definitely recommend “Mother Freaking Hood.” It will have you laughing hysterically. Ticket prices range from $41 to $52, depending upon the performances, with matinées on Saturday and Sunday.

The next performances are at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Goppert Theater, Avila University, Kansas City, Mo.

For more information go to the website, www.moonshinevariety.com.

A musical comedy about motherhood, "Mother Freaking Hood," is now playing at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Mo. Performing in the play were Jennifer Mays, Sara Carolynn Kennedy and Nancy Nail. The director of the play is Heidi Van, who grew up in Wyandotte County. (Photo courtesy of Moonshine Variety Company) — A musical comedy about motherhood, “Mother Freaking Hood,” is now playing at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Mo. Performing in the play were Jennifer Mays, Sara Carolynn Kennedy and Nancy Nail. The director of the play is Heidi Van, who grew up in Wyandotte County. (Photo courtesy of Moonshine Variety Company)

A musical comedy about motherhood, "Mother Freaking Hood," is now playing at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Mo. The director of the play is Heidi Van, who grew up in Wyandotte County. (Photo courtesy of Moonshine Variety Company) — A musical comedy about motherhood, “Mother Freaking Hood,” is now playing at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Mo. The director of the play is Heidi Van, who grew up in Wyandotte County. (Photo courtesy of Moonshine Variety Company)

Faith news

To send in items for the Faith News, email information to [email protected]. Please include your name and contact information.

A weekly Scripture Group with Bible Sharing and Reflection, Lectio and Journaling, is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Heather Neds is a pastoral minister and leads the group at Keeler Women’s Center. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

Living Water United Methodist Church, 3001 N. 115th St., will be holding a special camp for children, Worship, Arts, and Music (WAM) Camp. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 8-11. It is for ages 3 – 8th grade. Children will explore the arts with singing, drumming, and art projects. The camp will be taught by local music and art teachers. For more information visit livingwaterumc.net and to enroll visit http://livingwaterumc.net/worship-arts-music-camp/.

Open Door Baptist Church, 3033 N. 103rd Terrace, will have a Vacation Bible School from June 22-26. The theme is “Everest, Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.” For more information, visit www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/Opendooreverestvbs/gpgs/Home.aspx. Services this weekend at Open Door are at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the church sanctuary.

A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 22 at the Parkway Baptist Church, 12320 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org.

Risen Lamb International Church of the Nazarene, located in the Turner area of Kansas City, Kan., has announced the opening of the Risen Lamb Prayer Room and Retreat Center. On location at their church at 5301 Metropolitan Avenue, the prayer room and retreat center is open to the public for daytime retreats. All individuals or small groups seeking a quiet, sacred space to gather, pray, meditate, journal or read resources about prayer are welcome. The prayer room provides a peaceful space for solitude or can be scheduled in advance for groups of up to eight people. Guests seeking spiritual guidance may schedule a time of spiritual direction with one of the pastoral staff, and groups may inquire about scheduling a member of the pastoral team to lead or speak at a retreat. Donations accepted but not required. For more information, or to plan a visit, contact the Rev. Philip Friday at [email protected] or call 913-287-9418.

The Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., will hold a Hopefest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, with music, balloons, games, a variety of food, and a tour of gardens and retreat facilities. For more information, visit www.sanctuaryofhope.org or call 913-321-4673.

Enjoy good food and fun at the Summer Festival to benefit the charitable works of the Sisters, Servants of Mary from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, on the grounds of the Sisters’ Convent, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Homemade tacos and tamales, Italian sausage and barbecued beef sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream and Spanish desserts will be served. There will be games for children and booths including dolls from Mexico; various fundraisers; a variety booth; and tote bags and cookbooks for sale. The Sisters, Servants of Mary are a community of women religious who provide nursing care to persons in their homes. The Sisters offer their services at no charge to individuals or families. They are nurses and serve people throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The Kansas City, Kan., location is their “mother house” or headquarters for their convents in the United States and Mexico. For more information about the festival, call 913-371-3423.

Members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1300 N. 18th St., will sponsor a benefit progressive dinner Friday, June 12, at three members’ homes. Appetizers will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Rich and Pat Lavin in the Piper community. The main course will be served at the home of Charles and Barb Van Middlesworth in Edwardsville. Dessert will be served at the home of Joe and Jenny Steineger, also in Edwardsville. Money raised will help support parish outreach efforts; the dinner will have a Hawaiian theme. The Council of Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, at St. Paul’s.

Stony Point Christian Church, 149 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kan., plans a StoreHouse ministry from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. A food pantry, clothes pantry and meal will be available.

Trinity AME Church, 2201 N. 5th St., is planning “Sumner Day” for all those who attended Sumner High School. They will be recognized at the10:15 a.m. service Sunday, June 28. The Sumner class with the most number in attendance will receive a trophy. After the worship service, a reception with light refreshments will be held.

A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 16 at the Wyandotte United Methodist Church, 7901 Oakland Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org.

Send in items for the Faith news to [email protected]. Please include your name and contact information.