Month: April 2016

UG announces sale of downtown hotel

New catering service begins at convention center

The Unified Government today announced the sale of the 147-room Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Kansas City, Kan., to Fairwood Capital LLC, a real estate firm in Memphis Tenn., for $8.8 million.

The UG also announced a five-year agreement with Brancato’s Catering to manage the downtown Reardon Convention Center, located next to the Hilton Garden Inn, at 5th and Minnesota Avenue.

By selling the hotel, the UG will cover outstanding debt obligations on it, including a federal government loan, according to a UG news release. The name of the hotel will remain the same, a UG spokesman said.

Built in 2002, the Hilton Garden Inn underwent a $2 million renovation in 2013. A spokesman said the UG believes this new investment from the private sector will help attract more economic opportunities in downtown Kansas City, Kan.

With the sale, the UG will be able to invest $2 million for capital improvements and renovations to the convention center and return annual debt funding to the annual operating budget, according to the news release.

The UG will continue to own the Reardon Convention Center, and have access to the facility for civic and government-sponsored events, according to a spokesman.

A restaurant that is located indoors between the Hilton Garden Inn and the Reardon Center will continue to be owned by the hotel.

In the past the operators of the Hilton Garden Inn, KCK Hotel Group LLC, also operated and managed the Reardon Center, according to the UG spokesman.

Brancato’s Catering will provide exclusive booking, event and catering services to the downtown Reardon Convention Center beginning today, according to the UG.

“We are looking forward to the partnership with Brancato’s and their commitment to bringing the highest quality catering experience to our visitors and guests,” said Doug Bach, UG administrator, in the news release. “Their unique and diverse menu combined with the professional experience in event planning is a combination we’re confident will raise the bar of excellence at the Hilton Garden Inn and downtown convention center.”

Brancato’s has been in the catering business since 1968 in the metropolitan area, and has catered many large events in Kansas City.

“We are excited to begin this partnership with the Unified Government and we look forward to putting our many years of event knowledge and experience to work for the clients of the Reardon Center,” said Andrew Brancato, president of Brancato’s Catering.

The UG did not release financial details on the agreement with Brancato’s, but there is a management fee and a revenue sharing fee, according to a UG spokesman.

Brett named grand marshal of May 7 Kansas Speedway race

Former Royal George Brett will be the grand marshal at the May 7 Go Bowling 400 race at Kansas Speedway.

Brett, a Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member, also was one of the first persons in line to buy Kansas Speedway season tickets when the tickets went on sale before the facility opened.

“George Brett is an iconic figure not just in Kansas City but to sports fans across the country and I’m excited to have him take part in the Go Bowling 400,” said Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren. “George has an impressive resume, winning a World Series title with the Royals, a Gold Glove, an MVP award, and I’m thrilled that Kansas Speedway was able to add another accomplishment to this already extraordinary list – grand marshal.”

Brett, who played his entire career with the Kansas City Royals organization, is considered one of baseball’s greatest clutch hitters and was chosen Royals Player of the Year eight times. The 13-time All-Star was named the 1980 American League MVP and won a Gold Glove in 1985. He was the first player in Major League history to win batting titles in three decades (1976, 1980 and 1990) and the first with career totals of more than 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, 600 doubles, 100 triples and 200 stolen bases.

In 1999, Brett was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the fourth-highest vote percentage ever recorded (98 percent).

Tickets are on sale for the Go Bowling 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on May 7, and the Toyota Tundra 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on May 6. Tickets are available online at www.kansasspeedway.com or by calling 866-460-7223.

Y offers new blood pressure management program

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City now offers Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, a program designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support.

One of the locations for this program is the Providence YMCA/-Ball Family Center in Kansas City, Kan.

The Y developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension, and improve their overall health. According to the American Heart Association,more than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control.

Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

“The Y is proud to launch the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program as part of our commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities,” said Jessica Velazquez, healthy living community director for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “This program helps participants take simple steps that can improve their health.”

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times—and record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet.

The program is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure cuff, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

Adults with high blood pressure are invited to take part in this program, which includes:
• A simple, evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure
• Personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador
• Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health
• Easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool
• Heart healthy nutrition education seminars

To qualify for the program, participants:
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure
• Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event
• Must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
• Must not be at risk for lymphedema

The cost of the program is $80 for those who need a blood pressure monitor and $70 for those who do not. As a charitable, nonprofit organization, the Y offers financial to those in need who are unable to afford the fees.

For more information or to register, contact Jessica Velazquez at 816-360-3342. Or stop by the Providence YMCA-Ball Family Center, 8601 Parallel Parkway, during the Blood Pressure Monitoring Office Hours: 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays.