Month: August 2019

Community calendar

Back-to-School Fair to be Aug. 3
 The 20th annual 2019 Wyandotte County Back-to-School Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 3, at the KCKCC Community College – Main Campus, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The fair is held for students who live in Wyandotte County that attend school (both public and private). Parents are required to provide proof of Wyandotte County residence. Parents and their children are invited to stop by for free school supplies. Free immunizations, physical exams, eye exams and free haircuts will also be offered. In addition to supplies, immunizations and physical exams, parents will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from a variety of community organizations who will offer information on services.Parents are required to bring proof of residence in Wyandotte County, such as driver’s license or a utility bill, and children must be accompanied by their parents at the fair. For more information, individuals may visit www.facebook.com/WyandotteCountyBackToSchoolFair.

Library celebration to be Aug. 4
 The Bonner Springs City Library is planning a celebration with other area libraries for the “One Book: Many Stories” program. Seven area libraries participated in a summer reading discussion program. The wrap-up party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Cider Hill Family Orchard, 3341 N. 139th, Kansas City, Kansas. The event will include music, food and prizes.

Ceramic art program offered
 A program on ceramic art will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. The program will be led by Mary Donavan. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Affirmations group to meet
 The Affirmations and Living Free Growth Group for Women will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. (This new location is off Coy Street, on the south side of the old St. Margaret’s Hospital.) This group’s purpose is to help women change the way they think about themselves and their lives. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Program offered on healthy relationships
 “Healthy Relationships: Domestic Violence Education and Support” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Jaime Peterson. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Programs offered for Spanish-speaking women
 Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont, Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas, offers programs for Spanish-speaking women: Grupo de mujeres: con lideres Ana Maria Sauer, Los Martes, 10-11:30 a.m. Grupo de salud emocional para la mujer, ofrecido por MOCSA, contacte a Tina May-Gamboa, Gaby Carmona, llame al 816-285-1349, los Martes, 11:30-1 p.m. El centro de mujeres, Keeler ofrece consejeria espiritual a mujeres y hombres en espanol y ingles. Gratis. Se aceptan donaciones. Llame al 913-906-8990 para hacer su cita o para mas informacion. For more information and registration, call 913-906-8990.

Caregivers support group to meet Aug. 6
 A caregivers support group for men and women will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100 B, Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Jackie Tigges, LSCSW. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Night Out Against Crime to be Aug. 6
 The Kansas City, Kansas, National Night Out Against Crime event will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 18th and Ridge, Kansas City, Kansas. The event is free and open to the public.

Parenting support group to meet
 A parenting support group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. The education and support group is presented by Marqueia Watson, MSW. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.


Knitting and crocheting group to meet
A knitting and crocheting group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending may learn a new skill or work on a current project. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

BPU to meet Aug. 7
The Board of Public Utilities will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the BPU offices, 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The work session will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 7 with a board update, general manager update, and a report about the water policies. The regular session will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 7, and on the agenda are a visitors’ time, second-quarter financial report, information technology update, board comments, general manager comments and a closed executive session.


Women’s self-defense program offered
A women’s self-defense program will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Sidney Thompson. Kansas City Shizoku Karate-Do will offer ways to defend oneself and others. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

‘Pretty Nails’ program offered
Appointments for a “Pretty Nails” program will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. Those interested must call 913-906-8990 to schedule an appointment.

Moran to speak at Fairfax luncheon Aug. 8

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, will be the guest speaker at a Fairfax Industrial Association luncheon meeting at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. The meeting will be at BlackJack Tire Repair, 3260 N. 7th St. Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas. Sen. Moran will give a Congressional update. The cost of the luncheon will be $25. For more information and registration, visit https://fiakck.org/product/august-2019-luncheon-fee/. Sponsor of this month’s meeting is the Fairfax Drainage District and Gus’s Fried Chicken.

Program offered on advanced health care planning
A program on advanced health care planning will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. Dr. Chiquita Miller will lead the program. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

UG Ethics Commission to meet Aug. 8
The Unified Government Ethics Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at the second floor of the Wyandotte County Courthouse, 710 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The meeting will be in Division 18, the old county commissioners’ chambers.

Program planned Aug. 12
The program, “Birds of Summer” by Mary Donovan will be presented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Aug. 12, 19 and 26, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Digestive problems to be topic of meeting
“Managing Digestive Problems” will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. The program by Dr. Alex Kieu will include practical tips to manage digestive problems at home, with information about when to call the doctor. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Leavenworth Road Association to meet Aug. 13
The Leavenworth Road Association will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Eisenhower Recreation Center, 2901 N. 72nd St., Kansas City, Kansas. The guest speaker will be Sasha Wells from the Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department. The potluck social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Book club to meet
“Small Great Things” by Jodi Piccoult will be discussed at a book club meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Create greeting cards in program Aug. 14
“Beautiful Cards” with Carole Thrasher will be presented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending will create their own greeting cards. Supplies will be provided. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Acupuncture program offered
“Acupuncture: How It Works, Uses, Benefits and Treatments” by June Van Buskirk will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas. Appointment times are available between 1 and 3 p.m. Those interested must call to schedule an appointment, 913-906-8990.

UG Commission scheduled to meet Aug. 15
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Commission Chambers, lobby level, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. An agenda may be posted at www.wycokck.org.

Blood drive scheduled Aug. 26
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the New Story Church, 5500 Woodend Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Donors will receive a $5 Amazon gift card. Persons may schedule an appointment at this blood drive or any of the mobile blood drives by going to www.redcrossblood.org or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Wyandotte County Museum
For information about the Wyandotte County Museum, 631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, call 913-573-5002 or visit https://www.wycokck.org/wycomuseum.aspx or https://www.facebook.com/wycomuseum/.


Strawberry Hill Museum
 For information about The Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas, call 913-371-3264 or visit www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.


Grinter Place Museum
The Grinter Place State Historic Site, 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kansas, is one of the oldest homes in the area, built in 1857. For more information about hours and days it is open, call 913-299-0373 or visit http://www.kshs.org/p/grinter-place-plan-your-visit/15857.


Old Quindaro Museum
The Old Quindaro Museum is at 3432 N. 29th St., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information about the museum, call 816-820-3615 or visit https://www.facebook.com/ccoqmuseum/.

KCK parks and recreation programs
To see a brochure listening Kansas City, Kansas, Parks and Recreation programs, visit
https://www.wycokck.org/WycoKCK/media/Parks-Recreation/Documents/WYCOGuide_FINAL_Small.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1SYe9fdtg8G8vXPY3JuRnrBUHZXs6amoG2lWgpl_8n-J4DwIbQ3JWlkLE .
Send your Wyandotte County events to [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and contact information.

McDonald’s donates 3,000 backpacks to Back-to-School Fair Aug. 3

McDonald’s restaurants are donating 3,000 backpacks to the Back-to-School Fair to be held Saturday, Aug. 3, at Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Ave.

The 20th annual Wyandotte County Back-to-School Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 3, at KCKCC’s main campus. Students who live in Wyandotte County and attend public or private schools may receive items such as backpacks and supplies for free at this event. There also will be immunizations, physical exams, eye exams, haircuts and the opportunity to get information from a variety of community organizations. The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library will distribute books to children. Parents should bring proof of residence in Wyandotte County, such as a driver’s license or a utility bill, and children must be accompanied by their parents.

Cassandra Savage, owner-operator of the McDonald’s restaurants at 7530 State Ave. and at 4101 Kansas Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas, said this tradition of donating backpacks started last year. The Back-to-School Fair went without a backpack donor for some years previously before McDonald’s Great Plains Co-op stepped forward.

“We donated over 9,000 backpacks to Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, school districts this year, in total,” Savage said.

“As an owner-operator, we’ve always felt a sense of responsibility to our community,” Savage said. “McDonald’s has been one of those franchises that has always been involved.”

The restaurant also sponsors “Coffee With a Cop” and “Teacher Nights,” as well as other community events, she said.

“Every single one of our owner-operators, all franchisees, are dedicated to supporting the communities,” she said.

Savage said she recently went school supply shopping with her grandson and noticed how many items were on the list and their cost.

“The parents are very appreciative of the backpacks,” she said.

McDonald’s employs students from local high schools and from KCKCC, and works closely with high school counselors, she added.

For more information about the Back-to-School Fair, individuals may visit www.facebook.com/WyandotteCountyBackToSchoolFair.

Ten students participate in summer youth employment program in Rosedale

This summer, 10 local students ages 14 to 16 worked for eight weeks in Rosedale Development Association’s (RDA) Summer Youth Employment (SYE) Program.

This program was made possible through a grant from the Board of Public Utilities and the partnership of several local businesses and organizations, according to the RDA spokesman.

The program kicked off with BikeWalkKC administering their Earn-a-Bike program, where youth learned and practiced bicycle safety skills. After the week-long training, each student received a bike they could ride to and from their job site, along with a lock, lights and a helmet.

Following the training week and job fair, each SYE participant was placed with a local business or organization, where they worked Monday through Thursday.

This year, these partners included Dynamic Discs, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Kansas City Direct Primary Care, Little Angels Daycare, Midpoint National, MKS Pipe and Valve, Omega Door and Hardware, Refined Interior Staging Solutions, Sharing Community in Rosedale, and Vox Theatre. Then each Friday, students attended a Lunch and Learn professional development training, facilitated by RDA and led by community leaders. These sessions taught students hands-on job skills like how to network, write a cover letter and resume, open a bank account, and prepare for interviews.

This year’s program will conclude with a graduation on Thursday, Aug. 1.

One graduate, Karina Rincon, who worked at Omega Door and Hardware, says of the program, “I had a chance to work with my peers at the Lunch and Learns as well as adults at my job. It was weird working with adults, but after awhile I realized I could do the same work as they could.”

Each year, SYE meets an integral part of RDA’s mission to work with residents, businesses, and institutions to develop a thriving Rosedale community, the RDA spokesman stated.