Author: Mary Rupert

Community calendar

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to Mary Rupert, editor, at news@wyandottepublishing.com and include your name and phone number.

UG scheduled to meet March 20

The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. March 20 at the Commission Chambers, City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. The UG Commission also will meet in a special session at 5 p.m. March 20 at the Commission Chambers. An agenda for the 7 p.m. meeting might be posted at www.wycokck.org.

Program to discuss how to recognize gambling problems

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., will hold a program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 24 on how to recognize gambling problems. This presentation will address how and when to get help for a gambling problem. It is presented by Chiquita Miller of K-State Extension. To register, call 913-906-8990.

Blood drive to be March 25

A blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Francisco Lounge, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kan. To register for this Community Blood Center blood drive, visit https://www.esavealifenow.

Program offered on ‘Letting Go of Life’s Disappointments’

“Letting Go of Life’s Disappointments” will be the topic of a program that meets on Tuesdays at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The group will meet at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. beginning March 25. A group of participants will explore their feelings and journey toward acceptance of loss and grief and eventual healing. Journals will be provided for those who do not have one. Meetings will be on Tuesday, March 25, April 1 and April 8. To register, call 913-906-8990.

Wyandotte County GOP to meet March 25

Heath Kohl with the Kansas Republican Party will be the guest speaker at the Wyandotte County GOP town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. March 25 at the Frontier Steakhouse, 94th and State Avenue. Those attending may arrive early to have dinner. Sen. Clark Schultz and David Powell, candidates for insurance commissioner, will be future speakers. Brandon Kenig with the Young Republicans will speak in April.

Community meeting planned on education March 27

“How Best to Access Success in Wyco,” a community meeting, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 27 at the Dr. Thomas Burke Technical Education Center at Kansas City Kansas Community College, 65th and State Avenue. A panel discussion will be sponsored by El Centro, KCKCC Advancement Council and MainStream Coalition on kindergarten through 16th year education in Wyandotte County and the effect of recent Kansas legislation. Partnerships in the Wyandotte education community that help students succeed will be discussed. There will be a voter registration booth. Guest speakers include Ed Marquez, director of admissions, Donnelly College; Superintendent Cynthia Lane, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools; Joy Engel, assistant superintendent of the Turner Public Schools. The moderator is KCKCC President Doris Givens. To register for the program, visit www.mainstreamcoalition.org under “Upcoming Events.” Reservations are requested by not required.

UG scheduled to meet March 27

The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. March 27 at City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. Several planning and zoning items are expected to be considered. An agenda for the meeting might be posted at www.wycokck.org.

CFI to sponsor recycling event

The Coalition for Independence will have a one-day recycled durable medical equipment extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 at the CFI offices, 4911 State Ave. All current inventory will\  be available. The not-for-profit agency provides a low-cost alternative to purchasing new equipment for individuals. Items include walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, bath benches and grab bars. Donations of used equipment in good condition also are being accepted.

Program offered on diversifying markets for farmers markets

A program on “Diversifying Markets: Farmers Market,” Wholesale and Farm School, will be offered March 31 in Kansas City, Mo. The program has assistance from K-State Research and Extension. For more information, visit www.growinggrocers.org.

Created Equal Film Series – Part I – opens April 1

Marking historic anniversaries of the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington, this film series explores facets of Civil Rights history. A portion of the documentary “Slavery By Another Name” will be screened. The event is at 6 pm April 1 at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave. There will be a discussion a moderated by Clarence Lang, professor of African and African-American Studies, and American Studies at the University of Kansas. Created Equal is a program of the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the NEH with the Kansas Humanities Council.

Financial literacy for seniors: Adapting and adjusting for retirement

A financial literacy program will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 3 at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Attend this informative presentation about financial matters for seniors and retirement. Presented in partnership with Heartland Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo Bank. To register, call 913-906-8990.

Eleven ways you may be sabotaging your planters and baskets

A program on taking care of planters and baskets will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Sunflower Meeting Room, Wyandotte County Extension office 1208 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The program will be presented by Kaw Valley Nursery, Manhattan Kan. It is sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Those attending may bring their lunches. There is a $5 fee for the class. Registration is not required. For information, call 913-299-9300.

Blood drive to be April 4

A blood drive will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 4 at Sumner Academy, old gym, 1610 N. 8th, Kansas City, Kan. To register for this Community Blood Center blood drive, visit https://www.esavealifenow.

Created Equal Film Series continues April 4

The Created Equal Film Series – Part II – will continue at 6 p.m. April 4 at the Main Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave.  The program will focus on the Freedom Rides of 1961, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights struggle. There will be a screening of selected scenes from “Freedom Riders” followed by a discussion moderated by Clarence Long, professor of African and African-American studies, and American studies at the University of Kansas. Created Equal is a program of the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the NEH with the Kansas Humanities Council.

ServSafe Course to be April 8

A ServSafe Course will be Tuesday, April 8, at K-State Research and Extension, Wyandotte County office, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. This course is for everyone who handles any type of food service or group meals. Also, it is for those interested in food service employment. The cost is $10, which includes class materials and workbook. The deadline for registration is April 1 because of limited seating and workbooks. Contact Lori Wuellner at 913-299-9300 or email lwuellne@ksu.edu.

Blood drive scheduled April 21

A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at the Sacred Heart Home Health Care, 7735 Washington Ave., Kansas City, Kan.  To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners annual plant sale to be May 2-3

The annual plant sale of the Wyandotte County Master Gardeners will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 2, and 9 a.m. to noon (or as long as inventory is left) Saturday, May 3, at the Wildcat Room, Wyandotte County Extension office, 1200 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The Wyandotte County Master Gardeners will offer tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, herbs, and other vegetable and fruit plants started by the members, and collections of perennials, annuals, Kansas native wildflowers and ornamental grasses. New to the sale this year will be succulent plants, gently used books and gardening supplies. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with selections and answer gardening questions. For information, call 913-299-9300.

Program covers post-harvest handling

A program for gardeners and those who raise food on “Post-Harvest Handling” will take place on May 12 in Kansas City, Kan. The program is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension. For more information, visit www.growinggrocers.org.

African-American Art Festival planned Aug. 9

The MoKan African-American Art Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Quindaro Park, 35th and Sewell, Kansas City, Kan. Those attending the free event may bring a blanket, enjoy artwork, stilt walkers Gullah basket weathers, African drummers and dancers, food and vendors. For more information about having an art exhibit there or being a vendor, contact 913-788-7330.

Downtown healthy campus idea moving forward

by Mike Sherry, KHI News Service

The southern vista from Big Eleven Lake — situated along one of the busiest streets in Kansas City, Kan. — features the crescent roof of a self-service car wash and the clutter of an auto body shop wedged onto a tiny corner lot.

On Tuesday, the litter along the lake’s muddy bank included an empty bottle of peach vodka and a crumpled pack of Pall Malls.

Down the hill was fisherman Alvin Suttington, a KCK native who said the park is a relaxing, convenient amenity for urban families.

But, he said, “It would be better if (municipal officials) kept it up better.”

Suttington might get his wish – and then some – under a plan from KCK Mayor Mark Holland that would transform the park, along North 11th Street between State Avenue and Washington Boulevard.

“My vision is nothing short of a national model for healthy living in an urban area,” Holland said.

Conversation starter

Since unveiling the idea in his State of the Government address a few weeks ago, the mayor said it has lit a fire in the community.

“As I talk to people, people are like, ‘This is great. Is there more that could be done? What if we did more green space? What if we looked at some housing options that would create some additional synergy for the grocery store and for the campus?’” he said. “So the dreaming has really grown.”

It was the possibility of that new grocery store, and a new community center, that sparked the idea for the healthy campus, Holland said.

Separate studies — one by a consultant hired by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., and the other by the YMCA of Greater Kansas City — identified 10th Street and State Avenue as an ideal corner for a downtown market and a fitness operation.

Holland said Healthy Communities Wyandotte added further context to his idea.

The Unified Government initiated that effort five years ago after Wyandotte County came in last in a health ranking of all 105 Kansas counties.

Aided by philanthropic funding, the Unified Government has hired a design firm to develop a master plan for the healthy campus.

Holland said he hoped the firm could complete its work by the middle of this year.

‘Corridor of success’

Taken together, he said, the grocery store and the community center likely would represent an investment of about $30 million in that part of the city. Holland said developers could break ground on both projects within the next few years.

Where the healthy campus goes from there is anyone’s guess, he said, but the hope is that the initial construction spurs more investment.

“That is part of the goal here,” Holland said, “and really tying it down to Fifth Street and creating a corridor of success in our downtown.”

Holland said the Unified Government has been working for three years with a developer who is interested in building a grocery store around 10th and State.

But even with the promise of financial incentives from the government, Holland said the two sides still are trying to bridge a funding gap.

With the community center, Holland is looking to forge a partnership with the YMCA.

One of his biggest priorities for the facility is an Olympic-size swimming pool, which he said could host youth swim meets and open cost-sharing possibilities with public and private schools.

The Unified Government Board of Commissioners has earmarked $6 million for a new community center in the area. In a resolution passed Aug. 1, 2013, by the UG Commission, the UG pledged to contribute up to $6 million if the YMCA could first raise $6 million for the project, and also if a development agreement can be reached between the two. Holland said that commitment, allocated from casino proceeds, is a way for downtown KCK to benefit from the thriving business and entertainment district in the western part of the city.

Holland also would like to have a health care provider be part of the healthy campus, though that idea is in the formative stage.

‘Put health front and center’

Jerry Jones and Katherine Kelly are among the health advocates excited by the mayor’s idea. Jones is executive director of the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County, and Kelly is executive director of Cultivate Kansas City, a nonprofit that promotes urban agriculture through programs such as Gibbs Road Farm in Kansas City, Kan.

The healthy campus would help “to really put health front and center for the folks in Wyandotte County,” Jones said, adding that it was exciting to see health play a role in economic development.

In addition to Kelly’s role with Cultivate Kansas City, she leads the Nutrition Action Team for Healthy Communities Wyandotte.

She said Holland’s concept already has her brainstorming about possibilities for the healthy campus. Kelly would love for the grocery store to stock locally grown produce, and she said it would be great for green space to feature edible landscaping, such as fruit trees that provide both shade and healthy food for the neighborhood.

Kelly also could envision a greenhouse on the campus like the one Cultivate Kansas City has at the Gibbs Road Farm.

The healthy campus, she said, would be a “big, visible, strong statement that health is composed not only of medical services. It is really modeling for what a healthy community should look like and what are all the components that should be there.”

A better Big Eleven

As for Big Eleven Lake, Suttington, the fisherman, said it’s a fine place for him to practice when he doesn’t have the gas or the money to make it out to other lakes. The park would be even better, he said, with more picnic tables and a parking lot. He would not get any disagreement from the mayor.

“Big Eleven Lake needs some work,” Holland said. “It needs a face-lift.”

The KHI News Service is an editorially independent initiative of the Kansas Health Institute. It is supported in part by a variety of underwriters. The News Service is committed to timely, objective and in-depth coverage of health issues and the policy-making environment. More about the News Service at khi.org/newsservice or contact 785-233-5443.

www.khi.org/news

KCKCC’s Harbert earns All-America honorable mention

Cassidy Harbert (KCKCC photo)

by Alan Hoskins

While one of the biggest thieves in the Jayhawk Conference, Kansas City Kansas Community College freshman Cassidy Harbert’s passion for giving rather than receiving has earned her honorable mention on the 2014 Community College All-America Team chosen by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

Harbert is one of just three players from the Jayhawk Conference earning WBCA honors.

She was joined on the honorable mention list by sophomore guards Timeka O’Neal and Sameia Kendall, who led Johnson County to a 30-2 record and No. 2 national ranking.

No Jayhawk player was named to the 10-member All-America team.

A 5-6 point guard from Wichita Northwest, Harbert led the Jayhawk Conference in assists this past season with 6.32 a game and was third in steals with 3.42 per contest.

Her 197 assists are the most ever by a Lady Blue Devil freshman and second only to the 207 recorded by All-American Aneta Kausaite in 1995-1996.

In addition, Harbert was third in scoring with a 9.7-point average, the Blue Devils’ leader in 3-point field goal percentage (.446), second in rebounding (6.9) and third among the leaders in overall field goal percentage (.432).

Harbert’s season was highlighted by one triple double – 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists – against Westminster and she just missed triple doubles by one assist in one game and two assists or two rebounds in two others among her eight double doubles.

“Very, very deserving,” said KCKCC coach Valerie Stambersky. “She did everything for us, led fast breaks, got the ball up the floor, rebounded and scored. A player who played with an edge, something that’s hard to coach. Either you have it or you don’t and she did.”

The All-America selection was particularly gratifying to the KCKCC coaching staff after Jayhawk Conference coaches ignored Harbert on the all-conference team.

She did receive honorable mention on the All-Region VI team.

“Statistics don’t lie but apparently they were ignored in the conference voting,” Stambersky said.

The Blue Devils finished No. 20 in the NJCAA Division II rankings with a 24-8 record with six of the eight losses coming to teams ranked in the Top 5 nationally. The 24 wins are the most since the 1996-1997 season.