Category: Communities

Legends of Speed Fan Festival planned May 8-10 at Legends Outlets

In conjunction with race weekend, Legends Outlets will hold an inaugural “legends of Speed” Fan Festival in conjunction with the NASCAR Spring Cup Series May 8-10 at the Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kan.

The festival will feature NASCAR driver autographs, race car display, kids play zone, rock climbing wall, and food and retailer vendors.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 8 through May 10.

Schedule:

Thursday, May 8

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  – Army rock climbing wall and Humvee on display (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Several tents featuring various retail, home repair and food vendors (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Autograph session with the NASCAR Camping Truck Series drivers (in the open marketplace at the west end of Legends Outlets by T-REX Café)

Pending confirmation. Drivers who are tentatively scheduled include:

•        Jennifer Jo Cobb
•        Matt Crafton
•        Jeb Burton
•        John Wes Townley
•        Timothy Peters
•        Brian Ickler
•        German Quiroga

Friday, May 9

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Army rock climbing wall and Humvee on display (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Several tents featuring various retail, home repair and food vendors (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)

Saturday, May 10

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Army rock climbing wall and Humvee on display (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  – Several tents featuring various retail, home repair and food vendors (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  – Race car display with 20-26 cars (in the southeast parking lot across from Sheridan’s)

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Kid play zone featuring crafts, games and activities (in the grassy area across from Panera Bread)

11 a.m. to noon  – Tentative autograph session with select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers (in the open marketplace at the west end of Legends Outlets by T-REX Café)

Pending confirmation. Drivers who are tentatively scheduled include:

•        Michael Annett
•        Reed Sorenson
•        Ryan Truex
•        Alex Bowman

For more details, visit:
http://www.legendsshopping.com/events-promotions/
http://legendsofspeed.net/

Climatologist: Don’t get caught in a storm without your helmet and tennis shoes

With severe weather on the way, it’s important to have a plan. A Kansas State University climatologist says that plan should include an emergency kit, including a helmet and tennis shoes.

“The best warning in the world with the most advance knowledge is not going to help if people don’t proactively respond to that and seek the shelter that they need,” said Mary Knapp, service climatologist in the university’s agronomy department.

Tornadoes have already taken several lives this year, and severe weather season is far from over. Knapp says it is critical to have a severe weather plan for you and your family, not only for your home but other places you are throughout the day like work and school. Also have an emergency kit ready to go. The kit should include food, water, a weather radio, cash and your medication. Having some type of helmet nearby also is useful.

“When they did an analysis of the Joplin tornado, one of the things that came to the attention of emergency management professionals was that there were a lot of head injuries,” Knapp said. “So put a bicycle helmet or another kind of protective head gear on during a tornado to reduce the risk of head injury from debris or falling structures.”

Knapp suggests getting underneath a sturdy support to avoid the debris during a tornado. Also, put on some tennis shoes to prepare for the large amount of debris following the storm.

“After an event like that, there’s a lot of broken glass all over the place,” Knapp said. “It can be in the carpet, it can be in the grass. Having sturdy shoes is your best protection. By sturdy shoes I don’t mean flip-flops, I mean tennis shoes or boots.”

Keep in mind that tornadoes are not the only threat that comes with severe weather. Flash flooding, hail and heavy winds also can be hazardous, so keep your eye on the sky and always have a plan.

Israel is 66 – Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration

Community-wide Israel Independence Day celebration takes place May 6
The Kansas City community is invited to celebrate the 66th anniversary of Israel at a celebration on Tuesday, May 6, in the social hall of the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St. in Overland Park, Kansas. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until around 8 p.m.
The modern nation – first recognized by Kansas City native son Harry Truman when he was president – turns 66 this month. Join Kansas City’s Jewish community as it celebrates Israel’s birthday with traditional Israeli food, music and dance. The program is free and sponsored by the Israel Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
This area has close ties with Israel – Kansas City, Missouri, has a sister city relationship with the city of Ramla, Israel, just outside of Tel Aviv. Leawood, Kansas, has a partnership with the Gezer Region in Israel.
The birthday celebration will feature Israeli food by created by Steve Ellenberg, fun kids’ activities, including Sifryat Pajama (Israeli PJ Library). Those attending the festivities will be able to take tourist-style photos in Israel (with the help of technology) and make care packages for Israel Defense Force soldiers. Live entertainment will include the Tizmoret Orchestra as well as the Encore Dance Troupe of the Jewish Community Center and the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Choir. Food is available for a nominal fee.
For more information, go to https://jewishkansascity.org/Events/2014-Events/May/Yom-HaAtzmaut-Celebration  or please contact Yahav Barnea, the local Israeli emissary at yahavb@jewishkc.org or 913-327-8124.