Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2009

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	APRIL - 2009 South Portion of Shawnee Mission Park's Loop Road Reopens April 10 following Construction project The southern main loop road around Shawnee Mission Park reopened on April 10 following substantial completion of a construction project, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials announced. The southern portion of the park's John Barkley Drive between the south Walnut Grove Picnic area and the Radio Controlled (RC) Flying Field closed on January 7 for a stormwater improvement project within the park which was undertaken and funded by the city of Lenexa. The project involved installing a larger stormwater culvert under John Barkley Drive immediately to the east of the turnoff to the parking lot at the south Walnut Grove picnic area. An additional detention basin, or forebay, was also constructed immediately south of Barkley Drive near Shelter #9, also near the south Walnut Grove parking lot. The city's project also includes culvert work within the Parkhurst subdivision to the south of the park. The primary goal of the project is to provide improved stormwater management from the new City Center development near the intersection of Renner Road and 87th Street, through flood prevention and wildlife habitat and water quality improvements. This project follows and complements a major water quality improvement project completed by the park district in late 2007. That project involved installation of a wetlands area at the southeast corner of Shawnee Mission Park Lake and installation of a primary forebay west of the north Walnut Grove area. back to top Library announces dates, location For popular Annual Used Book Sale The Johnson County Library will hold the 2009 Annual Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book Sale in cooperation with Friends of the Library at Metcalf South Shopping Center, 9635 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS, in early June. Sale dates and hours will be: Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A “Friends of Library Member Only” Preview Sale will be held on Tuesday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. which requires a current Friends of the Library membership card which may be purchased at the sale or Friends Used book stores located at Antioch and Blue Valley Neighborhood libraries. According to Marsha Bennett, Community Relations Coordinator for Johnson County Library, the popular Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book Sale is one of the biggest and best book sales in the region. “Thousands of boxes of gently used books and audiovisual materials will be moved to the shopping center for the sale. Most items are priced at $1.00 and 50 cents each with some items specially marked,” she stated. “The sale is very popular and provides a great opportunity to stock up on books, videos, CDs, books on tape at bargain prices. According to Bennett this is a great community recycling event. “Not only are items weeded from the library’s collection offered at the sale, but donations from the community make up about 60 to 70% of the items at the sale,” Bennett said. “We see more people who are budgeting during this economic downturn are shopping for those gently used books to read and enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on reading materials at fantastic prices. Books are sorted by category so people can easily find their area of interest or favorite authors. People do not go away empty handed; there is something for everyone.” Proceeds from the sale benefit the library. Last year’s sale, the largest in the 20-year history of the sale raised over $79,000.00. “We are very pleased that the Metcalf South Shopping Center is donating the space again this year. We look forward to having the sale in a convenient location with ample parking for the large crowds,” Bennett stated. “Hundreds of volunteers work all year long getting materials ready for the sale.” In addition to materials retired from the library’s collection, donated items from the public will also be offered for sale. The Friends of the Library are accepting the following donated items in good condition for the sale until May 1: • Hardback and paperback books for adults and children • Fiction and non fiction books • Coffee table type books on any subject • Books and music on CD • Movies and Video on VHS and DVD’s and instructional videos • Music CDs, books on tape • Textbooks, business and computer books • Cookbooks, craft books, repair manuals Items may be donated at the following library locations: • Antioch Neighborhood Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam • Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park • Cedar Roe Neighborhood Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park • Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park • Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village • Gardner Neighborhood Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner • Lackman Neighborhood Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa • Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park • Shawnee Neighborhood Library, 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee For larger donations (more than one bag or box) please bring to the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please ring bell near the staff entrance on the west side for assistance. The following items are not accepted: • Books that are water damaged, moldy or have missing pages • Magazines and newspapers • LP records and music cassettes • Encyclopedias over 10 years old In addition to the annual book sale, the Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library cosponsor smaller book sales and operate two used book stores which are open year round, one at the Antioch Library and one at the Blue Valley Library. Founded in 1956, the Friends of the Johnson County Library has provided more than 50 years of support to the Johnson County Library. To join the Friends and support the Library, visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends, call (913) 261-2319 or pick up membership information at any Johnson County Library location. back to top New Yoga & Climbing Camp offered for women on April 11 Women are invited to "unleash their inner daredevil" during a new yoga and climbing workshop being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in early April at the TimberRidge Adventure Center. The program is called Yoga & Climbing Camp for Women and is for ages 18 and older. Under the direction of Park Naturalist Molly Postlewait, participants will learn to use the power of ancient yoga movements to discover their strength as a climber. "Climbing and yoga are similar in that they can both be intimidating, but they are both empowering activities and we will be amazed at what we find we can do," Postlewait said. She added that both activities use graceful motions and require and help build flexibility and strength. The day will start with intensive stretching and body awareness exercises, followed by climbing on elements of TimberRidge's Hawk's Nest Climbing Tower, and concluding with more stretching exercises. From beginning to experienced, climbers will get to choose their own level of challenge. Participants should bring a sack lunch. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "adventure" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. The cost for one six -hour workshop is $45 for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents. Preregistration is required and participants must complete a health and liability form before participating. TimberRidge is located at 12300 South Homestead Lane, Olathe, accessible via an entrance which is separate from and south of the main entrance to Kill Creek Regional Park. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information about this program, call Park Naturalist Molly Postlewait at (913) 764-8580 ext. 26. To register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Healthcare Decisions Day Event at Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library in cooperation with Saint Luke’s Health System will provide tables with information on the importance of healthcare decisions on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Staff from Saint Luke’s as well as attorneys and care givers will be available to answer questions relating to health care decisions such as long term care, guardianships, living wills, end of life issues, advance directives and other related topics. Assistance will be provided for completing forms for advance directives and notaries will also be available. In addition, certified financial planners from the Society of Financial Awareness will be volunteering their time to talk about the financial aspects of end-of life issues. Information will also be provided by the library. April 16, 2009 is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) and highlights the importance of advance healthcare decision-making. NHDD organizers are encouraging organizations and individuals throughout the country to help raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning on this special day—and throughout the year. To help realize this goal, they have created a Web site with information and tools for the public to talk about future healthcare decisions and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living wills) in accordance with their applicable state laws. Visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org. “As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known,” said Lisa Louis, Community Engagement Librarian at Johnson County Library. “Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so.” As a participating organization Johnson County Library is providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with state laws. For more information contact Lisa Louis at 913-495-2421. Library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. back to top New Mad Science® Preschool Sampler II begins April 18 A second new series of fun science workshops for young children is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with Mad Science®, a private science education firm. The program is called Mad Science® Preschool Sampler II and is for ages three to five. Each of the five workshops will cover a different topic. Participants will learn about: the properties of air, the attraction of magnets; music and how vibrations are generated; water and all the sinking, floating and surface tension it involves; and the mysteries of the weather. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "science" to find these programs in the JCPRD's online listings. The program will take place from 10 a.m. Saturday beginning April 18 at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland, Dr., Shawnee. The cost for five 45-minute sessions is $50 per person for Johnson County residents or $55 per person for nonresidents. Mad Science® Preschool Sampler I was offered in February and March of this year and covered a different set of topics. Attendance at those earlier workshops is not a prerequisite for the new sampler program. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top April teen events abound At Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library will provide several outstanding events for teens during April. Big Read Writing Contest: The Johnson County Library has partnered with the libraries of greater KC this year to provide the entire metro area the opportunity to participate in the Big Read. For teens the Johnson County Library is offering a metro-wide writing contest. Teens can write a short story or poem (1,200 words or less) in the style of their favorite author and submit them to their local library system. Each metro library system will choose two winners who will be invited to a breakfast with local KC authors. The winning teens will be entered into a metro-wide contest to be published in the Kansas City Star and a gift card to Barnes and Nobles. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2009. A completed submission form must accompany every entry. Entries must be typed and double-spaced with a 1,200-word limit. Writers must be between the ages of 12 and 18: prizes will be awarded in two categories—for those ages 12 to 14 and those ages 15 to 18.Interested teens should check out the Big Read Website at www.kcbigread.org for contest details and submission forms. Teen Art Spectacular: The Johnson County Central Resource Library Young Adult Advisory Council is hosting a Teen Art Spectacular for teen artists. This is an opportunity for teens to submit their art (sketches, paintings, sculptures, textiles, etc) and have them displayed at the Teen Art Spectacular Reception at the Central Resource Library, 9875 w.87th St., Overland Park, May 2-4. Admissions will be accepted from April 1- May 1. More information is available on the website at www.jocoteenscene.org/spectacular. Teen Fashion Show: The Johnson County Library is hosting a Teen Fashion Show at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, on Saturday, April 18th, from 7-9 pm. The event will showcase designs created by Blue Valley Academy, Broadmoor Technical School Harmony Middle School and Shawnee Mission Northwest students as well as teens from around Johnson County and the metro. See details and info about past fashion shows at www.jocoteenscene.org/fashion. Library programs are free and open to the public; no registration required. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. back to top Water Park Lifeguard Training for ages 15 and older starts April 19 A lifeguard training class geared specifically for water park lifeguards is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning on April 19 Water Park Lifeguard Training is for ages 15 and older. Like those in the regular lifeguarding classes, participants will learn skills required for performing water rescues in life-threatening situations, as well as information specific to a water park environment. This class is required for most lifeguard jobs. Participants must be capable of demonstrating good skill performances of ALL swimmer level requirements before enrolling. CPR and First Aid training is included in the class. Attendance at all six sessions is mandatory. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "water safety" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at 2 p.m. Sunday beginning April 19 at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for four eight-hour sessions is $168 for Johnson County residents or $185 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Library Kicks off 2009 Big Read The Johnson County Library will join with the libraries of Greater Kansas City to launch the 2009 Big Read program in celebration of Tobias Wolff’s Old School. A kick-off event will be held on Saturday, April 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. the Legends Shopping Center, 1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS. Rock out with the Krazy Kats, who will be playing hits from the 1960s—the era depicted in Old School—by the scenic courtyard fountain at the Legends Shopping Center. While enjoying the music, learn more about Big Read activities and book groups—and purchase a copy of the book. The Krazy Kats is a KC-based trio that has been playing since the 1950s. Front man Lee Dresser has toured the world with Capitol Records and worked with such artists as Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, and the Oak Ridge Boys. This event is brought to you by the Johnson County Library, Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, and Olathe Public Library. Tobias Wolff's Old School is the story of an ambitious, idealistic, and insecure teenager who makes a serious mistake and eventually inherits the consequences. Wolff's unnamed narrator seems so very real that it is hard at times to remember that the book is fiction. The gripping plot has the unpredictability of real life—by turns funny, alarming, satiric, and sad—as well as the moral weight of lived experience. Old School is the first Big Read selection to have been published in the twenty-first century. With writers like Tobias Wolff at work it's easy to be optimistic about the future of American literature. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest and is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. This year, the libraries of the Greater Kansas City (Johnson County Library, Kansas City (MO) Public Library, Kansas City Kansas Public Library, Mid- Continent Public Library, North Kansas City Public Library, and Olathe Public Library) are joining together to promote Kansas City’s BigRead. Check out the Web site at: www.kcbigread.org to learn about events, contests and other BigRead activities throughout the metro area. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Special programs during April and May 2009 sponsored by Johnson County Library to coincide with the 2009 Big Read project include: Johnson County Library Book Discussions Participants are encouraged to read Old School prior to the book discussion session. Circulating copies of Old School are available for check out at all Kansas City metropolitan libraries. Free Reader’s Guides prepared by the National Endowment for the Arts are also available at all library locations. Sessions last for approximately one hour and are facilitated by experienced book group leaders. Saturday, April 11 • 10 a.m. Shawnee Neighborhood Library 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS (913) 962-3800 Thursday, April 16 • 1:30 p.m. Cedar Roe Neighborhood Library 5120 Cedar in Roeland Park, KS (913) 384-8590 Tuesday, April 28 • 9 a.m. Johnson County Library Blue Valley Neighborhood Library 9000 W. 151st St. in Overland Park, KS (913) 495-3850 Wednesday, April 29 • 7 p.m. Johnson County Central Resource Library 9875 W.87th St. in Overland Park, KS (913) 495.2400 Wednesday, May 6 • 1:30 p.m. Johnson County Library Oak Park Neighborhood Library 9500 Bluejacket in Overland Park, KS (913) 752-8700 Wednesday, May 27 • 1:30 p.m. Johnson County Library Gardner Neighborhood Library 137 E. Shawnee in Gardner, KS (913) 856-7223 Short Story Writing Workshop Saturday, April 18 • 3 p.m. Johnson County Central Resource Library 9875 W. 87th St. in Overland Park, KS (913) 495-2400 This writing workshop will focus on the short story format, offering tips and techniques for new writers. Attendees should bring paper and pencil or a laptop. Mary-Lane Kamberg is the presenter and author of The I Love to Write Book and is director of a summer writing camp for young writers. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Kansas and has published dozens of articles, short stories and eleven books, including Bono: Fighting World Hunger and Poverty. For more information on the Big Read program and activities at Johnson County Library, please visit www.jocolibrary.org/bigread. No registration is required for the programs. For more information call (913) 495-2400. Johnson County Library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available for all Johnson County Library programs. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event. 2009 Big Read Special Events: Teen Writing Contest The central plot of Old School revolves around a clique of teenage student writers as they attempt to impress some of the great authors of their time with works of their own. Inspired by The Big Read, the Libraries of Greater Kansas City are issuing a call to teenage writers in our area to submit a short story written in the style of a favorite author. Contest winners will be invited to a brunch with local Kansas City authors and see their stories featured on library web sites, amongst other prizes. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2009. A completed submission form must accompany every entry. Entries must be typed and double-spaced with a 1,200-word limit. Writers must be between the ages of 12 and 18: prizes will be awarded in two categories—for those ages 12 to 14 and those ages 15 to 18. For more information visit www.kcbigread.org. Big Read on the Air Starting April 6, tune in to KKFI for The Big Read on the Air every weekday at 11:30 a.m. for a half-hour installment featuring some of Kansas City’s most notable public officials, community leaders, and media personalities as they read from our Big Read selection. This serial reading concludes on April 28. A panel discussion will be held in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theatre at Park University, located at 8700 NW River Park Drive in Parkville, Missouri and will explore the lives and works of Robert Frost, Ernest Hemingway, and Ayn Rand – the three celebrated writers depicted in Old School. This presentation includes: Jonathan Barron, president of the Robert Frost Society; Suzanne del Gizzo, board member of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation and Society; and Jeff Britting, archivist for the Ayn Rand Institute. Presented by Mid-Continent Public Library and the North Kansas City Public Library. A Conversation with Tobias Wolff Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. Meet author Tobias Wolff who will discuss the Big Read selection and his literary career with Angela Elam of New Letters on the Air, who will record the conversation before a live audience for later broadcast. This presentation is a Bradbury Speaker Series event. Presented by the Kansas City Public Library and held at the Plaza Branch, located at 4801 Main St. back to top Get Organized with Cutting Clutter seminar on April 21 Are you overwhelmed by clutter? If so, come meet a professional organizer through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Cutting Clutter and is for ages 18 and older. Participants will receive tips on how and where to start, how to sort and categorize possessions, and prepare you to tackle your most intimidating clutter. Students will receive a Personal Organizational Self-Assessment form to help prioritize their possessions, as well as organizational tools. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "special interest" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one two-hour session is $12 for Johnson County residents or $13 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Sailing I Class offered for adults beginning April 21 Learn the basic skills of sailing through a class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Sailing I is for ages 18 and older. Participants will learn about types of boats, launching techniques, docking, maintenance, and safety. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "boating" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Sailing I consists of two indoor lecture sessions and four water sessions. The indoor sessions will take place beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 23, at the John Barkley Visitors Center near the entrance to Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. The water sessions will take place at 9 a.m. on four consecutive Saturdays beginning April 25 at Shawnee Mission Park Lake. The cost for six two-hour sessions $61 per person for Johnson County residents or $67 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top South Portion of Shawnee Mission Park's Loop Road Reopens April 10 following construction project The southern main loop road around Shawnee Mission Park reopened on April 10 following substantial completion of a construction project, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials announced. The southern portion of the park's John Barkley Drive between the south Walnut Grove Picnic area and the Radio Controlled (RC) Flying Field closed on January 7 for a stormwater improvement project within the park which was undertaken and funded by the city of Lenexa. The project involved installing a larger stormwater culvert under John Barkley Drive immediately to the east of the turnoff to the parking lot at the south Walnut Grove picnic area. An additional detention basin, or forebay, was also constructed immediately south of Barkley Drive near Shelter #9, also near the south Walnut Grove parking lot. The city's project also includes culvert work within the Parkhurst subdivision to the south of the park. The primary goal of the project is to provide improved stormwater management from the new City Center development near the intersection of Renner Road and 87th Street, through flood prevention and wildlife habitat and water quality improvements. This project follows and complements a major water quality improvement project completed by the park district in late 2007. That project involved installation of a wetlands area at the southeast corner of Shawnee Mission Park Lake and installation of a primary forebay west of the north Walnut Grove area. back to top New Geocaching Treasure Hunt for 50 Plus set for April 22 at Kill Creek Park Come experience a treasure hunting game played in the great outdoors at Kill Creek Park during a new geocaching program being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for users of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The basic idea of this program is for participants to locate hidden containers, called geocaches and then share their experience over lunch. GPS units will be provided, along with a brief "how to" overview. Geocaching is enjoyed by people all over the world, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "adventure" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Geocaching Treasure Hunt will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at Kill Creek Park, 11670 South Homestead Lane, Olathe. The cost for one two-hour adventure, including a box lunch, is $17 per person for Johnson County residents or $19 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top La Grande Birding Fiesta is April 25 at Ernie Miller Nature Center A south-of-the-border fiesta to welcome back hummingbirds, orioles, warblers, and other feathered friends after their winter vacation in Latin America is the theme of a special event scheduled in late April at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Now in its sixth year, this free event is called the La Grande Birding Fiesta. It is being held in conjunction with Outdoor Kansas Kids Day (OK Kids), a program of the Kansas Wildscape Foundation and will include activities appropriate for school-age children with an adult, beginning bird watchers, and scout groups. Planned activities include guided hikes through Ernie Miller Park where participants can learn the basics of bird watching. Participants will also be able to visit bird-related information booths and children’s activity stations; see live birds of prey; learn how to attract birds to their yards; and have an opportunity to make a hummingbird feeder to take home. There will also be door prizes and giveaways donated by the sponsors. In the event of rain, booths and stations will be moved indoors. This program will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway (intersection of Harold/127th and K-7) in Olathe. For more information, contact Park Naturalist Elaine Giessel at the Nature Center at (913) 764-8580 ext. 27. Outdoor Kansas Kids Day provides an opportunity for children across Kansas to experience various outdoor activities. For many, it will be an introduction to the beauty and enjoyment of the outdoors. For others, it will be a reawakening or reinforcing of their outdoor interests. Wild Birds Unlimited is a local sponsor for the event. back to top New Stage Management Workshop for adults is April 25 The stage manager is one of the most important members of a theatre production team and a new workshop will teach adults about some of the most important elements of being a great stage manager. The program is called Stage Management Workshop and is being offered for ages 15 and older by staff of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's The Theatre in the Park. Topics to be covered include effective communication, the rehearsal process, documentation, cues, blocking, creating a good work environment and much more. Participant will also receive several templates and worksheets to enhance their skills. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Stage Management Workshop will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The cost for one three-hour workshop is $25 per person for Johnson County residents or $28 per person for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Breakfast & Bargain Bonanza is April 25 at RPCC A huge community garage sale is being planned for April 25 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The program is called Breakfast & Bargains Bonanza and is will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast supplied by Chris Cakes. The sale also begins at 8 a.m. and will continue until 1 p.m. This is a great way to get rid of unwanted possessions and earn some extra money without having to clean the garage, advertise, or worry about disposing of unsold items. Indoor 8-foot by 8-foot spaces are available for $15 or outdoor spaces consisting of two parking spaces are offered for $12. Six-foot tables and coat racks can be rented for $5 each. After the sale, arrangements have been made to donate any leftover items you don’t want to a local charity. To reserve sales space, call (913) 826-3160. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "garage sale" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. There is no charge for browsers on the day of the sale. Tickets for breakfast, which will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., are $6 in advance at the Roeland Park Community Center or $7 on the day of the event. The JCPRD’s ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. back to top New Trucks and Big Rigs for Kids event coming to The Theatre in the Park on April 25 Kids can get an up-close look at big rigs and tractors during a new special event being planned by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The event is called Trucks and Big Rigs for Kids and will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at The Theatre in the Park. Participants can see what the insides of these vehicles look like. This event is for all ages, but parents are encouraged to bring their little ones out to meet and greet trucks, tractors, construction, and city vehicles up close. They'll have the opportunity to crawl, climb, and sit in the driver's seat while visiting with the real-life operators of these vehicles. Admission is free for ages 12 and under and $4 for adults. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "special event" to find this program in the District's Activities catalog and online listings. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Author coming to Ernie Miller Nature Center for Fishing Fun Story Time program on April 25 Award-winning author Judy Young is coming to the Ernie Miller Nature Center on April 25 as part of a new program called Fishing Fun Story Time. Young will read from her book, "H is for Hook, A Fishing Alphabet." The author will also share a fishing rap, as well as the story behind the book and great fishing information. There will be a book signing afterwards. The event will also afford participants an opportunity to check out live fish in the nature center's Kansas stream aquarium, and to teach kids fishing basics and open the door to a lifetime of healthy outside activities. There will be lots of "fishy fun" geared toward age four and older, including snacks, games, and crafts. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "fishing" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. This program will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. The program is free in conjunction with Outdoor Kansas Kids, but reservations are required. For reservations, call (913) 764-7759. The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Mildale Farm Community Day Set For April 25 The public will have an opportunity to fish and explore the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Mildale Farm property during a Mildale Farm Community Day set for April 25. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will give interested parties access to the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property in southwest Johnson County as well as to about 136 acres which are actually part of the adjacent 578 acres of agricultural property, all of which was purchased by the District in 2005. Visitors should park in the large lot behind Mildale Farm's main barn. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "family fun" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The public can practice catch-and-release fishing in any or all of seven ponds within the 158-acre area. While District fishing permits have been waived for this event, anglers 16 and older will still need to have a Kansas fishing license. District officials do not know the full stocking history of the ponds at Mildale, but previous public events have shown that the main pond contains largemouth bass and channel catfish. No organized activities are planned, but visitors can explore and picnic on the grounds. The centerpiece of the Mildale Farm property, the high-quality equestrian-style barn featuring peg construction and a hand-laid brick floor will be open. Restrooms will be available, but the property's two homes and other outbuildings will not be open during this event. Rules for this event will be posted and will be the same as park rules in place on other District properties. Among them: no alcohol, pets must be on-leash, and vehicles must remain on roadways. Park Police will be on hand to enforce these as well as the catch-and-release fishing provision. Mildale Farm is located at 35250 W. 199th St.. From the north, take Interstate 35 south to Exit 207. Turn left (south) and drive one mile to 199th Street. Turn right and proceed 3.5 miles to the Mildale Farm entrance. From the south, take Interstate 35 North to Exit 202. Turn left on Sunflower and proceed about two miles. Turn right on East Fourth in Edgerton and follow it for about three blocks. Turn right on Highway 56 Highway and make a second right on 199th Street. The farm entrance will be about a quarter-mile ahead on the left. For more information, contact Special Events Coordinator Keri Sanborn at (913) 236-1266. back to top Shawnee Mission Park Marina open weekends beginning April 25 & 26 The Shawnee Mission Park Marina is scheduled to operate on the weekends of April 25 and 26, May 2 and 3, May 9 and 10, May 16 and 17, and May 23 and 24 prior to opening daily for the summer season beginning May 30. The marina's weekend hours will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The marina offers boat rentals, including canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and fishing boats. Rental rates are listed on the District's website at www.jcprd.com Fishing permits are also available at the marina. Officials anticipate the marina will have its first full season this year since 2006. The 2007 season was shortened because the lake was drawn down in late July for a wetlands project on the lake's southeast end to improve the lake's water quality and fishery. Last, year, the marina was not able to open on weekends prior to opening daily because of installation of a new dock at the marina. Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road in Shawnee and Lenexa. For more information call (913) 422-5599. The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's other two marina operations, Kill Creek Park and Heritage Park, will open for their summer seasons on May 30. Kill Creek Park and Heritage Park, will close their summer seasons on Aug. 9 and Aug. 2, respectively. back to top Panzon's Restaurant to hold thirteenth Annual Fundraiser to benefit local Special Olympians on April 26 Panzon’s Mexican Restaurant, located at 8710 Lackman Road, Lenexa, will hold its twelfth annual fundraiser to benefit the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Special Olympics Program from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. For this event, the restaurant offers a taco dinner plate featuring four tacos, beans, rice, salsa and chips, and a soft drink for $8. Guacamole, cheese sauce, and alcoholic beverages are available for an additional charge. In addition, a number of items from local merchants will be raffled off during this time. Restaurant employees donate their time and Panzon’s donates the food and all proceeds to Special Olympics. In 2008, the four -hour event raised more than $11,000. This is one of the program’s two major annual fundraisers and proceeds are used to help with the cost of out-of-town Special Olympics trips. Dinner tickets can be purchased in advance from Special Populations Director Rebecca Meeks, (913) 236-1260, or are also available at the door on the day of the event. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "benefit event" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. back to top Free Duathlon and Triathlon Training Workshop is April 29 Want to know what kind of training is needed to prepare for a triathlon? A free workshop being offered by BikeSource and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help. During this workshop, experienced athletes, coaches, and staff at BikeSource will teach participants how to train for a duathlon and/or triathlon. Topics to be addressed include: nutrition, stretching techniques, and pointers on conditioning for each phase of a triathlon. Both seasoned and novice triathletes will learn from this free informational workshop. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "duathlon and triathlon" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The workshop will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 at BikeSource, 11500 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Because this event is limited to 30 participants, advanced registration is required. Call (913) 451-1515 to register. back to top Public invited to TimberRidge Adventure Center Open House on May 2 The public can come see and experience the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's TimberRidge Adventure Center during an Open House scheduled for May 2. Also on the same day, a related Open House for the center's 40-foot-tall Hawk's Nest Climbing Tower will give interested parties 12 and older who register in advance a free opportunity to experience the tower's two climbing walls. The TimberRidge Adventure Center is located at 12300 South Homestead Lane, Olathe, and is a 200+ acre facility adjacent to Kill Creek Park, which the District also owns and operates. TimberRidge, which was dedicated in late April of 2002, is accessible via an entrance which is separate from and south of the main entrance to Kill Creek Park. With the exception of this annual Open House, the facility is accessible only by reservation or as part of programming. The TimberRidge Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Climbing Tower Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The open house events are meant to give visitors an opportunity to explore the facility, which is used primarily for adventure and challenge programming, as well as for rental opportunities for a variety of events, including outdoor weddings, corporate events and picnics, and family reunions. Open House activities will include: kayaking, canoeing and pedal boating on Catfish Pond, the largest of TimberRidge's three ponds: and use of the facility's archery and BB gun ranges. Cops-n-Robbers, a local non profit organization with the goal of bringing kids, police, and the community together for educational and fun community events, will have a mobile station with rods, reels, and bait available. In addition, the center's trails will be open for hiking and there will be catch-and-release fishing in the ponds, however, participants 16 and older will need a Kansas fishing license. (Licenses will not be sold on-site.) Tours of the professionally-certified challenge course will also be available throughout the open house. The Challenge Course is central to TimberRidge and is used to promote problem solving, and enhance teamwork through safe and challenging situations. Those interested in climbing the Hawks Nest Tower on May 2 will be required to complete medical and liability releases prior to participating and children under the age of 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian. To register for this event, call (913) 856-8849. Climbing enrollment is limited to 40 people. The open house is also an opportunity to give the public a look at two other features of the facility including the Whispering Pine Shelter, which can accommodate groups of up to 200 people and the large curving deck on the back of the Welcome Center which can accommodate up to 80 people. For more information about the Open House or the TimberRidge Adventure Center, contact Adventure Program Coordinator Lysa Holladay at (913) 856-8849. back to top New Great American Family Campout, Spring Edition, is May 2 at TimberRidge Adventure Center Don't miss a chance to camp in one of the few remaining untouched areas in Johnson County. A new program being offered by the Children's Services Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District will give participants a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars at the TimberRidge Adventure Center. This event is called The Great American Family Campout, Spring Edition and will take place beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and will run through about 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 3. This event follows a similar event at Shawnee Mission Park last June which drew more than 300 people. This is a chance for both experienced and beginning campers to enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of TimberRidge during a time when the facility is typically closed to the public. Camping begins at 3 p.m., but participants are encouraged to come early and take part in the festivities of the TimberRidge Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open house activities will include canoes and pedal boats, BB gun and archery ranges, and tours of the professionally-certified challenge course. After 3 p.m., campers are welcome to hike on designated trails, fish in the catch and release ponds, roast a hot dog, and enjoy a good old-fashioned campfire. Children's Services staff will be on hand throughout the night and JCPRD Park Police will also have a presence. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "overnight " to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. TimberRidge Adventure Center is located at 12300 South Homestead Lane, Olathe, and is a 200+ acre facility adjacent to Kill Creek Park. TimberRidge is only accessible via an entrance which is south of the main entrance to Kill Creek Park. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, etc. Saturday evening dinner is not provided, but above-ground grills and firepits are allowed. Donuts, juice, and milk will be provided Sunday morning. The cost for this 20-hour event is $10 per person for adults and $5 per person for children three and up. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information about this program, contact Children's Services Specialist Rob Knaussman at (913) 236-1250. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. To register by phone, call (913) 831-3359. back to top First of Two Presentations of T.A.K.E. Self Defense Program on the Field at Kauffman Stadium is May 2 The first of two presentations of The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Self Defense Seminars on the playing field at Kauffman Stadium during the Royals' 2009 season will take place on May 2. The Kansas City Royals, 98.1 KUDL, and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) have teamed to present this free program. The seminar will take place beginning at 10 a.m. on May 2. Participants are being asked to complete a registration form they can find online at http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/community/take_defense.jsp and bring it with them, but officials said walk-in participants will be accepted on the day of the event. Both seminars are taking place Saturdays when the Royals are out of town. Two similar sessions in 2008 drew well over 700 people. Those planning to attend are asked to enter the stadium through Gate 2, park in Lot A, and proceed to Gate B. In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, those planning to attend are asked to call (913) 236-1290 to be advised of cancellation or rescheduling of the event. Participants should bring sunglasses and suntan lotion. Bottled water will be provided. The T.A.K.E. self-defense program represents a living legacy in honor of Ali Kemp, a 19-year-old Leawood resident who was murdered while working as a lifeguard at a neighborhood pool in Johnson County. The goal of the program is to raise awareness and to give women ages 12 and older the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming victims of violent crime. JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker said the first half-hour of the class, consisting of verbal instruction and talk about safety awareness, will take place with participants in the stands and with Leiker and her staff standing on top of a dugout. For the hands-on training portion, Leiker will move to a stage on the turf and participants will move onto the field. The program has been presented to more than 30,000 women and girls since mid-2004. An second on the field presentation of the T.A.K.E. seminar at Kauffman is scheduled for Sept. 19. back to top KC Wildlands sets May 2 workday at Ernie Miller Park A prairie remnant at Ernie Miller Park is one of three sites for community restoration work which will take place during a Kansas City Wildlands workday planned from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 2. Interested parties are invited to assist with prairie restoration efforts by removing invasive plants and by planting native flowers grown from locally-collected seed. This is a great opportunity to help with hands-on restoration and conservation work on the metro area's ever-dwindling wild acres. Participants should dress for the weather - long pants are suggested. KC WildLands will supply work gloves and drinking water. Some tools will be provided on-site, but participants are encouraged to bring their own loppers, small saws and hand shovels. Ernie Miller Park is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Similar workday projects will also take place simultaneously at two locations in Kansas City, Mo.: Jerry Smith Park prairie in South Kansas City and Rocky Point Glades in Kansas City's Swope Park. For additional information or to register for the May 2 workday, call KC Wildlands Coordinator Linda Lehrbaum, at (816) 561-1061 x116 or e-mail at linda@bridgingthegap.org The Johnson County Park and Recreation District has conducted similar workdays at Ernie Miller Park and other locations in the past in conjunction with KC WildLands, a conservation coalition initiated in 2001. The group is "a conservation coalition protecting biological diversity through citizen-based restoration of Kansas City's natural communities." Other charter members of the group include park and recreation agencies throughout the area, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Kansas Wildlife and Parks. back to top New Women's Run & Reflect program begins May 4 Providing an opportunity for women to nourish both body and soul is the aim of a new walking/running program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Women's Sunrise Run and Reflect and is for all ages. The Gary L. Haller Trail in the beautiful Mill Creek Streamway Park is the setting for this program, which will consist of 40 minutes of self-paced walking or running, 10 minutes of stretching and range-of-motion exercises, and concluding with a 10-minute reflection circle composed of short inspirational and motivating readings. Sign up solo, or with a friend or family member and prepare to be enriched by the experience. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "fitness" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning May 4 at the Barker Road Access to the Mill Creek Streamway Park, 5946 Barker Road, Shawnee. The cost for 12 60-minute sessions is $72 per person for Johnson County residents or $79 per person for nonresidents. Additional sessions of this program are set to start June 1, June 29, and July 27. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359 . To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Library and Friends group Announces Bookmark Design Contest winners The Johnson County Library and the Friends of the Johnson County Library are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Bookmark Design Contest. The annual contest is part of the Library’s celebration of National Library Week (April 12-18). Winners from each category are listed below: Preschool-Kindergarten:, Ryan Imhoff, 5, Overland Park Grades 1-2: Adit Agarwal, 6, Shawnee Grades 3-4: Anna Clements, 10, Shawnee, KS; Erika Lobo,10, Overland Park, KS, Grades 5-6: Betsy Cha, 11, Overland Park, KS; Erica Chang, 11, Olathe,KS; Riya Rana, 9, Overland Park, KS Grades 7-8: Halie Snider, 14, Lenexa, KS Grades 9-12: Christine Perinchery, 15, Leawood, KS Adults, ages 18 and up: Janice Haney, Gardner, KS The ten winning bookmarks were selected from over 425 entries received. Each of the 2008 design contest winners will receive $25 and copies of their bookmarks at the award ceremony during the April 15 Library Board Meeting held at 4:00 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park. The 2009 winning designs have been printed onto bookmarks and will be available at all Johnson County Library locations. For more information call (913) 261-2319. back to top With Spring comes an Increase in Animal Bites With more people outside enjoying the warm weather, there is an increased risk for animal bites. Last year there were 328 animal bites reported in Johnson County. “It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to take caution around all unfamiliar animals,” Lougene Marsh, Johnson County Health Department Director, said. Children less than 10 years old are the most likely victims. While most bites are to the hand or arm, children are more likely than others to be bitten on the head and neck. Animal bites can expose victims to saliva which may contain rabies. To minimize the risk for rabies, don’t handle any wildlife and call a professional to handle suspected sick wildlife. Many bites are sustained by well-intentioned individuals who approach an unfamiliar animal. JCHD urges all to follow these guidelines: Be cautious in approaching or contacting unfamiliar animals. Totally avoid contact with undomesticated or wild animals. Secure outside garbage to prevent attracting wild or stray animals. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Never engage in or encourage aggressive games with dogs. Do not disturb a dog or cat that is sleeping, eating, or caring for young. Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first. Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog. Never run from a dog and scream. If you are knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still. Do not try to corner a stray or roaming dog or cat yourself. Know how to reach your animal control officer. If bitten, contact a healthcare provider for information. Remember to vaccinate pets, as required by law. back to top Gracie Combative Course in Jiu-Jitsu offered beginning May 5 A class in jiu-jitsu is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in early May. The Gracie Combative Course in Jiu Jitsu is for ages 13 and older. In the late 1920s, Grand Master Helio Gracie created Gracie or Brazilian jiu-jitsu after he realized that he was physically too frail to utilize the traditional Japanese techniques. Proven over the last 80 years to be the most reliable system for a smaller person to defeat a larger, more athletic opponent, the techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are based on precise timing and effective use of leverage so that virtually anyone can do it, man or woman, regardless of their size or athletic ability. While there are more than 600 techniques in all, 36 techniques have been used more often and with greater success than all the other techniques combined. Each class is different and will cover two techniques. This program is offered one month at a time with eight classes each month consisting of eight one-hour sessions. It usually takes students two to three months to complete the course and to receive certification and move up in rank. No previous experience is required. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "jiu-jitsu" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Class will take place at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday beginning May 5. Classes take place at the Tae Kwon Do Academy, 7721 W. 151st St., Overland Park. Class cost for eight 60-minute lessons is $60 per person for Johnson County residents or $66 for nonresidents. Uniforms are provided. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, go to the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top New Stay at Home Mom Soccer League Offered beginning May 6 Stay at home moms can get together weekly to play a fun soccer game while their children participate in their own Happy Feet Soccer class during a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) Soccer League is for adults and their children, ages two to five, although adults can participate without having a child in the program. Games will be a non-competitive way to learn the game and practice soccer skills. This will be a great way to meet new friends and some mom time. While mom is participating in her own program, the kids will enjoy a Happy Feet program which is also called "story time with a soccer ball." This program promises fun and exciting soccer skill and fitness development, as well as a head start to a healthy future. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "soccer" to find the SAHM Soccer League in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Note that the accompanying Happy Feet class will be exclusive for children of SAHM participants and it not one of the stand-alone Happy Feet programs offered elsewhere in JCPRD program listings. The SAHM League and accompanying Happy Feet class will take place at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday beginning May 6 at Happy Feet, located at 8255 Melrose, Lenexa. The cost for eight 45-minute sessions for mom and a child is $80 for Johnson County residents or $88 for nonresidents. The cost per adult if no child is enrolled is $65 for Johnson County residents or $71 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Final two Spring Storytime Sessions are May 6 and 20 at Ernie Miller Nature Center Insect and snakes are the subject of the final two Animals Tales Storytime sessions planned this spring at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Young children and their parents are invited to come listen and learn during any of the sessions. Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program features stories, songs, and surprises. Participants are invited to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic. All programs take place on Wednesdays beginning at 10 a.m., with a repeat program at 11 a.m. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The May 6 session is about "insects"; while the May 20 session is about "snakes." The cost per 30-minute session is $2 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program. Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top New Family Outdoor Challenge is May 9 at Ernie Miller Park Family fun, adventure, and surprises are the goal of a new special event being planned at Ernie Miller Park in early May. The event is called the Family Outdoor Challenge and will take place in the park, which is located at 909 North Kansas Highway 7, Olathe. Participants will find clues along the trail. At various stations, they will then be asked to perform a nature or outdoor skill tasks in order to move on to the next challenge. This program is most appropriate for school-age children and nature-loving adults. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "outdoor adventure" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The Family Outdoor Challenge will begin at 2 p.m. The cost for one two-hour event is $4 per person for Johnson County residents or $5 per person for nonresidents and can be paid on-site. Because space is limited, reservations are required for this program and can be made by calling (913) 764-7759. For more information about this program, call park naturalist Molly Postlewait at (913) 764-8580 ext. 26. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Library hosts Asian Heritage Festival on May 2 The Johnson County Library will host an Asian Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 2 at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month in May. A wide range of activities will provide a glimpse of Asian culture through music, dancing, art, crafts, and food from several different Asian countries. This will be a fun, exciting day for the whole family. Join us for any part of the day. No registration necessary. The schedule of events is: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Gallery Area Ki Daiko - Olathe School District Japanese Taiko Drumming Group Falun Dafa - Mid-USA Falun Dafa – gentle meditative exercises Tae Kwon Do Marital Arts Demonstration - Tae Kwon Do Academy of Overland Park 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • Meeting Room Asian Food Sampling 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. • Storytime Room For Teens - Mehndi Tattoos and Asian Games 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Children’s Area Children Crafts Japanese Name Writing & Costumes 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.• Gallery Area Thai Folk Dance - The Thai Information Center Aboriginals Songs and Dances - The Taiwanese Association of Greater Kansas City Indian Classical Music and Dance - Natanan Indian Dance Group Dances Native to the Republic of China - HK Chinese Folk Dance Group While at the Asian Heritage Festival participants may view Art on display in the Gallery from Falun Dafa and reproductions from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's Taj Mahal: The Beauty is in the Details. For more information and photos of the participating groups, visit www.jocolibrary.org/asianfest. The Asian Heritage Festival events are free and open to the public. For more information call 913-495-3850. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled Library program. back to top Library To collect stories on May 13-14 The Johnson County Library is looking for community residents to share their Old School stories in conjunction with the 2009 Big Read project. StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of Americans, will visit the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W.87th St., Overland Park, KS, on May 13-14 to celebrate the stories of the community as part of its Door-to-Door Program. StoryCorps is a national independent nonprofit project in partnership with NPR and the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress. The Big Read is a Kansas City metrowide reading program that encourages people to read and discuss Tobias Wolff’s book Old School, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest and is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. (See: www.kcbigread.org.) StoryCorps interviews are conducted between two people who know and care about each other. A trained facilitator guides the participants through the interview process and handles the technical aspects of the recording. At the end of a 40-minute session, the participants walk away with a CD of their interview. With their permission, a second copy becomes part of an archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for future generations to hear. To participate in this opportunity at the Johnson County Library, call Marty Mothersbaugh at (913) 261-2354. To date, StoryCorps has recorded more than 25,000 audio interviews with over 45,000 participants. Excerpts of select stories are broadcast weekly on NPR’s Morning Edition. For its ground-breaking public service, StoryCorps was awarded a special Institutional Peabody Award in 2007, an honor bestowed only once or twice a decade. More information can be found at www.storycorps.org. back to top Get creative with a night of science At Johnson County Library Come enjoy an exciting night of science at the Library! The Johnson County Library will host the third annual Family Science Night on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St. Overland Park, KS. The program is in partnership with KC Science INC. The event is free and no registration is required. Students and their families will see science come alive. Featured activities include: Geocaching adventure with Johnson County Parks & Recreation: Learn how to use a GPS unit and where to find hidden treasure trails in Johnson County. Enjoy the outdoors and share your photos: Get ideas for fun family seasonal scavenger hunts and learn how upload your local nature photos to the KC Science, INC Web site with this hands-on class. Summer Reading Kickoff! Pick up a reading log and learn how you can get creative at the library this summer. Other exhibitors at Family Science Night: Powell Gardens YouthFriends Astronomical Society of Kansas City Kansas City Zoo Kansas State University Girls Researching Our World & EXCITE! programs Local science fair winners Blue Valley Middle School’s FIRST Lego League Shawnee Mission West’s Viking Robotics team Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City Science Pioneers Steve Siegel’s Electric Bikes and Tesla Coil KC Science, INC And more! Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event. Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. back to top Library program to feature Harvey Girls story The Johnson County Library will host a special program entitled The Harvey Girls on Friday, May 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This program is cosponsored by and held at Santa Marta 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe, KS 66062 Bonnie Hansen, fashion historian, and Peter Hansen, Editor of Railroad History Magazine, will present the story of Fred Harvey and his waitresses who helped to civilize the Wild West. Hear the story of these brave women who left their lives in the east and worked in railroad restaurants in the west. Please call Santa Marta Concierge to register at 913-323-7101. For more information, call (913)261-2333. The program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled Library program. About the Presenter Bonnie Hansen Bonnie Hansen is a fashion historian and owner of Vintage Nouveau—Fashions from the Past. An avid collector of antique clothing, Hansen has worked with the motion picture industry as a costumed “extra” and has provided wardrobe to notable films like Road to Perdition, Kansas City and Ride with the Devil. Recently Hansen was the Executive Producer for an award winning PBS documentary about Kansas City horsewoman Loula Long Combs. She has worked with the Titanic Exhibition and costumed the ghosts at the KC Rail Experience at Union Station. She speaks on a variety of topics related to fashion history. Universities, historical societies and senior centers are among her most frequent audiences, and she often appears at the Victorian Trading Company Tea Room. back to top