Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2009

JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH - APRIL - MAY - JUNE - JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
	AUGUST - 2009 Aug. 21 is initial entry deadline for Women's Triathlon Aug. 21 is the initial entry deadline for the second-annual Olathe Medical Center's Women's Triathlon, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials first conducted this unique event last September and despite wet conditions which caused organizers to eliminate the bike portion of the 2008 triathlon for safety reasons, 269 athletes braved the weather for an event which garnered a overwhelmingly positive public response. Officials anticipate this year's event will easily fill to capacity with 350 participants. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "triathlon" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The triathlon will begin at 7:30 a.m. and involves a 500-meter swim starting and ending at the park's beach, a 2.6-mile run on park trails, and a 10.6-mile bike consisting of a square loop on county roads to the east of Kill Creek Park. This USA Triathlon-sanctioned event will be open to individuals, as well as to teams in family, friends, corporate, and club categories. Until Aug. 21, the cost is $55 for individuals and $75 for teams. After Aug. 21 and until Aug. 26, the cost is $65 for individuals and $85 for teams. After Aug. 26, the cost is $75 for individuals and $95 for teams. For brochures and registration forms, go to www.jcprd.com/activities/special_events.cfm or call (913) 831-3359. Registrations are being taken on-line at www.sportkc.org. In addition, participants, including team members, must also be members of USA Triathlon. One-day memberships are $10 and annual memberships are $39. Forms are available at www.usatriathlon.org. Following the Triathlon, sponsor Olathe Medical Center will provide "post-race" activities in the form of cholesterol/glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, women’s health information, and rehabilitation information from 9 to 10:30 am.. The cholesterol/glucose screenings will be $10. All other services and information will be free of charge. All participants, volunteers, family members, and friends are encouraged to take advantage of this health information provided by Olathe Medical Center. In addition, Chris Cakes will also be on-site providing pancakes. Pancakes will be free of charge for all participants and volunteers and $5 for spectators. Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you would like to volunteer, call (913) 236-1231. back to top Final Overnight Fishing Opportunities planned at Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek Parks in late August The last of four overnight fishing opportunities planned at Shawnee Mission Park Lake this summer as well as the second of two overnight fishing opportunities at Kill Creek Park are planned for late August. Both Shawnee Mission Park and Kill Creek Park and owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa, while Kill Creek Park is located at 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. The Kill Creek Park overnight fishing opportunity is Aug. 22 while the Shawnee Mission Park fishing opportunity is Aug. 29. After 11 p.m. on these respective dates, the parks will be open strictly for fishing only and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. Fishing will be allowed from the bank or from watercraft. Park safety officials noted state law requires a white light be on at all times on boats on the water after sunset. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "fishing" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. Before fishing, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit, and all appropriate boat tags, if applicable. District fishing permits are available at: the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, in the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa; and at local sporting goods outlets. The Kill Creek Park overnight dates were added in June in response to requests from fishermen and local businesses. and are being conducted on a trial basis. For more information about the overnight fishing program, call Mike Ray, Superintendent of Park Safety & Interpretation, at (913) 894-3385. back to top New Cars in the Park event is Aug. 22 at The Theatre in the Park All ages are invited to come out for a first-ever car show at The Theatre in the Park in Shawnee Mission Park on Aug. 22. The new event is called Cars in the Park and will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is free for spectators to attend. Entertainment will include music and dance as well as activities in a "Kids Alley." Another activity during the show will be a model car contest. There is no entry fee and all entries must be built by the person entering. There will also be concessions, some vendors booths, and event T-shirts for sale. Judging of both the cars and the model cars will take place at noon with an award presentation at 3 p.m. Following the event at 4 p.m., featured vehicles are invited to cruise through beautiful Shawnee Mission Park. The event will take place rain or shine. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "car show" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The Theatre in the Park is located in Shawnee Mission Park with a separate entrance at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. Organizers hope to make Cars in the Park an annual event. All proceeds will benefit the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Special Olympics program. For anyone interested in entering the show, vehicle registrations are being taken through the day of the event. Following the initial Aug. 1 registration deadline, the fee is $25 per vehicle. To register by phone, call (913) 831-3359. For more information about this event, contact School-Age Program Director Justin Chesser at (913) 909-1875. back to top Adult Fall Reading Program Starts September 5 with BookFest! The Johnson County Library invites adults (age 14 and up) to participate in the Library’s fall adult reading program: BlitzRead! The program runs from September 1 to October 31, 2009. The goal of the Adult Reading program is to encourage adults to read and explore parts of the library’s collection of materials that they may not have discovered. The kick off-event for BlitzRead! entitled BookFest! will be held on Saturday, September 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS and which will include a variety of authors and a table top used book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library Used Book Stores. The schedule of events and participants are: Presentations in the Carmack Community Room: 1:00 p.m. Lisa Waterman Gray, full-time freelance writer, editor, and photographer 2:00 p.m. Joel Goldman, local mystery and thriller author 3:00 p.m. Barbara Youree, co-author of Courageous Journey: Walking the Lost Boys Path from the Sudan to America Events scheduled in the Gallery area: 1:00 p.m. Joyce Slater, professional storyteller 2:00 p.m. Sally Jadlow, Great Grandma’s letters, poet and short story writer 3:00 p.m. Carolyn Hall, Writing Down Your History, poet and author Booth participants: Friends of the Johnson County Library - Table Top Used Book Sale – a sampling of gentle used books from the used book stores at bargain prices Diane Eickhoff - portraying Clarina Nichols Ben Denzer – Masking Tape Sculptures Linda Hall Library Rolland Love – Ozark Stories JCL Youth Services Staff – Process Art BlitzRead! – JCL adult reading program The Writers Place Recorded Books – Downloadable audiobooks How to participate in BlitzRead!: Read or listen to any book. Submit your entry for a chance to win a prize online Repeat Steps one and two! Read or listen to as many titles as you'd like to increase your chances of winning! Prizes: Each of the 13 Johnson County Library locations will hold a drawing from submitted entries for a $25 Visa Gift Card and tickets to Rainy Day author events. One Grand Prize winner will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card! Entry forms available online and at all Library locations. Readers are encouraged to visit the library’s Web site, www.jocolibrary.org/blitzreadfor more information and resources and to participate online. Requests for materials may be placed through the Library’s online catalog with a library card and personal identification number (PIN). Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. 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. back to top Library Foundation announces 2009 Pinnacle Award winners The Johnson County Library Foundation has named four outstanding individuals as winners of the annual 2009 Pinnacle Award: Doug Talley, Myra J. Christopher, Phillip Spencer, and Gaylon Umbarger. The Pinnacle Award was launched in 2002 by the Johnson County Library Foundation to recognize Excellence in the Arts. The awards were expanded in 2008 to include three additional categories: Excellence in: Advocacy and Public Engagement; Entrepreneurship; and Literacy and Education which are special areas of emphasis at the Johnson County Library. The 2009 Pinnacle Award honorees were selected as they demonstrate excellence in their professional field or philanthropic pursuits: Doug Talley- Excellence in the Arts Doug Talley, Lenexa, KS, has spent over twenty years in his dual career as an outstanding music educator, jazz composer and performer. A highly-respected jazz educator in the Midwest region, he has served as an adjunct instructor for the jazz ensemble at MidAmerica Nazarene University and served on the faculty for jazz camps at Emporia State University, Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College. His tenure in the Shawnee Mission School District has been marked by excellence and innovation, including an unbroken string of Division I ratings (the highest possible score) for the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School jazz band under his direction. Myra J. Christopher- Excellence in Advocacy & Public Myra Christopher, Fairway, KS, became president of the Center for Practical Bioethics in December 1994, and continues to serve as its executive director, a position she has held since the Center's inception in 1985. This role allows her to continue her lifelong mission to improve care for seriously ill people and their families. An author and frequent speaker on bioethical issues, Christopher has made presentations to such prestigious national organizations as the American Hospital Association, Group Health Association of America, the National Health Lawyers Association, AARP, and the American Philosophical Association. Phillip Spencer- Excellence in Business & Entrepreneurship Phillip Spencer, Leawood, KS, currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors of Aplus.Net, a $30,000,000 web hosting firm head quartered in Overland Park. Prior to joining Aplus.Net, Spencer served as President and CEO of Everest Connections, Inc., a Lenexa, Kansas-based cable, telephone, and Internet access provider that thrived in a market dominated by larger competition. Under Spencer’s leadership, the company grew to more than $60 million in annual revenues and was named second-fastest-growing company in the Kansas City area by Ingram’s Magazine, and Ernst and Young. Gaylon Umbarger- Excellence in Literacy & Education Gaylon Umbarger, Kansas City, MO, is director of training for Literacy Kansas City, a philanthropic organization providing free, confidential, one-to-one and small group reading help to adults and older teens in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. He has served on the Literacy Kansas City staff since 1995, directing services to students and tutors, tutor training, in-service workshops and writing training materials. Throughout his involvement with Literacy Kansas City, Umbarger has spoken to numerous groups, and has appeared on radio and television many times. The 2009 Pinnacle Award winners will be honored at a recognition dinner on Thursday, October 29, 7:00 p.m., at the Regnier Center, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS. Winners will be presented with their Pinnacle Award and provided with an opportunity to speak about their passions and successes. The dinner will be preceded by a reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased by contacting Scott Zerger, Executive Director of the Library Foundation at (913) 495-7579 or zergers@jocolibrary.org or visit www.jocolibraryfoundation.org. All proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales will support the mission of the Johnson County Library Foundation which is to build an endowment for the Library’s collection and to secure support for life-long learning programs. Past Pinnacle Award honorees are: the late Joe McGuff, James Hamil, Charles W. Gusewelle, Gary R. Holcombe, Cynthia Levin, Leon Brady, David Hughes, Vivien Jennings, John Burgess and Dr. Robert W. Frye. back to top JOHNSON COUNTY WIC FAMILIES RECEIVE HEALTHIER FOOD OPTIONS Starting this month, Johnson County WIC (Women, Infants and Children) families will have access to a wider variety of healthy foods. The Johnson County Health Department WIC Clinic was the first in the state to offer the new foods. Foods now covered include whole grain cereals, whole wheat breads, rolls, buns, and tortillas, canned beans, brown rice, jarred baby foods, and fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. Women and children over the age of two will receive low or non-fat milk only. In addition, families will now receive milk, juice, and eggs in quantities that follow current dietary recommendations. These changes will be implemented nationwide by October 1. “We’re very excited about the new package changes,” Lougene Marsh, Johnson County Health Department Director, said. “We welcome the opportunity to shift our focus to be even more in line with current dietary guidelines and to ensure our county’s children continue to have access to healthy foods.” The WIC program also continues to champion long-term breastfeeding of infants. The program will continue to offer an additional incentive of the highest amounts and greatest variety of foods to mothers who choose to breastfeed. WIC staff members provide counseling and support of breastfeeding efforts for all expecting and new moms, and can offer additional guidance through breastfeeding peer counselor services. The Johnson County WIC program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health referrals, and nutritious foods to more than 7,900 participants monthly. WIC is federally funded and is administered through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) through contracts with local health departments. back to top Fun and Fitness in the Park offered for youth starting Sept. 1 Fun and Fitness in the Park is the name of a new six-week nutrition and activity program being offered for youth by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. This six-week nutrition and activity program is for ages eight to 11 and is led by a registered dietician through the Healthy Kids University program and a JCPRD program educator. The program is meant to help kids get active and develop healthy habits they can maintain for the rest of their lives. Each week will highlight different topics in physical fitness and nutrition using curriculum developed by the Nutrition Department and Children's Mercy Hospital. Each class is 90 minutes long and will include a physical activity designed to get kids moving and being active. After a short break, a short nutrition-related activity is offered. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "wellness" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday beginning Sept. 1 at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for seven 90-minute sessions is $75 for Johnson County residents or $83 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 New Boxing Team program offered for ages 15 and up starting Sept. 1 Develop self-defense skills while learning boxing techniques during a new Boxing Team program being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. This program is for ages 15 and older. Participants will work with instructors develop skills to allow them to compete in amateur boxing events. No special clothing is required and loaner gloves and wraps are available. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "boxing" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday beginning Sept. 1 at Punch Boxing +Fitness, 5435 Roberts St., Shawnee. The cost for 12 60-minute sessions is $150 for Johnson County residents or $165 for nonresidents. For more information about this program, call (913) 441-1070 or visit www.punchboxingandfitness.com. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. 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 Soccer Academy offered For Ages 5-10 beginning Sept. 2 Helping young soccer players develop their fundamentals and knowledge of the game is the aim of a program being offered in early September by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. Soccer Academy is for ages five through 10. This program is ideal for players on existing teams who would like to improve their skill level, as well as for new players looking to develop their skills before joining a team. All academy sessions will be run by experienced coaches who have played the game at the collegiate or professional level. The academy's director is Laurent Denis, who was born in Bordeaux, France, and played collegiate soccer. He holds a USSF D license and a NSCAA National Diploma and has been coaching US Youth Premier Soccer with Shawnee, KC Legend, and Rush leagues since 1996. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "soccer" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Soccer Academy will meet once a week on Wednesday for one hour. The program will begin on Sept. 2 with separate sessions for ages five through seven and eight through 10 beginning, both beginning at 6 p.m. on Field F, Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $70 per person for Johnson County residents or $77 per person for nonresidents. For more information about this program, call Chris at (913) 236-1216. 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 JCHD URGES GETTING SEASONAL FLU SHOTS EARLY The Johnson County Health Department (JCHD) is urging people to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as vaccine becomes available. “Please contact your healthcare provider or other convenient local site when the seasonal vaccine is available,” Lougene Marsh, Johnson County Health Department Director, said. “The seasonal flu vaccine protects you from that illness throughout the entire flu season.” JCHD will hold a drive-thru seasonal flu vaccination clinic on September 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or while supplies last) at the southeast corner of 97th and Metcalf, behind Sears in Overland Park. The vaccinations will be first come, first served to those 18 and older only. It is important to remember that no matter the strain of flu, all flu is transmitted the same way. In addition to receiving a vaccination, follow these simple suggestions to help stop the spread of all illness: Wash your hands Cover your cough Stay home when you are sick. back to top Patriot Golf Day is Sept. 5 at Heritage Park and Tomahawk Hills Golfers who come to Johnson County Park & Recreation District golf courses on Saturday, Sept. 5th, will be asked to consider giving a minimum donation of $1 per greens fee to help ensure the future of families of wounded or fallen soldiers. This will be the second year the courses join in the nationwide observations of Patriot Golf Day. All proceeds will go to The Folds of Honor Foundation, which awards scholarships to the children of military members who have been seriously disabled or have given their lives in combat in Afghanistan or Iraq. This event began in 2007 and was hugely successful, raising more than $1.1 million from 3,200 golf facilities nationwide, including over $500 collected from the two District golf courses. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "benefit event" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The District courses are the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, and at the Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 Lackman, Olathe. 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 Roeland Park Aquatic Center dome to be reinstalled Sept. 15-17 The Roeland Park Aquatic Center will be closed to the public for about four days for the annual reinstallation of the air-supported dome which makes the facility's main pool usable during the winter months. The Aquatics Center, located at 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park, will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 17. These plans are dependant on good weather and could be delayed by inclement conditions such as rain or wind.* It takes 40 to 50 Johnson County Park & Recreation District employees to help handle the 6,800 pounds of vinyl-coated polyester-based fabric which makes up the dome. When inflated, the three-section structure measures 210 feet by 106 feet and has a capacity of approximately 22,260 square feet. The dome remains in place over the main pool from September through mid-May, when it is taken down each year prior to Memorial Day to provide an open-air facility for the summer months. The fall reinstallation of the dome also signals the seasonal closure of some of the RPAC's outdoor facilities, including the youth pool, water slide, group slide, and vortex pool. Following reinstallation of the dome, other steps to be completed prior to opening include installation of the 1- and 3-meter diving boards, a drop slide, and interior lights at the dome. For information on current happenings at the facility, call the RPAC at (913) 432-1377. The RPAC is owned by the City of Roeland Park and is operated by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. For specific information on dome installation plans, please call Aquatics Coordinator Bruce Perry at (913) 432-1377.* back to top Fall Season of Animal Tales Storytime sessions begins Sept. 9 at Ernie Miller Nature Center A new season of Animals Tales Storytime sessions is beginning at the Johnson County Park & Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Young children and their parents are invited to come listen and learn during any or all of the six different sessions scheduled between Sept. 9 and Nov. 18. Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature 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 first program of this season will be offered on Sept. 9 when the theme will be "butterflies." Other fall storytime sessions are scheduled for: Sept. 23 ("Johnny Appleseed"); Oct. 7 ("squirrels"); Oct. 21 ("enchanted forest"); Nov. 4, ("night animals"); and Nov. 18 ("possum and pumpkins"). 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 Yoga Program offered at Ernie Miller Nature Center starting Sept. 10 Adults can relax and reflect while participating in yoga in a natural setting through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. The class is called Yoga in Nature and is for ages 16 and older. Participants will learn how to let the beauty of nature nourish and calm their busy lives. Instructor Molly Postlewait will help participants learn to energize while improving balance and flexibility. Participants should bring an exercise mat. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "yoga" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday beginning Sept. 10. The cost for six 60-minute sessions is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 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 call Postlewait at (913) 764-8580 ext. 26. 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 Thousands of items bargain priced At Library September used book sale Thousands of gently used books and audiovisual materials will be offered for sale at bargain prices at the September Used Book Sale, cosponsored by the Johnson County Library and Friends of the Johnson County Library, in the meeting room of the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Merriam, KS, September 11 & 12, 2009. Sale hours are: Friday, September 11 • 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12 • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This popular September Book Sale will feature a variety of fiction and nonfiction hardback and paperback books for adults and youth. Some audiovisual materials will also be available. Most items are priced at $1.00 and 50¢. Some materials may be specially priced. All sales are final; checks, MasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted with proper identification. Proceeds from the book sales are used to purchase new library materials, fund library programs for all ages, and train library staff and volunteers. For more information on book sale or how to donate materials, call (913) 261-2319 or visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends. back to top County Library to host series of Focus on Johnson County government programs The Johnson County Library will host a series of programs this fall in cooperation with the League of Women Voters entitled Focus on Johnson County at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. The sessions will run from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and will provide information on various aspects of county government. Each session will focus on a separate local government topic and will be presented by a county government department leader. The schedule of topics for the Focus on Johnson County series is: Thursday, September 10 The Impact of the Recession on County Government Scott Neufeld, Johnson County Budget Director Thursday, September 24 Understanding Property Taxes & the Appeals Process Paul Welcome, Johnson County Appraiser Thursday, October 8 Are County Health Services Serving More with Less? Deborah Collins, Director, Johnson County Human Services Lougene Marsh, Director, Johnson County Health Department Thursday, October 22 How Green is Your County? Green Buildings and Sustainability Joe Waters, Johnson County Facilities Manager Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required. Register by phone by calling (913) 495-2497 or register online at www.jocolibrary.org/leagueseminars or email jclref@jocolibrary.org. 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 Local Safety Organizations Sponsor Child Passenger Safety Boot Safe Kids Johnson County, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Safe Kids Metro Kansas City and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) are working together to make sure the public understand the importance of always making sure their children are safe and secure in the right child passenger safety seats by offering free child passenger safety information at Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Train Tour at Union Station in Kansas City on Tuesday, August 25 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Staffed by trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians, parents and caregivers can ask questions and receive expert answers on car seat safety. Attendees can also view a “Challenger Seat” demonstration on proper vehicle restraint and what happens when a child is improperly restrained. According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages three to six-- in part because three out of four child passenger safety seats are not being used correctly. Crashes also are the leading cause of death for children ages eight to 15. For maximum child passenger safety, parents and caregivers should refer to the following Four Steps for Kids guidelines for determining which restraint system is best suited to protect children based on age and size: Step 1 - Rear-Facing Seats For the best possible protection, keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age one and at least 20 pounds. Step 2 - Forward-Facing Seats When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age one and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age four and 40 pounds). Step 3 - Booster Seats Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age four and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age eight or when they are 4’9” tall). Step 4 - Seat Belts When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age eight or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest). Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Train Tour boasts an Amtrak train filled with snow, carolers, decorations, and lots of giveaways that will stop at Union Station to introduce their upcoming holiday film, A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey. Disney’s A Christmas Carol opens in theaters November 6 in Disney Digital 3D and in IMAX 3D. During the 24-week tour, the Disney train will make 40 stops in 36 states, as it makes its way over more than 16,000 miles of track to promote the Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. back to top Introduction to Tree Climbing program offered at Shawnee Mission Park on Sept. 12 Do you have fond memories of climbing tree or do you want your child to have the same experiences? A program being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District can help. The program is called introduction to Tree Climbing and is for ages eight and older. Participants under 18 year of age must have a parent or guardian on-site. Adult participants are welcome as well. This is your chance to reach new heights by learning how to ascend and descend trees while wearing comfortable climbing harnesses and helmets. All equipment is provided and all knots are tied by staff. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "adventure" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered twice on Saturday, Sept. 12. One program will begin at 10 a.m., while another will start at 12:30 p.m. The cost for one two-hour sessions is $32 for Johnson County residents or $35 for nonresidents. Participants should wear long pants, closed-toe and heeled shoes and are required to complete medical and liability releases prior to climbing.. Preregistration is required and climbing site information, forms, and weather notices can be found at www.treeclimbingkansascity.com. 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 Registrations now being taken for separate boy's and girl's Lacrosse Clinics Sept. 9 is the registration deadline for separate boys and girls lacrosse clinics being offered this fall by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. Youth lacrosse provides an opportunity for boys and girls to actively participate in learning the fundamentals of this game and to prepare for spring play. Both clinics are supervised four-week programs consisting of 80-minute sessions designed to teach basic skills and to further participants' knowledge of lacrosse. Both clinics will take place on Field B at Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park, beginning Sept. 13. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "lacrosse" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for either clinic for four 80-minute sessions $55 for Johnson County residents or $60 for nonresidents. A mouthpiece is required. The Boys Clinic is for players in grades three through six and will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday beginning Sept. 13. For more information about this clinic, contact Luke Lentz at ljlentz@yahoo.com or (913) 787-1832. The Girls Clinic is for grades four through eight and will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, also beginning Sept. 13. For more information about this clinic, contact Joe Vasta at jvasta@kc.rr.com or (913) 549-4173. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. 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 Performance and Agility Training for youth offered beginning Sept. 14 Improving sports performance and staying active are the goals of a Power and Agility Training (PAT) program for youth being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. This program is for ages 10 to 18. Participants will work with instructors to develop speed, power and agility, which is important for all sports. All equipment is provided. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "sports" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A class for ages 10 through 13 will take place at 5:30 p.m., while a class for ages 14 through 18 will begin at 6:30 p.m. . Both classes will take place on Monday and Wednesday beginning Sept. 14 at Punch Boxing +Fitness, 5435 Roberts St., Shawnee. The cost for eight 60-minute sessions is $85 for Johnson County residents or $94 for nonresidents. For more information about this program, call (913) 441-1070 or visit www.punchboxingandfitness.com. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. 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 Little Knights fencing program offered for age 4-6 beginning Sept. 14 Games and exercises are used to build on kids' love for fencing during a program for ages four through six being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. The program is called Little Knights and emphasizes the responsibilities and respect necessary to participate in the sport of fencing. Participants should wear sneakers. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "fencing" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Little Knights takes place at 4 p.m. on Mondays beginning Sept. 14 at the Heartland Fencing Academy, 10727 El Monte, Overland Park. The cost for six 30-minute sessions is $48 per person for Johnson County residents or $53 for nonresidents. All equipment is provided. For more information, visit www.heartlandfencing.com or call (913) 636-3769. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. 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 Safe Kids Johnson County Offers FREE Car Seat Check-up August 29TH Safe Kids Johnson County, in partnership with State Farm Insurance will be conducting a free Car Seat Check Up event on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Deanna Rose Farmstead, 13800 Switzer, Overland Park, KS between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, hundreds of lives could be saved and over 20,000 injuries prevented annually if: 1) All children ages four and under were properly restrained in car seats, and 2) All children between 40 and 80 pounds were correctly fitted into booster seats. Of those kids who are buckled up, four out of five are not restrained properly or their safety seats are incorrectly installed. Child car seats are extremely effective when accurately used and installed, reducing the risk of death by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Safety specialists will examine child car seats at the event for proper use, installation, age/size appropriateness, and also alert parents to any recalled products. This event is a great way for parents to make sure their children are buckled up right. Safe Kids Johnson County is part of the Safe Kids Worldwide the only International organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury – the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. For more information about Safe Kids Johnson County, please call the Safe Kids Coordinator at 913-477-8312. back to top Olathe DMV Office to reopen tuesday; mission office open until 6 p.m. today The Olathe office of the Department of Motor Vehicles, 782 North Ridgeview Road, will reopen Tuesday morning, Sept. 1. The office is closed today following a weekend break-in at the facility. Customers who would normally use the Olathe facility, located in the Heritage Crossing Retail Center at the southeast corner of Ridgeview and Kansas City roads, are being directed to the County’s Northeast offices at 6000 Lamar in Mission, Kansas. The Mission office will remain open until 6 p.m. today (Monday, Aug. 31). Olathe office personnel have been sent to the Mission office to help with end-of-the month vehicle registrations. The last days of the month typically attract a large volume of walk-in registrations. back to top