FEBrUARY
- 2009
County Library and Valentine’s Day programs
St. Valentine’s Day is being celebrated with programs for all ages at the Johnson County Library. Details listed below.
Leawood's Valentine's Day @ Corinth
Thursday, February 12, 2009
4:00 PM
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS
Sweets for the sweet on Valentine's Day. Decorate "heart shaped" cookies and write a poem. Celebrate the day with fun and sugar. Ages 6 to 12. Registration limited to 15. Due to the Leawood Neighborhood Library being closed for expansion the program will be at the Corinth Neighborhood Library.
Valentine's Card Lab
Friday, February 13, 2009
10:00 AM
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS
Drop in and make an original card to give to your favorite Valentine tomorrow. We'll provide all the supplies; you provide your creativity.
Be a Lover not a Fighter!
Friday, February 13, 2009
3:00 PM
Cedar Roe Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park, KS
Drop in to make a Valentine for someone you love, or like or want to get to know. We'll have materials plus books and sample valentine cards for inspiration. For ages 11 and up. Registration is not necessary.
Valentine's Card Lab
Friday, February 13, 2009
3:00 PM
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS
Drop in and make an original card to give to your favorite Valentine tomorrow. We'll provide all the supplies; you provide your creativity.
Valentine Drop In Crafts
Saturday, February 14, 2009
1:00 PM
Shawnee Library, 13811 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS
Drop in to Shawnee Neighborhood Library between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. to create some fun crafts for the Valentine holiday. There will be different activities to choose from. Take home a special something for a special someone! Registration is not required.
The 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 scheduled Library program.
For more information about Johnson County Library’s programs visit www.jocolibary.org and click on “Classes and Events”.
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Black History Month programs at Johnson County Library
In celebration of Black History Month, the Johnson County Library will host several programs in February:
African Dance Workshop
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
4:00 PM
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS
Rodney Gibbs and Vanessa Gibbs, a principal dancer for the Traditional Music Society, will teach students concepts and techniques of West African dance from Mali and Senegal. Students will learn dances that honor kings or queens, celebrate weddings, and begin harvests. Ages 6-12. Class is limited to 30 youth. Registration begins Jan. 21; register online or call (913)967-8650.
Freedom Quilts
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
7:00 PM
Cedar Roe Library,5120 Cedar, Roeland Park, Ks
Go on a journey to the past and learn how slaves communicated and shared secret messages about the Underground Railroad. We will read Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt and learn how to create a freedom quilt of your own. For ages 7 and up. Registration begins January 20; register online or call (913) 384-8590.
African Music
Monday, February 16, 2009
1:30 PM
Lackman Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS
Learn about the role of music in African cultures from Bird Fleming, professional percussionist and director of the Traditional Music Society. He will demonstrate the music and share a variety of instruments for you to try. Ages 7-12. Registration begins February 2; register online or call (913) 495-7540.
For information about Black History and African-American authors beyond these programs, contact Johnson County Library staff who can recommend books and other resources, or visit the Library’s Web site, www.jocolibrary.org. Johnson County 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. For additional information on library programs visit www.jocolibrary.org or call (913) 495-2400.
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Johnson County Library Offers tax forms and resources
The Johnson County Library offers tax forms and resources in a variety of formats, at its library locations and via the library’s Web site: www.jocolibrary.org/taxes. Many paper tax forms are available for pick up at the libraries; others, which are not available, may be photocopied from reproducible copies or accessed from Internet computers at the Library. The Library’s Web site, www.jocolibrary.org/taxes, also has links to federal, state and city forms and information.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained with the cooperation of the Internal Revenue Service, will be offering help with individual tax returns for middle- and low-income citizens and are available from February 2 through April 15, 2009 at several neighborhood libraries. Walk-in clients will be assisted on a first come first serve basis at the following sites.
Locations and Hours are:
Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, KS 66202
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66212
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Lackman Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66219
Monday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Leawood City Hall, while Leawood Pioneer Library is under construction
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Oak Park Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park, KS 66212
Monday- Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park Street, Olathe, KS 66061
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Matt Ross Community Center
8101 Marty, Overland Park, KS 66204
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Roeland Park Community Center
4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, KS 66205
Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
The following sites will assist clients who have an appointment; call the individual site to make your appointment.
Lenexa Senior Citizen Center
13425 Walnut, Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 541-0135
Louisburg Senior Citizen Center
504 S. Metcalf, Louisburg, KS 66053
(913) 837-5113
Olathe Senior Center
311 E. Park, Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 782-1878
Paola Senior Center
12221 W. Wea, Paola, KS 66071
(913) 294-4630
Spring Hill Multi-Service Center
401 N. Madison, Spring Hill, KS 66083
(913) 592-2304
United Methodist Church
300 E. 4th Street, Edgerton, KS 66021
Friday, Feb. 6 and April 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(913) 882-6735
El Centro, Inc at Via de Esperanza
619 Dennis Avenue, Olathe, KS 66061
Tuesday & Thursday, 12 noon – 4 p.m.
Spanish-speaking services available. Service at this location provided by KC CASH Coalition for taxpayers with yearly incomes less than $42,000.
The AARP Tax-Aide phone bank 1-888-227-7669 or 1-888-AARP-NOW can help you locate the preparation site nearest you and provide a phone number to call. Persons may also visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide.
Tax volunteers can best help you if you have all the right documents and information. Please bring:
- Current year's tax forms and booklet (if available).
- A copy of last year's income tax returns
- All W-2's, 1099 forms, SSA-1099, and any statements from the payer of your pension or annuity.
- Social Security Cards for all dependents.
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Gary Montague is JCPRD Board Chair for 2009
Gary K. Montague of Shawnee was recently elected by his fellow Johnson County Park and Recreation District Board of Commission members to serve as chair during 2009.
In the coming year, Montague hopes to see the agency devise a plan for deer management at Shawnee Mission Park and complete planning for a number of anticipated projects within the District.
"My goals are to complete the District's biodiversity study which includes the deer program and to make a decision as to how we are going to proceed, to approve the plan for the expansion of the Okun Fieldhouse (At Mid-America West Sports Complex) and to approve plans for Tomahawk Hills Golf Course improvements and the construction of a new pro shop," he said.
He added that he would also like to see the District increase opportunities for outdoor youth activities.
Montague has been a member of the Board since March 2006. From 1978 until his retirement in December 2005, he served as City Manager for the City of Shawnee. He previously served as Shawnee's Community Development Director from 1974 to 1978, and as City Planner for the City of Lawrence for two years. Earlier, he worked in the industrial engineering section of the Boeing Aircraft Company for three years.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Topeka's Washburn University and master's degrees from both Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. He is a member of the America Legion. Montague and his wife, Donna, are the parents of six married daughters.
Other 2008 Officers
Other Board officers for 2009 elected during the Board’s Dec. 17 meeting are: Anthony L. Adams, vice chair; George J. Schlagel, secretary; Paul E. Alvarado, treasurer; Nancy Wallerstein, assistant secretary; and James R. Azeltine, assistant treasurer.
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Lifeguard Instructor training offered at RPAC beginning Feb. 20
Lifeguard instructor training classes are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in late February at the Roeland Park Aquatics Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
Lifeguard Instructor training is for ages 17 or older by the first class session. Participants will learn skills required to teach lifeguard training, including first aid, CPR for the professional rescuer, AED essentials, oxygen administration, and preventing disease transmission. For information on prerequisite skills required to take this class, call the Aquatics Office at (913) 236-1264. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "water safety" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program involves two four-hour sessions is offered at 5 p.m. Friday on Feb. 20 and 27, and four eight-hour sessions on Saturday ,Feb. 21 and 28, and Sunday, Feb. 22 and March 1. The cost for this class is $220 for Johnson County residents or $240 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 (913) 236-1264. To register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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The Theatre in the Park Audition Workshop offered on Feb. 21
Build your confidence and learn how to present yourself at musical theater auditions through the Audition Workshop being presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's The Theatre in The Park.
This program is for ages seven through adult is designed to provide an informative hands-on experience for beginning students as well as a refresher course for veteran performers. Topics will include: song selection, dance techniques, and general tips for a successful audition. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This workshop is offered on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 9 a.m. The program will take place at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The cost for one three-hour workshop is $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 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, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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Love Your Heart Week for 50 Plus is Feb. 23-27
Celebrate Heart Health Month by showing your heart how much you care by taking part in a week-long awareness celebration. The American Heart Association, Johnson County Human Services and Aging, and the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District have teamed up to present a week-long series of daily programs to celebrate Love Your Heart Week on Feb. 23 through 27.
The programs will last about 90 minutes each and will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. daily at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Two of the programs have a small fee, while the others are free. Preregistration is suggested for these programs, but walk-ins will be accepted. All of the programs will focus on heart health and helping participants treat their heart with love.
On Monday, Feb. 23, the program will feature training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The cost for one 90-minute session is $5 for Johnson County residents or $6 for nonresidents.
The session on Tuesday, Feb. 24, will feature a number of heart healthy activities including a Walking Club introduction, a pickleball demonstration, and information of heart-healthy programs which are available on a daily basis at the Roeland Park Community Center.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, representatives of Johnson County Human Services and Aging will present a program on heart-healthy recipes, with tasting included. The cost for one 90-minute session is $5 for Johnson County residents or $6 for nonresidents.
The session on Thursday, Feb. 26 will feature cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure screenings provided by Johnson County Human Services and Aging. The blood sugar test will be most accurate if participants fast for at least hours before the test.
The final session on Friday, Feb. 27 will feature breakfast and a presentation on heart health by volunteers from the American Heart Association. A donation of $2 for the breakfast is requested.
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.
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Learn about Library Services For Spanish-speaking patrons
The Johnson County Library and the REFORMA Heartland Chapter will present a workshop on Friday March 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. entitled Library Services to Spanish-speaking Patrons at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. The workshop will provide an emphasis on children’s services and will be presented by Tim Wadham, author and Assistant Director of Youth and Community Services at the St. Louis (MO) County Library.
Participants will learn the basic principles of providing library services, developing collections in Spanish, and planning programs without Spanish language proficiency. There is no cost for the workshop and it is open to the public. Lunch will not be provided but will be up to the individual participants. For more information or to register please contact magalivildoso@gmail.com.
Tim Wadham is the author of Libros Esenciales: Building, Marketing and Programming a Core Collection of Spanish Language Materials and Programming with Latino Children’s Materials, both published by Neal-Schuman.
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. The early session of the workshop (9:15 to 12:15 p.m.) will be broadcasted via video conferencing to selected Kansas sites to be announced. There will be a break for lunch followed by the afternoon session.
REFORMA is a National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking.
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Library Offers free Homework Help At four library locations and online
The Johnson County Library is offering free homework assistance for students at four library locations through May 15. The drop-in Homework Help program provides homework coaches who are available to assist students after school and on Sundays. The library provides many useful resources for students. The goal of the program is to teach students how to use library resources to complete their homework assignments.
“Homework coaches aid and motivate by demonstrating the use of library resources including books and articles both in the library and online,” stated Erin Howerton, Johnson County Library School Liaison. “The coaches can show students how to find and use information to complete their assigned homework,” she said.
The schedule for Homework Assistance at Johnson County Library locations is as follows:
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS
Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Oak Park Neighborhood Library,
Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 8:45 p.m.
Gardner Neighborhood Library, 137 Shawnee St., Gardner, KS
Monday through Thursday, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Antioch Neighborhood Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, KS
Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“Although librarians are always happy to assist students with their assignments,” Howerton stated, “this program is designed to address the after-school and weekend hours as a natural time to complete homework. With the addition of coaches and volunteers to library staff, there will always be more people at the library who can assist in clarifying and assisting students with their homework.”
For students who cannot make it to a library location or who need help after hours, Live Homework Help is available via the Internet provided by the State Library of Kansas. Students in kindergarten through grade 12 can connect with expert tutors online at no charge, seven days a week from 4 to 11 p.m. (Auyda en Espanol es disponibles Domingoa Jueves doe 4 p.m. hasta 9 p.m. They can get instant help with math, science, English, and social studies. They can chat, share papers and other files and link to Web sites. Click on the HomeworkKansas icon on www.jocolibrary.org/homework to access this resource. Or, to talk online to a Johnson County Library librarian click on the Live Chat icon and connect instantly, no software needed.
Librarians are available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
The Johnson County Library Homework Help Program is generously supported by the Sprint Foundation and the Johnson County Library Foundation.
Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request these services or accommodations from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event.
To learn more about the Homework Help program, contact Erin Howerton at (913) 495-2432 or visit the library Homework Help Web Site: www.jocolibrary.org/homework.
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Party at the Pool for 50 Plus planned on Feb. 24 at Roeland Park Aquatics Center
A pool party in the winter? Of course! The 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District will celebrate Mardi Gras at the dome-covered Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
The program is called Party at the Pool and is for ages 50 Plus. Even if it snows, participants can enjoy the heated dome and heated pool. Inside, a shallow water exercise class will be offered where they can learn some basic moves and enjoy refreshments after class. Participants are invited to bring a friend or to make some new ones while they relax by the pool. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "water exercise" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Feb. 24. The cost for one two-hour event is $5 for Johnson County residents or $6 for nonresidents.
While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken.
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.
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Money Management From a Women's Perspective program offered on Feb. 24
Financial Advisors from Waddell & Reed Inc. will explain the basics every woman needs to know about financial health during a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The program is called Money Management From a Woman's Perspective. This program will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday,. Feb. 24, at Waddell & Reed Inc., 6900 College Boulevard, Suite 740, Overland Park. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "financial" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost for one 90-minute session is $12 per person for Johnson County residents or $13 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.
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Potter's Delight Adult Beginning Pottery class begins Feb. 25
Create original pottery, both functional and fun, in Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Potter's Delight Beginning Pottery class for adults 16 and older. Participants will learn creative design concepts, hand-building techniques, and wheel-throwing.
This class will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Feb. 25 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six two-and-one-half hour lessons is $98 for Johnson County residents or $108 for nonresidents. This includes earthenware clay and kiln firing. Because class size is limited, preregistration is required. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD'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.
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Shawnee Mission & Heritage Park Trout Stockings set for Feb. 25
The public is invited to come watch as rainbow trout are stocked in Shawnee Mission Park and Heritage Park Lakes in late February.
Approximately 4,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked in the two lakes on Wednesday, Feb. 25. This will include 1,000 pounds of fish to be stocked near the Heritage Park Boat Ramp starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. and 3,000 pounds of fish to be stocked near the Shawnee Mission Park Lake boat ramp beginning at 3:45 p.m.
Following the stockings, the two lakes will be closed to fishing until the official beginning of the 2009 trout season with a siren start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at both lakes.
Before fishing in the lakes, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a Kansas fishing permit, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit and a JCPRD trout fishing permit. District fishing and trout permits are available at:
the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam;
the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park;
a 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, and at Johnson County sporting goods stories including Dick's, Bass Pro Shop, and WalMart. Kansas state licenses can also be purchased at the John Barkley Visitor Center.
A second Spring stocking is planned for Friday, March 13.
Perform a catalog search for the keyword "fishing" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings at www.jcprd.com.
Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, and Heritage Park is located at 16050 Pflumm, Olathe. Both facilities are owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, call (913) 888-4713.
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Registrations Now Being Taken for JCPRD's 2009 Summer Day Camps
Registrations are now being taken for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 2009 summer day camps for children. Nearly 40 different camp programs are being offered this year at sites throughout Johnson County, but first a word of warning - camp registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and many camps fill quickly. Please register early to assure your best choice of programs!
Here's a brief overview of the JCPRD's camp offerings for 2009:
Crossroads Camp is designed for youth ages 11-13 who are strongly interested in learning the basic skills of outdoor recreational activities. Planned activities will include an introduction to and instruction in the fundamentals of recreational life skills, swimming, local field trips, and shelter activities. Camp sessions begin weekly from June 1 through Aug. 3. The cost for one week of five 7-hour sessions is $100 for Johnson County residents or $110 for nonresidents.
Summer Escapades Camp for ages 6-10, offers exciting weekly activities. Qualified counseling staff gear camp programs to special interests of the school-age child. Each week will include crafts, group and individual activities, plus two scheduled field trips, and three days of swimming. Camp sessions begin weekly from June 1 through Aug. 3. The cost for five 7-hour sessions is $90 for Johnson County residents or $99 for nonresidents.
Now in its third year, L.E.A.D. Camp, which stands for leadership, education, and development, is for ages 11-14 and stresses opportunities to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. It also includes community service projects and career exploration to give participants an idea of educational choices and career opportunities. Camp sessions begin weekly from June 1 through July 27. The cost for five 7-hour sessions is $100 for Johnson County residents or $110 for nonresidents.
Outdoor Discovery Camp for ages 6-12, offers kids a fun week of discovering the outdoors with park naturalists and rangers. Ten different weekly themes provide a variety of nature study fun. Activities include hikes, environmental games, nature crafts, storytelling sessions, field trips, swimming, archery, fishing, and boating. Camp sessions begin weekly from May 26 through July 27. The cost for five 7-hour sessions is $105 for Johnson County residents or $115 for nonresidents.
Aimed at ages 8 to 12 is Junior Naturalist Camp. This program allows young naturalists to discover the diversity of life in local prairies, forests, and streams. Under the leadership of a naturalist, they will depart from Ernie Miller Park and explore natural areas of JCPRD parks. Activities will include hiking, canoeing, stream hikes, and constructing temporary interpretive exhibits for the nature center. This camp will be offered twice beginning June 16 and July 21. The cost for four 7-hour sessions is $121 for Johnson County residents or $135 for nonresidents.
Amazing Adventures Camp is for ages 11 to 13. This program will give participants a chance to explore wild areas, find forgotten trails, and learn secrets of survival. Many of the activities will take place at the Timber Ridge Adventure Center and will include rock climbing, belaying and repelling, mastering knots, canoeing, animal tracking, camp cooking, and stargazing. This camp will be offered Tuesday through Friday beginning May 26 and Monday through Thursday beginning July 13 and 20. The cost for four 6-hour sessions is $119 for Johnson County residents or $131 for nonresidents.
Eight specialized camps with nature-related themes are also being offered this year. Five off these involve four 7-hour sessions offered Monday through Thursday at a cost of $121 for Johnson County residents or $133 for nonresidents. One of these is The Fine Art of Nature Camp for ages 8-12. Participants will look to the natural world for inspiration while exploring their own creativity through artistic endeavors including music, creative writing, and drawing under a park naturalist's leadership. This program will be offered once beginning June 9.
Wonderful Week of Water Camp will allow campers ages 8-12 to explore various water resources with activities ranging from canoe races, to swimming, creek hikes, pond seining, water balloon fights, and much more. This camp is offered once beginning July 7. In Blast From the Past Camp participants ages 8-12 will step back into history by reliving it. Campers will reenact using period clothing, play historical games, and learn skills from the past while exploring a different period each day: Colonial, Exploration, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War. This camp will be offered once beginning July 14.
Girl Power Adventure Camp for ages 12-14 allows participants to improve their leadership skills as they work through a series of physical and mental challenges. This camp will be offered once beginning June 23. New for 2009 is Off the Beaten Path Camp, which is aimed at ages 10-13. Participants will spend time hiking and exploring area parks and learning about gear, safety, and survival skills. This camp will be offered once beginning June 23.
Another camp offering is Climbing and Rappelling Camp, which is also for ages 12-15. Participants will learn about equipment, how to rappel, and backup belay skills. This camp is offered twice beginning June 15 and July 6. The cost for four 7-hour sessions offered Monday through Thursday is $125 for Johnson County residents or $137 for nonresidents. A separate Climbing Camp is also for ages 12-15 and focuses on letting participants experience the newest additions to the TimberRidge Adventure Center including the climbing wall, climbing tower, and traverse wall. Participants will also learn to tie knots, belay, and will take time for swimming and canoeing. This program runs Tuesday through Thursday beginning June 30. The per-person cost for three 7-hour sessions is $90 for Johnson County residents or $100 for nonresidents.
Also Returning for 2009 is Fishing and Canoeing Camp for ages 11-15. Participants will learn about bait and fish identification, meet new friends, and try to put their new knowledge to use at various county park lakes. Participants will also be introduced to canoeing with instruction by an ACA Quickstart certified instructor. This program is offered Tuesday through Friday beginning June 8. The per-person cost for four 6-hour sessions is $99 for Johnson County residents or $105 for nonresidents.
Also offered at the Ernie Miller Nature Center are two half-day summer camps for younger children. Summer Tots allows children ages 4 and 5 to explore the park's forest and fields. This camp has sessions beginning June 1, 15, 22 and July 20. Summer Vacation allows children 6 to 8 to hike the park and explore different habitats. This camp has sessions beginning June 8, 29 (two different times), and July 20. Both half-day camps consist of four 3-hour sessions and are offered Monday through Thursday at the per-child cost of $53 for Johnson County residents or $58 for nonresidents for either camp.
Also being offered are six Monday through Friday Mad Science® camps for youth which are presented in conjunction with the private science education firm on a variety of fun subjects. Four of these involve five three-hour sessions at the cost of $135 for Johnson County residents or $149 for nonresidents. Outdoor Explorers Camp for ages 4-6 and offers an exciting introduction to basic environmental science beginning July 20. Rockin' Robots Camp is for ages 7-13 and will explore the history and basic concepts of robotics in a session beginning June 15. Secret Agent Lab Camp I and II will let young sleuths ages 6-12 learn about the science of evidence gathering and analysis during separate and simultaneous sessions beginning June 22, July 13, and Aug. 3. The other two camps involve five six-hour sessions at the cost of $245 for Johnson County residents or $270 for nonresidents. One of these is NASA Journey into Space Camp for ages 5-12, which lets campers explore concepts of flight and space from the Earth's atmosphere to the outer reaches of the solar system beginning Aug. 3. The other is Secret Agent Lab Camp for ages 7-13, which lets participants check out spy equipment, discover the technological tools and detection, and identify and collect evidence beginning July 27.
Two summer preschool camps for ages 3-5 are being offered this year. They are: Preschool Enrichment Camp and Preschool Enrichment Nature Camp. In both programs, participants will enjoy a variety of learning opportunities such as dramatic play, creative arts, and socialization based around one of eight weekly themes. Both programs have sessions beginning weekly from June 1 through July 27. For either program, the cost for one week of five 3-hour sessions is $45 for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents.
FABULOUS FABLES CAMP is for ages 5-8. This program will introduce young thespians to drama using familiar fables filled with characters they know. This camp consists of five 90-minute sessions on Monday through Friday starting June 8. The cost is $65 for Johnson County residents or $72 for nonresidents. A theater program for ages 4-6 is called Little Stars CAMP. First-time actors can have fun learning about creative movement, dance, music, and mime. This program consists of five 60-minute sessions offered Monday through Friday beginning June 8. The cost is $55 for Johnson County residents or $61 for nonresidents.
DISCOVERY ART CAMPS provide imaginative fun for children ages 9-12 and encourage exploration of individual creativity through drawing, painting, design, clay, and crafts. This camp consists of five 2½-hour sessions and is offered Monday through Friday beginning June 8 when the theme is "Comic Book Heroes" and again on June 15, when the theme is "Environmental Artist." The cost for either session is $75 for Johnson County residents or $83 for nonresidents.
Dinosaur Discovery Camp for ages 6-9, Pirate Treasure Hunt Camp for ages 7-10, and Hawaiian Paradise Camp for ages 7-10 are all themed art camps which are returning for 2009. Dinosaur camp participants will explore the world of dinosaurs by learning about the prehistoric animals, pretending to be paleontologists digging for bones, and by creating clay dinosaurs, murals, masks and other art projects. This camp is offered Monday through Thursday beginning June 22. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $38 for Johnson County residents or $42 for nonresidents. In the pirate program, young buccaneers will follow a map to hidden treasure, make their own treasure chest, flag, and eye patch, and hear pirate-themed stories. This camp is offered Monday through Wednesday beginning June 8 and 15. The cost for three 60-minute sessions is $30 for Johnson County residents or $33 for nonresidents. Participants will be transported to an island paradise via their imaginations and will get a chance to try tropical-themed dances, foods, and crafts. The camp is offered on Wednesday and Thursday beginning June 10. The cost for two 60-minute sessions is $20 for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents.
An exciting new art camp for 2009 is called Exploring the Masters and will let young artists ages 3-6 learn about and emulate the techniques and works of famous art masters such as Picasso, Michelangelo, and Monet. This Monday through Thursday camp will have sessions beginning June 8, 15, 22, and July 6, 13, 20, and 27. The cost for four two-hour sessions is $65 for Johnson County residents or $72 for nonresidents.
Also offered are five Monday-through-Thursday dance camps for ages 3 to 6. All five involve four 50 minute sessions and cost $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 per person for nonresidents. In the popular Action Heroes Dance Camp, participants will build coordination and develop social skills as they jump as high as tall buildings, run as fast as the wind, and crawl like spiders. Dancing With Fantasy Characters Camp I will involve tap, ballet, and tumbling to the beat of various popular songs. Little Princess Ballet Camp will let participants learn basic ballet steps and use costumes while they dance out characters from classic ballet fairy tales. All three of these camps have sessions beginning June 6 and 15, July 13, and Aug. 10. The other two camps are Dancing With Fantasy Characters Camp II, which has sessions beginning July 13 and Aug. 10, and Dancing With Fantasy Characters Camp III which has sessions beginning only on Aug. 10.
In Irish Dance Camp for ages 8-12, participants will learn the basic moves to music of the Emerald Isle. This high-energy camp is for both boys and girls and is offered on Monday through Friday beginning June 15. The cost for five 60-minute sessions is $48 for Johnson County residents or $53 for nonresidents.
Two new dance camps are being introduced for 2009. These include Diva Pop Star Camp for ages 5-8 and Funky Jazz camp for ages 8-12. The pop star camp will let participants learn the latest moves from popular music videos, including hip hop, street jazz, and Broadway-style musicals. This Monday through Thursday camp begins Aug. 3. The cost for four three and one-half hour sessions is $140 for Johnson County residents or $154 for nonresidents. The high-energy jazz class will incorporate the fundamentals of street dance with jazz techniques. This Monday through Thursday camp begins June 8 and 15. The cost for four 50-minute sessions is $45 for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents.
New Horizons Camp For Special Education Students is designed for special needs students between the ages of 6 and 18. Now in its 40th year, this program provides quality summer day camp experiences including daily instructional swims, weekly field trips, sports, games, fitness, creative arts, cooking, and special events. Nine weeks of 8-hour daily programs begin June 1. The weekly cost is $100 for Johnson County residents or $110 for nonresidents.
In addition to the camp programs listed above, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers a number of summer sports clinics and camps for participants from four years old through the eighth grade. These include five soccer programs, five baseball programs, and one program each for basketball ,volleyball, and track and field. For more information on these programs, please see the JCPRD's Spring Activities Catalog or consult online listings at www.jcprd.com.
All District camp programs fully comply with Kansas Department of Health & Environment requirements. Camp directors possess extensive experience with children and in their specialized areas of expertise.
For more specific information on JCPRD summer camps, including schedules, costs and locations, please consult the District's website at www.jcprd.com or the District's Spring ACTIVITIES catalog, available now at all Johnson County Library locations. Keep in mind that camp fees are nonrefundable and most camps do not accept registrations by phone. For more information, call (913) 831-3359.
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Spring Adventure Walks for 50 Plus Start March 11 at Ernie Miller Park
Ernie Miller Park in Olathe will be the first of three destinations to be visited this year as part of Spring Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These hikes are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while following trails through parks and natural treasures. Participants can choose one or all of the three spring walks.
The trails in Ernie Miller Park are considered an easy walk. This outing will take place on March 11. This 116-acre park on Olathe's west side consists of a diverse range of habitats such as tall grass prairie, upland meadows, bottomland forest and a beautiful stream.
Spring Adventure Walks are led by Olathe 50 Plus Coordinator Tiffany Glaser. All hikes depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for each five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the hike, lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "adventure walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Other spring adventure walk dates and destinations are: March 25, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City, Kan. (moderate); and April 8, Emporia (easy).
While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken.
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.
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March 6 is Deadline For 19th Annual St. Patrick's Day Volleyball Tournament
March 6 is the deadline for teams wishing to register for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 19th Annual St. Patrick's Day Volleyball, which will take place on March 14 at the Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
This event is for coed intermediate teams consisting of players ages 18 and older. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format consisting of single-elimination play. The tournament will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and registered teams will be notified of game times. Past tournaments have involved between eight and 16 teams. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "volleyball tournament" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost is $90 per team. Preregistration is required.
For more information about the tournament, call (913) 362-8700. To register online and for updated program listings, go to the District’s website at www.jcprd.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 by phone, call (913) 831-3359.
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Squaw Creek Birdwatching Trip offered on March 14
Join the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for a late winter birdwatching trip to the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 14. The trip will depart from the north side of Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, at 8 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m.
Participants will observe the migration of ducks and geese as they fly north to their breeding grounds. Other wildlife such as white-tailed deer, pheasants, and bald eagles have been observed in past years. Lunch will take place at Camp Rulo, Neb., famous for fried catfish and other entrees. Participants must provide their own meal expenses and should bring binoculars and a bird book. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "trip" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost for this seven and one-half hour trip is $31 per person and includes van transportation. Preregistration is required.
For more information call (913) 438-7275 ext. 391. 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.
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Spring Fling Fun offers nature-related activities during Spring Break, March 16-20
Bored during Spring Break Week? Bring your family and friends to Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe, for a fun and educational program present twice each day.
Each day during Spring Break week (March 16-20), Nature Center staff will present nature or history-oriented programs suitable for the entire family beginning at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.
On Monday solve mysteries in nature with Animal Scene Investigations. On Tuesday (St. Patrick's Day), wear some green and celebrate Celtic history with stories, music, and traditions. Sharpen your eyes and play the Animals Hide and Seek game on Wednesday. On Thursday, discover reptiles up close and scaly with live snakes, turtles, and lizards. Friday's program will showcase birds of prey with the presentation of live owls and other raptors.
Each program is approximately 45 minutes long. The cost is $2.50 per person paid on-site. Advance reservations are not required for this program.
For more information on Spring Break Fun, call the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
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Mad Science® Junior Engineers Program for Kids is March 16
Come spend a no-school day building and testing structures out of lots of different materials during a program for ages six through 12 begin offered at the Roeland Park Community Center on March 16.
Mad Science® Junior Engineers is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with Mad Science®, a private science education firm. The program will feature hands-on science activities. Junior engineers will check out pyramids, arches, inflatable beams, test the strength of eggs, and build bridges and sky scrapers. Participants should bring a sack lunch and drink. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "science" to find these programs in the JCPRD's online listings.
The program will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. For the convenience of working parents, children can be dropped off after 8:30 and picked up until 4 p.m. The cost for one six and one-half hour session is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 per person for nonresidents. Preregistration is required and this program usually fills quickly.
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.
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Spring Break Volleyball Camp for Grades 3-8 begins March 16
Providing boys and girls in grades three through eight with basic skills in the game of volleyball is the goal of a Spring Break Volleyball Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
This camp will take place over Spring Break, Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19, at the Okun Fieldhouse, located at the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. The program will begin at 9 a.m. each day. Serving, passing, and setting will be covered. The overall aim is to provide a positive learning environment in which participants can improve their skills. The camp director is Rachel Magana - Founder and Coach of the Southwind Tribe Volleyball Club. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "volleyball" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for four three-hour sessions is $65 for Johnson County residents or $72 for nonresidents. Each participant will receive a camp T-shirt.
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.
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Free car seat check-up event - Free Booster Seats! (while supplies last)
Safe Kids Johnson County, in partnership with McCarthy Chevrolet will be conducting a free Car Seat Check Up event on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at McCarthy Chevrolet, 675 N. Rawhide, Olathe between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The coalition will be giving away free (while supplies last) booster seats to children who are present and meet booster seat guidelines.
Booster seats reduce the risk of injury by 59% as compared to using only safety belts. Kansas law requires children ages 4, 5,6 and 7 be secured in a booster seat. Children ages 8 through 13 must be protected by a seatbelt. Seatbelts are made to fit adults and do not protect children
properly. Booster seats work by raising a child up so that the lap and shoulder belt are positioned safely.
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 seat is 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, grandparents and caregivers to make sure their children are buckled up right.
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