Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2008

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	JULY - 2008 Tim and Nicole DeBoom to Participate in Shawnee Mission Triathlon The Johnson County Park and Recreation District and the TriKC Triathlon Club are pleased to announce that the currently ranked number one long distance triathlete and one of the greatest triathletes of all time, Tim DeBoom, will be participating in the 2008 Shawnee Mission Triathlon on July 13. His wife, Nicole DeBoom, also a professional triathlete, will also participate in the event. Tim DeBoom, 37, of Lyons, Colo., won the Ironman World Championships in both 2001 and 2002. After recovering from a number of physical problems, he came back to take fourth place at the 2007 Ironman World Championships. DeBoom is the winningest American triathlete since the glory years of the big four. In addition to the World Championships, Tim has won too many international events to even count. While an exercise physiology major while at the University of Iowa, DeBoom chose to pass on pursuing a medical degree to follow his dreams of racing the professional circuit. He holds bachelor's degrees in exercise physiology and anatomy. Still considered the most successful American racing today, Tim is currently gearing up to run in the August Leadville (Colo.) 100 Ultramarathon Trail Race which involves 15,600 feet of climbing and descending, and to attempt a third ironman world title in October. Nicole DeBoom, 36, also of Lyons, previously appeared as the pro for the 2003 Shawnee Mission Triathlon. She has been a professional triathlete since 1999 and qualified for the 1988 Olympic Swimming Trials in the 100-meter backstroke while still in high school. She has a slew of top-five finishes in triathlon and Ironman events, but later returned to short-course racing in order to fit more events into her schedule. She is also the founder and CEO of SkirtSports, an athletic apparel company for women which launched in 2005. Nicole is a 1994 graduate of Yale University where she earned a degree in sociology. Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. The Shawnee Mission Triathlon is limited to 750 individuals and 60 teams and typically fills one week prior to race day. For more information, call (913) 831-3359 or register online at www.sportkc.org through July 2. back to top New Yoga for Diabetes Workshop offered for ages 50 plus Persons dealing with Diabetes can compliment their regular maintenance regiment with yoga through a new program being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Yoga for Diabetes Workshop and will cover easy postures and relaxation techniques which can be helpful for people with diabetes. One week of consecutive classes is designed to successfully train participants to take these practices home for everyday use. This program is suitable for any fitness level. Search for the keyword "yoga" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This class meets at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, July 14 through 19 at the Roeland park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 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. back to top Athletic Training Center offers Drop-In Racquetball Racquetball Come When You Want To is the name of a punch card-based program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at its Athletic Training Center, 9301 W. 73rd St., Merriam. This program is for ages 14 and older and offers the opportunity to use the Athletic Training Center's racquetball courts without joining the facility. Search for the key word "racquetball" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. Available hours are flexible and include seven large blocks of time each week. These include Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A punch card good for ten 60-minute sessions costs $80 for Johnson County residents or $88 for nonresidents. Punch cards for the summer session are good through Aug. 31. For more information about this program, call the Athletic Training Center at (913) 403-8272. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. back to top Wallace State Park is Site of final Summer Adventure Walk for 50 Plus Wallace State Park near Cameron, Missouri, will be the last of four destinations to be visited this year as part of Summer Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional scenic trails, nature sanctuaries, and state parks. The Wallace State Park walk will take place on Wednesday, July 16. This moderately challenging course is located within this 501-acre wooded park situation amid the rolling farmland of northwest Missouri. This walk will involve two to three miles of walking over about 1.5 hours. Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Tiffany Glaser. Walks depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for this five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $16 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the walk, lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "adventure walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. 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. back to top Third Overnight Fishing Opportunity at Shawnee Mission Park is July 19 The third of four overnight fishing opportunities planned this summer will take place on July 19 at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. After 11 p.m., the park will be open strictly for fishing only and park rangers will be on duty throughout the night. All park gates will be open, but access within the park will be limited. The south side of the park will be barricaded east of the 87th Street "Y" and west of the 79th Street "Y" off of Barkley Circle near the main entrance. Fishing will be allowed from the bank or from watercraft. Park safety officials note that state law requires a white light be on at all times on boats on the water after sunset. 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, Merriam; the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park; and at numerous local bait and tackle shops. The final overnight fishing opportunity at Shawnee Mission Park for 2008 is scheduled for Aug. 23. For more information about the overnight fishing program, call Mike Ray, Superintendent of Park Safety & Outdoor Education, at (913) 438-7275. back to top Flag Football Camp Offered for Boys Starting July 21 July 16 is the registration deadline for a Flag Football Camp being offered by boys in Grades One through six by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This camp is designed to provide basic skills in the game of football. These fundamentals will be covered so campers can improve their skills in a positive learning environment. Each participant will receive a camp T-shirt. Search for the keywords "flag football" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Play for this four-session program will take place Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24 at Field C at Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park. Camp will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. each day. The cost is for four two-hour sessions is $50 per person for Johnson County residents or $55 for nonresidents. For a flyer on this program, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com/pdf.cfm or call (913) 831-3359. 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 Space Available in American Girl® Camp sessions starting July 21 & 28 Space is still available in the final two weeks of American Girl® Art Camp for girls are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The last two camp sessions begin July 21 and 28. American Girl® Art Camp allows girls ages seven to ten to step back in history. The American Girls Collection® involves engaging stories about girls living at important times in the past which bring history to life for grade-school girls. Campers will explore the past and discover what life was like during the times of these characters. Participants will visit Molly as she grows up World War II, travel to colonial days with Felicity, go to Minnesota with Swedish pioneer girl Kirsten, and join Samantha as she learns what it means to be "a proper young lady" at the turn of the century. Along the way, campers will enjoy stories, craft projects, and other hands-on activities. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program meets at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday beginning each of the Mondays above at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for four 90-minute sessions is $55 per girl for Johnson County residents or $61 per girl 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. back to top Eleventh annual golf tournament to benefit local Special Olympians set for Thursday, July 24 Spaces are still available for participation in the eleventh annual Special Olympics Golf Classic on July 24 at the Prairie Highlands Golf Course, 14695 S. Inverness Street, Olathe. Tournament play will take place beginning at 2 p.m. Officials expect it to take four to five hours for all players to complete the course. The tournament will include unlimited beverages, golf cart rental, greens fees, dinner, and an awards ceremony. There will also be drawings for great prizes, including two airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the JCPRD's Rangers Special Olympics team. Search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Participation in the tournament is by both individuals and corporate teams. Individual players may register for $125, a portion of which may be tax-deductible. Corporate sponsorships are also available for $1,000. For more information or to register for the tournament, call Rebecca Meeks at (913) 236-1260. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, education, and athletic competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through their participation, Special Olympians are able to demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with their families, other Special Olympians, and the community. back to top Free T.A.K.E. Self Defense program for ages 12 and older to be presented July 26 at Heartland Elementary A program which 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 residential subdivision pool in the summer of 2002, is being offered in late July at Heartland Elementary, 12775 Goodman, Overland Park. The program is called T.A.K.E. Defense Training and has as its goal giving women and girls 12 and older the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming the victims of violent crime. Participants will learn basic techniques which could thwart an attack and save their lives. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend as portions of the curriculum use a partner and mothers and daughters make great teams. This program is being presented by T.A.K.E. (The Ali Kemp Educational) Foundation in cooperation with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, City of Leawood Parks and Recreation, and the Blue Valley Recreation Commission. The program was designed by JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker, a professional self-defense trainer, with consultation with local law enforcement agencies. The idea for the program was originally brought by representatives of the Kemp family to the local recreation agencies. The program is being offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26 at Heartland Elementary, 12775 Goodman, Overland Park. This two-hour program is free, but advance registration is required and enrollment is limited. To register for this program call (913) 685-6000. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. On-line registration is not available for this program. back to top Johnson County Sailing Society to Conduct last of three "Come Sail With Us" Events on July 26 All sailors and sailing enthusiasts are invited to join the Johnson County Sailing Society for a special event on Saturday, July 26, at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. The free one-hour event is called "Come Sail With Us" and will take place beginning at noon at the Shawnee Mission Park Marina, 7900 Renner Road, located near the marina. Participants should bring a sack lunch and dine with Sailing Society members. Following lunch, there will be an opportunity to sail a variety of vessels while participating in water activities like mock races or a sailing scavenger hunt. For more information, or to participate in Sailing Society races, please contact Nick Hockman at (913) 268-5683. Water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake have returned to normal levels thanks to spring rains after being lowered by as much as nine feet in 2007 for lake-related projects including the installation of a wetlands on the lake's east end. back to top New Yoga for Arthritis Workshop begins July 28 Gentle postures and breathing techniques to ease joint pain for persons with arthritis will be taught during a new program being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called Yoga for Arthritis Workshop and is for ages 50 plus. Most of the exercises covered can be performed in a chair or in bed before rising each day. Self-massage techniques will also be covered. One week of consecutive classes is designed to successfully train participants to take these practices home for everyday use. This program is suitable for any fitness level. Search for the keyword "yoga" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This class meets at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, July 28 through Aug. 2 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 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. back to top Ice Cream Sundae Bingo Program for 50 Plus is July 31 at RPCC Ice cream and bingo are themes of a late-summer special event being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This event is called Ice Cream Sundae Bingo and will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Participants can enjoy ice cream sundaes while getting ready to test their luck at bingo. About 12 to 15 games of bingo will be played with prizes ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants to gift packs. Search for the keyword "games" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for this two-hour event is $5 per person for residents or $6 per person for non residents. Advance registration is required. 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. back to top Challenger British Soccer Foot Skills Program begins Aug. 4 Footwork, turns, skills, and moves are the emphasis of a British Soccer Foot Skills Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in early August. This camp is for ages five through 14 and is meant to improve players' moves on a flat surface and their touch for fall soccer. The focus will be on individual skill development and participants will learn "the 20 moves that every player needs." Participants should bring a soccer ball or be prepared to purchase one from the program for $8. This program is taught by professional British coaches. Search for the keywords "soccer camp" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at 3:30 and again at 5 p.m., both beginning Aug. 4. The camp will take place Monday through Friday at the Lenexa Community Center, 13420 Oak Street, Lenexa. The cost for five 90-minute sessions is $73 for Johnson County residents or $80 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, visit www.challengersports.com or call (913) 599-4884 ext. 227. 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 Back to School Learn to Swim classes offered beginning Aug. 4 A special Back to School session of Learn to Swim Classes for youth being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District begin at two locations beginning Aug. 4. In all, eight different levels of Learn to Swim classes at offered. All levels are offered at both the Roeland Park Aquatics Center, 4850 Rosewood, and at the Prairie Village Pool, 7720 Mission Road, Prairie Village. Swim levels are: Parent and Child A for ages six months to two years; Parent & Child B for ages 18 months to five years; Level 1, Introduction to Water Skills; Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills; Level 3 Stroke Development; Level 4: Stroke Improvement; Level 5: Stroke Refinement; and Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency. With the exception of the parent and child classes, the various class levels are based on skill levels rather than age. All levels are taught under American Red Cross guidelines. Class starting times range from 8 a.m. through 6:10 p.m. For the two parent and child levels through Level 2, classes involve four 25-minute sessions. For Levels 3 through 6, classes involve four 45 minute sessions. For this Back to School session, the cost of four sessions of any level is $21 per person for Johnson County residents or $23 for nonresidents. For more detailed information including a full class schedule, consult the JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog available at all branches of the Johnson County Library or visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.. 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 KC Water Polo Team for ages 11 and up Begins Aug. 7 A Water Polo Team for ages 11 and up is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning Aug. 7. The program is called the KC Water Polo Team and is for both people who played the sport as a kid and for strong swimmers looking for fun. Sponsored by JCPRD and sanctioned by USA Water Polo, this program is a great way to stay fit. Practices last 90 minutes and are offered three times per week. Participants must register with USA Water Polo annually in order to practice or play. Search for the keywords "water polo" to find this program in the JCPRD’s online and Activities catalog listings. Practices take place at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Practice sessions are offered at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and at 10 a.m. Sunday. The cost for 15 90-minute sessions is $70 for residents or $77 for nonresidents. For more information, call Bruce Perry at (913) 481-1964. 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 Final intergenerational Geocaching in the Parks program set for Aug. 8 in Mill Creek Streamway Park The last in a new series of programs which involve using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate hidden caches in Johnson County Park and Recreation District parks will take place on Aug. 8 in the Mill Creek Streamway Park. This program is called Geocaching in the Parks and is for all ages. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which participants use a GPS receiver to hide and seek containers called "geocaches," which contain a logbook and a "treasure" - usually toys or trinkets. Participants will learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere how to use GPS to track a cache within six to 20 feet. This program utilizes GPS units donated to JCPRD by Olathe-based Garmin International in 2007 and is a great way to be active and to become familiar with local parks while having fun and learning something new. Search for the keyword "geocaching" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The final program will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Aug. 8 in the Mill Creek Streamway Park. Participants will be notified of exact meeting places prior to the event dates. The cost for one two-hour cache hunt is $8 per person for Johnson County residents or $9 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 Library’s new strategic plan Focuses on the customer experience At its regular July 16 meeting, the Johnson County Library Board reviewed the implementation plan for the library’s new strategic plan Experience Johnson County Library, 2008-2011. The planning process took place over the winter after input from the community through surveys, interviews and focus groups. The plan was approved by the Library Board at the March 19 meeting. Over the past few months, Library staff has been working to detail how the work of the plan would be accomplished and outcomes will be achieved. According to County Librarian Donna Lauffer Service, Place and Reaching underserved populations were identified as the three most influential focus areas likely to inspire positive change. “The strategic outcomes going forward are about the experience,” Lauffer noted. “It isn’t about doing more but rather prioritizing to be more effective. The strategic planning process showed us the community thinks we are doing many wonderful things. It is about making what we do even better – for the customer – how the patrons, constituents and staff experience the Library and its services in person and online. It includes providing convenient, delightful, and targeted services in inviting spaces.” The three outcomes and strategies of the Strategic Plan are: Outcome 1 Patrons will experience convenient, delightful and rewarding library service. Strategies: Library services are easy and convenient to use. Patrons of all ages report their library experience is delightful Patrons learn about library services from staff who are well-informed and proactive in promoting appropriate library resources. Patrons are able to find and obtain the library resources they want in the shortest possible time. Technology support will be improved by conducting a technology assessment and developing a technology master plan. Outcome 2: Patrons will experience inviting, comfortable spaces that facilitate lifelong learning and civic engagement. Strategies: Patrons and staff report that libraries are welcoming comfortable, and safe places. Sustainable practices are implemented in overall library operations. Johnson County is served by a library system with adequate facilities that have been planned in accordance with community growth. Develop a new long term facilities master plan for the next 15-20 years. Patrons find opportunities to engage in civic and community life at the library or via the library. Outcome 3: Patrons in underserved segments of Johnson County will experience library services. Strategies: Identify strategic opportunities to serve underserved groups. Stretch outreach capacity by integrating outreach at all locations Implement a more comprehensive outreach function in order to reach communities not currently being served. Provide more comprehensive early literacy library experiences for youth at risk. Implement a more effective and responsive service to the Hispanic community or other immigrant populations Library Board members will receive updates every six month to review progress that is being made. The Johnson County Library Strategic Plan, Experience Johnson County Library, 2008-2011 can be found in the About Us section of the Library Web site, www.jocolibrary.org. back to top JCPRD Fall ACTIVITIES Catalog Available After July 28 The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Fall ACTIVITIES catalog will be available after July 28. The quarterly publication lists more than 500 programs offered by the District from September though November and beyond, plus fall special events including the 50 Plus Games of Greater Kansas City, the Kids Klassic Run, Kansas Pioneer Girl Day, the Mildale Farm Fall Fest, and more. Fall offerings range from arts and crafts to sports to nature activities and include leagues, classes, seminars, workshops, and trips. Included are programs for toddlers through senior adults. Registration for classes in the Fall catalog will begin immediately after the catalogs arrive. Fall offerings begin on or after Sept. 1. The Fall catalog also includes the District's 2007 Annual Report. This 16-page insert details the JCPRD's 2007 accomplishments on a divisional basis, as well as financial reports and information. ACTIVITIES is mailed out to approximately 30,000 past participants who have taken part in a District program within the last year. Catalogs will also be available at Johnson County Library Branches, community centers, various businesses, and at District locations. Updated JCPRD program listings and 24-hour registration are available online at the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Look for Fall listings to be online the week of July 28 as well. back to top JCPRD beaches & marinas closing soon The summer season for two beaches and three marinas operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is quickly winding down. The facilities include: The Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Shawnee Mission Park Marina, both located in Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa; Kill Creek Park Beach and Marina, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe; and Heritage Park Marina, located in Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm, Olathe. The marinas at Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek parks will open both end their summer hours on Aug. 10. Until then, Shawnee Mission Park Marina will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday and Kill Creek Park Marina will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Heritage Park Marina closes Aug. 3, and will be open from Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until then. All three marinas offer boat rentals, including canoes, pedal boats, two-person sailboats, and fishing boats. Rentals rates are listed in the Summer Activities catalog, available now, and on the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Fishing permits are also available at the marinas. The Shawnee Mission Park Marina will continue to be open on weekends on Aug. 16 and 17, Aug. 23 and 24, and Aug. 30, 31, and Sept. 1. Also closing on Aug. 10 are Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Kill Creek Park Beach. Until then, Shawnee Mission Park Beach will be open daily with Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours of Noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday hours of Noon to 7:30 p.m. Kill Creek Park Beach will be open only on weekends with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hours of noon to 6 p.m. Daily rates at either facility for children 12 and under adults over 50 are $3 for Johnson County residents and $3.50 for nonresidents. Admission for adults is $5 for Johnson County residents and $5.50 for nonresidents. For more information about the beaches and marinas, call (913) 312-8847. back to top Free T.A.K.E. Self Defense Program for ages 12 and older to be presented Aug. 13 at Lenexa Community Center A program which 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 residential subdivision pool in the summer of 2002, is being offered in mid-August in Lenexa. The program is called T.A.K.E. Defense Training and has as its goal giving women and girls 12 and older the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming the victims of violent crime. Participants will learn basic techniques which could thwart an attack and save their lives. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend as portions of the curriculum use a partner and mothers and daughters make great teams. This program is being presented by T.A.K.E. (The Ali Kemp Educational) Foundation in cooperation with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, City of Leawood Parks and Recreation, and the Blue Valley Recreation Commission. The program was designed by JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker, a professional self-defense trainer, with consultation with local law enforcement agencies. The idea for the program was originally brought by representatives of the Kemp family to the local recreation agencies. The program is being offered at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at the Lenexa Community Center, 13420 Oak St., Lenexa. This two-hour program is free, but advance registration is required and enrollment is limited. To register for this program call (913) 477-7121. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. On-line registration is not available for this program. back to top Nominations sought From community for Expanded Pinnacle Awards The Johnson County Library Foundation is seeking public nominations for the 2008 Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacle Award was launched in 2002 by the Johnson County Library Foundation to recognize excellence in the arts. The award presented annually to a significant artist or arts supporter whose work has influenced the cultural well-being of the community. This year, the Foundation is expanding the Pinnacle Award to include three additional categories, which highlight a program or special area of emphasis at the Johnson County Library. The additional awards will recognize Excellence in: Advocacy and Public Engagement; Business and Entrepreneurship; and Literacy and Education. As with the original Pinnacle Award the new honorees must demonstrate excellence in their professional field or philanthropic pursuits. Nominations may be submitted by the public via the Foundation’s Web site: www.jocolibraryfoundation.org. Deadline for nominations is August 31. Foundation staff is available to assist nominators in completing the online nomination form. For assistance, please call Scott Zerger, 913-495-7579. Category descriptions for the 2008 Pinnacle Awards are: Excellence in the Arts Presented to an individual whose work as either a visual or performance artist or writer has had a significant influence on the cultural well-being of our community. Excellence in Advocacy and Public Engagement Presented to a recognized leader who has made substantial philanthropic or public contributions to our community's improvement and development. Excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship Presented to a business person who has demonstrated innovation, an exceptional entrepreneurial talent and spirit, and contributed dynamic growth and economic well-being to our community. Excellence in Literacy and Education Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment, either professionally or as a volunteer, to serving the causes of literacy or life-long learning in our community. Pinnacle Award winners will be recognized at the 2008 Pinnacle Award Recognition Dinner on Thursday, October 30, 7:00 PM, at the Capitol Federal Conference Center, Johnson County Community College. Winners will be presented with a commemorative item, and have the opportunity to make brief remarks about their passions and successes. The dinner will be preceded by a reception beginning at 6:00 PM. For information on Pinnacle event tickets and sponsorships, contact Scott Zerger, Executive Director of the Library Foundation at (913) 495-7579 or zergers@jocolibrary.org. Past Pinnacle Award Honorees are: Joe McGuff, sportswriter and former editor of the Kansas City Star; James Hamil, watercolor artist; and Charles W. Gusewelle, author and Kansas City Star columnist, Gary R. Holcombe, actor and founding member of the KC Actors Theater, Cynthia Levin, Producing Artistic Director of the Unicorn Theatre and Leon Brady, Kansas City Youth Jazz. All nominations will be considered by the Pinnacle Award committee, appointed by the Johnson County Library Foundation. For further information contact Scott Zerger, Executive Director of the Library Foundation at (913) 495-7579 or zergers@jocolibrary.org. back to top JCPRD Fall ACTIVITIES Catalog Available After July 28 The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Fall ACTIVITIES catalog will be available after July 28. The quarterly publication lists more than 500 programs offered by the District from September though November and beyond, plus fall special events including the 50 Plus Games of Greater Kansas City, the Kids Klassic Run, Kansas Pioneer Girl Day, the Mildale Farm Fall Fest, and more. Fall offerings range from arts and crafts to sports to nature activities and include leagues, classes, seminars, workshops, and trips. Included are programs for toddlers through senior adults. Registration for classes in the Fall catalog will begin immediately after the catalogs arrive. Fall offerings begin on or after Sept. 1. The Fall catalog also includes the District's 2007 Annual Report. This 16-page insert details the JCPRD's 2007 accomplishments, as well as financial reports and information. ACTIVITIES is mailed out to approximately 30,000 past participants who have taken part in a District program within the last year. Catalogs will also be available at Johnson County Library Branches, community centers, various businesses, and at District locations. Updated JCPRD program listings and 24-hour registration are available online at the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Look for Fall listings to be online the week of July 28 as well. back to top JCPRD beaches & marinas closing soon The summer season for two beaches and three marinas operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is quickly winding down. The facilities include: The Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Shawnee Mission Park Marina, both located in Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa; Kill Creek Park Beach and Marina, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe; and Heritage Park Marina, located in Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm, Olathe. The marinas at Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek parks will open both end their summer hours on Aug. 10. Until then, Shawnee Mission Park Marina will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday and Kill Creek Park Marina will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Heritage Park Marina closes Aug. 3, and will be open from Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until then. All three marinas offer boat rentals, including canoes, pedal boats, two-person sailboats, and fishing boats. Rentals rates are listed in the Summer Activities catalog, available now, and on the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Fishing permits are also available at the marinas. The Shawnee Mission Park Marina will continue to be open on weekends on Aug. 16 and 17, Aug. 23 and 24, and Aug. 30, 31, and Sept. 1. Also closing on Aug. 10 are Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Kill Creek Park Beach. Until then, Shawnee Mission Park Beach will be open daily with Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours of Noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday hours of Noon to 7:30 p.m. Kill Creek Park Beach will be open only on weekends with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hours of noon to 6 p.m. Daily rates at either facility for children 12 and under adults over 50 are $3 for Johnson County residents and $3.50 for nonresidents. Admission for adults is $5 for Johnson County residents and $5.50 for nonresidents. For more information about the beaches and marinas, call (913) 312-8847. back to top