Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for 2009

JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH - APRIL - MAY - JUNE - JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
	MARCH - 2009 Meet author Nancy Pickard at Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library will host a program with popular local mystery author Nancy Pickard (Prairie Village, KS) on Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Pickard’s suspense book, The Virgin of Small Plains, is the 2009 Kansas Reads selection. The Kansas Center for the Book has chosen Pickard’s novel for its broad-based appeal that could encourage and sustain a spirited discussion. The public is invited to share Pickard’s excitement in this honor at the presentation. Time will be provided to ask questions. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Nancy Pickard is the author of sixteen popular and critically acclaimed novels, including the Jenny Cain and Marie Lightfoot mystery series. She has won the Agatha, Anthony, Macavity, and Shamus awards for her short stories and the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards for her novels. Pickard is a founding member and former president of Sisters In Crime, the international organization dedicated to the advancement of women mystery writers, and she is a former national board member of the Mystery Writers of America. This library program is free and open to the public; no registration required. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. back to top Reception for award winning author Elizabeth C. Bunce at Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library will host an award reception for local author Elizabeth C. Bunce on Sunday, March 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Lackman Neighborhood Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa, KS. Bunce, who regularly visits the Lackman Library, recently was named winner of the American Library Association’s William C. Morris Award for her debut young adult novel, Curse Dark as Gold. Bunce will speak briefly about her award experience. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served. This library program is free and open to the public; no registration required. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. About the William C. Morris Award from the American Library Association: The William C. Morris YA Debut Award, first awarded in 2009, honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature. The award's namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults. Bill Morris left an impressive mark on the field of children’s and young adult literature. He was beloved in the publishing field and the library profession for his generosity and marvelous enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens. The William C. Morris YA Debut Award celebrates the achievement of a previously unpublished author, or authors, who have made a strong literary debut in writing for young adult readers. The work cited will illuminate the teen experience and enrich the lives of its readers through its excellence, demonstrated by: Compelling, high quality writing and/or illustration The integrity of the work as a whole Its proven or potential appeal to a wide range of teen readers The Morris Award will be awarded annually at ALA’s Midwinter Youth Media Awards. A shortlist of up to five titles will be announced the second Monday of December. 2009 Winner The winner of the 2009 Morris Award is A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce, published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Charlotte Miller strikes a bargain with the malevolent Jack Spinner, who can transform straw into gold, to save her family’s mill. With masterly writing and vivid characterization and setting, Bunce weaves a powerfully seductive tale of triumph over evil. “Bunce has crafted a story that superbly embodies the criteria for this award. Her work is compelling and has broad teen appeal,” said Chair Bonnie Kunzel. “Thoughtful reflection and spirited discussion characterized this outstanding committee’s work as its members selected a shortlist that honors the influence of William C. Morris on the field of young adult publishing.” back to top WILD variety of bargains at Library March Madness used book sale Thousands of gently used books at discounted prices will be offered for sale at the March Madness 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, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 12-14. Sale hours are: Thursday, March 12 • 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 13 • 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14 • 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This popular book sale will feature a wild variety of nonfiction categories and some fiction items too for both adults and youth. There will also be a selection of audiovisual materials. Most items are priced at $1.00 and 50 cents. Some materials may be specially priced. All sales are final; checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted with current identification. Additional parking will be available in lots west of Slater Street. Proceeds from the book sales are used to purchase new library materials, fund library programs for all ages, and train library staff and volunteers. Donations of gently used books and other materials are accepted at the following Johnson County Library locations. Antioch Neighborhood Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park Cedar Roe Neighborhood Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park Corinth Neighborhood Library, 8100 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS Gardner Neighborhood Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner Lackman Neighborhood Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park Shawnee Neighborhood Library, 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee For larger donations (more than one bag or box) please bring to the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please ring bell near the staff entrance on the west side for assistance. Donated items are not being accepted at the Spring Hill, DeSoto, Leawood Pioneer or Edgerton Libraries. The following items in good condition are gladly accepted: Hardback Books Paperback Books Books on Tape Books on CD Movies on VHS Movies on DVD Music CDs Textbooks The following items are not accepted: Books that are water damaged, moldy or have missing pages Magazines Newspapers LP records Music Cassettes Encyclopedias over 10 years old For more information on the book stores or donations, please call (913) 261-2319 or visit www.jocolibary.org/friends. back to top Free New Horizons Band Concert set for March 10 A free concert by the New Horizons Band is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Tuesday's concert is one of three the group offers throughout the year. For this event, the band is expected to play four to five pieces totaling 20 to 30 minutes, followed by refreshments. The New Horizons Band is a program of the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with the University of Missouri - Kansas City's Conservatory of Music and Dance and Meyer Music. The band is a group of music-loving adults age 50 and beyond and includes brass, woodwind, and percussion. This group has been in existence for about five years and currently has about 50 band members, including members who come from as far as Blue Spring to participate. The band is directed by Dr. Lindsey Williams, who is an assistant professor of music therapy and music education at the University of Kansas. For anyone interested in joining the group, the band meets for practices weekly on Tuesday nights beginning at 6 p.m. at the Roeland Park Community Center through May 12. Beginning band lessons are also available. For more information about the band or Tuesday's concert, contact Roeland Park 50 Plus Coordinator Michelle Alexander at (913) 236-4343. back to top Working Ladies' Golf League Plans March 26 organizational meeting at Heritage Park Golf Course An organizational meeting is scheduled on March 26 for a Working Ladies Golf League at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Heritage Park Golf Course, 16000 Pflumm Road, Olathe. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. The league is for ladies 18 and older. League play and times are designed for intermediate golfers. Play begins April 2 and will run through September. Tee-off times are between 4 and 6 p.m, but special events nights will begin with 5-5:30 p.m. shotgun starts. Players must be committed to play for the entire time. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A league registration fee of $55 and an additional $30 kitty fee are due at the March 26 meeting. Greens fees are $15, payable weekly. The March 26 organizational meeting will take place beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, call Kerry Bruce at (913) 530-0408 or the golf course pro shop at (913) 829-4653. No on-site registrations will be taken. 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 Visit Ernie Miller Nature Center to Participate in Passport to Adventure 2009 Beginning March 29 Gather your family and pick up your Passport to Adventure for the Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City’s fourteenth annual event at the Ernie Miller Nature Center or at any of 21 other sites in the metro area beginning March 29. Passport to Adventure is a great way for area residents to experience nature, science, and history in their own backyard. The annual event is meant to encourage the public to visit area nature centers, museums and historic sites between April 20 and Oct. 31. This year's event will kickoff from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 at the Olathe Bass Pro Shop, 12051 Bass Pro Dr. Olathe. Participants can pick up their 2009 passport, visit booths from participating facilities, see live animals, and participate in hands-on activities. The Passport to Adventure program is free and participants can also obtain a passport at any of the sites below. Passport holders have until Oct. 31 to get their passport stamped at all 22 participating sites in order to be eligible for prizes. Everyone who does so will receive a special prize by mail. In addition, each participating site will offer a small complimentary gift for answering a question relating to the site at the time the passport is stamped. Sites participating in the 2009 Passport to Adventure are: Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO (816) 759-7300 Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO (816) 228-3766 Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead 138th & Switzer, Overland Park KS (913) 897-2360 Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe, KS (913) 764-7759 Fort Osage Historic Park 107 Osage St., Sibley, MO. (816) 650-3278 George Owens Nature Park 1601 South Speck Road, Independence, MO (816) 325-7115 John Wornall House Museum 6115 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO (816)444-1858 Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd (816) 483-8300 Kemper Outdoor Education Center 8201 Jasper Bell Road, Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-8980 Léger Barn 14907 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS (913)492-0038 Lakeside Nature Center 4701 E. Gregory, Kansas City, MO (816) 513-8960 MacAfee Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS (913) 971-5111 Martha Lafitte Thompson Nature Center 407 N. LaFrenz Road, Liberty, MO (816) 781-8598 Missouri Town 1855 8010 E. Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO (816) 503-4860 National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame 630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS (913) 721-1075 National Frontier Trails Historic Site 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence, MO (816) 325-7575 Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS (913) 685-3604 Oxford School House 147th & Mission Road, Leawood, KS (913) 339-6700 ext. 157 Powell Gardens 1609 NW, U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO (816) 697-2600 Prairie Oak Nature Center 14701 Mission Drive, Leawood, KS (913) 681-0902 Prairie Park Nature Center, Lawrence 2730 SW Harper, Lawrence, KS (785) 832-7980 Wonderscope Children’s Museum 5700 King Street, Shawnee, KS (913) 268-4176 The Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City is a nonprofit organization made up of historical, natural, and cultural interpretive sites throughout the Kansas City area. For more information about the Kickoff event or the Passport to Adventure Hunt, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top JCPRD Early Childhood Development Centers to conduct Open House and Registration on April 1 Open houses will be conducted from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at all four of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Early Childhood Development Centers. During the open houses, parents will have an opportunity to visit with teachers and tour the centers. Enrollment materials will be available and enrollment at this time is encouraged as space is limited. This is the only open house for fall registration. A $30 nonrefundable fee will reserve a space for a child in the 2009-10 program, which begins in September. Center locations and phone numbers for additional information are as follows: Gardner Elementary, 218 E. Shawnee, Gardner, (913) 856-7937 Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, (913) 826-3171 Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, (913) 631-5054 Madison Elementary, 800 W. Madison, Gardner, (913) 856-5275 back to top 50 Plus Plans third-annual Men's Follies at JCCC on March 22 Talented men who can wow the crowd with their singing, dancing, and comedy talents are being sought for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus Department's third annual Men's Follies coming up on Sunday, March 22. Both groups who want to showcase their talents and those wanting to entertain as a one-man show are welcome. Call (913) 236-1269 to register your act. There is no entry fee for participants. Men's Follies will take place beginning at 2 p.m. at the Polsky Theater at the Carlson Center at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. The entire family is invited to attend this fun-filled afternoon of great entertainment. The event is free, and no reservations are required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches. back to top Spring Walkabout program offered on March 26 at Antioch Park Parents and children are invited to come explore the wonders of spring in Antioch Park on March 26. This program is called Spring Walkabout at Antioch Park and is being presented by the Childrens Services Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is for ages three and up with an adult. During this walk, participants will look for clues to help guess the name of a book they will read when the walk concludes. Along with the story, participants will enjoy a snack and juice. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "nature" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This one-session program will take place at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. The cost for one 60-minute session is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Dine, Dish and Of Course....Dessert Event for Red Hatters is March 26 at Roeland Park Community Center Dine, Dish and of Course....Dessert is the name of an event for area Red Hatters being offered in late March by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Participants will gather for an evening of good times, laughter, and great Italian food. Red Hatters will have an opportunity to share about their group and meet more their "sisters." If you're not currently a member of the Red Hat Society, please call (913) 826-3160 for more information about what this group is all about. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "special event" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Dine, Dish and of Course....Dessert will take place on Thursday, March 26 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one two-hour-hour event is $12 per person Preregistration is required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup 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. 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. back to top Women's golf Association and Working Ladies Golf League both get under way soon at Tomahawk Hills Golf Course Two separate women's' golf groups which both play at the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, are beginning their seasons in early April. The groups are the Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association and the Tomahawk Hills Working Ladies Golf League. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "golf" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association will hold its annual registration on Wednesday, April 1 at 9 a.m. The group is open to women of all ages and levels of play. Both nine- and 18-hole leagues play every Wednesday morning from April through October. The Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association fee is $30. Tomahawk Hills Golf Course Pro Jay Lispi is tentatively scheduled to provide group instruction to the league beginning at 8:30 a.m. on April 8. Also required is a golf patron card for Tomahawk, which will vary in cost depending on the player's age and residency. For more information on the Tomahawk Hills Women's Golf Association, call the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course Pro Shop at (913) 631-8000. Registrations for this program are not taken through the JCPRD Registration Office or through the District's website. March 31 is the registration deadline for the Tomahawk Hills Working Ladies Golf League, which will have an informational meeting at the course beginning at 5:30 p.m. on March 26. This league is also for ladies 18 and older and is designed for intermediate golfers. Play begins in April and ends in August. Tee-off times are between 4 and 6 p.m. Players must be committed to play for 20 weeks. For more information, call Michelle Textor at (913) 345-8582 or Kathy Bexton at (913) 897-5755. A league registration fee of $20 and an additional $20 kitty fee are due when play starts on April 10. Greens fees are $16, payable weekly. No on-site registrations will be taken for this program. 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 Artists sought for Summertime Arts & Crafts Show on May 16 Craftspersons and artists of all types are invited to enter the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's twenty-third annual spring arts and crafts show, The Summertime Arts & Crafts Show. This year's show is set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam. This will be the twelfth year the arts and crafts festival is held in conjunction with Merriam's Turkey Creek Festival, also in Antioch Park on May 16. Invited are artists of original works including drawing, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, jewelry, pottery, and folk arts. No commercial products, food, resale items, or flea market articles are allowed. Entry applications should include a clear photo of items to be exhibited. The entry fee is $65 for a 12-foot lawn space. There is a $5 late fee for registrations received after May 1. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, and display surfaces. This is an outdoor event - come prepared for inclement weather. The Turkey Creek Festival Committee reserves the right to alter or cancel the event. For more information, call (913) 831-335 or (913) 631-0016 Ext. 1443. back to top Spring Paint & Pound Event is March 28 at The Theatre in the Park Members of the public are invited to help The Theatre in the Park get its facility ready for its summer season during a Paint & Pound Workday set for Saturday, March 28. The workday will take place beginning at 9 a.m. at the Theatre, located in Shawnee Mission Park with a separate entrance at 7710 Renner Road. Individuals are invited to show up and bring gloves and cleaning supplies. The work day will last as long anyone wants to work, up to 5 p.m. Interested individuals and groups are asked to volunteer for at least four hours and to advise Facility Manager Bill Gintzel that they plan to participate. After being packed away for the winter, a variety of work needs to be done to get the community theater ready for its summer season of musicals. This includes both indoor and outdoor work and everything from preparing inventories, digging up sprinkler heads, cleaning buildings, and some light construction projects. Volunteer work for all levels of ability will be available and volunteers are never asked to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Gintzel advises that these events are also not appropriate for small children. A second workday has been set for April 18 In addition to the scheduled workdays this year, multiple other opportunities to volunteer at the theater are also available. Volunteers are welcome on most weekdays and Saturdays through mid-October. For more information or to schedule a time, call Gintzel at (913) 631-7050 ext. 442. Musical productions for the theater's 2009 season begin June 12 with "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Other shows to be presented during the theater's 40th season include: "Disney's High School Musical," "The Wedding Singer," and "The Wizard of Oz." For more information, including production dates, visit the theatre's website at www.theatreinthepark.org or call (913) 631-7050. back to top Stay at Home Mom Soccer League offered beginning April 1 Stay at home moms can get together weekly to play a fun soccer game while their children participate in their own Happy Feet Soccer class during a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is called SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) Soccer League is for adults and their children, ages two to five, although adults can participate without having a child in the program. Games will be a noncompetitive way to learn the game and practice soccer skills. This will be a great way to meet new friends and some mom time. While mom is participating in her own program, the kids will enjoy a Happy Feet program which is also called "story time with a soccer ball." This program promises fun and exciting soccer skill and fitness development, as well as a head start to a healthy future. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "soccer" to find the SAHM Soccer League in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Note that the accompanying Happy Feet class will be exclusive for children of SAHM participants and it not one of the stand-alone Happy Feet programs offered elsewhere in JCPRD program listings. The SAHM League and accompanying Happy Feet class will take place at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday beginning April 1 at Happy Feet, located at 8255 Melrose, Lenexa. The cost for eight 45-minute sessions for mom and a child is $80 for Johnson County residents or $88 for nonresidents. The cost per adult if no child is enrolled is $65 for Johnson County residents or $71 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top New Recycling Art class for youth starts April 4 Youth can explore the basics of art using recycled materials during a new four-session art class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The class is classed Recycling Art and is for children six to nine years old. Participants will expand their imaginations and creativity while producing exciting projects by drawing, painting, and using recycled materials. Old clothes are recommended. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This class will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning April 4 at the Roeland park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 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. back to top Expectant and New Moms Fitness program begins April 7 Helping expectant and new moms learn about healthy weight management and lose their baby weight is the goal of a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in early April. The program is called Expectant and New Moms Fitness and is for ages 18 and older. Participants are invited to bring their newborns as they learn to lose weight by eating healthy and also about how they can influence the next 18 years of their baby's life. Doctor Monica Peterson, a pediatrician and bariatrician, will help participants sort through the confusion of portion control, fruits and veggies, whole grains, juices, TV time, and exercise. After four classes, moms will have an achievable weight loss goal including a personalized plan to support their health and that of their child. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "fitness" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday beginning April 7 at the Weight Management Medical Center, 6700 W. 121 St., Suite 103, Overland Park. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $80 for Johnson County residents or $88 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 County Health Department to sponsore forum “Illegal Child Care – Issues and Outcomes” Many families with young children are struggling to make ends meet. The price of groceries, gas, housing and child care can be high. Due to the tough economy, many families may turn to whatever childcare provider is within their budget. These parents may end up with illegal, unlicensed child care options. Parents may not understand that KS requires childcare providers to be licensed or registered to provide childcare. This is in the best interest of the child. If a person is caring for unrelated children outside of the child’s home for greater than 20 hours a week (combined hours of care for all children) they need to be licensed or registered. There are many postings on Craigslist and many other internet sites for cheap child care, and many folks are turning to this site to find child care. The problem is that the posters on these sites are not required to post their license/registration numbers so families may be leaving their child in the hands of someone who may be providing child care illegally. The “rules” of Craig’s list states that no illegal activities can be posted. However, there are a multitude of illegal care providers posting daily. Illegal child care is classified as a MISDEMEANOR in Kansas. There are licensed Resource and Referral agencies that will provide parents with lists of LEGAL childcare providers – licensed, group, and registered homes, centers, and school age programs. Parents are only given providers that are in good standing with the state of Kansas. The Johnson County Health Department is sponsoring a forum “Illegal Child Care – Issues and Outcomes” on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Johnson County Health Department, 11875 S. Sunset in Olathe. Presentations include information from the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, the Johnson County Child Care Licensing Division and Daycare Connection. Parents, care givers and child care professionals are welcome. Call 913-477-8339 to reserve a seat. back to top Confirmed Meningitis Death in Johnson County The Johnson County Health Department has confirmed that a 58 year old woman has died from bacterial meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis) after traveling to Mexico, accompanying youth on spring break. The disease investigation is ongoing. Those at risk of infection have been identified and treated. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid around the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Symptoms can range from fever, headache, and stiff neck to more severe symptoms such as confusion or seizures. Meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing). None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. >> additional information about meningitis back to top New Tomahawk Hills Senior Golf League to meet on April 7 A spring meeting for a new Tomahawk Hills Senior Golf League will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7. Tomahawk Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course located at 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The facility is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The Tomahawk Hills Senior Golf League is open to ages 55 and older and will golf every other Tuesday morning beginning April 7. Participants must purchase a Senor Patron Card for $55 and pay senior dues of $50. These fees entitle participants to many discounts and are used to provide prizes for each tournament. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. To register or to request more information on starting dates and times for the Tomahawk Hills Senior Golf League, call Gary McCoy at (913) 383-4015. Registrations for this program are not taken through the JCPRD Registration Office or through the District's website. back to top Final Spring Adventure Walk for 50 Plus is April 8 Dryer Park in Emporia will be the final destination 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. The walking series aims to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while following trails through parks and natural treasures. The trails in Dryer Park are considered an easy walk. This outing will take place on April 8. This 40-acre park on Emporia's northwest side surrounding the city's water treatment plant is named after a municipal street and utility commissioner from the early 1900s, who was also known for urging the town's citizens to limit the depth of their Saturday night baths to four inches of water. Spring Adventure Walks are led by the Olathe 50 Plus Coordinator. This hike will 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 this five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $22 per person for Johnson County residents or $24 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 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 Orienteering workshop offered on April 11 Do you enjoy hiking cross-country but fear losing your way? If so, join the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for a Map and Compass Workshop beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Learn the basic skills of using a topographic map and compass in this beginner's workshop for ages 16 and older and children accompanied by a parent of guardian. This beginner's workshop will introduce participants to orienteering, a fun way of learning the basic skills for using a topographic map and a magnetic compass. The program includes a practice orienteering hike in the park. Workbook and the loan of a compass are provided. Participants should bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. Remember to dress for the weather. Perform a catalog search for the keywords "map & compass" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for this three-hour workshop is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top