DECEMBER
- 2008
Challenger Sports Holiday soccer camp for ages 3-6 and 6-12 offered Dec. 22 & 29
A holiday version of the nationally-acclaimed summer Challenger Soccer Camp is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Challenger Holiday Soccer Camp is a special two-day version of the summer program for ages three through 12. This holiday camp includes a fun-packed program of skill-building exercises, team challenges, competitions, and a special two-day "World Cup"- style tournament. The program is offered on a consecutive Monday and Tuesday beginning Dec. 22, and again beginning Dec. 29. Holiday programs for all ages will take place at the Lenexa All American Indoor Sports at 8875 Rosehill Road. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Challenger Holiday Soccer Camp for ages three and four are offered at 9 a.m. beginning Dec. 22 and Dec. 29. The cost for two 60-minute sessions is $28 for Johnson County residents or $30 for nonresidents.
Holiday Soccer Camp for ages four through six is offered at 10 a.m. beginning Dec. 22 and Dec. 29. The cost for two 120-minute sessions is $45 for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents.
Challenger Holiday Soccer Camp for ages six to 12 is offered in the format of two three -hour sessions at a cost of $65 per person for Johnson County residents or $72 per person for nonresidents. Participants can choose between a 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. session starting either Dec. 22 or Dec. 29.
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 on this program, call Max at (913) 599-4884 ext. 241. 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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Johnson County Park and Recreation District will again recycle Christmas Trees at three locations beginning Dec. 26
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District will again be accepted post-holiday contributions of discarded natural Christmas trees at three locations.
Collection sites are: the northeast corner of the parking lot at the Marina at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, the Heritage Park Marina parking lot, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, and the north side of the parking lot at the Marina at Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe, which was added as a collection site in 2006. Trees will be collected at all three sites from Dec. 26 and through Jan. 18 during regular park hours, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In 2007, more than 4,000 trees were "recycled." Some of the trees will be mulched for use on trails and in landscaping while others will be used to improve fish habitat in Shawnee Mission Park.
No yard waste will be accepted - only Christmas trees. Wrappers should be removed from the discarded trees as well as any remaining decorations; particularly "icicles" and decorations made from mylar, shiny plastic, or aluminum.
There is no charge for the disposal of trees. This program is funded in part by the proceeds from a JCPRD employee recycling program. For additional information, call District Forester Kevin Smith at (913) 441-8669.
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JCPRD names Eddie Coffey new manager of Heritage Park
Longtime Johnson County Park and Recreation District employee Eddie Coffey has been tapped to serve as the next manager of Heritage Park in Olathe. Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses Bill Maasen announced recently that Coffey was selected for the position from among three candidates and will start in his new position on Dec. 13.
Coffey, who lives in Louisburg, replaces longtime Senior Park Manager Cliff Smith, who is retiring effective Dec. 12 after more than 32 years with the park District. The position also includes oversight of the smaller Stanley and Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Parks. Coffey marked 25 years with the District in September and has served a manager of the JCPRD's Streamway Parks System since 1998.
"Eddie will be able to hit the ground running at Heritage Park due to his history at that park and knowledge of the facilities located within the park," Maasen said. "Eddie also has a unique management style that is demonstrated by his listening skills and his willingness to learn before he reacts that will be comfortable to the existing staff at Heritage."
Coffey's time with the District includes about six years at Heritage Park. In his first position with the District as a park worker at Shawnee Mission Park, Coffey was "loaned out" in the early 1980s for about year to help develop the then-new park, including installation of water and electrical lines. After becoming a senior park worker, a seven-month stint as acting Shawnee Mission Park manager, and a hiatus from the District for nearly three years to pursue another opportunity, he returned in spring of 1987 as a park worker at Heritage Park. He worked there until 1992, when he again became a senior park worker at Shawnee Mission Park. In October 1998, he became the Streamway Parks manager.
"I'm kind of excited, Coffey said of his new job. "I think that this position will offer me different challenges; a little bigger crew, different events than I am used to such as MACTA (Mid-America Combined Training Association, an active equestrian group which has offered educational and competitive activities for its members since 1977), and different types of races that happen at Heritage Park. I will be a lot closer to home. The crew has some really good talents that I can learn from. I helped install a lot of the water, electrical and sewer lines at Heritage and Stoll Park so in a way I will going back to where I started. I think I can bring a good positive energy to the position."
Overseeing the completion of a new shop building and a "green" restroom at the off-leash area, both of which are expected to start construction at Heritage Park in 2009, are among the many challenges Coffey sees ahead.
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Donations of animal supplies sought for the Animals program at Ernie Miller Nature Center
Individuals, families, and groups wanting to make a difference are invited to consider contributing a gift to the animals at the Ernie Miller Nature Center through a program called Holidays for the Animals.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center, located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, has ongoing needs for supplies for both the animals kept at the center and the wild animals that come to the feeders. Search for the keyword "animals" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Donations will be accepted after Dec. 3. Following is a list of items being sought:
- black oil sunflower seed;
- white millet, thistle, or safflower seed (no seed mixes, please);
- suet cakes;
- dried seed corn on the cob;
- LabDiet 5001 rodent food;
- pine shavings;
- bags of reptile bedding;
- Timothy hay;
- various sizes of clear Critter Keeper boxes with snap tops from pet stores;
- ferret snacks;
- bleach, and laundry soap.
Gift cards from pet stores are also helpful and allows nature center staff to purchase what is needed.
Donors who wish to be recognized will have their names listed in the Nature Center’s Tracks newsletter and in an advertisement in the Spring issue of Activities, so please take time to fill out a card at the Nature Center!
For more information, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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Library To host 2008 Kwanzaa celebration
The Johnson County Library will host two events in conjunction with Kwanzaa on Saturday, December 27, at the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, in the library’s meeting room.
Kwanzaa Crafts & Activities • 10:00 a.m. – noon
The whole family is invited to help prepare for the Kwanzaa Celebration. All ages are welcome to make placemats, play games, create decorations and design cards to use at home or share with friends. No registration required.
Kwanzaa Celebration • 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
A celebration for the whole family! Learn about the history of Kwanzaa; celebrate African-American heritage and tradition through music art and participation. This event is cosponsored by the Johnson County Chapter of the NAACP and the 8th year the library has cosponsored a Kwanzaa celebration. Everyone is welcome. No registration is required. For more information call 913-261-2300.
Kwanzaa (“first fruits of the harvest” in Swahili) is a non-religious, non-political celebration of traditions, ancestors, and culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1 by more than 18 million people worldwide. Nguzo Saba—or the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa—are a set of values by which people can make decisions about their lives. The principles are:
UMOJA—Unity
KUJICHAGULIA—Self-determination
UJIMA—Collective Work and Responsibility
UJAMAA—Cooperative Economics
NIA—Purpose
KUUMBA—Creativity
IMANI—Faith
The Kwanzaa celebration at Antioch Library is 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.
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Mad Science® Holiday Convention for Kids is Dec. 29
The Roeland Park Community Center is the place to be for youth ages six to 12 when the Seventh Annual Mad Science® Holiday Kids Convention takes place on Dec. 29.
Offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with Mad Science®, a private science education firm, the Holiday Convention will feature multiple hands-on Science Fun Shops, a spectacular stage show, relays, hoverboard rides, and great take-home experiments. A special drawing will be held for Newton's Rocket Car Rides. Participants should bring a sack lunch and drink. 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, Dec. 29, 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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Dec. 22 is Deadline for Winter Break Basketball Camp Registration
Dec. 22 is the registration deadline for a Winter Break Basketball Camp for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through six being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Basketball camp will take place at the Okun Fieldhouse, located within the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. The program will be staffed by local high school coaches and players, who will stress the fundamentals of basketball including instruction in offensive and defensive skills and limited scrimmage games. Participants will receive a camp T-shirt. The camp director is Anita Vanderpool, Head Girl's Basketball Coach at Turner High School. Search for the keyword "basketball" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Camp sessions will take place Monday Dec. 29 through Wednesday, Dec. 31. Basketball Camp for participants in kindergarten through second grade will meet at 3 p.m. The cost for three 90-minute sessions is $35 for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. Basketball Camp for participants in third through sixth grade will meet at 1 p.m. The cost for three two-hour sessions is $45 for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information 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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Winter Break Volleyball camp offered for grades 3-8
Providing boys and girls in grades three through eight with basic skills in the game of volleyball is the goal of a Winter Break Volleyball Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The registration deadline for this program is Dec. 19.
This three-day camp will take place over winter break, Monday, Dec. 29 through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 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 - Southwind Volleyball Tribe Founder and Coach. Search for the keywords "volleyball camp" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost for three four-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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Mad Science® Mad Messages Program for Kids is Jan. 2
Come spend a no-school day learning how to talk with numbers and create code crackers during a program for ages six through 12 begin offered at the Roeland Park Community Center on Jan. 2.
Mad Science® Mad Messages is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in conjunction with Mad Science®, a private science education firm. Participants will put their Mad Science® observation skills to use while creating a code wheel, sending and receiving messages via Morse code, using chemical reaction to hide and recover covert messages, and make multicolored sun catchers using only three colors. Participants will also discover fingerprinting to help uncover the mystery of the secret slime formula! Participants should bring a sack lunch and drink. 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 Friday, Jan. 2, at the 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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Itty Biddy & Biddy Basketball Programs offered in early January
Three instructional basketball programs for young children are being offered in early January by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The programs are: Itty Biddy Basketball Clinic for boys and girls age four with a parent, a Biddy Basketball Clinic for girls and boys ages five to eight , and a Biddy Basketball Advanced Clinic for ages seven to nine. All three programs begin Saturday, Jan. 3.
These programs are offered at the at the Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, and at the Okun Fieldhouse at the Mid-America Sports Complex West, 20200 Johnson Drive. Search for the keyword "basketball" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Biddy Basketball Clinic provides participants with instruction in the fundamentals of basketball. Ball-handling techniques, passing, dribbling, shooting, team work, and basic concepts of team strategy are covered with emphasis on sportsmanship. At Okun, a session for five-year-olds begins at 9 a.m., while a session for six-year-olds begins at 10 a.m. At Roeland Park, a session for five- to six-year-olds will take place at 9 a.m., while a session for ages seven and eight will take place at 10 a.m. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $50 for Johnson County residents or $55 for nonresidents.
Biddy Basketball Clinic Advanced is a six-week program of practices and games for ages seven through nine. Teams will be formed during the first class. This class is offered at 11 a.m. at both Okun and Roeland Park. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $50 for Johnson County residents or $55 for nonresidents.
Itty Biddy Basketball Clinic is designed to help develop fundamental skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Topics to be covered include ball-handling, passing, shooting, and sportsmanship. A parent must participate with their child in this program. This program is offered at 8 a.m. The cost for four 40-minute sessions is $40 for Johnson County residents or $44 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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Library display features Waterfowl artwork of local youth
The Johnson County Library will host Junior Duck Stamp artwork contest entries from Kansas youth in a special artwork display at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS from January 5 – 30, 2009. The exhibit will feature 36 colorful art designs from students grades K-12 across the state including the artwork of 2008 Best of Show Kansas winner Layne Anderson of Overland Park.
Last year Layne Anderson, an 18-year old senior at Olathe Northwest High School, decided it was time to switch species for her annual Junior Duck Stamp entry. Northern pintails had been lucky ducks in the three previous competitions, garnering Anderson a couple of 1st place winners and a 2nd place spot. However, over the 2007 winter holiday break – when she began working on her 2008 entry – she made the change from pintail to ring-necked ducks. Her decision seemed to set well with the judges as Anderson captured Best of Show honors for the state of Kansas on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 in Wichita, Kansas. Her acrylic painting of a pair of ring-necked ducks won the top spot in the judging and represented Kansas in the national Junior Duck Stamp competition in April, 2008.
Anderson’s entry competed alongside the other 49 states Best of Show entries in the national competition held on April 17 at the San Diego Zoo. While her beautiful entry did not garner the first place national prize – a $ 5,000 scholarship, a free trip to Washington D.C., and her entry made into a Junior Duck Stamp which is sold nationwide – her entry did receive an Honorable Mention award. Proceeds from the sale of the $5 Junior Duck Stamp funds conservation education and art scholarships.
Anderson’s artwork was selected from 883 entries submitted from students in 51 Kansas public schools, 7 private schools, 11 home schools or home projects, 5 art studios, and 2 4-H clubs. Entries were submitted in 4 age categories: Group 1 - K-3rd grade (316 entries); Group II - 4th - 6th grade (282 entries); Group III - 7th - 9th grade (168 entries); and Group IV - 10th - 12th grade (117 entries).
The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a dynamic, active, art and science program designed to teach wetlands habitat and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. The program guides students, using scientific and wildlife observation principles, to communicate visually what they have learned through an entry into the Junior Duck Stamp art contest. This non-traditional pairing of subjects brings new interest to both the sciences and the arts. It crosses cultural, ethnic, social, and geographic boundaries to teach greater awareness of our nation’s natural resources.
The first place design from the national contest is used to create a Junior Duck Stamp for the following year. Junior Duck Stamps are sold by the U.S. Postal Service and Amplex Corporation consignees for $5 per stamp. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamp support conservation education, and provide awards and scholarships for the students, teachers, and schools that participate in the program.
For more information on the Junior Duck Stamp program visit: www.fws.gov/juniorduck/.
Note to reporters and editors.
Contact information for Kansas Best of Show winner, Layne Anderson Overland Park, KS is available by calling Marsha Bennett (913) 261-2319 at Johnson County Library.
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Entries sought for annual 2009 National Library Week Bookmark Design Contest
Entry forms for the 2009 Bookmark Design Contest cosponsored annually by the Johnson County Library and the Friends of the Library will be available beginning January 5 at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, all 12 neighborhood library locations and in a downloadable format from the Library’s home page www.jocolibrary.org. Forms will be also available at the Friends Used Book Stores, located in the lobbies of the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, and at the Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park.
The popular annual contest is part of the Johnson County Library’s celebration of the 2009 National Library Week and draws several hundred entries each year. In the space provided on the entry form, contest entrants may use colored pencils, pens, paints or markers to design an original hand drawn bookmark with illustrations and/or words. Entrants should show how their family comes together at the library or tell a story about what they like about the library. The contest has categories for preschool through adult. All ages are encouraged to participate.
This year there is an earlier deadline. Entries must be returned to any Johnson County Library location by February 15, 2009. Ten winners will be selected and honored at a special event during National Library Week, April 12-18, 2009. Each will be awarded a cash prize from the Friends of the Johnson County Library. The winning designs will be printed on bookmarks that will be distributed at all Johnson County Library locations. All designs become the property of the Johnson County Library and cannot be returned. The Bookmark Design Contest is free and open to the public.
For more information call (913) 261-2319.
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Sunday Afternoon Nature programs begin Jan. 4
Bring the family to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in January for Sunday Afternoon Nature Programs for educational and entertaining programs. The programs begin at 2 p.m., last about 45 minutes, and are designed for all ages. A charge of $2.50 per person, payable at the site, helps cover the cost of the programs; children under two are free.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe.
January presentations will include:
Jan. 4 Birds of Prey – By day or night, out of the sky flies a rodent’s nightmare, the birds of prey. Join our interpretive staff as they show why rodents fear these great birds. Using live birds, participants will see up close examples of these magnificent raptors and their special adaptations.
Jan. 11 Dynamite Dinosaurs - Which dinosaur was the largest? Smallest? Fastest? Most terrifying? Join the quirky Professor Dina Sawyer as she shares fun facts about these magnificent creatures which once ruled the earth and the paleontologists who study them.
Jan. 18 The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly – Take a different look at some of the not-so-glamorous animals around, spiders, snakes, and skunks. These critters may not be loveable to all, but learn why they are important to our lifestyles and environment. Live snakes and spiders will be displayed.
Jan. 25 Kansas Symbols – What do the American bison, tiger salamander, and sunflower have in common? They are just a few of the natural symbols of the great state of Kansas. Learn about these and others through this interactive program featuring hands-on items and live animals. Be prepared to end the program with a rousing chorus of "Home of the Range.".
Search for the keywords "nature programs" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. For more information on the Sunday Nature Programs, call (913) 764-7759.
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New Moms and Baby Fitness program offered beginning Jan. 6
Helping new moms lose their baby weight and get healthy is the goal of a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in early January.
The program is called New Moms and Baby 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 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. 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 Jan. 6 at the Weight Management Medical Center, 6700 W. 121 St., Suite 103, Overland Park. The cost for five 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.
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Happy Feet Soccer offered in early January for young children
"Story time with a soccer ball" is an alternative name for a soccer program for young children being offered in early January by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This program is offered at the Athletic Training Center, 9301 W. 73rd Street, Merriam, and at the Okum Fieldhouse at the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee.
The program is called Happy Feet Soccer and is for boys and girls age two and one-half to five. This program promises fun and exciting soccer skill and fitness development, as well as a head start to a healthy future. Happy Feet is a proven 23-year-old program and features professional trained and kid safe certified coaches. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Athletic Training Center, a session for ages two and one-half to three will take place at 10 a.m., while a session for ages four and five will take place at 10:35 a.m.. At Okun, a session for ages two and one-half to three will take place at 10 a.m., while a session for ages four and five will take place at 10:35 a.m.., both on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 5. The cost for four 30-minute sessions is $50 for Johnson County residents or $55 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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Winter Adventure Walks for 50 Plus continue on Jan. 7 & 22
The Country Club Plaza and Parkville, Mo., will be the next two of five destinations to be visited this winter as part of Winter Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The Plaza walk is considered a moderate walk and will take place on Jan. 7. The Parkville walk will take place on Jan. 22 and is considered an easy walk. Other Winter walk dates and destinations are: Feb. 4, Little Blue Trace; and Feb. 25, Longview Lake.
These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional scenic trails.
Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Tiffany Glaser. All walks 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 $17 per person for Johnson County residents or $19 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.
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Action Heroes Dance class offered for ages 4-7 starting Jan. 10
Youth ages four to seven can have fun during an Action Heroes dance class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Participants should bring all their energy to this fast-paced activity class. Would-be heroes will jump as high as the tallest building, run as fast as the wind, crawl like spiders, and save the world. This program will build coordination and develop social skills while using up that extra energy. Search for the keyword "dance" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program is being offered at 9 a.m. Saturday beginning Jan. 10 at the Academy of the Arts, 5413 Martindale, Shawnee. Class cost for four 50-minute lessons is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 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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Dinosaur Delight Program for ages 4& 5 on Jan. 10 kicks off Winter Fun Series at Ernie Miller Nature Center
Dinosaurs are the theme of the first in a series of three programs for young children being offered during January and February at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe.
The programs are called the Winter Fun Series and are for ages four and five. These programs are meant as an opportunity for participants to enjoy nature during the chilly season. Your child will have fun while learning about natural and cultural concepts from a park naturalist. Search for the keyword "preschool " to find these programs in the District's catalog and online listings.
The programs can be taken separately or as a package. If taken separately, the cost for one 90-minute session is $14 per person for Johnson County residents or $15 for non residents. The package cost for three sessions is $37 for Johnson County residents or $41 for nonresidents.
The first program in the Winter Fun Series is called Dinosaur Delight and will take place on Jan. 10 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Young naturalists will learn about the giant animals that roamed the earth a long time ago and compare their footprint to a dinosaur's. Participants will learn about dinosaurs of all sizes, feel a smooth stone found in a dinosaur's belly, and make their own dinosaur to take home. Because space is limited preregistration is required.
Other programs in the Winter Funs series include Creepers and Peers on Jan. 31, and Color Me Invisible on Feb. 28.
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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Duncan's Karate Kids, and Family Karate classes begin Jan. 12
Karate classes for youth and families are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at Duncan's Karate School, 6009-B Johnson Drive, Mission. The classes are: Karate Kids, and Family Karate. Both programs have classes beginning in early December. Search for the keywords "martial arts" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Duncan's Family Karate is for ages six and older and is meant as an opportunity for family members to spend quality time together learning martial arts from a master with more than 30 years of experience. This class meets at 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday beginning Jan. 12. The cost for eight 60-minute sessions is $50 per person for Johnson County residents or $55 per person for nonresidents.
Duncan's Karate Kids is for ages six through 12. This class teaches this Korean martial art on a level children will understand and enjoy. Traditional techniques are employed to teach youth to exercise both their bodies and minds to function as one unit and to focus energy to one area of life. This class meets at 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday also beginning Jan. 12. The cost for eight 40-minute sessions is $48 per person for Johnson County residents or $53 per person for nonresidents.
The ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information about any of these classes, call Duncan's Karate School at (913) 262-5900. 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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Learn to Draw Class offered for adults beginning Jan. 14
A beginning class in drawing being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District will afford adults 18 and older an opportunity to uncover hidden talents and to express themselves creatively.
The class is called Learn to Draw. Participants will learn how to draw what they see (contour) using pencil, charcoal, and pastels. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention and personal instruction. Students should bring 2-B and 4-B drawing pencils, an art gum eraser, and a sketch book to the first class. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Class will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, beginning Jan. 14 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six 90-minute sessions is $55 for Johnson County residents or $61 for nonresidents. Because class size is limited, 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.
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