FEBrUARY
- 2008
Pollard is New 50 Plus Manager for Johnson County Park and Recreation District
Rhonda Pollard of Lenexa has been named the next 50 Plus Manager for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Pollard has worked as the District’s Overland Park 50 Plus Director since February 2005 and has also overseen operations of the Olathe and Roeland Park 50 Plus programs during that time.
"I have a broad background in programming as well as management," she said. "I enjoy working with the 50 plus population and this role will allow me to enhance and expand our services to them."
Pollard said she believes the biggest challenge facing her department will be scheduling programs which will attract and meet the needs of participants in the 50 to 60 age group.
"It’s just something that we’re continually working on," she said. "We’re trying to get facilities which will allow us to program in the evenings as well as on the weekends because many in that age group are still working and that’s when they want to get involved. We are also pushing more toward center special events because this age group tends to like to come in and do a one-day event. They’re busy like the rest of us and they don’t have time to commit to a 10-week class three nights a week."
One specific program she is especially excited about is the District’s recent selection to participate in a walking program through the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Pollard has been working on this since September and was instrumental in the agency’s selection for this national program, which is expected to kick off locally on May 28 with the department’s annual In Step and In Shape Event. Pollard said she hopes 100 to 150 will participate in the program in its first year.
"It’s a nationwide drive for fitness in the older adult," Pollard said. "I felt very fortunate that we were picked because everybody wanted to be picked. This will give us a new dimension to our (In Step and In Shape) walk this year."
Before coming to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, Pollard worked for 12 years as a general manager at Sports and Fitness Management in Overland Park. In this position, she was also responsible for running major regional golf, racquetball, and basketball tournaments.
Along the way, she also served as State Racquetball Director, worked with her local PTA athletic association on fundraising efforts, and coordinated racquetball for the Kansas City Corporate Challenge for more than 12 years.
A native of Russell, Kan., she holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Kansas.
"I got my degree in environmental science when it was a brand new offering at KU," she explained. "So when I came out into the world, there were not a lot of positions open in that field. I went to work for an oil company in Wichita and I assisted a geologist. I did that for a couple of years. Then when I had children, I stayed home. But I wanted to work out and I just started out in a gym and they asked me to teach and then I became their aerobics director. One thing led to another and I eventually became a regional manager for them, managing several fitness and tennis centers. I worked a lot with the 50 plus population even in the fitness industry because I taught the early bird classes."
Pollard began as 50 Plus Manager on Jan. 22. She succeeds Carlene Todd, who left the District in early January.
back to top
JCPRD Children's Services Sites in Gardner Receive Literacy Grant for New Program
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Children's Services Department recently received a grant of $500 to be used to establish a new program meant to get younger children excited about reading. The grant came from the Youth Service Association and will be used for a new literacy program at the Madison and Gardner schools' Afterschool programs in Gardner.
Gardner Children's Services Specialist Lisa Hughes said the program will begin on March 3, which is National Read Across America Day, and run through April 25, which is National Youth Service Day. It will involve having older students read books to younger children each week, completing an art project or activity related to the book, and then giving the books to the preschoolers to use in their classroom.
Paperwork for the grant, Hughes said, was completed by the youth who will be participating.
"The directors (of the Afterschool centers) took the idea to the kids and the grant is actually hand-written by the children," Hughes said. "They took the time, they answered each of the questions in their own words."
The grant funds are being matched by $250 from each of the Afterschool program's budgets and will be used to purchase books. The program is expected to reach about 44 of the younger children.
For more information, contact Gardner Children's Services Specialist Lisa Hughes at (913) 856-2493.
back to top
Shawnee Mission & Heritage Park Trout Stockings set for Feb. 20
The public is invited to come watch as rainbow trout are stocked in Shawnee Mission Park and Heritage Park Lakes in late February.
Approximately 4,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked in the two lakes on Wednesday, Feb. 20. This will include 1,000 pounds of fish to be stocked near the Heritage Park Dam starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. and 3,000 pounds of fish to be stocked near the Shawnee Mission Park Lake boat ramp beginning at 3:45 p.m. Because the lake level in Shawnee Mission park was reduced in 2007 for construction projects, the stocking at this location is tentative and subject to being moved. It is recommended those interested in attending this stocking call (913) 888-4713 to confirm the date and time.
Following the stockings, the two lakes will be closed to fishing until the official beginning of the 2008 trout season with a siren start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at both lakes.
Before fishing in the lakes, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a Kansas fishing permit, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit and a JCPRD trout fishing permit. District fishing and trout permits are available at: the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam; the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park; and at numerous local bait and tackle shops.
A second Spring stocking is planned for Friday, March 14.
Search for the keyword "fishing" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, and Heritage Park is located at 16050 Pflumm, Olathe. Both facilities are owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, call (913) 888-4713.
back to top
KC Wildlands Sets Feb. 23 Workday at Ernie Miller Park and other metro park sites
"Long Johns and Loppers" is the theme for a Kansas City Wildlands workday been scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe.
Interested parties are invited to assist with land stewardship during this winter workday in the form of treating and removal of invasive and exotic woody plants that threaten a natural prairie remnant. The prairie remnant, which consists of about five acres, is located along Ernie Miller Park's highway frontage south of the main entrance of the park.
Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather. Some tools will be provided on-site, but participants are encouraged to bring their own loppers or small saws. If the temperature is below 25 degrees or if there is snow or rain, call the number below on that day to confirm the workday has not been postponed.
Also on Feb. 23, simultaneous workdays will take place at Jackson County Parks and Recreation's Blue River Glades Natural Area in south Kansas City, and at Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation's Hidden Valley Park Natural Area.
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District has conducted in similar works at Ernie Miller Park and other locations in the past in conjunction with KC WildLands, a "conservation coalition protecting biological diversity through citizen-based restoration of Kansas City's natural communities." Other charter members of the group include park and recreation agencies throughout the area, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Kansas Wildlife and Parks.
For additional information or to register for the Feb. 23 workday, please call KC Wildlands Coordinator, Linda Lehrbaum at (816) 561-1061 x116 or e-mail at linda@bridgingthegap.org.
An additional workday at Ernie Miller Park is scheduled for May 3.
back to top
Digital Management class offered for adults on Feb. 20
If you have images and files stored on your computer and you don't know what to do with them, a computer class for adults being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can help.
The program is called Digital Management and is for adults 18 and older. Participants will learn to store and backup all of their files and to protect their files online. Search for the keyword "computers" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday on Feb. 20 and 27 at Blue Valley Middle School, 5001 W. 163rd Terrace, Stilwell. The cost for two two-and-one-half hour sessions is $30 per person for Johnson County residents or $33 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
Museum and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art to host Arts and Economic Development Symposium
On Tuesday, March 4, 2008, the Arts Council of Johnson County, and in partnership with the Johnson County Museum and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, will host the fourth in a series of symposia on Arts and Economic Development. The focus of the March 4th symposium is "A National Museum & Policy Institute of Suburbia:History for Tomorrow's Policies." The 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. event at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas, is designed to attract public officials and employees who chart the course of our communities, business leaders, economic developers, public education and cultural leaders. The event is free, but registration is required. Register online or by calling 913-715-2570. Space is limited, so register early.
The symposium will answer three key questions for the community, and help the Johnson County Museum implement its vision of establishing a national public policy institute and museum on suburbia: why study and document the course of suburbia?; is a policy institute and museum a good combination?; and does it make sense to locate such an institution in Johnson County, Kansas?
Panelists addressing these questions include Dr. Robert E. Lang, Director, Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech & Professor in Urban Affairs & Planning; Robert Puentes, Fellow, Metropolitan Policy, Brookings Institution and Myriam Springuel, President, Springuel Consulting. Bill Hudnut, Senior Fellow, Urban Land Institute, and former mayor of Indianapolis 1976-1991, will moderate the discussion. This conversation forwards the Johnson County Museum's 2006 strategic plan, which calls for documenting and interpreting the suburban experience on a broader scale than Johnson County. When successful, the Johnson County Museum will be the first museum in the United States whose sole mission is to interpret the suburban experience. >> Entire Story
back to top
JCPRD Summer Park Hours Begin March 1
Summer hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. go into effect March 1 for many Johnson County Park and Recreation District parks. These summer hours will stay in effect through Oct. 31.
District parks impacted by the new hours are: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam; Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe; Shawnee Mission Park, 79th and Renner Road, Shawnee; Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th Street, Overland Park; and Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe.
Other District parks with year-round dawn to dusk hours include: Ernie Miller Park, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe; Sunflower Nature Park, 103rd St. and Edgerton Road, rural De Soto; and Streamway Parks System access points.
For more information, call (913) 438-7275.
back to top
Bird House Workshop offered for families on March 1
Attract birds like wrens and chickadees to your yard by putting up a birdhouse you and your family can build through a Bird House Workshop being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
This workshop is for ages five and up with an adult. Interpretive staff at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, will help participants construct the bird houses and share insights about birds and ways of attracting them. Participants should bring a hammer and screwdriver.
Search for the keyword "birds" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The workshop will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, at the Nature Center. The cost for one 90-minute session is $15 for Johnson County residents or $17 for nonresidents. Each family or registrant will complete one nest box. The registration deadline for this program is Feb. 22.
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, go to the District’s website at www.jcprd.com.
back to top
Storybook Tales Theater program for youth begin March 1
Storybook Tales is the name of a beginning drama program for youth being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Designed for young thespians ages five through seven, this program will introduce participants to acting and help develop their imaginations as they have fun. A different storybook tale will be acted out each session. Search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Storybook Tales will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning March 1 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Class cost for two 60-minute sessions is $22 per person for Johnson County residents or $24 per person 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
Biddy Basketball Clinic & Advanced Clinic Both begin March 1
Biddy Basketball programs for girls and boys ages five to seven are being offered in early March by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For ages five to seven, a Biddy Basketball Clinic is offered, while an Advanced Biddy Basketball Clinic is offered for ages seven to nine. Both are six-week programs which are offered beginning March 1 at the Tomahawk Sports Dome, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, and at the Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
Search for the keywords "basketball clinic" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The Biddy Basketball Clinic is for ages five to eight and 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. Separate sessions for five- to six-year-olds are offered at 9 a.m. at both the Tomahawk Dome and the Roeland Park Dome. a session for ages six- and seven is offered at 10 a.m. at the Tomahawk Dome, while a session for ages seven and eight is offered at 10 a.m. at the Roeland Park Dome. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents.
The Advanced Biddy Basketball Clinic will consist of six weeks of practices and games. Teams will be formed at the first session. This program is offered at 11 a.m. at both domes. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $50 per person for Johnson County residents or $55 per person for nonresidents.
For more information about either program, call (913) 362-8700.
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
Adult Beginning and Intermediate Golf Lessons Begin March 1
Beginning and intermediate golf lessons are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in early March. Golf lessons are for adults 18 and older and are instructed by PGA professionals.
Beginning golf lessons include an introduction to the basics including stance, grip, etiquette, and rules. Intermediate lessons provide further refining of the fundamentals plus emphasis on the short game and wood shots. Participants should bring a nine iron or pitching wedge. Search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Classes are offered at the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, and at the Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 Lackman, Olathe. All classes take place on Saturday beginning March 1. Beginning courses are offered at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Tomahawk Hills and at 3 p.m. at Heritage Park. The intermediate program is offered only at Heritage Park and will take place starting at 2 p.m. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $66 for Johnson County residents or $73 for nonresidents. There is also a fee for range balls, payable at each class. 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, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
back to top
New Pickleball Lesson and Intramurals offered in early March at Matt Ross Community Center
Pickleball is the subject of two new programs begin offered in early March by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Both will take place at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8108 Marty, Overland Park.
Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis played on a court with two players per side who use a wiffleball and paddles.
Learn to play this interesting game during a Pickleball Lesson, which will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday beginning March 4. The cost for one two-hour session is $6 per person for Johnson County residents or $7 per person for nonresidents. To register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
Beginning the following week, two courts will be available each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to play Pickleball. There is a suggested donation of $2 per person per day to play. No advance registration is required for this program.
For questions about either program, call (913) 642-6410. Search for the keyword "pickleball" to find either program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
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
JoCoHistory.net Web site Adds School for the Deaf images
The Johnson County Library announces that the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) (Olathe, KS) collection of nearly 2,400 images documenting the students, staff, buildings, athletics, and extra curricular activities at the school from the 1870s to the present has been added to the JoCoHistory Web site: www.jocohistory.net.
With funding from the Johnson County Heritage Trust Foundation, the Kansas School for the Deaf was able to scan their photographs and partner with the Johnson County Library to deliver them via JoCoHistory.net Particular strengths of the KSD collection include photographs of campus construction and demolition projects, sports teams and Boy Scout activities.
The Kansas School for the Deaf was founded in 1861, and moved to its current Olathe, Kansas location in 1866. Since then it has been educating the state’s deaf children, emphasizing proficiency in sign language and written English, vocational arts and a supportive environment for transitioning into adulthood. It is the oldest state educational institution in Kansas.
The Johnson County Library and the Johnson County Museum, in conjunction with the Olathe Public Library and Johnson County Archives launched JoCoHistory.net in October 2006.
The site contains more than 25,000 images and over 500 pages of historical content. Features of JoCoHistory.net include online curriculum guides for grades 4-12, historical atlases and maps, dating to the 1870’s, an obituary index, lost cities of Johnson County, historical timeline, aerial photos, biographies of important Johnson County people, Overland Park Historical Society image collection and the County’s historical preservation survey. The site was developed for anyone interested in the community and its history and to raise awareness of local history. Grant funding for the initial project was received from the Institute of Museum and Library Science (IMLS) and the Johnson County Heritage Trust Fund, administered by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners.
The Johnson County Library which maintains the historical Web site reports that total image views on JoCoHistory.net average over 500,000 per month. The Library averages one comment per day on the photographs in the database. Many are from people who are helping to identify people and places in the images.
Images from the Lenexa Historical Society will be added in 2008 along with more images from the Overland Park Historical Society the Johnson County Museum.
JoCoHistory.net recently received a first place national Savvy Award from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) in the Web site category (population 300,000 to 1,900,000). The Web site also received a 2007 Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).
back to top
Special Meeting Called
The Johnson County Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting to be held tomorrow afternoon, Friday, February 15, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is to conduct an executive (closed) session to receive advice of legal counsel and to discuss quasi-judicial proceedings.
No public comments will be accepted at the special meeting.
The special meeting comes just prior to the close of the official record on the annexation petition submitted by the city of Overland Park. That record is set to close tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners had previously extended the public comment period on the proposed annexation to give interested individuals adequate time to put their comments on the record. Under current state law, the Board of County Commissioners must vote within seven (7) days after the public record is closed.
More information about the Overland Park annexation petition may be accessed from the County Commission’s website at: http://bocc.jocogov.org/board/opannexation.htm, or from the Board Office at (913) 715-0430.
back to top
The Theatre in the Park 2008 Auditions set for March 1 & 2
Auditions for Theatre in the Park’s 2008 summer season of musicals have been set for early March. All of this year’s auditions will take place at the Leawood Middle School, 2410 W. 123rd St., Leawood.
Auditions for ages seven through adult will take place on a first-come, first served basis from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2. The production teams will break for approximately an hour each day for lunch.
Those planning to audition are required to complete an audition form online in advance at www.theatreinthepark.org and bring nine copies of the form with them to the audition. Having the forms filled out in advance will ensure that participants’ information is readily available to directors, choreographers, and production staff. On-site access to computer terminals will be extremely limited.
Digital photos will be taken as part of the audition process. More information on auditions, including specific requirements for vocal and dance auditions, is also available on the website.
Theatre in the Park musical productions planned for 2008 are: Oklahoma, June 13-15 and 19-22; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, June 27-29 and July 3-6 and 10-13; 42nd Street, July 18-20 and 24-27; and Titanic - The Musical, Aug. 1-3 and 7-10. With the exception of Oklahoma, which has a six-week rehearsal schedule, all shows will have a seven-week rehearsal schedule.
The Theatre in the Park is located in Shawnee Mission Park at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, and is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, contact the Theatre office at (913) 631-7050.
back to top
Spring Season of Animal Tales Storytime sessions begins March 5 at Ernie Miller Nature Center
A new season of Animals Tales Storytime sessions is beginning at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Young children and their parents are invited to come listen and learn during any or all of the six sessions scheduled between March 5 and May 21.
Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. Participants are invited to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic. All programs take place on Wednesdays beginning at 10 a.m., with a repeat program at 11 a.m. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The first program of this season will be offered on March 5 when the theme will be "bug buddies." Other spring storytime sessions are scheduled for: March 26 ("turtles"); April 9 ("bees"); April 23 ("birds"); May 7, ("lizards"); and May 21 ("bunnies").
The cost per 30-minute session is $1.75 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program.
Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
back to top
March 5 is registration deadline for Barnstormers Spring Break Baseball Camp
Boys in grades one through six are invited to participate in a Barnstormers Spring Break Baseball Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District over Spring Break Week, March 17 through 20. The registration deadline for this year's camp is March 5.
Barnstormers Spring Break Baseball Camp is the name of this four-day camp. Fundamentals of the game are the focus and this program is a great way to help players better understand the game of baseball.
The overall goal is to educate players in the proper techniques of hitting, receiving, throwing, base running, and fielding. The concepts of safety, sportsmanship and field etiquette will be reinforced daily. Participants are required to bring a bat, glove, hat, and two pairs of shoes (indoor and outdoor). All participants will receive a camp T-shirt. Search for the keywords "baseball camp" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Barnstormers Spring Break Baseball Camp will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 17-21 at the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. The cost for four three-hour sessions is $65 per person for Johnson County residents or $72 for nonresidents. For more information or for a flyer, visit our website at www.jcprd.com/activities/sports.cfm or call (913) 422-5599.
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
Spring Hikes for 50 Plus begin March 5 with Rails to Trails trip
The Ottawa segment of the Prairie Spirit Trail will be the first of seven destinations to be visited this year as part of Spring Nature 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 following trails through state parks and natural treasures. Participants can choose one or all of the seven spring walks.
Prairie Spirit Trail is a "Rails to Trails" trail and is considered an easy walk. This outing will take place on March 5. This scenic hiking and biking trail utilizes a former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe rail corridor. Ottawa is at the trail's north end and features a trail which rises nearly 30 feet above the Marais des Cygnes River on a steel-pillared railroad bridge.
Spring Walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. 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 $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the walk , lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "nature walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Other spring walk dates and destinations are: March 19, the Sugar Creek Indian Mission in Linn County (moderate); April 2, Osawatomie, Kan. (easy); April 16, Burr Oaks Woods (moderate); April 24, Parkville Nature Sanctuary (moderate); April 30, Knob Noster, Mo. (moderate); and May 14, the Overland Park Arboretum (moderate).
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
50 Plus plans Men's Follies at JCCC on March 9
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 second annual Men's Follies coming up on Sunday, March 9.
Both groups who want to showcase their talents and those wanting to entertain as a one-man show are welcome. Call (913) 236-1241 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. Ticket cost is $5 per person and preregistration is required. 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.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup at all Johnson County Library branches.
back to top
VHS tapes can be submitted for The Theatre in the Park auditions
An additional option is being offered for those who want to audition for The Theatre in the Park’s 2008 summer season but will be unable to attend auditions on March 1 and 2.
VHS audition tapes will be accepted until noon on Feb. 28 at the Theatre office in the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. Those auditioning in person will not be allowed to also submit a tape.
Regular auditions for ages seven through adult will take place on a first-come, first served basis from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2. The production teams will break for approximately an hour each day for lunch
Those planning to audition either in person or by tape are required to complete an audition form online in advance at www.theatreinthepark.org and bring or submit nine copies of the form. The forms will make participants’ information available to directors, choreographers, and production staff. Digital photos will be taken as part of the audition process. More information on auditions, including specific requirements for vocal and dance auditions, is also available on the website.
The Theatre in the Park musical productions planned for 2008 are: Oklahoma!, June 13-15 and 19-22; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, June 27-29 and July 3-6 and 10-13; 42nd Street, July 18-20 and 24-27; and Titanic - The Musical, Aug. 1-3 and 7-10. With the exception of Oklahoma!, which has a six-week rehearsal schedule, all shows will have a seven-week rehearsal schedule.
The Theatre in the Park is located in Shawnee Mission Park at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, and is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, contact the Theatre office at (913) 631-7050.
back to top
Spring Break Trout Stocking set for March 14
An additional 3,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be released into two Johnson County Park and Recreation District lakes during a supplemental stocking in mid-March.
The public is invited to watch the stockings, which will take place on Friday, March 14. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., 1,000 pounds of live fish will be released near the Heritage Park dam. At approximately 3:45 p.m., 2,000 pounds of fish will be released near the Shawnee Mission Park boat ramp. Watching the stocking is a great kids' activity during Spring Break week. Search for the keyword "fishing" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Following the stockings, the two lakes will be closed to fishing until the parks' opening at 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.
Area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a Kansas fishing permit, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit and a JCPRD trout fishing permit. District fishing and trout permits are available at: the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam; the John Barkley Visitors Center at Shawnee Mission Park; and at numerous local bait and tackle shops.
Because the lake level in Shawnee Mission Park was reduced in 2007 for construction projects and refilling the lake is especially weather-dependant, the stocking at this location is tentative and subject to being moved. It is recommended those interested in attending this stocking call (913) 888-4713 to confirm the date and time.
The supplemental stocking follows an earlier stocking of 3,000 pounds of trout in the two lakes on Feb. 20.
back to top
New Leaping Leprechauns program for ages 3-5 offered on March 14
Children ages three to five can celebrate St. Patty's Day with a new class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District called Leaping Leprechauns.
During this program, participants will learn an Irish jig, as well as a song from the "land of the leprechauns," make a shamrock to wear home, and have a treat. All supplies are included. Participants should wear something green. Search for the keywords "movement & art" to find this programs in the JCPRD's online listings.
This class is offered starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 14 at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee. The cost for one 50-minute session is $12 per person for Johnson County residents or $13 per person for nonresidents.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
back to top
March 2 is deadline for 18th annual St. Patrick's Volleyball Tournament
March 2 is the deadline for teams wishing to register for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 18th Annual St. Patrick's Day Volleyball, which will take place on March 15 at the Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
This event is for coed intermediate teams consisting of players ages 18 and older. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format consisting of single-elimination play. The tournament will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and registered teams will be notified of game times. Past tournaments have involved between eight and 16 teams. Search for the keyword "volleyball" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost is $85 per team. Preregistration is required.
For more information about the tournament, call (913) 362-8700. To register online and for updated program listings, go to the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. To register by phone, call (913) 831-3359.
back to top
Squaw Creek Birdwatching Trip offered by Johnson County Park and Recreation District on March 15
Join the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for a late winter birdwatching trip to the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 15. The trip will depart from the north side of Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, at 8 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m.
Participants will observe the migration of ducks and geese as they fly north to their breeding grounds. Other wildlife such as white-tailed deer, pheasants, and bald eagles have been observed in past years. Lunch will take place at Camp Rulo, Neb., famous for fried catfish and other entrees. Participants must provide their own meal expenses and should bring binoculars and a bird book. Search for the keyword "trip" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost for this seven and one-half hour trip is $31 per person and includes van transportation. Preregistration is required.
For more information call (913) 438-7275 ext. 391. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
back to top
New Take Control Now program offered for youth starting March 16
Parents can help their children take control of their healthy choices through a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The program is called Take Control Now and is for ages eight to 11. Participants will spend the first half of each class participating in fun physical activities designed to get them moving and interested in being active. Activities from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Go Healthy curriculum will be used. The second half will be spent discussing physical fitness, nutrition, rest, and screen time with guest speakers. Some take-home assignments will be given to complete between classes. Participants should bring a healthy sack dinner to class. Search for the keyword "wellness" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday beginning March 13 at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. Class will not meet on March 20. The cost for ten 75-minute sessions is $150 for Johnson County residents or $165 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
Spring Fling Fun offers nature-related Activities during Spring Break, March 17-21
Bored during Spring Break Week? Bring your family and friends to Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe, for a fun and educational program
Each day during Spring Break week (March 17-21), Nature Center staff will present nature or history-oriented programs suitable for the entire family beginning at 10 a.m.
On Monday (St. Patrick's Day), celebrate Celtic stories, music, and traditions. On Tuesday, discover reptiles with live snakes, turtles, and lizards. A variety of animals from the Wildlife Wagon program will be featured on Wednesday. History comes alive with stories from Laura Ingalls Wilder during Thursday's presentation. Friday's program will showcase birds of prey with the presentation of live owls and other raptors.
Each program is approximately 45 minutes long. The cost is $1.75 per person paid on-site. Advance reservations are not required for this program.
For more information on Spring Break Fun, call the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
back to top
Something for everyone At Kids & Family Used Book Sale
The Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library are sponsoring a Kids & Family Used Book Sale March 14 and 15, 2008, at the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, KS. The sale will feature thousands of titles for kids, teens and adults as well as videos and audiovisual materials. Items for adults will focus on parenting, education, cooking and self help. Hours for the sale are:
Friday, March 14: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Materials offered for sale have been donated by the public or retired from the library’s collection. Most items will be sold at $1.00 each; 50 cents each for smaller pocket-sized paperback books. Some items will be specially priced. Additional parking is available one block west of the library.
All sales are final; checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted with proper identification. Proceeds from this and other book sales benefit the Johnson County Library to fund purchases of library materials, provide library programs for all ages, and support training opportunities for library staff.
To donate books, CDs, Videos, DVDs and other materials, place them in the donation bin at any Johnson County Library location. Items not accepted include: books or tapes in poor condition; magazines; or textbooks older than three years. For more information about book sales or the Antioch or Blue Valley Used Book Stores call (913) 261-2319 or visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends.
back to top
Enjoy Irish Music Programs At Johnson County Library
The Johnson County Library will host several Irish musical programs during March that are open to the public. The community is invited to attend these free fun events and enjoy Irish sounds leading up to St. Patrick’s Day:
Irish Music for the Family
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
6:30 PM
Spring Hill Library, 109 S. Webster, Spring Hill, KS
Bring the whole family to sing and dance along with performer Cynthia Ziesman.
Registration begins February 19. Register online or call (913) 592-3232.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Saturday, March 8, 2008
10:30 AM
Edgerton Library, 319 E. E. Nelson St., Edgerton, KS
Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with performer Cynthia Ziesman. There will be singing, dancing and a lot of fun for the whole family! Registration is not necessary.
Irish Folk Music
Sunday, March 9, 2008
2:00 PM
Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, KS (913) 261-2319
Something to set the mood for St. Patrick's Day! Tom Meehan plays Irish folk music and ballads and spins some wild, wild tales. He encourages audience participation. The whole family is welcome!
No registration necessary.
Irish Folk Music
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7:00 PM
Shawnee Library, 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS (913) 344-0250
Something to set the mood for St. Patrick’s Day! Tom Meehan plays Irish Folk music and ballads and spins some wild, wild tales. He encourages audience participation. The whole family is welcome!
No registration necessary.
Irish Tunes for St. Patrick's Day
Saturday, March 15, 2008
2:00 PM
Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS (913) 495-3850
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Irish music and ballads in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
Tom Meehan, musician and singer, will perform. A great way to get in the Irish spirit!
For more information contact Jennifer Mahnken at 913-495-2466. 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
