Coming Home to - City of Gladstone

city ofcity mapSponsored by the Gladstone Economic Betterment Council and the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce

By Jennifer Stafford and Shane HortonstreetrehabilitationHave you ever asked yourself, what are they working on?Why is the road closed? What makes my street differentfrom that street? Well, it is our hope that we can answer thesequestions and increase the awareness of street rehabilitation andmaintenance. There are many factors and different processes tochoose from and a reason behind each of them.How does the City decide which streets to rehabilitate?The annual process of deciding which streets need attention and whattype of work would benefit in the most effective way begins by understandingthe condition of each individual section of road. City staffuses a computer program called Micro Paver, which has been adoptedby the American Public Works Association. This program provides aPavement Condition Index (PCI) for pavement in the City’s street network.It compiles inspection reports gathered from each block of streetto determine the PCI. The PCI rates on a scale from zero to 100 withzero being completely failed and 100 being in excellent condition. Thedistresses that are observed by City staff during the street inspectiontake into consideration surface issues like potholes, cracking, raveling,or weathering as well as conditions beneath the surface that create deeppotholes, ruts, and dips that are usually caused by a failed road base.What are the different types of street rehabilitation?Roads, based on their PCI rating, will be in one of two different repairprograms. Roads in fair to good condition are placed in the IntermediateMaintenance Program. Intermediate maintenance is essentiallya seal coating placed on the road. This process maintains the roadwayin its current condition and is designed to protect the asphalt for additionalyears without the need for major maintenance. Once a roadreaches a point that it is too distressed for a seal coat to be beneficial,the road is placed into the Major Maintenance category. There are twolevels of Major Maintenance. The first is the process of milling the toptwo inches of pavement and replacing with new asphalt. The other,and the most dramatic, is full depth reconstruction, which is literallyrebuilding the road including work on the base on which the asphaltlays, curb/gutter, and sidewalks.How are the maintenance levels different?The annual program is organized by identifying roads that will benefitthe most from each type of treatment. Seal coating takes place aroundseven years after a road is constructed or has had a major maintenanceproject completed. The seal protects the asphalt from the degradingeffects of sun and salt for years, but does not change the ride qualityor structure of a street. The Intermediate Maintenance work is notintended to provide the same smooth roadway as a new asphalt surface.Once a surface is too distressed for a seal coat to be effective, it willcontinue to be patched when potholes form until it reaches a distresslevel high enough to warrant being placed on the Major MaintenanceProgram. A mill and overlay will correct potholes, smooth out minordips, and repair major cracks for 10-12 years and truly improve theride of a street. When the distresses begin at the road base, a milland overlay is not an option. At this level of distress, the road will bemaintained to City staff ’s capabilities to ensure that it is drivable untila complete reconstruction can be performed. Upon completion of afull-depth reconstruction, the brand new street will receive IntermediateMaintenance as needed.Is there a difference in the cost?Most definitely. Budget concerns are on everyone’s mind and this isespecially true with street maintenance. The city does what is necessaryto get the biggest bang for your buck. A street mill and overlaycosts approximately five times as much as a seal coat. A completereconstruction costs about five times more than a mill and overlay. Byseal coating streets that will respond favorably, the city can maintainthe fair to good streets longer thereby saving money to perform majormaintenance where it is needed.What about the curbs and sidewalks?As part of the major maintenance process, Gladstone providesstructural repair of curbs and sidewalks. Staff evaluates the curbsand sidewalks along the roadway that is receiving major maintenance.The determination is based on safety and functionalityfactors. Trip hazards on sidewalks are corrected and ramps at in-7 | Spring 2009

livinggreenOrganic gardening and green landscaping are not new conceptsbut rather things that people have been practicing fora number of years in different parts of the country. As wemove towards becoming a sustainable community we begin to thinkabout what might be better for our plants, soil, and any produce thatwe may grow. A new process involving gardening and landscapetechniques might emphasize such things as plants that require lesswater, water conservation and efficient watering practices. The goalmight be to use fewer resources to blend our project into the naturalappearance of the area and in doing so possibly improve or help tosustain the delicate nature of the earth’s ecological system.There are a variety of landscaping methods that are not complicatedor even high tech that the average homeowner couldeasily adopt. One of the first things the homeowner shouldconsider is the quality of the soil they will plant in. A commoncomplaint in this area is that the ground is nothing more thanclay and very difficult to work. This type of soil is not necessarilythe healthy soil a person wants to try to plant in or create anew landscape feature with. Since healthy soil equals healthyplants it is logical to look for ways to boost the soil fertility.You can begin the process of improving the soil fertility by amendingthe soil. The easy way to start this process is by rototilling the soil toreduce the clods of dirt and begin to make it the consistency of finebreadcrumbs or what some people may call sandy loam. Your next stepshould be to till in and blend organic material into the soil. This is bestaccomplished by tilling in at least three inches of organic material to adepth of eight inches. The organic materials can be products that youpurchase or from your own compost pile. Composting is an easy wayto return nutrients to the soil and reduces the amount of yard wastethat goes into landfills. Remember the three primary nutrients in soilare nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Each of these nutrients isresponsible for specific growth factors in plants. Nitrogen is responsiblefor healthy leaf and stem growth, phosphorous is essential for rootgrowth, and potassium is needed for overall plant health. When youcombine this effort with the soil pH (the degree of acidity or alkalinityof the soil) your landscaping or garden project can quickly become ascientific adventure. Simply stated composting is a way for you to feedthe soil and not the plant. This process allows us to more closely replicatewhat occurs naturally rather than using quick fix chemicals.

Bagged compost can be purchased at most home improvementcenters, however the best compost is the one created in your yardor garden space over a period of time. In fact creating a compostpile is one of the best things you can do for green living. Compostpiles are an important part of the sustainable lifestyle that so manypeople talk about today. Creating a compost pile is simply mixinglayers of brown (fall leaves) and green vegetation (grass clippingsand plant tops) in alternating layers of two to three inches in depth.The size of the pile needs to be manageable so try to keep it twoto three feet high and wide. Now no one ever said composting waseasy and it does require some work, for example, the pile needs toturned regularly to keep it aerated and you should keep it moistlike a damp sponge, not too wet. You may even want to add somedirt to the pile periodically to speed the decomposition process ofthe vegetation along. The best way to compost is to build an appropriatesized container from lumber and wire mesh or purchasea container. Some commercially available containers are designedwith a shaft for rotation of the composting material, which reducesthe amount of work required.There are a number of people who might debate the process ofincorporating the compost into the soil but unless you are set onhard work the easiest way is with rototilling. The only other choicewould be to turn the compost into the soil by hand with a shovel.green landscaping choice. Choosing drip or trickle irrigation alsooutperforms the spray/sprinkler method with fast and inexpensiveinstallation. The system waters deeply while using considerably lesswater than spray/sprinkler irrigation. If you pair drip irrigation withdrought and heat tolerant plants deep watering twice a month willoften be sufficient. Drip irrigation also assists with the developmentof deep root systems that encourage a stronger, healthier and moredrought resistant landscape. All of this will lead you to a naturallandscape with a substantially lower water bill.Another important addition to a green landscape, especially importantwith drip irrigation, is mulch. Mulch is simply a blanket oforganic matter placed on the soil to insulate it and hold in moisture.Mulch can include anything from woody material left over fromgrinding up tree branches and shrubs to leaves to coffee grounds.Mulch is inexpensive and it may be the best investment you makein your green landscaping project because it keeps weeds at baymuch longer than compost alone. The ideal mulch is mixture offifty percent woody material and fifty percent compost. The woodymaterial will decompose readily, unlike processed wood chips andsimply add to the compost mixture. Based on availability you canget woody material mulch at the Regional Yard Waste RecyclingCenter located at the Gladstone Public Works Facility. There is nocost for this mulch product, but you do have to load it yourself.green landscapingN71514.01 30.971939.10P KNitrogenPhosphorusPotassiumEither way is a chore, but one is less backbreaking than the other.The goal is to have a final product that resembles the consistency offine breadcrumbs.The next thing to consider is how you will irrigate your greenlandscape or garden. Drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation,directs a slow release of water to the soil surface or directly onto rootsystems. Spray/sprinkler irrigation, the most common form of waterapplication, wastes a substantial amount of water by evaporationand is not suitable for most perennials, because the plants grow upand block the sprayers. You can easily decide which one is the betterThere are a variety of mulch items available and some that are certifiedas organic. If you don’t want to buy mulch, you might be able tofind a local coffee house that will give you their coffee grounds free.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEThese grounds provide a rich source of nutrients and can be applieddirectly onto the soil as mulch. Other mulch materials include straw,sawdust and lawn clippings. Regardless of your choice do a littlegladstoneComingresearch and choose the most appropriate Home mulch to material for theprogress through peopleplants you have. Never mound mulch up against plants. Introduceyour choice gradually, test it out and see what works. Good luck andhappy landscaping or gardening in a green Coming and environmentallyHome tofriendly manner.gladstoneprogress through peopleComingHome togladstone| 10Coming

Rosa and Giovvani Liberto make the sauce fresh daily.The Gladstone Economic Betterment Council (GEBC) has been promotinga “shop Gladstone” program. As the principal sponsor of this magazine, theeditorial staff of “Coming Home to Gladstone” has made one of the regularfeatures of the magazine a business feature. This feature has been designedto introduce the reader to a variety of businesses and shopping opportunitiesthat exist in Gladstone. There are several unique shops and restaurants inGladstone that you won’t find in many other places. The stories are meant toencourage readers to visit the different shops and restaurants in Gladstone andto shop Gladstone regularly.It was 1993 and Salvatore Liberto was working for Safewayand Food Barn while his brother, Franco, was workingfor Val-Spar in North Kansas City. Salvatore, more readilyknown as Sam, had always been in the food businessand liked to cook. This was at a time when for all practicalpurposes it appeared that Safeway would close. That closingcould easily leave Sam without a job. Franco suggested thatthey open a family-style restaurant and delicatessen in theNorthland even though he planned to continue his workingat Val-Spar. Franco had even found a location for therestaurant. On November 18, 1993 the family openedGiovanni’s next to Kmart on Vivion Road. The businessflourished and a regular customer base was established andthings were good until 2001when it appeared that Kmartwas closing. Closing the restaurant was a difficult decision,but one that appeared necessary.When they closed the restaurant in 2001 they decided notto reopen right away. Then the tragedy of 9-11 occurred,bringing with it an impact that everyone would feel. Therestaurant had been closed for a year when Sam and his littlebrother Ross decided to reopen the business. It was May 2002when the brothers reopened the restaurant that had their father’sgiven name, Giovanni, on Antioch Road in Gladstone.Not far from their original location, their previous customerbase was able to find them easily.11 | Spring 2009

local business profilethings that range from Italian steak to Reuben sandwiches as wellas pasta dishes. All meals are prepared to order so it might take afew minutes longer, but the wait is worth it. There is lunch specialeveryday that is reminiscent of the old blue plate special, the maindish, a side and drink for a good price.This is truly a family business that involves everyone. “Thewhole family likes to cook” Sam said “so why not.” Rosa Liberto,Momma, is the Head Chef. It is her family recipes thatare used at the restaurant and she is the one who taught all ofthe children how to cook. Rosa and Giovanni (John) are at therestaurant everyday, wellbefore the sun rises, tomake the sauce for thepasta dishes. The ingredientsare all fresh and thesauce is made fresh daily.“This is important,” Samsaid, “If you are going toserve the public you haveto serve good portions andit needs to be homemade.”That is one of the reasonscustomers followed andremain loyal today.Of course one can try to imagine what it might be like to go towork everyday with a brother or sister or both. Rosario, betterknown as Ross said with a big laugh, “we fight everyday” andSam went on to say, “yes, but if something happens they arealways there for you.” The spirit of family seems to fill the airwhen you go into Giovanni’s. Sam is behind the counter greetingeveryone with a smile andwith some of the regularshe already has an ideawhat they want to eat. Atthe deli case you will oftenfind Ross ready to share insome friendly banter andcreate the deli delight ofthe customers choosing,which might include hisown Ross’ Special. In thekitchen you will find Nancyand Giuseppi (Joe) cookingOf course there is other work that must go on behind the scenes.The amount of time and effort that goes into preparation foreach day is amazing. It would seem that Giovanni’s has two ofthe best prep staff in the area. Sam says that their sister, Isabella,and their Aunt Carmelina do the prep work. That work can includepreparations for things that could range from meatballs tolasagna. One would have the impression that the work of theseladies makes a big difference in how each day goes.An interesting thing about this family is that even though theywork together everyday they still get together at Mom and Dad’severy Sunday for a big family dinner. Of course it is Mom whocooks and serves all of their favorite dishes. The one thing thatdoesn’t happen is business. When the family comes together it isfamily, there is no talk of business, “we just separate it” Ross said.You might wonder if there is another generation coming alongthat will learn the business and keep it going. Nephew John,who is 27, has been learning the business and Rosario (Ross)II, who is ten, will be coming along soon. Then there is brotherVincenzo’s son Johnny Jo, who lends a hand from time to time.Now in case you are wondering, Vincenzo (Vince) Liberto is thebrother who works part-time at Giovanni’s. His regular job is asa firefighter and on his days off he helps out at the restaurant,a little like an all around extra set of hands working the frontcounter, making sandwiches or cooking. Whatever is needed atthe time is what Vince does.Giovanni’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m. with drive-thru service available. They also offercatering and have carryout service available throughout the day.ladstoneThe most popular meal is the lasagna, which is Sam’s favorite,GComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEand coming in close behind the lasagna are the pasta and meatballsalong with fettuccini. The most popular sandwich is theItalian steak. It just makes sense that Ross’ favorite is the Ross’gladstoneComingSpecial. Their busiest days are Wednesday Home to and Friday eveningprogress through peopleand there is always a large lunch crowd. “Our regular customersare a little like family,” Ross said at the same time Sam wasexpressing “we are very grateful for all of our customers, withoutgladstoneComingHome tothem we couldn’t be here.” It is a little like going homeprogressforthrough peoplelunchwith the family, enjoy!ComingHome toComingHome togladstonegladstone| 12

TheHistoryEducation SpotlightBolling ofHeightsIt was an interesting time here in the northwest corner of ClayCounty, there were airplanes but it would be some time beforejet planes would make routine flights overhead in our area. It wasafter major roads were paved and U. S. Highways 71, 69 and 169intersected this corner of the county that farmland was developedinto a new lifestyle called the suburbs.The end of World War II saw large numbers of militaryservicemen becoming veterans as the world around us expandedin all directions. There was great demand for a new modernphase everywhere and we were no exception. The automobile wasquickly becoming the convenient way to travel. Moving into thesuburbs required that you have good transportation but movingto the country required a car. The only way to get to work or to goshopping required a car. The expanding auto industry was a smallinstrument to the process of the evolving modernization process. Asyoung men came home they could be hired by the local Ford plantand General Motors which would not only allow them to have a carbut also have full-time employment as a new home owner. Thesewere young men who were trying to raise a family, own a home andbecome part of a community they would call home.By Joan TierneyChairman Bolling Heights History CommitteeIt was in the 1950 time period that a young man from Fort Scott,Kansas came to Clay County with great expectations for his future.Ira Bolling and his sons, Howard and Glen were roofing contractorswhen they came to town. Ira could see the demand for newhomes was growing and formed H & I Builders with his sons anddeveloped what was once a “corn field” into a housing developmentthat would become Bolling Heights. This development was onland that was purchased just south of Linden, Missouri, which was,according to the record, Platted as Township 51, Range 33, andSection 23 with lot numbers set for property and deed records. Itwas no time at all and houses began going up in several phases.In 1950 a great impact for housing was met by men with visionsof the future. They found landowners who were willing to sellacres of their farmland. There were young families ready tospread their wings and move to new surroundings. Veterans werebeing encouraged to take advantage of Government GI Loansand the GI was not afraid to confront a 30-year loan with a4.25% interest rate. Ironically, the loan companies were eager towork with the young borrower if their monthly income met thecompanies’ strict standards.top to bottom Mike Wallace, Truman Wallace, and Vicki Wallace13 | Spring 200928 - Spring 20071804The expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived atKaw Point in June. This is the point where the Kansas River enters theMissouri River. The group stopped at this confluence or three days.1821Missouri joined the union as the 24th state after the MissouriCompromise allowed the state to enter as a slave state whileMaine entered as a free state.

Mo., In Clay Co. Mo. Published their sales as, “PLANNEDCOMMUNITY”, “A HOME TO BE PROUD OF”, PAVEDSTREETS AND CURBS, ON SEWER LINES, CITY WATER,(Sewer, Paved Streets and Curbs installed and Paid for). “ThreeBedroom Homes with Private drive, Many Different FrontElevations, Minimum Lot size 10,000 SQ. FT. Convenient toChurches, Schools, Shopping and Transportation. In the City ofGladstone, You’ll enjoy Living Here!”A Bolling Hieghts home in 1962Throughout the years there seems to have been many names forthe north and south routes that were traveled in the early years.Jefferson Highway was once a route that today would follow alongN. Troost. Old Pike Road, which is now N. Broadway north ofEnglewood Road. Fairgrounds Boulevard became Highway 169,which eventually moved west to its present location, leaving behindwhat became N. Oak Trafficway today. At what is now N.E. 67thStreet and N. Oak was the starting point of the Bolling Heightsaddition. A wide entrance, graced by a brick wall, held lettering toname the addition. The first street to the east was 67th Street, whichwas identified by the Post Office as Route 4. Three other streetswould branch from this main entrance as 67th Place curved to theleft, 67th Terrace would stem from there and the far right woulddevelop as 66th Terrace. The first intersecting name streets were N.Holmes, N. Charlotte, N. Campbell, N. Harrison, N. Forest andon to N. Flora. The shape of the addition appears as a fancy letter“T.” All the streets are listed in the well-established numbers asdesignated by the Post Office in the 1960’s. As names changed andthings became established you could find variances in land records.H & I Builders, Inc. BOLLING HEIGHTS of Gladstone,On December 3, 1953 the first Homeowners Association wasrecorded and Articles of Incorporation under the General Not ForProfit Corporation Act was formed and sent to the Secretary ofState in Jefferson City, Mo. Five residences were the first Board ofDirectors. All lived on 65th Street Terrace, North (now N.E. 67thStreet) except one. Stanley A. Tyron lived at 423 E. 64th St. TerraceNorth, (now N.E. 66th Terrace). It has been reported StanleyTyron owned the lumber company in Northtown. All lumbermaterials used to construct Bolling Heights houses came from thislumberyard. Other names of interest and Board Directors were,William D. Meadows, Howard L. Bolling, Veryle Lee Weathers andCharles H. Arnold.The construction of Bolling Heights was a stepping-stone forGarney Plumbing. Arthur Garney was a sub contractor with IraBolling for all plumbing work. This association, as well as manyother sub-contractors held firm for 30 years. Bolling Heightswas not a strange place for Arthur Garney or his son Charles.Arthur had managed his Plumbing business since 1924. Son,Charles was on the job at age 10. After his college years and atour in the Navy, Charles returned to help finish the last phaseof houses in 1956. Glen Bolling was a great friend as well as awonderful builder, says Charles Garney. It’s a well known fact thatIra Bolling and sons were hard working men with strong ethics.A great motivator to live in BOLLING HEIGHTS could befound with homeowners such as Howard Bolling, and Garneyemployee, Randy Thornton. Here were two men who knew howwell all houses were constructed. Master Carpenter and 53-yearhomeowner, Henry Smithmeir explains in detail the methodsused to build our houses. “You will never need to worry aboutthe roof collapsing.” The Ira Bolling Builders moved on to create“HOLIDAY HILLS” AND “RANDOLPH CORNERS” inKansas City, Mo.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE1821A Frenchman from St. Louis, Francois Chouteau, travels up the Missouri River and opensa trading post on the waterway about three miles below the great bend in the river, now theNortheast Industrial District.1825ComingHome toComingHome toAfter the 1825 Treaty of St. Louis, one of the many treaties signed between United States officials and NativeAmerican tribes, about 1,400 Missouri Shawnees were forcibly moved from Cape Girardeau to southeasternComingHome toKansas, close to the Neosho River. The U.S. government gave the Shawnee $11,000 and leased to them ablacksmith shop for five years, provided all the tools and 300 pounds of iron annually.ComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstonegladstone| 14Coming Home to Gladstone - 29

in the budget for eating outside the home. The trips to the grocerystore were done mostly at night on a weekly basis. Northtown hadstores for shopping, but a closer location was at Antioch Road andEducation69 Highway (Vivion Rd). The long established Monteil Groceryor A & P Grocery in Foxwood, just east on 69 Highway. AfterAntioch Shopping Center opened it was nice to shop at the bigKroger Grocery.1306 N.E. 67th Terrace1955 brought the last phase of building in Bolling Heights at thesouth leg on North Campbell and North Harrison below 66thTerrace N.E. The sales pitch of H & I Builders had worked well.All homes were completed and occupied by 1957. The total comfortof new spacious homes and green lawns brought people togethermaking good neighbors. Husbands and fathers left for workdaily. Wives and Moms stayed home to manage the children andhomemaking. The one family car was used to get the husband and“breadwinner” to work. Most wives were stranded, as transportationprovided by city buses did not reach the suburbs. Some men woulddouble up for their drive to work so wives could have a car forimportant errands. Other arrangements of delivering Dad to workwere good at times. A phone call away was the only available taxi,Jerry’s Cab, and it stayed busy. Should you be lucky enough to gainaccess to the cab, you would probably find 5-8 other women alreadyin the cab. But “NO PROBLEM”, Jerry didn’t mind if you sat onsomebody’s lap and no one thought about seat belts at that time.This new life style in the suburbs needed new schools, newchurches, new shopping malls, new streets, new city governmentand contented residents. There were restaurants in the area, butthose were only used on special occasions. There was no allowanceVicki Wallace and Christi HollandOur new schools in the North Kansas City School Districteducated all the children of the booming 1950’s. Many largefamilies of 9-13 children were raised in the 3-bedroom home. Itwas not uncommon to find 50-100 children on any given street.Elementary schools were Linden East, Linden West, or St. CharlesCatholic School. Antioch Junior High School was built and laterbecame Antioch Middle School. North Kansas City High Schoolwas the only high school at the time. Soon it was necessary to addanother high school and Oak Park High School was built just northof Gladstone. This was just the beginning of expansion and growthin the North Kansas City School District.1853With an area of nearly a square mile and a population of 2,500 persons, theCity of Kansas elected its first mayor, William S. Gregory.15 | Spring 200922 - Spring 20071833John Calvin McCoy, often considered by historians as the “father of Kansas City,” traveled with his parents to the area toperform Missionary work, but found a chance to become a merchant and opened a store at the northeast corner of Pennsylvaniathat aided travelers along the Santa Fe and Oregon trails. He called the area Westport.

The Bolling Heights home originally sold from $9,000.00 - $14,000.00 andranged in size from 980 square feet to 1214 square feet on 10,000 squarefoot lots. Many houses were built without a garage or basement. Asphaltdriveways were nice when new, but concrete driveways were better andlater made by neighborhood manpower. At that time cement cost $11.00 ayard. In 1955 a house payment was at least $72.00 a month. That was mostlikely one weeks wages. There were many advantages to living north of theMissouri River. It was closer to work for many, the houses were affordableand people stayed because of the convenience or the love of good neighbors.The children of the Booming 50’s grew to adults. Some moved away. Manyremained as residents or returned to be homeowners. It’s also a fact thereare still many original owners who’ve lived more than 50 years in the samehome. They have pride in ownership and clean neighborhoods. As thebuilder said in the early years of selling, “A Home you’ll Be Proud to Own”.History were important beginnings. The Special Events Committee hasproduced good times with Halloween and 4th of July Parades. Awards aregiven for the Home of the Season, and much more to come. With the helpof Consultant, Carolyn Vellar, a study for long-range plans was completedand 6 major goals were established with a timeline for completion. 1. Assistresidence with disposal of bulky items. 2. Promote and educate residentsregarding City Codes and property maintenance. 3. Create beautifulbackyards. 4. Create a skills list of Bolling Heights’ residents. 5. Assistthe city of Gladstone with brush and leaf collection. 6. Design propertymaintenance program for residents who need assistance. Committeemembers have been appointed and for some, this represents ongoingresponsibilities long term, so the commitment will continue.February of 2007 was the first election of the Bolling Heights CommunityLink Board of Directors and Officers. A full staff of 12 was elected withthe compliments of most all the original volunteers. President: CarolynMeyer, Vice-President: Winnie Estep, Secretary: Chris Reeves, Treasurer:Sherry Long. Members of the Board are Karen Farris, Ann Guenther,Ron Murphy, Marie Perry, Jeanine Sifers, Diana Snyder, Joan Tierneyand Sheryl Wagaman. Community meetings are held monthly with greatpoints of interest as we learn how to become leaders with good supportfrom all residence of BOLLING HEIGHTS.In 2006 the City of Gladstone was instrumental in assessing the totalcommunity and encouraged the residents of local housing areas tore-evaluate the appearance of their homes and establish new leadershipto enhance and promote better maintenance. A community of 50years growth will show wear if not given the proper care. With strongpersistence, volunteers stepped forward to form the second CommunityAssociation and a Board of Directors that has put forth many hours ofwork to build a better community in Bolling Heights. Communication inthe form of a monthly newsletter, “THE LINK” is just one small effortto make friendly neighbors. Committees for Beautification, Safety, andladstoneSpike, Christi Holland, Carol Wendland, Vicki Wallace and KoKoGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE1863As the Civil War raged, a building at 14th and Grand being used by the Union army as a temporaryjail collapsed, killing some women who were related to William Quantrill’s pro-slavery raiders.One of the women killed was Quantrill’s sister.Quantrill retaliated seven days later with his attack on Lawrence, Kan., where 150people were killed.ComingHome toComingHome toComingHome toCominggladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstonegladstoneHome toComing Home Gladstone - 23| 16

By Krislin FennerOn the edge of Gladstone lies a piece of history nestled amonggently rolling hills. Today we refer to it as the Atkins-JohnsonFarm, located at 6508 North Jackson, and it has survived for almost200 years. Despite time, tornados, sprouting housing developmentsand forward progress of the city in which it stands, it has remainedvirtually untouched. Though it may appear to some as simply an oldhouse sitting off the road a closer examination brings us face to facewith the life and times of this area from its earliest beginnings.The Atkins-Johnson Farm has taken an amazing journey fromland grant to inclusion on the National Register of HistoricPlaces. The house on this farm is recognized as one of theoldest continuously lived in homes in Clay County, built by theearliest of the pioneers in the late 1820’s or early 1830’s andremained occupied until 2004. This farm has seen births anddeaths, prosperity and depression, civil war and celebration yetthrough it all it has remained as it always was, even as moderncivilization crept up to its doorstep. To appreciate the depths of itssignificance we must start at the beginning.A man by the name of William Allen came to Clay County andreceived land grants in 1824 for land in Section 19, Township 51,Range 32 and another in 1829 for land in Section 20, Township51, Range 32. This land encompassed a total of 240 continuousacres of land. It is assumed that he and his wife Rachel livedon and farmed this land. In 1830 he is listed as owning 10 slavesliving with him on the land. Little else is known regardingWilliam and Rachel Allen’s time on the land. They did notremain there long as at least part of the land was sold in 1831 toJohn and Polly Hightower.John Hightower purchased 130 acres from William Allen, 90 acresin Section 19 and 40 acres in Section 20. It is not known at thistime if William Allen still owned the remainder of his land or ifit had been sold to others. John and Polly Hightower owned andpresumably lived on this land for the next three years. Sometimeduring these early years, a two-story log cabin was built. It ispossible it was built by William Allen, but based upon the landvalue at the time of sale to John Hightower compared to thevalue when it was sold again three years later, it is more probableit was built during John Hightower’s ownership. Since there areno records indicating when homes were built during these earlydays the best estimation is that the original cabin was constructedsometime between 1824 and the early 1830’s.1880William Rockhill Nelson moved to Kansas City and started the Kansas City Star newspaper. Competitorsincluded the Evening Mail, the Kansas City Times and the Kansas City Journal.Nelson’s editorials persuaded Col. Thomas H. Swope of the need for public parks, and Swope,while still living, donated his 1,344-acre farm to the city for that purpose. Swope Park, dedicatedJune 25, 1896, has since grown to 1,769 acres.17 | Spring 200924 - Spring 2007

In 1834 John and Polly Hightower sold their land to JonathanAtkins, excepting out the one acre, which had been deededto the church. Jonathan Atkins came to Clay County fromWoodford County, Kentucky and it was on this land that he andhis family made their home. At the time they purchased thefarm they had one child, born in 1833. By 1840, their familyhad grown to include 4 children, Joseph Robert, William Henry,Martha Ellen and Jacob Stone. Ten years later the familyconsisted of 8 children, John Howell, Fountain Waller (namedafter their neighbor), Reuben Tillery and Annie Mary beingborn by 1850. One more child, Ida Belle, was born prior to1860.Isabella V Jenkins, Atkins’ GrandmotherHistory is sparse regarding the time John Hightower owned thisland. It is known that during his ownership, on March 9, 1833, hedeeded one acre of the southeast corner of his property in Section19 to the trustees of the Big Shoal Baptist Church. The Big ShoalBaptist Church was established around 1823 and had built a logchurch at this location by 1827. The deed for this transaction wasnot recorded until many years later when the trustees of the BigShoal Baptist Church brought a quiet title action in 1859. Theland given by John Hightower was used by the church as a meetingplace and burying ground and is located along Pleasant Valley Roadwhere the Big Shoal Cemetery is today.Jonathan, along with his sons, was an enterprising man. By1850 40 acres of his land had been improved and it can beassumed he grew hemp and wheat as the agricultural censusshows he had two tons of dew rotted hemp and 20 bushelsof wheat. He also had orchard produce and livestock thatincluded milk cows and pigs. He is listed as a farmer inthe 1850 census and it is said that at some point he hada blacksmith shop and livery stable. The blacksmith shopwas said to have been located on the farm and in 1880 hisson, Joseph Robert, is listed as living on the farm with anoccupation of blacksmithand farmer. In 1860,Jonathan is listed asa wool carder. Theagricultural censusof that year shows heowned 8 sheep and had60 pounds of wool. Bythis time the acreageof his improved landhad doubled to 80acres. At some point,Jonathan operated asteam sawmill alongwith his son Williamin the partnership ofAtkins & Sons. Thismill was valued at $200at his death.Ida Mary Atkins Webb (dark dress)ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEComingHome togladstoneprogress through people1933gladstoneNelson left his own legacy in the form of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art at 45th and Oak streets, opened Dec. 11, 1933, on thesite of his former mansion. The east wing is dedicated to Mary Atkins, who had left her estate for an art museum Coming before Nelson.ComingHome toHome toComingHome toprogress through peoplegladstonegladstone| 18Coming Home to Gladstone - 25

Between theyears of 1850 and1860 Jonathanand MaryAtkins’ propertyincreased in valuefrom $1600 to$7000. Basedon the increasein propertyvalue during thistime and otherfeatures presentin the home it isbelieved this isthe time framethe house wasexpanded froma two story loghome to a largerI-House planhome. Accordingto architecturalhistorians, thistype of homeVerdie Atkins and Ida Mary Atkinsfirst appearsin Western Missouri in the 1850’s. The field stone chimneys areimportant elements in identifying this time frame. The westernchimney of the house has the date 1853 etched in the stone.Jonathan Atkins died in 1866 at his home of cholera. He became illand died within 9 hours. He is buried in the Big Shoal Cemeterydirectly south of his home. Mary Atkins continued to live on thefarm with her children until her death in 1878. After her death, thefarm was sold in partition of the estate with William becoming theeventual sole owner of the property.William Atkins continued to operate the farm and the millduring his lifetime along with the help of his brother and sister.Joseph Robert, as mentioned earlier, held the occupation offarmer and blacksmith. William is reported in the 1880 censusas being a farmer and lawyer. He was twice elected as judge inthe Clay Countycourt. William firstmarried Elby AnnieGrubbs in 1861.Elby died in 1870 atthe age of 33, mostprobably associatedwith the birth ofher son Jonathan.William and Elbyhad only twochildren, Jonathanand Estelle. Williamremained unmarriedafter Elby’s death for14 years. During thistime his unmarriedsister Annie remainedon the farm with himalong with his brotherJacob Stone AtkinsJoseph Robert, sisterIda and her husband, Samuel Mitchell. The mill was eventuallymoved to the farm and in the 1880 census a laborer is listed in thehousehold indicating he also worked at the sawmill.In 1884, William married his deceased wife’s sister, Mary Grubbs.This is shortly after his sister Annie died and the marriage of hisdaughter. William died in 1902 after becoming ill and falling fromhis wagon. This fall resulted in a broken neck and paralysis and hedied 9 days later. He was buried at the Big Shoal Cemetery followinga funeral said to have been one of the largest ever held at the church.During the Atkins ownership of the farm it was known as a socialcenter of the community. It is said to have been used as a pollingplace in the early days of the county. The Big Shoal Church,immediately south of the farm, flourished during this time period.Every May a great bonnet show was held and women from all aroundwould attend service and show off their new bonnets. It is said thatduring the bonnet show buggies lined the roadway for miles. Onceevery ten years the Baptist Association meeting would be held atthe church lasting several days. Hundreds would attend these greatmeetings, camping on the adjoining farms.1881James Pendergast opens a working man’s tavern and hotel, the Climax, in the WestBottoms. He attracts loyalty by granting favors such as cashing paychecks andoccasionally giving a few dollars to those in need.1887Pendergast uses his friendships to run for alderman.He wins and remains on the City Council for 18 years.19 | Spring 200926 - Spring 2007

The Atkins family owned and lived on this farm for 70 years. AfterWilliam’s death, the farm was sold out of the family to RudolphSchroeder in 1904. Rudolph Schroeder was a truck farmer andgrew vegetables, fruits and berries on a farm north of North KansasCity. This produce would be taken to the City Market in KansasCity and sold retail and wholesale. According to the grandsonof Rudolph, the Schroeder’s never lived on this farm. Rudolphhad investment property and most likely this farm was used forinvestment purposes and possibly leased to a tenant farmer.The Schroeders owned the farm until 1920 when it was sold toMary Johnson, the wife of John O. Johnson. John Johnson hadserved in the Spanish American War and Mary LeavenduskyJohnson worked as a chambermaid for Tom Pendergast prior totheir marriage. They were married in 1908 and had five children,Louise, Emmet, Raymond, Ellen and Francis. In the words ofFrank Johnson, a grandson of John and Mary, they “would makethis a place of love and learning for all who came”. The history ofthe house has been passed down through generations.The entire family worked the farm. The Johnson’s had crop landnear Birmingham and their home farm was used primarily aspasture land for dairy cattle, beef cattle and pigs. The pigs werehoused across the road and the large barn near the house was usedfor milking. A lane runs along the west side of the house yardwhere cattle were driven to the barn and the loading shoot. Justnorthwest of the cattle-loading shoot was the garden area and northfrom there stood the chicken coops. North of the house, acrossthe stream, stands a pole barn used to house farm equipment and atruck barn with attached grain storage building. Directly behind thehouse stands a building that was used as a tool shed. The originalpurpose for this building is not known.John and the three sons ran the farm until the oldest son, Emmet,bought them out. This was between 1932 and 1934 when Francis,the youngest son, went to work for the railroad. Raymond, thesecond oldest son, was the first to begin working for the railroad. Itis said that one day he came in the front door and out the back doorand didn’t stop until he came to the rail yard in North Kansas City.He began working for the C B & Q railroad, which later becameBurlington Northern, as a welder. He also ran the steam derrickwhen there was a train wreck.Jacob Stone Atkins and granddaughtersThe daughters, Louise and Ellen, never married and remained livingon the farm all of their lives. They worked as billing clerks for theDavis Paint Company in North Kansas City. Emmet married hiswife Lena and built a house in 1945 on part of the land on a hill justnorthwest of the main house. Francis and his wife Dorothy wereliving in North Kansas City when the flood of 1951 occurred.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE1903The West Bottoms area is engulfed by a large flood that brings train traffic at the UnionDepot, on Union Avenue to a standstill. Officials had been discussing the need for anew train station; the flood provides additional impetus.ComingHome togladstoneprogress through people1905ComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peopleCol. Thomas Swope donates land to the city for construction of a new General Hospital. Constructionof the hospital is completed in 1908. Patients from the existing hospital Coming at 22th and McCoy areHome totransported to the new facility by horse-drawn ambulance. Horses, previously trained to pull firewagons, continue to be used for ambulances until shortly before WWI.gladstonegladstone| 20Coming Home to Gladstone - 27

They needed to leave North Kansas City after this flood and in 1952moved into a house just across the pasture from Emmet and Lena,under the water tower. By this time all but one of John and Mary’schildren were once again on the farm living in three separate houses.Electricity was added to the house in the 1920’s. The kitchen wasthe last addition to the house, but it is not known exactly when it wasconstructed, only that it was most probably an early twentieth centuryaddition. In the 1920’s the kitchen contained a large black woodcook stove and there was a coal stove in the living room for heat. Gaswas not installed until the 1950’s. In the early 1960’s, Louise wasdiagnosed with cancer. When she became too ill to use the outhousean indoor bathroom was finally installed. Ellen Johnson, daughter ofJohn and Mary, was the last Johnson to live in the house. She died in1991. After Ellen’s death the house was leased.The Johnson home pre-1955The last family to live in the house was the Palmers, who leasedthe house until 2004. While living here they had the run of thefarm and describe the spring that still flowed out of the rocks andthe interesting vegetation, which grows on the land. Mulberries,asparagus, strawberries, honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, violetsand red cedar all grow on the property. Sheri Palmer learned themedicinal qualities of many of these plants. A brick path wasdiscovered outside the back door off the kitchen porch. Boy Scoutscamped along the hillsides and explored the land. The childrenof the family were homeschooled and the farm became a learningexperience for them. The Palmers say that during their time on thefarm they embraced the historic significance of the property andloved every aspect of it.Over the years pieces of the farm were sold for development butmuch of it remained intact. In 2005 the house and two acres weresold to the City of Gladstone. The property has since been placedon the National Register of Historic Places and is undergoing arestoration, eventually to be used as a living history museum andeducational facility. Today, the house still stands much as it was inits earliest days. The original log cabin is encapsulated within thewalls and can be seen in the attic and through small breaks in theplaster walls. The original hard wood floors run throughout theoriginal parts of the home and early twentieth century wallpapercovers the walls. The three original chimneys built of nativelimestone still stand intact. The house still contains the original21 | Spring 2009January 29, 1907An icicle falling 170 feet in the Richland mine shaft at Carterville instantly kills JackLavette, a young Kansas City man who had been at work just a week.1908William Volker helps fund the first public welfare board. Kansas City thus becomesthe first municipality in the nation to do so and its board, named the Board of Pardonsand Paroles, becomes a model for larger cities such as New York City.

knob and tube wiring and evidence of insulation with hay and strawcan be seen in the attic. The one small bathroom is the only trulymodern feature. The cellar and original outbuildings still surroundthe house and across the road stands a well dating back to theearliest days of the farm and it still contains water.In today’s modern world it is rare to find a piece of history so wellpreserved. The Atkins-Johnson Farm gives us a rare opportunityto step back in time and see life as it was over 100 years ago andimagine life in the earliest days of our county. It has been a placeof life and learning for generations and due to the families wholived there and the people of Gladstone, it will continue as such forgenerations to come.If history and the preservation of the past hold an interest for you, thisis your invitation to take a walk through history and experience therestoration and preservation of this Nationally Registered HistoricSite, a Clay County landmark. Consider becoming a member ofthe Friends of The Atkins-Johnson Farm. There is a graduatedmembership fee schedule that makes it affordable for everyone fromstudents to senior citizens. Student and senior citizen memberships are$10 each, individual memberships are $20 and family membershipsare $30. You can be a supporter for a $100 donation, a benefactorfor $500 or a corporate sponsor for $1,000. Fees and donations aretax deductible. You can request a membership application or moreinformation by visiting our website at www.atkinsjohnsonfarm.com, byemailing friends@gladstone.mo.us or by calling 816-423-4108.Mary Leavendusky Johnson The Johnson Home circa 1976ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE1908ComingHome toThe Board of Parks Commissioners approves a request from the Kansas City ZoologicalSociety for a zoo in Swope Park. The board sets aside 60 acres and $32,000 tobuild the main zoo building, which is dedicated in 1909.1909ComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneThe City Work House, a minimum security facility for persons convicted of municipalordinances, opens at 21st and Vine. Using inmate labor, the City builds the LeedsComingHome toFarm in eastern Kansas City in 1911. The facility has one of the largest pig farms inthe United States.progress through peoplegladstonegladstone| 22

they restin peaceamong usAs modern cities replaced the farms and communities of thepast, much of our visible history was lost. Remarkably, in andaround the Gladstone area, valuable resources linking us to the pasthave remained with the pioneer cemeteries that have been sparedduring the development of the area. Nestled here and there amongthe subdivisions and shopping centers lay the early pioneers andtheir families. These cemeteries date back to the earliest days in ClayCounty and tell the stories of families who bravely came west andsettled the vast wilderness into lively communities, productive farmsand plantations.Some of these cemeteries are well known and maintained whileothers are hidden and have deteriorated over time. These cemeteriesare directly related to those that owned and lived on the land, orthe churches they were associated with. They show us relationshipsbetween families and communities that otherwise may never beknown. These final resting places hold our history and sometimesa little mystery. Here are the stories of just a few of these pioneercemeteries and the people that rest within them.By Krislin FennerCraig-Williams CemeteryHidden in the middle of a subdivision is the Craig-Williamsfamily cemetery. It is situated in the Highland View subdivisionoff of Barry Road. The public access easement to gain entrancehas been blocked by privacy fences enclosing the backyards of thehouses built around it. Long neglected and grossly overgrown, onewould never know it existed. It is not visible from the streets andaccess can only be gained if one navigates through backyards andover fences. The original rock wall marking the perimeter of thecemetery still stands and on the inside, several large monuments,yucca plants and other fallen markers covered with leaves andbrush mark the final resting place of these early pioneers. This tinycemetery holds the story of two families who settled here early onand built their homes nearby.Jane Williams came to Clay County in 1823. She was a widow andwas accompanied by several of her sons. Among them it is knownthat Johnson, John, Elisha, William, and Hearis came with her asthey are all named in the will of Johnson Williams. Jane, Johnsonand John received land grants for land along Barry Road, east of N.Oak. Here they built a successful hemp plantation consisting ofover 300 acres. When Johnson Williams died in 1844 he left hisland to brothers Elisha and John. They are the only two brothersthat married. He also provided that his mother be cared for in thefamily home. She then died in 1845.1909The Kansas City Fire Department takes its first step into the automotive agewith the purchase of two Pope Hartford cars for use by Fire Chief J.C. Egnerand First Assistant Chief Alex Henderson.23 | Spring 20091911Keeping pace with other city departments, the Health Department converts from horsedrawnto motorized ambulances. When General Hospital converts to motorized vehicles,crank-start engines pose a challenge for drivers.

Elisha Williams and his wife Rachel also lived on this land. In the1860 census Elisha is listed with five children, Rachel having diedpresumably from childbirth. One of their daughters, America,married James W. Moore. Two small children, Ardella andSalle Moore are buried at the Craig-Williams Cemetery and aredaughters of James and America and grandchildren of ElishaWilliams. Ardella lived to be just over a year old and Salle livedonly a few months. Not much is known about the lives of Jamesand America. Neither is buried with their youngest children. Bothare buried at Barry Cemetery along with another daughter, Katie,who died at the age of 7 in 1897. Why the Moore family is notburied together and why none of their children lived to adulthoodare a few of the many questions that will remain unansweredregarding these old pioneer cemeteriesIt is believed that the first family home was located south of BarryRoad and was located where the former Dolce’s Restaurant islocated. Later James Craig purchased this piece of land and builtthe house that was Dolce’s, and still stands today. It became knownas the Highland View Farm.Around the same time, in the early 1830’s, another log home wasbuilt north of Barry Road. This is where John and his wife Louisalived. This home has been added to and the logs covered withsiding. It still stands today on Barry Road at N. Troost. John andLouisa had seven children, three of them dying in infancy. WhenJohn died in 1864, he left his wife with 4 young children. Louisathen married James Craig and resided at the Highland View Farm.James Craig was a widower and had at least two children, Robertand Sallie Bell when he and Louisa were married. Together theyhad three more children, Benjamin, Adam and Susan. Sallie Belldied at the age of 17 in 1870 from burns she suffered when herclothing caught fire. A beautiful marker topped with roses marksher gravesite. James Craig died in 1893 and Louisa survived himuntil 1906.Most if not all of the original Williams family are buried in thefamily cemetery. James and Louisa Craig and several of theirchildren are also here. There is a marker for Mandy Craig, statingshe was the nanny of the Craig family, but no dates are on thisstone. Her stone is a modern granite marker and how it came to bethere is not known.There are other obvious gravesites in this cemetery, marked bydepressions and yucca plants, but it is not known who all is there. Itis said that family slaves are presumably buried there. These thingswill remain as hidden mysteries, as is the cemetery that is tuckedaway behind modern houses.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE1913The Park Board dedicates a bronze statue of Jim Pendergast, first ward alderman, inappreciation of his early support of the fledgling parks and boulevards movement.1920At the urging of the Jackson County Medical Society, the city hires a milk expert to survey the milk supply for its350,000 inhabitants. The survey finds that less than half of the milk supply is pasteurized.ComingHome toComingHome toComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstonegladstone| 24

Waller and New StarkCemeteriesSituated within blocks of the Big Shoal Cemetery are twocemeteries that are intimately connected through family ties. Thesetwo cemeteries currently lie within the Carriage Hill subdivisionsand are known today as the Fountain Waller Cemetery and theNew Stark Cemetery. The cemeteries are on land once owned byFountain Waller. Fountain Waller deeded two parcels of land tothe county to be reserved as burial grounds. He designated one forhis former slaves and their families and one for his family.Tracking the burials in these graveyards is challenging. Throughthe years these cemeteries have been called by various names ondeath certificates. The New Stark Cemetery, which was reservedfor Fountain Waller’s family, is most often referred to as the WallerCemetery. The Fountain Waller cemetery, which was reservedfor his former slaves and their families, has been referred to asthe Waller Cemetery, White Oak Cemetery and “a cemetery nearMaple Park”. The deterioration of the stones and general pastneglect of these cemeteries makes it difficult at best to really knowhow many people are buried there and who they are. The stories ofthose connected to this land tell us of the hardships endured andthe community that grew.Fountain Waller came to Clay County around 1833 with his wife,daughter and a number of slaves. He purchased land and builta large, prosperous plantation in the area of today’s N. Brightonbetween Vivion and Pleasant Valley Roads. His wife, Eliza andonly daughter Madeline died in 1849 within 8 months of eachother. They are buried at New Stark. Fountain Waller neverremarried. It is possible he helped raise his nieces and nephews.His brother, Elbert Waller and his wife Anna lived with him in the1840’s and later had land of their own near the plantation. Elbertdied in 1869 leaving Anna with four small children, Bettie, Iola,Alpheus and Oscar. Fountain provided for all four nieces andnephews in his will.When Fountain Waller died in 1882, he left his homestead tonephews, Alpheus and Oscar Waller. He also left a parcel of land tohis two nieces, Iola and Bettie. Oscar Waller went to Colorado in1900. Newspaper accounts state he suffered from altitude sicknessand died in May 1900. He was brought back to Clay County andburied at New Stark. Alpheus remained on the land. He was partof the Select Nine who came together and decided to build a hallfor social functions. This was known as Sugar Tree Hall and stoodnear Vivion and N. Brighton on land that was owned by his mother.This area is now the Sugar Tree Hall subdivision. It is unknownwhether Alpheus is buried at New Stark with his family. BettieWaller went on to marry Stephen Lee Fugitt, but died prior to1900. It is said that Iola Waller was so distraught by her brotherOscar’s death that she died shortly thereafter. It is also unknownwhether Bettie and Iola are buried at New Stark.1928The Water Department completes what is believed to be the most ambitious civic project in its history: construction of awater distribution tunnel to carry water from the treatment facility north of the river to water customers south of the river.The population of the city is 325,000 when construction begins in 1925. Nearly three miles long, the seven foot, six inchdiameter tunnel is blasted out of shale bedrock 300 feet below the Missouri River. Using only manual surveying techniques,the finished tunnel is only 11 inches off in the horizontal direction of its planned location.3225- | Spring Spring20092007

Fountain Waller’s sister Emily married William Stark. WilliamStark came to Clay County in 1849 and purchased land situatedtoday on the south side of Englewood Road in the area east ofEnglewood Park. It is said that the original home on the farm wasbuilt early on by the Mormons. On this farm of about 240 acres,he and his wife raised ten children. Two of their sons, Charles andFelix, were killed during the Civil War, as was the husband of theirdaughter Sofalie.Their daughterAnn Elizabethmarried WilliamRussell, sonof AndrewRussell. AndrewRussell was oneof the originalsettlers of thesouthwesternClay Countyarea. Williamand Emily Stark,along with allten children areburied at NewStark, as are thechildren of Annand WilliamRussell.Fountain Walleralso providedfor several ofhis formerslaves upon his death. He left land to Richard Waller, PemilyMurray, Anthony Murray and Grundy Murray. He stated thatas his former slaves, he wished to provide them a home. He alsoprovided that Richard Waller and Pemily Murray be provided witha horse or mule each and a two horse wagon.It is said that Richard Waller was actually a son of Fountain andalthough quite possible, it cannot be substantiated. In an articleprinted in the Kansas City Star many years ago, descendants statedthey believed this to be true but it was not something that was oftenspoken of in those days. Richard Waller and his wife Parthenaare said to have had 14 children. One of them, Coleman, went toColorado and contracted an illness described simply as some sortof fever. He died from this illness and was brought back to ClayCounty and buried at the Fountain Waller Cemetery. Richard andParthena are also buried here.Not much is known specifically regarding the individual lives ofthose buried at the Fountain Waller Cemetery. It appears many ofthem are descendants of Richard and Parthena Waller. The namesseen in this cemetery include Hickman, Tibbs and Murray. Whatis known is that from these descendants and the land they farmed,grew a community known as White Oak. At one time, it washome to several hundred former slaves and their descendants. Thiscommunity had a school and a church. All traces of the farms andcommunity are gone, as is the school. The church stood for manyyears along N. Brighton and at one time was used for a PsychicResearch Organization. The impending widening of N. Brightonput the church in danger. Thankfully it was saved and moved.The White Oak Church, the last visible reminder of this thrivingcommunity, now stands at Oakridge Farm where the Stroud’sRestaurant is located.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEComingHome togladstoneprogress through people1935Municipal Auditorium opens and is heralded as one of the best facilities of its kind in the nation.At the time, it is the second-largest convention facility in the country.ComingHome toComingHome toCominggladstoneprogress through peoplegladstonegladstoneHome toComing Home Gladstone - 33| 26

Many unknowns remain regarding the Fountain Waller andNew Stark Cemeteries. One perplexing question relates to thesmall stone enclosure within the Fountain Waller Cemetery. Thisenclosure is quite small and is flanked by another smaller enclosuretopped with iron fencing. Many tales regarding who is or wasburied there exist today. One story states that Fountain Wallerand his family were buried there, but later moved to New Stark byhis sister. Another tale says Fountain Waller and his sister wereburied there. However, Fountain Waller deeded the parcels forthe cemeteries prior to his death and designated which was tobe used for his family. In his will he requested that he be buriedbeside his wife and daughter, so it stands to reason they have alwaysbeen at New Stark. An early transcription of the Fountain WallerCemetery shows that two Lewis Waller’s and a George Wallerwere buried within the enclosure. Remnants of these stones arestill there. So, who is buried in the walled space and why they wereburied this way will probably remain a mystery. There are additionalgravesites in both cemeteries that are unmarked, and people thatshould be buried there but no record or evidence that can be found.The advanced deterioration of these two cemeteries will probablynever bring forth the answers and missing pieces of the lives ofthose that rest within them.There are other cemeteries in the area, dotted here and there, butthey are small and not much is known regarding their history.There are burial grounds that have been lost over time, moved ordestroyed, as our modern metropolis grew. Those that survived thegrowth of our times are amazing reminders of our past and how ourtowns grew to what they are today.1940The Pendergast machine falls from power when a reform movement sweeps thecity election, a year after Tom Pendergast is imprisoned for income-tax evasion.He returns home after serving 15 months and dies in 1945.27 | Spring 20091942The Park Board hires William T.A. Cully of the Bronx Zoo in New York as zoo director. He replacesNorman “Tex” Clark. Under Cully’s leadership, the zoo begins to expand. In 1948, the facility opensits popular Children’s Zoo. The seal pool is added in 1951

By Michelle CronkCommunicationsA Brief History ofNorth Kansas City SchoolsAs Kansas City began to expand and reach across theMissouri River, a new Northland tradition was created.The year was 1913, and the union of Harlem School DistrictNumber 72 and Glenwood Number 73 produced the new NorthKansas City School District 74. Born early in a century of unprecedentedgrowth and invention, North Kansas City Schoolsmatured – appreciating change and growing strong by producingstudents with a strong academic foundation who could leadin an increasingly diverse and global society.In a time of unpaved streets where the Interurban Line connectedKansas City to outlying areas to the north, the newlyformeddistrict built its first building after passing a $5,000 bond.At a cost of $3,922, a new two-room building was constructed at21st and Howell St. in North Kansas City. The Kenneth Schoolopened in September 1913 and housed “eight elementarygrades” and the first year of high school. Mr. Charles Millerwas principal and his assistant was Miss Birdella Dagg. MissMargaret Land and Miss Teresa Hempel rounded out the staffthat first year.In 1915, despite opposition from the North Kansas City Boardof Education, the district boundary changed as a result of itsfirst successful annexation vote. The eastern boundary movedthree-fourths of a mile with the addition of Avondale. Thedistrict built Cooley Elementary as a three room school – two onthe first floor and one in the basement – and at a cost of $2,500.With America’s entrance into World War I, focus shifted tothe war effort. The fledgling district saw its male leadersenlist, and many students left school. Miss Marian Conwaybecame superintendent at a time when high school enrollmentdwindled to only five students. Following the war, historyand trigonometry courses were added to the high schoolcurriculum, and the school graduated its first class. Two girls– Effie Marie Coffman and Beulah Johnson – were the graduatingclass of 1921. Additionally, the physical educationdepartment was established. Football and basketball teamswere formed and opponents included Smithville, Parkville,Linden and Liberty. It was 1922 when school colors werechanged from blue and white to purple and gold.Oak Park High School 1965-1966ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEComingHome toComingHome toComingHome toCominggladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 28

Progress Despite Economic HardshipIn October 1924, bonds were approved for the construction of anew high school. North Kansas City High School was dedicatedJanuary 24, 1926. The 1925-26 school year also marked thepublication of the first yearbook, “The Owl”, which became“Purgold” in 1951. More courses were added and includedhome economics, industrial arts and business education. Thefirst music instructor was hired. By the 1927-28 school yearelementary enrollment was 654 and the high school housed 331students. And then, the stock market crashed in 1929 and theera of the “Great Depression” began.As a new decade approached and the country began to emergefrom economic hardship, North Kansas City Schools experiencedrapid growth in suburban living. Crestview, Green Haven,Foxwood, Claycomo, Linden, Gashland and Englewooddeveloped as communities and families sent their children todistrict schools. As transportation needs arose, three schoolbuses were purchased by Mr. V.R. Kinsey who operatedthem on a contract basis for the district. Just as the districtentered a period of great progress and steady increases in enrollment,the onset of World War II halted everything. Malefaculty left to serve in the armed forces while others left towork in bomber factories and other wartime industries. Warmeant no building construction, no new roads and rationingof most other goods and services.Growth, Growth and More GrowthSchool construction, annexation and rapid growth were allthemes of the post-World War II years. In April 1947, land waspurchased for Eastwood School (formerly Brookwood School).The old Glenwood School, part of the original merger thatcreated North Kansas City Schools, was sold in 1948. NorclayElementary was opened in the 1948-49 school year and, in itsfirst two years, was found to be inadequately sized to accommodatethe rapid influx of students.As the Depression progressed, the district began to feel the stingas tax dollars dried up. Money had to be borrowed to finishconstruction projects for additions at Dagg, Avondale and thehigh school. The high school cafeteria was opened and theTeachers’ Credit Union organized. The yearbook had to suspendprinting due to the insufficient number of companies thatcould pay for advertising, which financed the publication. Thefederal government allotted money for work projects, and theschool board accepted the offer. The rock wall around the highschool football field was built through the Work Projects Administrationwith the district paying for materials and the governmentpaying for the labor.Three annexations concluded the 1940s era. In July 1949 theMoscow School District was annexed and added two elementaryschools to North Kansas City Schools: the three-room MoscowSchool and the Barnes School. In August 1949, the MungerSchool District became a part of the district and added anelementary school – Munger School – to the district total. InOctober 1949, Big Shoal School District was annexed, addingBig Shoal Elementary to the school count.Annexations continued in 1950. In October, Greenwood Schoolbecame part of North Kansas City Schools. Harlem School,the other partner in creating the district in 1913, was closed thatsame fall. Bonds were issued for improvements at Big Shoal andBarnes, and a site was purchased for the construction of Crest-29 | Spring 2009

view Elementary. Additional bonds were issued in 1952 to buy104 acres for eleven sites and to construct schools at Greenwood,Munger, Golden Oaks and Barnes. During the 1954-55 schoolyear, five new elementary schools were opened: Oak Ridge,Winnwood, Crestview, Golden Oaks and Maplewood. ChouteauElementary opened in October 1955. Northgate JuniorHigh was completed in March 1957.As the 1950s came to a close and the era of the 1960s approached,five new buildings were opened and 12 were addedthrough annexation. New schools included Briarcliff andLakewood elementaries in 1957-58, and Chapel Hill, ForestHill and Gracemor in 1961-62. Acquired through annexationwere Linden East, Linden West, Englewood, Clardy,Gashland, Faubion, Davidson, Meadowbrook and OakwoodManor in 1959-60. Pleasant Valley was added in 1960,Nashua in 1961 and Birmingham in 1963. The MinnevilleSchool District was annexed in August 1961, but the buildingwas never used. Three additional junior high buildings alsowere added. Eastgate was opened in September 1958. BothAntioch and Maple Park Junior High (the first air conditionedsecondary school in the Missouri Valley region) werecompleted in September 1962. Plans were made for a newhigh school to be ready by 1965 while North Kansas CityHigh School continued to receive additions and renovations.A central administration building was opened as well.Rapid growth in population led the charge for the constructionof two new high schools. Oak Park opened inSeptember 1965 and was the district’s first air-conditionedhigh school. Winnetonka, financed by the Multi-ProjectBond Proposal, opened in March 1971. It also was air-conditioned.Unlike the other two high schools, Winnetonkaoperated on a block schedule. Other school buildingsopened at this time were Ravenwood and Topping elementaries(1967), West Englewood Elementary (1970), and NewMark Junior High (1973). North Kansas City High Schoolcaught fire in the fall of 1971. The gymnasium was destroyed,but the fire was contained and extinguished beforeit could consume the entire building.Harlem School and StudentsChange in the WindDistrict enrollment peaked in 1970 with 22,840 students. Therush to build schools ebbed as the tide of new students ceased,and by the 1980s, began to decrease dramatically as post-warBaby Boomers graduated. After an era of building and openingnew schools, the district now had to reorganize and closebuildings. Forest Hill Elementary was the first to close duringthe 1975-76 school year. Big Shoal, Cooley, Dagg, Eastwood,Englewood, Faubion, Golden Oaks, Linden East and OakRidge elementaries and Northgate Junior High were all closedin 1980. The reorganization also involved changing juniorhighs to middle schools. Elementaries would now be hometo grades K-5. Middle schools would house grades 6-8, andhigh schools would handle grades 9-12. No new buildingswere constructed from 1981-89.Two additional schools were closed, but “repurposed” by thedistrict during the 1980s. In 1984 Norclay Elementary wasclosed, but annexed by North Kansas City High School forforeign language, mathematics, home economics, art, drivereducation, business and special education classes. PleasantValley Elementary was closed in 1985 and reopened in 1988 asthe district’s Early Childhood Education Center, housing the“Parents As Teachers” program.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEComingHome toComingHome toComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstonegladstone| 30

Computer technology was part of this era of change as well.The district made its first purchase of microcomputers in 1979and Radio Shack’s TRS 80 with 4K memory and cassetterecorders was the first model in which the district invested. In1980, a grant made it possible for one Apple computer to beplaced in one math class at both Antioch and Eastgate middleschools. Between 1981 and 1989, the district’s financial investmentin computers increased dramatically, allowing for the additionof desktop publishing to the curriculum at North KansasCity and Oak Park high schools.As growth continued, particularly in the northern area of thedistrict, another elementary school was constructed. NorthviewElementary opened in 1999. As the new millennium dawned,plans also were made for the district’s fourth high school. Constructionbegan in 2005 on Staley High School. The schoolopened its doors in August 2008 and was recognized as Missouri’sfirst “green” high school facility, earning the prestigiousLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silverdesignation from the U.S. Green Building Council. Additionally,another elementary is currently under construction. Bell PrairieElementary is slated to open for the first day of school in August2009. It, too, will be a LEED certified building.Embracing change – shifts in size, economic prosperity, globalpolitics and societal norms – has been a fundamental strength ofNorth Kansas City Schools. Being able to adapt and change asan organization while appreciating the ultimate responsibility ofeducating youth and creating responsible citizens capable of lifelongaccomplishments has been the hallmark of this Northlandoriginal. A reputation for academic excellence despite change isa proud tradition for North Kansas City Schools. And the bestis yet to come….Cheerleaders at North Kansas City High SchoolNorth Kansas City Schools has a rich history and we need yourhelp to tell the full story. Send your recollections tohistory@nkcsd.k12.mo.us and be part of completing the tale.Coming Full CircleDistrict enrollment halted its decline in 1985 after reaching15,367 (its lowest point in 13 years). Growth once again becamethe theme in the 1990s and into the new millennium. Fox HillElementary was constructed in 1990 and several building expansionstook place. The early 1990s also saw a series of ballotissues go to the voters for approval, most of which failed to findsupport. A bond issue to renovate Northgate Middle Schoolpassed in 1991 but levy increases to open and operate the buildingfailed in elections held in April 1992 and August 1992. Anoperating levy for Northgate did not pass until 1997.A part of the original rock wall built around North Kansas City Stadium1919 Student Body31 | Spring 2009

growsbusinessin gladstoneLast fall the Gladstone Planning Commission and City Council hearda proposal for an expansion of the Gladstone Walmart store, located at7207 M-1 Highway. The proposal has generated a great deal of interest bycitizens in our community.The store is currently a general merchandise store. When the project iscomplete the store will become a Supercenter, offering a full line of groceryitems for shoppers. It will increase in size by nearly 26,000 square feet andwill be one of the new Walmart prototype stores.The city began working with representatives of Walmart more than twoyears ago to share our desire that the store remain in Gladstone. Walmartis a large sales tax generator in our community and has been a strongcommunity partner.When it became apparent that the store would remain in Gladstone,however would change its footprint, city staff sat down with Walmartrepresentatives to discuss the project. In addition to an increase in the size ofthe store, Walmart has also purchased the 7.7 acres east of the store. On thatproperty the store will have a 198 space employee-only parking lot. Morethan 5 acres of the land to the east of the store will remain in its naturalhabitat. The customer parking lot will have new parking lot lights and newninety-degree parking spaces.Walmart committed to the removal of trailers from the property, to meetnew signage requirements and utilize sustainable efforts wherever possible.The new site plan approval stipulates that trailers will no longer be used atthe site for storage purposes.Walmart representatives took into consideration that a new signageordinance was being considered and chose to incorporate those changes intotheir signage needs. Signage on the building will no longer be the bright redsigns we see today. Instead signs are smaller and less obtrusive. Signs at theentrances to the store will incorporate the design standards and materialsused on the outside of the store.Work for the project is expected to begin in late summer 2009. Totalconstruction time typically takes 10 to 12 months to complete. “Gladstone isfortunate that the store will remain open through the expansion,” said MarkRevenaugh, Mayor. “The store is an important partner in our retail sales taxgeneration and we are dependent on their remaining open.”“The cost of construction and expansion is expected to be significant howeverWalmart committed to this project without the use of any public incentives,”explained Gladstone Mayor Mark Revenaugh. “We are fortunate to have thisretail partner in our community working towards expansion.”Walmart currently has 91 Supercenters in Missouri and only 28 discountstores left in the state. Supercenters are significantly larger stores withapproximately 142,000 different items in those stores. Walmart employsapproximately 43,000 associates in Missouri with 250 in the Gladstone store.

Are you and your Familyprepared for anemergency33 | Spring 2009

help from homeEmergencies happen. It can be a tornado, house fire, flood orterrorist attack; no one wants to think about accidents ordisasters. But being prepared for an emergency can help protectyour family. The whole point of emergency planning is to do asmuch as possible to be prepared before an emergency happens.Gladstone residents understand the importance of beingprepared for emergencies. The city has survived two tornadoesin five years and several ice storms over the last ten years thatleft many without power for extended periods of time. If youaren’t prepared the city would encourage you to consider takinga few basic steps to become prepared in the event you shouldencounter another emergency. Please take the time to discussand share the information in this article with family, friends andneighbors. Working together to be prepared will provide thegreatest protection and help save lives.When creating your action plan consider some differentpotential needs. Do you need to shelter in place? That is to saydo you need to stay where you are because the situation makes itunsafe for you to leave your home or for that matter your office?Do you need to or is an evacuation of your area being ordered?If an evacuation is ordered there will be simple instructions thatwill tell you where you should go, how you can get there andhow to find the rest of your family in the event that you are nottogether at the time of the emergency. The communicationsportion of your plan should detail how you will reach othermembers of your family in an emergency. It should also considerhow to contact out of town family members or friends. It isimportant for each member of the family to understand thisplan, how it works and where supplies that are listed in theThe first and possibly most important thing anyone can doin an emergency is to remain calm. If you have taken someprecautionary steps and prepared yourself for an emergencyevent it will be easier to stay calm. Next you should gather all ofthe available information about the emergency. The more youknow about any event the easier it is to deal with and to havesome idea when things can begin to return to normal.Remember during an emergency, police, fire and emergencymedical services are going to be very busy dealing with theemergency and it may take time for them to get to you. Theywill respond as quickly as possible, but service needs will beprioritized in the order of severity. The information providedin this article can help you be prepared and ready to care foryourself in such an emergency.There are three easy steps to help prepare your family for anemergency. Create an emergency plan, prepare and assemble afamily emergency preparedness kit, and listen for informationabout the emergency when it occurs.When you create your family emergency preparedness plan itshould include an action plan that details what your family willdo in different emergencies and a communications plan that willdetail who and how they will be contacted.plan are located. A part of your planning should involve basicutility service. The biggest potential risk is for loss of electricservice. Kansas City Power and Light has a ladstoneflag system that GComingHome tois used to identify those with medical needs PROGRESS who THROUGH require PEOPLEelectric service for their ongoing care. You can learn moreabout this program and make application for it by visiting theKansas City Power and Light website, Coming www.kcpl.com, selectHome togladstoneprogress through peoplethe customer service tab and from the drop down menu goto customer programs. When you get to the program pageselect medical customer and follow the directions. This isComingHome toan application program and must be done gladstoneand approved inprogress through peopleadvance of the next medical emergency.ComingHome togladstone| 34Coming

Everyone needs an emergency preparedness kit that containssome basic supplies that are essential. In fact you should havea kit for your home and one that you keep in your car. That isthe second thing you need to do in becoming prepared for anemergency. Assemble all the items necessary for your emergencypreparedness kit and place it where it is easy to get to and makesure that it can be carried in the event you have to leave yourhome or office. The basic contents for these kits include:Home Kit – needs to be readily accessible and easy to carry• Include enough water and canned or dried food for three days(1 gallon of water per person per day)• Manual can opener• Battery–powered radio• Flashlight• Extra batteries for radio and flashlight• Prescription medicine• First-aid kit• Blankets• Candles and waterproof matches• Paper plates and plasticware• Trash bags• Heavy duty tapeCar Kit• A gallon of water• Several cans of food and a manual can opener• Sleeping bag or heavy blankets• Flashlight and extra batteries.• First-aid kitLast, but certainly not least, you need to listen for and gatheras much information about the emergency you are facing aspossible. Gather your information from the various mediasources that are available. In the event of a widespread poweroutage the battery-operated radio in your kit will comein handy. Of course you want to be mindful of emergencyalert broadcasts and note any special instructions that areprovided. Your local government, police, fire and emergencymanagement groups will provide you with current, localinformation and instructions. Please take the appropriatesteps to follow all instructions by your emergency servicespersonal and local government. Those instructions areprovided for citizen safety.There are other items of concern that must be taken intoconsideration when creating your emergency plan. Some ofthese include:Pets – Make sure they have ID tags, are licensed and are up todate on vaccinations. If you must leave home, bring your petwith you, if possible. Also plan ahead by creating a supply kitfor your pet. A carrier and a leash will also be important.Senior citizens and disabled persons living in special carefacilities should review the buildings evacuation plans. Knowwhere your medications are in case you have to have someoneget them during an evacuation. Equipment such as wheelchairs,canes and walkers should be labeled with your name.People living at home who have special needs shouldidentify people who can help them in an emergency. Makesure these people know where your emergency supplies andmedicines are located.help from homeEmergencies are not always going to happen when you are athome and have everything needed at your fingertips. They couldhappen while you are at work. Take a few minutes to visit withyour employer about emergency preparedness and see if there isan evacuation plan and if there is do you know where everyoneis supposed to meet when you leave the building. It might bea good idea to even keep a small emergency kit by your desk.Some of things that you should have in this kit include:• Fresh water and practical food (candy, granola bars, etc)• Flashlight and extra batteries• Battery powered radio• Change of clothes• Sturdy shoes or bootsYou can learn more about emergency preparedness andplanning by participating in a Ready In 3 class. This is an indepthprogram that discusses how you and your communitycan prepare for an emergency. For information on how to signup for this class contact Charles Duddy, Gladstone EmergencyManagement Director at 816-423-4081.Information provided by the Gladstone EmergencyManagement Agency in cooperation with the Department ofHomeland Security and the Missouri Department of Healthand Senior Services.44 35 | Spring 2009

Summer and Fall 09Class enrollment begins April 13, 2009Roofing:Timberline style shingles,Wood roof repair and replacement,Stone Coated MetalLeak repairs, Free InspectionSiding:Horizontal, Vertical,Wood Shake Look /maplewoods436-2050Gladstone, MO 64118Windows:Top of the line replacementwindows,Free Low- E and ArgonQuality Products, Quality ServiceFor Quality Minded PeopleGutters:5” & 6” Seamless &Over 25 Colors To Choose FromFor all your roofing, siding, windows, gutter needs.A Simple Philosophy ofDoing Business ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE ComingHome to gladstoneprogress through peopleComingHome togladstoneprogress through peopleComingHome to gladstone Coming | 36

keep yourcooland save money tooSave 10 to 50 Percent on Utility Bills This Summer While Staying Cool37 | Spring 2009

The following information is from the United StatesDepartment of Energy. As spring approaches it is time to beginthinking about and preparing for the onslaught of summer heat.As we all think more about how we can help to sustain ourenvironment we should consider how we can conserve energyand save money at the same time.Save money and keep your cool this summer by savingenergy. As part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE)continuing outreach and education efforts, here is some easy,energy saving tips that are also available in a free guide forconsumers. By following a few easy, common sense guidelines,properly maintaining or upgrading your air conditioner, addinginsulation and taking other easy energy-saving measures, youcan cut your energy bills by 10 to 50 percent.“Almost 45 percent of a homeowner’s utility bill goes forheating and cooling,” said former Secretary of Energy SamuelW. Bodman. “By taking a few simple steps, American familiescan make their homes more energy efficient and can save asignificant amount of money, too.” Your individual savings willdepend on how energy-efficient your home is now.Use Air Conditioning and Fans Wisely• Open windows and use portable or ceiling fans instead ofoperating your air conditioner.• Use a fan with your window air conditioner to spread the coolair through your home.• Use a programmable thermostat with your air conditioner toadjust the setting warmer at night or when no one is home.• Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioningthermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the airconditioner to run longer.• Look for the ENERGYSTAR® label. If your air conditioneris old, the new energy efficient models can save you up to 50percent on your cooling bills.• Consider installing a whole house (attic) fan .Low Cost Tips to Save Energy• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.• Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric rangeor oven.• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into powerstrips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater. One hundredfifteen degrees is comfortable for most uses.• Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.• Use cold water to wash your clothes.Landscape for Energy Efficiency• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but donot block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade usesless electricity.• Grown on trellises, vines such as ivy or grapevines can shadewindows or the whole side of a house.• Avoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock, cement or asphalton the south or west sides -- it increases the temperature aroundthe house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.• Trees whose leaves fall off in the winter, planted on the southand west sides, will keep your house cool in the summer and letthe sun warm your home in the winter.• Just three trees, properly placed around a house, can savebetween $100 and $250 annually in cooling and heating costs.Daytime air temperatures can be 3 to 6 degrees cooler in treeshadedneighborhoods.Shade Your Windows• Sunny windows can make your air conditioner work two tothree times harder.• Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heataway from the house.• Close curtains on south- and west- facing windows during the day.• Install awnings on south-facing windows. Because of the angle ofthe sun, trees, a trellis or a fence will best shade west-facing windows.• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows.• If you want to replace your windows, consider the new doublepanewindows with spectrally selective coatings.• When buying windows or appliances, look for the Energy Star®label. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/ for more information.Weatherizehelp from home• Air leaks can waste energy dollars year-round.• Caulking and weather stripping will keep cool air in during the summer.• Add insulation around air conditioning ducts when they are locatedin un-air conditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces and garages.• If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire aprofessional to repair them.• Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEWhen you think about weatherization, Gladstone NeighborsHelping Neighbors may be able to help. They have grant fundingavailable for insulation to help with the weatherization process. TheseComingHome togrants are awarded based on demonstrated financialgladstoneneed progress of through the peoplehomeowner. The home assistance is requested for must also be owneroccupied and not a rental property. To receive an application contactComingthe Community Development Department Home at to 816-436-2200.ComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 38Coming

Do-it-yourself:Junk mail may seem as inevitable as death and taxes, but witha little patience there are effective ways to tackle the problemof unwanted mail. The suggestions that follow are simpleand easy to do yourself. Following the steps outlined here, andinvesting 20-minutes of your time will end the delivery of junkmail for two to five years.Your name, address, and buying habits are a commodity that isregularly sold and traded on the open market. Today, virtuallyall organizations you deal with sell your name unless you specificallyask them to stop. Whenever you donate money, order aproduct or service, or fill out a warranty card, write in largeletters, "Please do not sell my name or address". Most organizationswill properly mark your name in the computer. Productwarranty cards are often used to collection information onyour habits and income, for the sole purpose of targeting directmail. They are not required in most situations - avoid sendingthem. If you are dealing with a company on the telephone, askthem "Please mark my account so that my name is not tradedor sold to other companies". Your credit card company probablysells your name the most often. Call them and ask them tostop. "Contests" where you fill in a little entry blank are almostalways fishing expeditions for names. If you fill one out at afootball game, for example, expect to get a catalog of footballmerchandise within a few months. The same thing applies toother “trade” show promotions. Avoid these if you don't wantthe mail. Select a false middle name or initial for each charityor business you deal with. Keep track of which letter goes withwhich organization. You can also select a false road designatorfor your address, "avenue, place, circle, street, highway, parkway,etc.". This step can be very revealing. Some guides recommendchanging the spelling of your name, but this can lead to duplicatemailings.The amount of paper junk mail sent each year in the UnitedStates is staggering -- some 4 million tons, nearly half of whichis never opened. Even if you recycle there are still enormousenvironmental costs in terms of ink, energy to produce, deliverand recycle the paper, recycling inefficiencies and the loss of virginforest to create the high quality glossy paper most junk mailuses. There is a lot you can do to reduce the cost to the environmentand your own time. First class mail: Cross out the addressand bar code, circle the first class postage and write "refused:return to sender". Drop it in any mailbox, it will be returned tothe sender. Bulk mail: The post office throws away bulk mail itcan't deliver, so returning it does no good. Bulk mail is the hardestto deal with because the USPS actively provides addresses,support and encouragement to mailers. However, if "addresscorrection requested" is written on the label: circle "addresscorrection requested" and treat like first class mail. SexuallyOriented Advertising (SOA): The only help you'll get from thePost Office in controlling junk mail is for explicit stuff. Fill out39 | Spring 2009

help from homeUSPS form 1500 if you wish this type of mail to stop. You candefine what you find to be explicit - if that's an automobile partscatalog the post office won't disagree with you.Credit offers: The major credit agencies all sell credit information.Direct mail and credit companies generate mail based ondemographics including zip code, income band and credit paymentpatterns. Stopping this is easy, you just need your address,former address within two years, and social security number.One call does it all for agencies Equifax, Trans Union, Experianand Innovis. Dial 1-888-5OPT OUT (or 1-888-567-8688)24 hours a day. Catalogs: You can call the company’s toll freenumber, ask for customer service and verbally give them yourinstructions. Write your instructions on the mailing label andfax it to the company. Mark your instructions "ATTN: customerservice". You can also tear off the label, write your instructionson it, and enclose it in the postage-paid ordering envelope. Markthe envelope "ATTN: customer service". This method is theleast effective.Do you have too much junk to deal with individually: Start bysending a postcard or letter to Mail Preference Service, DirectMarketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643Include your complete name, address, zip code and a requestto "activate the preference service". This will stop mail from allmember organizations that you have not specifically orderedproducts from for up to five years. The Direct Marketing Associationestimates that listing with their mail preference servicewill stop 75% of all national mailings. They process 50,000requests a month and requests are kept active for five years. Ifyou fill out the post office change of address form, the DMA willtrack the new address (you'll get a few months of mailings to thenew address before they catch up to you). It can take up to sixmonths for your request to be fully processed. You can also optoutonline at www.dmachoice.org. The best way is to fill out theironline form, then mail them a printout.If you rent you are probably familiar with receiving mail fora dozen or more former residents of your dwelling. Since youprobably don't want any of the stuff, you can use two powerfultechniques that might not be appropriate for yourself: Bulk mailfor "current resident or...” Start with sending a postcard or letterto Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, POBox 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643 Write "please activate themail preference service", and include the name, address, and zipcode. You must send individual postcards -- the DMA wants tomake this all as inconvenient as possible. The DMA will ignorerequests that don't appear to be from a single individual. Firstclass and some bulk mail: If the former residents neglected tofill out a Post Office change of address card, or it expired, youcan fill one out for them. You must fill out one card for eachunique last name. Write, "Moved, Left No Forwarding Address"as the new address. Sign your own name and write, "Form filledin by current resident of the house, [Your Name], agent for theabove". You must write "agent for the above". Hand this formdirectly to your carrier; if possible, as your carrier must approvethe form and see that it gets entered into the post service NationalChange of Address (NCOA) database. This is very effective.Federal law prohibits telemarketers from "Initiating an outboundtelephone call to a person when that person previouslyhas stated that he or she does not wish to receive an outboundtelephone call made by or on behalf of the seller whose goodsor services are being offered.” You may simply interrupt thetelemarketer and say "Please permanently remove me fromyour calling list". Remember that they just interrupted you. Ifthe same people call back, they are violating the law. Ask themfor their company name, supervisor name and phone number.If you wish to quote Federal law to the telemarketer, you mayread it on the Internet at Federal Trade Commission: TelemarketingSales Rule. For General Telemarketing calls: Senda postcard with your complete telephone number, area code,ladstoneGComingHome toaddress, and names of people receiving calls PROGRESS to DMA THROUGH TelephonePEOPLEPreference Service, PO Box 9014, Farmingdale NY 11735-9014.gladstoneSo if you are tired of receiving unwanted mail and telephoneComingHome tosolicitations, take a few minutes of your time and begin progress through to peoplework through these suggestions. The amount of unwantedjunk you are receiving should begin to go down and eventuallygoComingHome toaway.ComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 40Coming

help from homegladstone offersa newIn today’s world the cost of healthcare seems to constantly beon the rise. Along with healthcare, the cost of medication thatmight be needed is soaring. Unfortunately everyone does nothave a prescription benefit included in their insurance, whichmakes the cost of medicine seem almost impossible to dealwith. For some people it is simply a matter of buying medicineor buying groceries. This Help From Home story explains aprescription discount program that could help to manage someof those rising medication costs.41 | Spring 2009

Gladstone as a participating member of the National League ofCities (NLC) is able to provide a prescription discount programfor residents. Available in Spring 2009, this program, sponsoredby Caremark a CVS Pharmacy program, provides participantswith a prescription discount card. Caremark provides thisprogram in cooperation with the NLC and Gladstone. Thediscount card is valid at over 50 pharmacies within a ten-mileradius of the 64118 zip code region. That means there are plentyof places one could take advantage of this discount includingChildren’s Mercy Hospital and Truman Medical Center.“In the current economic climate, where many people arewatching what they spend, the NLC prescription discount cardwill offer significant savings on the purchase of prescriptionmedications for our residents,” said Mayor Mark Revenaugh.“Whether or not an individual has prescription coverage, thisprogram can make it easier for our residents to afford the drugsthey need to deal with a short-term illness or stay healthy bymanaging a chronic condition.”So how does this program work? It’s simple; pick up yourprescription discount card at Gladstone City Hall. There areno forms to complete, no registration, no income limits and nomembership fees for the card. Then the next time you need to filla prescription present your card to the participating pharmacyand receive an average savings of 20% off of the retail price.There are 31 participating pharmacies in Clay County andseven that are in Gladstone. In fact, most Walgreens and CVSPharmacies accept the discount card. The card is also good atyour Gladstone HyVee Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy. Thereare no limits on the card. You and your family may use the cardas often as needed to purchase those prescriptions not coveredby insurance.Once you receive your card you can begin using it immediately,there is no waiting period for use. “Not only does the NLCprescription discount card help residents save money on theirmedications, it is easy to use,” said Councilman Les Smith.“Gladstone residents only have to show their card whenpurchasing medication at one of the many participatingpharmacies.” The card can be used for new or refill prescriptionsat any time. The card can’t be used in conjunction with aninsurance plan or insurance prescription benefit. Use of thecard for prescriptions will save you an average of 20% off ofthe pharmacy’s regular retail prices for prescription drugs. Thediscount does not apply to over the counter products and nonprescriptionmedications. However, discounts are available formany diabetic supplies.To discover the savings and learn more about this program,visit our website at www.gladstone.mo.us. You will be able toaccess the program online, check prescription prices and locateparticipating pharmacies.Residential Care Respite Care Adult Day Care3000 NE 64th St.Gladstone, MO 64119816.454.5130Voted BESTof theNORTHLAND!Under New Ownership & Management!Newly Remodeled Rooms!residential careAt Heritage Village, we understandthat it’s not just the surroundingsthat make this your home; but moreimportantly the people whosurround you.WE OFFER –Adult Day Care / Respite CareMedicaid assistanceResident Coordinator, LPN24 hour nursing assistanceThree meals dailyMedication management and supervisionRegularly planned outings and activitiesladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEROBERT G. MARX, D.D.S.And AssociatesGeneral DentistryComingHome to(816) 452-2000gladstoneprogress through peopleComingHome toComingHome to15 Wallingford Dr.Platte City, MO 64079816.858.2804Need a cleaning? Have a toothache?up to$100 OFFYour first visit with treatment fornew patients only.Cannot be combined with other offers. CALL FOR DETAILS.Dr. Marx can give youthe smile you’ve alwayswanted! Call now andtake the first step!NEW PATIENTSALWAYS WELCOME!5708 N. Broadway, Gladstonewww.robertgmarxsdds.comgladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 42Coming

By Mary Jo BurtonDirector of CommunicationsNorth Kansas City SchoolsThe welcome torch of“Lady Liberty”burns brightly in theNorthlandImagine being suddenly transplanted to a foreign country,unsure of where you will live or how you will support yourfamily. Imagine further that you cannot speak the language.This scenario is as frightening as it is challenging, yet hundredsof families in our area experience this scenario each year, knowingit is their last hope for a new life.Reminiscent of the early 1900s when “huddled masses yearningto breathe free” came to America, today’s “new Americans” relocatedirectly to cities and towns all across the U.S. – includingthe greater Kansas City region. With the aide of local humanitariangroups like Jewish Vocational Services and, in years past,the Don Bosco Center, international families have been relocatingto the Northland for more than a decade at a rate in stepwith the nation at large.Many of these families immigrated to the U.S. to flee hostilegovernments or to escape devastating natural disasters. Mostwere employed before political persecution or Mother Naturethreatened their lives and livelihoods. Nearly all arrived speakingone or more languages fluently, although English often wasnot one of them.In the Northland, a myriad of community forces come togetherto help displaced international families achieve stability. Justas the Statue of Liberty’s beacon of light and gentle smile said

“welcome to America” for millions of immigrants more than ahundred years ago, our community and its schools help thesehopeful settlers feel welcome in their new homeland today.New Americans with school-age children quickly discover thegreat American treasure called public education. When theyplace their children in school, they sense that this is the place ofopportunity — the place where the American dream could actuallycome true for their children.“We began as a nationof immigrants datingback to ColonialAmerica, and thetradition lives on.”When a child enrolls in North Kansas City Schools (NKCS)and English is not yet a language they speak, read or write, thestudent is identified as an “English Language Learner” (ELL).ELL programs in North Kansas City Schools give internationalstudents what they need to succeed in school.Linden West Elementary School Ell ClassHow to Say “Welcome”in Other LanguagesArabic: Ahlan wa sahlanBurmese: Kyo-so-ba-thiChinese: Huanying guanglinEnglish : WelcomeFrench : Soyez la bienvenueGerman : Herzlich WillkommenHawaiian: Aloha E Komo MaiHebrew: Baruch habaIndonesian: Selamat datangItalian: BenvenutiJapanese: IrasshaimasePersian: Khosh amadidPortuguese: BemvindosGComingHome toRussian: Dobro pozhalovat'Slovenian: DobrodosliSpanish : BienvenidaComingHome toUkranian: Laskavo prosimoUrdu: Khosh amadidVietnamese: Kinh Chao Quy KhachComingHome toComingHome toladstonePROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEgladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 44Coming

The newest English language learners often need specialized instruction. In Kent Yocum's ELL class at Crestview Elementary, students from Burma, Micronesia, Vietnam, Mexico and Iraq usevisual and auditory activities to learn English.Some simple stats:On any given day across the school district, nearly 50 differentlanguages or dialects are spoken. English is numberone, followed by Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Micronesianlanguages, Somali and Burmese-related languages. Of theapproximately 18,000 students enrolled in North KansasCity Schools, nearly 1,000 are served by ELL programs.More than half of the ELLs are American born, but theirparents are not English speakers. In previous years, theELL Program in North Kansas City Schools had beengrowing by 20 percent a year. World circumstances stillbring displaced international families to our community,but growth has leveled off, in part because the District’slanguage programs are proving more effective in transitioningstudents into mainstream classrooms.The immediate benefit for international families with schoolagechildren in ELL programs is that English is brought intothe home. This opens countless doors for increased knowledgeand communication with the rest of the family. In fact,it often leads to parents and grandparents learning Englishthrough school- and community-based adult ELL classesHow do you teach English to a diverse group of learnerswho speak a dozen different languages, but the teacheronly speaks English?One myth is that teachers must be bilingual to teach Englishto speakers of other languages. In truth, teachers need onlybe skilled in specific teaching strategies to help non-Englishspeakers learn the language.Laura Lukens, ELL Program Coordinator for North KansasCity Schools, knows how it works and has seen the wondersof its success.“Frankly, when this teachingmodel is used in a mainstreamclassroom, it reinforces the languageskills of every learner, includingthe traditional Englishspeakingstudents.”Laura Lukens, ELL Program Coordinator“Our teachers do not need to speak Arabic, Burmese, Somalior Spanish. They use hands-on materials, visuals, technologyand cooperative learning activities to help students see, feeland hear the meaning of words. Through demonstration andvisual support, the teacher puts words into action which, inturn, helps students relate to them,” Lukens explained.The process is similar to when learners were initially exposed totheir first language. The same types of visual, auditory and tactilecues are used to stimulate meaning in context with the words.“Frankly,” added Lukens, “when this teaching model is used in amainstream classroom, it reinforces the language skills of everylearner, including the traditional English-speaking students.”In American classrooms core curriculum textbooks and testsare presented in English. As such for all students to suc-45 | Spring 2009

ceed in school, speaking, reading and writing English is thefirst priority. Every youngster comes to school with his/herlanguage skill set. Each learner is assessed by the teacherand classroom instruction is adjusted accordingly. If needed,special reading and writing programs are provided to addressthe individual academic needs of any child in North KansasCity Schools.Partnerships enable successLocal churches and community organizations helpinternational families get settled, find employment, andgenerally feel “at home” in the Northland. Communitypartnerships also help non-English speaking children findsuccess in school.For non-English speaking students, the process is similar, buttheir language assessment is more extensive. Yet, their programsare similarly tailored to meet the individual academic need ofeach student. Each English language learner is placed in one offour levels of programming to ensure success in school and thenadvanced through each level as their progress grows.• ELL Newcomer:Cannot speak, read or write English• ELL Beginner:Starting to speak, read or write English• ELL Intermediate:Nearing oral fluency. Needs help withreading and writing• ELL Advanced:Transitioning to the mainstream classroomELL teaching programs and supports are in place in all NKCSschools. Some schools, though, serve larger ELL populationsand thus have more in-depth programs such as Crestview andWinnwood elementary schools, Eastgate and Maple Park middleschools and North Kansas City High School.Touching liveswith God’s loveBible Baptist Church800 NE 72nd Street | Gladstone, MO(816) 436-1649 www.abbc.orgSundays at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.One such partnership exists between the University ofMissouri-Kansas City School of Education and NorthKansas City Schools. A five-year federal grant (ProjectExCELL) helped launch a program to teach effectiveELL strategies to current and future teachers. With thenational non-English speaking population continuing togrow each year, the timing couldn’t be better. In fact, for2009, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that internationalmigration will increase the U. S. population by one personevery 36 seconds.“…schools help thesehopeful settlers feelwelcome in their newhomeland today.”North Kansas City Schools has managed the steady influx ofinternational families for many years. However, at the startof the current school year, the District experienced an unexpectedand sudden growth spurt. Approximately 80 Burmeseindividuals who had been living inrefugee camps in Thailand (some as longas 20 years) were relocated to TimberlineApartments just north of North KansasCity.This instantly added 42 non-Englishspeaking students to the educationsystem. With the help of an area relocationagency — Jewish VocationalServices (JVS) — the process of gettingthe Burmese children enrolled in publiceducation went well. JVS ladstoneGComingHome to provided casePROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEworkers who helped expedite academic,health and residency enrollment documentation.The District hired two of theComingformer refugees with Home togladstonefluent English skillsprogress through peopleas family liaisons. Soon the students wereattending class and participating in theappropriate level Coming ELL programs.Home toComingHome toCominggladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 46

The American dream really doescome true.In North Kansas City Schools, ELL programs accomplish what theyare designed to do. It just takes a few years to prove the point.A decade ago when the Sadam Hussein regime was systematically attackingthe Kurdish people in Northern Iraq, thousands of Kurdistanfamilies fled for their lives. With the help of the Don Bosco Center,some settled in North Kansas City. Sadly, a few lost family membersin the attacks before they could escape the violence.Two sisters from one family have come to exemplify the Americandream come true.Both started their American education at North Kansas City HighSchool in the ELL Program. Both graduated with honors and as A+students; both graduated from Maple Woods Community Collegewith honors; both graduated with nursing degrees from the Universityof Missouri-Kansas City near the top of their class; and both are nownurses at a local hospital. To cap it off, both have become U.S. citizens.There also is a younger brother who is working to complete his fouryeardegree and a younger sister on track to becoming a physician.Some English Language Learners need small group instruction when they first enter the ELLProgram. These four students from Micronesia, Burma and Vietnam eagerly learn Englishtogether at Crestview Elementary.The American dream for this family began in the ELL Programin North Kansas City Schools. But they also were surrounded by acommunity of caring individuals who nurtured them and fueled theirpersistence to succeed.ELLs are finding academic success across the District. Several participatein advanced academic programs such as AP, Gold Medallionand International Baccalaureate. Others are in the pipeline. Upto 10 percent of the K-8 gifted program referrals are students whospeak a second language at home.The Global Village ExperienceThe changing face of the Northland reflects a national, in fact, aglobal trend. The world is coming to us — much as it came to EllisIsland so many hundred years ago and our virgin shores centuriesearlier. We began as a nation of immigrants dating back to ColonialAmerica, and the tradition lives on.Classrooms in our most diverse schools are global learning villages.Many have the look and feel of the United Nations where studentsexperience international cultures and languages — and never leavethe Northland. These students, indeed these schools, are buildingbridges of understanding which will prepare all students to succeedin the global workplace of the future. The global village experienceis alive and well in your neighborhood schools — the place wherethe America dream really can come true.

REDUCE chlorine use in yourin-ground or above-ground pool.With the Nature 2 system,maintaining your pool is muchsimpler than using traditionalchemical treatments. The Nature2 mineral cartridge installs afteryour filter in the return line,works automatically and requiresno electricity. It contains nomoving parts and is unaffectedby heavy use, hot weather andwater temperature.Water flows through the Nature2 cartridge which contains alayer of bacteria destroyingminerals. All that is required isto activate the cartridge by superchlorinating, sit back, relax, andenjoy the most crystal blue clearwater in the neighborhood.Using a Nature 2 mineral systemsignificantly reduces the use ofharsh chemicals such as chlorineand helps maintain a moreconsistent pH balance. Thereduction of other chemicalsmeans less stinging eyes, skinirritation, and unpleasant odors.Pool owners who have switchedto the Nature 2 system happilyreport spending less time maintainingtheir pools and moretime enjoying the fresh, crystalclear water.LEISUREWORLDPool & Hearth406 E. 16th AvenueNorth Kansas City, MO816-221-1731fax: 816-221-1726www.leisureworldkc.comMore for less.2008 Chevrolet Impala$11,50010at this price(Orig. $22,220 Mfg. List)Randy Reed Pontiac-Buick-GMCGM Corporate Fleet & Lease Return Center10 NW Barry Road, Kansas City(816) 436-6300www.rrpbg.comStock # 81112©Greg Hill 2009&RIVERSIDE 2250 NW Vivion Road816-741-6966SMITHVILLE 1706 South 169 Hwy.816-532-0000LIBERTY 941 Sutton Place816-781-2838Relax, we’ll takeit from here. TMWicklundsCARSTAR ® & GlassWWWCOMGerald WicklundWicklunds CARSTAR LibertyBrett BaileyA&B CARSTAR Riverside and Smithville

QuentinRooseveltTad LincolnCaroline andJohn Kennedy Jr.Amy Carter

progress through peoplekids cornerCominggladstoneHome toO f the many questions that get asked each day some of the Caroline and John Kennedy, Junior moved into the White HouseCominggladstonemore intriguing ones come from young readers. In the in 1961 when their father, John F. Kennedy became President.Kids Corner Home of Coming to Home Gladstone you have read the They were the youngest children to live in the White Houseresponses to a variety of questions ranging from can an airplane since Quentin Roosevelt. Caroline went to the first grade in thefly over a tornado to how do teeth grow? This issue will address White House in a classroom her mother made on the third floor.the curiosity of a young lady who asked the question “How She also had ten friends go to school with her. John Jr. is rememberedfor playing under his father’s desk in the Oval many children have lived in the White House?”Office.Of course the thought of kids in the White House brings tomind many other questions that range from can I go anywherein the White House to what kind of food would we eat? Believeit or not there are many questions that you would ask and beasked by your friends if you lived in the White House. Did youknow that kids have been living in the White House for 200years now? So who are these kids?During the first half of the 19th century the children that cameto the White House were grandchildren. The first one to comefor a visit was Susanna the four-year-old granddaughter ofPresident John Adams. Thomas Jefferson’s daughters came tovisit often and in 1806 his daughter Martha gave birth to a son,James, the first child born in the White House. In 1893 PresidentGrover Cleveland and First Lady Frances Cleveland became theparents of the first child of a President to be born at the WhiteHouse. Her name was Esther.Tad Lincoln was seven-years-old when his father, AbrahamLincoln, became President. Tad and his brother Willie lived inthe White House during the American Civil War. Tad had a soldier’suniform and a toy cannon that he would shoot at the dooruntil his father would open it. He had two pet goats that wouldpull him around in a chair. Willie died of a fever while living atthe White House, he was eleven-years-old.Quentin Roosevelt lived in the White House 100 years ago whenhis father, Theodore Roosevelt was President. Quentin was partof a large family with two sisters and three brothers. The size ofthis family was the reason the west wing was built. It would allowthe President’s office to be relocated in the building and thenserve as the family home. The Roosevelt’s had several pets includingdogs, cats, snakes and raccoons. They also had a macawand a pony.Amy Carter was a third grader when she moved to the WhiteHouse. Amy went to school in Washington and while her oldermarried brothers lived in Washington, she missed her home.Amy did have a tree house in one of the many trees growingaround the White House. Her tree house became the place shecould go when she wanted to be alone.Chelsea Clinton moved to the White House when she was twelveyears old. Chelsea went to school in Washington. Since Chelseahad taken dance lessons since she was four, she started takingclasses at the Washington School of Ballet.Recently, two new first daughters moved into the White House.Malia, ten-years-old and her sister Natasha (Sasha) seven-yearsoldare the youngest children to enter the White House in ageneration. Joining them this spring will be the new “first pet”, adog promised to them by their parents.Just imagine that your house was the White House. You wouldfind that you and your family would live on the second andthird floors of the White House. The second floor has 16 rooms,one main corridor, six bathrooms and one restroom. The thirdfloor has 20 rooms, one main corridor, and nine bathrooms. Justimagine helping to clean all of those rooms, it would take a lotof time.ladstoneThe White House, which sits on 18 acresGComingHomeoftoland, also has 412PROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEdoors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases, three elevatorsand five full-time chefs. The total floor area of the WhiteHouse (six floors) is approximately 55,000 square feet. There isCominga total of 132 rooms, including the 16 family-guest Home togladstonerooms, progress through peoplemain kitchen, one diet kitchen, one family kitchen, and 35 bathrooms.Do you know anyone who lives in a house this big? Justimagine what it would be like to go to theirCominghouse and play…Home toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 50Coming

Excellent Job!Dear Family,21810Visit www.ready.gov and clickon Ready Kids for a familyscavenger hunt to create yourfamily’s emergency supply kit!Parents/Guardians Contact Names:Telephone numbers:Out-of-State Contact Name:Telephone number:fun stuff to do inCominggladstoneHome to31149657kids cornerCluesACROSS:2. _ _ _ _ _ light: A handytool to have if the lights goout!4. Every person needs onegallon of this per day!6. This comfortable piece offurniture should not be partof a family’s supply kit.8. Furry family members thatshould be part of yourpreparedness plan.9. Some people have a_ _ _ _ _ between meals ifthey are hungry.10. You might find water, aflashlight, or a whistle in anemergency supply _ _ _.11. Fun items that familiescan play together.Family Reproducible WorksheetCominggladstoneTo Home prepare to for emergencies, families can collect items that might be useful and put them in an emergency supply kit.Go to www.ready.gov and click Ready Kids find out how your family can prepare for unexpected situations. Thencomplete this crossword puzzle to give you an idea of what kinds of things should be part of your family’s emergencysupply kit.DOWN:1. Families can create acommunication _ _ _ _ sothat they know where tomeet and who to call duringan emergency.3. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ bag: Greatfor napping or keeping warm.5. Every family membershould carry a contact listwith at least _ _ _ differentphone numbers that willallow you to keep in touchduring an emergency.7. It’s important to get the_ _ _ _ _ about differentkinds of emergencies, so thatyou know what to expect.9. Keep an extra pair ofthese in your supply kit tokeep your feet dry!EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATIONIt’s important to be able to contact your family if there is anunexpected event. Fill in the following information and keep acopy on the refrigerator, in your car, and in your child’s backpack.Neighborhood Meeting Place:Meeting Place Telephone:Dial 9-1-1 for Emergencies!Crossword Puzzle Answers:Across: 2. flash; 4. water; 6. sofa; 8. pets; 9. snack; 10. kit; 11. games.Down: 1. plan; 3. sleeping; 5. two; 7. facts; 9. shoesSponsored byHomelandSecurity

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By Anitra SteeleChildren’s SpecialistMid-Continent Public Libraryno placehomelikeSome time ago, my husband and I were quite involvedwith various school committees. When asked anotheractive couple declined nomination saying they were going tobe moving and needed time to ready their current home toput it on the market. We rarely saw them that next year butcharted their progress with garage sales, painting and newlandscaping. We were surprised when they showed up the nextyear, volunteering. It seems, once they had cleared things out,made the necessary repairs, and finished refurbishing to maketheir home the most saleable, they realized they didn’t need tomove...they now had the space and conditions they thought theywould have to move to get. The following are reviews of justa few of the many books the library has that offer suggestions,information and plans on how you can achieve the home of yourdreams and needs without moving.Often around the home there are small fix-it projects thatdon’t get done because the person wanting them done doesnot know how to approach them. NO-FEAR HOMEIMPROVEMENT bridges that knowledge gap. Tasks suchas fixing washer-less faucets or replacing an electrical outlet arebroken down step by pictured step with a list of needed toolsand equipment. Especially useful is the information on the prestepsneeded before tackling a job (i.e. how to chart your home’scircuit breakers is shown before how to replace an outlet).Fascinating before and after pictures show a variety ofmakeovers from whole house to a single area with a commentaryhighlighting choices and the reasons for them in MervynKaufman’s EASY HOME MAKEOVERS. Step-by-stepdirections walk the reader through projects that can be donewith only modest skills such as replacing porch lattice whilemore involved renovations are explained with floor plandrawings. Practical information on contractors, codes, finishesand a glossary are included in the back.Often a remodeling project can be expanded to additionalpurposes...new siding can mean more insulation, a new sidewalk53 | Spring 2009

a great readCominggladstoneHome tocan be ramped to remove a step or new water heater pipes can beinsulated. Coming GREEN REMODELING highlights a variety of thesepossibilities allowing the thoughtful remodeler to reduce theircarbon footprint and improve life inside and outside their home.gladstoneHome toIf your project would be helped with “moving pictures”, thelibrary also offers free downloadable videos. Follow the‘MyLibraryDV’ icon on the library’s webpage to install theDownload manager [one click, 2-3 minutes] to gain access tothe classic films and informational videos like several seasons ofTODAYS HOMEOWNER where you can download segmentson “Simple Home Repairs” and “Painting Tips”. Downloadthem to a laptop and you can take the directions with you.You can also access these videos by going into the catalog andusing the power search option, limit the search to only include“Video for Download” and then add your other search terms like“painting” or “repairs”.MY HOME, MY MONEY PIT provides a music play list toaccompany your projects along with guidance on when not to do ityourself and cost tradeoffs on project choices. For example, usingpremium paint ends up being cheaper because you have to paintless often. The appendix of potential problems and weaknesses inhomes built in different decades is a great reality check.If the family home needing work is older [like last century older]and you need fixes using existing wiring, plumbing and other“antique” systems, investigate the OLD-HOUSE JOURNALCOMPENDIUM, re-issued in 2008. Plastering methods,ornamentation patterns and incidentals like the right style ofsoap dishes for a Victorian bathroom are covered. Directions onhow to “grain” like a professional are also given.kids corneryears of National Geographic’s in his HOW TO CHEAT ATORGANIZING. He includes ways to have your kids help withthe grocery shopping, how to speed start the BBQ charcoal andhow to “test drive” software before purchase. One useful tip hepasses along is to bag groceries according to where they will goin your home, thus saving sorting time.Starting with a series of quotes about the clutter [read junk]that people have, Don Aslett in FOR PACKRATS ONLYgoes from room to room giving the reader permission todiscard that replaced shower curtain, those sheets that don’tfit any current bed and that broken suitcase. He also suggestsways to keep friends from trying to fill up your newly declutteredspace with their stuff.With clever titles, Rita Emmett details “50 ways to leave yourclutter”: in the CLUTTER-BUSTING HANDBOOK.So....”Make a family call, Paul” and “It’s time to toss, Ross”.Little quizzes and “extra credit” sections continue herpainless way of reinforcing her message that you really won’tmiss what is gone.Home repair and renovation are good jobs for the amateursleuth. Nothing like a mystery room to bring out the bodiesand there are several mystery series featuring intrepid womenwho look good in a tool belt. These include the PatriciaAmble mystery series by Nicole Young; Home Repair isHomicide series by Sarah Graves and the stand-alone title AMILE IN MY FLIP-FLOPS by Melody Carlson. MelodyCarlson has written a funny “chick lit” title about Gretchenwho decides to become a “house flipper” when her weddingplans fall through.Armchair renovators or just folks mid-project and needingencouragement will enjoy ALL THE WAY HOME; BuildingA Family In A Falling Down House by David Giffels. This epictale sympathetically shares everything involved as a young Ohiofamily takes on the renovation of a derelict Gilded Age mansioninto a family home.Renovation and repair are only half of the project to remakeyour space into what you want it to be. The other part is declutteringand storage. De-cluttering is difficult work. We workhard to acquire things and treasure [more or less] items given tous but really, will Aunt Florence know you no longer have thatdevilled egg plate she gave you 20 years ago? The library canhelp you to sweep clean with the following titles.Jeff Bredenberg takes on more than stuffed closets and 20Trish Amble becomes enmeshed in family secrets when shetakes over renovation of the family’s upper Michigan vacationcabin in KILL ME IF YOU CAN, published by Christianpublishing house Revel.Jake Tiptree left a high-powered New York career to do houserenovation in Eastport Maine only he keeps stumbling over bodies.In THE BOOK OF OLD HOUSES, a journal discovered inladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEher own basement connects her with murder most foul.Finally,the ultimate children’s book about home renovation is the 1942Caldecott winner THE LITTLE HOUSE by Virginia LeeBurton. This story recognized as the most distinguished AmericangladstoneComingHome topicture book for children the year it was published follows progress through the people fateof a little house from rural construction through urban absorptionback to rural renovation. A very satisfying book to share.ComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 54Coming

Hormel FoodskidsHy-Veetriathlon55 | Spring 2009

family wellnessCominggladstoneHome togladstoneHome toHComingonoring their commitment to health and wellness, Hy-Veeand Hormel Foods are once again sponsoring the KidsTriathlon in the Gladstone and Greater Kansas City areas. TheTriathlon encourages those who participate to live healthier,more active lifestyles. Now in its third year, the triathlon will beheld on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Gladstone CommunityCenter, 6901 N Holmes, beginning at 9:00 am.kids cornerThe annual event will feature competitions in swimming, cyclingand running for children 7-14 years of age. Activities are ageappropriate and boys and girls will be timed separately. Everyparticipant will receive a gold medal, t-shirt, and backpack.Runners-up will be awarded new Trek bikes, sports gear, Hy-Veegift cards and more. The Grand Prize winner will receive a VIPFamily Weekend Getaway to the 2009 Hy-Vee Triathlon in DesMoines, Iowa.After the activities, attendees will enjoy the “best post-race partyin town” that includes a grilling station, cooking demonstrationsand dietitians hosted by Hormel, Hy-Vee and an assortment ofsponsors. We are dedicated to helping families get active andmake smart, healthy food choices,” said Eric Steinbach, SeniorProduct Manager, Hormel Foods.2008 Olympian and professional triathlete, Jarod Shoemakerwill be making his second appearance in Gladstone. Jarrod willon hand to offer his support and advice to the athletes.Noah Gately, a participant in 2008, stated that he had a greattime participating in the triathlon and that he wants to do itagain this year. Noah’s Mother, Christi Gately, commented,“as parents we were proud of his accomplishment. We lookforward to participating in the event this year, and includingour daughter. She was disappointed that she opted not toparticipate in last year’s event because she found that she hada few friends, who participated, and she wanted to change hermind- but it was too late. The HyVee-Hormel sponsored foodsample was an added treat.” To encourage attendance andassist children with their training, the Gladstone CommunityCenter will offer complimentary triathlon training classes to allregistered participants. Classes are slated to begin in February.Race Director, Clay Myers-Bowman said “I’m very excited tohave the opportunity to help with the Hy-Vee/Hormel KidsTriathlon on May 16th at the Gladstone Community Center. Asa USA Triathlon-Certified race director, I’ll be working for thesport of triathlon to make sure that the race is as safe as we canmake it. I’ll also be creating a team of local volunteers toOlympian Jarod Shoemaker with Gladstone Mayor Mark Revenaughmanage the competition and coordinate all aspects of the event.My goal is to hold one of the best-organized and safest eventsin the Midwest. With the help of our volunteers, sponsors, andladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEpartners, I fully expect us to succeed.” Volunteer sign-up andregistration is available at www.GetMeRegistered.comA portion of the proceeds will benefit Variety - The Children’sCharity and the Gladstone Parks and Recreation ScholarshipComingHome toComingDirector, Pam Reeds at pireeds@olivemg.com.Home toComingHome togladstoneFund, which provides scholarships to low income families.progress through peopleFor more information about the Hy-Vee/Hormel Kids Triathlonplease visit www.hormelhyveekidstri.com, or contact Eventgladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 56Coming

In a fast paced society full of fast food restaurants anddrive-through windows it is easy to throw good nutritionout the window. Good nutrition includes a balanced dietthat provides the correct number of servings each dayfrom the five major food groups. It also requires exerciseso the things we eat can give us the energy we need eachday. Since we all learn by example, good nutrition begins athome as we watch our parents, brothers and sisters. It alsoinvolves making healthy choices when we are eating out,over at a friend’s house or even at school.So, where do you start? Because nutritional needs changeas kids age, visiting www.mypyramid.gov is a good place toget started. This website will help you determine the nutritionneeds for kids as young as 2 years old. Start by lookingat how many servings of each food group your child needs.Then, make a menu of what you are going to eat for thenext day starting with breakfast to ensure that you are gettingsomething from all the food groups. Don’t forget toinclude snacks too!Start with small changes. Encourage the whole family to eatbetter; don’t make special meals just for the kids. Add veggies tomac and cheese, pizza, pasta sauces and casseroles. Sneak fruitinto cereal, pancakes, waffles and muffins.By Liz SoriaFitness SupervisorBesides eating well, kids need to keep active. So how arekids going to keep moving when it is too cold or rainy to gooutside? Discover indoor facilities. Your local communitycenter is a great place for people of all ages to keep active.You can also visit your local library for books and videos onkids’ fitness. When watching TV encourage your child todo something active during the commercials. Keep it cleanand help mom to clean house. You could dance as well,pick your favorite music, crank it up (with mom’s permission)and dance your heart out.Remember, start with small changes and encourage yourwhole family to start making healthier choices. Startingyour kids with healthy habits will encourage them to lead ahealthier lifestyle as they grow older.57 | Spring 2009

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By Julie CrawfordOnce upon a time there lived a musical theater enthusiastnamed Julie. One day, to her delight, she pickedup a copy of the local newspaper to find an audition noticefor Gladstone’s Theater in the Park first musical production‘Oliver.” Excitedly, she went to the audition and was fortunateenough to be cast as Widow Corney in the production.Her positive experience made such an impact on her life thatshe has lived happily ever after for the past 21 years as a performerand a volunteer with Gladstone Theater in the Park.I am excited to be able to tell you about this vibrant andthriving Gladstone program, Gladstone Theater in the Park.It all began when Van Ibsen sent a letter to the city ofGladstone with the idea that the city could help him and hiswife, Susie, produce an outdoor musical. The reason for sucha production was to give Gladstone and other area youth achance to develop and showcase their singing, dancing andacting talents. The letter ended up on the desk of then Parkand Recreation Supervisor Sheila Lillis, who was enthusiasticabout the suggestion but a bit overwhelmed by the offer. Thecity was all too aware of the high cost of such a production,so Van offered a public/private partnership. The summertheatre in the parkof 1988 Ibsen Dance Theater and the city of Gladstonesponsored the first Gladstone Theatre in the Park with thepremier musical production “Oliver.” It was performed withrave reviews from the public by a cast of 40. The performancewas given on a temporary stage in Oak Grove Parkthat was built by Van. Van built the sets, stage componentsand everything needed at St. Mary’s College and hauled itpiece by piece, load by load, in his pick-up truck and thenassembled it all at the park. Laurie Mayfield, a one-womanband, played the piano in the pit. The overwhelming responsefrom the public saw the city commit to making Theatrein the Park an annual summer event. The next year, theNorth Star Community Band joined forces with Ibsen DanceTheatre and the city of Gladstone to co-sponsor the eventand play for the productions. The Ibsens committed to doingtwo musical productions each summer. These were the firststeps in developing a program that has ultimately become amajor summertime Gladstone attraction.Gladstone Theatre in the Park is a community theatre. It isproud to be the only one in the Kansas City metropolitanarea that has free admission for all of its productions. The61 | Spring 2009

complete program is comprised of volunteer actors, musicians,dancers, backstage crews, girl scouts who pass out programs,and parking lot attendants. All of these individualsvolunteer their time and talents to make this program a success.Under the guidance of artistic directors Van and SusieIbsen, the theatre allows everyone the opportunity to exploretheir imaginations and stretch their boundaries. Cast, crew,and band members share a camaraderie that is first rate intoday’s ‘me first’ world. Scripts, songs and dance numbersare not the only things learned. Working together, dependingon your partner, making a commitment, and working for thegood of the whole, not just one, are stressed. In productionsthere are no small parts, all roles are important. It is calledthe “no star system.” These are lessons that benefit our arealong after the curtain falls.Try getting a seat within 100 yards of the stage on a performancenight – that is the best way to gauge the community’sacceptance of Gladstone Theatre in the Park. Blankets andlawn chairs appear at 3:30 p.m. on performance days. Thispast summer the productions of “The King and I” and“Crazy For You” drew over 15,000 people to Gladstone’sOak Grove Park. The program provides an opportunityfor our residents and the surrounding community to enjoyfamily friendly live theatre in their own backyard for free.It just doesn’t get much better than that.My husband, Greg, has performed in Gladstone Theatrein the Park productions for 20 years. Our son, Nicholas,was thrilled to make his debut this past summer on stagewith mom and dad as the Fodor family in “Crazy ForYou.” Nicholas’ enthusiasm about his first experiencemirrors that of mine 21 years ago. He is ready to returnseason after season.Gladstone Theatre in the Park will open its 22ladstonend seasonwith “Once Upon A Mattress” on JulyGComingHome to10, 11, and 12,PROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLE2009. “Footloose” will be presented August 7, 8 and 9,2009. Auditions will be held at Antioch Middle Schoolon Sunday March 29, 2009 and Saturday April 4, 2009.Shows begin at 8:30 p.m. For more information on thegladstoneComingHome toprogress through peopleprogram, auditions, or volunteer opportunities please visitthe Gladstone Theatre in the Park website atwww.gladstonetip.com.ComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 62Coming

Imagine spending a warm summer evening on the lawnof a beautiful park surrounded by friends and family. Theair is full of the familiar smells of BBQ, cinnamon roastednuts, kettle corn and all of your favorite festival styled foods.Your ears hear and your heart races to the sounds of liveblues music as it floats through the air. Does that sound likea great evening to you? It can be. All you have to do is planto attend the Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest on June 5-6,2009. Bluesfest is held each year at Oak Grove Park andfeatures some of the finest live blues musicians from aroundthe world.The Bluesfest line-up is truly a who’s who of the blues musicworld. In previous years the festival has featured blues legends,such as A.J. Croce, Jimmy Thackery and Shirley King(B.B. King’s daughter), as well as up and coming local andregional acts. 2008 featured the International Blues Challengewinner Trampled Under Foot for the first time ever.Bluesfest has also featured Blues Music Award winner, HubertSumlin. Sumlin won the Traditional Blues Male Artistof the Year award, given by the Blues Foundation in May of2008. “Bluesfest is really growing and is now considered oneof the major festivals held across the country. This is allowingus to book talent like Hubert Sumlin who won the BluesMusic Award. In the blues world, that’s the equivalent of aGrammy,” says Charles Ragsdell, blues aficionado and talentorganizer for the festival.As crowds continue to grow each year, the festival attracts music loversfrom across the country. “In 2008 we tracked zip codes and peopleare coming from Chicago, Seattle, and all across the Midwest, as wellas locally,” said Amy Harlin. Harlin is President of the GladstoneArea Chamber of Commerce, who with a very capable team ofChamber member volunteers organizes Bluesfest each year.Bluesfest is not only attracting those that want to listen to the blues,but also those who play it. According to Ragsdell, “We receive hundredsof inquiries from blues musicians throughout the year and theyall want to come to Gladstone to play.” Bluesfest is gaining a reputationof drawing acts from all over the country, as well as around theglobe. In 2006, the festival featured The Blues Caravan, a group ofperformers from Finland and Norway.Eyes and ears are entertained at Bluesfest, but your taste buds will betempted as well. The festival features a selection of mouth-wateringconcessions, including BBQ beef brisket, brats and cold beer. Saveroom for funnel cakes, ice cream, kettle corn, nachos and cinnamonroasted nuts to round out that great festival food experience.The line-up for 2009 is being worked on, but has not been finalized.For up to date information about Bluesfest, including the performers,event sponsors and times, please visit www.gladstonechamber.com.Bluesfest is free to attend (minimal parking fees apply) and all Gladstoneresidents are invited to share in the excitement of the blues!63 | Spring 2009

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By Chris Yannitelliin gladstoneAnother year has begun and exciting things continue for theGladstone Arts Commission. Planning is underway forthe 2nd annual Art Springs in Gladstone event, which promisesto be even better than the first. The Arts Commission hasbegun its rotating art exhibits featuring Northland artists. TheCommission has hosted openings for two artists in fall 2008,with more shows coming in 2009.The excitement mounts for Art Springs in Gladstone, whichis scheduled for Friday, April 24 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. andSaturday, April 25 from 10:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the GladstoneCommunity Center. The bar is set high for this year since lastyear’s show was so incredibly successful. At this year’s event, wewill be able to accommodate even more artists, since there is moreindoor and outdoor space available for artists to display their work.The high quality of the art will again be assured since this showwill be juried, as was last year’s. Also, the Ryan Kruse MemorialAwards, graciously donated by the family, will be given to artistschosen by a jury composed of three Northland Art Leaguemembers who are not participating in the show. Additionally,in 2009, artists will donate selected works, which will be soldor auctioned as a benefit for the Assistance League of KansasCity. The city of Gladstone, the Northland Art League and theGladstone Arts Commission sponsor Art Springs in Gladstone.Last year this show was a huge success, with more than 2000 peoplein attendance. Comments were heard, “This is the place to be in theNorthland!” and “Wow, these are really quality artists and a spectacularvenue!” As you entered the main room, you were met with a feast forthe senses---spectacular art in a wonderful mix of media, the strains ofmusic from one of many featured string and flute ensembles, peoplewalking by with refreshments, as they admired the art. Art Springsin Gladstone 2008 was a tremendous beginning for what promises tobecome a traditional premier event in the Northland.

Our initial featured artist for the Rotating Art Exhibit andSale was Holly Schenk, whose work lit up the walls of thecommunity center beginning in October 2008. The whimsical,colorful pastels and acrylics of this talented Gladstone artistwas a wonderful way to kick-off our first show. Holly workedas an art director at Hallmark Cards for twelve years and nowteaches continuing education courses at the Kansas City ArtInstitute. Tom Holle’s opening was December 2, 2008. Tom isa retired Kansas City firefighter whose incredible photographycaptures scenes around Kansas City, both well known andpersonal. Through his profound sense of interesting perspectiveand color, he creates photos that are collages of feeling andtexture. Of course, each has its own unique story.Upcoming and current artists are Frank Armato and HollyBuchholz. Frank Armato is a retired Kansas City Missouriteacher and largely self-taught watercolor artist and winnerof the “People’s Choice Award” in the 2008 Art Springs inGladstone Show. Frank’s show began on February 3, 2009.Holly Buchholz, an acrylic artist will present mixed mediapaintings in a show that begins on July 7, 2009. There willalso be a show, which highlights art created by studentsattending North Kansas City School District high schools,which will take place beginning March 23, 2009. This showwill run for four weeks.A special evening event, “First Tuesday”, sponsored by theGladstone HyVee, allows the community to meet the featuredartist and purchase their works. The work is for sale for six weeksfollowing each opening and can be purchased by contacting thestaff at the front desk of the Community Home Center.toGComingladstonePROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEThe Arts Commission plans for the future include expanding thepermanent collection of art now on display in the communityComingcenter, continued growth of Art Springs Home in toGladstone gladstone withprogress through peoplethe probable addition of a large tented area on the west side ofthe community center in 2010, and the expansion of our “FirstTuesday” events to include entertainment Coming and workshops.Home toComingHome toCominggladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 66

By Mary Jo BurtonDirector of CommunicationsSuperintendent of North Kansas City Schools,Tom Cummings, retires after decades of leadershipFrom Indiana to Missouri, Tom Cummings has been aneducator for nearly five decades. During his 49 yearsin education, he has served many roles including classroomteacher, high school basketball coach, principal, central officeadministrator and mentor. Throughout the years, one salienttrait has become his trademark – collaborative leadership.“None of us is as smart as all of us,” he is fond of saying – andhis actions always follow those words.Dr. Cummings came to the Northland in 1985 as AssistantSuperintendent for Instruction. One of his first initiatives wasto create a coordinating council of district leaders to share thevision and decision making. He then embarked on site-baseddecision making councils for all schools and brought parentsand community into the process. From the beginning, “TC”(as he is affectionately called), engaged partners at every turnto determine how to best serve kids and prepare them for successin the real world.In January 1995, the Board of Education named him Superintendentafter serving three months in an interim role. Gainingthe trust and support of the greater community was a priorityfor Dr. Cummings. As superintendent, he reached out evenfurther and bonded with partners across the district. Fromblue ribbon planning committees to Partners in Education, theEducation Foundation and the Senior Tax Exchange Program,Tom Cummings brought people together to do great things forkids, public education and the community. He was the catalystfor unique municipal partnerships, as well, including the jointventure library media center in the City of North Kansas Cityand the natatorium in Gladstone.Strong voter support of bond and levy issues clearly demonstratedpatron approval of his vision for the District.Record-breaking passage of school funding issues in 2001,and again in 2005, positioned the District at the forefront ofeducational programming, facilities and technology. Thiscommunity support made it possible to meet the demandsof a growing student population and end high school overcrowding.Under his administration, the District opened twonew schools (Northview in 1999; Staley in 2008), re-openeda former school site (Northgate) and began construction onanother (Bell Prairie Elementary) slated to open 45 days afterhe retires.Under Cummings’ administration, the District also adoptedstrategies to meet the needs of a changing Northland. Inrecent years the district launched the AchievementPlus initiativeto bring wraparound services to kids and families in need,doubled its pre-K programs, expanded English language supportprograms districtwide and implemented all-day kindergartenin all 20 elementary schools.67 | Spring 2009

The District has thrived under Cummings’ collaborativeleadership style that inspires innovation and excellence. NorthKansas City Schools has led the way in technology, professionaldevelopment, curriculum, environmental citizenship andnational accreditation. In 1999 the National School BoardsAssociation saluted North Kansas City Schools for its use oftechnology in learning. In 2001, the District was named a NationalModel for Professional Development by the U.S. Departmentof Education. In 2003, the District was honored by theGovernor’s Council on Disability for Excellence in UniversalDesign and Technology in part because its students constructedthe first Universal Design (handicapped-friendly) homes in thenation built by high school students. In 2005, the District brokeground for the first environmentally-friendly high school in thestate. In October 2008, Staley High School was awarded SilverLevel LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Councilfor its design and construction.Throughout Cummings’ tenure, the District has been fully accreditedby the state and earned state honors for Distinction inPerformance. In 2007, North Kansas City Schools became anationally accredited school district – the first school district inMissouri to meet the rigorous standards.All four high schools offer the prestigious Distinguished AchievementProgram providing students the opportunity to earn theGold Medallion Honors Diploma or the world-renowned InternationalBaccalaureate. And, all of the district high schools haveearned the “A+” designation by the State of Missouri – extendingthe opportunity of a publicly funded education for studentsfrom K-12 to K-14.The district has been a leader on the state level as well, pioneeringthe Missouri GED-Online Program – an alternative foradults to earn a General Equivalent Diploma – which served as astate and national model. In recent years, the District extendedits online learning presence by offering online classes for highschool students under the initiative known as “eCampus.”Another initiative on which Dr. Cummings took the lead wasembracing the YouthFriends program its first year. North KansasCity Schools was one of six pilot districts that introduced thenow award-winning youth mentoring program to the nation.Nearly a decade later, Tom Cummings was honored byYouthFriends when they named their School-Based MentoringAchievement and Advancement Award in his honor and madehim the first recipient.For his decades of effective leadership, Cummings was honoredin 2005 as Missouri Superintendent of the Year. In 2006 hereceived the Look North award from the Clay County EconomicDevelopment Council for being an outstanding Northlandleader. Then, in 2007, he was given the Jay Dillingham LifetimeAchievement Award by Northland Neighborhoods, Inc., and in2008 he was honored in the state Capitol by the Missouri Houseof Representatives as an Outstanding Missourian. In recentyears he also was named one of Kansas City’s Top 25 CEOs,was one of 15 superintendents from across the nation to participatein the prestigious Microsoft Superintendents Roundtableand participated in the Oxford International Round Table at theUniversity of Oxford in England.Cummings was president of the National Federation of Urbanand Suburban School Districts, president of the Greater KansasCity School Administrators Association and chaired the NorthlandSchools Alliance since its inception. He has served on theboards of directors for the Greater Kansas City Chamber ofCommerce, the KCI/Northland Regional Chamber of Commerceand YouthFriends. He has also served on The Kansas CityStar Education Advisory Committee, the Mayor’s Task Force onRace Relations, the Education Commissioner’s Advisory Committee,the UMKC Dean of Education Advisory Committee andthe Northland United Way.Tom Cummings has committed his days and nights to makinga difference for kids, public education and the community.And he’s inspired others to do the same. Cummings is theconsummate leader, the fair and caring coach, the one whosees potential and develops possibilities – even from chaos. Heis the one who leads by example and inspires others convertHome topotential into success. ladstoneGComingPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLETom Cummings retires as superintendent in June 2009, butbetween now and then, the District has much do. OurComingHome tofarewell gift to Dr. Cummings is to continue gladstonefind andprogress through peopledevelop potential, and to help every learner find success inschool – not just this year, but every year, because…the best isComingyet to come.Home toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 68Coming

Swimmers and coaches of the North Kansas City School Districtare proud of their new training and competition pool withgood reason. The North Kansas City Schools (NKCS) Natatorium,located inside the new Gladstone Community Center (GCC), isthe premier competitive swimming and diving venue in the KansasCity metro area.The 2008 boys season started Monday, August 11, when the swimand dive teams of the district’s four high schools — North KansasCity, Oak Park, Staley, and Winnetonka — began their practices.Just three short weeks later, Staley and Winnetonka hosted Lee’sSummit North High School for the first meet of the regular season.The new NKCS Natatorium quickly proved its worth as severalstate qualifying times were posted at the event.Swimmers were not the only ones taking advantage of the teams’new residence. Divers from all four high schools utilized the divingwell and competition-level diving boards at the natatorium. In yearspast, divers were forced to travel to Park Hill or Independence topractice. Having a home of their own was not only convenient fordivers, but proved advantageous, as well. North Kansas City HighSchool finished their season by sending two divers to the statediving competition.The Natatorium’s state-of-the-art technology also is offeringopportunities for students not taking part in swimming or diving.The facility boasts a timing board with video capability that hasprovided many of the district’s students the opportunity to workwith technology that might not otherwise be available to them.Students shoot video, direct and produce footage from the smallvideo-production studio under the main grandstand, and are ableto display an entire meet on the pool’s main video board. Spectatorsand swimmers enjoy the close-up views of races, as well as replaysduring pauses in the action.Kelly Rule, head coach of the North Kansas City High Schoolswim team, said of her swimmers, “They enjoyed being able to seetheir times immediately following their swims and watching theirrace on the board.”69 | Spring 2009

By Mathew DuffyOak Park High SchoolBoys Swim CoachMathew Duffy said “GCC staff was quintessential in thesuccess of this first season; helping to ensure that every practice,dual meet, invitational and conference meets was a success.”From the initial meet setup to the very last event, GCC staffwas there to provide the support that was needed throughoutthe entire season. This cooperation echoes the relationshipNorth Kansas City Schools has enjoyed with the City ofGladstone for many years.The relationship between district and community alsowas evident in the form of volunteers at the swim meets.Parents, students, and even GladstoneCommunity Center members joinedtogether to tackle the task of timing foreach competition.Toward the end of the season, CoachAndy Wilcox from Lee’s Summit Northasked his boys which pool they wouldrather go to for a last chance qualifyingmeet, and the entire team replied,“The North Kansas City district pool.”Coaches inside and outside the districtrepeated those sentiments, as moreswimmers came to realize their hopes ofattending the coveted state meet.The season ended with one last practicebefore the four North Kansas CitySchools teams left for St. Peters,Missouri, to compete in the 2008MSHSAA Boys’ State Swimmingand Diving Championships on Friday,November 14, and Saturday, November15. The pool will not remain quiet,however. The girls swim season began onMonday, November 17, and they are sureto make some waves in the North KansasCity Schools Natatorium.Call now toschedule a tourof Oakhill.Now enrolling forthe 2009-2010school year!Small Classes, IndividualAttention, Integrated Curriculum,Spanish, Music, Technology, Library,Science Lab, Art, Physical Education five times a week, OutdoorladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEclassrooms, Environmental Sciences, Farm to School Lunch Program,gladstoneComingHome toLifeskills Curriculum, Creating an educational partnership betweenprogress through peoplethe family and Oakhill. Starting at age two through eighth grade.ComingHome toComingHome toCominggladstonewww.oakhilldayschool.org 816.436.6228progress through peoplegladstone| 70

gladstonemarketplaceUltraShearsSpecializing in Gift Certificates AvailableHair Styling Salonfor Men, Womenand Children816.452.4022816.453.48886045 N. Antioch Rd.Gladstone, MO 64119Tues. - Sat. 9 to 5:30Evenings by appointmentsCLAY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER595-4200www.clayhealth.comFax 816 595-4201800 Haines Dr. • Liberty, MO 64068Dental 595-4308 • Environmental 595-4247Health Planning Promotions 595-4240 • Overseas Travel 595-4271Nursing & Preventive Health Services 595-4278 • Women’s Health 595-4273Physician’s Health Sevices 595-4285 • Speech / Hearing 595-4307Vital Statistics 595-4200 • Communicable Disease & Prevention (for reporting) 595-4256WIC 595-4281Mary Ann Surber, AgentProviding Insurance and Financial Services6034 NE Antioch RoadGladstone, MO 64119-1826Bus 816 452 1700Fax 816 452 0825mary.a.surber.g40g@statefarm.com24 Hour Good Neighbor Service ®

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March 23March 27April 3April 13April 18April 24-25April 25April 24-26May 1-3May 15May 17May 17May 30June 5-6June 5-6June 6June 6June 12June 13July 4Discounted Pool Passes go on saleFlashlight Easter Egg HuntArbor Day CelebrationBatting Cage Facility opensRain Barrel WorkshopArt Springs in GladstoneWalk ‘N’ WagSpring Clean-upSpring Brush DisposalDiscounted Pool Pass sale endsMiddle School ConcertNorthwinds Symphonic Band ConcertSweet AdelinesSummertime BluesfestCitywide garage saleKid’s Fishing DerbyNational Trails DayMovie in the Park – Kung Fu PandaHershey Track and FieldIndependence Day Celebration and ConcertcommunitycalendarJuly 10-12 Theater in the Park “Once Upon A Mattress”July 24 Movie in the Park – Madagascar IIAugust 7-9 Theater in the Park “Footloose”August 27 Theater in the Park Golf TournamentSeptember 12 Plant ExchangeOctober 2-4 Gladfest “30”October 30 Friday Fright NightFor information regarding these events contact Parksand Recreation at 816-423-4091.436-6062Tropical FishSaltwater FishLarge Selection of BirdsAquarium & Pet SuppliesSmall Animals & ReptilesPuppies & Kittens7022 N. Locust • Gladstone, MO1 Block East of North Oak Trfwy.ladstoneGComingHome toPROGRESS THROUGH PEOPLEComingHome toComingHome toComingHome togladstoneprogress through peoplegladstoneprogress through peoplegladstone| 74Coming

helpfulnumbersEmergency Police/Fire/AmbulancePolice Department (Non-Emergency)FBI- Kansas CityHighway PatrolPoison Control CenterCity of GladstoneAnimal Control and ShelterCity HallCommunity CenterEmployment HotlineFire DepartmentPolice DepartmentPublic WorksRecreation Rain-out lineWaterHospitalsNorth Kansas City HospitalSt. Luke’s Northland HospitalLiberty HospitalSchools - PublicNorth Kansas City School DistrictNorth Kansas City High SchoolOak Park High SchoolStaley High SchoolWinnetonka High SchoolAntioch Middle SchoolNew Mark Middle SchoolNorthgate Middle SchoolBriarcliff ElementaryChapel Hill ElementaryClardy ElementaryGashland ElementaryLinden West ElementaryMeadowbrook ElementaryOakwood Manor ElementaryWest Englewood ElementarySchools - PrivateHoly Cross LutheranOakhill Day SchoolSt. Andrew the ApostleSt. CharlesSt. Gabriel’s911436-3550512-8200622-0800(800) 222-1222436-1810436-2200423-4200437-2489, press 5436-3550436-3550436-5442437-2489, press 4436-2200691-2000891-6000781-7200413-5000413-5900413-5300413-4100413-5500413-6200413-6300413-6100413-4950413-6600413-6800413-6870413-4750413-6700413-5250413-4900453-7211436-6228453-2089436-1009453-4443Clay CountyInformation LineAdministratorAnnexAssessorCollectorCommissionersCourthouseDivision of Family ServicesHealth DepartmentParks and RecreationVoter Registration/Election BoardState of MissouriGovernor’s OfficeSecretary of StateDepartment of RevenueState Senator District 17 - Luann RidgewayState Representative District 33 - Jerry NolteState Representative District 38 - Ryan SilveyU.S. Senator Claire McCaskillU.S. Congressman Sam GravesMid Continent Public LibrariesAntioch BranchNorth Oak BranchTrash Pick-upAllied (formerly BFI)DeffenbaughPlatte Valley SanitationCompost Connection (yard waste)Utility CompaniesAT&TKCP&LMissouri Gas EnergyTime Warner CableMiscellaneousGladstone Area Chamber of CommerceSun TribuneThe Kansas City StarKC Area Transportation MetroFlexOATS Senior TransportationSocial Security OfficeUnemployment OfficeU.S. Post Office - Gladstone407-3600407-3620407-3450407-3500407-3200407-3570407-3600781-8900595-4200407-3400415-8683(800) 222-1222(573) 751-3222(573) 751-4936(573) 751-4450(573) 751-2547 or (816) 532-0032(573) 751-1470 or (816) 452-7271(573) 751-5282 or (816) 468-1011(202) 224-6154(202) 225-7041 or (816) 792-3976454-1306436-4385(913) 281-4343(913) 631-3300746-8619761-8300(800) 464-5275471-5275(800) 582-1234358-8833436-4523454-9660234-4636346-0346(800) 480-6287436-9500889-3101(800) 275-8777* This magazine is intentionally designed as a flip book to distinguish between the Parks& Recreation Guide and your Coming Home to Gladstone community magazine.Flip overto check outParks andRecreation75 | Spring 2009