Upcoming community events

Strawberry Hill Museum decorated for Christmas

The Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., is decorated for Christmas. The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday through Jan. 31. There is an admission charge of $7 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. For information about custom tours, call 913-721-0081. For more information, visit www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.

UG Commission to meet Jan. 17

The Unified Government Commission will meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan.The 5 p.m. meeting will be in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, lobby level. It will be a meeting about the Heart Safe CPR Training Program.The 7 p.m. meeting will also be in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, lobby level. Several items are on an agenda that is posted at www.wycokck.org.

Grinter Rock 'n' Roll show to be Jan. 17

The Grinter Jamboree’s Rock ’n’ Roll show will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Grinter barn, 1400 S. 78th St. The Stranger Creek Band will perform. Those attending are encouraged to wear 1950s attire, although it is optional. Taco casserole is on the menu. The event includes food, music and dancing. Admission is $8. The event is sponsored by the Grinter Place Friends. For more information, call 913-220-8266.

Democrats to meet Jan. 19

The Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast will be at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 19 at Dave and Busters at The Legends, 1843 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. The guest speakers will be State Rep. Stan Frownfelter, Wyandotte County legislative delegation chair, D-37th Dist., and State Sen. Pat Pettey, D-6th Dist.The buffet cost will be $15. The price for students and those on limited incomes is $10.The buffet is available at 8:15 a.m. and the program starts at 9:15 a.m.Those who attend are asked to make reservations by Friday, Jan. 18, to scottmackey08@yahoo.com. While strongly encouraged, reservations are not required.The breakfast is open to Democrats.

Annual Snow Ball to raise funds for Catholic Charities Foundation

Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ 39th Annual Snow Ball will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19. Proceeds from this black tie gala will help provide the most basic needs such as food and utilities to children and families in the community. Through the community’s support, the nearly $1.7 million raised by last year’s Snow Ball supported Catholic Charities programs, including: Emergency Assistance and Transitional Housing Program, in which 39,311 individuals benefitted from assistance, helping to feed and house families, and keep utilities functioning. Shalom House – a Wyandotte County homeless men’s shelter, where 150 men were sheltered and received 9,100 meals provided by dedicated volunteers last year. More than 1,750 guests will begin the evening with a cocktail reception and formal dinner, followed by dancing at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. For more event information, contact Kerry Gentry at 913-433-2046 or kgentry@catholiccharitiesks.

KCK King Day celebration to be Jan. 21

A Cincinnati, Ohio, pastor will be the guest speaker for this year’s Kansas City, Kan., Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Jan. 21. The Rev. Damon Lynch Jr., pastor of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Cincinnati, will speak on the topic, “Spreading the Commitment for the Dream Worldwide; for Justice, for Brotherhood and for Peace.”The event starts at 11 a.m. at the Jack Reardon Civic Center, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan.A Motorcade and March for Hunger will precede the celebration, assembling at 9 a.m. and departing promptly at 10 a.m. from the Mount Zion Baptist Church, 5th and Richmond. It will arrive at the Reardon Center in time for the 11 a.m. event. See http://www.wyandottedailynews.com/articles/king-day-speaker-to-be-cincinnati-pastor%2C-civil-rights-advocate/.

GOP to hold town hall meeting Jan. 22

The Wyandotte County GOP will sponsor a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Frontier Restaurant banquet room, 94th and State Avenue. The guest speaker will be Patricia Stoneking, president of the Kansas State Rifle Association and owner of Targetmaster Academy. Those attending will pay for their own meals.

Turner board to meet Jan. 22

The Turner Board of Education will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Administrative Services Center, 800 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kan. Two other board meetings in January were canceled and rescheduled for Jan. 22.

Plan in advance: Cook once, eat twice

Are you determined to be more organized in the new year? If so, is meal planning a part of that organizational plan? Planning meals in advance can alleviate that last minute "what's for dinner" stress, improve nutritional quality, and help balance the food budget. The technique of batch cooking in order to eat multiple meals over a period of time has grown in popularity over the years. However, you have to approach this task with thought and preparation. To learn more about the strategies behind make-ahead meals make plans today to attend the Master Food Volunteer, Knowledge at Noon session, “Get Organized - Cook Once, Eat Twice.” The program will be at noon Jan. 23 at K-State Research and Extension, Wyandotte County, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan.. The cost is $7. To register call 913-299-9300 or email jo1@ksu.edu.

Marriage enrichment workshop offered

A free marriage enrichment group will start Jan. 23 in Kansas City, Kan. Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, the free group will meet six weeks in a relaxed small-group atmosphere. Those attending may discuss topics such as problem-solving, decision-making, communication, hidden issues and commitment. The free "Within Our Reach" marriage enrichment group is led by trained facilitators who provide tools for healthy marriages. Participants may take advantage of one-on-one guidance and community referrals from a family support specialist, if needed. Engaged, married and couples in committed relationships from all faiths are welcome. The group will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 23, to March 6. There will be no meeting on Feb. 13. The meeting place will be St. Patrick Church social hall, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan. Pre-registration is required to www.KansasLoveLetters.com or call 913-621-5775.

Nutrition presentation to be Jan. 24

Frugal Foods for Tough Times, a nutrition presentation offered in partnership with K-State Extension Services, will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Call 913-906-8990 for information or to register for the free program.

Fairfax group to meet Jan. 24

The Fairfax Industrial Association will meet for lunch on Thursday, Jan. 24, at Design Mechanical, 100 Greystone Ave., Kansas City, Kan.  The guest speaker will be U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-3rd Dist.   It is a change from the organization's usual meeting day.  For reservations, respond to execdir@fairfaxindustrial.org by 5 p.m. Jan. 21.

Regain strength, endurance through exercise

Exercise has been proven to help ease cancer side effects, such as fatigue and deconditioning. Learn the safest and most effective exercises you can do to regain strength and endurance in “Exercising Your Way Strong,” a free program from The University of Kansas Hospital. The program, appropriate for all levels, will be from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 24 at The University of Kansas Clinical Research Center in the Fairway Office Park, 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, Kan.  Sami Papacek, wellness program manager, and Melissa Davis, certified oncology exercise specialist, will lead “Exercising Your Way Strong.” Registration is required. To make a reservation or for more information, call 913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.

Learn about concussion care for kids

 Learn about concussion care for kids from an expert—Terri Brandley, registered nurse, clinical coordinator for The Center for Concussion Management at The University of Kansas Hospital. The new center focuses on minimizing the impact concussions have on the injured people's lives and future health. "Concussion Care for Kids – It’s More Than a Bump on Your Head" will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at The University of Kansas Clinical Research Center in the Fairway Office Park, 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, Kan.     Registration is required for the free Be Well program. To make a reservation or for more information, call 913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.

Eagle Day to be Jan. 26

The 12th annual Eagle Day will be held Jan. 26 at the Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library at Wyandotte County Lake Park, 91st and Leavenworth Road. Events are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Two live eagle presentations by Operation Wildlife are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The library also will have eagle crafts for kids, and binocular and field guide checkout for those who want to view eagles and other waterfowl on the lake.  Between 10 am. and 4 p.m. at Davis Hall at the lake, volunteers from Operation Wildlife will visit with the public about a variety of live hawks, owls and falcons on display. There will be bird presentations every hour, starting at 10 a.m. and lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The last presentation will begin at 3 p.m.

Bowlathon to raise funds Jan. 26

A Bowlathon for Missy Kline will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Ranch Bowl, 5604 State Ave.Proceeds from the event will help pay for Missy’s medical expenses. She is battling lupus, anti-phospil lipid syndrome, fibromyalgia, infections, Reynaud’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.She has been unable to work and has spent a considerable amount of time in the past year in the hospital for treatment of various conditions. Some of her treatments were not covered by insurance because they were considered experimental, so funds raised will go toward medical expenses.On Jan. 26, a $12 donation will include three games of bowling and shoe rental.There will be a silent auction in conjunction with the Bowlathon, and items are needed for the auction.For more information about the fundraiser, contact Karen Kline, 913-244-9924; or Margaret Allen, 913-523-4316, or visit www.facebook.com/missysrun.

Wizard of Oz theme for Kansas Day event Jan. 26

A Wizard of Oz celebration will be scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26 at the West Wyandotte Library auditorium, 1737 N. 82nd. Children participating in the event will create Wizard of Oz-themed crafts, eat a few treats and play Wizard of Oz-themed games. Twenty children will win their own hardbound copy of “The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. The event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome to attend. Children under 9 must be with an adult.     

Grinter Place to celebrate Kansas Day Jan. 26

Kansas Day will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Grinter Place historic site, 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kan. The play, “Citizens of Our Cemetery,” by Fairway, Kan., resident Don Carlton will be presented. The play is about the accomplishments of family members and residents of the Shawnee Indian Mission. Corn cupcakes and Kansas birthday cupcakes will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Programs offered about liver disease

The University of Kansas Hospital will offer a series of free monthly programs, from Jan. 29 to April 11, with information and resources about hepatitis, liver disease and liver transplants. The first program, "Liver Disease in the Community—Identify Your Risk Factors," will be led by the hospital's Dr. Jody Olson from 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at The University of Kansas Cl ..inical Research Center in the Fairway Office Park, 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, Kan. Other programs in the series, to be offered at the same location, are "Viral Hepatitis—Common Causes and Treatments Available," 3-4 p.m. Feb. 14; "Fatty Liver Disease and Clinical Trials," 3-4 p.m. March 1; “Liver Transplant and Complications of Liver Disease," 3-4 p.m. April 11. Registration is required for each individual program. To make a reservation call 913-588-1227 or visit www.kumed.com/bewell.

South Library to hold Kansas Day Trivia event

The new South Library at 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will hold a Kansas Day Trivia event from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 30. The event for teens and tweens will offer a trivia scavenger hunt. Then the youth will decorate their own sunflower cupcakes to celebrate the sunflower state’s 152nd birthday. The event will be held in Meeting Room A.

Learn to navigate ups and downs of markets

Learn to navigate through bull and bear markets and avoid common investor mistakes. Kansas Securities Commissioner Aaron Jack will be the guest speaker for "Wall Street is No Petting Zoo" workshop. The hands-on investing workshop will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at West Wyandotte Library auditorium, 1737 N. 82nd, Kansas City, Kan. The workshop is presented by Scott Kaufmann, with Kaufmann Financial.

Make a jeweled tree necklace

An adult craft program on how to make a jeweled tree necklace will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Main Kansas City, Kan., Public Library, 625 Minnesota. Those attending will learn how to make a tree pendant with semi-precious stones and seed beads. Teens may attend if accompanied by an adult. There is a $7 materials fee for supplies. Registration is required to 913-279-2066.

UG Commission to meet Jan. 31

The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Commission Chambers, City Hall, 701 N. 7th, Kansas City, Kan. An agenda should be posted before the meeting at www.wycokck.org.  Several planning and zoning items are expected to be on the agenda.

Women’s oppression to be topic of video viewing

“Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women – the Moral Challenge of the 21st Century” is the topic of the viewing and discussion of a PBS video to be shown on Tuesdays, Feb. 5-March 12. The video will be presented from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The PBS video was filmed in 10 countries around the world and deals with human slavery, gender-based violence, rape, maternal mortality, lack of access to education, and many other issues. Roxanne Hutton will lead the discussion on the six Tuesdays. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

Parenting class offered Feb. 6

“Love and Logic Discipline Solutions for Toddlers to Teens,” a two-part series, will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 6 and 13, at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave, Kansas City, Kan. Call 913-906-8990 to register for the free class, presented by Nona Boyd and offered in partnership with Wyandot Center.

Piper High School plans auction

Piper High School plans a Down Home Country Auction at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the George Meyn Community Center, Wyandotte County Park,  Bonner Springs. The dinner and auction will benefit the arts, activities and athletics at Piper High School. It is sponsored by Security Bank.