Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) is once again hosting its Food for Fines program October 11th—17th at all area branches.
     Bring boxed or canned nonperishable food items to any MCPL location to pay off your overdue fines and help out those in need in your community.
     Each single food item will count as $1.00 off existing overdue fines or replacement card charges, up to $10.
     Donations of food items are welcome even if you do not have any library fines.
     To date, Food for Fines has collected 145,000 food items for local charities and food pantries.
     For more information, visit www.mymcpl.org.
 

​     Four-legged friends and their owners are invited to gather for fun, games, and competition at Dogtober Fest 2021, Sunday, October 17th from 10:00am—4:00pm at the Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Jackson County’s Fleming Park.
     This is the 27th year for the popular annual event presented by Jackson County Parks + Rec. Admission is free with the donation of dog food to benefit the Lee’s Summit Animal Shelter and other small, local shelters and rescues participating in the event.
     Masks are encouraged at the outdoor event when social distancing cannot be maintained.
     Dogtober Fest 2021 is full of free contests and games throughout the day, such as Bobbing for Biscuits, Musical Discs and Roll-Over Races. Don’t miss the beloved Halloween Costume Contest at 1:00pm featuring three categories: Frightful, Delightful and another for groups with three or more dogs.
     Visitors can also participate in the favorite “Tails for Trails Dog-Walk for Parks,” a one-mile walk on the nature trail at Kemper Outdoor Education Center. Registration is $20 in advance or $25 at the registration booth.      
     Participants will receive an event t-shirt and a goodie bag. There are also small entry fees for dog sport competitions, clinics, good canine citizen testing, and trick dog title evaluations.
     Back by popular demand is the non-competitive Canine Adventure Challenge. This 20-plus course features obstacles designed to intrigue and build teamwork among dogs and owners. The Canine Adventure Challenge is an on-leash experience. All dogs are welcome to join, whether they have advanced training or no training at all!
     Guests will enjoy a variety of new activities this year including:
     Teacup Agility Clinics and Teacup Agility Fun Runs that are specifically for dogs of smaller stature who are no more than 20" at the shoulders.  The teacup agility obstacles are a scaled down version more appropriate for their size. 
     A Nose Work Clinic that capitalizes on your dog’s natural ability to hunt for and locate high value food or toys.
     Nose Work Outdoor Search for those already proficient in K9 Nose Work who want to practice their skills.
     Trick Dog Title Evaluations for dogs that know a lot of tricks and what to earn  a Trick Dog Title. We will be evaluating both AKC and ‘Do More with Your Dog’ Trick Dog Titles.
      In addition to great activities, guests will enjoy exploring vendor booths featuring pet products, services, breed education and demonstrations for pet owners. Area animal shelters and rescue groups will also be on hand showcasing dogs available for adoption.
     Workshop and activity registration is available online for $5 per event. The deadline for online registration is October 14th. Event-day registration is available on-site at a cost of $7 per event.
     For a complete list of activities and event schedule, visit https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Events-Attractions/Outdoor-Education/Dogtober-Fest.
 

     A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held Saturday, October 2nd from 8:00am—Noon or until trucks are full at Jackson County Public Works, 34900 E. Old US Highway 40. Residents of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Lone Jack, Sugar Creek, unincorporated Jackson County and other communities in the Regional HHW Collection program may attend this event free of charge. Proof of residency is required. 
     Accepted materials include batteries, paint, lawn and garden chemicals, automotive fluids, fluorescent light bulbs, and household cleaners.
 

​     The October Senior Citizens’ Luncheon will be held Wednesday, October 6th at the Grain Valley Community Center. To RSVP for the luncheon, call 816-847-6293 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
 

​     The Grain Valley Aquatic Center will go to the dogs on Tuesday, September 7th from 6:00pm—8:00pm. The pool is open once a year for dogs, the night before the pool is drained, for only $5/dog.
     Only one dog per person is allowed, and dogs must be current on all vaccinations. Dogs may not be left unattended and must be under voice control at all times.
 

​     The next Senior Citizens Luncheon will be held September 1st from 11:30am—1:00pm at the Grain Valley Community Center. Blood sugar and blood pressure testing will start at 10:45am.
     A donation of $3 is recommended for the luncheon. September’s menu includes pot roast, mashed potatoes, and chocolate cake.
     To RSVP for the luncheon, email snadeau@cityofgrainvalley.org or call 816-847-6293.
 

     Valley Community Church has once again delivered for Grain Valley kindergarteners, supplying each  district classroom with all the supplies each student needs for the school year.
     Church members gathered on Tuesday, August 17th (pictured below) to organize supplies for each of Grain Valley’s elementary schools. Delivery of supplies took place on Wednesday, August 19th.
 

​     Stop by Armstrong Park on Saturday, August 14th for breakfast and get to know the officers who serve your community.
     Chris Cakes will be serving up their famous all-you-can-eat pancakes from 8:00am—11:00am, with donations accepted to benefit police department community outreach programs.
     No RSVP required. For more information, call 816-847-6250.
 

​     The Purple Peace Foundation’s Cruise for Consciousness car show returns to Armstrong Park this Sunday, August 1st from 11:00am—3:00pm. Over 300 cars are expected at the event.
     While car enthusiasts are excited to have the opportunity to connect after a year off due to COVID-19, families like Shannon Walter’s understand what the car show means to the people the Foundation serves.
     The Purple Peace Foundation, started in 2012 in memory of Amanda Brady, who died in 2011 from a seizure, serves families impacted by epilepsy.
     Cole Colledge, now 20 and working full-time at Sam’s Club, has been involved with the Foundation for several years.     
     Cole’s mom, Shannon Walter, said she reached out to the Foundation not long after Cole’s diagnosis after seeing a post about the car show.
     “We have just become family since then. Without this organization, I really don’t know where I’d be today,” Walter said.
      “As a parent, I’m his care taker and his voice. There are many things I didn’t know. It’s like being a new parent all over again. Having a support group for myself, my son, and my daughter has meant the world to us.”
     One the most memorable experiences the family was able to have thanks to the support of the Foundation was a trip to Disneyland for its annual Epilepsy Awareness Day. While a trip to the happiest place on earth is wonderful, Walter said the access to countless resources and tools for families is the real draw.
     “You are able to have conversations with doctors, lawyers, service providers. You name it, they have every resource there.”
     One of the best parts of their involvement with Purple Peace Foundation is the normalcy they feel at activities with families who also deal with epilepsy.
     “I know my son says he feels ‘normal’ with the group. If someone has a seizure during an event, everyone jumps into action, but it is manageable and no one feels strange about it,” Walter said. 
     “When this has happened to another person at an event, I have been able to say, ‘See, you aren’t alone.’.” 
     There is no cost to attend the car show on Sunday. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.purplepeacefoundation.org.