by Jeff Quibell
1. February 2012 11:30
Most people agree that everyone should pay their ‘fair’ share of taxes. The disagreement starts when we attempt to define “fair”. Webster’s dictionary defines ‘fair’ as a situation in which everyone is treated equally and in a reasonable way, and states further that ‘fair’ is reasonable and morally right. President Obama raised the issue of fairness in his 2012 State of the Union address, with the implied message that our tax rate tables are unfair because Warren Buffet is paying a lower income to tax ratio than his secretary.
Our current tax code doesn’t treat each taxpayer equally. That would be a flat tax where each taxpayer pays the same percentage of their income in taxes, including the income received from investments and capital gains. Our tax code is knee-deep with exemptions, credits, and deductions that reduce the amount of taxes we pay from the full amount owed based on our gross income, and capital gains are taxed differently than wages. It’s not equal; it wasn’t designed to be equal. However, unequal doesn’t necessarily mean unfair. A taxpayer with a large mortgage paying higher amounts of interest will pay less in taxes than another taxpayer with the same income and no mortgage. Many self-employed taxpayers take full advantage of the deductions available to them, reduce their taxable income and pay far less in taxes than the employees. When President Obama compared Warren Buffet’s tax rate to his secretary, far too much detail was omitted to fully understand the comparison. Does she have a spouse with taxable income as well? At close to 36% tax rate, she is likely to have income greater than 97% of the population. Not bad for a middle class secretary. They call it spin for a reason and it’s disappointing to me that our President would attempt to mislead our nation on such a transparent issue.
I think we can all agree that millionaires and billionaires should pay their fair share of taxes. The top 1% of taxpayers pays more taxes than the entire bottom 95% combined. Should they pay more? What is a ‘fair’ share? Fundamental tax reform may be necessary, but it will take fundamental change in how our government, Federal and State, operates and functions. In the meantime, I’ll finish my tax return and send in my fair share.
by Jeff Quibell
4. January 2012 09:51
| | | | | Happy New Year The staff at Parks & Recreation wishes you a very Happpy New Year. We look forward to working with you to take advantage of the opportunities and to meet the challenges ahead. | | | | Winter/Spring Activity Guide
JUST OUT: The 2012 winter/spring issue of the Parks & Recreation of Blue Springs activity guide is now available. The 23 page activity guide has been mailed to every Blue Springs resident along with the City's Blue Springs Magazine. All 50-Plus activities and programs occurring at Vesper Hall Community Center are also included in the Parks & Recreation activity guide. Please click on the activity guide cover above to see the many fun and exciting activities, services and facilities we have to offer during the next few months. | | Centennial Pool Under New Mangement Beginning January 1, 2012 daily operations of the Centennial Pool-Plex will be managed by the Blue Springs School District. Bill Shalley is the new pool manager and has a long time affiliation with the Pool-Plex. Registration for classes and events will take place at the Blue Springs High School, 2000 NW Ashton Drive, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 229-3459. Find out more... | | Chipping of the Green Drop off your Christmas tree after the holidays at the designated area in Pink Hill Park's west parking lot. Only trees with tinsel and ornaments removed will be accepted. Recycle Your Cardboard Don't throw away all those Christmas boxes, recycle them. The recycling center is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accept your cardboard boxes and other recyclables. Find out more... | | 50-Plus Fitness and Wellness Week 
Get fit in the New Year during our Fitness and Wellness Week at Vesper Hall Community Center! All new visitors, ages 50 and over, can exercise for free. New participants will receive free weight room passes that are good for the week of January 9th through January 13th. Try the elliptical rider, the dual use strength machine, bicycles, treadmills, and/or free weights. A regular month pass is $15.00, a regular day pass is $3.00 and a year pass is $120.00. Try it all for free this one week! Free exercise classes are available with a canned food donation during Fitness and Wellness Week. Check out any drop-in exercise class in exchange for a can of food per class. All donations benefit the Midwest Foster Care Food Pantry. Classes include, Crosstrainer Aerobics, Stretching Exercise, Tai Chi, Yoga for Beginners and Beyond, as well as Wii Sports. Call Vesper Hall at 228-0181 for class dates and times. Available during regular business hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 am - 9 pm, Wednesday and Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. | | It's For the Dogs - Chili Dog Dinner & Silent Auction R.U.F.F. (Responsible Unleashed Fun for Fido) Blue Springs is holding a Chili Dog Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, January 21st from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Vesper Hall, 400 NW Vesper Street. Come and feast on chili dogs with assorted toppings, desserts, and beverages. This will be lots of fun for the whole family with a live Deejay and entertainment included. Other activities include a silent auction, door prizes, raffle drawings, and a demonstration by the Missouri Search & Rescue K-9 Unit. All proceeds benefit the Blue Springs off-leash dog park located in Gregory O. Grounds Park. Cost is $6.00 per adult and $4.00 per child 12 years of age and under. Children 3 years and under are free. You can pre-register with Blue Springs Parks & Recreation, City Hall, 903 W Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Call the Parks & Recreation Offices at 228-0238 for additional information. More Information..... | | Youth Sports & Recreation Expo  The Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department will be sponsoring the 20th Annual Youth Sports and Recreation Expo, Saturday, January 28th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. This event will be held at Adams Pointe Conference Center, 1400 NE Coronado Drive. The Expo is a great opportunity for kids, parents, coaches and area residents to register for spring and summer programs. Some of the participating programs are baseball, softball, football, basketball, BMX, martial arts, gymnastics, fencing and there are a variety of activities and resources to learn about. It also gives everyone involved with sports and recreation a chance to meet with the various representatives. One of the biggest attractions is the appearance of T-Bones Mascot Sizzle and Chiefs KC Wolf. We hope to see your family and friends out at Adams Pointe Conference Center enjoying this time saving and informative family event. Don't miss this opportunity to see new products and to meet with the representatives of the various youth athletic organizations.
| | Bits and Pieces - Daddy/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance
- Ballet & Jazz
- Social Dance
- Belly Dance
- Aqua Aerobics, Swimnastics, & Therapeutic Swim
- Vesper Hall New Years Eve Party
- Chipping of the Green
- Recycling Center
- Facility Rental Opportunities
More Information..... | | Quote to Live By : "Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." John F. Kennedy | | | Our Mission: It is the mission of the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department to serve the public's well-being by providing quality leisure opportunities through the research, establishment, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive parks, recreation, buildings and grounds system. | | We hope you have found this issue informative. If you have questions about any of the articles from this issue, please email or call us at (816) 228-0137. We look forward to seeing you at some of the activities and programs we are offering this month. Go out and enjoy your parks.
Sincerely, Blue Springs Parks and Recreation www.bluespringsgov.com/parks | | | | | 50+ New Year's Eve Party 
Saturday, December 31 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper Street $10 in advance $15 at the door Call 228-0181 | | | | | | |
by Jeff Quibell
4. January 2012 09:47
| B.S.P.D. Mission Possible Preserving and Promoting a Safe Community An e-news publication of the Blue Springs Police Department
Volume 6, No.2 | | MAKE 2012 THE SAFEST YEAR EVER IN BLUE SPRINGS! | | | 
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| | BSPD Prepares for Accreditation On-site to be held February 6-9, 2012.
Everyone is welcome to provide input through the Public Hearing or call-in sessions on February 7, 2012. | | Through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), the Blue Springs Police Department voluntarily strives to achieve elite status by complying with national standards. On February 6-9, 2012, assessors from CALEA will be examining BSPD policies, procedures and processes to ensure that we meet national standards. The assessors from CALEA will be Chief Daniel Boring, ret. from the Culpepper, Virginia Police Department and Lieutenant Thomas Wilkes of the Aurora, Colorado Police Department. As part of the process, the assessors conduct a public hearing and a public call-in session to obtain input. Interested citizens can call the assessors on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 816 228-0174, or attend a public hearing in person at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Training Center on 40 Highway at 5:30 p.m. the same date. | | | | 
Uniformed Police Officer Kenneth Keating was a recent Employee of the Month. Uniformed Officers on the street are your first responders in an emergency. | | Come Tour Your Blue Springs Police Department
Group tours of the Blue Springs Police Department are offered to students and youth. Call the Crime Prevention Unit at (816) 228-0178 to arrange a tour for your group. | | | Welcome to the December 2011 edition of edition of our BSPD electronic newsletter "Mission Possible." O ur goal as always is to provide you with the most up-to-date information related to organizational activities and progress. With the new year comes the potential for dangerous roadways due to ice and snow. Be sure to allow time to clear windows thoroughly, and never leave your vehicle running and unlocked. Don't tempt someone into becoming a car thief! In this issue we'll feature information on the upcoming accreditation process and public hearing, our 10th Citizen Academy class, 2011 Awards Event and feature another of our outstanding employees. Please pass this newsletter along to friends and family, and have them sign up to automatically receive future editions. Feedback and questions are always welcome! Chief Wayne | | | | BSPD Officers, Civilians and Citizens Honored at the 2011 BSPD Awards Ceremony. The 10h annual awards ceremony of the Blue Springs Police Department, attended by approximately 150 employees, friends, family, city officials and community members was held on Sunday, December 11th, 2011, filling Adams Pointe Golf Club, where the staff at Adams Pointe provided a warm and festive atmosphere in which to celebrate. Chief McCoy presented Citizen Recognition Certificates to Glen Williams and Wade Williams, two residents that assisted the police department with the apprehension of a suspect in a bank robbery on May 17, 2011. Missouri State Representatives Sheila Solon and Jeanie Lauer were on hand to present House resolutions to the four "of the Year" recipients, including Volunteer of the Year Donn Wyckoff, Civilian Employee of the Year Teri Sandlin, Officer of the Year Shannon Humphrey and Supervisor of the Year Stacey Edwards. . | | 10th B.S.P.D. Citizen Police Academy graduation 11-02-11 
A civic minded group of citizens have given of their time and talents to participate in the Blue Springs Police Department's Citizen Police Academy (CPA). On November 2, 2011, the 10th class culminated with graduation at the Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building. The CPA is a program designed to involve citizens with the Police Department and give them an opportunity to learn about police work and allow officers and citizens to interact and get to know each other. The first class began in September, 2008; since then over 180 people have participated in the 10 classes. Class 10 brought together 19 individuals from diverse backgrounds with a desire to learn what police work is really all about. And learn they did! The overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive for the participants of the class and many have become enthusiastic supporters of the police department, continuing their participation after the class ends through the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association or by becoming a department volunteer. Soon to follow is the 11th class, which begins on January 26, 2012. The program has been so popular that BSPD has added more classes than originally scheduled, but a waiting list of hopeful attendees remains. The Blue Springs Citizen and Youth Police Academies are ongoing programs. Information can be obtained by contacting Sergeant Allen Kintz or Officer Doug Heishman 816-228-0178, or on the Internet at www.bluespringsgov.com. 
| | | Is has been my pleasure to bring you the latest news in Blue Springs public safety. The Blue Springs Police Department is thankful for the tremendous support shown by our citizens. Did you enjoy this issue of Mission Possible? Be sure to send me your feedback on how we can continue to improve this publication.
Sincerely, Wayne McCoy, Chief of Police Blue Springs Police Department | | | | | | |
| City of Blue Springs | 903 W. Main Street | Blue Springs | MO | 64015 |
by Jeff Quibell
24. December 2011 11:21
Our lives are a collection of experiences; joys and sorrows seldom shared publicly with those around us. Many of my friends know that I was adopted shortly after my birth. My parents, Don & Trudy Quibell of Warrensburg, gave me an excellent childhood and a wonderful life. They helped me to achieve the path in life described in the once secret adoption records that documented my birth mother’s goals and aspirations for me.
This week, details of my life story were revealed in a very public way, and the response I have received is both amazing and humbling. In 2002, after forty-four years of secrecy, I found Ann Padmos, the incredibly courageous woman who is my birth mother. Our reunion has been marvelous and uplifting, and it has been my honor and privilege to share our story publicly. Following are links that will take you to both the KMBC video and the Kansas City Star articles that tell the story of my Christmas Ornaments.
http://bit.ly/QuibellOrnaments
http://bit.ly/AnnChristmas
May God bless you and your families this Christmas season as we all gather together and add to the stories that make up each of our lives!
by Jeff Quibell
6. December 2011 17:31
Holiday Greetings!
This holiday season brings much appreciation for your commitment to the students and adults of Rainbow!
We would like to share with you the latest news of what has been happening and invite you to visit our website for the
Fall/Winter Newsletter at http://www.rainbow-center.org/assets/docs/RainbowCntr-Winter%202011-web.pdf.
If you feel moved to include Rainbow in your end-of-year giving,
donations are accepted via PayPal through our website, or can be mailed with a 12-31-11 postmark.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!
Your Rainbow Friends
www.rainbow-center.org
“Like” us on FACEBOOK
by Jeff Quibell
1. December 2011 16:40
Click the following link to view the December Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Newsletter http://bit.ly/tIAOrU
by Jeff Quibell
1. November 2011 12:41
The award-winning (2011 1st place Philly Award) St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation newsletter is now on-line. Find out about upcoming events and see photos of your friends and colleagues at past activities. Learn how the foundation is working to help patients in need and how you can contribute. It's all in our Fall 2011 issue.
If you know someone who might benefit from this information, please share it with them by using the forward link below. We also would like to know what you think about our newsletter and the stories inside. We have created a short survey for your feedback. It takes only a minute but offers us valuable information about what you want to know and how you want to receive information from us. Thanks in advance for your input.
Enjoy,
Dorene Shipley
Executive Director
St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation
by Jeff Quibell
19. October 2011 15:42
by Jeff Quibell
25. May 2011 10:12
| | |
Add a Little Spring to Your Life
| | | 
Centennial Pool-Plex opens May 28th. Bring your family and enjoy a free day of fun. | | | | Newsletter - Vol 5, Issue 5 | June 2011 | | | | | | | | | 
Summer is finally here. We are excited about bringing you a variety of fun and challenging leisure time opportunities. Have a great summer at the park! | | | | | | | | | | |
Grounds Park - A fine place to spend a little time
By Roscoe Righter
Now that our weather is at least bouncing between spring and summer, activity at Grounds Park is picking up. I thought our public might be interested in some general information related to the "O". You may be wondering what I am referring to as the "O". Well the official name of the park is Gregory O. Grounds Park. We have started referring to the park as the "O", it is shorter and a catchy reference. It's like; I will meet you under the "Clock", which most Kansas Citizens know is Union Station. Or the "K" is short for Kauffman Stadium. So if you hear someone refer to the "O" in Blue Springs, think of Grounds Park. The park is 106 acres total with 54 surface acres of water named "Lake Remembrance", surrounded by 52 acres of park land. It has been open for about four years, with fishing and the trail opening more recently. The oldest feature is the Dog Park facility. Thirty acres of the 52 acres of land were donated to the City for park purposes.
Read on for more information....
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Season Pool Pass On Sale It's time to purchase your summer swimming season and save some money. Purchase your Centennial Pool-Plex preseason pass now through Memorial Day and you can save 5%. In addition to these savings you will also receive FREE GUEST PASSES for each pass purchased before Memorial Day. Receive 2 FREE single day guest passes with the purchase of a Season Family Pass and 1 FREE single day guest pass with the purchase of a Season Individual Pass. These are good anytime during the 2011 summer swim season.
You know that it is going to be a hot summer. The best time to purchase your season passes for summer fun and exercise is now.
Season pass prices and Early Bird discounts:
May
Regular Price 5% Discount Resident Family(4)* $120.00 $114.00 Resident Individual 70.00 66.50
Non-Resident Family (4)* 150.00 142.50
Non-Resident Individual 95.00 90.25
*Maximum of two (2) adults per family pass, 21 years of age or older. Additional household adults will be required to purchase an Individual season pass. Additional family members over four (4) will be charged $15.00 for Residents and $16.00 for Non-residents.
FREE DAY AT THE POOL: Come and check out what Centennial Pool-Plex has to offer by attending our annual FREE DAY AT THE POOL on Saturday, May 28th. Bring the whole family for a free day of fun at Centennial Pool-Plex. | | 
Street Flicks - The Karate Kid Come out and enjoy a free movie in Downtown Blue Springs on Friday, June 24th! Bring your family and friends to the Blue Springs Street Flicks located between 12th and Main. It will be an enjoyable night with a little something for everyone! Co-sponsored with the Main Center Merchants and the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department, we are excited to present the movie The Karate Kid. Activities for children will begin at 7:15 PM and the movie begins at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and get comfortable for a great relaxing evening. Make plans for our upcoming free downtown Street Flick: How to Train Your Dragon - July 22nd. | | 
Skateboard Competition Come out and enjoy the annual "Skate Park Competition" at Old Mill Park on Saturday, June 18th. The competition will start at 10:00am and end approximately 2:00pm. The competition will have three levels:
1) 10 & under
2) Intermediate (at least 18 months experience)
3) Expert (two years or more experience)
The cost is only $10.00 per participant. Prizes will be awarded, which will consist of skate boards, wheels, bearings, beanies and skate clothing. There also will be a product toss at the end of the event. Skaters will be judged on time runs and best trick. There will be only 20 spots available at each level. During the event, helmets will be required along with signed waivers. This event continues to do well, especially with the help or our sponsors, Elks 2509 of Blue Springs. During the event, there will be music and concessions. I encourage people of Blue Springs to stop by and watch the excitement and see the skaters perform their different tricks.
Pre-registrations are recommended. Contact the Parks & Recreation Office, 228-0137. Waiver Form...... | | 
Night Bike Ride
Experience a truly unique group night bike ride through the streets of Blue Springs on Saturday, June 11th with a rain date of Saturday, June 18th. Experienced cyclists of all ages are welcome and may choose between a 14 mile or 19 mile route. Both will start at 11:30 pm at the Centennial Pool-Plex, 2401 NW Ashton Drive. This is not a timed event so ride at your own pace. Journey through downtown Blue Springs, the historic district, and out to Adams Dairy Parkway. The roads will be marked and police officials will monitor the busy intersections with volunteers at most of the turn points.
Pre-registration ends June 1, 2011; the cost is $20 per cyclist. Registration after June 1 will cost $25 and does not guarantee a T-shirt. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department or The Bike Stop Bicycle Store for an entry form. Front lights, tail lights, and helmets are required. Music, snacks and beverages as well as prizes donated by area merchants await registered participants at the end of the route. Proceeds benefit bike trails in Blue Springs.
Preregister with Parks & Recreation, by phone with Visa, Discover, or Master Card, on line at www.bluespringsgov.com, by mail or in person at City Hall, 903 W. Main Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For additional information call the Parks & Recreation office at 228-0137.
Map and Event Brochure..... | | 
Music in the Park
Our 15 week long free park concert series starts Memorial Weekend May 29th. These Sunday evening concerts are held at Rotary Park from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy some quality music in a great setting. Music in the Park sponsors include: 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, MDonalds of Blue Springs, McCarthy Blue Springs Nissan, Blue Springs & Lake Lotawana Optimists and The Examiner Newspaper.
May 29th - Krazy Kats, 50's & 60's, presented by Zuvers Real Estate Services of Blue Springs
June 5th, 4-6 pm - Rain Dogs, Bluegrass/Blues/Folk, presented by Cavanuagh Pet Hospital June 5th, 6:30-8:30 pm - David Mayfield Parade, Americana, presented by Fletcher's J Bar S Western Wear
June 12th - Southbound, Variety, presented by Blue Springs Elks 2509
June 19th - BluzBenderz, Blues, presented by Tandem Paving
June 26th - Elsea Smith Band, Blues & Rock, presented by Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce
For a complete list of summer concerts........ | | 
Bits and Pieces
- Line Dance & Social Dance - Beginner Jazz Dance - RAD Training - Youth Tennis Lessons - 50+ Day Trips -Kids on the Rock Climbing Camp -Crazy Chemistry - Facility Rental Opportunities More Information.....
| | Health and Fitness Tip EAT LOCALLY - It's true, you don't have a lot of time to grocery shop and the food you buy needs to provide the biggest nutritional bang for your buck. Eating locally and seasonally is the best way to ensure you are cooking with nutrient-dense ingredients. Foods that are imported from other countries or trucked in from across the nation lose their vitamins and minerals along the way. Visiting your local farmers market or co-op will not only improve your diet, it will also leave a smaller carbon footprint on the environment. To further support your farming community and feed your family well, buy grass-fed meats and poultry from local farming families. | | Quote to Live By "Play for grown people is recreation-the renewal of life; for children it is growth-the gaining of life."
-Joseph Lee | |
Mission Statement
| | "It is the mission of the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department to serve the public's well-being by providing quality leisure opportunities through the research, establishment, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive parks, recreation, buildings and grounds system." | | | | |
Contact Information
| |
Parks & Recreation Department 903 W Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-0137
| | | | |
by Jeff Quibell
14. April 2011 00:11
Another election day has come and gone, and the voters of Blue Springs have spoken. I am honored to once again represent District 1 residents as their voice on the city council. I will continue to provide information and updates on issues of concern to the residents of Blue Springs through my newsletters on www.AboutBlueSprings.com and articles in our local newspapers. As we work together to make our city the best it can possibly be, interaction and discussion with the citizens is crucial. Please share your thoughts with me; 816-223-2865 or jeffq@cprosinc.com.
I am eager to work with the Mayor and other members of the Council. Significant effort will be required to realize the vision of Missouri Innovation Park, the revitalization of our downtown area and the continued redevelopment on MO-7Hwy and US-40 Hwy. Progress, at times, seems painfully slow. However, I believe that we are moving deliberately and conscientiously forward in the direction of our goals for Blue Springs.
The plan for the expansion and upgrade to the Woods Chapel corridor now includes a 3 million dollar grant that will extend the road improvements from Duncan Road just North of I-70 south to Walnut Street, just past Old Mill Park. The timeline for full completion of this critical project extends into 2013, and includes significant enhancements to the corridor that will encourage quality development of this gateway into our city. We are all anxious to see this project advance as quickly as possible.
In future articles, I will address these and many other issues that are facing the city, along with items of interest as they arise. Thank you for the wonderful support over the years and for the opportunity to again be of service to the citizens of Blue Springs!