Friends,

The Dragons Booster Club, where our daughter, Katie Garten, competes in gymnastics, is participating in the Football Gold fundraiser to help raise money for our organization. I am asking you to consider helping us out by making a donation. When you make an online donation, you will receive a Football Gold ticket which provides you with a chance to win cash prizes based on the the outcome of NFL games in the upcoming season. The suggested donation for a ticket is 20 and our organization keeps a majority of the donation. I would really appreciate it if you could help us out. When you click the link below, you will be directed to FundraisingGold.com and from there will be directed to PayPal to make your donation online.
After making an online donation you will receive an email confirming your donation and included in that email will be a link allowing you to choose your game card. During the NFL Season, points will be awarded to your game card based on the scores of the assigned teams or players. Your game card will be compared to the other game cards in your group and depending on how your game card scores, you may win a cash prize. This is a great opportunity for you to help out some very deserving kids and it's fun for you too.
Acquire Football Gold Ticket
If you have any question about the program or about Fundraising Gold, you can visit their website at www.FundraisingGold.com or you can reply back to me and I'll try to answer your questions.
Thanks,
Ken Garten

Ken Garten
Law Office of Kendall R. Garten, LLC 
1600 NE Coronado Drive
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 229-1299
(fax) 229-1296

krgarten@yahoo.com

If you haven’t tried out the disc golf course at Young Park its time to get out and give it a try.  This multi-year project is now open to the public and receiving rave reviews.  Following are samples of some of the letters the city has received regarding the course:

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My name is Ken F. I have been playing disc golf for nearly 10 years and play this game professionally on the PDGA tour. I'm ranked in the top 70 in the world.
I recently relocated to the KC (Midtown) area about 7 months ago. I've lived on both coasts and the midwest, played hundreds of courses around the country and Blue Springs is vastly becoming one of my favorite! I'm excited to have a league night now. I have friends that drive in from Topeka, just to play leagues on Wednesday evenings.
I'm so thankful to have such a well thought out and maintained course, to play golf on...
Thank you for all your efforts and team work, working with John Theiss on this course!!!
Ken F.
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I am a local disc golfer from Overland Park and I had a chance to play the Young Park course a few weeks ago. I had a great time and the course, in my opinion, is one of the best in the metro already. I wanted to write the Parks & Rec Department to thank them for all their development and maintenance efforts thus far. It appears that the City of Blue Springs truly understands and believes in community strength. Makes me want to move east.
Thank You So Much!!!
Seth W.
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I just wanted to let everyone know what a great job the Parks and Rec have done at Young Park disc golf course. I have received tons of compliments about the course. We have been running league at the course and we are getting folks from BS and LS and as far as 2 hours away. We had a Pro player that drove 2 hours just to play in the league because he loves the course. Pros are saying the this course is in their top three courses in KC. That is a huge compliment because Water Works DGC is one of the best in the world and Cliff Drive is also the most balanced course in the city. We are also getting some of the better players in the area out to play in the league which means they are skipping the other league held at Rosedale Park on Wednesdays. I am not sure what type of feedback that the parks dept is getting, but it has been overwhelming positive. Many folks that I have seen and spoke with are driving from downtown, North of the River , and Kansas to play. That is great news for the course and for Blue Springs. These people will stop and spend money in our town.
Just wanted to send this because I am getting positive compliments from all types of players, beginners to pros . Keep up the great work BSPR.
Thanks,
John T,

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My name is Michael K., and I just wanted to let you all know what a wonderful job you did installing the disc golf course at Wilbur Young Park. My children attend William Yates Elementary where John Theiss was also instrumental with the small course that when into the school yard there, and that's how we first discovered this great sport. When we heard a course was being installed at Young Park, we were simply delighted! Now that the course is finished and we've had the chance to play it a few times, we could not be happier with how it turned out. The disc golf course at Young Park is one of the most beautiful and well-designed courses we have seen, and we are so excited to have such a world-class course within short driving distance from our home. Just one look at this course makes it apparent that the Blue Springs P&R department did it the right way, with close attention paid to all of the important details! Congratulations to the Blue Springs P&R and everyone else involved with this course on a job well done. Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts.
Best Regards,
Michael K. and Family
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Hello:
I played in the Eastern Front event this past weekend and wanted to provide some feedback regarding the course at Young Park.
Wow! You folks have really done things right out there. I have lived in Gladstone for close to 15 years and don't know that I have ever been to Blue Springs for anything in the past. I will be coming there on a regular basis in the future for league play and just to play the course casually. Area restaurants and such will be getting business from me. I consider the course there one of the best in the KC area and I know that others agree. John Theiss did a great job designing the course and it is obvious the Parks Department was on the ball in getting it ready. I heard that new grass was put down already since the tourney!!
Thank you and I look forward to spending more time in the Blue Springs area.
Ted K.
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My name is Steve G. I am a member of the Kansas City Flying Disc Club with an uninterrupted 15-20 years of membership. I live in Ks. My drive time to the park is about 45 minutes. Its well worth the trip. I love all the water shots!!!
First I want to thank the city for putting forth the efforts and getting the grants and making sure the project was first rate.The commitment I have seen put forth from the city on this project thus far has me really excited about revisiting this course because its only going to get better.
I especially want to let you know how special John Theis and his family are.
As you know there was a tournament there the day after the ribbon cutting ceremony.
His wife, mother and father were all present helping run the tournament.
Now here is the really impressive thing that happened during the first round. We guess one of the tee signs was missing a lock stud. It was breezy that day and the wind tore the sign off hole 7. When I reported it to John he immediately responded it was already fixed. His dad is a fix it guru and got the stuff needed to take care of the problem. The city should be thankful for all their sacrifices. I know I am.

Disk Golf Course to open May 22 at Wilbur Young Park

Blue Springs, Mo. – Blue Springs’ first disk golf course will officially open May 22 at Wilbur Young Park, 1100 SE Adams Dairy Parkway.

Based on traditional golf, disc golf is a fast-growing sport where players throw a flying disc into a metal basket with catch chains. The player that completes the course making the fewest number of throws of the disc wins. The discs are specially designed for various shots of the game – from drivers to mid-range discs to putters.

The Young Park Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole median length, technically difficult course.  The course is geared for both the family and more skilled players. Located in the woods of the north end of Wilbur Young Park, the course is challenging as players must maneuver their shots around trees and over water.

This course is free to the public and open daily from sun up to 10 p.m.  Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department will host instructional clinics, lessons and tournaments annually.  Score cards can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.bluespringspringsgov.com/scorecard.

Blue Springs received a $49,500 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund of the National Park Service and $6,500 from the Blue Springs Rotary Club for construction of the course; in addition the City Council approved $18,263 from City funds.  Dr. Brouse of the Blue Springs School District assisted in writing the grant application and the Kansas City Flying Disk Club assisted in the course and signage design.  The Building Trades class of Blue Springs High School helped construct the tee pads and the Boy Scouts of America Troop # 58 and Blue Elk District helped in the construction of a bridge and mulching the paths.  Parks Maintenance staff provided labor for general construction.  Special thanks goes to Blue Springs resident John Theiss, who volunteered countless hours in the planning and layout of the course and City of Blue Springs employee, Randy Cooper for coordinating volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts of America.

The disc fling and unveiling of the entry sign will officially open the Wilbur Young Park Disk Golf Course at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Wilbur Young Park.  Souvenir disks will be given to attendees of the dedication.

The first tournament, “The Eastern Front” will be held Sunday, May 23.  The tournament is a double-round and each participant will get a special collector disc.  Check in is at 8:30 am with event beginning at 9:45. To register for the tournament or for information, visit www.kcfdc.org or call (816) 471-3472 (Disc Golf World).  

For more information on this new facility, contact Roscoe Righter, Director of Parks and Recreation at (816) 228-0137 or email to rrighter@bluespringsgov.com.

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Your support of our events and your donations help us fulfill our mission of providing the compassionate, quality healthcare for body, mind and spirit, with a special concern for the poor.

June 22, 2009 - Mark your calendars for the 29th Annual St. Mary's golf classic at Lakewood Oaks Golf Club. Tee times are 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  For more information or registration, call the St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation at 816-655-5363 or Click Here .

Local sports and news celebrities will be joining some of the teams again this year. The following celebrities will be playing in the tournament:

• Dave Armstrong, Sports Broadcaster and Motivational Speaker
• Ed Budde, Former Chiefs Offensive Guard
• Al Fitzmorris, Former Royals Pitcher
• John Holt, Fox 4 News Anchor and Reporter
• Joe Lauria, Fox 4 News Meteorologist
• Paul McGannon, Former Athletic Trainer for Kansas City Royals
• Brian McRae, Former Royals Center Fielder
• Steve Renko, Former Royals Pitcher
• Shawn Sedlacek, Former Royals Pitcher
• Neil Smith, Former Chiefs Defensive End
• Paul Splittorff, Former Royals Pitcher
• John Wathan, Former Royals Catcher and Manager

All-Star Challenge XVII Slated For June 18

Today’s Date: June 4, 2009

From: Tony Wrisinger, Co Executive Director GKCFCA

The Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association announces the All-Star Challenge XVIII, This year’s High School Football All Star Game featuring teams from Missouri and Kansas will be played on June 18^th at Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium on the campus of Blue Springs South High School in Blue Springs Missouri.

“We are really pleased to have the Blue Springs School District host the game this season,” GKCFCA President and Smithville High Head Coach Greg Smith said. “We have had tremendous support from high school football fans over the years and with this year’s game to be played in a city that is well known for its passion for high school football like Blue Springs, is fantastic.. We expect the event to be outstanding this year.”

The team’s rosters are also attached to this e-mail.

The Kansas squad will be head coached by Shawnee Mission West head Coach Tim Callaghan. The Missouri squad will be head coached by Phil Lascuola of Hogan Prep.

Kansas leads the all-time series 10-6, with one rainout.

Practices begin June 8, and are generally 5:30-8 PM Monday through Friday of that week, and Monday through Wednesday of next week. The Missouri team is practicing at Blue Springs South High School. The Kansas squad is practicing at Shawnee Mission West. Practice is open to the media, but not to the public.

The game will be televised on a tape-delayed by Metro Sports on Friday June 19th at 7 PM and 11 PM, as well as on June 20^th at 7 AM and June 21^st at 7 PM. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students (with student ID). Advance ticket sales are available at Adam’s Dairy Bank in Blue Springs (816-655-3333).

In addition to the game, the McCarthy Auto Group will sponsor one lucky fans field goal kick for a new car at halftime. The GKCFCA will also award the Warren Award and the Dave Bassore Man of the Year Awards.

Contacts: Tony Wrisinger 816-810-6557 Tim Callaghan (Kansas Coach)913-993-7897

Greg Smith (GKCFCA Pres): 816-260-0988 Phil Lascuola (Missouri Coach 816-444-3464

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Following is a letter to the Renew the Blue Co-Chair, Dave Wright, from Roscoe Righter the city's Director of Parks, Recreation, Buildings, & Grounds, announcing the grant award for the Disc Golf Course in Young Park.  My congratulations to the members of Renew the Blue, StandUp!, the Blue Springs School District, and the City of Blue Springs who worked so hard to make this happen.  This is an example where hard work and perseverance has paid off for our city! 

David, 

I wanted to notify you and the others, involved in getting the disc golf course off center, of the news I received this morning.  Please feel free to pass this along to all your committee.  I have notified David and Brandon with the School District, Dale Falck, the Rotary Club, Mayor & City Council, and of course our staff.  

Congratulations to all!  Today I received the packet of information and our notice that the Grant Application through LWCF has now been approved by both DNR and NPS.  We have the approval to proceed with construction.  I had indicated that the review and notification process normally takes through November or December.  I was beginning to get a little concerned that the economy may have caused NPS to withdraw the funding for this year, but it apparently just took them this long to process everything. 

My staff and I have been preparing for this approval.  We have worked on a plan to use GIS to layout the course.  We have the equipment and we have a GIS staff person at the City who will help lay in all the data on the map, then my staff and I will transfer that onto the ground in the park.  We will now start that process.  I will also be setting up all the required data and record keeping we must do at the City so we can be reimbursed when the project is completed.  We can begin the selection of and take bids for the actual equipment and signage systems.  I will coordinate with the School District for their students to assist with the concrete work as we get closer to that date. 

We have until the end of 2010 to complete all work and submit all paperwork, however, like all of you, I want to see this in use as soon as possible.  So we are planning to work toward a 2009 opening, hopefully in the summer months and prior to the next school year.  The Rotary Club has their funds ready for us, and the City has its funds available.  I will make sure we do a press release through the City’s PIO office. 

Thanks once again for all the work, time and effort to get us to this point.  After twenty plus years, we will finally have a disc golf course in Blue Springs!

Roscoe

The first guest tonight (December 15, 2008) in the Sonic Locker Room (Blue Springs Wildcats edition) is Dr. Tim Allshouse of the Blue Springs School District Golden Regiment Band. Bill Althaus conducted about a 12 minute interview this morning. The Sonic Locker Room airs at 6:00 pm on 1030 AM KCWJ. We will archive it for the week and it will be available at www.soniclockerroom.com

In an earlier post there is a link where you can listen to Saturday's game.  After publishing this information a subscriber brought the following information to my attention which I will post here for your convenience. More...

There will not be a television broadcast of the state championship football game between Blue Springs South and Hazelwood Central on Saturday. The game can be heard live on 1030 AM KCWJ with the Adams Dairy Bank Pre Game Show starting at 5:30 and the kickoff at 6:30. The game will also be streamed live on the Vision Sports website at www.visionsportsradio.com.

Our broadcast crew consists of Play by Play broadcaster Dale Carter, Color Analyst Coach Buddy Young and Sideline Reporter Tony Wrisinger.

Vision Sports has been recognized as the state’s best play by play broadcast by the Missouri Broadcasters Association in eight of its twelve years broadcasting the Cats and Jags.