Old Settlers A Big Success Again This Year
Transcription
Old Settlers A Big Success Again This Year
Buster Keaton Gets Top Billing At Kansas Festival Mahaffie Wild West Days September 28 and 29 By Alexis Woodall and Tim Talbot Enjoy wild west skits, live entertainment and children’s games at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop’s annual Wild West Days September 28 and 29. This popular annual event offers visitors a variety of hands-on experiences and live entertainment to provide a taste of life in Kansas during the old west. Wild West Days will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 28 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, September 29 at the Olathe historic site, 1200 Kansas City Rd. New this year is Family Friendly Admission, $5 per person ages 5 and up or 5 people for $20, kids age 4 and under get in free. Food will be available for purchase. Stagecoach rides will be provided at no charge courtesy of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. On-going entertainment will be presented in view of the stagecoach area including stagecoach robberies and re-enactments. Performances this year include Wicked Liars, this dynamic duo performs magic and fire eating, live music each day at noon from 3 Trails West, and enjoy skits from Gunsmoke & Petticoats. Buffalo Bill will serve as Master of Ceremonies throughout the weekend and Buffalo Soldiers will be escorting some stagecoach rides. Rose Marie’s Fiesta Mexicana Dancers perform Sunday only. Enjoy the Omelet Breakfast by the Santa Fe Trail Rotary Club Saturday only from Olathe’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper For 35 Years 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Heritage Center. Tickets are $7 and include admission to the event. The weekend event will also feature many activities for children including a petting zoo, shooting gallery (ages 8 and up), gold panning, live entertainment and more! A chuck wagon cook-off will be held Saturday only, with limited samples and voting opportunities. Some games and activities have an additional fee. Free event parking with a shuttle to Mahaffie will be available at nearby Olathe North High School. Handicapped accessible parking will be available at Mahaffie. For more information, go to www. mahaffie.org, or call (913) 971-5111. Special thanks to our sponsors: Santa Fe Trail Rotary Club, Olathe Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau, Olathe Ford, Olathe Noon Optimists, Olathe Hy-Vee on Santa Fe and Olathe Junior Service League. (Continued on Page 5) By Joann LaCerte The story of motion pictures goes farther back in history than you might imagine. Following Thomas Edison's patenting in 1908 of his Kinetoscope, cinema changed from a penny-arcade trick to a national institution, with storefront "Nickelodeons" luring sharp spectators into this new and lucrative field. Edison continued making films, lending his equipment and licensing it to a number of companies - but omitted patenting his designs. Besides companies in England, France's Lumiere brothers had beaten Edison to it with their combined camera/printer/projector, and the Cinematographe. Others were copying and stealing equipment, putting everything in a state of confusion. Companies were even spying on each other! Keaton's Early Years On October 4, 1895, Joseph Frank Keaton was born in the tiny town of Piqua, Kansas, on the edge of Iola, Kansas. From the time he was only six months old, he was the victim of lifethreatening experiences. His tiny body toppled down a long flight of stairs while his parents were traveling with a medicine show troupe. It must be explained that Keaton's parents made a living in show business, and medicine shows were very popular at that time. (They often came to my hometown of Sullivan, Missouri, when I was a little girl, selling their tonics for all kinds of ailments.) It was Keaton's father who dubbed Buster Keaton him Buster because of all the incidents he miraculously survived during his childhood. Even Houdini, the supreme magician/illusionist, just happened to be appearing in the same show. It was said that he marveled at how the baby boy survived a horrible accident. But that was just the beginning of Keaton's dangerous mishaps during his childhood. Buster's Mishaps Go Nationwide The most action-packed story about Buster occurred when he was only three years old. During a hot afternoon in the 'twister country' of central Kansas, the eye of a cyclone swung down and blew Buster out of a second story window. After a long, trying search, Buster's frantic parents found the child sitting peacefully in the middle of a street, three blocks from the boarding house where they (Continued on Page 9) Dr. Marvin E. Wollen March 3, 1932 - September 10, 2013 Olathe’s Santa Claus and tireless worker for the community for many years died Tuesday, September 10. He not only played Santa Claus for countless children, he was a civic leader who shouldered the load and made Johnson County a better place for all of us. Read more about “Doc Wollen” on page 9 of this issue. Also, see page 12 for a photo gallery. FREE Coup September 15, 2013 Volume XXXVI Number 16 ons o n Pag e3 See us at www.jocogazette.com Advertising Hot Line 913-782-1133 or e mail us at [email protected]. We’re friendly! Old Settlers A Big Success Again This Year At right three cuties from the Phelts family, Daijah, Nevaeh, Ayngel got the best face painting art we have ever seen anywhere. At left, Chuck Kurtz from View from the Midwest blog captures the beginning and full essence of Johnson County Old Settlers 115th Celebration with everything from the Ferris Wheel to the crowds to the huge Old Glory (US Flag) to the Olathe Police Motorcycle contingent. Hope you got to be among the 100,000 who came down over three days, Sept. 5, 6, 7, 2013. Everyone had a great time. See Back Page for More Photos of Old Settlers Photos By Chuck Kurtz Olathe Teacher Immersed in Japanese Culture By Steve Baska Senior Contributing Editor Dianne Daugherty’s career has an unusual focus for a Midwestern American person: Japan. She teaches Japanese language and culture at Olathe North High School, and as an Adjunct Professor at Johnson County Community College. She has also taught English in Japan. She guides American and Japanese joint business enterprises; government and school partnerships; study and cultural tours; and does translation of English to Japanese; and Japanese to English. Daugherty discussed her Japanese activities with the Gazette recently. Question: When and why did you first get interested in Japan? Answer: My husband, our one-yearold daughter and I, interested in engaging in an international cultural experience, moved to Japan in 1989 and lived there for three years (19891992). I didn't know much about Japan at that time but I became very intrigued with the language, history, culture and customs while living there. Q: Japan seems like such a different culture than America? How is it different and how is it similar? New Theatre Restaurant Presents “Fox on the Fairway” “Fore” “Fore” is the warning we all know that you hear, when you are on a golf course. In this case, we are advising you that you should be prepared to laugh and laugh heartily. The audience sure did. Our guests at the recent New Theatre production of funny playwright Ken Ludwig’s winning script, “Fox on the Fairway”, enjoyed it a lot. Dining with me were sons, Kiel and Brett Johnson and sister, Jan Clark. Billed as a farce, a light comedy, full of chaos, confusion, misunderstanding, not unlike other humorous pieces, it delivers to the viewer. It was one laugh after another. You could hear it in the (Continued on Page 5) By Steve Baska Olathean Bill Miller loves the music of the 1940s to 1960s and plays it with care in his weekly nostalgia radio show that airs on www.KQSAonline. com from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. On the Bill Miller Show, you will hear a variety from the Glenn Miller Big Band songs to Broadway show tunes or television theme songs, along with some commentary by Bill. Bill, 82, has been in the radio business since he was 19 and worked in Wichita, Coffeyville, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and other midwest towns playing music and doing sports play by play. Today his radio show is a hobby, and Bill works 40 hours a week at the Price Chopper grocery store at 151st Street and Mur-Len Road, where he helps customers in the self-checkout lanes. But some mornings he goes to his radio studio in downtown Olathe, east of the county administration building, to record his weekly show. Surrounded by his recording equipment and stacks of LP disks, CDs, 45s and 78s records, he creates programs for everyone. Bill makes a list of what he is going to play in advance and then records his show onto mini-CDs, which he sends Bill Miller, radio show host, holds a 16 inch record that radio shows used to be recorded on. to Texas. The show then gets posted on the Internet. “I often will play something that is pegged to that day in history. Like if the show ‘Gunsmoke’ started on that day in 1955, then I may play the Gunsmoke theme song.” Senior citizens are his primary audience, and they love it. “The music reminds them of songs they loved in their youth and of what they were (Continued on Page 9) Long-Time Radio Pioneer Still Broadcasts Favorites of Yesterday Chuck Kurtz presents another great shot of Old Settlers, the Ottaway Carnival Midway with Merrygoround, Ferris Wheel and the Edgar Moore Tower on the Johnson County Administration Building. Diane Daugherty A: Its similar in that it is a modern country with many of the same conveniences that we enjoy here in the US. There is a strong work ethic among adults and students. Many pursue college and advanced degrees. They've experienced an economic downturn which has left some unemployed and although there seems to be a lower percentage of homeless (Continued on Page 4) Dyan Cannon Stars in The Fox On The Fairway at The New Theatre Restaruant A Hearty Thank You to All Who Volunteered or Visited Old Settlers Days “ You Can Never Do A Kindness Too Soon, Because You Never Know How Soon, It Will Be Too Late.” Mary Cochran’s 90th Head Lice Treatment Center Now Open Expires 12-31-13 Exp.12-31-13 Mary Jean Cochran Exp12-31-13 Caveman Dinosaur Club gourd winner of the Isaiah Euler Award. All photos courtesy Kathy Anderson, Donna Manning. The Old Settlers Flower Show was in City Hall Sep. 6, 7. See more photos on page 12 Mary Cochran will celebrate her 90th Birthday with an Open House on September 29, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, Lee and Hershey Streets, Olathe, Kansas from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. She is looking forward to your presence. Cherie Parker and Susan Truluck Just the mention of head lice makes you itch and actually finding one of the buggers on a child’s head can send parents into a panic. An estimated 6 to 12 million cases of head lice turn up in children 3 to 11 years old in the Unites States each year. Olathe now has a professional Lice Removal and Resource Center for families dealing with head lice. Olathe natives Susan Truluck and Cherie Parker, sisters and now business partners founded Heartland Healthy Heads, LLC. They recently traveled to South Florida for training and certification through the Shepherd Institute for Lice Solutions. This nationally recognized program provides education and intense handson training in the Shepherd Method, a strand by strand lice removal technique. The Shepherd Institute also operates a clinical research center and a global outreach program to educate communities around the world to identify and eliminate head lice. Heartland Healthy Heads is now open for business, located and 1725 S Murlen Road, Olathe, KS 66062 with a 24 hour Lice Line 913-730-NITS (6487).The goal is to provide a safe effective treatment option and reduce the stigma associated with head lice through educating the community. Heartland Healthy Heads offers a safe and effective treatment, using nontoxic products and the best lice and nit comb on the market. Stop by for a head check and visit the education station to learn all about head lice. Free head checks will be offered through the end of September. -/- Page 2 Johnson’s County Gazette September 15, 2013 In our 36th Year Serving Olathe and Southern Johnson County From The Publisher From The Publisher appears in every issue of the GAZETTE in order to bring you information Keith Johnson about Olathe; its people, businesses, activities and events of interest to you. We invite your contributions to this column. We hope you will consider our advertisers when you are in need of their products or services. 782-1133 Johnson County Old Settlers Association Announces Awards for Registered County Settlers From Ina Kay Zimmerman The Johnson County Old Settlers Association announced its awards for the oldest and longest married among the Registered Old Settlers for 2013. This year’s winners were: Oldest Man - Arnold Kleinfeldt, 90, who arrived in Johnson County in 1965; Oldest Woman - Betty Corliss-Smith, 100, appearing in Johnson County in 1912; and Longest Married – Russell and Juanita Turner, married 68 years, coming to Johnson County in 1943 and 1927, respectively. The Turners received $50 and the individual winners received $50 each in recognition of these achievements. For over 115 years, the Johnson County Old Settlers Association has provided a homecoming event for the young and old of Johnson County and their friends and families. “This year 133 people registered as Old Settlers, only a small fraction of those entitled to record their names each year in this important Johnson County historical record,” said Ina Kay Zimmerman, Registration Chair for the Association. It is a goal for the Johnson County Old Settlers Association to be able to register a much larger number of Old Settlers in future years. Ms. Zimmerman emphasizes that the event and registration are for the whole of Johnson County, not just the county seat city of Olathe. Old Settlers was attended by an estimated 100,000 people over the duration of the event. For more information on the event’s activities, visit: www.johnsoncounty oldsettlers.com Old Settlers Announces Parade Winners 2013 If you are a winner listed below and have not collected your ribbon and/or prize winnings, please go to Silver’s Jewelry, Santa Fe & Mur-Len, SW corner, east side of shopping center. Sheila Reitmeyer is the Parade Director and is available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call 782-5551 to confirm. Winners and classes were: Novelty 1.Class of ’53 Olathe HS John P. St. John Mem. 2.Life Church – motorcycles 3.Ed Everitt Antique Truck 1.Todd Bleakley 2.Carl Stoker Antique Car 1. Tally & JoLynn Hobbs 2. Charles Losh 3. Penwell-Gable Funeral Home Commercial 1. JoCo Siding Window Co 2. Chick-fil-a 3. Here We Grow Again Grand Prize 1. City of Olathe Persons w/ Disabilities Advisory Board Youth Float 1.Cub Scout Pack 3084 2.Cub Scout Pack 3089 3.The Studio School of Dance Marching Group 1.Pioneer Trail Middle School Cheerleaders 2. US Naval Sea Cadets 3. FCC JC Olathe North Area Club/Organization 1.Heritage Christian Academy 2.Olathe High School Class of 1963 3.Inclusions Connections Hitch 1.MidAmerica Nazarene University 2.Mahaffie Stagecoach & Farm 3.Wells Fargo Bank Tid Bits The fabulous new Olathe Community Center is progressing rapidly. Hope to open mid next year. I think you will be dazzled when you see the interior. ** At Santa Fe and Water to Chestnut, the new fountain parks water features are awesome, the city parks, city leaders, planning people did a great job putting those two new attractions together, continuing to make Olathe, the City Beautiful. Make a point of going down to see them. Care prayer, Concern Bill Belcher, Phyllis Mackison, Bob & Mary Louise Beltz, Grace Moody, Jack Bernard, Molly Hammond, Maron Moore, Glena Ewing, Marianne Noll, Greg Crawford, Gary DeVault, Keilly family, Ron Hinkle, Dorothy Russell, Norman Voigts, Mark Duck, Irish Lubberts, Rita Hoffman, Lindy Darby, Wollen family. Ariel Not Fidel On Dana and Parks radio show, a listener got all excited prematurely, he had heard that ‘Fidel’ Castro had hanged himself with a bedsheet. The Cuban American had called all his compadres to tell them that the evil, murderous dictator was gone. Parks had to dash his dream, when he explained that it was “Ariel” Castro the kidnapping torturer of three Cleveland women who killed himself, not “Fidel“ Castro, though that would have been great, too. Do You “Like” Us? By Erin Vader City of Olathe Stay connected to your city to receive timely news and information including city events, traffic alerts and other updates to keep you in the know. Simply “Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter. Have a question, concern or want to pass along a compliment? We’ll respond to those, too! Ante-Up, John On September 4, Sen. John McCain was sitting through another long, drawn-out meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry discussing the seriousness of Syria’s using chemical gases on their own people. Someone standing behind McCain caught a snapshot of him playing poker on his cell phone. We’re all mutli-taskers, or claim we are. I’ll bet he still was listening better to what was going on than the guy or gal who took the picture. I pity the Senator. How can he possibly be a half-way normal person after being tortured for several years by the North Vietnamese in the 70’s. He was shot down and held captive for five years. His father and grandfather were both Navy Admirals, so McCain was a high profile POW (prisoner of war). The propaganda loving North Vietnamese offered to release McCain for war image purposes to make themselves look like the good guys. McCain refused the pardon choosing to stay with his fellow captives and the harsh treatment that continued. Honesty Lives with Ronnie Last of the honest kids. Just when we think the world has gone to hell and the younger generation is a bunch of thugs, Ronnie Horvatic comes forward. Olathe East High School grad Ronnie Horvatic found a cell phone at Old Settlers and brought it to the Information Booth, for our Lost and Found. If he had been dishonest he could have sold it on E-Bay or Craig’s List most likely but he was raised right by his parents. Seems few are anymore. I rewarded him with a free Culvers treat and he thanked me. Wish I could have given him a bunch of money. We later heard the phone ring, answered it and determined the caller was the father of the phone’s owner and we told him what had happened. Later the owner came, identified the phone, used the correct passcode and he was on his way. There are some decent people left in this world of ours today. You just have to look for them. “Barmby Banners”Needed Pushing for Barmby banners for 119th, and 135th and 151st. I have spoken to City Commissioner Wes McCoy and the City’s Tim Dannenberg about putting up some more of what we once called ‘The Barmby Banners’. They are poles that support fixtures to mount preprinted vinyl banners over Santa Fe at Cherry in downtown Olathe. They are used often for soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, Old Settlers, police, disabilities week, championships, crime prevention week, etc and everyone notices them. There used to be a set of the large poles near Westlake and Perkins over Santa Fe before the roads were redone there. We need to install some at several key thoroughfares. Ray Barmby was mayor nearly twenty years ago and was instrumental in getting the banner poles erected. Many communities, aware that sadly only a small percentage ever read newspapers, have reader boards or large changeable signs put up showing to drivers and passengers, information about upcoming civic events, etc. In Topeka, a large bank has paid for several electronic, moving word signs telling about coming events. They are in several busy city intersections and are very effective. KEJ Area Tennis Courts Scheduled for Resurfacing From Erin Vader The City of Olathe Parks and Recreation Department will resurface several area tennis courts beginning September 9: • Two Trail Parks (1000 N. Ridgeview Rd.) – September 9; slated to reopen September 14. • Havencroft Elementary (1700 E. Sheridan) – September 16; reopening September 21. • Scarborough Elementary (2000 Lindenwood Rd.) – September 16; slated to reopen September 21. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve park amenities for our residents and visitors. Luxury To Expand Your Universe From Hammacher-Schlemmer This is the advanced telescope that provides the same optical performance demanded by the world’s leading astronomical research institutions. Similar to the Ritchey-Chretien design used by the US Naval Observatory’s telescope in Flagstaff, AZ. A built in GPS automatically orients to and tracks any of the144,000 celestial objects stored in its on-board computer. 104” tall, 76” wide, 42” longm 640 lbs, cat no KL-11942 1-800-227-3528 $35,000 Gazette Howdies to... ...Colleen & Don Miller Howard and Ellie Schoen from Enterprise Bank; Donna Reist, Jerry Gentry, Wes McCoy, Mayor Mike Copeland Don & Faith Bell Melvin & Jean Dell, Hannah Stephanie and son; Jayne & Dave Jones; Bob and Lila Courtney, Norma Voigts, Dick & Vicki Holdman, Bob Becky Pirotte, Richard Kauffman and wife, Tim Ayres , Sarah and Aaron Schlagel, Mark Limes, cook @ Ryans, Lynn & Jerry Traylor, Walter & Illah Howell, Jim Gifford, Kathy Meyer, Mark & Sloane Marriott and kids, Luke and Hope; and Norma Drew Carole Giffin, Shirley Bruce VanArsdale, Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm, and all the rest I spoke to and cannot recall, I’m sorry. I lost my other list of folks to mention here. Sorry, hate to leave people out. They’re all important to us. KEJ Wild Driving Crasher On the evening of August 31, an unidentified, allegedly drunken driver was seen driving wildly in a west Olathe parking lot and followed by police east on Park Street where, going at a very high rate of speed, he and his vehicle flew over the west BNSF tracks before crashing into the Children of the Prairie fountain between the Court House and Administration Buildings. You can see the vehicle’s long skid marks on the Courthouse Square sidewalks and substantial damage to the base of the fountain. Another Role Model Miley Cyrus, once a cherubic (angellike) Hannah Montana, is now a certifiable slut-like figure. Her recent simulated oral and anal sex portrayal on the MTV Awards confirms, she is just another in a string of has-been harlots who were once role models for the kids and are now fighting for their now ‘star’ less survival. Let’s celebrate more worthy stars. Sheriff’s Office Releases Name of Victim from Car Fire The victim of a car fire deputies responded to during the early morning hours of Sept. 8 has been identified as Jerome Stonebraker a 61 year-old man from Olathe. The investigation determined there was no criminal activity involved in Stonebraker’s death. On Sept. 8 at 5:30 a.m., deputies discovered a body in a vehicle after responding to a fire call at 183rd and Clare Rd. in rural Johnson County. When deputies and firefighters with Johnson County Fire District #1 arrived, the vehicle was fully involved and firefighters were able to quickly put the fire out. Mary Cochran’s 90th Mary Cochran will celebrate her 90th Birthday with an Open House on September 29, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, Lee and Hershey Streets, Olathe, Kansas from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. She is looking forward to your presence. Old Settlers Parade Committee wishes to thank this year’s judges Adrienne Morgan, Carol Giffin, Donna Reist German ‘Titanic’ A very interesting two hour long History Channel story was shown recently. Fascinating, it appears for propaganda value, Hitler wanted to portray the Germans at being better than anyone else ever, and at virtually everything. From sports to movies, from beauty to brains to brawn, he thought the Aryan Nazis were the best. Loving Hollywood and all movies, he commissioned his ‘propaganda’ minister Joseph Goebbels’ talents through master cinema director Wolfgang Zeltin to do a lying, revisionist anti-British depiction of Titanic, the movie. The movie script was to portray the Brits as cowardly, lying, greedy people who needed to be invaded by the Germans to straighten them out. The making of the expensive German “Titanic” movie is a good story and I won’t spoil the conclusion except to say the Germans didn’t win the war. The Greatest Quotations Of All Time By Anthony St. Peter We are all mortal until the first kiss and the second glass of wine. Eduardo Galeano There is no love more sincere than the love of food George Bernard Shaw National Merit Scholarship SemiFinalists Listed from Olathe Congratulations to these gifted people. OLATHE EAST H. S. Gleason, Matthew W. Sharma, Snigdha Stapleton, Dane J. OLATHE NORTH H. S. Bergman, Victoria G. Dahl, Ryan H. Fitzgerald, Emmett A. Kinzel, Christoph C. Tucker, Elizabeth E. OLATHE NORTHWEST H. S. Flom, Erik R. Lorey, Kyle B. OLATHE SOUTH H. S. Beene, Andrea K. Delaney, Tanner B. Eschliman, Evan L. Webb, Brock F. Hearty Hellos to: Kathy Anderson, Karen Hamilton, Max Beets, Terry Robins, to Myrna Vern aka ‘Mike 63’; Driver Al George, John and Becky Burns, Julia at Char's real estate, Donna, Ina Kay and Charley Zimmerman, Hope Tinoco and Ricky, Dr Don Owens, Greg, Rose at Ryan’s, Eric at Cracker Barrel, Kari at Culvers, Jeri Duddridge; Billy Jo and DeeDee at K& M , Deb, Stacy, Brandon at antique shop; Bob and Lila Courtney, Connie Millbern Cerner, Doc and Barbara at OMC Recep Bldg.#1. Joan Shriver, Marilyn Brown, Wanda Bonham, Dave Highfill,, Cousin Ken Fleming, Mike Prine, Jennifer Greene, Gary at Westlake Hdwe, Bill Harralson, Chip Johnson, Ann Oswald, Sgt Courtney Giron, Janet McKenny CAF, Max Waddell, Joe Farely, Michele Dioszeghy. Bullying Unabated Schools are trying to contain the bullying, but wonder if it is working. Kids are so good at concealing it and the victims are afraid to speak up. Some schools have the Rachel Program (after Rachel from Columbine, CO, who was victim of Klebold and Harris). Bullying In Queens, New York City, a scummy place to be, for sure, an underweight, small, but brainy 12-year-old, Joel Morales, was teased, taunted, tortured by the monster bullies there. His mom tried to prevent it, moved schools. It persisted. Things were thrown at him, he was called names, was held down and beaten. Mom moved him again from school, met with administrators, even bullies’ families. It did no good. I assume the bullies are happy. Several days ago, he was found dead, hanging in his apartment bathtub. Finally, bully free. This is a sick, sick culture when this continues to happen. And even sicker when we don’t do anything about it. Is it any great wonder we have so many home schoolers, so many Christian schools, so many shootings. Well, we have so many guns. Subject: NOT ALL THIEVES ARE STUPID!! From Roland Morreale Some people left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into the car. Using the information on the car's registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people's home in Pebble Beach and robbed it. So I guess if we are going to leave the car in long-term parking, we should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor your remote garage door opener. This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology. It happened right here to our editor’s wife. Car broken in to at work, followed GPS device to home, robbed home. Hey Mom, Here’s An Idea: Price Chopper Field Trips Available in Olathe Looking for a trip for your Cubs, Brownies, 4-H, Scouts? Here’s an idea. Back to School Educational and Fun Field trips are available in Olathe. Price Chopper welcomes all age groups. Show the kids what it takes to get our food on the shelves. Contact Tricia or George by phone or in store, we will gladly schedule a tour. 2101 E. Santa Fe Olathe, Kansas, off MurLen. 913-764-7300 Marieann Koehler September 15, 2013 Driver’s License Offices Open Late This Fall A recent brief in your paper said that the driver licensing offices in Mission and Olathe would be open until 8 p.m. That is not accurate. The office will be open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.to 4:45 p.m. starting September 9. The offices will be open evenings later this fall until 7:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday, but there is not yet a start date for that project. Jeannine Koranda Public Information Officer Kansas Department of Revenue Publisher’s note: We previously reported the wrong dates for the start of evening service. Sorry. And thanks for correcting us. Keith, Great seeing you at Old Settlers! My wife commented that it’s the first one I've been to in seven years. Actually, I'm supposed to be in the desert now, however, I have some issues to deal with before I leave. I am open should you wish to have me as a speaker. I would just give the group an overview of what it’s like from my perspective in the Middle East and what camp looks like. Most will have no clue. Also, I have started a new business. Harris Associated Consulting. We offer Emergency Planning, Risk Assessment and training to School Districts, Universities, Corporations of all sizes and special locations like Homeowners Associations. We cover all aspects of preparedness as well as how to best prepare as an individual. To put it on the line... Will you be a Liability (not ready) or an Asset (Prepared) if the emergency faces you. 9-1-1 is not a plan! Kent Harris Fall Cemetery Tour Tickets on Sale Tickets for the popular Fall Cemetery Tours are now available for purchase. The Historic Cemetery Tours offer a chance to learn more about the historic Olathe Cemetery from Mahaffie staff dressed in 19th Century clothing portraying historic people. Fall Cemetery Tours will be October 1012 with tours beginning at 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. each evening. (913) 971-5111. Gazette Humor (our apologies to the super sensitive out there, lighten up! ) Top Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Women 1. The later you are the more excited dogs are to see you. 2. Dogs time in the bathroom is limited to a quick drink. 3. Dogs think you sing great. 4. Dogs don't shop. 5. Dogs understand that instincts are better than asking for directions. 6. Dogs like beer. 7. Dogs never expect gifts. 8. Dogs don't spend holidays with their parents. 9. Dogs don't need 500 pairs of shoes. 10. Dogs don't hate their bodies. But the top reason dogs are better than women.......... Dogs love to go hunting and fishing Johnson’s County Gazette Briefs Harry LaCerte, Joann’s husband, was childhood chums with North Carolina legendary basketball coaching icon, Dean Smith, who will soon be recipient of the “Presidential Medal of Peace” at the White House. *** College Announces Fall Lineup for Jazz Series The fall lineup for the JCCC Jazz Series has been set. The series, which showcases the talents of local jazz musicians, takes place at noon on Tuesdays for six consecutive weeks from September 24 to October 29. All performances, which are free and open to the public, are held in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center unless otherwise noted. Here's the lineup: Sept. 24 Roger Wilder Quintet Oct. 1 Tim Whitmer Trio Oct. 8 Dan Bliss and Rod Fleeman, guitars Oct. 15 Everett Freeman Quartet Oct. 22 James Ward Band featuring Ron Gutierrez, Polsky Theatre Oct. 29 John Brewer presents Mosaic Jazz The jazz series is sponsored by the JCCC Music and Theatre department. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Just In Old Settlers Committee did an awesome job as always, no thanks to me, I just sit and watch. Do some great advertising for them. Only two lost kids, a few scrapes and bruises and bit of not drinking enough water, but Thank God no one seriously hurt. Some thoughtless people brought dogs. Please don’t do that. The safe environment is due to our safety conscious committee, our police, fire and EMT folks. The police presence ensures no undesirable elements get anywhere at Old Settlers. Thank you, officers. You guys looked great down there. Thanks for coming. Many of your dollars support local charitable causes. All the food booths are non-profits and spread their proceeds around the area. The commercial booth dwellers, the arts and crafters, are all small businesses trying to make a little extra money when half the bloomin’ country is on food stamps or welfare. Bless them for trying to improve themselves. The carnival gives the non-profit Old Settlers committee a percentage and the committee helps charities in the area and pays its huge expenses for entertainment, stage, tents and chair and table rental, insurance, electrical power units, and more I can’t remember right now. 9-11 It depresses me to even think about this event that never had to happen but for our stupid politically correct culture of not sharing information they had with other agencies. We had Middle Eastern men, reported by FBI field offices, learning to fly airliners, but not how to land or take-off, only fly. Did you read that? And the folks so afraid of a law suit or some other dumb PC policy were afraid to pursue it. Again, I repeat. We have met the enemy and he is US. Reeces Remember Bertie and Melvin Reece honored the 9-11 Memories by putting up US flags at half staff and displaying signs reminding us of the 3,000 who died senselessly and in many cases heroically at the hands of some of the most evil, diabolical men nature can conceive. Olathe Youth Sports Olathe’s Paper for 35 Years You Know You Might Be A Redneck IF: From Jeff Foxworthy 1. There’s no record of your birth anywhere. 2. You dated your daddy’s current wife in high school. 3. You’ve ever head-butted a vending machine 4. You’ve ever worn a tube top to a wedding. 5. You buy a police scanner to keep up with your relatives. 6. People are scared to touch your bathrobe. 7. Breakfast in the morning is interrupted by someone asking, “Has anyone seen my teeth?” 8. You wash your car more often than your kids. 9. You think Thunderbird is an acceptable wine choice with a bean burrito. 10. Your two year old has more teeth than you do. Gazette Humor HOSPITAL CHART BLOOPERS From Diane Hart Actual writings from hospital charts Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function. Skin: somewhat pale but present. The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities. GETTING OLDER From Bob Millbern A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?" "'Yes, I'm afraid so,"' the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked. 'NO REFILLS'.." Why We Say It By Webb Garrison “High Muckety-Muck” Practically every organization, as well as every industry and business, has a “high muckety-muck”. Lots of citizens also know someone who holds that unofficial title in financial or social circles. Traced to its roots, this earthy phrase really means “somebody who has had plenty to eat.” It appears to have sprung from European attempts to understand American Indian jargon. In scarce times, only the Indian chieftain and his family ate well and had enough muck- a-muck or native food. THINK AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS!!!! "CRAFTERS & VENDORS SHOW" From Ruth Mallicoat at Gardens At Creekside 16110 West 133rd Street Olathe, Kansas (Behind Kohl's & HyVee) October 5th 9:00 to 3:00 Many of our residents have creative talents and would love to show some of those at our sale on Oct. 5th At Gardens @ Creekside. Visitors Are Welcome!!!!! Phone # 816-914-1524 or 913-515-0615 New Theater Restaurant coming attractions are Dyan Cannon in The Fox on the Fairway Aug. 29- Nov 3; George Wendt (Cheers) in Never Too Late Nov. 6 - Jan. 19; Judge Reinhold in Harvey Jan. 22-April 6; Connie Stevens in Miracle on South Division Street April 9-June 15; and Smokey Joe’s Café June 19-Aug. 24; plus Songs of Lieber and Stoller to finish up the season. Call 649-SHOW (7469) for season tickets. Fun Facts to Know and Tell From Diane Hart 1. Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three. 2. A pair of human feet contain 250,000 sweat glands. No wonder they stink. 3. A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball. 4. The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades. 5. The human brain cells can hold five times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica. 6. It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach. So now you know everything, Gazette readers. IMPORTANT Don’t Lose Your Eyesight A lady, Sharon Corder, cornered us at Cedar Lake Village and said we needed to mention that cataracts and glacucoma are very hereditary diseases and disabilities. To most everyone I know, your vision is your most important asset after life itself. If you have any relative, especially Mom and Dad who have had any eye problems, you need to get to an eye doctor as soon as you can schedule an appointment with a great eye doctor. “Eat Your Words” By Charlotte Foltz Jones, from Adrienne Morgan Lollipops – Which of these two theories do you believe? The first says lolly is an English word for tongue and the pop is the noise made when sucking on the candy, not to mention the fact that one pops it into the mouth. The English had a hard candy called lollipop but it was not on a stick. Here’s the second theory. In the early 1900’s, a Connecticut candy maker, George Smith, put the candy on a stick and named it lollipop after a famous racehorse of the day. Today, many of us remember Shirley Temple in her movie Bright Eyes where she sang the song, “On the Good Ship Lollipop”. Gazette Humor You can't read this and stay in a bad mood ! From Bill Jacobs 1. How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit? Unique Up On It. 2. How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit? Tame Way. 3. How Do Crazy People Go Through The Forest ? They Take The Psychopath 4. How Do You Get Holy Water? You Boil The Hell Out Of It 5. What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall? Dam! 6. What Do Eskimos Get From Sitting On The Ice too Long? Polaroids 7. What Do You Call a Boomerang That Doesn't work? A Stick 8. What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours? Nacho Cheese. 9. What Do You Call Santa's Helpers? Subordinate Clauses. 10. What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand? Quatro Cinco. You Can Tell Who’s Hurtin’ Wheel of ‘unFortune-ate” advertisers. Sometimes you can tell who’s hurtin’ the most business-wise by how they advertise. Costa Cruise Lines, the cruise line that dumps passengers over on a beach on the coast of Italy is on the show advertising (some 30 died). St Croix is least desirable isle in the Virgin Islands runs ads there. On Maui a place runs ads like crazy on the Wheel, wonder if it’s a borderline place to stay. Super-Earth 40 light years away 'is rich in water with a thick, steamy atmosphere', confirm Japanese astronomers. • GJ 1214b is 2.6 times Earth’s diameter and is seven times as massive. • It was first discovered as part of the ground-based MEarth Project in 2009. • The observations by the Subaru telescope could help scientists find out more about the planet's birthplace and formation history. Blue light observations of a superEarth 40 light years from our planet suggest that it is a world with a thick, steamy water-rich atmosphere. Japanese astronomers used the Subaru telescope to observe planetary transits of the super-Earth, which is located at the centre of the Milky Way. Astronomers had previously confirmed that this alien world has a thick atmosphere, but were unable to determine whether the atmosphere was primarily hydrogen or a steamy soup of water vapour. Their findings confirm that the super-Earth has an atmosphere rich in water rather than hydrogen. Wearing Seatbelts It’s essential that you wear seatbelts. It’s the law. I was going just a few blocks after the bank and didn’t hook up. On Santa Fe near Ford, I noticed a city employe in bright orange T-shirt and waved at him. Then, I saw a OPD SUV hidden behind some trees at the computer man store. Cool, I thought they’re finally trying to catch the blankety-blank red light runners I lecture my kids about. Idea! I’ll drive over there and thank him for trying to get these guys. As I drove up next to him, he rolled down his window and said gruffly, “go right over there and park.” I did and I got a ticket, yes a $10 ticket for not wearing my seatbelt. Oh well so much for not wearing my seatbelt and trying to make a big deal out of the Police just doing their job. I learned my lesson. Orange T-shirt guy was a cop. Duh! Glad to see they’re being so clever and sneaky, you have to, to get the ever-present, killing red light runners. World War II Vintage Airplanes Tom and Peter Marsh (center) attended the Commemorative Air Force Show at 21st Century Airport near Olathe (former US Naval Air Station - Olathe). Pictured above is the forward part of the famous World War II heavy bomber, the Boeing B-29. It was a B-29 that ended WW II in Japan in early August 1945 when the world’s first nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The U.S. produced 375,000 aircraft for the war. Page 3 Buy Any Chicken Combo Get $1.00 OFF Expires Oct. 31, 2013 Expires Oct. 31, 2013 Junior Combo Meal $4.79 Expires Oct. 31, 2013 Tuesdays: Kids Eat for 99 Cents with purchase of a Combo - Valid after 4:00 p.m. Join Our e-club To Get FREE Monthly Backyard Favorites Visit us at www.backyardburgers.com/eclub Just In Old Settlers Committee did an awesome job as always, no thanks to me, I just sit and watch. Do some great advertising for them. Only two lost kids, a few scrapes and bruises and bit of not drinking enough water, but Thank God no one seriously hurt. Some thoughtless people brought their doggone dogs. Please don’t do that. They are not allowed there. The safe environment is due to our safety conscious committee, our police, fire and EMT folks. The police presence ensures no undesireable elements get anywhere at Old Settlers. Thank you, officers. You guys, look great down there. Thanks for coming. Many of your dollars support local charitable causes. All the food booths are nonprofits and spread their proceeds around the area. The commercial booth dwellers, the arts and crafters are all small businesses trying to make a little extra money when half the bloomin’ Country is on food stamps or welfare. Bless them for trying to improve themselves. The Carnival gives the non profit Old Settlers committee a percentage and the committee helps charities in the area and pays its huge expenses for entertainment, stage, tents and chair and table rental, insurance, electrical power units, and more I can’t remember right now. I tried to write down names of friends and acquaintances I spoke to at the 115th Annual JCOS, but just couldn’t get all of them. I apologize. Glad I got to see all of you, though. 9-11 It depresses me to even think about this event that never had to happen but for our stupid politically correct culture of not profiling anyone anymore. We had Middle Eastern men reported by FBI Field Offices learning to fly airliners at flying schols, but NOT wanting to know how to land or take-off, only fly. Did you read that? And the folks so afraid of a law suit or some other dumb PC policy were afraid to pursue it. Again, I repeat. We have met the enemy and he is US. Now finally, the idiots-incharge tell us, “ If you see something say something.” If something had been done, then, this whole 9-11 would never have happened, I feel. 9-11 was this generation’s Pearl Harbor, I think we will be much more vigilant in the future. Perhaps that’s why the NSA is monitoring all our conversations. Reeces Remember Bertie and Melvin Reece honored the 9-11 Memories by putting up US flags at half-staff and displaying signs reminding us of the 3,000 who died senselessly and in many cases heroically at the hands of some of the most evil, diabolical men nature can conceive. Did you ever realize that many, probably in the hundreds, jumped from those skyscrapers to avoid being incinerated? To certain deaths. When the alternative, is immolation (burning to death) I guarantee each of us would jump every time. I know I would. Can you imagine the terror? You won’t see it portrayed in our media, it’s too angering, yes inflaming (no pun intended) Page 4 Johnson’s County Gazette Olathe’s Very Own Newspaper for 35 Years September 15, 2013 Other Sheep Ministries By Rev. Carl Erwin Marching Orders People today march to different tunes. They try to tune up with different people even though Jesus is our tuning fork (like a piano). The march around Jericho took place and they were told how many times to march around and then blow the trumpet, like the leopard who was to dip in the water seven times. His obedience brought about divine healing. The followers of Jesus marched to the upper room and obeyed by tarrying and they received their marching orders to go into the World TOOL SALE 25% OFF With this Ad & a $25 Purchase (Not included in Gift Card promotion) Wheat Cents $3.50 per roll FREE $10 Gift Card with $35 purchase We Buy Old Car or Truck Batteries $7.00 and up each We buy Silver Plate and Silverware Craftsman Sockets $1.00 each - no limit New Kids on the Block Collection 8x10s, Etc. Buying & Selling Costume Jewelry We Buy Gold & Silver Ad Good Thru 8-31-2013 1 Bedroom Unit for $567.00-$697 per month with a deposit of $99.00 2 Bedroom Apartments for $677.00 a month with a deposit of $99.00 1 866 973-0326 Our Special Ends Oct 15, 2013 and preach the Gospel (Good News) to all, far and near. So God has marching orders for each one of us. We must keep in tune with one leader (the Holy Spirit) in order to be effective. By having results in wherever we go, we can say today, "His Truth Is Marching On. Glory. Glory, Hallelujah!" In the last column, we talked about setting goals for the new school year. What are some of those goals? How can you help your child(ren) accomplish those goals and feel good about himself/herself? Certainly, one of the goals is to do your best. That doesn’t mean every child makes an “A” in every class. It means every child develops selfdiscipline and succeeds as much as possible. Set up a success chart. Check off the homework when it is completed. Give stars for successful reports. Make a visual reminder that school is all about learning and sets a foundation for the future. Another goal might be to find a way to be nice to new students. Being the new kid in the classroom is scary. Teach your children to befriend the new kids and help them become part of the group. Prepare your children for bullies. When they see bullying or when they experience it, go to the proper authorities. Then, as the parent, always be listening to your children in case a bully has come after them. Let your children create some of their own goals. Listen and support your school-aged child(ren). When that happens, we’re all successful. RJ Thesman is the author of “The Unraveling of Reverend G” – a finalist for the Grace Award. Thesman lives in Olathe with her son and an elderly cat. She enjoys gardening, reading and cooking. Her website and blog address is: www.rjthesman.net. Other helpful websites include: singlemom. com; momsense.com; DivorceCare. org. (Continued from Page 1) people than here in the U.S., the number of families with low income has increased there. One of the most obvious differences is the language, but I'll speak about it later. When a westerner first arrives in Japan, the number of differences one encounters can be overwhelming. I remember feeling like I was floating. I was trying to grasp at something familiar, something that made sense, but the way I reasoned and expected things to happen invariably was incorrect. I quickly realized that the best way to learn how to function successfully in this culture would be to watch, emulate and repeat. Because I was involved in education, here are a few things I noticed about Japan's education: High school students do not drive to school. Nearly all students walk, ride bikes or take trains to school and home. Students rarely hold part time jobs, instead they often attend cram schools specializing in science, math and English. Mandatory education is from Kindergarten to 9th grade. The curriculum is provided by a National Ministry of Education, so basically all elementary and junior high students study from the same textbooks and take the same standardized tests. Many of the Junior High buildings all over Japan look quite similar - built en mass following World War II. There is usually no air conditioning, heating is provided by kerosene stove, students engage in cleaning activities at the end of school each day and they often attend school on Saturday to either practice test-taking or participate in club activities or sports. They are assigned to a home-room in 7th grade for their junior high years and again in 10th grade for their High School years. That home room group of students, with their teacher stay together for those three years. There are many private high schools, and they will typically offer specialized courses for college preparation, business or technical skill development. English is mandatory starting in 7th grade. Speaking English is a high priority and a common pursuit for college students, businessmen, housewives, young professionals and retired folks. Because of this, people in Japan maintain a broad perspective on world affairs and engage in life-long learning. In general, education is highly regarded and respected. Parents support their children during their educational years and they would never consider missing the parentteacher conference. Teachers' pay is about the same as it is here in the mid-west but the biggest difference is the very high level of respect that all teachers receive from their students, parents and the public. Q: Is Japanese language hard to learn? Is it written vertically? A: According to a recent academic article I read, Yes, Japanese is one of the hardest languages to learn for westerners. The reasons sited were (a) three different scripts are used (Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji); (b) use of grammatical markers or particles (sounds or characters that follow the topic, the object of the verb, destination of movement, location of action, etc.); (c) word order (Subject Object Verb vs English which is Subject Verb Object). When students ask me, "Is Japanese hard to learn?", my usual answer is this: "No, not if you're determined and motivated." Here are my tips for success: 1. Its got a steep learning curve in the beginning due to the scripts and grammar differences, but its relatively easy to pronounce so keep it fun by speaking and repeating Japanese using your ear. 2. Although the grammar is different from English, its extremely regular and predictable - only 2 irregular verbs for example- I'm not kidding! Learn the basics, apply patterns and vocabulary as you learn them and don't be afraid to play with the language. 3. Stick with it. With disciplined study and practice, you can master it. The language also provides deep insights Japan Summer Savings Sale Rev. Carl Erwin Gabriel Pro’s Championship Soccer Team into the Japanese history, culture and identity. That makes it very intriguing. 4. Host students or visitors from Japan whenever you can; try to participate in an exchange program or study tour to Japan; attend the Japan Festival; join the Japan America Society; and if possible, go to teach English there. Q: Who in America is interested in learning the Japanese language? Is it primarily students or business people who want to travel there? A: I think it depends on what part of the country you live in. I teach high school and college students, so I can speak about those demographics here in Johnson County with more authority. Enrollment in Japanese at Olathe High Schools is usually between 240280 students. We now offer 4 levels of Japanese at all four high schools and its the largest HS program in the midwest. At JCCC, enrollment has steadily increased and sections have been added for afternoon and evening classes. However, in regions with strong business ties to Japan, I think one would see interest in business Japanese as well. Unfortunately, schools across the US have had to cut their Japanese programs due to funding or staffing. As a less commonly taught language, it takes a great deal of hard work, promoting, justifying and extra curricular work to keep our enrollment and interest as high as it is. Q: Is there still American resentment against Japan because of the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese? A: Not like one might expect. The general population of Japan experienced the war in a very different way than how some of my history books presented it during my high school years. My father served in the Army during World War II, so I too went to Japan with some reservations about how I might be viewed as an American. I'm very grateful for the two Atomic Bomb Memorial Parks and Museums in Japan, one in Hiroshima and one in Nagasaki. I've visited the one in Hiroshima many times and found it to be highly educational, non-political and deeply touching. The people of Japan, along with civilians and soldiers from around the world suffered terribly during WWII. The message that rings strongly and clearly is for supporting and sustaining peace. My impression is that they desire to learn from history and do everything in their power to not repeat it. In the 24 years that I've had associations with Japan, I have encountered only one man who seemed to still hold resentment toward Americans. In addition, the great majority of Japanese people I encounter hold a high respect for the U.S., for the occupation under General MacArthur's direction and for the investment from the U.S. in rebuilding Japan in the post war years. Q: What is interesting for travelers to see in Japan if they wish to visit? What do you recommend? A: For travelers without functional Japanese language skills, the larger cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Osaka for example are tourist friendly with many opportunities to see castles, temples, shrines, museums, traditional performing arts, cultural events, pop culture, fashion and shopping. If possible though, I think the most meaningful trips are "off the beaten track" type tours which might include side trips to the island of Shikoku, strolling through a magnificent Japanese Garden in Kanazawa, visiting a sustainable farm in Tochigi Prefecture or volunteering in Tohoku (Northeast) Japan where people are still recovering and rebuilding after the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. These kinds of tours are more customized, project-focused and would require a bilingual guide but they're life-changing. When we lead student tours to Japan for example, we are able to do a oneweek home-stay and school visit, sight-see in Tokyo and/or Kyoto and Nara, volunteer at a sustainable farm and explore a historical place like the Nikko or Mount Fuji area. Q: How many times have you been to Japan and what do you do there? A: After returning from living in Japan in 1992, I've been able to go back to visit nearly every year (so maybe 18 times since '92). I was involved in an international trade business for a while and I also frequently lead tours there. If possible, I always try to visit my good friends and Rotarians in Maebashi. I usually spend some time in Tokyo because its just one of the most amazing cities on the planet; I love to go to the hot springs (on-sen) and enjoy nature; and I always try to explore some place new. Q: What Japanese groups and activities are you involved in here? A: I teach Japanese at Olathe North High School and also at JCCC. I am the founder of Ki Daiko, a student Japanese drum group that learns to play taiko and also performs throughout the area. I'm also a founding member of Three Trails Taiko, an adult Taiko performance group. For the past 15 years or so, I've been heavily involved with the planning and execution of the Greater KC Japan Festival serving as the Director for Performing Arts. I also enjoy playing the koto, a 13-stringed zither. I'm a member of the Heart of America Japan America Society, the American Association for Teachers of Japanese and the ACTFL, the National Foreign Language Association. Q: Is Japan a nation on the rise, economically and culturally, or is it static or declining? A: Definitely on the rise. Japan's birthrate is declining and the older population is increasing which continues to put strain upon Japan's economy but despite its challenges, Japan is and will remain an extremely important country to us. Throughout Japan's history, there are examples of eastern and western elements woven into its culture, language, business and lifestyle. To study and learn about Japan is to gain an important perspective that allows us to better understand eastern insights. I believe that these insights will be beneficial for us as China continues to demonstrate economic growth. It is strategically important and mutually beneficial for the U.S. and Japan to maintain close economic, political and cultural ties. Culturally, it’s difficult to think of Japan and not think of Pokemon, video games, manga, animation and cosplay. These aspects of Japanese pop culture are highly popular here in the U.S. and the popularity is growing. Q: How is America viewed by Japanese people today? Favorably or not? A: Very favorably, I think. I continue to feel that there is a high level of interest in and respect for the US. One way this is evident is by the number of college students that flock here for our excellent higher education opportunities. In addition, the U.S. remains one of the top travel destinations for Japanese tourists and business people. Old Settlers Horseshoe Pitching Championships 34 participants Waterworks Park –Sat., Sep. 7 Jr. Championships 1. Dillon Strunk 2. Logan Strunk 3. Destiny Talley Men’s Championships 1. Terry Talley 2. Rick Talley 3. Jason Talley 18-34 Div. Play-Off 1. Jason Barbour 2. Brian Taylor 3. Jason Searle 35-44 Division 1. Matt Strunk 2. Darrell Rilinger 3. Chris Talley 45-64 Division 1. Terry Talley 2. Rick Talley 3. Michael Berry Women’s Championships 1. Jamie Talley 2. 3. Bandy Talley Sabrina Talley Laura E. Benz Army Cadet Laura E. Benz has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky.Benz is a student at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. She is the daughter of John and Goldie Benz of South Hallet Court, Olathe. Benz graduated in 2011 from Olathe East High School.¬ ¬ Chantelle N. Dietz Army National Guard Pfc. Chantelle N. Dietz has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. exercises.Dietz is the daughter of Darren and Robin Dietz of North Cedar Hills Street, Olathe.She is a 2009 graduate of Northwest High School, Olathe. September 15, 2013 Teamwork WEAVE A STORY Ages: 4 and up Materials: Ball of yarn Skills Taught: Communication, talking in groups. Even bashful kids will get caught up in this party game. The group forms a circle, and the first speaker, holding the end of the ball of yarn, begins a conversation on a subject of interest to everyone: Are action figures actually dolls? Was Simba responsible for his father's death? As others join in, the ball is passed and the yarn unwinds. Keep in mind that everyone must talk. This is a rule that encourages shy players to speak up and others to pipe down. Eventually, the unraveling strand of yarn forms a web, a woolly map of the flow of conversation. Once the web is woven, the group gets a new challenge (but don't let the players know this is coming): They have to Johnson’s County Gazette unweave the web, letting the growing ball of yarn determine who speaks next. For a challenging variation, try collaborating to tell a story as you weave your web; as you untangle it, tell another "yarn." THROUGH THE HOOP Ages: 3 and up Materials: Hula hoop or inflated bike inner tube Skills Taught: Teamwork and cooperation The rules of this game are simple enough: Players hold hands in a circle and, without breaking the chain, try to wriggle a hula hoop around the human ring. (And you thought slinging one around your hips was tough!) You just can't do this alone, and that's the whole point here. You and your fellow players, using your elbows, knees and whatever else is available, have to work together to get the hoop past the various legs, heads and torsos. For added fun, use a stopwatch to time your family to see how fast you can go. Or challenge the other families in your neighborhood to a cooperation contest. Source www.familyfun.com Olathe’s Hometown Community Newspaper for 35 Years A Sensitive Subject Misunderstandings like this abound in our increasingly diverse workplace. Cultural behavior styles can be interpreted incorrectly, or colleagues may bring false assumptions or prejudices with them to the office. The result: Women of color say they're often misunderstood in a variety of subtle ways. These communication miscues affect not only how multicultural women interact with their colleagues but also how well they perform their jobs. Since the subject is such a sensitive one, women of color say they're often unsure of how to bring it up. Even in today's multicultural workplace, many people are still uncomfortable talking openly about the nuances of cultural differences," says Jane Hyun, author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians. "If women of color can sensitively provide constructive feedback to a coworker in a way that builds up and strengthens their connection, it can bring their relationship to a whole new level." More and more companies are helping employees open up this kind of dialogue to bridge cultural gaps. They're administering opinion surveys to gauge worker satisfaction on many issues, including diversity; offering diversity training for all employees, including managers; and promoting mentoring and networks for multicultural employees. According to Kelly Baker, General Mills' vice president of corporate diversity, "it's important for our employees to bring a hundred percent of themselves to work. To that end, networking empowers women to voice important topics and educate one another about cultural differences." Source: www.workingmothers.com Workman Costume Mystic Dancer Costume Grace’s Goodies These recipes are ones used by 66 year long Olathe resident, Grace Armstrong Moody, (Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Dear Friend) over the years and fondly remembered by her family and friends as some of their favorites. Grace learned to cook from her mother while living on the farm as a girl in Columbus, Kansas, and continued to cook for her husband, Edward, former Olathe Mayor, and their daughters Ann, Charlene and Alice. She has entered and won several Grange cookie, pie and cake contests. Her pies have been known to bring up to $140 at a charGrace Moody itible auction. Now at age 98, living at Cedar Lake Village, she reminisces about the great cooking times-gone-by and encourages you to try some of her favorite recipes, some of which we reprint here. Enjoy Here are the blueprints for an easy costume for Bob the Builder wannabes. CRAFT MATERIALS: old shirt tool belt hand tools brown face paint work gloves hard hat toy walkie-talkie 1. Cut the sleeves off an old flannel shirt and wear it over a long-sleeved thermal shirt. 2. Strap on a tool belt, add some old hand tools, and smudge on brown face paint for a hard-working look. 3. Hand the builder a pair of work gloves, a hard hat, a tape measure, a toy walkie-talkie, and work boots, and he'll be ready to tool about the neighborhood. New Theatre (Continued from Page 1) rounds of laughter. The story line involves a big golf tournament wager between presidents of two exclusive country clubs with several romances worked in for more audience intensity, and real surprise ending, that no one guessed could happen. It was a treat to get to see famous actress, Cary Grant’s ex-wife, Dyan Cannon (Bob and Carol, Ted and Alice; Heaven Can Wait) in a roll she pulled off well. Calling for a much younger woman the octogenarian performed marvelously. I can’t imagine many other actresses being able to do this. Unless you view her through binoculars, you won’t believe she is as old as she is. She is the consummate trouper in action. Our dinner was up to the highest standards as per usual. We started with a mixed green salad with a Mahaffie Wild West (Continued from Page 1) Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is operated by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Olathe. Open hours, stagecoach operations, living history activities, special events and programs vary seasonally. Access is limited in the winter months and the site is closed major holidays. Please call or visit our website for current times and dates, www.mahaffie.org (913) 971-5111. We can see the future now: your daughter will join a caravan of musical wanderers on October 31st. The key to this costume is the layers: the more the merrier. CRAFT MATERIALS: flowery skirts old scarves strings of costume jewelry lipstick face paint old purse 1. Layer on mismatched flowery skirts, a few old scarves, and strings of costume jewelry. (If you can't find these items in your own closets, head to a thrift store). 2. Add some lipstick, and face paint. 3. Tie another scarf around the dancer's head, hand her a tambourine and an old purse, and candy will be in her future. Source: www.familyfun.com choice creamy buttermilk dressing or poppyseed vinaigrette. The appetizing serving lines included baby carrots, haricot verts, sweet pea mélange, pasta Florentine, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, polentas, bar-b-q pork, white roughy, fried & grilled chicken, roasted beef shoulder tenderloins, with the chef’s choice boneless buffalo chicken thighs, plus fresh baked breads. New Theatre Restaurant is in the center at the southwest corner of 91st and Metcalf, 9229 Foster, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. The shows are always wonderful and the food is exceptional. When you hear the ticket prices and think, you’re getting a show and a dinner, not paying to park and in a very safe place, it’s awesome. KC Metro’s best entertainment value. Call 649-SHOW for tickets and please mention the Gazette. Thanks. KEJ People Can Hear As you may be called to the bedside of a very ill friend or relative, you need to know this. Doctors now have reason to believe, seemingly unconscious patients can still hear in most cases, even if they cannot blink their eyes, wave at you, or squeeze your hand. So, when with someone is in that circumstance, be kind, loving and speak to them. And don’t let some idiot start talking about his/her funeral, the cremation, who will get what or when the services will be. We can still hear. It’s one of our last senses to go. If you do it to me, I’ll come back and haunt you. The older I get the more I realize many old folks are just ready to go and we should be happy for them, not sad. Page 5 Orchestra Concerts On Sunday, September 22, 2013, the Midwest Chamber Ensemble will perform its first full orchestra concert of its second season with a trip through time. From the eighteenth century comes Haydn’s Horn Concerto No. 2 in D, featuring young virtuoso French horn soloist Brett Hodge. Dvorak’s dancing Czech Suite represents the nineteenth century, and the charming Brook Green Suite by Gustav Holst, the twentieth. “Rabat Waterfront Fantasy,” by the Midwest Chamber Ensemble’s Composer-in-Residence, Kerwin Young, rounds out the program to bring you to the present day. Music Director Steve Lewis and Assistant Conductor Sara McClure lead the Ensemble. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, with a pre-concert conversation beginning at 6:45. Admission is free. Page 6 Johnson’s County Gazette Serving Olathe, Overland Park, Gardner, Spring Hill for 35 Years “A smile is contagious.” “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Bob Millbern with wife, Dee and grandson, Jon Bernard Pro and his T-45 plane. Give the French credit. In 1848, a Frenchman built the first U.S. pasta factory, in New York City. He spread the pasta on the roof to dry in the sunshine. To wear a cap or hat indoors is disrespectful. The bill of a cap was meant to keep sun out of your eyes not the back of your neck. The same applies to wearing pants that show your backside. Enough said. To sell the old John P. St. John school to a church that does not pay taxes might improve spiritual needs for the city, but the city needs economic generation for downtown. The Heart of America Wing 2013 Annual Air Expo was a real thrill to see. It took an old veteran down memory lane. The world's only flying B-29 Superfortress brought back memories of bombing raids that flew over France on their way to Germany. Rides were available on many World War II vintage planes. The Olathe Civic Jazz Band played and sang many favorites from the 1940’s. Many booths were selling books and memorabilia. Thanks to the Commemorative Air Force for promoting this historical air show. The Olathe Chamber could have promoted the Veterans Memorial Park more in conjunction with this event. School has started, children are on bicycles on the streets and playing nearby. They are going to and from school, also. Let's all be aware of speed zones and inattentive children. Be a safe driver. Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. John Lennon Many homes are using granite for counter tops and in bathrooms. Aaron Waltrip is known as the Granite Guy and is a good friend of the family. Aaron owns Action Works Granite and he can advise you on all your granite needs. Call him at 913 271-0126. Remember when? During football practice on the old football field behind the Washington Grade School where there was a water spigot. It was forbidden to drink during practice to get us used to playing with "cotton mouth." What would they say now? I am sure Coach Ralph Dennis remembers. Many manufacturing plants are looking to hire workers with good technical knowledge. High school grads can't fill the requirements these days. Their lack of experience must be addressed. Two year technical training and life skills can help in finding and keeping a job that can pay above minimum wages. Life education must be taught by parents Autumn Morning Sky Web Producer- Kansas City Business Journal Three local businessmen may soon be able to quit their day jobs to tend to their growing business full-time. Co-owners Todd Bukaty, Chad Fordham and Ron Bailey launched Good Spirits Distilling LLC four years ago in Olathe. Bukaty, who has worked for years in the mortgage industry, in 2007 saw troubled waters ahead and decided to join his longtime friends in pursuing a side venture. The lifelong vodka drinkers decided to open a distillery. But the process wasn't easy or inexpensive. Bukaty said sometimes he felt like he was ready to cut his losses. Then he landed a meeting with Boulevard Brewing Co. Founder John McDonald, who spoke of a time when he had maxed out his credit cards and was at the end of his rope, when he was finally approached by two investors, and soon after, roots of what's now a local craft brewing giant were established. Jon Bernard Pro, Bob Millbern’s grandson arrived in his T-45 jet trainer at New Century Airport. He was greeted by his mother, Betty and educators. Many young people have no idea of some of the consequences that can and will arrive by the mistakes of young people that will hurt and haunt them the rest of their lives. Kindercare is important in preparing our children for entrance into elementary school. The public must do all it can to support the needs of our children. During the 1600’s, thermometers contained Brandy instead of mercury. I wondered what they would have read the first week of September, 2013. Special Arrival at New Century It was a very pleasant surprise when our grandson, Jon Bernard Pro, called to tell us he was landing in his T-45 jet trainer at New Century Airport. As he came in, he requested a low altitude flyover before landing. What a thrill for all of his family. He spent the weekend with family. Jon Bernard is a NorthWest High, 2008 graduate, and attended Emory Riddle Aeronautical School and O.C.S. in Newport, Rhode Island. His dream has always been to be a Naval Aviator. He is living his dream. (See photos, above.) The Old Settlers festivities brought many old friends and classmates together. This is the last year for the Old Settlers Pin. Many who have collected them for years are disappointed. It was quite hot for those who marched in the parade, even the spectators suffered from the heat. Many train buffs and parents with children have voiced their thoughts on my recent suggestion to put a small train for children to ride in Calamity Line Park. It would pay for itself in a few years. This would be a great addition to the park to entertain children. This should be a worthwhile project for the Olathe Parks Department. Another idea for the parks department is a portable ice skating rink that can be set up on an available parking lot for example, the Great Mall. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce could encourage someone to set up the rink. There are many companies that are in the business of making them. For local Olathe news, visit OlatheKs.org. I just learned that during the events on 9-11-2001, Marty Boehm happened to be setting the monument for Olathe Medal of Honor recipient,Olathean Stanley Adams which is located in the Veterans Memorial Park. Christian Connection Cleaning Services - CCC was recently established by owner, Lorrie Trout and Co-owner Bill. Responding to the needs of the people; CCC provides cleaning services for: - Residential & Commercial - New and Existing homes - Final & Rough-in Cleaning - Lawn Care With a heart for the people; we provide professional cleaning at a reasonable price. For your cleaning needs, give us a call today at (913) 963-2544. Watch Out for Stop Sign and Red Light Runners in Olathe And Always Wear Your Seatbelt. Gazette TRABERT-MOODY INSURANCE AGENCY Now Offering Life Insurance 36 Over 36 Years Experience 207 N. Lindenwood Olathe Locations: 180 S. Parker 2137 E. 151 St. 12705 N. Mur-Len Also in DeSoto and Gardner 764-1960 764-1963 Duane Moody C.I.C. September 15, 2013 10 (Free) Ways to Improve Your Health Sleep. Lack of sleep has been blamed for everything from weight gain to car accidents to depression and general illness. People weren't made to run on five or six hours of sleep a night. Go to bed earlier or sleep in later and reap the (free) rewards that a full eight to nine hours of sleep will bring you. Drink water. Not only will you save money (how much do you spend on pop, alcohol and other drinks each day?), but also your health will thank you for it. Our bodies are comprised mostly of water so what better substance to drink? Exercise. Walking is one of the most natural, simple ways to exercise on the planet. Better yet, it's free. Meditate. How often do you take ten to twenty minutes out of your day to relax and breathe? Meditation doesn't have to be something attainable by only a few enlightened souls. Take time each day to sit still, relax, clear your mind and breathe deeply. Stop bad health habits. This tip won't just improve your health, but also it will save you an arm load of money as well. Choose your food. You are buying food anyway, so why not purchase the healthiest food possible? Choose your environment. There are many simple changes you can make to your environment that are both free and healthful. If a family member does smoke, make sure they only do this outside and not in your home. Play with your kids. Playing with your children is a wonderful way to get some exercise, forge closer emotional bonds with your children and model good behavior. Listen to music. Music is free (on the radio) and, depending on what you listen to, can be infinitely relaxing. Music has been shown to lower blood pressure, calm frazzled nerves and improve your attitude. Join a group or find a partner to help you with your new endeavor. Either online or in person, other people can often give you the support and "how to" tips that will help you on your quest for improved health. Source: www.stretcher.com Money & Marriage Here are a few tips to make sure that money doesn't get in the way of "happily ever after." • Be open and honest. Any successful marriage is built on honesty and trust; your finances are no exception. • Discuss and set long-term goals. Determine what is important to both of you, and agree to work together to accomplish your goals, whether they include paying off your debt, saving for a down payment on a home, or retirement planning. If you're both on the same page for your long-term goals, you're less likely to argue about short-term spending. • Create a spending plan to manage monthly and/or daily spending. Sit down together and go over your income and expenses. It sounds simple, but building wealth comes from spending less than what you earn every week, every month, and every year. • Plan what you are going to do with the money you earn. Make sure to set aside money for periodic and "unexpected" expenses like holiday gifts and car maintenance. Most budgets fail because people feel constrained by them. Set aside some "fun money" to allow for the occasional indulgence. That way, if you have the money in your spending category, you have the freedom to get those perfect shoes when you find them, without feeling guilty about it. And he can get that new golf club too. • Start planning for your future… NOW. This may be the most important thing you can do for yourself. Your wedding should be the start of a wonderful life together, but if you really do want to live happily ever after, you need to start planning for tomorrow today. Set aside some money in your spending plan for a retirement account. Contribute to a 401(k) or set up an automatic transfer to an IRA. Time can be your biggest ally or your worst enemy. The sooner you start, the easier it will be. Start today. Start now. Source: www.stretcher.com Relief From the Summer's Heat Back in the mid-1930s and early ‘40s, the summer high temperatures set; many records which exist to this day. In those years, there were no home air conditioners... and everyone had to do their best to handle the stifling heat. Olathe stores and theatres had no air conditioning either. After the blazing sun went down, many Olatheans would move outside of their houses to their front porches. There were many more porch swings than there are now. Some people would sleep outside on cots. Mothers would often sprinkle water on the sheets before the family retired for the night. This was a bit helpful, but only for a short time. Home freezers were almost nonexistent, but we were fortunate in Olathe to have Ed Moody’s Frigid Food Locker. It was located in the 200 block of North Kansas Avenue. In a large refrigerated room you could rent a locker box to store your meat, vegetables and fruit. When the temperature was sweltering outside the store, the temperature inside the locker room was below freezing. It was always a treat when you went to Moody’s Frigid Food Locker on a summer day to put something in or to take something out of your rented freezer box. Ed Moody was a well known businessman who served his community well. Sometime around 1964 he was elected Mayor of Olathe. Olatheans who knew Ed Moody remember him as a large man with a perpetual broad smile, a good businessman and one of Olathe’s better mayors. They might also remember that Ed and his wife, Grace, were active in the Kansas State Presbyterian Mariners, an organization for couples and that the couple had three attractive daughters, Ann, Charlene and Alice. I remember all these things about Ed and I’ll never forget those refreshing visits to his Locker Store and the genuine relief from those hot summer days. Two Homes in Rural Johnson County Three bedroom homes, multi baths one west of Olathe; one south of Edgerton. Go to www.ajlang.org for information and photo’s. A.J. Lang Property Management 913-782-5252 50 Expires 12-31--13 Open Now days Mon September 15, 2013 Johnson’s County Gazette Olathe’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper for 35 Years Olathe Business Directory Mortgage Foreclosure, Divorce, Probate, Wills, Real Estate, Medicaid Page 7 Rick Peck Remodeling 913 575-6887 See us on Facebook s Begin 0 Sep 3 Leonard Hall 16170 W. 135 St. 780-4455 Olathe “Ann & I have used these guys a lot, Donald C. Nielson, D.D.S. Katherine Nielson-Stanley, D.D.S. Your Ad Could Be Right Here Call 782-1133 Very Reasonable Rates Folks At The Grass Pad Expires 12-31-13 “The GrassPad I-35 & Santa Fe, northwest corner, just north on Rawhide Drive offers the best in lawn and garden merchandise, discounts and advice,” GrassPad Girl Free New Olathe Maps Now Available, Call 782-1133 to Come by and Get One Call 782-1133 for Advertising Information Used by the Gazette Page 8 Johnson’s County Gazette Don’t Be Stupid! AAAbility Plumbing saved my neighbor thousands. The big full page plumber, I call them. They spend a fortune on big phone book ads, etc wanted $3,200 to repair the sewer. Richard Gainer, my favorite plumber saved them all that money with a simple clean out. Always get second opinions on these huge jobs. Some of these contractors are absolute thieves. Rarely does the entire sewer need to be dug up entirely. Tell me, how often to do you see someone’s yard being dug up to fix the sewer problem. Tree roots and inappropriate stuff, tampons, diapers, excessive toilet paper all go together to clog toilets. Google how Olathe’s Oldest Newspaper September 15, 2013 Get Out, Get Active with Fall Challenge From Erin Vader The Fall Get Active Challenge is underway! Presented by Garmin International and Olathe Parks and Recreation (OPR), the second community challenge launched September 2. Olathe Parks and Recreation encourages the whole community to enjoy the variety of activities throughout Olathe over the next several months. The challenge ends November 15 and those who turn in the completed puzzle will be entered to win one of three great prizes! An added bonus to this Get Active Challenge is the opportunity to submit pictures for a chance to win an additional prize. Participants can register in one of three ways: • Register and pick up a packet in person at the OPR office, 100 E. Santa Fe • Register online and print the guide • Call the OPR office at 971-8643 and print the guide online. To learn more about the challenge, including rules and registration, visit OlatheKS.org/ParksRec/GetActive or call 971-8563. you can put rock salt in toilet over night, (flush it once) will help prevent the clogging tree roots. Call him mention the Gazette sent you. 9626566. Don't waste a small fortune calling' full page plumbers. Gazette Humor Children Are Quick!! From Rich Gates TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him? LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand..... Volunteers Needed for Wild West Days at Mahaffie Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm is seeking volunteers for Wild West Days September 28-29. Volunteers receive free admission to the event, hours of service, and a meal the day they volunteer. There are two shifts each day and many different activities including assisting with children's activities, admission gates or set up and tear down of the event. Volunteers over 18 will need to fill out a background check and must. Volunteers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This event is perfect for groups or corporate partners. For more information, please visit www.mahaffie.org. Amanda Emmons Air Force Airman Amanda Z. Emmons graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Emmons is the daughter of Michelle and Robert Emmons of West 120th Terrace, Olathe. Folks At The Market Olathe’s Friendliest Market Place Open Wednesdays 8-noon Dennis Baked Goods, Tomatoes, Winter Squash, Apples, Pumpkins, Honey, Green Beans Open Saturdays thru Oct. 12 Gazette Humor From Diane Hart This morning on the Interstate, I looked over to my left and there was a woman in a brand new Cadillac doing 65 mph, her face up next to her rear view mirror, putting on her eyeliner. I looked away for a couple seconds to continue shaving and when I looked back she was halfway over in my lane, still working on that makeup. As a man, I don't scare easily. But she scared me so much; I had to put on my seat belt and I dropped my electric shaver, which knocked the donut out of my other hand. In all the confusion of trying to straighten out the car using my knees against the steering wheel, it knocked my cell phone away from my ear which fell into the coffee between my legs, splashed and burned Big Jim and the Twins, ruined the damn phone, soaked my trousers, and disconnected an important call. Darn those women drivers! September 15, 2013 Garage Doors Last time, I discussed garage door openers. Now, I want to talk about your garage door and its needs. Since we rely on the opener to lift the door for us, too often we do not notice when something about the door gets out of adjustment. Therefore, it’s a good idea periodically to check the manual operation of the door by tripping the release mechanism on the opener. This will allow you to open and close the door manually. If the door is in good working order, it should go up and down evenly, fairly easily, and without excessive strain. If your door seems very heavy to lift, does not want to stay up at the proper height, or wants to come crashing down, it could mean that the springs are out of adjustment or are getting weak with age. If your door wants to fly up too quickly, or is too difficult to pull down and stay down, it could mean the springs are adjusted too tightly. If your door goes up or down in a crooked, uneven manner, it may mean that an adjustment or replacement of cables or springs is needed. There are other areas you should inspect periodically. Watch to be sure that each cable pulley is running straight and smoothly. If one is not, it Radio Show (Continued from Page 1) doing then,” he said. For example, there has been a Glenn Miller Festival in Iowa each year for more than 25 years. Bill has attended it and been a panelist there talking about Miller’s music. Bill’s show is syndicated on more than 80 radio stations across the country, including in Nashville, Tulsa, Dallas and Wichita. It is not on a radio station in the Kansas City area. “It’s harder to get a show syndicated these days. Tastes have changed away from nostalgia shows,” Bill said. What is now known as the Bill Miller Shows began nearly 40 years ago in Pittsburg, Kansas as a show called Wax Works, which played nostalgia music with a collection of old 78 rpm records donated to radio station KSEK. Bill became associated with the show and took it over when the owners moved the show to Olathe in 1993. Bill has been hosting the show since then in Olathe. During his long career in radio, Bill has interviewed Doris Day, John Wayne (for his movie “The Alamo”), Bob Hope, Andy Griffith, Glen Campbell, Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Arnold, Crystal Gale, Rosemary Clooney, Barry Manilow, Steve Allen, Frankie Lane and others. Most Johnson’s County Gazette Buster Keaton may need to be lubricated, tightened, or replaced. Look to see that all rollers are running smoothly up and down the track. They, along with all door hinges, also should be lubricated periodically. If lubrication does not free a sticking roller, have it replaced. Also watch for the first sign of frayed cables. They will only get worse and should be replaced in matched sets before they break. Keep all nuts and bolts tight, including carriage and lag bolts, which hold the door hinges, pulleys, and tracks in their proper positions. Remember, servicing a garage door can be dangerous because of the springloaded tension on the mechanism. Use the above tips to help you know when to call the service technician before problems become serious. Do not let your opener compensate for a garage door that needs maintenance or repair. Otherwise, the opener also soon will need repair. If I can help you with any of your home repairs, please give me a call at 913-636-9190. Around The House Home Repair, LLC is a professional handyman service owned and operated by Joe Huddleston of Olathe, Kansas. recently he interviewed Jazz musician George Benson and singer B.J. Thomas. Usually the celebrities want to promote an album or TV show they do, so their agents contact Bill. “My favorite singers were Bing Crosby as a vocalist, and Patti Page,” Bill said. One of his favorite interviews was Doris Day, who talked for 45 minutes on the phone with Bill about her career and her foundation for pets. Bill lives in Olathe with his wife of 57 years, Shirley, and their daughter Martha. Bill says he has no plans to retire from his hobby of radio until he becomes “an embarrassment to my profession,” but so far his voice is strong and so is his desire to keep broadcasting. Bill has been honored by three Kansas governors with a “Bill Miller Radio Show Day” of February 19, which was the first day of his first job in Parsons, Kansas. In addition to his radio show, Bill also presents a nostalgia radio program in-person for retirement centers or other organizations, for a small fee. “Seniors really light up and often sing along when they hear the old songs,” Bill said about when he talks to groups. To schedule Bill to talk to your group, call him at 913-3979651. Donna Reist was one of the judges for the Johnson County Old Settlers Parade which comprised 140 entries. See winners listing on page 2. Grand Champion was the Olathe City Disabilities float. The GAZETTE (Continued from Page 1) were staying. He was surrounded by an abundance of debris left by the powerful storm. Once again a miracle! And believe it or not, earlier that day the boy had lost part of a finger in a washing-machine wringer. He had also thrown a large rock up in the air only to have it fall straight down and hit his head, causing a serious injury. Keaton was always consistent in recounting these tales. In fact, many of the specific details of his encounters with death had already appeared in print more than once by the time he was only eight years old. He was sometimes called “the exception among the modern prodigies" when fascinating stories began appearing regularly in newspapers across the country. His celebrity status all began shortly after his first triumphant success as the main attraction of the Keaton family's comic vaudeville act. (When one considers that Keaton's dad, Joe, often beat his son brutally during drunken rages, it's a wonder Buster lived to become famous.) The Motion Picture Boom Buster Keaton worked his way into the silent movie era in 1921 - about six years after Charlie Chaplin debuted in Thomas Ince's Civilization, one of the most extraordinary early American films. Both were outstanding comics, but immensely different in the way they moved and in how they used their facial expressions. Chaplin wore heavy makeup (eyes and moustache), while Keaton relied on his reputation as being the Great Stone Face. Buster was utterly unique with his haunting comic gloom. Besides being a great actor, he was a producer who usually directed his own films. Besides being an excellent film maker, Keaton was an adamant perfectionist. He insisted that every stunt or action in his films be real, no matter how dangerous. His amazing athletic ability was put to the test in virtually all of the silent films he made - and to his credit, there were many. For instance, there were: Daydreams (1921); Neighbors (1921); Spite Marriage (1921); My Wife's Relations (1922); and The Three Ages (1923). There were many more, and all were jam packed with Keaton's clever stunts. There were two silent films that critics consider to be real gems. Sherlock, Jr., was Keaton's tour de force, and Doc Wollen (Continued From Page 1) Dr. Marvin E. Wollen— May 3, 1932 – September 10, 2013 If you had a charity event to support or needed a civic leader’s muscle behind a project to make Olathe and Johnson County a better place to live, Doc Wollen was the man to call. A good friend, a loving husband, and a proud father, and grandfather, Marvin E. Wollen has died at the age of 81. Dr. Wollen was a well-known and respected optometrist in Olathe for forty-eight years. Born and raised in Garnett, KS, he was the youngest son of Samantha Iva and George Wollen. He played basketball and football for the Ottawa University Braves and graduated from the Southern School of Optometry in 1956. He and his college sweetheart Sally took up residence in Olathe and he began building his practice. A proud and active Olathe Noon Rotarian, serving as its SecretaryTreasurer for 40 plus years, received five Paul Harris Fellowships, and was Olathe Rotarian of the Year twice. He served Rotary District 5710 as an officer. He was a Rotarian for over fifty years beginning in 1957 serving as its President in 1965-66. He was President of Johnson County Old Settlers one year. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Olathe Jaycees while a member. He was also active and influential in the Grace United Methodist Church, an announcer of the Old Settler’s Day Parade and a member of many boards vital to the well-being of the Johnson County area. One accomplishment he took great pride in was his service as a Johnson County Parks and Recreation Board Commissioner including a term as chair. He also enjoyed an appointment as a Trustee of the National Parks and Recreation Association. However, Dr. Wollen will be most remembered by thousands of children for his role as Santa Claus. He was talked into being the “right jolly old elf” for the first time by his oldest daughter’s kindergarten teacher. The suit and the part was a natural fit for him and he continued to entertain Olathe School District children as well as appearing at numerous charity and community events as Santa for a total of forty-nine years. He is also known for his support of local football teams with his infamous watermelon feeds during summer practices. In honor of his contributions to the community, Dr. Wollen was the recipient of the coveted “Mr. Olathe 1968” recognition from the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored with the Olathe Commerce Bank Community Service Award in 2010. Not being one to take it easy in retirement, over the last few years, Dr. Wollen was an employee of PenwellGabel Funeral Homes and happily performed as a member of the Trails West Barbershop Chorus. Doc leaves behind a host of people who dearly loved him. Besides Sally, his wife of sixty-one years, he is survived by his daughters, Cathy Maxwell, Terri Wilke, and Tammi Watkins, his son-in-law Darryll Watkins and his grandchildren Chelsea Maxwell Maerzluft and her Olathe’s Very Own Newspaper for 35 Years Page 9 perhaps his most perfect exercise in the "comedy of objects", of which he was a master. (His vaudevillian father had a role in it.) But in the minds of most critics, The General was Keaton's masterpiece, if not one of the greatest action-comedy movies of all time. Made in 1926, it is a visual treasure trove. Besides doing all his very risky train (The General) stunts, he even managed to arrange for a real train to crash off a burning bridge into a deep ravine. Another Buster Keaton achievement was his smooth transition into making many talkie movies. One great one that comes to mind is The Good Old Summertime! (1949) a musical in which he starred with Judy Garland and Van Johnson. In it he played in a 1900s music store, along with his costars. Luckily, he got to dance with Garland. Join Celebration in Iola Providing you're not a K. U. or K-State football fan, just about the neatest thing you can do in Kansas on a fall weekend is attend the 21st Annual Buster Keaton Celebration in Iola, Kansas, on September 27-28. Iola is just a one-hour and 15 minute drive southwest of Olathe. As in past years, it will be held at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center - and admission is free. Daytime hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and evening hours start at 7 p.m.) during which Keaton films, along with Charlie Chaplin films, will be shown. There will be lectures, music and hobnobbing. Special guests will be James Karen, actor and close friend to Keaton; Melissa Talmadge Cox, Keaton's granddaughter; and Barbara Talmadge, his daughter-inlaw. Noted speakers will also be in attendance. Further information is available at www.BowlusCenter.org, or by calling 620-365-4765. Olathe writer Joann LaCerte husband Daniel, Andrew Maxwell and his fiancée Holly, Samantha Maxwell Leon and her husband Diego, Ashley Watkins and her significant other Xavier, Parker Watkins and his significant other Shantenie, Ally Wilke, his great grandchildren Trinity Sencindiver and Zavier Leon, and his sister Alberta and her husband Lester Schulte as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Those whom he loved who have predeceased him include his daughter Cindy Wollen, his son-inlaw Kevin Maxwell, his parents, his sister Juanita Webber, and his brothers George Wollen and Olin Wollen. Since Dr. Wollen married into a florist’s family, the family welcomes flowers. Memorials can be made to Grace United Methodist Church or the Hospice House of Olathe Medical Center, OMCCF , 20375 West 151st Street , Suite 363 ~ Olathe KS 66061 (please place the word “hospice operations” in the memo section of your gift). Three Lessons I Learned from My Dad, Doc Wollen By Cathy Wollen Maxwell #1 Community matters. Instead of the handout generation, my dad was raised as part of the “let me give a hand” generation. Back in his day, his hometown Garnett, Kansas, might as well have been light years from Kansas City. If things were going to get done, it was up to the community to make it happen and folks took care of each other. If someone was in trouble, you did what you could to help and even the smallest gesture could mean a lot. For example: Dad remembered how much he appreciated the gift of cold watermelon after a high school football practice and for years took it upon himself to buy truckloads of melons for local Olathe players. He understood the importance of opportunities for young people, so he involved himself in helping to support and build the local Girl Scouts of America Council and also served as a district director for Little League Baseball. He saw the value of exercise and education so he involved himself in Parks and Recreation and the Johnson County Community College Foundation. Dad participated on most of the major fundraisers for Grace United Methodist Church, but you would also see him working with the local “Carpenters” group doing maintenance work for those in need or handyman jobs around the church. He was proud to be one of a number of men and women who keep the spirit of service alive in Olathe whether it was with a hammer or a pen. He proved that the enthusiasm of like-minded people can make a difference. #2 The Measure of a Man is how he treats folks on a daily basis, not how many accomplishments he can rack up on a resume. Dad received trailer loads of awards and honors for his service work over the decades. However, what stays with me is how easily he connected with people. He genuinely was interested in their stories whether the person was a patient or a clerk or a grand poopah. He liked people, even the crazy ones. And people cared for him in return. When word got out that his nickname was Teddy Bear, Dad’s office was overrun by gifts of bears in every shape and size. When he went into the hospital the first time, we received a stack of get well cards higher than the coffee table. Dad’s Daughters were expected to treat people with respect and if you could throw in a bit of love and laughter, well, then all the better. #3 Living is about being engaged in life. My dad didn’t like to sit home. He enjoyed being out and about, his wife by his side. After he retired, Dad stayed involved in his volunteer activities. Making a difference was fun to him. He understood that leadership can be exercised at any age and a helping hand is always appreciated. Over the last two years of his life, he tapped into his inner tenor and relished being a member of the Trails West Barbershop Chorus, a whole new experience. But the common theme throughout these lessons is that Dad valued friends. He admired people who brought something to the table - a sense of humor, insight, wisdom, muscle, whatever the gift. People matter, and it is this lesson none of us should ever forget. Gazette Publisher Keith Johnson said “Doc Wollen was an Olathe and area iconic figure. A giant in his kindness, generosity and charisma. A man of his caliber comes along to a community, just once every three or four generations and we are all so much richer for it. Thousands of kids will remember their first big Santa Claus, and hundreds of us will say we lost a dear friend, possibly one of the finest men we ever knew. Still others will wish they had known him. I will always remember his infectious chuckle that he made at least once, every time I spoke to him. He made you feel important, even if you weren’t. And, what an awesome life he shared with us.” -/- Page 10 Johnson’s County Gazette A Publication Of Olatheans, By Olatheans, For Olatheans for 35 Years September 15, 2013 Olatheans Travel the World... and Read The Gazette Gene Olson and his wife, Thryza, left, faithfully holding a recent Gazette with Paulette and Joe Weldin at the Wyoming Rodeo Cody Stampede. Take a Gazette on your next trip, snap a picture and send it to us at 1616 Sunvale, Olathe, KS 66062. If you forget one, hold up anything, maybe no one will notice. lol, just kidding. Thanks to Gene, Thryza, Paulette and Joe. Happy vacationing. We’d love to hear from you. USA Table Tennis Affiliated Club to Open in Kansas City Area From Scott Zibell Table tennis is a sport that people of all ages can play and enjoy and the Kansas City Table Tennis Club is preparing to open its doors for those interested in becoming more familiar with this fast paced, Olympic sport. The 501(c)(3) organization will be open six days a week offering daily and monthly memberships as well as after school youth programs, adult leagues, lessons, mini camps and tournaments. “We are focused on youths, but table tennis is a sport that all ages and all genders can play,” said partners Scott Ziebell, Scott Smith, and Dakota Olson for KCTTC. “It develops things like hand eye coordination, but it also helps to build a lot of other life lessons like sportsmanship, teamwork and self-confidence.” As one of the only USA Table Tennis affiliated clubs in Kansas City, KCTTC is able to offer its players the opportunity to become USATT members, which will get them into sanctioned tournaments. The local club will host one to two monthly nonsanctioned tournaments on Saturdays as well as one quarterly sanctioned tournament. Along with tournaments, KCTTC will also be able to reach out to area school districts to form official school table tennis teams. As a non-profit organization, KCTTC is funded by its members. Member dues go toward keeping the lights on and making sure everybody has a place to play. The club is also always looking for volunteers to help supervise during open play hours as well as local sponsors. “The benefits of table tennis both to the individual and in a team setting are endless and we’re excited to offer this opportunity to the community,” Ziebell said. KCTTC will be having a grand opening celebration tournament from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on September 28th, 2013 at club headquarters, 9034 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS. Please stop by to learn what the club is all about and to try out a little table tennis. For more information about KCTTC or to join the club, please visit www. kansascitytabletennis.com, like the club’s Facebook page or contact the organization directly at info@ kansascitytabletennis.com. Or call 913 484-2351 This Old Olathe House Everybody Reads The GAZETTE cednth u d e /mo t R 00 Jusw at $8 No ps No Ste $35 app fee, no util. paid, Good rent history, a must During World War II, the Olathe Naval Station was home to thousands of Navy personnel. Many Olatheans converted their single family homes into apartments during this time to help with the house shortage. The Navy contracted to have single family and duplex homes built on what would become "Navy Hill", to house some of the officers stationed at the base. These houses were built in 1942 and are still there today under private ownership and can be seen in the 500 block of Glendale. Pictured is one of the duplexes which has 1,220 sq. ft. of living space. Gazette Trivia Gazette Puzzles $800 deposit made in pmts. September 15, 2013 Johnson’s County Gazette Olathe High School ‘63 Class Celebrates 50th Reunion Olathe’s Very Own Newspaper For 35 Years Cathy Maxwell (Continued from Page 1) Ken Carol Jason Class member Charles “Joe” Farley at right, has had several books published in the last few years; a biography of Bobby “Blue “ Bland, Soul of the Man., and just now, Secrets of St. Vincent, a Florida Mystery, second in the Secrets Trilogy. The first book was “Secrets of San Blas. Page 11 Olathe Ford Outlet Used Cars www.olathefordusedoutlet.com PF9271A 2006 Jeep Liberty Black F3859 2005 Highlander Gold Sam Andrew Jaymie Steve F31506A 2007 Ford 500 Red At the Olathe Bass Pro dining room more than 80 Olathe High School Class of and spouses and grandkids enjoyed a great buffet. From l. to BS0186 2007 Lincoln Navigator 1963 Members C2533B 2007 Infiniti G35McKee, Glenn F3400A r.: Carol Fittell Mundy, JoAnn Barlow Wheeler, 2005 SusanLincoln Wheeler, Black Gray Town Car White Janice Smith, Nada Nott, Terry Nott, top right Jerry Wilson from Oregon. Reunionists, Glenn & Susan Wheeler, Janice Smith & Nada Nott at Bass Pro had a marvelous time. BS0169 2007 Chrysler Town & Country White $11,995 F3682A 2003 VW Beetle Gray Above left, Joe Dioszeghy, was a star basketball and football player at OHS, now a well known area attorney. Above, everyone’s favorite teacher from the Class of 1963 Olathean Ralph Dennis, center, with Jimmy Blaylock, right; and left Karen Lorius Falls, both ‘63 class members living in the area. PF9242A 2002 GMC Yukon XL Gray B1994 2007 Chrysler Sebring Silver $10,970 BS0148 2007 Dodge Ram Red F31161B 2003 Toyota Avalon White $9.995 The GAZETTE B2053 2007 Chevy Malibu BS0171 2007 Jeep Wrangler B2023 2007 Chevy Avalanche White Blue $18,995 White $22,995 Above right, l to r, OHS Class of 1963 Class President Jim “Jamie” Lane, Class Secretary Ann Moody Johnson, and Treasurer Charles “Joe” Farley. B2021A 2006 Lincoln Zephyr Sage Charity Flying (Continued from Page 1) Above, Reunion committee members Max Beets (left), Ken Roberts, (second from left) and Karen Hambleton (right) with Ken’s wife, Joyce (second from right). The Class of 1963 held activities over four days September 5,6,7,8 at JC Gazebo, Austin’s, Old Settlers (OS) float construction, Pizza Shoppe lunch, Olathe North High School tour, Stone Pillar Winery, Riding on the Float, OS Slide Show, Joe Farley Book signing at the Great Mall, Bass Pro and the Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant. At breakfast Sunday at Golden Corral are Carol Hulse Voigts and Linda Munroe Fisher Terry O’Brien Robins, reunion committee member with Cherie Lodge Malone. Attending the reunion from all over the US, at the Stone Pillar Winery Friday night are Bob Venard, Maine; Max Beets, Missouri; Gordon Talley, Texas; and Wayne Whitney, Kansas. Good friends back together again at the Stone Pillar Winery are Linda DeGarmo Hendrix, Carol Harbour Roach, Karen Berschauer Beem and Terry O’Brien Robins At the Stone Pillar Winery at College (111th) and Woodland Olathe HS Class of 1963 chatting are Linda DeGarmo Hendrix, Neil Roach, Cherie Lodge Malone, Gene Malone, Bill Kreighbaum, and Jeannie Myers Kreighbaum. Above, (l to r) Mr and Mrs Al Robinson, Joe and Michele Dioszeghy at Bass Pro restaurant. The Olathe High School Class of 1963 toured their Alma Mater and most were amazed at the many many changes and had trouble recognizing anything they remembered after fifty years. Some alumni had not been back to the area in half a century. Alice Jones Swearengin and Ann Moody Johnson Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Johnson County Gazebo. At Austin’s, Reunion committee member Max Beets, with class members Lawson Barlow and Jerry Wilson enjoy visiting. Steve Perry from Tampa, FL looking for his wife, Karen Ernst Perry, OHS ‘64 at the Gazebo. Sept. 6 Front row, Gary Seute, Carol Fittell Mundy, Jerry Wilson, Max Beets, Cheryl Ball Smith, Janice Riley Sronce, Bob Venard, Sarah Ewing Richardson, Ian Richardson, Dennis Livezey, Back Row: Andra Johnson Gonzolez, Linda Munroe Fisher, Karen Hambleton Sutton, Ann Moody Johnson, Alice Jones Swearengin, Karen Lorius Falls, Jeannie Myers Kreighbaum, Linda Hampton Wentz, Carol Sronce Timberman, Donna Pinkley Holtgraver. On Olathe North Tour Sat., Sep 7, 13 Page 12 Johnson’s County Gazette Johnson County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper Enjoyed by Johnson Countians September 15, 2013 The 115th Johnson County Old Settlers Celebration September 5, 6, 7, 2013 - Downtown Olathe MidAmerica Nazarene University hitch won First Place in their division Charles Losh and Solene Hollingshead won 2nd in Antique Cars with his 1930 Model A Ford Roadster DeLuxe. Maranatha Academy Band Olathe East Cheerleaders The winners of the 2013 Miss Sweet 6 Contest, 29 entered this year. Life Church won 2nd Place in the Novelty Division Olathe South Cheer leaders Wells Fargo has a proud history after 150 years Flower Club Shows Off Some Of Olathe’s Best Olathe Ravens HS Band made some great music. Kathy Swift won a blue ribbon at the Old Settlers Flower Show. This lady entered one of the most beautiful healthy ferns we have seen lately. K.Anderson photos Phil and Teresa Cogswell were winners at the Old Settlers Flower Show Sep. 6, 7 in City Hall The Olathe High School Class of 1963 won 2nd Place in the Club/Org. division. Pictured are members of the original class of 132. 57 attended the four day reunion. 26 are gone now. On float were Ann Moody Johnson, Max Beets, Karen Hambleton Sutton, Ken Roberts, Terry O’Brien Robins, Cheryl Ball Smith, Andra Johnson Gonzalez, Dianne Lundberg Arrowsmith, Linda Munroe Fisher, John Hammond, Gordon Talley, Bob Venard. Janice Riley Sronce, Alice Jones Swearengin, Carol Sronce Timberman, Karen Berschauer Beem and Nancy Lundberg Miller. Jumbo 45 rpm records with 60’s labels decorated the sides of the float. Pictures of Elvis, JFK, Poittier, Alcatraz, Swimsuits, cars, MLK, movies, advertisements, toys and books from 1963 were displayed. Marvin E. “Doc” Wollen Has Left Us 1932-2013 Marvin E. “Doc” Wollen will long be remembered as An Olathe giant in the community for all he did. Doc and Sally Wollen, married 61 years, at their home on East Spruce. They raised four daughters, Cathy, Cindy, Terri and Tammi, there, and moved five years ago to SE Olathe. All photos courtesy the Wollen family. Doc Wollen served as Santa Claus for thousands of Olathe area children for 49 years. Here he is pictured on the cover of the Olathe Life Magazine, December 10, 1988, saying” Doc Wollen makes everyone a believer.” Everyone in Olathe knew who Doc Wollen was. He was presented with scores of awards, honors and recognitions over his lifetime. Doc’s unforgettable chuckle and smile were joys to all who knew him. He was an Olathe icon, the likes of which come to a town once in a hundred years. A lot of Olathe died with him. Our thanks to the Wollen family for providing these pictures. Doc Wollen seeing a patient. He practiced optometry in Olathe for 48 years. Some of Doc Wollen’s favorite pasttimes were his golfing outings. He loved his colorful golf knickers, the louder the better. His golf knickers distracted from the golf score, he said. In front of his Optometry office Cedar and Cherry, again sporting loud clothes, Doc celebrates the coming of the stork whose sign says, “The stork brought Doc Wollen many, many years ago.”