K-State Extension, Johnson County

Farmstead adds garden of hostas

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:29:23 +0000

Farmstead adds garden of hostas tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 09:29

The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead has added one of three American Hosta Society display gardens in Kansas and the first of its kind in the Kansas City area.

The unique garden will be formally dedicated at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road, Overland Park. The requirements for an AHS designation include displaying and maintaining at least 100 varieties of hostas.

A grant from the Johnson County Extension Education Foundation funded the project. The hosta display garden involved the collaboration of Master Gardeners, the farmstead and the City of Overland Park.

Event marks National Pollinator Week

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:25:07 +0000

Event marks National Pollinator Week tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 09:25

The 12th annual “Wonders of Discovery” celebration takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Pollinator Prairie, 320 South Blake St., Olathe.

Sponsored by the K-State University Extension Master Naturalists of Johnson County, the free, family-oriented event celebrates National Pollinator Week and features approximately 20 exhibits, including live birds of prey, the importance of pollinators and native plants, simple ways to support nature, soil conservation and much more.

The Pollinator Prairie site includes an accessible sidewalk along seven small gardens with native plants that provide habitat for pollinators. More information is available by calling the Extension Office at 913-715-7000 or by visiting tinyurl.com/mr3yhswd.

Biennial tour in June showcases six private gardens

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:48:16 +0000

Biennial tour in June showcases six private gardens tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:48

Six unique private gardens in Johnson County will be opened to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 and 13 during the Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardener biennial public garden tour.

Each garden, featuring individual qualities, is owned and maintained by an Extension Master Gardener. Visitors will be able to access information digitally about the garden’s development along with educational tips. Photography is encouraged.

Tickets for the rain-or-shine event are $25 each before May 10, $35 after May 10 and $40 on the days of the tour. Tickets are available through Extension Office at the Johnson County Sunset Drive Building, 11811 South Sunset Drive, Olathe, or purchased online at johnson.k-state.edu. Maps of the gardens on the tour and directions are provided with each ticket.

The tour also includes an Extension Expo and Garden Thyme Marketplace at the outside pavilion at the Sunset Drive Building. No tickets are required for the expo and marketplace.

The marketplace features handmade, garden-themed gifts and unique items. The expo offers information on Extension gardening resources. Both will be located near the free Dennis Patton Garden Gallery Demonstration Garden, which is open to the public year-round.

More information is available by calling 913-715-7000, visiting the website or emailing questions to garden.help@jocogov.org.

Keys to embracing healthy aging

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:40:38 +0000

Keys to embracing healthy aging tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:40

By Joy Miller

There’s a popular saying: What you do today shapes your tomorrow.

Nowhere is this more evident than in how we age.

Centenarian studies reveal an inspiring truth: life doesn’t diminish with age. People living 100 years and older consistently show that aging can be positive, joyful and filled with new experiences.

What’s their secret? The research points to 12 key habits that promote healthy, vibrant aging.

Positive attitude. Happiness and health are deeply connected. A positive outlook helps you navigate life’s inevitable transitions with greater ease and resilience.

Eat smart. A well-balanced diet prevents chronic illness, boosts energy and sharpens decision-making. A healthy relationship with food matters just as much as what’s on your plate.

Stay active. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Exercising also lifts your mood, too. The most important rule? Just do it.

Exercise your brain. Your brain needs a workout as much as your body does. Socialization, mental challenges, good nutrition, physical activity and adequate sleep all keep your mind sharp.

Stay social. Engaged people are healthier, happier and less prone to depression. Social connections boost self-esteem, strengthen brain vitality and even reduce disease risk.

Keep up with the times. Lifelong learning — whether following current events or embracing new technology — sharpens problem-solving skills and opens doors to new social networks.

Practice safety. From home security to health precautions, staying safe across all areas of life keeps you in the game longer.

Know your numbers. Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI are more than medical stats — they’re lifesaving benchmarks. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle keep them in check.

Manage stress. Some stress is normal, but chronic stress takes a real toll. Finding healthy coping strategies leads to a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Get your finances in order. A solid money management plan reduces anxiety and helps you meet your long-term goals — regardless of income level.

Prioritize sleep. Quality sleep repairs your body, consolidates memories and regulates hormones. When you rest well, you think, feel and perform better.

Make time for yourself. Even 10 minutes a day dedicated to you replenishes your mind, body and spirit — making you a better friend, family member and community member.

There’s no magic potion to stop aging. But with these habits as your guide, the years ahead can include healthy aging.

Joy Miller is the Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent at K-State Extension Johnson County.

Trees provide tree-mendous value

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:40:15 +0000

Trees provide tree-mendous value tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:40

By Markis Hill

Do you know how much your tree is worth? Not just the value it provides by triggering your biophilic response, but the actual monetary value it contributes to your home or property?

That’s right, your trees in your landscape contribute to the property value. Large, mature trees are usually worth more than smaller trees, and the exact species, the condition of your tree and its placement can play major roles.

Most tree appraisals are done after damage has already occurred. When that happens, homeowners often must find old photos or witnesses to verify the tree’s size before the damage occurred.

Getting your tree appraised matters for several reasons. Not only because of the contribution to your property value, but also if that tree gets damaged in some way, your property value can change. This matters in disputes between neighbors, when the electricity company decides they need to come “trim” your tree or when a storm splits your tree in half.

This could also help with insurance coverage. Some insurance companies will not insure homes if trees are too close to buildings. If a tree must be removed, it can affect your home’s value and potentially your premiums.

How are they performed? A commercially certified arborist uses several methods to determine the value of your tree. Trees are valued by the species, size and their condition.

For example, fast-growing trees tend to be weak-wooded and may lose branches in windstorms. Repeated damage can make the tree more susceptible to disease and eventually create hazards.

Placement of the tree on your property can also play a major role. Trees growing under or near power lines are often worth less because they require constant maintenance or trimming.

Another factor that influences a tree’s overall value is its replacement cost. A trained arborist will use the trunk formula technique to calculate the value. This works by determining the average replacement cost in the retail market and then sizing it to your tree’s current size. This can be a complicated process that requires historical regional data to complete the calculation.

Who does these appraisals? Commercially certified arborists perform these appraisals. This is not a job for a tree-cutting business.

Appraisals are often used in small claims courts or to settle insurance claims. A certified specialist would need to be able to justify the appraised value. But there is good news: a handful of companies in the Kansas City metro perform these appraisals.

If you are looking to see if a business has a certified commercial arborist on staff, visit kansasarborist.com. This website will list every arborist in the state of Kansas, their location and the business they are affiliated with.

Think about learning what your tree is worth before damage strikes.

Markis Hill is the Horticulture, Ornamentals and Turf Agent at K-State Extension Johnson County.

Protein for Healthy Aging Cooking Class

Soniak.Khosla@jocogov.org — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:16:50 +0000

Protein for Healthy Aging Cooking Class Soniak.Khosla@… Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:16

Please note: This class currently has a waitlist. Join the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging and K-State Extension to learn how protein needs change over time and easy ways to add protein to meals and snacks. Explore animal and plant-based options, plus simple recipes to help you meet your goals.

Do you have a food allergy? Please notify Jill Zink at 913-715-8860 or jill.zink@jocogov.org prior to the class.

Also, if you need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or another ADA accommodation, please contact Jill at 913-715-8860 or jill.zink@jocogov.org at least two business days prior to the event.

April 22, 2026 - 01:00pm April 22, 2026 - 02:30pm

Sunset Building

Room: 1060

Training and Classes

Aging and Human Services

K-State Extension, Johnson County

Be green in spring clean

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:56:00 +0000

Be green in spring clean tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 15:56

By Brandon Hearn

Whether you are moving out of your home, moving into a new home, or just need to tidy up, spring is a great time to clean up your garage or shed.

As you are doing your spring cleaning, please remember to consider our environment when deciding what to do with that old paint, broken electronics or even that old love seat.

Here are a few options for you to be green as you spring clean:

Household chemicals and paint

Since 1993 Johnson County Government has operated a Household Hazardous Waste recycling facility, allowing Johnson County residents and qualifying small businesses the ability to recycle their used or unwanted chemicals, paints and much more.

Located at 11231 Mastin St., Overland Park, we accept everything from paint, stain and batteries to household cleaners, used gasoline and a wide range of other household chemicals. These items are given a second life that keeps them out of the environment.

The Johnson County facility is open year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays by appointment only. An appointment can be made online at jocogov.org/hhw or by calling 913-715-6907.

Usable items are available to the public through the HHW’s Free Store. Latex paint can be purchased through the Paint Recycling Program. For disabled or homebound residents, we offer a mobile collection service. For additional information, call 913-715-6907.

The City of Olathe has a drop-off location that any Johnson County resident can use. You can schedule a drop-off through the city website at olatheks.gov.

Light bulb recycling options

Nowadays there are so many different types of light bulbs that it can be confusing to know what to do with them once they stop working. Some types of light bulbs can be recycled (not in a recycling bin) while others can go in your trash.

CFL bulbs (spiral, halo, etc.) and fluorescent light tubes, which contain mercury, can be recycled at both the Johnson County and Olathe Household Hazardous Waste facilities. Lowe’s, Home Depot and other participating hardware stores will accept the spiral CFL light bulbs. Other options can be found at recyclespot.org.
LED bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs, which do not contain mercury, can either be disposed of in your regular trash or taken to MRC Recycling (mrcrecycling.net) to be recycled.

Empty and completely solidified latex paint cans can go into your regular trash as well.

Recycling electronics

Electronic waste can be recycled but not in the curbside bin. Electronic waste includes anything that has a cord or is powered by batteries. Recycling locations include the City of Olathe Household Hazardous Waste facility (for Olathe residents ONLY). Other options can be found on the Johnson County Government website (jocogov.org) by searching “electronics recycling.”

Throughout the spring and summer, local collection events typically occur, including several opportunities by the City of Overland Park.

If you have any questions about recycling, HHW or anything else environmental, please contact me at brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.

Brandon Hearn is environmental health specialist at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

Steps to build strong bones

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:29:35 +0000

Steps to build strong bones tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 15:29

By Chelsea King

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease,” and for good reason. Bone loss occurs gradually and often without noticeable symptoms, sometimes not until a fracture happens. For adults 50 and older, especially women after menopause, osteoporosis becomes an important health concern.

The good news? There are several steps you can take to protect your bones and reduce your risk of bone loss at any age.

Osteoporosis occurs when bones become weak and brittle due to a loss of bone density. This increases the risk of fractures. About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis! These fractures can significantly impact independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Nutrition: Fuel your bones

Strong bones start with proper nutrition. Calcium and vitamin D are the most well-known bone-building nutrients, but they are just part of the picture.

Older adults 50 typically require approximately 1,200 mg of calcium daily. Many people get their calcium from dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese. However, calcium can also be found in leafy greens, fortified plant milks, canned salmon with bones, tofu and almonds.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and can be obtained through exposure to sunlight and consumption of oily fish, mushrooms, egg yolks and fortified foods.

Many adults may not get enough vitamin D from diet alone or spend enough time outdoors. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure your vitamin D levels are adequate.

Calcium supplementation may also be needed, depending on health status and dietary intake, and should be taken under the supervision and guidance of your healthcare provider.

Protein, magnesium, potassium and vitamin K also play a crucial role in supporting bone health. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats provides these nutrients naturally.

Move it: The power of physical activity

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to strengthen bones and prevent bone loss.

Weight-bearing activities, such as walking and running, help keep bones strong. Resistance training, whether using weights, resistance bands or body weight, helps build muscle, which in turn supports and protects bones.

Balance and flexibility exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, are equally important because they help reduce the risk of falls, a major cause of fractures in older adults.

Aim for a mix of strength, weight-bearing and balance exercises throughout the week, including 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise.

Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises to support bone density. The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation has a campaign called “Walk a Mile a Day in May.” So, this is your call: get up off the couch; go grab your sneakers; gather your friends, family or dog; and go for a walk. If you can’t walk a mile, that’s okay – start with what you are able to and work your way up from there!

Osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. You do not have to become one of the statistics. Properly nourishing your body, staying active and living a healthy lifestyle, you can take meaningful steps to protect your bones for years to come.

Have food, nutrition, or health questions? Contact us foodhelp@jocogov.org.

Chelsea King is the Health, Food Safety and Nutrition Agent at K-State Extension Johnson County.

Wanted: Volunteers in Johnson County

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:20:21 +0000

Wanted: Volunteers in Johnson County tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 14:20

Johnson County truly appreciates volunteers. The just-concluded Best Times readers’ survey indicated 81% of respondents had an interest or even a strong interest in local volunteer opportunities.

Nine Johnson County departments/agencies annually rely on volunteers to provide a wide range of services/programs to benefit residents of all ages. Volunteers serve as mentors for veterans, help victims of abuse, become storm spotters, reshelve books and staff book sales or special events.

Johnson County Aging and Human Services always has a need for volunteers for its Home-Delivered Meals and Catch-a-Ride programs; for providing free unbiased health insurance counseling to help older adults understand their Medicare options; and hosting food drives to stock the food pantry shelves at the Gardner, Lenexa and Mission offices.

Volunteers can help clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Johnson County Development Supports, and with many activities at Johnson County Library, Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Johnson County Museum.

Volunteers are needed to plant a community garden, to protect the environment and support green initiatives by the Department of Health and Environment, and to become a vital part in the many programs and activities at the K-State Extension Service.

The list goes on.

Volunteering is a never-ending story. Opportunities are always present as long-time or current volunteers lose interest, move, grow older or face health challenges.

Based on 2025 data, Kansas is ranked 5th in the nation for formal volunteering through organizations. According to Volunteering and Civic Life in America research, approximately 903,000 Kansans participate in volunteer activities.

In 2025, 8,561 volunteers in Johnson County provided slightly more than 369,000 hours of community service to county government. Based on the national standard of a volunteer hour being worth $34.79, the volunteer work has a value of more than $12.8 million. A final report on JoCo volunteerism will be announced in April in celebration of National Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) with a 2026 theme of “Shining a Light on the People and Causes that Inspire Us to Serve.”

Some local volunteers and their worthwhile causes are showcased in this issue. All volunteers deserve our praise and thanks for what they do in helping others and their community service to county government and the Johnson County community.

April provides an opportunity to thank volunteers for giving so generously of themselves to meet the needs of our communities. National Volunteer Month/Week is also designed to raise awareness about the ever-growing need for increased volunteer efforts, and the fulfillment experienced by those who volunteer. It’s a never-ending gratitude.

Lend a helping hand in 2026.

Volunteer!

Staffing food pantries

Dave and Barb Dukes

Dave and Barb Dukes have been food pantry volunteers at the Lenexa office since 2020. Collectively, they have served nearly 800 volunteer hours.

The pantry, along with sites in Gardner and Mission, are operated by Johnson County Aging and Human Services. The pantries provide supplemental food and hygiene products. In 2025, 1,188 households were served by nine volunteers contributing 749 hours of community service.

“We like helping other people. We realize how blessed we are and we are reminded not to take it for granted.” – Barb Dukes

“This is one of a few volunteer jobs that we do. Barb volunteers with Jewish Family Services in their food pantry, and I also volunteer with Harvesters back-snack program delivering to 10 different schools across three school districts.” – Dave Dukes

Volunteering has many rewards for the couple who have been married 47 years. Both get as much as they give – and sometimes more.

“It depends on the day, a lot of times, we get to be the bright spot in someone’s day. Dave enjoys joking with them.” – Barb Dukes

“I do,” – David Dukes, admitting to being a jokester. “I am always trying to get them to take the sardines. I really like developing a rapport with them.”

In 2025, 827 volunteers provided 42,084 hours of community service to activities and programs by Aging and Human Services, including its Home-Delivered Meals program (page 13). To learn more about the Johnson County food pantries visit: jocogov.org/ahsfoodpantry.

Providing Library services

Beth Longmoor and Linn Speak

Linn Speak, right, has been connected to Johnson County Library all her life. She began volunteering at the Library in 2016 after retiring. Inspired by the welcoming Cedar Roe Branch Library community, she now serves at multiple library locations and helps patrons find books and resources.

“People sometimes come to the Library distracted or feeling down. I love helping them find something to turn their day around. So often, people are looking for kindness and connection, and I am glad to be in a situation and place that I can help create that sense of community.” — Linn Speak

Beth Longmoor, left, started volunteering in 2020 by distributing free COVID testing kits at Johnson County Library. She assists with special events like the Writers Conference, handling mailings, data entry and event hospitality.

“It’s rewarding and enjoyable. I do data entry, which helps keep my mind sharp in retirement. It’s nice to use the detailed, methodical part of my brain and to stay engaged and updated with new technology. I wanted to stay involved and connected. Volunteering gives me purpose and keeps me active.” – Beth Longmoor

In 2025, Friends of Johnson County Library had 863 volunteers who contributed 42,630 hours of service.

Mentoring veterans

Mike Ralls

Mike Ralls retired in 2015 as an Army Command Sergeant Major after 23 years of service spanning the Vietnam era through the Gulf War. Thirty-five years later, he joined the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court program as a mentor for five years and has served as mentor coordinator since 2022.

Started in 2016, VTC is a specialized court, the first in Kansas, at the Johnson County Courthouse for selected veterans in the criminal justice system.

Mentors provide vet-to-vet support and camaraderie to engage, encourage and empower eligible veterans to change their lives.

“Mentoring veterans brought me back to what mattered most during my Army years, helping people who were struggling, needed direction or just needed someone steady in their corner. VTC gave me a way to use those experiences for something that truly mattered — supporting fellow veterans. I have learned that mentoring isn’t about fixing people — it’s about walking alongside them. VTC makes that possible, and I’m grateful to still be serving in a way that matters.” – Mike Ralls

Approximately 50 mentors have served in VTC in the past 10 years. Thirteen mentors provided more than 2,300 hours of community service in 2025.

Ralls also volunteers with Johnson County Emergency Management through its Emergency Communications Service, often called “storm spotters.” This group of trained amateur radio operators supports the National Weather Service during severe weather events. He has been a certified net controller (dispatcher) since 2022, helping coordinate communications during weather emergencies.

More information about Veterans Treatment Court and the role of a mentor is available at courts.jocogov.org/forms/VTC_Brochure.pdf.

Sharing master skills with others

Paula Dix, Mike Rafferty and Kim Handley

Volunteers at Johnson County Kansas State Extension Office serve in many ways. Paula Dix, an Extension Master Gardener since 2013, has volunteered at Johnson County Developmental Supports to share her love of gardening and expertise with residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I help clients with special needs at JCDS find a connection with gardening through sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. I enjoy seeing the participants experience the joy plants bring while feeling successful in their community garden.” – Paula Dix

Mike Rafferty enjoys the outdoors, oversees natural resources and educates the public on environmental issues. He has been an Extension Master Naturalist since 2019 in partnering with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

“By working to remove invasive species as well as collecting and distributing native seeds, I help restore the biodiversity of our local woodlands at Ernie Miller Nature Center. I do this work to preserve our natural resources for future scientific discoveries and to ensure the community can enjoy the natural landscape in the park.” – Mike Rafferty

Since 2024, Kim Handley has been an Extension Master Food volunteer at Johnson County Corrections and other community nutrition initiatives. The program’s volunteers help deliver research-based food, nutrition and safety education throughout the county. One example she gives is:.

“Master Food volunteers provide a monthly nutrition education program to those in the JoCo Corrections 28-day re-entry program. I share information on how to adopt healthier eating habits and maximize their food budget. Learning these practical skills supports a successful transition into the next stage of their lives.” – Kim Handley

Volunteers also help with youth development through Extension 4-H programs; plan, plant, tend and staff the Sunset Community Garden in Olathe; participate in Family and Community Education; and volunteer with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) during tax season. In 2025, 1,154 volunteers provided 96,205 hours of community service at these and other programs at Johnson County Kansas State Extension Office.

Delivering home meals

Larry Roos

Laurence (Larry) Roos, has been a Home-Delivered Meals program volunteer with Johnson County Aging and Human Services for three years, serving more than 400 hours delivering meals in Spring Hill.

“Volunteering for me is a continuation of a family tradition of service, with family members having served as teachers, nurses, a respiratory therapist, a firefighter, and in various roles at food kitchens. My wife and I began volunteering for Home Delivered Meals after our grandchildren became independent, leaving us with time to fill. We saw serving those in need as the perfect way to spend that time. As we delivered meals, we became deeply engaged with our recipients, coming to consider them friends. This close connection allows us to be attentive to their health needs and concerns.” –Larry Roos

In 2025, 665 volunteers in the program delivered 226,956 meals to eligible homebound residents.

“Personally, I derive great satisfaction from lifting some of the burden of food insecurity from the lives of so many people, and I will continue to do so for as long as I am able.” – Larry Roos

More information about the Home-Delivered Meals program at Aging and Human Services is available by calling 913-715-8861.

Showing raptors & showcasing talent

Bill Araujo is shown at the re-cent winter solstice program at the Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Bill Araujo, who will celebrate his 80th birthday in June, started as a parttime facilitator in 2007 for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at TimberRidge Adventure Center, Olathe.

The following year, he began volunteering at Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe, in glove training the Great Horned Owl.

“I love presenting nature programs to all ages, working with the animals, especially the raptors, and helping with training others. Working with Ernie Miller’s very creative staff keeps me young.” – Bill Araujo

Each of JCPRD’s five departments, including Administrative Services, Culture, Parks and Golf Courses, Recreation, and Safety and Outdoor Education use volunteers to help keep facilities and programs running smoothly and to serve the Johnson County community to its fullest.

Volunteers greet guests. Some play an instrument. Others work with plants, drive a golf ball, run or care for animals.

“It’s the people. JCPRD is first class in all areas. The guests of all ages I come in contact with really seem to appreciate what we do by their constant words of thanks and smiles.” – Bill Araujo

Jenny Hines

Jenny Hines, 62, has volunteered at the Theatre in the Park program since 2021. She has participated as a singer and dancer in five outdoor shows in Shawnee Mission Park and one indoor show at the Arts & Heritage Center in Overland Park. In addition to acting, she regularly ushers for TIP’s indoor shows.

Her favorite role was playing Dorothy/Dottie in “Halftime: Gotta Dance” five years ago. That appearance was the first time she performed on stage since graduating from college in 1985.

“I really love all of the shows, but ‘How to Succeed in Business’ is a favorite!” – Jenny Hines

The 2026 TIP outdoor season begins May 22. “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is scheduled from July 24 to Aug. 1. Hines plans to audition for a role. More information about TIP is available at theatreinthepark.org.

“The best people are with JCPRD. I took 36 years off acting, but now the kids have moved out, the pets have died and I’ve returned to the stage!” – Jenny Hines

In 2025, 3,961 volunteers provided 146,488 hours of community service to various JCPRD programs, events and activities, including Theatre in the Park.

Assisting law enforcement

Dean and Sarah Borchardt

Dean and Sarah Borchardt, who recently celebrated their 60th anniversary, have volunteered at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.

“During that time, we have helped train the new deputies. We help by doing different scenarios, from domestic violence, to sitting in a car and getting arrested for speeding, careless driving and many more, and the car never moves. We also help with filing and repairing the uniforms that the inmates at the jail damage. If there is a parade and the Sheriff Office is involved, we will be road guards.” – Dean and Sarah Borchardt

All volunteers come from the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy spanning 13 weeks with one 3-hour class each week.

“You will learn everything there is to know about how the department operates. This includes the classroom, doing a ride-along with a deputy. You will also go to the shooting range and take part in the driving course. After you complete all of this, you can now volunteer. There is not a finer group of men and women to be found anywhere. It is truly an honor to be allowed to work with them.” – the Borchardts

Volunteers are also used for mail couriers, scanning and shredding documents and maintaining records. In 2025, 25 volunteers provided 721.5 community hours of public service to the Sheriff’s Office. Application for the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is accessible at jocogov.jotform.com/232925385669067.

Cooking with juveniles

Gloria Burk

Gloria Burk, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday, has volunteered at the Johnson County Department of Corrections since 2013.

“I coordinate a team of eight volunteers from Blue Valley Church. Two volunteers rotate each Saturday to meet with interested youth from JDC (Juvenile Detention Center). We help them cook a simple meal which they enjoy preparing and then eating. We call our session Cooking with the King. We teach basic cooking skills while we enjoy getting acquainted with and encouraging these young people. We then share a simple Christian lesson and encourage them to share prayer requests. We enjoy our time with these youth and appreciate the opportunity to do so. We feel blessed and hope they feel encouraged.” – Gloria Burk

Volunteers complement departmental services by providing additional support and encouragement that strengthens client progress and supports a successful transition back into the community.

In 2025, 156 volunteers provided 3,505 hours of community service to the department’s programs.

Gardening joy spans all ages

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:39:14 +0000

Gardening joy spans all ages tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 13:39

By Anthony Reardon

With the growing season once again upon us, many one-time gardeners may be longing to get some form of a vegetable garden back into their space, even if they can’t quite manage all the hard physical labor they used to put into it. Luckily, options still exist for these people to adapt their gardening practices to what works with their abilities and still produce a desirable crop.

Oftentimes, the thought of having to kneel, hunch and/or dig when tilling garden soil is enough to send even the most passionate gardeners packing, opting instead for store-bought options for their favorite vegetables.

What these gardeners may not be aware of, however, is that tilling can be optional in the vegetable garden. By opting for no-till gardening practices, soil quality is preserved. The soil aggregates and mycorrhizal networks in the soil are maintained, and that can help with the growing process.

In no-till gardening, gardeners only dig in the location a plant is placed. They add mulch and compost to encourage a healthy soil biome. And, they intentionally plant crops that can address surface compaction, including fall radish, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

For other plants, gardeners seeking to avoid physical digging may consider raised beds. Raised beds are an easy way to preserve the body while gardening.

These beds can easily be very successful when following a few simple guidelines.

Namely, the beds should be large enough to fully support the crops being grown in them, and then some.

A minimum depth of 10-12 inches is desired, no wider than 3 feet for reaching. The beds should also be well drained, allowing the soil to flush out a heavy watering.

Because raised bed soil is contained, it is more likely to accumulate salt and hard water deposits, potentially decreasing its quality.

Adequate drainage helps remove these. Finally, gardeners should remember that, by nature, raised beds are prone to drying out rapidly due to their exposed soil.

Most vegetables require regular, non-fluctuating soil moisture to perform well. Because of this, gardeners should make a point of regularly checking the soil moisture in their raised beds and supplementing it with more water when the top inch of soil has dried.

Whether grown in the ground or in containers, a plethora of gardening tools exist to reduce strain on the body while doing what you love. These include ergonomic hand trowels, shovels and rakes; garden kneelers with handles; rolling garden seats and scooters; electric pruners; 4-wheel wheelbarrows; collapsible, lightweight yard carts; shrink hoses; bucket caddies; strapped harvest baskets; and small-batch soil amendments.

For general protection, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved gloves, cooling towels, high-SPF sunscreen and fit-over polarized sunglasses can help with enjoying the outdoors without succumbing to the heat. On cooler days, layer up and wear a large, waterproof windbreaker to stay comfortable while tending to urgent tasks.

No matter your circumstances, there are ways to get outside and enjoy the garden without overexertion or risk of injury. The satisfaction you’ve missed is waiting right alongside those fresh vegetables.

Anthony Reardon is the horticulture small farms agent at K-State Extension Johnson County.

Genealogy presentation set March 3

The 50 Plus Lunch & Learn program from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 3 will feature a “Preserve Your Past” program at the New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Pkwy.

The presentation by the Johnson County Genealogical Society will highlight free genealogy resources and services available along with information about the Memory Lab at the Central Resource Library, Overland Park.

A catered lunch will precede the presentation.

Cost is $35/$39 nonresidents.