Get ready to take the plunge into Lake Olathe for the Kansas Special Olympics.
The nonprofit will be holding its Polar Plunge and 5K Strut at 9:00am and 10:00am, respectively, on February 18. To register, go to charity.pledgeit.org/PolarPlungeKansasCityKansas.
The entry fee for the dive is $75 and $30 for the upright. Participants can create their own fundraising web page upon registration. The money raised goes to help more than 4,500 Kansas athletes with intellectual disabilities.
New this year: Chili Cook Off and midday after-party at the Eagles Landing venue. Plungers and struts come in for free. Family and fans are $5. The Chili Cooking Team entry fee is $50. Sign up via an option on Polar Plunge’s main signup link.
For more information, contact Chris Burt at [email protected] or 913-236-9290, ext. 107.
Lenexa fitness check coming soon
A free community event can help those over 18 test their New Year’s resolution to get in shape. Certified personal trainers will be available from 6pm to 8pm on February 7 to check weight and body fat percentage; perform sit-up tests, push-up tests and plank tests; and take a 40-yard dash time. No signup or RSVP required. Checks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The center is located at 17201 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa.
Appointed housing coordinator in JoCo
Megan Foreman has been appointed to the newly created position of Housing Coordinator in Johnson County. The county said Foreman’s focus will be on tackling homelessness, preserving existing housing, developing affordable housing and promoting home ownership.
“We are excited about the possibilities of this position,” Ferguson County Manager Penny Postoak said in a prepared statement. “The hiring of Megan Foreman as housing coordinator enables Johnson County to meet the need for housing opportunities for all populations within the county.”
Foreman began his career with Johnson County Government in 2015 at the Department of Health and Environment, where he was program manager in the community health division. Previously, Foreman worked for Oral Health Kansas as director of policy.
PV Arbor Day Winner Nominations
The Prairie Village Tree Board is accepting nominations for this year’s Arbor Day Honoree. The award recognizes efforts and contributions to Prairie Village. Applicants can be living or deceased individuals or couples. Applications will be accepted until 28 February. For an application form, go to www.pvkansas.com/treeboard.
Legislative coffees coming soon
A series of legislative coffees will take place in Johnson County. The coffees are designed to offer a discussion of the new legislative session and will include a question and answer session. Registration is not required to attend in person. Registration is required for online participation and to view attendees. All events start at 10am and include live streaming. Event recordings will be posted on YouTube after each event.
February 11: Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park. To register online, go to jocolibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/639360070470e64100b32935.
February 18: Lenexa City Center Library, 878 Penrose Lane, Lenexa. To register online, go to jocolibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6393603a0470e64100b3293a.
March 11, Gardner Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner. To register online, go to
jocolibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/639360570470e64100b3293c.
Shawnee, Lenexa holds State of the City events
Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler will present the state of the city February 23 at the Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Drive. The doors will open at 4pm and the presentation will start at 5pm. The presentation is free. If you want to participate in the appetizers, register at business.shawnee-ks.com/events/details/state-of-the-city-with-mayor-michelle-distler-5626
Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm will deliver his state of the city address during the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Hyatt Place and Lenexa Conference Center, 8741 Rycker St. Registration begins at 11 a.m. :30 Doors open at 11:50 Lunch will be served at noon and the talk will begin at 12:15 To reserve tickets, call the room at 913-888-1414. Participation in the speech is free. Lunch is $50.
