Congratulations to our own Dorna Edgar! Dorna along with 58 other applicants were granted US citizenship at a Naturalization Ceremony on Thursday, July 25th at the Federal Courthouse in downtown KC. Twenty-six countries were represented. The ceremony was officiated by The Honorable Dennis R. Dow who administered the oath and personally awarded each new citizen with a Naturalization Certificate.

Judge Dow graciously acknowledged the extraordinary efforts that each applicant extended in order to make their dream of becoming a US Citizen a reality. Dorna came with her mother from St. Lucia to the US more than 20 years ago. She fell in love with America and earned a BS degree in Accounting from UMKC. She is currently working on her Masters degree. We congratulate Dorna for all her hard work and persistence in becoming a US citizen. When Dorna was asked what she is looking forward to the most, she commented, “I have always wanted to vote and now I can!” Her son, Jamal, was able to join in the celebration.

Join us for the 23rd Annual Strutt With Your Mutt 5K Race & 3K Walk for homeless pets in Brookside on Saturday, Sept.21, benefiting Wayside Waifs. This fun family event includes activities for adults, kids and dogs! The event registration begins at 63rd/Brookside Plaza. Entry fees are tax-deductible. Registration includes either the 5K (one with dogs and one without), 3K Strutt, along with admission to the Flealess Market and the Official 2013 T-shirt. Strutt Race Online Event Registration is $35 and closes on Sept. 20. Day-of registration opens at 7 a.m. and cost $45.

It’s TEE Time! Mark your calendars to take part in the 22nd Annual Gillis Golf Classic, August 27th at Loch Lloyd Golf Club. There are many Sponsorship and Volunteer opportunities to support this important benefit. Details can be found on the Gillis website at http://www.gillis.org. Games packages includes: A round of golf, cart, player’s gifts, on-course lunch, games on course, five raffle tickets, unlimited refreshments and attendance at Awards Ceremony featuring complimentary food and cocktails. If you would like to make a reservation over the phone or if you have any questions please contact Katie Culbertson at 816-508-3556 or Katie.Culbertson@gillis.org. Please contact Katie directly if you are interested in an Underwriter Sponsorship.

The community took to the streets on Saturday, June 29th for the 2nd Annual Independence Day Celebration Parade sponsored by the Southtown Council and the KC Tourism Development Fund. It was a beautiful morning with lots of sunshine and smiles.

Traveling west on 63rd St. from Pener Plaza, the participants traveled to Rockhill, then south to Meyer Blvd. and back to the shopping center. Thanks to the following participants: Uncle Sam (Matt Heinrich from Rockhurst)Jackson County Sheriff’s Dept., County Legislator Scott Burnett, The Roasterie Airstream, Governor Stumpy’s Grill House Fire Engine, St. Peter’s Church, Commerce Bank Panda Bear, Coffee News, Google Fiber, Gunter Pest Management, The MaxKCATA, Southeast Community Center, Metro Patrol, LaDene Morton and Bill Kalahurka- Scooter Brigade,Missouri Dept. of Conservation- Discovery Center, St. Andrew’s Church, Blue Beetle, and Mad Jack’s onTroost.

Special thanks to Karl Roscoe for lining up the fancy convertibles. Visit Facebook page- Southtown Kansas City for photos of the event.

Monthly Luncheon

Wednesday, July 17, 11:45am
Guest speaker: Angela Cronk, Wellness and Beauty Expert
Location:Wornall Road Baptist Church, 400 W Meyer Blvd.
Catered by: Paparico’s
$10/person. RSVP by July 16 to (816) 523-5553 or ravin@southtown.org

PM Monthly Networking

Wednesday, July 24, 5-7pm
Location: Betty Tillotson Dance Studio, 209 E. Gregory Blvd.
Join with friends, see the facilities and hear what’s going on in the neighborhood!

St. Peter’s parish garden, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., receives the July Southtown Sparkle award. Created in its current location nine years ago, the garden features more than 14 raised beds of vegetables, blackberries and raspberries, five fruit trees (apple, pears and cherry) and an herb garden. Picnic tables, benches, a fountain and butterfly garden round out the space. This beautiful garden was one of six featured on the Master Garden 2013 Garden Tour. All produce from the garden is distributed to the needy through St. Peter’s year-round food pantry.