The June Southtown Sparkle Award goes to Blue Hills Community Services for the Blue Hills Community Gardens project at 2398 E. 49th St. The garden project has been in operation for three years. They currently have one full time employee and with the help of many volunteers, they are able to maintain 15 raised bed gardens in the area. Project manager Leigh Blumenthal says, “One of the benefits of being a volunteer is that they get the first pick of the harvest at the garden.” The food grown in the gardens goes to residents of the Blue Hills neighborhood free of charge.

The summer is fast approaching and home sales have been beating last year’s numbers in volume and price.

The Cleaver Family YMCA, 7000 Troost Ave., is working hard to inspire and prepare youth in our community for healthy productive lifestyles. In 2012, with the support of many thoughtful supporters they raised more than $22,000.

The Y has renewed its vision and commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With your help, they can reach the $32,500 goal.

Investors (1000+)
AT&T, 30 yrs, Muehlebach Funeral Home, 30 yrs

New Members:
Behavioral Health Partners and Eclectics Gift Gallery

Fair Share Members ($150-$175)
All Star Awards/Ad Specialties, 24 yrs, Economic Development Corp., 15 yrs, Greensman, The, 5 yrs, Halls Sales & Service, 21 yrs, Needham Floral, 19 yrs.

Basic Membership ($125)
Genworth Financial, 2 yrs, Highland Nursing Center, 12 yrs, Kansas City Credit Union, 1 yr
KCUR-FM Radio, 8 yrs, Kody's Learn-N-Develop, 3 yrs, Mad Jack's on Troost, 6 yrs
RevolveKC Bike Shop, 2 yrs, State Farm Ins., Jennifer Dunklin, 2 yrs.

The ever popular Link directory will soon be underway for the 2013/2014 issue. Now is your chance to be included in this great community resource. Members from Southtown, Waldo, and Brookside join together to produce this book which includes both alphabetical and category listings, index of advertisers and other useful information. Affordable coupons and ads are highlighted throughout the category listings.

More than 9000 copies are printed and distributed throughout the year via mail, at local shops, and during community events. The full color directory allows advertisers to brighten up their ads and highlight their goods and services.

It is easy to be included in the directory. First, confirm that you are a member of Southtown, Waldo, and/or Brookside by calling 816-523-5553. If you are not a member, you can join by check, cash, or even on-line. Once a member, you are part of the book. Take the next step and promote your business by submitting an ad/coupon. Sizes range from 1/4 pg to full page, black and white or color.

Lastly, confirm your information is correct and wait for the directory to arrive later this summer! It will be worth the wait!

Monthly Networking

Wednesday, May 22, 8-9am
Location: Commerce Bank, 6100 Troost Ave.
Join with friends, see the facilities and hear what is going on in the neighborhood!

Upcoming Events

Brookside Shred Event
Saturday, June 8, 8am-noon
Location: in the parking lot behind the Brooksider
Bar and Grill, Meyer and Brookside Blvds.

Waldo Crawldo, pub crawl,
Saturday, June 8, 6pm-midnight
More than 13 participating bars and restaurants
Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door.
Visit www.waldocrawldo.com