The Christ Community – Brookside Campus has been diligent in the restoration and renovation of the beautiful church located on Wornall at 400 W. 67th St. This year, an extensive $1.4 million restoration project including a new slate roof, a new copper steeple, all new HVAC system, electrical and plumbing upgrades was completed. Other improvements included a new audio/visual system, carpeting throughout the building, installation of ADA accessible restrooms, restoration of paint and plaster damaged by water and the arduous process of sealing and repairing stone on the steeple tower.

The Waldo’s Best Award for November goes to Pooches Paradise, 7200 Wyandotte. It’s amazing how the transformation of one corner can make such a huge difference to the area. Pooches Paradise provides dog daycare, boarding, training and grooming.

“We cleaned up an old building which had been vacant for over six years. More than $200,000 was used to create a safe, modern environment which provides mental and physical stimulation
for dogs,” beamed Joe Giammanco, owner of Pooches Paradise, LLC. More than 450 gallons of paint were used, countless man hours were expended and 90% of all materials used came from businesses in Brookside, Waldo and Southtown.

Gillis PiesFew things are this simple. You can support the Gillis Center by supporting Gilli “Pies for a Purpose.” Visit www.gillis.org/pies and purchase $15 gift certificates and make the gift of giving Tippin’s Pies super easy. The proceeds help support Gillis programs which help more than 1,600 Kansas City families and children each year! Pies can be redeemed between now and January 15, 2013, $6 of each $15 pie purchase is tax-deductible and 40 percent of each purchase goes directly to the Gillis Center. Pies for a Purpose certificates can be redeemed at any area Hen House.

Hogan Academy Principal Danny Tipton will be joining 39 other principals and superintendents from across the country on a mission trip in December to help build a school for children in the Dominican Republic. Tipton needs to raise $2,800 for supplies to build the school and stock it. Tax deductible donations can be made payable to Hogan Prep Academy and sent to Danny Tipton, 1221 E. Meyer Blvd, KCMO 64131. Just mark on the memo line, “Dominican Republic trip- Lifetouch Memory Mission.”

The Keystone Church in Waldo is a new faith community, born out of the union between Broadway United Methodist and Redemption Church. Their mission statement, “We want to love God, love one another, and love the world,” clearly defines this unique bond. The two congregations have been worshipping together in the same facility for several years and recently made the decision to come together under one name. Come by and see what other new and exciting things are happening with this exceptional congregation located on Wornall at 406 W 74th St.

Toys will be toys… no matter what you call them. The Toy and Miniature Museum of KC, 5235 Oak St. will soon be renamed, “The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.”

The University of Missouri- Kansas City will be honored later this month at the 5th annual Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). The U-Pass, a joint program between UMKC and the KC Area Transportation Authority, was one of the seven projects selected. These projects are examples of success stories that promote sustainability in the region. Sustainable places are vibrant, connected and green and incorporate reinvestment, transportation and housing choices, development in corridors, design for healthier lifesyles, reservation of community characteristics and resource conservation. Way to go, UMKC!

Research Psychiatric Center, 2323 E. 63rd St., is a recipient of the 2012 Missouri Quality Award (MQA). The MQA is the official state recognition for excellence in quality leadership and the awards are given by the Excellence in Missouri Foundation. The award is recognized as one of the strongest state-level quality award programs in the country. Research Psychiatric Center is the only KC-area healthcare facility to receive one of the two statewide 2012 Missouri Quality Awards and the only freestanding behavioral health facility to ever win the MQA!