“The Basics of Writing a Business Plan” is a 3-hour program designed for current and future business owners who need to know how to create a business plan for their organization. Participants will learn everything from what a business plan is and why they are important to tips on writing clearly and professionally. Participants will leave this session with a greater understanding of how to start or strengthen business plans. The session will be held from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, March 15 at 4747 Troost Avenue. Price is $59. Contact Elania Smith with questions at 816-235-6063.

Two new programs will soon be available exclusively for Waldo CID Members. The Waldo Sweepstakes Contest will give Waldo shoppers a chance to win $100 in “Waldo Bucks.” Waldo Bucks are certificates that will be accepted by businesses participating in the sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes begin in April and three lucky winners will be selected each month. A list of participating merchants and winners will be posted on the Waldo Facebook and Web page.

Holmes CafeThe Southtown Beautification Committee is pleased to announce Holmes Café & Market, located at 804 E 85th Street, as the February Sparkle Award recipient. Operating for about a year, Holmes Café and Market is a relatively new business in the southtown area. Their menu offers a wide selection of sandwiches that range from hamburgers, hot dogs, and Philly Cheese steak, to world favorites like the Gyro. Sandwiches are affordable and made fresh daily and can be enjoyed in the newly renovated café or eaten on the go. Open from 10am to 8pm, the market offers convenient access to anything from laundry detergent to soft drinks, and their candy selection is sure to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Monthly Luncheon
Wednesday, February 15, 11:45am
Speaker: KC Repretory Theatre, Cynthia Rider
Location: Wornall Baptist Church, 400 W. Meyer Blvd.
Catered by: Paparico’s Mexican Restaurant
$10/person
Please RSVP by Feb.14 to 816-523-5553. Reservations required.

Monthly Networking
Wednesday, February 22, 5-7 pm
Location: Studio 213, 213 Gregory Blvd.
Join with friends, hear what’s happening in the neighborhood, and enjoy some light refreshments.

When I talk about Brookside, I talk about how it’s like a small town within a big city. It reminds me of Andy Griffith’s Mayberry. When you walk the area, you always run into someone you know. NestledDelena Stout between downtown and suburbia, Brookside offers the best of both worlds. It contains the culture and diversity of the big city along with the comfort of a small neighborhood where a vehicle isn’t a necessity.

Our events are planned around family and local business support. From the Brookside Art Annual to Strutt With Your Mutt, we strive to keep our neighborhoods and businesses working together. This year, our goal is to become more involved with our local neighborhood associations. We want our Brookside residents to know that money spent in Brookside, stays in Brookside!