[img_assist|nid=771|title=|desc=|link=node|align=center|width=600|height=448]The Sparkle Award for December is bestowed upon J’adore Home and Garden at 400 E 63rd St. This inviting, European-inspired home and garden shop expanded its unique and creative business into the adjoining space, formerly known as the Oak Street Coffee Shop. The new spacious showroom and the additional storage space have allowed J’adore to grow in new ways.

They didn’t stop with interior changes, the outside façade sparkles with new paint, new awnings and signage. For thirteen years, the Southtown/Brookside area has been fortunate to have this specialty shop that carries furniture, home accessories, lighting fixtures as well as garden pots and décor, seasonal plants, wreaths and much more. Make a point to stop by this thriving business. Visit J’adore MondaySaturday, 10am-5pm.

Congratulations to J’adore and thanks for the reinvestment!

[img_assist|nid=768|title=KC Clay Guild|desc=|link=node|align=center|width=640|height=348]
Congratulations to KC Clay Guild for their fresh look complete with new paint and sign. As a long time Waldo business, KC Clay Guild (KCCG) has been at their current location, ]200 W. 74th Street, for 12 years. When the weather gets better, they have plans to improve the west wall and the front signage.

This “all volunteer” organization began in 1988 as a way for local potters to share ideas and materials. KCCG also supports a retail gallery within the building. Beautiful pots by members and guests are on display and for sale at the Centered Earth Gallery right inside the front door of KCCG.

As the holidays approach, please consider giving “locally” this year. Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for anyone thinking about health improvement. Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, locally-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are many owner-run restaurants that offer gift certificates. If your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, perhaps a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint would work. Remember, this is about supporting your home town people with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the local working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some guy or gal who is struggling to get a repair business up and running.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And how about going out to see a play or ballet at the theatre? Musicians need love, too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. And the list goes on….. Be creative and thoughtful this year. Your community will certainly benefit from your actions.

The official launch of Rockhill Greens took place on November 30 with the demolition of the 6601A building on Troost. Rockhill Greens will integrate senior housing and commercial
businesses on the Research Brookside Campus. The concept for the new development
is an environmentally responsible community including residential housing and commercial businesses, seamlessly integrated into the existing medical uses that will continue to be offered on the Research Brookside Campus. The development will promote a healthy-living life-style and sustainable design with parks, gardens, landscaping and walking trails throughout the campus.
The total acreage of the Research Brookside Campus is approximately 25 acres. Research Medical Center will retain the 6675 Holmes medical office building, the former hospital tower building and the connecting auditorium.

On a beautiful autumn day, on a former vacant lot, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) honored the Historic Manheim Park Community Garden as the 9,000th Missouri Community Garden to accept its “10,000 Garden Challenge.” [img_assist|nid=764|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=320|height=213]This program, sponsored by the MDA, encourages communities to organize and start gardening.

“This is a really wonderful garden, and an excellent example of the emphasis the Kansas City area has put into community gardening,” said Dr. Jon Hagler, Director of the MDA. “The last two gift certificate winners in the 10,000 garden challenge have been part of community gardens and it has been outstanding to see everyone working alongside their neighbors and to hear our gardeners’ stories – especially those in the urban areas who have shown such creativity and initiative in bringing their communities together.”

Join us in recognizing the Waldo Area Business Association Officers and Board members for 2012:
• President – Steve Kyser, UMB Bank
• 1st Vice President- Peggy LaPierre, AFLAC
• 2nd Vice President- Angie Lile, Waldo Library
• Treasurer- Pat O’Boyle, MSP Consulting
• Secretary- Jerry Singer, Singer Automotive