This month, the Southtown Beautification Committee selected The Shops on Blue Parkway as the Sparkle recipient. The Shops on Blue Parkway, built by Swope Community Builders, opened in November 2005. They offer first-rate services and high-quality products. With more than 150,000 square feet of retail space, the tenants include Blue Parkway SunFresh, Footlocker, Subway, Family Dollar, H&R Block, and others.

More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas and are away from their families. Cell Phones for Soldiers and Muehlebach Funeral Home are calling on all Americans
to support these brave men and women by donating your unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to collect over 50,000 cell phones this year to help keep
troops connected with their families.

"Amore! Celebrate Love and Life," a benefit for "Cycling for Change - reducing poverty one mile at a time," sponsored by Catholic Charities and hosted by Father Matt Ruhl and Dr. Deborah Hellinger. The event is a fresh pasta dinner from Cervasi and live music from Rudy Amato on Saturday, Feb. 20, 6:30-9pm at Portfolio Kitchen and Home, 8027 State Line Rd. A $50/person donation is requested at the door. Please RSVP at specialevents@portfolio-home.com or for information, call 816-363-5300.

Botwin Family Partners, LP and Lon Lane's Inspired Occasions (previously The Catering Company) were included in the 2010 honorees for the 25 under 25 Small Business Award. They will be recognized at the Feb. 27 event at the Downtown Marriott. To learn more, visit www.ithinkbigger.com.

Ruth Austin, long time volunteer in the 49/63 neighborhood and past Combat Coordinator in 49/63 received a Certificate of Appreciation in January from the Kansas City Police Department Commissioners for her volunteer time at Metro Patrol Division for more than 20 years!

Monthly Luncheon- Wednesday, February 17th, 11:45 a.m.
Broadway United Methodist Church, 406 W 74th St
Speaker: Jana Belzer, WomenHeart - Raising Awareness of Heart Disease in Women"
Caterer: Price Chopper
Cost: $10
RSVP's by Tuesday, February 16th to anita at 816-523-5553 or anita@southtown

Our community is filled with many little-known facts, some current and some historical. If you have an interesting little-known-fact that you want to share, submit it to staff@southtown.org or call 816-523-5553.

Did you know....that Alphapointe creates jobs and training opportunities for the blind and visually impaired? By purchasing products online from Alphapointe, you are assisting Americans with disabilities to lead more productive, independent lives.