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THE BRUSH CREEK BULLETIN Volume 5, Issue 3 March 2003   MILLER PLAZA TO INCREASE CORRIDOR HOUSING OPTIONS Sherrill Mulhern plans to rebuild and renovate apartments at 46th and Jefferson Streets into a modern, higher density development that will offer affordable rental housing for people who work on or near the Plaza. The Miller Plaza Housing project will be the redevelopment of the Colonial Court apartments built by Mulhern’s grandfather George W. Miller in 1946. Mulhern, president of George W. Miller Co., expects the two-phase project a few blocks north of Brush Creek will cost approximately $20 million. Phase 1 of Miller Plaza includes construction of 88 new apartments along Jefferson at 46th Street Picture courtesy of BNIM Architects Phase 1 will result in the replacement of 36 apartment units along Jefferson Street with 88 one and two bedroom units and structured parking for 100 spaces. Their modular design will provide renters flexibility in their use of the space. Maisonettes on the top floors of the four-story buildings will be larger, two-level townhouse apartments. “BNIM Architects is designing affordable Plaza-area apartments of quality construction that will be well-insulated and people-friendly,” said Mulhern. The units will be built with hardwood floors; lower-level units unit have patios and upper level apartments will have balconies. Phase 2 of the project involves the rehabilitation of 26 units in the six original apartment buildings along 46th Street and the construction of 28 new units in a four-story building behind the 46th Street and Jefferson Street structures. Structured parking for 52 spaces will also be built. The overall design affords considerable green space in a European, mews style. Rents will range from $950 to $1,250 a month. The George E. Miller Co. secured the redevelopment rights for the north and east portions of the block from Plaza Steppes Development last year, including existing tax benefits for the area. Anticipating approval by the city in the next few months, construction of Phase 1 is likely to begin this fall.   FOUNDATION MAKES $70 MILLION INVESTMENT IN LOCAL YOUTH Kauffman Scholars program to change lives through education and support The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is making a $70 million commitment – the foundation’s largest ever – for a new program called Kauffman Scholars, designed to transform the life prospects of urban youth. The initiative will span 19 years, serving at least 2,300 youth in Kansas City’s urban areas. The goal of the program is to enable urban students to pursue the educational opportunities that will best prepare them for a successful future. Keys to achieving that goal are to provide Kauffman Scholars participants with comprehensive mentoring and coordinated, intensive academic enrichment support beginning in middle school and continuing through the post-secondary years. Every participating scholar who completes high school will be provided a partial scholarship to support his or her post-secondary education, and assistance to access other scholarship funds. Carl Schramm (at podium, left), president and chief executive officer of the Kauffman Foundation, greets Bernard Franklin, director of the Kauffman Scholars program at the March 13 announcement of the program. Looking on are (from left): Luis Rodriguez, Kauffman Foundation Creative Services coordinator and 1994 Project Choice Graduate from Westport High School; and Julia Irene Kauffman, chairman and chief executive officer, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation and daughter of the late Ewing and Muriel Kauffman. Picture courtesy of Keith May/Kauffman Foundation Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Schramm said the initiative illustrates the foundation’s strong commitment both to Kansas City and America’s young people. “At a time when the nation is understandably preoccupied with global events and with economic turmoil, it is doubly important that we not neglect the most important long-term investment any society can and should make – an investment in our children and youth,” Schramm said. “We believe it is important to make this statement to Kansas City youth: ‘We believe in you. If you choose to work hard in your education and commit to this program, then we stand ready to be your partner in that effort.’” The Kauffman Scholars initiative developed out of the success and experience gained through Project Choice, a dropout prevention program that the foundation operated from 1988 to 2001. Project Choice was the brainchild of the foundation’s founder, Ewing Kauffman. He encouraged high school students to stay in school and graduate by offering the incentive of a scholarship for college or post-secondary education. Project Choice was effective not only in reducing the high school dropout rate and increasing the number of high school graduates, it also had a dramatic impact on post-secondary completion of students involved--31 percent of Project Choice participants earned college degrees. This completion rate is five times higher than the six percent national average of low-income students who start -- and finish -- a college degree. Another twelve percent of Project Choice graduates completed a two-year degree or technical program. The Kauffman Scholars initiative is substantially more ambitious and elaborate than Project Choice or any other mentoring or scholarship program in the country. It will help participating students fully prepare for post-secondary education during their middle and high school years. Kauffman Scholars will be provided with an array of resources, tailored to the individual needs of each student, to advance their academic achievement. Eligible students for the Kauffman Scholars program will come from the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas public school districts because these districts have the largest percentage of low-income students in the area. The application and selection process is set to begin by the end of 2003. Information about how students may apply for the program will be available later in the year, and will be distributed through schools and community-based agencies. Bernard Franklin, former chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, will direct the Kauffman Scholars program. Franklin comes to the foundation with more than two decades of experience in developing successful programs that help low-income students academically achieve. “I was part of Project Choice and I know this program worked,” Franklin said. “The new Kauffman Scholars initiative is built on 15 years of experience and rigorous evaluation.” The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City works with partners to encourage entrepreneurship across America and improve the education of children and youth. The Kauffman Foundation was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. Information about the Kauffman Foundation is available at www.emkf.org. UMKC Conservatory alumni Nathan Granner (center) is growing a national following as part of the new trio, “The American Tenors,” which made its public television debut in Kansas City on March 3. Granner, a 1996 graduate of the conservatory, lives in Kansas City and is artistic director of Musical Theater Heritage in Kansas City. The America Tenors have a recording contract with Sony Classical and will be touring all over North America this summer. As part of the trio, Granner performs with (from left): Daniel Montenegro of southern California and Mauricio O’Reilly of New York City. Photo courtesy of Ed Krieger/South Carolina ETV 2003 LINDA HALL LECTURES OFFER INSIGHTS IN THE WIND, THE STARS, OUR GENES AND MUSIC The Friends of the Linda Hall Library kicks off its 2003 lecture series on contemporary and historical topics in science, engineering, and technology this month. The Linda Hall Lectures are intended to promote the understanding of scientific concepts and research, and ultimately seek to increase the general level of scientific literacy. This year the series features four faculty members from William Jewell College, Time Magazine's "Liberal Arts College of the Year 2001-02," and two invited speakers who will talk about their areas of work. The Thursday lectures are free and begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Reading Room, Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering & Technology, 5109 Cherry Street. March 27, Dr. Patrick H. Bunton, professor and chair, Department of Physics, William Jewell College, “The Science and Sound of Music" April 24, Dr. Blane Baker, associate professor, Department of Physics, William Jewell College, “The Motion of Sky Divers, Baseballs, and Gymnasts" May 15, Bob Bergstrom, Wind Power Project manager, FPL Energy, "Wind Energy: Is It a Fad, an Eyesore, or a Solution?" September 18, Dr. Judith A. Dilts, Dr. Burnell Landers chair of Biology and professor, Department of Biology, William Jewell College, “Genes on the Move" October 16, Dr. Charles D. Geilker, professor, Department of Physics, William Jewell College, "Mayan Astronomy and Astrology: Finding the Center of the Sky" November 20, Elizabeth Anderson, science librarian, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, "Signposts on the Path to Discovery: Conducting Biomedical Research at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research"   PARTNER UPDATES Dr. Lawrence A. Dreyfus, chairman of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Biological Sciences, has been named the school’s new dean. Dreyfus, a microbiologist and UMKC professor, came to Kansas City in 1991 from the University of Texas-Galveston Medical School. He is highly regarded for his research into understanding the role played by bacterial toxins in the infectious disease process. His appointment is expected to enhance UMKC’s ability to contribute to the life sciences vision of Kansas City and Missouri. Bernie Beaudoin, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Great Plains Energy Inc., is retiring from the company this year. Great Plains is the parent company of Kansas City Power & Light Co., a member of Brush Creek Community Partners. Beaudoin has spent 23 years of his 38-year career in the energy field with KCP&L/Great Plains. He will continue to lead Great Plains until his successor is named. Sceptor Industries Inc., founded and partly owned by Midwest Research Institute, recently received the MOBIO Excellence in Life Sciences Awards for helping make Missouri a leader in life sciences research. Sceptor, which is housed on MRI’s Volker Boulevard campus, develops and commercializes state-of-the-art technologies for biological and chemical defense, including MRI’s patented SpinCon sampler for airborne pathogens. MRI is a member of Brush Creek Community Partners and Andrea Hall, its senior vice president, is a member of the BCCP Board of Directors. H&R Block Inc. has expanded its reach by 268 offices this filing season, bringing the nation's largest tax service's total to 9,265. That number makes Block the sixth most extensive retail network in the country, behind McDonalds, 7-Eleven, Subway, BP Amoco and Burger King. H&R Block, with its corporate headquarters at 4400 Main Street and its Service Center at 4400 Blue Parkway, is a member of Brush Creek Community Partners. Janice Kreamer, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, has joined the national Board of Directors of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The community foundation, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in May, is the single largest contributor to Brush Creek Community Partners’ Brush Creek Corridor Economic Development Plan. The Kansas City LISC office is a member of Brush Creek Community Partners and Jim White, its senior program director, is a member of the BCCP board. The Rev. Tim McMahon, S.J., former pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, has been appointed the next provincial of the Missouri Province. Upon his installation in August, Fr. McMahon will have responsibility for over 300 Jesuits working in St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Belize and other locations throughout the world. Fr. McMahon served the St. Francis Xavier Parish for seven years beginning in 1994, during which time he was active in Brush Creek Community Partners. He left Kansas City and participation in BCCP to become Assistant to Provincial Fr. Frank Reale in 2001. UMKC RESPONDS TO WAR IN IRAQ As the American home to a large international student population and the school or employer for several called up for active military duty, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is striving to respond comprehensively to United States’ involvement in Iraq. UMKC is providing the following resources to help the university and Kansas City community during this time: UMKC will be sponsoring a number of events and discussions led by experts during the war. A page on the UMKC website at www.umkc.edu will supply a calendar or listing ofall events on campus related to the war, including discussion forums, counseling sessions or service opportunities, demonstrations, and panel discussions or speeches. An Hour of Reflection, coordinated by College of Arts and Sciences faculty, was held at noon each weekday during the first full week of the war. Not intended to be a rally either for or against the war, the Hour of Reflection was an attempt to provide a safe space for reflection and conversation for our campus and extended campus community. Also during that week, Minority Student Affairs and the Counseling Health and Testing Center collaborated to begin sponsorship of Loved Ones at War, a support group for UMKC community members who have family or friends deployed in the military. Persons interested in becoming part of an ongoing support group but who could not attend the March 25 meeting, should provide their name, phone number or e-mail address to Tim Behrens at the Counseling Center at behrenst@umkc.edu or by calling 235-1220. The UMKC Counseling Center is prepared to meet with individual faculty, staff and students or support groups who would benefit from speaking with a counselor, as needed. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and, if needed, walk-in appointments are available. The director of the Center is Marita Barkis. Counseling services are available in room 206 of 4825 Troost Avenue. To contact the center or to schedule an appointment, call 235-1635. Student Health and Wellness Services have an office in room 115 of the same facility. For members of the Kansas City community, the staff of UMKC’s Community Counseling Center is trained to provide support services to individuals, couples and families. It is operated under the Division of Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education in the School of Education. Counseling is strictly confidential and tailored to meet the needs of each client. The center is located within the School of Education in Suite 212 at 615 E. 52nd Street. Hours of operation are 1 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Contact the center by calling (816) 235-2725, sending an e-mail message to center Director Brian D. Paul at paulb@umkc.edu, or visit the center’s web page at www.umkc.edu/ccs. The UMKC Campus Police added more officers assigned to foot and bike patrols on campus. The move was taken to provide reassurance to the campus community and greater accessibility of campus police officers.   JIM WHITE: SUPPORTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH "CAPITALISM" Jim White didn’t start out to be a capitalist. The English literature and history major from the late 1960s moved to Kansas City to start a Catholic Worker house on the west side. He started Communiversity in 1970 when the motto was “don’t trust anyone over 30.” Today White uses the language and concepts of social, economic and human capital investment in revitalizing urban core neighborhoods, and he realizes people well over 30 can still have a passion for building neighborhoods and affecting communities. He does. As Senior Program Officer of the Kansas City office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and a new Brush Creek Community Partners board member, White says he enjoys “being engaged in strategies for tangible redevelopment — something you can kick.” The desire to see and feel results seems logical for someone who has rehabbed and built homes himself and worked in jobs ranging from rare books researcher to soccer coach, janitor to teacher. His varied background focused on community development as he headed or started several nonprofit agencies including Rehabilitation Loan Corporation, the Resident Educational Advisory Board and the Westside Housing Organization. White also has written studies and presented workshops on community development, community organizing, housing and urban issues. He’s well aware of the challenges for Kansas City and the Brush Creek Corridor. “Looking at the Corridor from east to west, the biggest problem we as a community face is race relations. It will take a tremendous effort, but there is a lot of opportunity to make a difference in this issue,” he says. And he points out, it takes more than money: “Financial rehabilitation won’t do it.” White works in community organizing with community development corporations near the Corridor to promote democratic opportunities, build up neighborhood leadership and associations, and create ways to address issues and problems. While these efforts may not seem tangible, the idea is to bring stakeholders — residents and institutions, black and white — to the same table to devise strategies together. “Then from a strategic standpoint, we move nodes of reinvestment deeper into the neighborhoods to build from the strengths along Brush Creek to the weaker areas.” White says he may have mellowed some from his younger days and early work of finding common values and vision to lead community development. But it may just be that the language has changed as he’s still helping develop social, economic and human investment capital.