Wednesday, February 28

Truman and the Pendergast political machine
Stop by the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library on Wednesday, February 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about Harry Truman’s connection to the Pendergast political machine. Truman was troubled by the graft and corruption, to be sure, but also acknowledged, “I am obligated to the Big Boss. … He in times past owned a bawdy house, a saloon and gambling establishment, but he’s all man. I wonder who’s worth more in the sight of the Lord?”
Historian Jon Taylor of the University of Central Missouri examines the most consequential political marriage in our city’s and state’s history, drawing from an article he has written for the Library’s new historical website The Pendergast Years (pendergastkc.org). The site spotlights the era of the 1920s and ’30s that saw KC both flourish and struggle with the complications of bossism.

Substance abuse recovery
A substance abuse recovery meeting will take place at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at New Beginning Apostolic Church. Contact Frederick Wilson (816-786-1981) for more information.

Thursday, March 1

Mattie Rhodes Center health clinic
The Northeast location of the Mattie Rhodes Center (148 N. Topping) opens its evening health clinic, named La Clinica, every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. No appointments needed, but care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Friday, March 2

Chair Fitness
The North-East Public Library Branch (6000 Wilson Rd.) will host a chair fitness class on Friday, March 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. No matter what your limitations, you can still reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits of exercise. This class is designed to offer a total body workout. Cardio, strength and flexibility exercises are all performed from a seated position.

Saturday, March 3

Northeast community meeting on violent crime
Northeast residents are invited to gather at the Milestone Youth Center (3417 E. 12 St.) on Saturday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a community meeting with KCPD personnel. Representatives from the Kansas City No Violence Alliance (KC NoVA) will provide the community with an update on efforts to reduce crime in the neighborhood. On March 10, community volunteers will be meeting at 10 a.m. at Northeast Middle School (4904 Independence Ave.) to canvass targeted areas that have experienced violent crime in the recent past. Volunteers are welcome attend, and organizers are actively seeking help from bilingual or multilingual volunteers. For more information, attend that March 3 community meeting or reach out to your neighborhood association president.

Sunday, March 4

Northeast Library Book Club
The Northeast Branch of the Kansas City Public Library will host its monthly book club on Sunday, March 4, from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Come to the North East Book Group each month to share your passion for books and join in on riveting book discussions.

Monday, March 5

Citizenship Interview Practice
Do you or someone you know need help with a naturalization interview? Head out to the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library on Monday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for free assistance. Drop-ins welcome, no appointment necessary. Volunteers now available to help you practice: speaking English (eligibility interview based on N-400 form), reading English (correctly read one out of three Naturalization Test sentences), writing English (correctly write one out of three Naturalization Test sentences), answering civics questions (correctly answer six out of ten randomly chosen USCIS questions), and much more.

Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Meeting
The next meeting of the Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association will be on Monday, March 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Museum (3218 Gladstone).

Tuesday, March 6

KCPS Community Conversation
Inclement weather forced Dr. Bedell to reschedule last week’s community conversation at The North-East Public Library Branch (6000 Wilson Rd.) The Community Conversations are an opportunity for Dr. Bedell to talk about how KCPS is responding to public input gathered during his 2016-2017 Listen & Learn tour, share information about the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and have a discussion about how students, parents and neighbors can contribute towards the school system’s long-term success. This particular event is aimed at families and other community members who live in the East Zone of KCPS, but is open to all members of the public. There will be Spanish-language translators available, and light refreshments and childcare will be provided free of charge.

Graphic Novel Book Club
Head out to the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library for story time on Tuesday, March 6, from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Join the library each Tuesday on the Children’s floor for stories, crafts and a lot of imagination. Graphic novel fans (ages 7-15) enjoy meeting up with each other to talk about books, as well as to get first hand illustrative instruction on how to create, design and illustrate your own comics. Parking is free.

Free Tax Prep at Central Library
Come out to the Northeast Branch of the Kansas City Public Library on Tuesday, February 27, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for help with tax preparation. Representatives from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be on hand to assist with your federal and state (MO and KS) income tax returns. This service is for walk-ins only, and is available to individuals making $60,000 per year or less. Please bring the following items:
-Proof of identification (photo ID)
-Social Security cards or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents (Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN)
-Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
-Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc)
-Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
-All 1095 Forms, Health Insurance Statements Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
-A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
-Direct deposit and/or banking information
-Proof of daycare expenses with provider name, address and ID number
-Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Upcoming

Share your thoughts on the KCMO fiscal year budget
Kansas City residents are encouraged to attend KCMO budget input sessions throughout the city over the next several weeks. The next, closest session for Historic Northeast residents will be held on Thursday, March 8th, from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the KCPD Community Room (1111 Locust). Additionally, citizens can express their thoughts through an “online town hall” forum at KCMomentum.com. This option is available 24/7, and feedback left in this format will be shared with the City Council.

Semi-Annual Neighborhood Cleanup
On Saturday, April 28, the neighborhood will be hosting the semi-annual neighborhood cleanup at Budd Park and Concourse Park from 8:00 am to noon. Garbage, bulky items, and leaves and brush can be dropped off at either location. Additionally, Concourse Park will collect tires. Mark your calendars now, and if you can volunteer to pick up trash, or if you can simply make a note of where large piles of trash have been accumulating in alleys and empty lots, contact your neighborhood association to let them know!