COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER FOR KIDS | | | | | | | Congressman Cleaver hugs a constituent as they celebrate opening |
It was a truly special day in Kansas City as we celebrated the opening of the Jim Nutter All Kids Can Playground. This playground is designed in a way that will allow all children, physically challenged as well as able-bodied, to play. Something, I believe, all children should do as much as possible.
| | | | | | | Congressman Cleaver speaks to large crowd at playground dedication |
This would not have been possible without the tireless work of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council and so many others who believe in this cause – and worked to make it happen.
| Area residents and others prepare to let the kids start exploring the parkl |
CVS/Caremark partnered with Boundless Playgrounds to add the special playground equipment to the Jim Nutter Park. The Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council was awarded a $75,000 grant from CVS - the biggest they have ever given.
| Congressman Cleaver asks a youngster to help cut the ribbon |
It was wonderful to see so many public and private businesses and organizations working together. Together – they have made this park one of the jewels of our community.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. We discussed many issues, from job creation and manufacturing strategy, to the federal budget, the need for a transportation bill, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and the defense bill that was coming to the floor for a vote that day. While there were many, many problems with the defense authorization bill, one portion was particularly problematic. It contained a section that would endanger worker health and safety enforcement at Department of Energy weapons complex sites, directly affecting folks at the Honeywell plant. There was an amendment to correct that small portion of this misguided measure, but it was not ruled in order. Because it was not ruled in order, it did not make it to the floor for a vote. As you know, I have been following this issue closely and will continue to work to protect NNSA workers and their safety.
MOBILE OFFICE VISIT As you know, I am a big believer that government should serve the people. That is the primary goal of my Mobile Office. It is a cost-effective way to make sure all constituents of the Fifth District have access to the federal government services they need. Please see information below about a Mobile Office stop this week. If you would like to visit with a caseworker or have any questions -- please stop by. Mobile Office Hours | Start: | May 23, 2012 1:00 pm | End: | May 23, 2012 3:00 pm | Location: | 9253 Blue Ridge Blvd
Kansas City, Missouri 64138
MAP IT! |
This coming Wednesday, my staff will be available to assist you with casework at the Mid-Continent Public Library, Blue Ridge Branch, 9253 Blue Ridge Boulevard, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Mobile Office will bring the office and all its capabilities to you, in your neighborhood.
How can we help?
Social Security and Medicare: We can help senior citizens with the process of obtaining Social Security benefits, as well as disability, survivor and SSI benefits. Additionally, my office can provide information on Medicare eligibility and assist with reimbursement difficulties.
Citizenship and Immigration: We can assist you in the application process for United States citizenship. Additionally, my office can give information on immigrant visas, as well as visitor visas for friends and family who might want to visit.
Veterans Services: If you are a veteran experiencing difficulty with your benefits, we can help you with information on eligibility requirements, heath care availability at VA hospitals and both retirement and survivor benefits.
Service Academy Nominations: Each year, I accept applications from high school seniors for nominations to America's service academies: Army, Navy, Airforce, and Merchant Marine, as well as information on applying to the Coast Guard Academy. In the competitive selection process, applications are reviewed and interviews are conducted to determine the qualified recipients. You should contact my office in March of your junior year to begin the application process, but if you have general questions about the process, we can address them at any time.
Please know that my Independence and Kansas City offices are open during regular business hours, and you can give us a call at any time.
MINDDRIVE HEADS TO DC Congratulations to MINDDRIVE and all of their hard work. Two MINDDRIVE students, Cheyenne Albright and Elias Williams, recently spoke in DC about the organization's display. It was "Project Lola", the Indy electric car, which was shown on the Mall for the Earth Day celebration. The students talked with many who are interested in the environment and the things the organization is doing to educate themselves and others.
JAZZ, A MINIVAN AND JUST A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME Our very own American Jazz Museum is a finalist in the 100 Cars for Good Competition to win a minivan.
This Monday, May 21st from 9:00 AM-10:59 PM the Museum will face off against 4 other organizations. The one with the most votes wins the minivan.
If you'd like to help you can go to www.100carsforgood.com for more information.
CIVILITY CORNER Uncle G.B. traveled all over Waxahachie on a bicycle. He was my favorite uncle, at that time. He had the reputation in town for being a "bad" man. At the time, that meant that he was a man ready to fight quickly and who was fully capable and willing to hurt anyone who angered him.
One late afternoon, during the heat of summer, I was sitting on the front porch swing at Grandma Annie Mae's House. Life didn't get much better than spending time at my grandma's house. Well, things did get better. I looked up and saw my Uncle G.B. walking into the yard. I was immediately in heaven. He sat down beside me on the swing and opened his quart bottle of Jax beer. After a few gulps he placed the bottle to my lips and said, "It's good, drink a little." It was quite nasty, as I remember. But then something happened. My grandma walked up just in time to see me swallow. She turned blood red and, get ready for this: My grandma hit one of the baddest men in town, her brother, my Uncle G.B. "What will happen?" I thought.
Uncle G.B. simply said, "Okay Annie Mae, he didn't drink enough to hurt him." That was it. "He just got beat up by a girl," I said to myself. Once my uncle sat down on the porch and Grandma Annie Mae went back into the house, he finished off his beer and shouted, "Annie Mae, I'm going to take Bubba (yes, that was my family nickname) for a ride." One block or so from the house, Uncle G.B. stopped and said, "Bubba, its time you learned to ride." My, my my, was life good! After initial instructions, I straddled the bicycle and started on what I thought would be a long first solo ride. Instead, I couldn't make it go. With the sound of impatience in his voice, Uncle G.B. said, "You'll never move forward if you stop peddling." I remember those words only because I used them to learn to ride.
Actually, I recently thought about my uncle's words at my monthly Coffee with the Congressman event when I was asked if Congress was getting things done. "No," I said, "not much." We stop peddling too often. Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader, once echoed my uncle G.B. when he reportedly wrote the following in his family bible, "If I cease to become better I shall cease to be any good." Likewise, unless we are working better with the other side, unless we keep peddling to be civil, we cease to move the country forward.
Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
| |
|