A FAMILY REUNITED It was an extreme honor recently to help a Kansas City teenager reunite with his grandparents. The young man is currently in the care of Hospice. His family feared they would not be able to get visas for his grandparents to travel from Haiti to the United States, in time to see the young man. My office learned about this situation several months ago, when a local television station broadcast the family's story. They had been struggling through paperwork, attorney fees, and frustrations. I am so pleased that my office was able to get involved and assist with the visa process. They are now together, celebrating family.
If you are having an issue with a federal agency, my staff and I are here to help. We can assist with an immigration visa, or a visitor visa for your family. We can also help senior citizens get Social Security benefits, as well as disability, survivor and SSI benefits. If you are a veteran having trouble with your benefits, we can help you with information on eligibility requirements, health care availability at VA hospitals and both retirement and survivor benefits.
You can call my office at (816) 842-4545. Please also visit my website for more information on services and to view the entire story about this brave, local teenager: /
EXPERTS GATHER IN INDEPENDENCE 
| Congressman Cleaver at the Independence Chamber first annual Regional Experts in Area Leadership Luncheon |
It was a pleasure to be involved with a talented group of area leaders recently to talk about working together to better the community and entire region. As you know, civility is something I believe is critically important for elected officials. It is through civility and cooperation that we are able to do our best work for those we have been trusted to serve. At the Independence Chamber's first annual Regional Experts in Area Leadership luncheon, we discussed a number of issues including transit, trails and economic development. I was honored to be joined by Mayors from Kansas City, Independence, Blue Springs, Raytown, Lee's Summit, and Grandview, as well as the Jackson County Executive. This group understands the importance and power of discussion, listening and getting things done.
GREEN IMPACT ZONE UPDATE
Major improvements continue each week in Kansas City's Green Impact Zone – 150-square blocks in the heart of the city -- undergoing job creation, economic improvements and massive advancements in energy efficiency.
Next Saturday at 10:00 AM – we will hold the official groundbreaking for the repurposing of Bancroft School at 4300 Tracy in Kansas City. This is an event open to the public and a celebration of improvements in one of Kansas City's treasured neighborhoods. The Green Impact Zone staff is finishing the Essential Employability Skills training classes. Those graduating will have the training necessary to enter the workforce. The purchase of Graceland school by the Upper Room organization has been approved. The building will be turned into a community center for the neighborhoods of Townfork Creek, Blue Hills, and the surrounding communities.Also in the Townfork Creek neighborhood, volunteers and Green Impact Zone staff went door to door to let residents know about the Jackson County Prosecutor's new community prosecution initiative.The Ivanhoe neighborhood staff is hosting a financial planning event on Saturday, October 27th. Brush Creek Community Partners is organizing WaterFire, an event to be held on Saturday, October 27th along Brush Creek.
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT?
The start of Fall brings a new school year and changing leaves. This is a busy time for many, so I want to remind you of the start of Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, which began October 15, and ends December 7.
The Open Enrollment Period offers Medicare recipients the opportunity to review and change their health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. Coverage and prices vary from state to state, so take the time to read up on all the different options available to you. If you are satisfied with the coverage you have, you don't need to do anything at all. If you are a caregiver, sit down with your older parents or family members and help them sort through the different plans available, and help them choose the best option for their health needs and their finances.
Plans change from year to year, so it's important to take a close look at what your current plan covers, how much it costs, and how it fares with the other plan options available to you. You should look closely at the cost, coverage, convenience, and quality rating of the plan options.
You may enroll in 2013 plans only from October 15 to December 7. Click here to see all the health care plans available. Remember, this is the only time you can change your plan, so take this opportunity to find something that works for you or your older family member.
AVOIDING THE FLU THIS WINTER SEASON
We are all aware of how serious the flu can be. And certainly some people are at greater risk than others, including older people, young children, women who are pregnant and people with certain preexisting conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. And the complications from the flu can be quite severe. The CDC says the best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine. For more information: /
KEEPING KIDS SAFE ON HALLOWEEN
With Halloween just around the corner, it's a good time for all of us to review safety tips for and with our kids. Please see the following tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
| Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible. | 
| Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult. | 
| Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. | 
| Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat. | | | 
| Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house. |
| Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation. | 
| Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible. |
| Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses. | 
| Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe. | 
| Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls. |
| Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers. |
| Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers. | 
| Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes. | | | Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests? Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity. Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls. Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended. Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.
Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone! |
Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
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