SUMMER 2019 - Kansas City
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Senior Peers Actively Renewing Knowledge
Where learning lasts a lifetime…
SUMMER 2019
Schedule of Courses and Activities
Classes Begin Monday, June 3
Phone: 816-235-2870
E-mail: uprightj@umkc.edu
Visit our website: spark.umkc.edu or
Web search: UMKC SPARK
SPARK is an affiliate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City
SPARK OVERVIEW
SPARK stands for Senior Peers Actively Renewing Knowledge. We are a
lifelong learning organization for active retirees. SPARK has been offering
classes and other activities in the Kansas City area since 1993. We are a
non-profit organization with over 200 members and an affiliate of the
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Our Mission
SPARK’s mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities, through
intellectually stimulating, cultural and social experiences which enhance
the quality of life for SPARK members.
Who Are We?
We are “Happy Wonderers” – interesting, curious, educated persons with
a passion for continued learning, meeting new people, sharing time and
experiences and pursuing an active, stimulating life. SPARK is a
volunteer organization that relies on the participation of members to
promote and achieve its mission.
Classes are held four quarters a year, two to three hours a week for two
to six weeks. There are no tests or exams. SPARK also offers several
social activities throughout the year.
Membership dues are $40.00. Annual membership renewal is in January.
Members joining after May 1 during any year will pay $20.00 and will pay
full membership the following January.
Membership is REQUIRED to enroll in our classes and activities.
All classes are held at the SPARK Office unless otherwise noted.
The Membership Committee invites you
to join us the second week of classes
for “Coffee and Conversation.”
Plan to come to the class you are enrolled in about 30 minutes
early that day to socialize, visit with the instructor
and welcome our new members.
2
TABLE of CONTENTS
~~ CLASSES ~~
Mondays, June 3 thru June 24
Writing the Stories of Your Life ........................................................... 4
The Founding of New England and the
Antinomian Controversy, 1620 – 1642 ............................................ 5
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival ............................................. 5
Tuesdays, June 4 thru June 25
Kansas City Gems............................................................................... 6-7
Western Civilization: Post-Colonial Africa – Zimbabwe ........................ 8
Wednesdays, June 5 thru June 26
Western Civilization: Post-Colonial Africa – Zimbabwe ........................ 8
The Big Picture: Contemporary Non-Fiction Articles............................. 9
Thursdays, June 6 thru June 27
A Peak at Criminal Justice Practices and Processes........................... 10
Nelson-Atkins Museum Art Tours......................................................... 11
~~ SPECIAL TOUR ~~
Friday, June 7
The Magic of Hallmark ......................................................................... 13
~~ CLUBS and GROUPS ~~
“Let’s Eat Out” Group (meets Fridays) ................................................. 14
Margaret Sturges’ Book Club (meets 3rd Monday) .............................. 14
Thursday Book Club (meets 4th Thursday) ......................................... 14
~~ MISC. INFORMATION ~~
People of SPARK ................................................................................. 12
Donations and Scholarships................................................................. 15
Membership and Class Registration .................................................... 16
Parking and Parking Tags .................................................................... 17
Officers, Board of Directors & Committees ......................................... 18
How to Contact Us ............................................................................... 19
Calendar of Classes and Events .......................................................... 19
3
MEMOIR WRITING
Writing the Stories of Your Life —
Capturing Meaningful Memories and Moments
June 3 – 24 (4 weeks)
Mondays, 10:00 – Noon
When you write the pages of your life – the stories expressing your
experiences – you see more clearly the unique tapestry that is you.
This workshop is for you if:
• you’ve thought about writing your own life story but don’t know where
or how to begin;
• you’d like to write your own life story but don’t think you have the
time, writing skills or a life of interest;
• you’ve never thought about writing your own life story and want to
know why you must.
Your life stories are waiting to be written and the time to begin is now.
Come learn why it’s important and how you can do it in a process that is
fun and easy.
You will have the opportunity to share ideas and give and receive
support.
Let’s get started.
Note: Shirley’s approach is not about a chronological accounting of your
life. Instead, the intent is to “capture snapshots” in a writing project she
describes as a “crazy quilt.”
Class Fee: $30
Instructor: Shirley Marshall, Ph.D. has a varied background ranging
from military service (Army Captain) to energy healing (Practitioner of
Vibrational Therapy). She has advanced degrees in adult education,
counseling, and human development. Her doctorate was earned from
the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University.
Professionally, Shirley has held positions in human services, career
guidance, and college teaching. Her special interests are in the fields of
Life Span Development, Thanatology, and Wholistic Health. Shirley has
a special affinity for spirituality and metaphysics, and her passions
include traveling, stone painting, and writing. Her essay “Living in the
Love Vibration” is published in the book Sacred Secrets.
4
THE FOUNDING of NEW ENGLAND
The Founding of New England and
The Antinomian Controversy, 1620 – 1642
June 3 – 24 (4 weeks)
Mondays, 1:30 – 3:30
Although it is true that the English immigrants who settled the New England
area were primarily fleeing religious persecution in the Old World, their arrival
in the New World did not end religious controversy. This course will focus on
the basic religious differences between the Pilgrims, the Puritans, and the
Church of England – with a particular emphasis on the Antinomian
Controversy in Massachusetts Bay – and the banishment of Roger Williams
and Anne Hutchinson and the consequences of those decisions.
In addition, we will cover the founding of New England at Plymouth, Salem,
Massachusetts Bay, and Rhode Island. These events predate the American
Revolution by a century and a half and yet the issues the immigrants
struggled with, such as free speech, free assembly, and religious freedom,
were much the same. Discussion topics will include the Mayflower Compact,
the first thanksgiving, the Winthrop Fleet of 1630 and the beginning of the
Great Migration, and the settlers' relationship with the local Algonquian-
speaking native tribes.
Class Fee: $30
Instructor: Robert Gangwere is a native of Kansas City. He earned BA and
MA degrees in American history from the University of Missouri-Columbia,
and his law degree from UMKC. He served 32 years with the U.S. Small
Business Administration, and during his Federal career he taught ethics,
criminal conflict of interest, the Hatch Act, and personnel law. Robert has
also served as the President of the Citizens Association of Kansas City, as a
member of Kansas City's Tax Increment Financing and Historical
Preservation commissions, and he co-authored Kansas City: A Place in Time
(2nd edition).
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
Shakespeare In Love!
June 11 – July 7, 2019 ❖ FREE ❖ Live Outdoor Theatre
Southmoreland Park
Tuesday – Sunday 8:00 pm ❖ No show July 4 ❖ Show Monday, July 1
5
KANSAS CITY GEMS
Kansas City Gems
June 4 – 25 (4 weeks)
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:30
Different Topics — Different Presenters — Each Week
Members may enroll in all four classes for $15 or “drop-in” for $5.00
each. Non-Members: first visit free.
Please pre-register for all Gem classes you plan to attend. We need
to determine the possible attendance.
Week 1: 6/4
Histories, Mysteries and Curiosities
Presenter: Sam Gill
An historical storyteller rather than a lecturer, Sam Gill helps us see
history through the eyes of the people who were making it. In this
presentation we will take a close look at three seemingly baffling puzzles
of modern times – UFO's, Loch Ness and Big Foot.
Instructor Sam Gill taught a logic course for 15 years at Johnson County
Community College and classes at Metropolitan Community College. In
retirement, he has presented a variety of subjects on radio and television
as well as to groups like The Civil War Round Table, Rotary Club and
John Knox Village. His articles have appeared in several publications
including The Humanist and The Skeptical Enquirer.
Week 2: 6/11
Orphan Trains 1854 – 1929
Presenter: Susan Pride
The Orphan Train Movement was a supervised welfare program that
transported abandoned, abused or homeless orphans from crowded
Eastern cities of the United States to foster homes located largely in rural
areas of the Midwest. About 200,000 children were transported to their
new homes on trains that were labeled "orphan trains" or “baby trains."
This relocation of children ended in the 1920s with the beginning of
organized foster care in America.
Susan Pride is a retired educator and a resident of Richmond, Missouri.
She became interested in this subject after visiting the National Orphan
Train Museum and Research Center in Concordia, Kansas. Located in a
converted train depot, it is dedicated to the preservation of the stories
and artifacts of those who were part of the Orphan Train Movement.
6
KANSAS CITY GEMS
Week 3: 6/18
Veterans Community Project KC – Tiny Houses for Vets
Presenter: Vet Volunteer
One homeless Vet is one too many. The Veterans Community Project
(VCP) is on a mission to eliminate Veteran homelessness by providing
transitional housing and enabling access to exceptional 360-degree
service solutions. Starting in the Greater-Kansas City area, VCP aspires
to use Kansas City as the blueprint for achieving similar successes in
cities across the United States. VCP has a long-term goal of eliminating
Veteran homelessness nationwide.
VCP is a 501(c)(3) Missouri nonprofit corporation founded by Kansas
City Veterans who were frustrated by rampant homelessness throughout
the Veteran community.
Housing with dignity is their goal. Check out
the website at:
www.veteranscommunityproject.org.
We are Veterans serving Veterans.
Week 4: 6/25
Sierra Club: Saving America for Our Future
Presenter: Kevin Grooms
The Sierra Club's stated mission is "To explore,
enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth;
to practice and promote the responsible use of
the earth's ecosystems and resources; to
educate and enlist humanity to protect and
restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all
lawful means to carry out these objectives." Our beautiful country is
changing. We all have the power to save our natural landscape in both
Missouri and Kansas.
Kevin Grooms has a love and curiosity for culture and the natural world
that started in parks and at the family farm. An Eagle Scout and
graduate of St. Pius X High School, he studied English, theater and
journalism in college. Kevin is a leader for Sierra Club, serving on the
executive committee of the Missouri Chapter.
7
WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Western Civilization: Post-Colonial Africa – Zimbabwe
June 4 – 25 (4 weeks)
Tuesdays, 10:00 – Noon
This same class will be presented
June 5 – 26 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays, 10:00 – Noon
The British South Africa Company of Cecil Rhodes first occupied present-
day Zimbabwe in the 1890s. In 1923 it became the British self-governing
colony of Southern Rhodesia. Full independence was granted to the
white minority government of Ian Smith in 1965 as the nation of Rhodesia.
The minority government faced international pressure and civil war for the
next 15 years until the black nationalist guerrilla, Robert Mugabe,
assumed power in 1980. To establish a black identity, the nation
changed its name to Zimbabwe. After 37 years of brutal dictatorship, a
military coup removed Mugabe in 2017, leaving the country in economic
chaos. This semester we’ll examine the colonial and post-colonial events
that have shaped Zimbabwe. If time allows, we’ll also investigate present-
day hot-spots on the continent of Africa.
Class Fee: $30
Instructor: Carol McCavitt has been teaching for SPARK since 2009.
Before moving to Kansas City, Carol was a high school teacher on Long
Island, where she taught Advanced Placement European History for 20
years. Educated as an undergraduate at SUNY at Stony Brook, Carol
completed her Master’s Degree at Queens College in NYC and did her
doctoral work at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
Pre-Registration for this Class is Required and
limited to 40 in each class.
To ensure your place in the class, please register EARLY.
Because this class is very popular, you must pre-register. We need an
accurate enrollment count before classes begin. NO registrations will be
accepted on the first day of class.
The comfort and safety of our members is paramount and therefore we want to
avoid an over-crowded classroom. You need to register for either Tuesday or
Wednesday. If on occasion you need to attend the alternate day, that is
permissible but hopefully the exception.
If you wait until the class registration deadline,
this class may be FULL.
8
THE BIG PICTURE
The Big Picture: Contemporary Non-Fiction Articles
June 5 – June 26 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30
In spite of the sound bite and Twitter message, the long-form non-fiction
article is thriving in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s, The New
York Review of Books, American Prospect, and other print and online
formats. For each session, two timely articles are selected for the class
to read in advance, and lively discussions are then led by volunteer class
members.
This class is for SPARK members who would like to hear from other
members, ask questions about a variety of topics, share personal
experiences and respectfully consider different points of view.
Since the class is dependent on discussions led by those who enroll, the
first session will include a discussion of a preassigned article and pointers
for volunteers who will lead the discussions of articles chosen for the next
three weeks. Copies of selected articles (all available on the internet) will
be at the SPARK office before and during the class sessions.
Class Fee: $30
Class Coordinator: Judy Kirk has a Master’s Degree in literature and
creative writing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has
worked as an instructor of composition, literature and creative writing at
Johnson County Community College. She has taught classes in short
fiction at SPARK. Her poems have been published in the academic
publications of UMKC and Johnson County Community College.
Bring a Friend
For regular classes including Gems, you may invite a friend ONE
time for free.
For special tours, you may invite a friend at the regular tour fee.
Please email or call SPARK to check availability for a class or tour
so we know to expect your guest.
If there is a limit on class or tour size, current members will receive
priority and guests may not be able to visit.
9
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
A Peak at Criminal Justice Practices and Processes
June 6 – June 27 (4 weeks)
Thursdays, 10:00 – Noon
Laws are an important element in our communities, country and society.
They create a “social contract” with those around us in order to maintain
a safe environment and assurances that we are dealing fairly with one
another. Although most members of society will abide by these laws and
rules, we are not the ones responsible for their enforcement. Whether
we choose to break or follow the law is up to each person and
enforcement falls into the hands of the criminal justice system.
In this class we will explore the fundamentals of criminal justice,
foundations of law and crime, theories of crime and measuring
victimization, and ethical essentials (doing right when no one is
watching). We will spend time looking at my experiences with the justice
system (with the police, courts, and institutional and community
correction systems) and briefly look at the juvenile justice system and the
crime policy and prevention agenda on terrorism, gun control, and
marijuana. I will provide an In a Nutshell summary sheet for each topic.
Because I believe we learn by doing, we will have activities and
discussions together.
Class Fee: $30
Instructor: Dr. Carol P. Getty, Ph.D.
Dr. Carol Getty worked in and with the criminal justice system for over 40
years. She served four years as a member of the Arizona Board of
Pardons and Parole, 12 years as a commissioner and chair, and 6
months on the United States Parole Commission (Presidents Reagan
and George HW Bush appointments), and then taught criminal justice for
14 years at Park University, retiring as an emerita professor. She holds a
BA from Wellesley College, an MS from Arizona State University in
criminal justice, and a PhD from University of Missouri-Kansas City in
public administration/political science. She is the author of Peace in
Justice, Reflections from a Career in the Criminal Justice System.
Need a ride from the front door to the elevator?
SPARK now has a wheelchair available to eliminate the long walk to
the elevator. Call the SPARK office at 816-235-2870 to make
arrangements for someone to meet you at the front door and return
you there after class.
10ART TOURS
Nelson-Atkins Museum Art Tours
June 6 – June 27 (4 weeks)
Thursdays, 11:15 – 12:30
Week 1: 6/6 30 Americans
The artists in 30 Americans are significant contributors to the
complex dialogues surrounding race, history, identity and beauty that
have shaped contemporary American Art for the past four decades.
Week 2: 6/13 Different Strokes for Different Folks
Discuss works by the French Impressionists and the
revolution they ushered in.
Week 3: 6/20 Under the Big Top
This exhibit reveals the anatomy of the circus. It
showcases the behind-the-scenes of the intimate daily
lives of performers outside the ring and the impact of
grueling schedules integral to the success of the greatest
show on earth.
Week 4: 6/27 Faces from China’s Past
Chinese figure painting along with European prints offer insight into
the commonalities and differences of distinct cultures.
Class Fee: $30
Class Facilitator: Jane Harrell, 816-523-2620
Class Location: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Lunch after the tour in the Rozzelle Court (Optional)
Parking at the Nelson-Atkins museum is $10.00, but free to members of
the Museum. There is free parking in a small lot on the corner of 45th &
Rockhill Road. The lot is entered from 45th Street. Enter the Museum
through the glass doors on the north side of the Bloch Building.
11PEOPLE of SPARK 12
SPECIAL TOUR
The Magic of Hallmark Tour
Friday, June 7
12:30 – 1:30
It’s now more than 100 years since a Nebraska teenager tucked two
shoeboxes under his arms and set out for Kansas City. He started what
is now an iconic, billion-dollar company with one of the world’s most
creative communities. On this tour we will be able to see the history,
memorabilia and talent that make the magic that is Hallmark. We will
be able to view unique art created just for Hallmark by well-known
artists like Norman Rockwell, Saul Steinberg, Grandma Moses and Sir
Winston Churchill. For a very personal experience, we will meet a
specific artist who will talk with us about her creative process. A
Hallmark Ambassador will be our escort for this eye-popping,
kaleidoscopic journey through the halls of this Kansas City landmark.
Date: June 7, 12:30 – 1:30
Place: Hallmark Visitors Center
2501 McGee, KCMO
Tour Cost: $10.00
Tour Size: 15
Parking: The closest parking garage is on the East Side of
Grand. After parking, enter where it says “Crown Center Shops” and
take the elevator to the third floor. Turn left out of the elevator and
follow the signs. Bring your parking ticket to the Hallmark Visitors
Center for a 3-hour validation for free parking. Individuals with
disabilities may park on the south side of 25th street in the designated
Hallmark Visitors Center/Kaleidoscope parking spots. You must come
in the Visitors Center to get a parking permit to display on your dash.
13CLUBS and GROUPS
“LET’S EAT OUT”
This lively group meets for lunch at a different restaurant every Friday.
Those attending select various restaurants to try.
Whether you are new to SPARK or a longtime member, this is a fun way
to meet others and try out new and interesting restaurants.
You need to be a SPARK member to attend “Let’s Eat Out” regularly.
However, you are welcome to invite a non-member to
join us for a visit.
Join us Friday, June 7 at 11:30 at the Grand Street Café on the
Plaza. Watch your email for the list of restaurants we will be visiting
throughout the year.
Our facilitator is Lynn Lieberman 816-223-1658 or
lynnleee2001@yahoo.com
Please contact her to make a reservation by each Wednesday.
MARGARET STURGES’ BOOK CLUB
The Margaret Sturges’ Book Club meets on the third Monday of each
month at 1:00 at Grand Street Café on the Plaza.
Our facilitator is Nancy Jonas Wilson,
913-782-1980, or njonaswilson@att.net
6/17 Last Night at the Blue Angel Rebecca Rotert
7/15 Paris in the Present Tense Mark Helprin
8/19 2020 Book Selection
THURSDAY BOOK CLUB
This group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 12 noon at
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut, Kansas City, MO.
Our facilitator is Sue Habiger,
816-942-3431, or shabiger22@gmail.com
6/27 Call of the Wild Jack London
7/25 To be announced
8/22 To be announced
14DONATIONS and SCHOLARSHIPS
There are several ways to
give to SPARK
Donations to SPARK contribute to the purchase of audio-visual and
classroom equipment, and cover other expenses associated with
maintaining and improving delivery of SPARK programs.
Gifts to the Frances McLaren Scholarship Fund are used to
subsidize class fees for those who would like to participate but
need monetary help.
Gifts to the Instructor Recognition Fund allow us to present a gift
bag to each instructor at the end of a class session.
Memorial Donations in memory of someone, or Honor
Donations to celebrate a special person.
In-Kind Contribution (non-cash donations such as gift cards for
instructors, equipment, supplies, etc.).
Many thanks to those who have contributed to these funds during this
past year! Your continued support is very much appreciated.
FRANCES McLAREN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
SPARK has assistance available to SPARK members needing some
extra help with class fees. The Frances McLaren Scholarship Fund
was established in memory of Frances by her family and through
donations to the fund. If you would like more information or to request
assistance, please contact:
Jan Parks at parksj3271@gmail.com or 816-523-1723
All requests are confidential.
15SPARK CLASS REGISTRATION
MEMBERSHIP and CLASS FEES
Annual Membership ............................. $40 (new or renew in January)
$20 (after May 1)
(4-6 weeks) .... $30
Humanities Classes (3 weeks) .... $25
(2 weeks) .... $20
Tours ............................................$10 – $20
Parking Tag ............................................. $3 (per tag / per day)
Please make your check payable to SPARK
You must be a member to enroll in classes and activities.
All classes are held at the SPARK Office unless otherwise noted.
Please help SPARK by registering and mailing in your completed
enrollment form and payment to be received by May 23. You may register
at the May Luncheon on May 16 or you may print an enrollment form from
the SPARK website and complete it or complete the printed one within this
schedule and mail it to:
UMKC SPARK, 4825 Troost, Room 214D, Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: 816-235-2870 E-mail: uprightj@umkc.edu
Visit our website: spark.umkc.edu
Pre-registration is required for all SPARK classes
BEFORE the first day of classes.
If you are sending in your registration by mail, please be aware it may
take 5 or more days to reach the SPARK office through the UMKC
postal system.
During the first week of class we will no longer be able to register
people or sell parking tags before classes begin. However, you may
complete your registration and purchase parking tags after class.
You may pre-order your parking tags by email or at the May
Luncheon. (Refer to the facing page for more information on parking
and purchasing parking tags).
Some classes will have a minimum or maximum enrollment.
Classes will be closed when the maximum enrollment is reached.
Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled.
Refunds or credit will be issued for cancelled classes.
Pre-register early to save your place in each class.
16PARKING and PARKING TAGS
INFORMATION about PARKING for SPARK CLASSES
The SPARK Office and classrooms are located at 4825 Troost, Room 214D, on
the UMKC Campus. There is a UMKC parking lot directly south of the SPARK
Office which requires a Parking Tag or Pay and Display receipt. If you plan to
use parking tags, we highly recommend that you purchase them when you register
for classes. There are two options for parking on the UMKC campus:
1. You can purchase UMKC Parking Tags. With the tag you may park in any lot
on the UMKC campus. Tags are $3.00 each and good for only ONE day.
Be sure to scratch off the correct date and hang the tag on your rear-
view mirror facing out or you will be ticketed.
You may purchase parking tags at the May Luncheon on May 16 or from the
SPARK Office. They can be ordered on the class enrollment form when you
register for classes. If ordered by Thursday, May 23, the first tag will be
mailed to you before classes begin. The rest of your tags will be clearly
identified and left on the table in the office on the first day of class. Please
submit your payment with your class enrollment fees or pay after the first
class.
2. Another option is to purchase a Pay and Display receipt from the machine
next to the main (south) entrance into the building. This allows you to park for
your desired amount of time. Display the receipt on your dashboard. Cost is
$1.25 per hour. Change up to $20 (in quarters) is available from the machine.
Please Note: The UMKC parking lots are monitored frequently. You will get a
parking violation ticket of $30 if you do not have a CORRECTLY marked Parking
Tag or Pay and Display receipt visible. If you receive a parking violation for an
incorrectly marked Parking Tag, save your Parking Tag and ticket and present
them to the SPARK Office.
CLASS ACCESSIBILITY
Disabled parking is available in the SPARK parking lot. You will need
to display a State Disabled Parking Placard as well as a UMKC Parking
Tag. (You do not need a UMKC Disabled Parking Permit.)
Elevator: The SPARK office is on the 2nd floor. You may access the
2nd floor via the elevator located in the northeast corner of the building.
Be aware that it is quite a long walk from the front entrance.
SPARK now has a wheelchair available to transport you to and from the
elevator. Please call the SPARK office at 816-235-2870 to check
availability and make arrangements for this service.
There is also parking near the elevator on the northeast side of the
building. You do not need a UMKC Disabled Parking Permit, but you will
still need a UMKC Parking Tag. You will need to climb about four stairs
to enter a door which is near the elevator.
17LEADERSHIP TEAM
Board of Directors Committees / Publications
President: Gil Nichols ~~ Committees ~~
Secretary: Linda Landes
Treasurer: Bill Webb Curriculum: Judy Kirk
Events: Baila Goldstein
Baila Goldstein Marketing: Jan Parks **
Joni Green Membership: Linda Wade
Jane Harrell **
George Heiser ~~ Publications ~~
Bill Hirsch
Virginia Lambright Class Catalog: Patty Fuller
Jan Parks **
Janice Phelan Monthly Events Calendar &
Carolyn Rowe Weekly Update Emails:
Jay Upright ** Jan Parks **
Linda Wade Jodi Upright
Janet Zimmers
Diane Fillion – UMKC Ex-Officio ** Past President
Director
SPARK is a VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION...
Our continued success and growth is due to the contributions and leadership
of our members. We invite you to join our team. Here are some ways to
volunteer:
• Help the Events Committee plan our social activities.
• Join the Membership Committee to welcome new members and
improve membership experiences.
• Offer to be a Class, Gem or Tour Coordinator.
• Volunteer to teach a class or give a Gem presentation.
• Assist in copying handouts for instructors.
• Help the Curriculum Committee identify new class topics,
instructors, tour ideas, and Gem presenters.
• Offer to help with events, e.g. pre-event set-up, greet and register
guests, help serve, clean-up, etc.
• Help organize instructor recognition activities and gift bags.
• Help the Marketing Committee raise awareness of SPARK in the
community to recruit new members.
• Share information about SPARK with your friends and invite them to
an event or class for a visit.
• Share your ideas or suggestions with a Board member or
Committee chair on how we can improve SPARK.
Email or call the SPARK Office to volunteer
and we will contact you.
18CONTACTS and CALENDAR
HOW to CONTACT SPARK
If you have questions or need help completing the registration form,
please contact the Office Coordinator at the SPARK office.
Phone: 816-235-2870 Email: uprightj@umkc.edu
UMKC SPARK, 4825 Troost, Room 214D, Kansas City, MO 64110
Visit our Website: spark.umkc.edu or
Web search: UMKC SPARK
Summer 2019
May Luncheon
Second Presbyterian Church
318 E. 55th Street, KCMO 64113
Thursday, May 16 (RSVP by Tuesday, May 14)
Register for classes by May 23
Classes: June 3 – 28
Fall 2019
Fall Barbeque
Thursday, September 5 (RSVP by August 29)
Register for classes by September 12
Classes: September 23 – November 1
Winter 2020
Annual Meeting – Election of Board of Directors
Thursday, January 9, 2020 (RSVP by January 2, 2020)
(Snow Date – January 16)
11:30 – 2:30
Register for classes by Friday, January 10
Classes: Tuesday, January 21 – Monday, March 2
Spring 2020
Spring Fling – Dessert Bar
Thursday, March 5 (RSVP by February 27)
Register for classes by March 12
Classes: March 23 – May 1
Board Meetings 2019 – 2020
The Board usually meets the third Friday of even-numbered months
at 9:30 in the SPARK Office:
June 21, August 16, October 18, December 20, February 21, April 17.
Members are always welcome to attend Board and Committee Meetings.
19JOIN US FOR AN AMAYZING GOOD TIME!
SPARK’S May Luncheon and Class Preview
Thursday, May 16th at 11:30
Second Presbyterian Church
318 E. 55th St.; KC MO 64113
• Learn about and register for • Win a free class
Summer Classes
• Purchase Parking Tags • Win two free parking tags
• Renew friendships and bring a • Win a free Gem Class
friend
• Luncheon Menu: (Catered by • Win a free Theater ticket
Cosentino’s Market)
Pre-register by Tuesday, May 14th
SPARK Office: 816-235-2870 or
Email: uprightj@umkc.edu or
register on your enrollment form.
To avoid being charged for lunch,
please cancel by Tuesday, May 14th
• Registration: 11:30
• Buffet Luncheon: 12:00
• Meeting - Class Preview: 12:45
• Cost: $15 (Bring a guest for $10)
• You may register and pay for the luncheon
on your enrollment form or pay at the
luncheon
Please do pre-register.You can also read
