Sept. 1 Community Calendar

Thursday, Sept. 2

Author Amy Barickman discusses her new book "Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun" at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Library, 4801 Main St. The book is based on the wisdom of Mary Brooks Picken, and shares her dedication to educating women and encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. A reception precedes the event at 6 p.m. Call 701-3407 or visit kclibrary.org to R.S.V.P.

“Duty,” a two-act play dealing with the role of moral obligation to country, family and self, premieres at 7:30 p.m. at Fringe Central, 1730 Broadway. The play also explores some of the challenges involved with trying to resolve cultural differences and conflicts. For tickets, go to www.theatregym.com or call 235-6222.

Tivoli Cinemas and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Department of Communication Studies present a silent film series that begins today and runs through the first week of October.  The controversial melodrama “Pandora’s Box,” which follows the downward spiral of a brash showgirl, kicks off the event at 6:30 p.m. at the Westport Tivoli, 4050 Pennsylvania. For the complete schedule and ticket information, visit tivolikc.com or call 383-7756.

"Wicked Weather" is the Family Science Night program scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, in Swope Park. Through hands-on experiments and activities, participants will learn about geology, weather and climate, such as how clouds form and why glaciers are melting. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information, call 513-5800 or visit www.kansascityzoo.org.

Couple returns to lead Salvation Army division

Majs. Charles and Sharon Smith have come full circle in their 33 years of serving and ministering in The Salvation Army.

The Kansas City, Mo., natives recently became the first locals to serve in divisional leadership roles headquartered here, serving the entire state of Kansas and 10 counties in western Missouri.

Charles is serving as the divisional commander and his wife is the Women’s Ministries director.

"It’s really a unique situation to be able to come back to your hometown," Charles said. "I’m almost certain that it’s never happened in Kansas City that someone from Kansas City has been the divisional leaders.

Aug. 25 Community Calendar

Aug. 27

The 13th Annual Art Unleashed Auction is from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Hale Arena, 1701 American Royal Court. More than 400 original, pet-themed works of art will be presented for auction by Brett Anthony of NBC Action News. The event includes a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City’s no-kill animal shelter. For tickets, go to artunleashedkc.org or call 596-1000, ext. 115.

Half of the Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, in Swope Park, will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. for Sunset Safari, featuring the animals in the Tropics, Australia, Asia, Discovery Barn, Snakes and KidZone areas, as well as the new Polar Bear Passage. The snack bar and the Deja Zoo Gift Shop will be open. A DJ from 98.1 FM KUDL will play music from 5 to 7 p.m. For information, visit www.kansascityzoo.org. 

Special Olympics Kansas: All American Celebration is from 6 to 10 p.m. at a private residence in Mission Hills. Special Olympians from the 2010 national team will share details about their sports and training schedules, and play a round of bocce with attendees. A barbecue dinner will be served, and silent and live auction will take place. Proceeds support Special Olympics Kansas programs. For tickets, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 236-9290, ext.103.

True Colors: Shawnee Mission East graduate’s photographs capture Chinese culture

Megan True says there is much more to China than what people often imagine.

"I think a lot of times when people think of China they think Great Wall, panda bears, lots of people," True said.

While those are all famous features, True said she hopes to introduce Americans to more elements of China.

"I hope just to give them a unique perspective of China," True said.

Polls open for annual Visitors’ Choice Awards

Whose barbecue would you deem most drool-worthy? Which jazz venue triggers the most toe-tapping elation? Which attraction keeps you coming back to Kansas City year after year?

Answer these burning questions and more by voting for the Fourth Annual KC Visitors’ Choice Awards. Voting is open at visitkc.com through Sept. 10.

Developed by the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association, the awards give travelers the chance to recognize their favorite Kansas City-area businesses in 33 different categories such as Favorite Barbecue Restaurant and Best Midwestern Hospitality.

Aug. 18 Community Calednar

Aug. 19

Black and White Night: Pints for Penguins, a party to raise funds to help bring penguins to the Kansas City Zoo, is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, in Swope Park. Attendees can enter the raffle to win prizes and sample new offerings from Boulevard Brewing Co. and Blanc Burgers + Bottles while enjoying music from DJ Eric Coomes. Attire for the evening is black and white business casual. For tickets, go to www.kansascityzoo.org.

Aug. 20

Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove performs interactive and high-energy songs for children at 10:30 a.m. at Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City, 5700 King St., Shawnee. For information, call 287-8888 or visit www.wonderscope.com.

The Mad Science show "Bugs, Habitats, and Hives, Oh My!" is part of Friday Night Family Fun at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Library, 4801 Main St. Children will play games and participate in experiments. The event is co- sponsored by Powell Gardens. For information, call 701-3400 or visit www.kclibrary.org.