Tulips on Troost

New Year's Day Tulip Planting 2012

2011-12-31T23:35:00.001-06:00

Join Tulips on Troost volunteers at their annual January 1st, 2012 bulb planting event and kick off the new year by doing something good...planting tulips on Troost Avenue. Yes, we've got bulbs to bury and the fun begins at Noon in front of St. Mark Hope and Peace (3800 Troost Avenue). Bring your own trowel and shovel. We'll provide the tulips and hot toddies.

Contact: Durwin Rice (816) 447-0539 for more information.

Transformation on Troost Avenue

2011-10-21T12:06:00.005-05:00

Tulips on Troost, The Friends of St. Mark and St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church invite you to Save the Date...December 11th, 20011.

Lessons and Carols with Octarium

Sunday, December 11th -- 3 to 5PM

with our community readers of the Lessons --

Rev. Donna Simon, St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church
Fr. Paisius Altschul, St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church
Mark Williamson, Executive Director - De LaSalle Education Center
Fr. Thomas Curran, President - Rockhurst University
Alice Ellison, V.P. Community Relations - Blue Cross, Blue Shield
Leo Morton, Chancellor - University of Missouri, Kansas City
Dr. Jacqueline Chanda, President - Kansas City Art Institute
Mary Kay McPhee - Community Volunteer and Civic Leader
Brenda L. Thomas - Thomas and Company, HR Consulting

A benefit to help transform Troost Avenue

"Octarium transports one into the heavenly realm. Every time I listen I close my eyes and feel refreshed." -- Rilla Carson, Fort Collins, CO

Tickets available online at:

Brown Paper Tickets

Get acquainted with Octarium at:

Octarium
Contact the Friends of St. Mark at:

The Friends of St. Mark

Welcome NeighborWorks CLI Delegates!

2011-10-13T17:25:00.017-05:00

Driving home in our Kia (which was filled to the brim with 8,000 tulip bulbs), after registering ourselves for this weekend's CLI conference, we noticed this new billboard from Truman Medical Center.

Thanks TMC for the tulips imagery. It is very welcome during our dirty digging days of October when we plant and we really appreciate your agreeing with us about healthy living.

We CAN take care of both ourselves and our communities and tulips are (for us of course) the very best image of health and happiness and rebirth.

After you add today's 8,000 tulip bulbs to the 12,000 we picked up last week you'll understand why we're still hoping you'll join us this Saturday, October 15th for our big Community Planting event on Troost Avenue.

If you can help, join us at Meyer Blvd. and Troost Avenue between 9AM and Noon and join a tulip planting team!

Welcome, again, CLI delegates. We're hoping to meet as many of you as possible while you're here in KC.

Please, please, please seek us out and tell us all about what's working at home to improve your communities!

Keep up-to-date with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Lessons and Carols is a pretty neat KC event, too!

It's Time Again to Get Your Hands Dirty

2011-09-27T14:57:00.001-05:00

And, because we like to help, we're offering a plethora of opportunities for you to show off your green thumb at our October 15th Community Planting Date or just show up and put your carpentry, mathematical, organizational and even your indefinable skills to good use in one of our two greenhouses!

Two Greenhouses?
Yes, Tulips on Troost is excited to be expanding our educational program (currently housed at the Center High School greenhouse) to include the recently built greenhouse at Center Alternative School. Unlike the expansions most of us are already too familiar with (expansions that require the purchase of a new pair of pants), this expansion only requires the help of some additional greenhouse volunteers.

You don't think you know enough yet about growing in a greenhouse to participate? You are not alone. Come learn with us and help us cultivate everything from peanuts to pineapples. There are weekly opportunities to participate in a class with our enthusiastic Life Skills students (who will teach you a lot) and there are opportunities to plot your own schedule to mentor a student (or a student team) in some very exciting and practical gardening experiences.

Plus, our greenhouses could use some improvements, i.e. repairs to the furnace and ventilation systems (at CHS) and new shade cloths, tables and shelving at the new Alternative greenhouse. The need list goes on so maybe you should contact us at (816) 447-0539 and find out where your set of skills, expertise or ability to make a contribution fits in.

October 15th Community Planting Date

For the first time in Tulips on Troost's history we have more volunteers signed up to plant tulip bulbs than we have bulbs purchased to plant! That means two things:

1) First, if you join us to volunteer on the 15th, you won't have to work all that hard since we've already got lots of promised participation. It all begins at 9AM on Saturday 10/15 at the corner of Meyer Blvd. and Troost Avenue.

2) Second, it means you should probably make a tax-deductible contribution to Southtown Foundation today so that we can purchase more bulbs!

Please mail your checks to: Tulips on Troost/Southtown Foundation, 6814 Troost Ave., KCMO 64131 and THANK YOU for supporting the transformation of Troost Avenue!

Charles Brown Thinks Promoting Neighborhood Pride Is A Good Thing

2011-09-09T10:29:00.004-05:00

Designer Charles Brown wants to help promote the neighborhood along Troost Avenue.

We agree that's a good idea.

And of course the Paseo Boulevard is certainly the nicest route to take when you're driving north or south through the center of Kansas City.

Prospect, you know, has some seriously good housing for Seniors under construction as we speak.

What's next?

Finding happiness in a beautiful home on Benton Boulevard? (If you want, Charles, we can put you in touch with the Benton Beautification Volunteer Team.)

Contact Charles at 913-522-1474 or pksteelfurniture@gmail.com to purchase your shirt!

Community Planting Day October 15th, 2011

2011-09-08T11:39:00.003-05:00

The boys pictured are in San Francisco but you'll have just as much fun planting Troost Avenue tulip bulbs with us on Saturday, October 15th. We'll begin very early and continue until we're done so there's a good chance you will be able to join (or bring) a team to help us get 20,000 bulbs buried by sundown.

Yes, we truly NEED your help so please save the date!

Just One Drop of Water...

2011-08-30T08:57:00.002-05:00

Getting Ready For Tulips In Marlborough

2011-08-11T10:18:00.008-05:00

Come Saturday, August 27th you might be ready to get out of your routine and join the Marlborough Community Coalition, the KCPD Metro Patrol and other Troost volunteers as they clean up Troost Avenue 79th to 85th streets (8AM to Noon). For them, it's a positive way to say "Hey, we CARE about our neighborhood!" For us, it's mostly about getting ready to plant bulbs in October along ALL of those blocks of Troost Avenue. The Marlborough group will provide you with water, gloves and bags. You can park in the car lot behind the old King Louie (79th and Troost) and join the community!

We should also let you know that we'll be in the same area scrubbing down the Center High School greenhouse so you might want to stop by and learn about that exciting year round TOT beautification gardening project and maybe check out our Bromeliads OR tell us what it is that you want us to grow! The greenhouse is located on the North side of the school which is at 8715 Holmes Rd.

Donations? Your cash donations for tulips are always welcome but NOW that it's August, it is also a great time to donate any plants that you are dividing or digging or wanting to get rid of in your garden. We're all about propagating and growing at the greenhouse throughout the winter (along with the super help of the Center High School Life Skills students) so bring your flora and foliage and plastic pot (4" or larger) donations on the 27th OR let us know when's a good time for us to come pick them up.

To stay up-to-date about all our beautification opportunities subscribe to our newsletter here:

Contacts:

Betty Ost-Everley

Marlborough Community Coalition

"Making Marlborough a Better Place to Live and Work"

marlboroughcoalition@gmail.com

Durwin Rice
CHS Greenhouse

durwinrice@durwinrice.com

(816) 447-0539

ABOP

2011-06-13T13:25:00.001-05:00

WHERE: Robert J. Mohart Center

WHAT: Household Hazardous Waste Collection

WHEN: Saturday, July 30th

TO VOLUNTEER: Leigh@bhcsmo.org

This Week Is About Perfect Love

2011-04-29T10:59:00.005-05:00

The Turkish Prince Farhad was in love with the maiden Shirin.

When he learned that she had been killed, he was overcome with grief and rode his horse over the edge of a cliff to his death.

Scarlet tulips grew from each droplet of his blood and gave the red tulip its meaning...Perfect Love.

Think about that while you're helping us replant the 29,000 red tulips that Rockhurst University is donating to Troost Avenue this week.

You have something better to do?

A Trip to Holland Costs $2,722.00

2011-04-22T17:10:00.000-05:00

Ten Dollars will help us plant 100 tulips.

Mail your tax-deductible contribution today to:

Southtown Foundation
PO Box 32077
Kansas City, MO 64171

Meet With Certified Petal Pushers on Any Friday

2011-03-17T19:06:00.001-05:00

Join us for a casual discussion about Troost and Tulips any Friday (7:30AM to about 9:00) at Mildred's Coffeehouse (1821 Wyandotte Street).

Tenacious Trowels

2010-12-29T10:22:00.002-06:00

We're starting at the very begininning 1/1/11 and joining the Troost Avenue wide celebration of the new Troost MAX. So, Saturday is your first chance to ride the new buses and then you can join our volunteers who are absolutely determined to plant Tulips on Troost.

Jack Frost, stay out of the way.

It's our 4th Annual New Year's Day tulip planting (despite all the naysayers who tell us we are wasting our time).

Yes, tulips planted in ice and snow grow. And, they grow beautifully...just like Troost Avenue is itself becoming gorgeous again.

Our Certified Petal Pusher celebration begins at 10AM on Saturday at 18th and Troost (just across from the KCATA headquarters). We'll plant until we can't feel our toes and then head over to the Brick for lunch and everything warm.

Call (816) 447-0539 for information.

Today 12/17 7:30AM at Oak Street Coffee Petal Pushers Talk the MAX

2010-12-17T06:58:00.000-06:00

On January 1st the new Troost Max begins service on Troost Avenue. As part of that Avenue long celebration, why not take your first MAX ride on Troost and join our certified Petal Pushers at 18th Street for our annual January 1st Tulip Planting Event.

The ice cold fun begins at 10AM on 1/1/11 and then we'll scurry over to Grinders for lunch. It's your last chance to volunteer and be a part of Troost Avenue's 2011 blooms.

Explaining an Arts Non Profit

2010-12-05T13:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a very funny and to the point video produced by Krista Blackwood, musical director of the Kansas City based choral ensemble Octarium.

We are looking forward here in KC to next Sunday's (December 12th) Lessons and Carols featuring Octarium at St. Mark Lutheran Church (3800 Troost Avenue). It's a benefit sponsored by Tulips on Troost to support the Friends of St. Mark and neighborhood revitalization.

Oak Street Coffee Ranks Best Place To Get Tickets

2010-12-04T08:02:00.000-06:00

The best place to purchase tickets for next Sunday's Lessons and Carols Christmas extravaganza at 3800 Troost Avenue is at Oak Street Coffee @ 6221 Oak St. just north of J'adore. It benefits the Friends of St. Mark Lutheran church and neighborhood revitalization AND, while there, you can pick up one of the best scones on the planet.

HOURS

7AM to 5PM (Mon. - Sat.)

7AM to 2PM (Sunday)

(But waiting until Sunday, December 12th to buy your tickets might be a big mistake!)

An Exciting Lessons & Carols Takes the Troost Stage

2010-08-24T11:30:00.008-05:00

We're looking forward to this Sunday, December 12th event with OCTARIUM at St. Mark Lutheran Church (3800 Troost Avenue). Lessons and Carols is a Tulips on Troost sponsored event to benefit the Friends of St. Mark which means the restoration (and beautification) and continued community service of this historic KC landmark on Troost Avenue.

And, we're grateful to these 9 community leaders who will participate.

Alvin Brooks
Fr. Thomas Curran
Arzelia Gates
Councilwoman Beth Gottstein
Nelson Hopkins, Sr.
Gayle Krigel
Chancellor Leo Morton
Bambi Shen
Rev. Donna Simon

Please join us for the benefit performance & reception following in Allen Hall.
Tickets $20.00 ($15 Seniors & Students)

Tickets available online at Brown Paper Tickets

at Oak Street Coffee (6221 Oak St. just north of J'adore)

or call (816) 812-8530.

Can't attend but still want to help? You can mail a tax-deductible contribution to underwrite tickets for students in our community.

Payable to:

Southtown Foundation/Tulips on Troost

c/o Augusta Wilbon

Neighborhood Housing Services

5835 Troost Avenue

Kansas City, MO 64110

Thank you for all your continued contributions to help revitalize Kansas City.

Southtown Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation.

Finucane Service Day 2010

2010-08-16T10:47:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Tulips on Troost was joined by 27 volunteers from Rockhurst University and Spay & Neuter KC to clean-up and beautify SNKC's property and the neighboring property (NHS) at 59th & Troost. The event was sponsored by Rockhurst's Freshman Orientation/Finucane Service Day. And we were very thankful the temperatures dropped about 15 degrees compared to last week for us to work out in the sun! Volunteers did extensive weeding (tree-size weeds) and other clean-up, to prepare the property for planting tulips and other shrubs and flowers this Fall. Thanks to all who supported the event.

Before

After

House of Heavilin $5 cuts next week!

2010-08-05T12:48:00.003-05:00

House of Heavilin Cut-A-Thon!

$5 Haircuts!
To benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The 5720 Troost House of Heavilin location will be offering $5 cuts on Thursday, August 12, 10am-5pm.

Call 816.229.9000 ext. 217 for more info.

Each haircut will cost $5.00 and all haircut proceeds will be donated to the NCMEC center. There will be raffles of prizes donated by various organizations and local businesses. Fun games, dancing and our own Director of Admissions “DJ Pink” will be there to keep the students energized though out the day. Local agencies will be on hand to conduct “ Identi-Kids” programs, including fingerprints and photo id’s

Get that Back to School Haircut or a trim for a good cause…Mark your calendars for this important and fun event!

Bingo Grand Prize!

2010-08-04T16:04:00.002-05:00

If you're wavering on whether to come out for Charity Bingo Night on September 1 at Hamburger Mary's, then this should change your mind: the winner of the final round of bingo that night will win a luxurious one night stay for 2 at The Q Hotel & Spa in Westport--voted Kansas City's BEST Hotel! Check out The Q and put September 1 on your calendar!

Night Out Against Crime

2010-07-28T14:04:00.002-05:00

Kansas City Community Partners Present:

National Night Out 2010

Night Out Against Crime: Observe + Report + Witness

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Parade Park

Paseo & Truman Road, KCMO

6pm-9pm

Food + Music + Fun

FREE EVENT!

More info via the KC Star Press Release:

An impressive number of neighborhood groups have joined together with cities across the United States to observe the 27th Annual National Night Out Against Crime to be held Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 from 6 – 9 PM at Parade Park at Paseo and Truman Road. NNO 2009 involved over 36 million people in 14,625 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2010 is expected to be the largest ever.

National Night Out is designed to: 1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, 2) Generate support for and encourage neighborhood residents to participate in local crime awareness/prevention initiatives, 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership, and 4) Send a message to criminals that Kansas City neighborhood residents and organizations are determined to end crime and violence in Kansas City’s center-city neighborhoods.

This FREE city-wide event will feature a March Against Crime and Rally. Entertainment will be provided by drill teams, youth choirs, and dance groups. There will be activities for youth and lots of good, free food! Bring your lawn chair and plan to stay throughout the evening!

Event sponsors are the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Missouri; and Target Stores.

As of press time, the steadily growing number of participating organizations includes: 49/63 Community Action Center; Ad Hoc Against Crime; Aim 4 Peace; All Christians Together Serving (ACTS); Beacon Hill McFeders Community Council, Black Economic Union; Blue Hills Community Services; Blue Hills Neighborhood Association; Blue Valley Neighborhood Association; City of Kansas City, MO; Community-Backed Anti-Drug Tax (COMBAT); Community Blood Center; Bridging the Gap; Fox Town East Neighborhood Association; Fox Town West Neighborhood Association; Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers; Green Impact Zone; Houses Hearts Hands (H-3); Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council; Jackson County Safe Family Coalition; Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission; Kansas City Parks and Recreation; Kansas City, MO Police Department; Keep Kansas City Beautiful; Kings Entertainment; Kirkside Homes Association; Longfellow Community Association; Man2Man; Metropolitan Community Service Program (MCSP); Neighborhood Housing Services of Kansas City; Noble Neighborhood Association; Town Fork Creek Neighborhood Association; United Way RSVP; Save Tomorrow’s Outstanding People (STOP); Swope Community Builders

Finucane Volunteers, TOT, and Spay & Neuter KC

2010-07-26T12:05:00.002-05:00

On August 15, Tulips on Troost is proud to partner with Rockhurst Finucane volunteers to do some serious outdoor clean-up at Spay & Neuter KC's property at 59th & Troost! If you have cats or dogs that need shots or to get "fixed", then check out SNKC! They provide low-cost services for individuals with low incomes. Spread the word, and like Bob Barker says, please get your cats and dogs spayed or neutered! (And come by on the 15th and do some weeding while you're at it..)

Spay and Neuter Kansas City (SNKC) is a 501c3 organization, formed in 2002 with a primary goal of promoting affordable spay and neuter services to help decrease pet overpopulation in the Kansas City area. Our program targets areas of the city that receive a higher number of animal control calls. Our primary focus is reducing the surplus of pets that are at highest risk of contributing to pet overpopulation and service those pet owners who cannot otherwise afford such services.

Our mission is to promote spaying and neutering as a primary means to decrease pet-overpopulation and to improve our community's commitment and responsibility in animal welfare.

Through our spay and neuter program we will:

Reduce the number of unwanted and stray animals entering our shelters
Keep our neighborhoods safer by decreasing the number of dangerous animals in our community
Decrease the number of homeless animals roaming our neighborhoods.
Strengthen families through education of responsible pet ownership.
Educate today's youth to help promote responsible pet ownership for their future.
Make adoption more likely for a shelter pet than death.

New Greeting Cards Hot off the Press!

2010-07-22T11:06:00.004-05:00

We recently printed some beautiful greeting cards featuring photos of tulips taken on Troost by local photographers. Our first round sold out instantly and we just got in a new order! Here are the featured photos in our current set (by Maureen Lunn, Beth Mercer, and KCATA photographer Bridget Moss).

Greeting cards are 4.5 x 5 inches and come with envelopes. They feature a photo on the front, are blank on the inside, and have the Tulips on Troost mission on the back.

They come in a set of 8 unique cards for $15. We hope to have them in retail locations soon, but for now, just email maureen@tulipsontroost or call 816.523.5553 to place your order. We will drop them off or ship them to you!

July News

2010-07-20T12:22:00.002-05:00

Our July newsletter is up here.
There's a ton of stuff going on,
so please check it out and sign up for
our email list if you're not on it already!

Pearl Thuston-Brown Birthday Bash

2010-07-19T11:39:00.005-05:00

Kansas City's Own Legendary Jazz Pianist, Vocalist, and Song Stylist
invites YOU to celebrate another fabulous birthday.

Come dressed in roaring 20's attire and be transported to the
GOLDEN AGE of Jazz and American Song.
FUN *** FOOD *** LIVE JAZZ

A Birthday Bash for Pearl Thuston-Brown
Saturday July 24

7pm - 1am

GiGi's Jazz Inn & Gallery

3226 Troost Avenue

816-352-4753

We'll also be congratulating dedicated Tulips on Troost volunteer Tina Coles as she completes her year of VISTA service with One Economy and moves on to greater things! Thanks for all your hard work on Troost Avenue, Tina! Congratulations!

Charity Bingo Night: Save the Date

2010-07-08T10:00:00.003-05:00

Save the date for Wednesday, September 1, from 8-10pm. Tulips on Troost will be the highlighted organization for Hamburger Mary's Charity Bingo Night! Proceeds from Bingo will benefit beautification on Troost Avenue.

Please mark your calendars and plan to come play some bingo!

Hamburger Mary's
101 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108-1229

Tulip Greeting Cards for sale!

2010-06-25T10:00:00.003-05:00

Tulips on Troost has created a 8-card set of beautiful greeting cards to share with friends and family! The images are all taken on Troost Avenue by three local photographers (see all 8 images featured below). A set of 8 cards is $15, all to benefit beautification on Troost Avenue. Email maureen@tulipsontroost.com to place an order or call 816.523.5553. Thanks for your support!

Photographers:
Beth Mercer
Don Ipock
Maureen Lunn

GoodSearch & GoodShop

2010-06-23T15:34:00.007-05:00

Tulips on Troost has recently partnered with GoodSearch and GoodShop to raise funds for our project through things that our friends and fans to every day--search and shop online.

Here's how it works - go to GoodSearch.com, type in "Tulips on Troost" and "verify" that it's your organization of choice! Then you can perform your web searches through that site, and each time you do, Tulips on Troost gets a small donation! In the same way, do your online shopping via GoodShop.com and the same happens. Fantastic, eh?

You can also download a GoodSearch/GoodShop toolbar that will make it all even easier. Head over now and get searching!

GoodSearch
& GoodShop

YOU SEARCH OR SHOP...

WE GIVE!

Raise money for Tulips on Troost just by searching the web and shopping online!

Search the web now!

Money-saving coupons!

Add to your site

Beans & Greens

2010-06-21T09:41:00.003-05:00

Check out this fantastic new program connecting food-stamp users to local farmers markets! It kicks off this weekend at a farmers market near you. Spread the word!

Thanks, Suburban!

2010-06-15T13:08:00.004-05:00

We had a great night at Suburban Lawn & Garden on June 4. Here are a few photos. A big thanks to the Stuecks, Kathy Roberts, and Greg Reeves, all of Suburban's staff, and all of our devoted volunteers and fans who came out to support TOT!

KC Summer Youth Volunteer Program

2010-06-09T15:07:00.002-05:00

Organizations city-wide will be represented this Tuesday afternoon/evening for students to come and sign-up to volunteer over the summer. See the flyer below for details, and come on by!

Party with TOT this Friday!

2010-06-02T15:14:00.002-05:00

Please come and support Tulips on Troost this Friday night, June 4, at Suburban Lawn & Garden at 135th & Wornall between 5-8pm. 10% of the proceeds will benefit TOT. There will be live music, wine, food, and a huge greenhouse for you to enjoy! Please join us and bring along your friends and family.

If you are unable to attend the event, you can still participate by calling Suburban Lawn & Garden between the hours of 5-8pm and ordering a gift card over the phone! This way, Tulips on Troost will still benefit from your purchase, but you can do your lawn and garden shopping at your convenience. Call at 816-942-2921.

Please spread the word! Thanks!

Fantastic Troost Weekend ahead!

2010-05-19T15:21:00.005-05:00

Saddle up for a great weekend to support change on Troost Avenue. Here's your weekend itinerary:

Friday evening, 6-9pm, head downtown for the opening of "Troost, Troost, Troost" -- student work exploring realities, possibilities, and fantasties on Troost Avenue. It opens at Urban Project Space, 21 E. 12th Street and runs through June 12.

After checking that out, come back over to Troost to Gigi's Jazz Inn & Gallery for a late night with fun people and good drinks! 3226 Troost, from 9pm-11pm Friday night.

Then get home and rest well so you can spend Noon-10pm on Saturday out at 31st & Troost for the Sixth Annual Troost Festival! Tons of live music, games, food, and community booths to see what's happening in the neighborhood. This is a friendly family event, so come out and enjoy the beginning of summer (that's right, forecasted to be 88 degrees!) on Troost Avenue.

TOT Honored at Tonight's Town Hall meeting

2010-05-17T10:01:00.002-05:00

Tulips on Troost has been chosen as one of the city's "school and neighborhood success stories" by the Mayor's Office to be honored at TONIGHT's Citywide Schools First Town Hall meeting Monday, May 17 beginning at 6:00PM at the Sprint Center. Among some 800 special proclamations, TOT has been chosen to be one of 8 that will be honored on stage at the event. Of course, we want TOT be the best represented and the MOST CHEERED so, that means YOU should attend.

Join us at 5pm at P&L's FLYING SAUCER (101 E. 13th Street) for a Dutch beer tasting in honor of Troost's Dutch roots (historical roots AND tulip bulb roots!) prior to the Town Hall meeting.

More info on the Townhall meeting hosted by Mayor Funkhouser

Friday Night at the Greenhouse | June 4

2010-05-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

Troost Fest May 22

2010-05-11T13:29:00.001-05:00

2010 Troost Fest
Saturday, May 22
31st & Troost
12pm-10pm
Live music, community booths, games, food
Be sure to visit the Tulips on Troost table!

Via the KC Star!

2010-05-05T10:42:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the KC Star for spreading the word about our big weekend ahead! Please come out and plant some tulips or take some greenhouse plants home with you!

Break Out The Blooms on Troost

Tulips on Troost and its partners have a lot of activities going on this week:

•Plant sale at the Center High School greenhouse, 87th Street and Holmes Road, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Friday and 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday. Center Life Skills students will be selling handmade soap.

•Plant sale at Troostwood Commons, 49th Street & Troost Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

•An opportunity to dig up tulip bulbs from the 54th & Troost Community Tulip Garden to replant in your neighborhod, 4 to 6 p.m. Friday or 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday.

•Troostwood Commons Beautification Project, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Replant tulips from the dig-up project, see a rain garden demonstration and plant flowers from the Center High School greenhouse.

In addition, Rockhurst University has donated 4,000 tulip bulbs to be replanted throughout the city. Contact maureen@tulipsontroost.com for details on those bulbs.

Plant Sales!

2010-05-03T12:17:00.002-05:00

We've been growing all sorts of lovely things at the Center High School greenhouse and are ready to share! Come get some plants (and handmade soap!) to take home with you at CHS Wed-Fri (see times below), or at Troostwood Commons (49th & Troost) this Saturday morning 10am-noon(ish). Please bring cash, prices range from $2-$10.

Tulip Replanting Project

2010-04-26T13:46:00.002-05:00

Greetings! Please view the flyer below and participate in our Tulip Replanting Project! It is open to any and all community members. If you'd like to participate but don't know where to plant, then join us at 10am at 49th & Troost (Troostwood Commons) and you can plant them there!

Troostwood Events in May

2010-04-20T13:54:00.001-05:00

A couple of cool events are coming up in early May in the Troostwood neighborhood that TOT will be participating in...click on this flyer to see the details!

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic a hit!

2010-04-19T10:55:00.004-05:00

About 35 Tulips on Troost volunteers and supporters gathered at the 54th Street Community Tulip Garden on Saturday for a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. Major thanks to everyone who helped make this event happen, including:

Go Chicken Go (5101 Troost) for the generous food donations
Brookside Price Chopper for donating paper goods
UMKC (including Steve Jenks & Bob Simmons) for their support in the use of the 54th & Troost UMKC-owned lot for our tulip garden
Carolen Collins for serving as photographer and journalist
Mark Holmes & Coffee Break for chairs and tables
Scott Burnett for providing the fun with bocce ball and croquet
Durwin Rice, Mark Holmes, Beth Brubaker, Alicia Douglas, Pat Keeling, and Abby Weydert for their long time support and volunteerism.
Marti Lee, Toby Lunn, Tina Coles, and all the others listed above for helping set up and tear down.

Durwin Rice, Mark Holmes, Maureen Lunn, Alicia Douglas, and Beth Brubaker smile with their volunteer appreciation gifts.

KC Free Press Article

2010-04-16T09:03:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Abbie Stutzer at KC Free Press for the great Tulips on Troost write-up that was published today!

Read the article here, and see tons of beautiful tulip photos here and here!

Troost Fest in the News

2010-04-15T12:57:00.001-05:00

Troost Avenue's promising future

By David (Paisius) Altschul, Special to The Kansas City Star

Troost Avenue...

My grandfather used to have a fur shop on 46th and Troost called Altschul and Son.

My mother used to take me to Jones Store at 31st and Troost to shop for clothing when I was a boy. Across the street was the President’s Shirt Shop, named after Harry Truman for his friendship with Eddie Jacobson, the owner. From this friendship grew the love for Jewish people that ultimately led to Truman supporting the formation of the State of Israel in 1948.

In 1968, my wife was pulled over at 31st and Troost when she was trying to give a ride to someone after curfew when Martial Law was imposed after the martyrdom of Dr. Martin Luther King in April.

Troost Avenue....

A trail for the Osage Indian Nation to the Missouri River in the 1700’s. A slave plantation between 1833 and 1865. Millionaire’s Row between 1880 and 1910. A city within a city between 1915 and 1960, with 186 businesses within 2 blocks of 31st and Troost. An entertainment hub where young Walt Disney used to first show his animation at the Isis Theater created one block east on 31st and Forest at Laugh-o-Gram’s Studio. A ghost town in the 1980s due to white flight… And now?...

Troost Avenue ...

The Jones Store is a custom furniture store. The President’s Shirt shop is St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church and Reconciliation Services. J.C. Penney’s is Operation Breakthrough. Altschul and Son is Walgreen’s. From 18th to 75th Street, Troost Avenue is rivaling a city in the Netherlands for the number of tulips.

Troost Avenue....

The site of the Troost Avenue Festival where neighbors celebrate neighbors and every person matters. The site of Troost Village, Troost Alliance, and Troost Folks – all dedicated to changing Troost from a dividing line to a gathering place. This May 22, 2010 from Noon to 10:00 p.m.

Troost Festival....

To prepare for the Troost Festival on May 22nd, we are having a Troost Fest Canvass on Saturday, April 24th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the Canvass activity, we are asking that you walk the Troost corridor for at least four blocks with us, in groups of three or four people, to knock on doors to inform others about the Troost Fest and its sponsors.

The Troost Fest sponsors are Reconciliation Services, an agency that provides emergency assistance and therapeutic services to individuals; TYCOR, a non-profit Community Development Corporation that promotes entrepreneurial activity along the Troost Corridor, especially for youth, and a wonderful group of people called “Troost Folks”, who are a collaboration of individuals and persons representing organizations, churches, and businesses in the midtown area. Reconciliation Services is located at 3101 Troost.

Troost Avenue....

In the future, a place where the city gathers in safety and diversity to discover how to be a community, the many working together as one.

David (Paisius) Altschul is executive director of Reconciliation Services, 3101 Troost. For more information, go to www.rs3101.org; for the Troost Festival, go to www.troostvillage.org; and for St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church, go to www.stmaryofegypt.net.

Before & After

2010-04-12T14:15:00.003-05:00

Here's some Before & After photos from our 2009 planting/2010 blooming season!

We thought all of our tulips at Armour had been destroyed due to Troost MAX stop construction! Oof! But today I found that there are a small number of tulips still standing amidst the chaos!

Tulips are Blooming!

2010-04-09T11:11:00.004-05:00

Here's a map to guide you to the most beautiful tulips in all of KC! See some photos of them on our flickr site--but better yet, go out and see them for yourself!

Spring Giving Campaign

2010-04-08T10:24:00.003-05:00

Please click on the image below to read our Spring Giving letter! Then, print off the second image to send in a donation, or use the link to the right to donate via Paypal. Thanks, and be sure to head out to Troost and see our beautiful blooming tulips!

Two neighborhood clean-up events this Saturday

2010-03-25T15:16:00.006-05:00

2nd Annual Marlborough Community Clean-Up | 8434 Paseo | 9am
Please join the Center School District and the Marlborough Community Coalition in cleaning up the Marlborough neighborhood this Saturday, March 27, from 9:00am-12:00pm.

Meet at Center Alternative School, 8434 Paseo.

8:30-9:00 Check in
9:00-11:00 Litter Pick-Up
11:00-12:00 Pizza lunch

Volunteers can enjoy donuts, juice, and coffee at the check-in site. Pizza will be provided free of charge.

To volunteer, please contact John Tancredi at 813-223-8821.

DeLaSalle Clean-Up Day | 3740 Forest Avenue | 9am
On Saturday, March 27, from 9am-1pm volunteers for DeLaSalle SOUL (Society of Urban Leadership), young professionals volunteering and networking group join at DeLaSalle Education Center to paint the interior of the school. They will be focused on repainting the hallways, cafeteria and stairwells.

Volunteers will also help ArtPlay, a group from the Kansas City Art Institute, to create an outdoor classroom in collaboration with our environmental science program and Art program.

If you live near Marlborough or DeLasalle, please help your community by joining one of these clean-up crews this weekend. Have a good one!

Troost Business: House of Heavilin Beauty College

2010-03-24T11:14:00.004-05:00

A Pioneering Cosmetology School Anchors the Southtown Business Map
by Carolen Collins

George and Dorothy Heavilin started the House of Heavilin School of Hair Fashion in 1953 after establishing a salon (now gone) further south on Troost in the Presidential Gardens neighborhood in the late 1940s. In 1966, the Heavilins designed and built a new building at 5720 Troost Avenue to house their school and beauty products business.

“I grew up on this corner,” notes Jerry Heavilin, who now owns the second-generation business with his sister Cheri Heavilin Barnett. “I went to Troost Elementary,” he adds. “I love this neighborhood.”

Founder George Heavilin died in 1978 at age 62. His wife, known as Sammy, died five years later. Both were talented hairdressers, but it was George who won awards for his artistic styles. In 1958, the school was included in a TIME Magazine article on the hair styling industry.

Over the years, the school has graduated more than 2,500 cosmetologists, including some who have established their own area salons. Today, it flourishes as the oldest independent, accredited beauty college in the Kansas City area. The school offers hair styling classes as well as training in other salon/spa services. Heavilin has three campuses (Troost, Blue Springs and Grandview), with a fourth location expected to open soon in Raymore.

The Heavilin schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences. Their curriculum and instructors meet high professional standards through the nationally recognized Pivot Point program. This accreditation ensures that Heavilin students are eligible for most grants and student loans. According to Lisa Davis, director of school operations, most urban core students qualify for Pell grants and direct federal students loans to cover tuition, textbook and equipment costs.

Cosmetology classes on the Troost campus typically begin on the first Tuesday of each month. Students attend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday throughout the 1,500-hour, 12-month program. Upon graduation, the vast majority of Heavilin students pass the state cosmetology licensing exam.

As part of training, some 50 student stylists at the Troost campus practice their skills on clients of the school’s popular salon. The full-service operation offers low-cost services such as a shampoo and cut beginning at $5, and basic permanents for as little as $30. Students also participate in hair stylist competitions, open houses and annual cut-a-thon events for community charities such as Harvesters.

Despite – or perhaps because of – the weak economy, the school has seen a surge in enrollment. Jerry Heavilin is proud of his family’s business and its role in providing a platform for secure employment in the beauty business.

“As the economy turns around, our students and graduates are well prepared to follow their dreams,” says Heavilin. “We tell them, ‘If you have the drive for success, we can help you succeed.’”

Carolen Collins is a retired journalist and a dedicated Tulips on Troost volunteer.
Visit House of Heavilin's Website.
View more photos of House of Heavilin on our Flickr site.

Suburban Lawn & Garden and Tulips on Troost

2010-03-18T12:27:00.003-05:00

We are very honored to announce that Tulips on Troost has been selected to participate in Suburban Lawn & Garden's Friday Night Charity Partnership Program.

On Friday, June 4, come celebrate with us at Suburban's 135th & Wornall location from 5-8pm. Enjoy the beautiful greenhouse, live music, wine, hors d' oeuvres, and more. Please invite your friends and family for this lovely evening. 10% of the proceeds of all greenhouse purchases will go to benefit Tulips on Troost for the beautification of Troost Avenue.

Stan Slaughter sings about Earth Worms

2010-03-10T13:38:00.000-06:00

..as part of the CHS Greenhouse project. (Sorry--sound quality is kind of poor on this but it's still fairly entertaining!)

Greenhouse Session #3: Worms!

2010-03-09T11:39:00.002-06:00

This morning Tulips on Troost and Center High School welcomed Stan Slaughter, "Eco-Troubador", to teach us about worms and composting! It was an exciting session. Afterwards, we continued in the greenhouse with Steve Jenks to plant several more flats of seeds.

Stan does an impression of a worm moving through dirt.

Stan puts piles of worms on paper plates for students to look at.

CHS participants dig through their worm plate on an assignment to find baby worms--a sign that the worm colony is healthy and growing.

Pothole Gardens

2010-03-04T19:23:00.004-06:00

I noticed this post from Bon Bon Atelier today, and felt it fit right in with Tulips on Troost's ideas for relatively unconventional beautification. Anyone want to get on this project? ;)

I was perusing Cup of Jo the other day and saw artist Pete Dungey's instillation work in England..he plants gardens in potholes to highlight the problem of surface imperfections on Britain's roads.

Someone should do this in KC..with the amount of potholes here we could probably plant enough to swing the environment back in the right direction.

And then you would see the potholes and not hurt your car. Sorry VW!

Hey Troost business owners!

2010-02-26T17:09:00.000-06:00

It's not too late to sign up to attend the Southtown After Hours Business Exchange on Tuesday, March 2 from 5-7pm at Alphapointe. See more about it in this video and email me if you want to attend and represent your business.

Obstacles

2010-02-26T09:28:00.002-06:00

This week's Pitch features an article by Carolyn Szczepanski on one of the major obstacles to revitalization East of Troost. Read here.

Troost Business: Barbershop 67

2010-02-17T10:18:00.000-06:00

Here at www.troostavenue.com, we're going to begin highlighting new businesses that come to Troost Avenue (and probably some old ones, too!). We at Tulips on Troost believe that one of the major misconceptions that Kansas City residents have is that Troost Avenue has nothing for them. We hope to counter that perception with these occasional posts about opportunities for consumers on the Avenue. So here goes....

Barbershop 67

3402 Troost Avenue

Kansas City, Missouri 64109

816-531-6767

Locally owned and operated, Craig H. Carlock recognized a need for a barbershop that caters to the 21st Century customer, who is more conscious of their appearance and expects more from their barbershop. So he decided to create a barbershop where customers get all that and more.

While waiting to be serviced, customers will have the opportunity to relax in comfortable chairs, watch HDTV, pass time browsing through magazines or enjoy a game of pool. We also have snack and soda machines for our customer’s convenience. Barbershop 67 is conveniently located in midtown and is easily accessible using public transportation (KCATA).

If you would like to have your business highlighted on troostavenue.com, please contact Maureen at maureen@tulipsontroost.com

Greenhouse Session #1

2010-02-09T11:38:00.001-06:00

Today we kicked off our Greenhouse Initiative at Center High School. Working with Mrs. Page, Mrs. Bradley, and the special-ed students, we taught the students how to sterilize flats and plant marigold seeds. Here's how you do it:

First, if you're using old flats, use brushes or rags to remove all the loose dirt and soil.

Second, use a solution of water and bleach to sterilize the flats, being sure to wipe them completely clean. This will rid the trays of any old fungus or bacteria that can be harmful to your new plants.

Place plant trays in the flats and separate them from one another. Then, fill the trays evenly with Pro-Mix seed starter mix.

Place your marigold or other flower seeds on top of the soil, 1-5 seeds per square.

Press the soil and seeds down so there is room to place another layer of soil on top.

Spread more soil over the top of the seeds until it's all evened out again.

Removing one of the trays, water the flat from the bottom up, pouring in about one inch of water and then putting the tray back in.

Finally, keep an eye on your flowers for the next few weeks. Keep them in a warm greenhouse (or home!) at 60-70 degrees and make sure they get sunlight. You want the soil to remain moist, but after a few days, pour out any excess water in the tray that hasn't been soaked up. Once the flowers grow up to about 2 inches, you can start watering them from above instead of filling the tray.

The final step, of course, is to plant your flowers on Troost Avenue. Good luck!

New stuff on the website!

2010-01-28T11:24:00.003-06:00

I'd like to point out a few small changes to this website, like some of the new links on the right hand side. Now you can make a direct donation to Tulips on Troost via Paypal by clicking the link in the right hand column. You can sign up for our e-newsletter, join our Facebook group, or check out some Tulips photos on our new Flickr site! And as always, stay up to date with our events and activities through our calendar updates.

There is also a new feature at top of the page that you might not notice, but it might clear up some questions you have about the project! There is now a brief "Frequently Asked Questions" summary with some of the basics of Tulips on Troost that perhaps aren't well known among our community. Check them out, and if you have other questions you'd like to have answered, leave a comment and we'll get the answers up!

Thanks for visiting www.troostavenue.com. As always, see you on Troost!

Didn't get your bulbs planted? Here's what to do:

2010-01-22T09:28:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, you didn't get your tulip bulbs that you bought from our fundraiser in the ground before winter arrived. In that case, here are some instructions for what to do with them. You can either pot them inside and enjoy them through the spring, or get them started in pots and then transplant them to the ground later and still have tulips in your yard. Either way, here goes...let me know if you have any questions.

You can either grow your tulips completely in pots inside. Then, it is likely they will only last for this year. Or, as soon as the ground is unfrozen, you transplant the partially grown bulbs to the ground and then hopefully they'll get enough roots to come back again in the upcoming years. In that case, you still need to start this process right away, then just transplant them to the ground sometime before they start to bloom.

Container planting

Open the packaging to permit air circulation and place the bulbs out of direct sunlight in a cool (34-60°F) place. We recommend the fridge in warm climates. Store the bulbs cold till you plant them.

Find a container or pot

Use clean pots with drainage holes and/or add some little rocks or gravel on the bottom to ensure good drainage.

Plant the tulips

Add a few inches of potting soil in the container, plant the bulbs point up. You can plant 8 bulbs in a 6” pot and 5 bulbs in a 4” pot. When you plant press the bulb with the flat side in the potting soil. Add an other layer of 2 inch potting soil and water the pot. Don’t add any fertilizer

Cold Period and rooting

After planting, the pot needs to be stored cold at least 6 weeks to grow healthy roots. Place the container in a cold area where it is between 32 and 50 degrees (the fridge works if you don't have a basement or garage that stays in this temperature range).

Grow your flowers!

After 6 weeks, move your tulips to a warmer spot (room temp.) with enough light. The tulips will flower in 2-4 weeks depending on the temperature.

Greenhouse Initiative Benefit a Success!

2010-01-19T10:26:00.005-06:00

Many thanks to all who came to our Greenhouse Initiative Benefit Event last week. We are extremely grateful for your donations and support. Special thanks goes out to Taliaferro & Browne (including Leonard Graham, Hagos Andebrhan, Greg Lever, Jeff Bowers, Meg Babani, and Melissa Langley), Jolie Justus, Scott Burnett, Mike Talboy, BNIM, and Center High School Poetry Club.

Taliaferro & Browne President Leonard Graham & CEO Hagos Andebrhan welcome Tulips on Troost supporters to the Greenhouse Initiative Benefit Event that they graciously hosted at their offices. Taliaferro & Browne is the leading design team for the new Troost MAX bus rapid transit line.

Senator Jolie Justus and Jackson County Legislator Scott Burnett, host and hostess of the event, shared about what Tulips on Troost means to them and the impact they believe it will have on Kansas City neighborhoods.

Tulips on Troost Founder Durwin Rice shares about Tulips on Troost's mission, emphasizing that it is about unification, history, and economic growth just as much as it is about tulips.

TOT supporters watch and listen to the brief presentations at the Greenhouse Initiative Benefit Event.

Three students from Center High School Poetry Club, which kicked off the Greenhouse Initiative in 2009 and will do so again this year, shared a few songs and poems with the crowd. Left to right: Montrez Jones, Devin Ersery, Diamel Kerr.

Anna Heffernan, a faculty member at Center High School and supervisor of the greenhouse project, watches on proudly as her students perform.

MLK

2010-01-11T14:44:00.003-06:00

Martin Luther King's dream for the country is the same dream that we hold for Kansas City--that we could be unified and work together for a better city, and ultimately a better nation. Troost Avenue is a huge part of this because of its infamous history as the racial dividing line of the city. So, this Martin Luther King day, consider what you can do to increase reconciliation and unification in the heart of our city. Here are a few opportunities coming up during the week of MLK Day (click on links for further details):

Monday, January 18, 9:15am: Day of Service at Metro Lutheran Ministries. The day will include stocking the food pantry, writing letters to homebound seniors, joining with KCAI for the MLK Day Celebration (see below), and volunteering at Blessings Abound Thrift Store. Lunch provided. Meet at MLM (3031 Holmes, KCMO 64109.) Ring the doorbell as the front door must remain locked. Gather in second floor meeting room. Feel free to bring a can(s) of nonperishable food and/or item(s) of gently used clothing.

Monday, January 18, 11am-1:30pm: KCAI Celebrates MLK Day. The celebration commences with a short documentary about the civil rights movement, after which guest speaker Charles Coulter, a former op-ed editor at The Kansas City Star and instructor of African-American history at the Art Institute and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will deliver one of King's speeches.

Friday, January 22, 6:00pm: Martin Luther King Keynote Address, UMKC. Keynote speaker: Angela Davis.

More events will be posted on the web as the day draws near, but for now mark your calendars to find a way to serve our city or learn more about Dr. King's impact on our nation on your day off!

TOT Benefit Event | January 14

2010-01-05T10:14:00.002-06:00

KC Star Article on New Year's Day Tulip Planting

2010-01-04T11:26:00.003-06:00

Hardy Gardeners turn out for tulip planting
By Mara Rose Williams
Photo by Keith Myers
The Kansas City Star

Planting tulips on Jan. 1 is no breeze, especially when it’s 14 degrees — and feels like 2 — and it takes a pickax to chop through frozen earth.

But that’s exactly what about two dozen volunteers from Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Southtown Council did Friday morning on the northeast corner of 18th Street and Troost Avenue.

The annual gardening project is part of the Tulips on Troost program, which began four years ago as a way to unify communities and beautify the corridor that for years was labeled the dividing line between black and white Kansas City.

The planting occurred on property owned by the ATA, which later this year will launch its Troost Max bus line past the area being beautified. Called the green line, it will feature hybrid electric buses and stations with solar-powered lighting and rain gardens, said Cindy Baker, ATA spokeswoman.

Volunteers bundled in puffy parkas, wool caps, gloves and scarves jabbed shovels into the ground Friday to chip away chunks of frozen earth.

“It’s freezing out here, but I think we are doing just great as long as we keep this to 15 minutes or less,” said Jackson County Legislator Scott Burnett, one of the first to start.

Actually, it took an hour to bury all 4,000 bulbs. And 5-year-old Phoenix Thomas, who wrapped her gloved hands around a cup of hot chocolate, lasted only 20 minutes before begging her mother, Deana Thomas of Independence, to take her back to their car.

Even though transportation authority workers dug trenches before the snow fell Christmas Eve, the ground by Friday was “frozen solid, as hard as rock,” said Andrea Berkley, an ATA worker who volunteered.

Master gardeners say Jan. 1 is the last safe day to plant tulip bulbs and recommend packing a layer of mulch between the bulb and the cold soil. Friday’s planters took heed.

The goal is to eventually plant a million tulips on Troost. So far over the years, about a quarter of that number have been planted.

Berkley and her husband, Dean, a transportation authority driver, said they didn’t really mind Friday’s cold because, “anything you do with nature is worth it,” she said. “Besides, this is going to be beautiful, and come spring when we drive by here and see the beautiful tulips we’ll say, ‘Wow, we helped to do that.’ ”

To contact Mará Rose Williams, call 816-234-4419 or send e-mail to mdwilliams@kcstar.com

Annual New Year's Day Tulip Planting: Snow or Shine!

2009-12-30T15:13:00.000-06:00

Our Annual New Year's Day Tulip Planting is on despite the cold temperatures! We will be kicking off our partnership with the KCATA by joining with their staff (and all other volunteers are welcome!) to plant tulips at 18th & Troost, near their headquarters. Planting begins at 11am and will be followed by a hot beverage celebration at the nearby Pi Gallery. See you then!

United4Iran plants a tulip garden on Troost

2009-12-14T13:43:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, a handful of volunteers from a group called Promiseland and peace advocates from United4Iran came out to the 54th Street Community Garden to plant tulips for a cause!

More photos are forthcoming.

Special thanks to Steve Jenks and UMKC, Amtis Amani, Eric Kral, Scott Burnett and Beth Brubaker.

Eco Tulip's defense for late tulip bulb planting

2009-12-03T12:57:00.002-06:00

Jeroen & Keriann Koeman are the founders and owners of Eco Tulips in Brightwood, Virginia. Recently, we asked Jeroen--a true Dutchman and professional tulip grower--to lay out his "defense" for why it's okay to plant tulips as late as January 1 here in the Midwest (unlike a certain Ms. Stewart's suggestions!). Here's what Jeroen said:

I will plant most of my bulbs in mid December! Most people in the US plant way too early, because all the big bulb companies start to distribute their bulbs right after Labor Day nation wide. It is like Christmas stuff, everybody wants to sell their stuff first.

My defense:

Plant tulips when the soil temperature is below 55 degrees. So for the best results don’t plant when it is in October still 70/80 degrees.
Planting late also prevents squirrels eating your bulbs, when the soil is cold squirrels don’t smell the bulbs as much.
Tulips need 4-6 weeks in the soil to grow roots.(before they get frozen) You can plant right before heavy frost, when you plant deep 6-8 inches and or apply 2-3 inches of mulch to protect them.
So you can plant tulips as long the soil is not frozen 24/7. In KS right now it is the best time to plant! Mid December is possible as long as you watch out for heavy frost.
After January 1^st you can’t plant regular bulbs. You need to buy pre-cooled bulbs. After mid January it is difficult for the bulb supplier to keep the bulbs in good condition.

So there you have it! Happy planting this winter!

Holiday gifts from Tulips on Troost!

2009-12-02T16:13:00.004-06:00

Organic Tulips for Christmas!

What better way to spread holiday cheer than some beautiful tulips in the middle of winter? In partnership with Eco Tulips, The Bad Seed, and Urban Mining Homewares, Tulips on Troost is bringing beautiful organic tulips to your front yard. Tulip bulbs can be planted until January 1 for beautiful blooms in the Spring, so it's the perfect time to plant! Purchase an egg carton-full (in red, purple, yellow, or pink) and half of the proceeds go to help make Troost Avenue beautiful.

Tulips can be purchased at the following locations throughout this holiday season for $10/carton:

The Bad Seed Farmer's Market
First Friday, December 4 (4pm-8pm)
1909 McGee Street, KCMO, 64108

Urban Mining Homewares
December 4 and 5 (9am-6pm)
December 6 (Noon-5pm)
December 12 (9am-6pm)
December 13 (Noon-5pm)
3924 Walnut Street, KCMO, 64111

If you can't make it to Bad Seed or Urban Mining, then email Maureen (maureen@tulipsontroost.com) or call 816.523.5553 and we will deliver the tulips to you, or you can pick them up at Southtown Foundation, 6814 Troost.

Have a great holiday and stay tuned for details on our annual New Year's Day Tulip Planting! See you then!

Wednesday Sun Article

2009-12-01T09:48:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Linda Friedel, Ben McCall, and the Wednesday Sun for this great article on Tulips on Troost!

Photo by Ben McCall, Wednesday Sun.

Pitch Article: Adopt-a-garden

2009-11-24T10:45:00.003-06:00

Photo by Nicole Reinertson

Big thanks to Carolyn Szczepanski for another great article on the Pitch blog! Read it here, and then adopt a garden!

Egg Carton Fundraiser

2009-11-16T14:24:00.000-06:00

All this talk about planting tulips probably makes you want to plant some in your own yard! Well here's your chance to plant tulips at home while still supporting Tulips on Troost! In partnership with Eco Tulips, we are selling egg cartons full of tulip bulbs for $10 per carton. They are beautiful organic bulbs that come in red, pink, yellow, and purple (one color in each carton--you choose!). They would be great to plant at home or to give as a gift this holiday season (yes, you can plant them even after Christmas!).

We have limited stock on hand but can always get more--email maureen@tulipsontroost.com if you would like to purchase a carton (or two, or ten!). And spread the word!

TOT faithful volunteer Pat Keeling awarded National Kidney Association "Patient of the Year"

2009-11-13T09:53:00.004-06:00

Tulips on Troost is proud to congratulate our dear friend and faithful volunteer, Pat Keeling, for receiving the "Patient of the Year" award from the National Kidney Association. We are so thankful for all of Pat's hard work to beautify Troost Avenue and her own neighborhood, Blue Hills, and we are even more thankful for her good health. Congratulations, Pat!

Successful Planting Day & Pitch arcticle

2009-11-11T12:04:00.003-06:00

Photo by Nicole Reinertson of The Pitch.

Tulips on Troost was joined by 40 volunteers this past Saturday morning to plant 5,000 tulips! We planted on Troost near 39th, 54th, 65th, 77th, and 83rd streets! It was a major success and we would like to thank everyone who came out to plant, as well as those who supported us through the bake sale and other fundraising.

Also a special thanks to The Pitch for this lovely feature.

Today we are planting at KC Urban Youth Center from 5-6pm. Saturday we will be planting between 31st and 36th streets on Troost, meet at Troost & Linwood at 11am. Also, we are expanding our reach to Linwood & Prospect, meet at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church at 9am to help with this new project.

Flyers

2009-11-06T09:52:00.002-06:00

Here's a few flyers of upcoming events. Click on them to enlarge then save to your computer and send on to others!

The Pitch & Wednesday Sun feature TOT

2009-11-05T14:48:00.003-06:00

Many thanks to the Pitch and the Wednesday Sun for including news about our upcoming planting day in their publications.

See The Pitch article here.

See The Wednesday Sun article here.

See you Saturday!

E-Waste Recycling Event

2009-11-05T13:32:00.001-06:00

Before (or after) you help us plant tulips on Saturday, be sure to swing by UMKC and take your broken or unused electronics for recycling! See the flyer for more details.

Monday bringing you down? Think tulips!

2009-11-02T14:58:00.002-06:00

Is Monday bringing you down? Already looking forward to the weekend? Well then let some tulips brighten your day--come out on Saturday November 7 at 10am to help Tulips on Troost make Troost Avenue beautiful! We need all the hands we can get. Meet at 54th & Troost at 10am. Also, if you have them, please bring spades, trowels, shovels, or work gloves! And while you're at it, bake a cake for our bake sale (is that too much to ask?).

See you then!

November 7 Planting Day Details!

2009-10-26T11:03:00.004-05:00

You can email this flyer on to friends, or even print out a few and hang it up at your favorite locales! Just double click on the image, then right click to save the file to your own computer. Thanks!

Where to find TOT on the web

2009-10-21T14:37:00.003-05:00

Want to keep up to date with Tulips on Troost? Here's a couple of ways for you to do that (in addition to subscribing to our website!):

Become a fan on Facebook
Join the Facebook Cause (you can donate here as well!)
Follow us on Twitter

And now, you can also sign up for our scheduled planting dates (via the right hand side of our homepage)! If you can't make it to one of those, then email me and let me know--we'll find a date that works for your group! maureen@tulipsontroost.com

Mark your calendars for big planting days on November 7 and 14, and sign up to help!

Successful planting day with Youth LEAD

2009-10-14T09:42:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday, nearly 40 participants from UMKC's Youth LEAD Academy headed out to 54th & Troost to plant upwards of 3,000 tulip bulbs! After digging out a 15-foot circle, they worked together to make a rainbow garden of several different varieties of tulips.

Thanks to Alexis Petri, Arden Day, and all others from Youth LEAD. Also thanks to Mark Holmes & Coffee Break for providing hot chocolate on a chilly day for planting!

Be sure to seek out 54th & Troost this spring to see the beautiful rainbow of tulips in bloom.

Thanks to Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Steve!

2009-10-07T12:23:00.003-05:00

Photo by Beth Mercer.

Tulips on Troost wants to give a tremendous thank you to Elizabeth Ong & St. Peter's School, and Rebecca Kidwell & First Robotics/Learn Science & Math, for generous donations of tulip bulbs and other flowers! These bulbs will be planted THIS SATURDAY OCTOBER 10 on 54th & Troost! Thanks, ladies!

Speaking of this Saturday, another big thanks to Steve Jenks of UMKC who has helped us plot out and dig the land for bulb planting.

Join us this Saturday from 12:30-2:30pm at 54th & Troost (the lot north of Coffee Break) to plant alongside Urban LEAD Academy of UMKC. See you then!

A History of Troost

2009-10-05T09:45:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's Kansas City Star featured an article by Steve Penn about a current exhibit on the history of Troost Avenue. Read the article here, and visit the exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (3700 Blue Pkwy) through the end of the month.

Nathan Olson & Trees on Troost

2009-10-01T11:49:00.006-05:00

Recently, students and family members from Rockhurst University participated in a TOT planting day, which included daffodils and 45 Alberta dwarf Spruce trees! One Rockhurst student, Nathan Olson, stepped up and offered to maintain the trees and flower beds and take care of them as they grow! We were so thankful for Nathan's help (maintaining our flowers and greenery are the key to a beautiful Troost Avenue!) that we wanted to know more about him. So here's a quick biography on Nathan, as well as an overview of this involvment with TOT that we hope will inspire YOU to do the same this planting season!

"My name is Nate Olson, and I am from Omaha, Nebraska. I am a sophomore at Rockhurst University and I am double majoring in Marketing and English, and hope to own my own business one day. I love to spend time with my family and go backpacking, white-water rafting, and always finding something to laugh at. One of my great joys is playing music. I have played guitar for ten years, and consider it to be one of the greatest blessing in my life. I enjoy doing service, meeting new people, and spending time with God. Among other things, my life motto is “to live a life that would make my family proud.”

I am a Finucane Service Scholar at Rockhurst University, and this allows me to earn a scholarship based on volunteering. As part of this, Julia Vargas at the R.U. Center for Service Learning sent an email to all Finucane Scholars to see if anyone would help out. I said that I would be willing to help in any way that I am able. I was the student leader for the Tulips on Troost service event. I have to say, I did get my hands dirty, but a lot of my time was spent taking pictures and helping volunteers. To be honest, I only planted one tree that day, but after digging the hole I saw that the ground was unfertile and had my doubts that it could sustain life. It didn’t make sense to me to spend time, money, and labor for these plants to die shortly after. I was simply thinking long term. As a result, I asked Alicia Douglas and Julia Vargas (the coordinators for the event) if it would be possible to form a group to take care of the new trees and daffodils. I volunteered to head this, but hope that others will be willing to help with the upkeep.

The upkeep of the trees, as of now, will just be watering. As the trees continue to grow, I imagine that some trimming and raking will need to be done as well. If there are any other things that would be beneficial for the trees I would be willing to do that as well.

The mission of Tulips on Troost is something very special to our community. Many people think of Troost as being a rundown part of town that nobody is willing or able to take care of. I would argue the complete opposite. Troost is a thriving and rich community that has lots to offer. By planting tulips, daffodils, and spruce trees along Troost, appreciation and beauty can flow back into the community. By these actions, we can directly show how people in this community genuinely care about the message of hope and healing Tulips on Troost offers. For me, this organization lives out a message of love. We are called by God to love our neighbors and to seek Him in all things. Whether of not people like to put a religious hook on this message, it still remains clear that Tulips on Troost loves this community, and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of thousands each day.

I see myself partnering with Tulips on Troost for years to come. I have participated in a few of the planting events already, and support the mission of this organization. Anything that Tulips on Troost could use from me, I would be more than happy to offer."

THANKS NATE, and all who will be partnering with you as you maintain this part of Troost Avenue!

Website updating

2009-09-24T14:44:00.004-05:00

We're updating our website! Please bear with us as we make some changes on our site over the next week or so. Don't worry, we'll still be posting news and updates, but there may be some other glitches along the way (feel free to leave a comment and let us know what they are!). Otherwise, we'll keep working hard and have tulipsontroost.com looking perfect as soon as possible!

Thanks to Rockhurst friends & family

2009-09-21T13:34:00.008-05:00

Many thanks go out to all from Rockhurst University who helped plant this past Saturday!

In addition to the 45 Alberta Dwarf Spruce tress, we planted 400 Daffodil bulbs on the 5500 block and at Friendship Park (57th and Forest). The spruce trees are all around...some 26 are lined up on 55th Street marching east of Troost towards Paseo.

Click on the above image to see more photos and details about the successful planting day on Troost.

Planting Today!!!

2009-09-19T08:47:00.009-05:00

Volunteers are planting today (Saturday, 9/19/09) with friends and family of
Rockhurst University.

Stop by and say hi between 10AM and Noon around the
5500 Block of Troost Avenue.

Our Volunteer Headquarters table will be located at 55th and Troost Avenue.

Imagine Peace.

The TOT Mission

2009-09-17T14:13:00.008-05:00

Now that Tulips on Troost has been up and running for a few years, we thought it was time to remind everyone of our mission on Troost Avenue.

Tulips on Troost is a non-profit organization that aims to change the face of Troost Avenue by planting one million tulips along the Avenue by 2010. Through this activity, we will:

Bring deserved attention and respect to one of our city's most important founders, Dr. Benoist Troost
Give our city's residents alternative, new and significant ways to perceive race, color, and culture as it relates to Troost Avenue
Create opportunities for community members to cooperate in bettering the environment around them
Influence city planners and legislators to prioritize the revitalization of Troost Avenue
Attract citizens to take up residency, move/start their businesses, or simply become a consumer along Troost Avenue
Provide a powerful symbol of hope, achievement, and healing to everyone who observes the positive changes on Troost Avenue

Through this mission, we hope to inspire and motivate the citizens of Kansas City to recognize the value of neighborhood revitalization in some of the city's most historic districts. Whether you do this on your own, or whether you join us in beautifying Troost Avenue through volunteering, networking, or financial donations, we at Tulips on Troost invite you partner with us in improving our city.

Tulips on Troost is a part of the Southtown Foundation of Kansas City, Missouri, which is a 501c3 organization. Your donations to Southtown Foundation for the Tulip Project are fully tax-deductible and we thank you for your support!

Newcomer to TOT!

2009-09-14T17:38:00.005-05:00

Greetings! My name is Maureen Lunn and I am Tulips on Troost's newest member, serving TOT as an Americorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America). I am 27 years old and a newlywed! I came to TOT due to my interest in local non-profit work and my experiences living and working in areas surrounding Troost Avenue. Prior to becoming a VISTA, I completed my master's degree in African Studies at the University of Kansas. Additionally, I served as director of student ministries at Jacob's Well Church in midtown, and at YouthFront in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

I love to travel, having lived in Hong Kong, China for a year and a half as well as having had several opportunities to travel abroad to Asia, Africa, and elsewhere. These opportunities have enriched me to a deep understanding of poverty issues that I hope to apply in my work on Troost Avenue. In the future, my husband, Toby, and I hope to relocate to East Africa and participate in relief work.

I look forward to meeting many of you involved with Tulips on Troost this year!

Where To Be On Saturday

2009-07-01T09:22:00.001-05:00

A July 4th Party - Taste of Troost

Black-Eyed Susan Project Update

2009-05-11T08:39:00.008-05:00

Many thanks to all of you who supported our recent plant sale at Center High School. Because of you, the CHS Poetry Club Write Now will be able to host many more Poetry Slams next year. And that's good because poems are important!

We are also grateful to the George Harrison Memorial Foundation who donated the gazillions of seeds, flats and Pro-Mix to our CHS Greenhouse Project this year making us now ready to blanket Troost Avenue (and its surrounding neighborhoods) with this spectacular native flower.

And, we appreciated the help from Rockhurst University students and Ms. Evans class too which helped us plant and transplant over 100,000 seedlings now looking for good homes.

We kind of expect that we won't have enough TOT volunteers to plant all of our 100,000+ plants on our Volunteer Planting Day, Saturday May 30th. So, starting today we're GIVING them away to anyone who believes in

Flower Power

Just please plant them kind of close to Troost Avenue...like within the city limits if you know what we mean and that includes the Westside Beautification team, the Troost Folks, our friends on Benton Boulevard and ALL the rest of you hopeful souls in between.

Call or email to schedule your plant pick-up:
(816) 812-8530
durwinrice@durwinrice.com

We've also got Purple Coneflowers, Shasta Daisies, Marigolds, Zinnias
and delicious Roma Tomatoes!

PEACE

Buy a Plant, Support a Poet

2009-05-06T10:17:00.004-05:00

Write Now is having a plant sale this Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 9am to 2pm at Center High School (8715 Holmes).

All of the plants for the sale have been GROWN FROM SEED in the greenhouse at Center High School with the help of TOT volunteers from Rockhurst University and Ms. Evans CHS class. Proceeds from the sale will provide funds for the Write Now Poetry Team to compete in Chicago at the International Brave New Voices Teen Poetry Slam AND will support Ms Evans' class greenhouse studies AND will further the planting of native species on Troost Avenue.

PLEASE HELP US PROMOTE THIS EVENT by re-posting where you can. We also have flyer artwork that you can request via email: durwinrice@durwinrice.com

Thanks for your support!

Contact: Durwin Rice (816) 812-8530

Come Find Out How Beautiful You Are

2009-05-01T11:30:00.004-05:00

One of the buildings in Southtown that UMKC students recently circled in tulips.

Why Do New Businesses Continue To Open In Southtown?

Because it's BEAUTIFUL! If you didn't already know that, maybe it's because you haven't been attending the Annual Southtown Beautification Awards Dinner where community leaders and businesses making a real difference in KC get recognized.

This year's recipients:

Small Business
Mad Jack's
Hall's Sales & Service

Medium Business
Soil Service Nursery
Greg Patterson & Associates

New Construction
Oak Place Apartments
SE Community Center

Good Housekeeping
Center High School

Public Achievement
Scott Burnet

Institution
Stowers Institute

Outstanding Tulip Achievement
UMKC Office of Student Life
UMKC Alumni Association

Southtowner of the Year
Bill Kalahurka

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Benjamin Ranch, 6401 E. 87thy St.
6-7:00pm Social Hour
7-9:00pm Buffet Dinner and Ceremony

$40 per ticket, $500 for table of ten sponsorship
Tickets at Southtown.org

Earth Day 2009 At Sprint

2009-04-27T12:34:00.004-05:00

TOT's Imagine Peace Tree in action on Earth Day 2009 at Sprint in Overland Park, KS. It's a Japanese Clethra that's still looking for the perfect home on Troost Avenue! Does anybody know of a great spot for this tree? Thanks to the Center High School poets who invited us to join them on Earth Day at Sprint!

Center High School & The Black Eyed Susan

2009-04-16T16:33:00.006-05:00

Center High School students have been VERY BUSY growing native perennials (and some other fun stuff) for Troost Avenue.

Really, really busy!

Now that's some urban renewal!!!

At The Site Of The New Troost Bridge

2009-04-16T16:23:00.003-05:00

Tulip - Light of the East

2009-04-15T18:16:00.001-05:00

From Holland With Peace: Unique Photo Art Expo Amsterdam

2009-03-23T10:36:00.001-05:00

Turning a wood bowl from green wood

2009-03-22T18:14:00.001-05:00

Biggest Origami Flower Making

2009-03-22T11:07:00.004-05:00

TOT Spring Fever Celebration

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Starts at 10AM

Coffee Break

5400 Troost Avenue

Step Up Not On This

2009-03-19T11:01:00.010-05:00

These are what tulips look like today.

We're plotting to grow one million blooms
on Troost Avenue so...

KEEP YOUR BIG FEET OFF THEM!

And the other top five things you can do to help...

Volunteer Saturdays Between Noon & 3PM
at the Center High School greenhouse
(8715 Holmes Avenue).

Join our TOT Development Team
at 7:30AM any Friday at the Coffee Break

Use This Link To Make a Tax-deductible Contribution
to Southtown Foundation

Join the Facebook Tulips on Troost Cause
& Recruit Your Friends

Come Out & Experience the Tulips & the Entertainment
beginning at 10AM on April 4th, 2009
(Maps available at Tulip Headquarters aka Coffee Break)

Contact Us: (816) 812-8530

Have You Called 311 Today?

2009-02-12T14:50:00.014-06:00

The weather's nice....you should walk outside and FIND SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT unless THIS is the way you want your city to look.

Just Call 311 and report the exact location of the scene that you find disgusting and you'll get a RFS # (that's Request For Service) so YOU can be the first to know the city's response. Then you can watch and see what gets done about it before you send in your feedback.... "Great job Mayor (or Council) or "Heck NO, this is NOT the way I think we should be running our town!"

Heaving sidewalks, holes in the street, streetlights that are dim and trash on the street. ANYTHING that's broken....anything that's not working...any building that is boarded up is NOT a City That Works! And, what are you going to do about it?

Call 311...it's the easy way for YOU to let City Hall know all about your satisfaction with services or lack of such.

You can speak with a city employee whose job it is to CARE about your complaints weekdays from 7AM to 8PM and on Saturdays & Sundays from 8AM to 5PM. Or, leave a message at other times or email actioncenter@kcmo.org with your complaints.

So STOP yelling at your neighbors and your spouse & pick up your phone and Call 311 at least once a day!

Yes, sad to say, there IS that much to complain about.

Spend A Year With Us & Create Positive Change In Kansas City

2009-02-03T09:49:00.006-06:00

Tulips on Troost offers an exciting opportunity to work/volunteer with community leaders, businesses, foundations and government officials to change Kansas City's future. Our goal is simple. To plant one million tulips along Troost Avenue, spur development and renew economic opportunities for all residents of Kansas City urban core.

We are seeking someone with excellent communication skills to develop and lead our fund-raising and volunteer recruitment, supervise and promote all public events. Software and internet skills are required. Call (816) 812-8530 to apply or send your resume to Durwin Rice, 4518 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110

This is a Vista-sponsored position. To learn more about the Americorps Vista program visit: the Corporation for National and Community Service.