Want a breath of fresh autumn air? OP Fall Festival offers food, entertainment and art

Those hoping to get into the autumn spirit will have a perfect opportunity the weekend of Sept. 23-24. Entertainment for everyone from tot to older adult, an artisan exhibit and food from the Overland Park Farmers’ Market and other restaurants will all be part of the fun at the Fall Festival.

Celebrate the season in downtown Overland Park from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24. The StoneLion Puppet Theatre, Suzette Woods, and aerial dance and acrobatic group Thieves of Flight will be among the many performers entertaining audiences. In addition to food trucks, Overland Park restaurants and market vendors will offer meals and treats.

Artists and artisans from across the region will present everything from watercolor paintings to baskets.

Visit opkansas.org/FallFestival for more information.

New Spring Hill city administrator

Lane Massey joins the City of Spring Hill as its new city administrator. He worked for Wichita and Arkansas City before becoming the city manager in Larned for six years. He spent the last five years as the assistant city manager in Emporia.

Massey joins Spring Hill at a time of population growth and economic development.

“My main goal is to provide stability, structure and a financial plan for growth,” Massey said in a press release.

High-speed internet workshop

KC Rising, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and other community organizations are joining forces to ensure high-speed internet is available to all. As part of the Kansas City Regional Digital Equity Action Strategy, the partnering organizations are holding a series of digital equity workshops throughout the nine-county region.

In Johnson County, the workshop will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., in Overland Park. The event will be held in the Carmack Community Room. During each workshop, participants will be able to review detailed information about the availability of broadband internet in their community. Residents are also encouraged to share their opinions online through Oct. 31, at www.surveymonkey.com/r/KCBroadband or at 800-274-1047.

Speaker discusses Native American schools

Eric Anderson, a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation and professor of history at Haskell Indian National University, will discuss the creation of federal schools for youth at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Indian Creek Library. He’ll speak about how the creation of federal schools like Haskell affected Native American communities in the short and long term. Visit OlatheLibrary.org to learn more.

Booster shots available in JoCo

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is offering Pfizer and Moderna bivalent booster shots, along with other immunizations, to those eligible at its Olathe and Mission walk-in clinics during regular business hours. Boosters can also be found at physician offices, pharmacies, grocery stores and local health clinics. The virus that causes COVID-19 changes over time. The new boosters include components that provide protection against the Omicron variants that are currently circulating.

Those with questions can call 913-715-2819 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email jcdhe@jocogov.org.

Jewish Family Services needs donations

Jewish Family Services, in partnership with the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, are asking for food donations to be dropped off during the Jewish High Holy Days, beginning Sunday evening, Sept. 25 through Oct. 16.

Most needed items include tomato products, canned fruit, lotion, dish soap, toilet paper and paper towels. The donation of all food, household goods and personal care items are appreciated, as many of these items are not covered by government assistance.

Donations can be made at area Jewish congregations or dropped off in barrels at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park. The two locations of the JFS Food Pantry serve more than 800 families monthly, regardless of faith, age, culture or lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.jfskc.org.