e-Merriam Udates...Your Source for Civic News!

February 06 , 2009

In this issue:		Click here for a printable copy of this issue.
-	Turkey Creek Festival Parade Entries Sought
-	Merriam Announces 2009 Heartland Artist Exhibition
-	Merriam Visitors Bureau Notes: Turn Date Night into a Romantic Getaway!
-	2009 Citizen Police Academy Now Forming

The City of Merriam welcomes entries to the 2009 Merriam Turkey Creek Festival Parade. The festival will be held Saturday, May 16. The parade is a highlight of Merriam’s largest festival, which annually draws up to 10,000 people. The 24th annual parade begins at 11:00 AM at 69th and Antioch Road, and travels northward on Antioch past Antioch Park, site of the 2009 festival.

Individuals, marching bands, civic groups, or businesses may organize entries, and Merriam residency is not required to participate. The entry deadline is May 1, and there is no entry fee.

This year’s parade theme, “Celebrate Volunteers -- The Spirit of Community!”, reflects the importance of encouraging and maintaining the tradition of neighbor helping neighbor.

Create your entry that depicts our theme & you could win an award! Awards will be presented to outstanding entries in the following categories: Theme Award, Grand Marshal Award, Mayor’s Award, Children’s Group Award, Best Float, and Outstanding Business Entry.

The Turkey Creek Festival Parade is a highlight of Merriam's largest festival, which annually draws up to 10,000 people.

Parade applications may be obtained at Merriam City Hall, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace, Irene B. French Community Center, 5701 Merriam Drive, or download application from www.merriam.org/park.

PHOTO: HEARTLAND ARTIST 2008 BEST OF SHOW

“Jacob” by Ryan Shultz
BEST OF SHOW
2008 Heartland Artist Exhibition

The City of Merriam, Kansas has announced the selection of media to be included in the Heartland Artist Exhibition 2009. The 13th annual 2-D mixed media exhibition will be on display at the Irene B. French Community Center art gallery, 5701 Merriam Drive, from March 8 – 28, 2009.

90 works were selected from among 150 entries. They will be on display and for sale by artists represented from across the United States, including 41 artists from the Kansas City metropolitan area. Media to be exhibited include watercolor, pastel, acrylic, mixed media, and oil. The juror for the exhibition is Reinhild Janzen, professor of Art History, Washburn University.

The public is invited to an opening night reception and prize ceremony to be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 7th. Over $3,000 in cash prizes and a purchase award will be presented during the prize ceremony.

The exhibition is sponsored by The City of Merriam and the Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation. Gallery hours during the exhibition are: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Sunday, 2:00 - 4:00 PM.

There is no charge to view the exhibition. For further information call Merriam Parks and Recreation at (913)-322-5550 or visit www.merriam.org/park/Gallery

Getting away is affordable and easy, even if you don't want to leave town. With the Ultimate Romance Package from Hampton, all of the little extras are taken care of...so all you have to do is bring your love.

Located conveniently at I-35 and 75th Street in Merriam, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers great affordability and fabulous amenities including on the house hot breakfast, complimentary high speed internet access, free parking, indoor pool and spa, Cloud Nine (the Hampton bed experience) and of course, Hampton’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Romance is easier and more affordable than you think.
Book your romance package today!

If you’re looking for a special getaway for your Valentine, the Merriam Hampton Inn & Suites offers rates starting at $119 which includes a King room, a single-stem rose, sparkling cider and heart-shaped chocolates! To book your romantic getaway, call 913-722-0800 and request the "romance package", or visit www.hamptoninn.com and to make your Valentine’s reservation today!

The Merriam Visitors Bureau invites you to explore Merriam by subscribing our bi-monthly electronic newsletter, e-Tourism Matters. Receive tourism trends and tips, Merriam events, news and promotions -- all delivered directly to your inbox. For more information, or to join our mailing list, visit www.exploremerriam.com.

The Merriam Police Department is accepting applications for the 2009 Citizen Police Academy.

Through this course, citizens will gain a general understanding of the complexities of modern day police work and have an opportunity to become better acquainted with the individual officers of the Merriam Police Department.

Topics include: Basic Patrol, Traffic Stops, Radar/Laser, Drug Investigations, Search and Seizure, Investigations, Use of Force, Defensive Tactics, Accident Investigations, Firearms, S.W.A.T., D.A.R.E, and DUI. The academy participants can expect to experience many aspects of police training including participating in a firearms range, a Taser demonstration, and other hands-on activities.

Sixteen citizens graduated from the first Merriam Citizen’s Police Academy. A video of highlights of the 2008 Citizen's Police Academy, can be found online by clicking here.

The next academy will begin on March 2nd, with classes through May 14th. To participate in this program you must complete an application for enrollment. For additional information, contact Lt. Mike Daniels at (913) 322-5586 or visit www.merriam.org/MPD.