Listening Post

The Village Shalom Father’s Day Run celebrated its 30th year of kicking off Father’s Day with fun for a good cause.
30th ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY RUN RAISES $32,000 FOR ALZHEIMER’S PROGRAMMING — Nearly 600 participants took part in the 30th annual Village Shalom Father’s Day Run on Sunday, June 18. All $32,000 in proceeds from the run will help fund programming for the Shalom Suites and Great Days Social Club — the areas of the Village Shalom campus that serve the needs of those experiencing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“We are grateful to all who sponsored, participated in, and volunteered for the Father’s Day Run,” said Katie Reilley, the Father’s Day Run Manager. “The money raised from the run will directly fund and enrich our exceptional memory care programs.” 

After the race, runners and walkers enjoyed breakfast from Morrison Community Living, fresh beer from Martin City Brewery, and massages from F.I.T Muscle and Joint Clinic. Those too young for the 5K participated in the Kids’ Fun Run following the race. Before and after the Fun Run, kids kept busy making crafts for their dads and playing Giant Jenga.

“We had a great turn out and uncommonly cool weather for June,” Reilley said. “Everyone seemed to have a great time.”

Eight-year-old Nick Small was one of about 200 kids who participated in The J’s annual Youth Triathlon on Sunday, June 25. This is the third year in a row that Nick has participated, and he said competing in the event was fun.

A KC REP’S WOLF TO DIRECT IN THE BIG CITY — Kansas City Repertory Theatre has announced that “FIRE IN DREAMLAND” has been added to the 2017-2018 season at The Public Theater in New York City. In addition, KCRep’s Director of New Works Marissa Wolf will direct the play for The Public Theater. KCRep’s curator and producer for its annual New Works Festival, Wolf said, “In collaboration with Artistic Director Eric Rosen, I’m thrilled to champion vital, urgent and nationally recognized plays and musicals under the umbrella of OriginKC, forwarding Kansas City as a major national center for the development and production of new work. “FIRE IN DREAMLAND” was among the very first new plays we produced here under the auspices of the New Works Festival, and Kansas City has become part of the play’s DNA.”

“DREAMLAND,” written by Rinne Groff (“The Ruby Sunrise,” “Saved”), is a moving, lyrical piece, set on Coney Island, in the aftermath of 2012’s Superstorm Sandy. It explores the astonishing things we do when faced with devastation. The next OriginKC: New Works Festival is set for April 27 through May 27, 2018, on the Copaken Stage. For more information on KCRep, visit kcrep.org.