Memorial Day in Kansas City

I have been meaning to publish these shots I took of Celebration at the Station in honor of

Memorial Day.

It was a great event, lots of people! The Kansas City Symphony did a fabulous job performing wonderful classical pieces.

Gladstone Bluesfest June 5-6, 2009

For the 13th year Gladstone's Summer Bluesfest will be held this weekend at Oak Grove Park.

This festival has attracted up to 15,000 and this year should be no different.

For additional information visit the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce website.

This is a free festival and parking is only $5.00.

Kansas City Easter Parade at Zona Rosa

As we gather tomorrow with our family and friends..... I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
In 2006 Zona Rosa in the Northland introduced an all time Kansas City favorite, the Easter Parade! It caused such enthusiam that it's become an annual tradition at the shopping area.
The community is invited to participated in this tradition which features the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, free giveaways and a best dressed contest.

Our furry friend Buddy won't be in the best dressed contest but he certainly is festive!
Happy Easter

$8000.00 Free Money For 1st Time Buyers

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009.
THAT is NOT TRUE!

I have a copy of the blank 1040. Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405. I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need. You can look at "C" at the top. You can claim it now if purchased in 2009. If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately.
However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040.
I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out.
And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call 816-682-3897
Until next time.......

Kansas City Home Show

The Kansas City Home show was this past weekend and we went on the first evening it opened.
There were a lot of vendors there with different things: windows, siding, housewares, guttering, roofing, more windows and more siding, fountains and all sorts of different things.
We chatted with the gentleman that was there from an invisible fence company because we are considering doing that for our little furry friend we adopted the end of January.
It was an interesting evening... unfortunately due to the weather here in Kansas City, they were reporting on the television that it drastically effected the turnout of the home show.

Rates Could Be In The Upper 4% By Tomorrow

Here's the actual press release from the Federal Reserve:

Press Release

Release Date: March 18, 2009
For immediate release
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in January indicates that the economy continues to contract. Job losses, declining equity and housing wealth, and tight credit conditions have weighed on consumer sentiment and spending. Weaker sales prospects and difficulties in obtaining credit have led businesses to cut back on inventories and fixed investment. U.S. exports have slumped as a number of major trading partners have also fallen into recession. Although the near-term economic outlook is weak, the Committee anticipates that policy actions to stabilize financial markets and institutions, together with fiscal and monetary stimulus, will contribute to a gradual resumption of sustainable economic growth.
In light of increasing economic slack here and abroad, the Committee expects that inflation will remain subdued. Moreover, the Committee sees some risk that inflation could persist for a time below rates that best foster economic growth and price stability in the longer term.
In these circumstances, the Federal Reserve will employ all available tools to promote economic recovery and to preserve price stability. The Committee will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and anticipates that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period. To provide greater support to mortgage lending and housing markets, the Committee decided today to increase the size of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet further by purchasing up to an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities, bringing its total purchases of these securities to up to $1.25 trillion this year, and to increase its purchases of agency debt this year by up to $100 billion to a total of up to $200 billion. Moreover, to help improve conditions in private credit markets, the Committee decided to purchase up to $300 billion of longer-term Treasury securities over the next six months. The Federal Reserve has launched the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility to facilitate the extension of credit to households and small businesses and anticipates that the range of eligible collateral for this facility is likely to be expanded to include other financial assets. The Committee will continue to carefully monitor the size and composition of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet in light of evolving financial and economic developments
Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Charles L. Evans; Donald L. Kohn; Jeffrey M. Lacker; Dennis P. Lockhart; Daniel K. Tarullo; Kevin M. Warsh; and Janet L. Yellen.

Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Aye me little wee lads and lassys.... it's St. Patrick's Day again in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kansas City has a very active Irish following, along with an Irish Fest that happens over Labor Day, we have a great St. Patrick's Day parade downtown!
This year the parade will run Broadway - 33rd Street (Linwood) to 43rd Street from 11 AM to 1 PM.
This is the 36th edition of this Kansas City tradition and the weather appears to be very cooperative!
Follow this link http://www.kcirishparade.com/ for more information....

First Time Buyers $8000.00 Tax Credit Tax Information

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009.

THAT is NOT TRUE!

I have a copy of the blank 1040. Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405. I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need. You can look at "C" at the top. You can claim it now if purchased in 2009. If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately.

However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040.

I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out.

And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call 816-682-3897

Until next time.......

Super Secret Spices...www.penzeysone.com

Every once in a while we venture out of our neighborhood in the Northland and go to this fabulous spice store that carries nothing but SPICES!
I know I've mentioned before that my wonderful husband was a Chef in another life before he became a Pharmaceutical Robot Engineer........ and that the kitchen is HIS domain !
We have this special place that we go to in old Overland Park, Kansas, just a hop, skip and a jump from our neck of the woods.
Upon walking in your mouth begins to water at the mere possibilities of what you could dress up with their array of spicies from all over the world. It's truly delightful!
You can get anything from vanilla from other parts of the world to mouth watering garlic to dried chopped celery.....
We can't even go in the place without dropping fifty bucks! They also have boxed gift sets for every occasion
It's a real treat! Check out their website http://www.penzysone.com/


And you are ALWAYS greated with a smiling face!

Until next time...............

Gladstone Discusses Being Smoke Free

This week the Gladstone City Council hammered out the details of its ban on smoking in most enclosed places.... places of employment and public places within city limits. This includes Gladstone's thirteen parks.

The ban does have some exceptions for instance: bowling alleys, pool halls, bars and restaurants that seat less than 75 people as long as they post a sign that says "non-smoking areas are NOT available."

A decision to my knowledge hasn't been reached as yet... but watch for a decision to be made shortly.

First Time Buyers Get 8000.00 For Buying A Home

Yes, you read correctly..... a lovely couple that I just worked with are getting $8000.00 for buying a home.

Of course I'd love to tell you that it was just for the pleasure of working with me, but in all honesty it's due to the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

They qualified in every way...
#1. They haven't owned a home in the last three years
#2. They purchased between 1/1/09 and 12/1/09
#3. Their combined income wasn't over $150,000
#4. They intend to keep the house for three years.

With anyone who is wanting to get a home, you need to have your credit in order in addition to all the requirements of the act.

So if you have been sitting on the fence and not making a decision to buy a home ... Now is the time!

If you need some assistance with your real estate needs, please feel free to call me. 816-682-3897

Cocoa Mulch.... DANGER to Dogs and Cats

I am a pet lover and the new ownere of a Kerry Blue Terrier.... I use mulch in my yard and so do some of my clients in the Kansas City North area. I felt this important information to share to keep your pets safe.

With the Spring season upon us, please be sure and check the contents of the mulch you are putting in your landscaping.

Checked on Snopes and it is true. ( http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp)


Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from local discount store to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'

Cocoa Mulch, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

First Time Buyers Tax Credit Info

This just in from a Mortgage lady I refer to:

The $7500 tax credit for first time buyers is a great thing to help stimulate interest. There have been a lot of questions and little clarification. The Tax groups are finally getting some information. Here is a recent clarification:

Unmarried couples get a break on claiming the new credit for home buyers. They can allocate the credit any way they want. Example: If one of the two unmarried purchasers has more than $95,000 of AGI, the credit can be allocated in full to the other buyer. Similarly, if one of the buyers has owned a principal residence in the past three years and thus is not eligible to claim the credit, the entire credit can be taken by the other. The maximum credit is 10% of the purchase price, but not more than $7500. For homes purchased in the first 6 months of 2009, buyers can claim the credit on their 2008 return or they can file an amended return. When filing a joint tax return as a married couple, neither buyer can have owned a home in the last 3 years.



Missouri Housing Development Corporation has come up with a program in which buyers can "borrow" against the $7500, up front, for their downpayment, and pay MHDC back when they receive their funds. Missouri is the first state to come up with a program to get the money up front to help with downpayment.

Obama - McCain.....Missouri and Kansas Voting Info

Just a few days and all the election commercials will be over.... and you can watch your television in peace.

In case you are in Missouri or Kansas here is some voting information for you:

In Missouri.... you can get Voter and Poll Information including locations, accepted forms of ID, listings of county clerks for Clay, Platte, Cass and Jackson counties at Vote KC

In Kansas..... you can get Voter and Poll Information Vote Kansas

And for your entertainment...... here's a video of the line getting into one of the rallies that was held here in Kansas City for one of the Presidential Candidates. If you ask me real nice, I'll tell you which one OR you can GUESS. :)

It's Pumpkin Picking Time in Kansas City

It's that time again here in Kansas City when we pack up the kids for a day of events at one of the area Pumpkin Patches!

Weston Red Barn Farm
This farm was puchased in 1989 by Steve and Cindi Frey. They have a pumpking patch, orchards, sheep to pet and pony rides in beautiful and historic Weston.

Johnson Farms
With over 30 acres you can pick your own pumpkin or buy them already picked! The wagon rides and animal corral are great fun for the kids. They have gourdes, squash and flowers too.

KC Pumpkin Patch
Here you will find 10's or 1,000's of U-Pick pumpkins and many other activities to keep your children busy all day!

Carolyn's Country Cousins
In Liberty, Missouri is just plain fun! A "mega" pumpkin patch, animal barn, pig races and you can even make your own scarecrow!

Pumpkins Etc.
Located east of Platte City they have a down home pumpkin patch, gourds and beautiful mums.
It's a family run farm, not heavy on the bling but full of old fashioned fun.

Please check out the links of their websites for more information.

I'd like to personally thank an old and dear friend Katy for the use of her gorgeous little pumpkin pickers pictures for this post.

Weston Irish Fest

We had this pleasure this past weekend of attending the Weston Irish Fest. It usually takes place around the second weekend of October every year for about the last nine years. This year they couldn't have had better weather! The trees were beginning to turn color, there was a breeze in the air and little or no humidity. As we were walking down the street of the friendly sidewalks of Weston, Missouri I encountered this young lad. He was really talented and I couldn't resist putting money in his violin case after this stellar performance!

The Kansas City Zoo Announces October and November are F R E E

Yes, you read right..... The Kansas City Zoo is offering free admission to Kansas City, Missouri residents for the months of October and November.

Of course you have to prove that you live in Kansas City, Missouri and rightfully so.

You will need proof of residence and a state-issued ID which is required at the admissions gate.

You can also verify that you are a resident with a bill or credit card statement, even a bank statement, with your name and Kansas City, Missouri address.

It is free during normal zoo hours.

Gladstone Raises Personal Property Tax Levy to Maximum

In 2005 Gladstone voters approved a 39-cent property tax increase. That tax increase will begin showing up in your personal property tax bill this year.

The City Council has voted to set the city's 2008 tax levy at 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. So in other words if you buy a new car that cost $25,000 you are going to pay about 32.00 more in personal property taxes beginning this year.

This voter approved raise in taxes gave Gladstone leaders the authority to set the tax levy no higher than 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Up until this year Gladstone council decided to stay at the existing tax rate of 54-cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The reason for the decision to raise it is unexpected expenses which includes the May 2 tornado which cost the city more than $357,000 in payroll costs and repairs to city-owned facilities. In addition salt for road treatment went up $75,000 and fuel cost for city vehicles went up $71,000 over this past year.

News From My Lawn Guy

August 2008
RYAN's Landscape Guide
Making the most of your environmental space


In This Issue
Weed Control is Tough

Sycamore Anthracnose

Fall Seeding

Landscape Pests

Bed Weed Control

Landscape Calendar

At a Glance
Mowing Guidelines:
Bluegrass: 2-2.5"
Fescue: 2.5-3"
Zoysia/Bermuda: 0.5-2"

Watering Guidelines:
70-80 degrees:
1" every 5-7 days
80-90 degrees:
1" every 3-5 days
90-100 degrees:
1" every 2-3 days

Quick Links
Ask a RYANPro
Current Conditions
View Resource Library




RYAN's Green Tip

We've had a wet spring, but now it's starting to get dry. Make the most of your watering by watering at sunrise to minimize evaporation and disease incidence.
Weed Control is Tough this Time of Year
Be Patient

We've had a wet spring, which has led to lots of weeds. Weed control is included as part of your lawn care program. Hot temperatures can slow the weed control process because weeds (like all plants) slow their growth when it is hot and dry. Since growth is slowed, they do not absorb our weed control products as quickly. As a result, more time may be required to achieve satisfactory results. Your patience is appreciated.

As always, if you find weeds coming up between applications, give us a call. We'll send your RYAN Pro out to take care of them. Remember, service calls are free for customers on a full program.
Stop Sycamore Anthracnose
Treat Sycamores now

We had a cool, wet spring, which is the perfect environment for the fungus that causes antracnose. Sycamore anthracnose is seldom fatal, but can be a big nuisance, affecting hundreds of sycamore trees every year. We can help protect your tree from this disease.

Homeowners with unprotected sycamores are already noticing dead leaves and twigs falling (dead twigs and limbs are a more serious problem that can result from this disease.)

RYAN can treat your sycamore with a plant protection product every other year in late summer. The first treatment will start attacking the fungus in the live twigs and protect branches from damage due to infection. Consecutive treatments give added protection to newly emerging leaves. This will significantly reduce premature leaf and twig drop next season.
Fall Seeding Season is Coming
Evaluate your lawn for seeding needs

Fall is the optimum time to seed your lawn. Cool season lawns often have seeding needs; look for thin areas or bare spots. This is also the best time to eliminate poorly performing grass-types by converting to improved grass species.

If you find you have areas that need seeding, choose your seed wisely. Great lawns start with the best grass; we have Gold Tag seed available for purchse (if you want to seed yourself.)

If you are interested in RYAN seeding, call today for an estimate.
Late Summer Landscape Pests
Regular monitoring key to control

Fall Webworm
Fall webworm nests dot fall landscapes every year. The second generation appears from late July to late September. Look for webbing on the outer branches of trees. Unlike tent caterpillars, webworms feed inside their webs; as food is consumed, they enlarge their nests.

Since damage occurs so late in the season, control is optional. High populations can completely defoliate host plants, but plants recover without incident.

The best control is to remove and destroy infested portions of branches while webs are small. This can be done by pruning or using a pole with a hook. Stick the pole with a nail inserted crossways into individual webs. Twist the pole after insertion and remove the nest.

Yellow Necked Caterpillars
Yellow necked caterpillars are still affecting landscapes. They attack a broad range of plants including fruit trees, hickory, beech, birch, elm, maple and walnut.

Homeowners need to be vigilant in monitoring their landscape plants as they can be destroyed quickly by these pests. Yellow necked caterpillar eggs (layed in masses in late June or early July,) hatch at the the same time. This means trouble for unsuspecting homeowners because caterpillars feed in groups.

Contact RYAN for assistance controlling landscape pests.
Fall Bed Weed Control
Spend less time weeding next season

Every year homeowners spend hours pulling weeds out of landscape beds. Consider reducing the time you spend pulling weeds next season by adding our preemergent bed weed control to your program.

Our bed weed control applications can achieve 90 percent control of both broadleaf and grassy weeds. For the best control, we recommend two applications, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Contact your RYAN Pro to add this service to your program.
Landscape Calendar: August
• Mow regularly with a sharp mower blade. You should be mowing at least once a week.
• Inspect your landscape for signs of disease. Call RYAN now for a preventative control program next season.
• Water every 1-5 days, depending on the heat, to keep plants and lawn from drying out.
• Water flowerbeds and lightly fertilize annual flowers.
• Look for seeding needs. Call RYAN for Gold Tag seed.
• Aerate zoysia and bermuda now. Mow these lawns short (0.5-2") throughout the season.
• Keep hummingbird feeders clean and filled with nectar.
• Fill the birdbath to invite birds into your landscape.

New Missouri Prescription Drug Card is FREE

While visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Branson I saw a story about the new Missouri Drug Card Program on television.

The website states that as a resident of Missouri you have access to a FREE prescription drug card program.

If you go to www.missouridrugcard.com you can download your Prescription Card after putting in some simple information and supposedly have a savings of 75% at over 50,000 national and regional pharmacies.

The card is pre-activated and can be used immediately.

* I haven't personally tried this but thought it would be good information for anyone that needs assistance with prescription drug costs.