Blue Shoe: Local author’s new book inspired by his wife

It took some convincing to get Leawood author Roderick Townley to write his latest book, “The Blue Shoe.”

The process started with a request from his wife, Wyatt, to hear a bedtime story.

What came to mind was an idea including a blue shoe in the window of a cobbler shop that did not fit anybody, but everyone wanted to own it.

March 10 Community Calendar

Thursday, March 11

The Redemptorist Center Seniors Club invites all area senior citizens to enjoy music, dancing, refreshments and door prizes at the annual St. Pat’s Sr. Ball from 1 to 3 p.m. in the gymnasium of Cristo Rey High School, 211 W. Linwood Blvd. Admission and refreshments are free. To R.S.V.P., call 931-9942.

Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Road, presents Eleanor Craig, Discovery Trails coordinator at Accessible Arts Inc., who will discuss a trip students will make in June, following the California, Oregon, and Lewis and Clark trails homeward at 7 p.m. For information, call 942-3581.

Author and blogger Courtney E. Martin discusses the history of Barbie and the influence the iconic doll has had on the self-image of American girls since its launch in March 1959 at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Library, 4801 Main St. Barbie has often been criticized for promoting an unrealistic idea of body image. Martin is the author of "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: How the Quest for Perfection is Harming Young Women." A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event. To R.S.V.P., go to www.kclibrary.org or call 701-3407.

The Center Planning & Development Council sponsors a free safety class from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 700 E. 110th St. Participants will learn about personal, home and auto safety, as well as hands-on escape moves. The class is presented by the experts at Safety & Security Source & United Studios of Self Defense. For information, call 591-5921 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Area chefs win big at competition

Chef Matt Chatfield, from the Culinary Center of Kansas City, Overland Park, garnered top honors at the Taste of Elegance culinary competition held Feb. 23 at the Overland Park Marriott.

His winning entrée, Roast Pork Rack with Apricot Glaze, earned him the $1,000 prize and an invitation to compete in the national Taste of Elegance competition.

The event was sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association, Kansas Pork Association, Sterling Silver Premium Meats, the ACF Greater Kansas City Chefs Association, the Overland Park Marriott, Wyldewood Cellars and Harvesters.

KCAI offers children’s classes

March is National Youth Art Month and the Kansas City Art Institute is celebrating by reminding parents throughout the Kansas City area that opportunities abound for them to nurture the creativity of their children.

Parents should take their children to museums and art galleries, provide them with art supplies at home and enroll them in art classes, such as those offered at KCAI.

"It’s amazing to see what our young artists produce in art and design classes they attend on our two campuses," Shirley O’Leary, special programs associate vice president, said.

March 3 Community Calendar

Thursday, March 4

"Learn to Teach" lectures continue with "Working with adults, seniors and disabled communities" at 11:30 a.m. at Epperson Auditorium, Vanderslice Hall, Kansas City Arts Institute, 4415 Warwick Blvd. The series is free and open to the public. For information, call 802-3423.

Mark Lee Gardner discusses his new book about one of the most thrilling manhunts at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Library, 4801 Main St. "To Hell on a Fast Horse: Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett and the Epic Chase to Justice in the Old West" is the first dual biography of the outlaw Kid and lawman Garrett. Gardner draws on a wealth of primary sources and published scholarship to present a fresh look at the two men, their relationship and their storied ride to immortality. Admission is free. A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event. To R.S.V.P., call 701-3407 or visit www.kclibrary.org.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Walker Howe explains how President Abraham Lincoln’s youthful obsession with self-improvement made him one of the most successful presidents in American history at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Library, 4801 Main St. Howe will discuss how Lincoln’s program of self-education through disciplined reading, and other experiences in his young adulthood, shaped his moral character and influenced his politics and his world view. Admission is free. A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event. Howe will sign copies of his books purchased during the event. To R.S.V.P., call 701-3407 or visit www.kclibrary.org. The event is part of the University of Missouri–Kansas City Richard D. McKinzie Symposium, which includes three additional events geared toward teachers and students from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 5. Featured speakers include Jonathan Earle, associate professor of history at University of Kansas, and Mia Bay, associate professor of history at Rutgers University. At 11 a.m. Howe will join Earle and Bay for a panel discussion about Lincoln’s place in American history and the challenges of teaching race and politics.

Magazine names Bo Ling’s No. 2 Chinese restaurant in U.S.

Chinese Restaurant News has announced that Bo Ling’s is the No. 2 Chinese restaurant in the 2009–2010 annual Top 100 Overall Excellence Awards.

With more than 46,000 Chinese eateries in the United States, the awards recognize, cultivate and preserve the best in Chinese cuisine.

The Overall Excellence Award signifies the highest honor awarded in the annual contest.

Wanting to bring a higher standard of quality Chinese dining to Kansas City, Richard “Bo” and Theresa “Far Ling” Ng opened Bo Ling’s in 1981.

There are now seven locations throughout the metro area.