Blue Valley Recreation News

Wed, Dec 2, 2009 - [Special Pops/Olympics]
Commissioners Mike Seitz (far left), Bob Johnson (left) and Cindy McAlister (far right) join the Kanters.
Commissioners Mike Seitz (far left), Bob Johnson (left) and Cindy McAlister (far right) join the Kanters.
 
Blue Valley Recreation programmer and Leawood resident Nan Kanter was inducted into the Leawood Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame this afternoon at the Overland Park Convention Center. The honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made a difference in the community.
 

Kanter currently serves as the coordinator of the Blue Valley Special Olympics program and is the Special Populations programmer for Blue Valley Recreation. She started Special Olympics 21 years ago to provide opportunities for her son Michael. In the fall of 1998, there were 10 athletes and one sport. Now the Special Olympics program offers 13 sports and 150 athletes while the Special Pops program provides more than 30 non-sporting activities.

 
As a testament to Nan’s commitment to the program, her husband, Sid, opted to hold a reception in her honor rather than sponsoring a table for the luncheon. The table sits only eight, Executive Director Steve Baysinger (left) congratulates Nan and Sid Kanter.and there was no chance of singling out eight people to share in this award. Sid wanted to invite the Special Pops extended family – all of Kanter’s athletes, class participants and parents.
 
Kanter was one of two inductees. Dr. James L. Spigarelli was also inducted at the ceremony.
    
Leawood Hall of Fame members:
Marcia Rinehart, Gold Bank (2000)
William Basore (2000)
Gene and Lee Alt, Leawood Police & Fire Dept. (2001)
Town Center Plaza (2001)
Gene & Peggy Schmidt, Heartland Bank (2002)
Bettie Bridges (2002)
Barbara Unell (2003)
Steven L. Anderson (2003)
Donald C. Brain, Jr. (2004)
Mary Tearney (2004)
Adam Hamilton (2005)
Alice and Mel Hawk (2005)
Sid Mitchell (2006)
Bill Ellwood (2006)
Doug Harris (2007)
Randy Wiler (2007)
Peggy Dunn (2008)
Bob Regnier (2008)
Nan Kanter, Blue Valley Recreation (2009)
Dr. James L. Spigarelli (2009)
 
 
 
Hours of Operation

Activity Center
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday - Friday, 6am-9pm
Saturday, 7am-7pm
Sunday, noon-7pm
913.685.6000
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099

Recreation Complex Office (Sports)
9701 W. 137th Street
Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6030
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099
 

Administrative Offices
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6000

Vision Statement:

"Enriching Lives, Strengthening a Spirit of Community"

Mission Statement:

"We will champion community and personal growth through dynamic lifelong recreation experiences."