The Forum is Almost Here!
ADVOCACY: The Time is NOW!
Monday, October 10
9:00 to 11:30 am
Colonial Church in Prairie Village
7039 Mission Road
Registration, coffee and sweets begin at 8:15 am
Educate. Advocate. Participate.
The bywords of Grandparents will come together seamlessly in a matter of days at the 9th annual Community Forum: Advocacy. The Time is Now!
An inspiring morning is in store. We’ll hear from a group of dedicated presenters including local activists and nationally-recognized speakers like Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow and keynoter Josh Koskoff, the Connecticut attorney who won a landmark $73 million settlement from Remington for Sandy Hook families. His novel legal strategy focused on Remington’s advertising and marketing of the AR-15 weapon used at Sandy Hook Elementary rather than the weapon itself. Similar strategy is now being emulated in lawsuits springing from the mass shootings in Uvalde, TX, and Highland Park, IL.
(Tune to KCUR 89.3 this Monday at 9:33 am to hear Mr. Koskoff’s interview with Steve Kraske on Up to Date.)
The Forum fulfills the organization’s three main objectives: to educate members and the public about the epidemic of gun violence and the need for firearms safety; to advocate for common ground gun legislation, and to participate as a group and as individuals in working for change.
- Because there are no current CDC Covid prohibitions, we’re pleased we can meet in person and share the energy of being together. A webinar link will also be available for out-of-town attendees and anyone who prefers joining from his/her home or office.
- Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the church and also directly across from the church in the former Macy’s parking lot on the west side of Mission Road. Volunteers and signage will direct you. Registration begins at 8:30 am.
- Join us! The Forum is GGS’s only fundraising event of the year. You can see the Forum’s agenda and still register to attend here.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence takes not only a physical toll but a mental toll as well, according to Annie Struby of the Rose Brooks Center who spoke at GGS’ meeting last month. In addition to explaining the scope of domestic violence, which often includes firearms, Annie shared moving stories about the women and families Rose Brooks helps with housing needs and support services.
Annie has offered to arrange small groups to visit Rose Brooks for a better understanding of its work. If you’re interested, let us know. View Annie’s presentation here.
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November 14: Enjoy Wine, Hors d-oeuvres & Bring Friends!
Our final gathering of 2022 will be a special one as Grandparents kicks off the prelude to its 10th anniversary.
Join us on Monday November 14 at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse at 91st and Nall in Overland Park from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. (Note: as in previous years, we’ve combined our regular November and December meetings into one to accommodate busy holiday schedules.)
In the informal program at Meadowbrook, we’ll unveil our new Power Point presentation, The GGS Story, recap our accomplishments this year and preview our goals for 2023, a year that begins Grandparents’ second decade of making the community we share safer.
Most importantly, we’ll enjoy thanking our members and meeting their like-minded friends. Members and guests can win gift cards in special drawings – and yes, you must be present to win!
To help with logistics, please let us know you plan to attend and how many guests you’ll be bringing. RSVP here.
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Judy Sherry Receives Charlie’s House Safety Award
GGS founder and president Judy Sherry was honored with the Excellence in Home Safety Award, presented by Charlie’s House at its recognition event last month.
Judy was recognized for being “a tireless advocate” for child safety through Lock It For Love, GGS’ gun safety and education program. To date, the program has distributed more than 5,000 free, high-quality gun locks at community events throughout the metro area.
Lock It For Love complements the mission of Charlie’s House, a nonprofit started after a local toddler, Charlie Horn, died in 2007 when an unsecured dresser in his home fell on him. Charlie’s parents, Jenny and Brett Horn, worked tirelessly to bring Charlie’s House to fruition. The 3,200 square-foot safety demonstration house opened last year. Its rooms highlight potential safety hazards and show ways to prevent accidents and injuries to children.
“I’m honored to be honored by Charlie’s House,” Judy said in accepting the award. She received a standing ovation from the 135 people attending, including several past and present members of the GGS Board of Directors.
Taylor Hemness, morning news anchor for KSHB-Channel 41, served as emcee of the evening event, which also recognized the safety initiatives of Safe Kids KANSAS and the Kansas City National Security Campus operated by Honeywell FM&T.
GGS was well-represented by several members who attended the Charlie’s House safety awards event. Front row: (L-R) Maribeth Brennaman, Judie Becker, Joan Jacobson, Lona Harris, Judy Sherry, Charlotte Davison. Back row: Julie Young, Carol Gee.
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71% of respondents said gun laws should be stricter.
Source: An August survey conducted by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Read the full report here.
Read these two recent Letters to the Editor published in the Kansas City Star that echo this report. The will of the public needs to be respected. Election Day is Tuesday November 8; vote!
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Say Their Names
Following are the names of another five lives lost to firearms since September 11. That brings the total to 186 homicides in the metro area since January 1. We say their names while we keep true to our vision that one day everyone in our community will be safe from gun violence.
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Mark Your Calendar
Monday, October 3
Community Forum keynote speaker Josh Koskoff interviews with Steve Kraske on Up to Date on KCUR 89.3 – NPR.
9:33 to 9:38 am.
Monday, October 10
9th Annual Community Forum: Advocacy. The Time is NOW!
9:00 to 11:30 am
Colonial Church in Prairie Village, 7039 Mission Road
There is still time to support the Forum by becoming a sponsor or purchasing individual tickets. Just click here!
Thursday, October 20
National Domestic Violence Awareness ‘Purple Thursday’
Wear purple, it looks great with GGS orange!
See all the activities planned for the week of October 17-23.
Monday, November 14
Bring a Friend to Grandparents’ Special Event!
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse in Overland Park, 91st and Nall
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Thursday, November 24
Thanksgiving: GGS is thankful for your support!
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Our Vision
All members of our community have the right to feel safe from gun violence.
Our Mission
We focus on working for solutions, educating the community and seeking common ground reform that respects the rights of gun owners and non-owners alike. |
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