Perfect Fall Pumpkin Patches

Fall is upon us, Kansas City.  The leaves have begun to change, sweaters have been unpacked, football season is here, and pumpkins are everywhere.  As a child, visiting the pumpkin patch in the fall is a highly anticipated event.  There is a lot of pressure for a pumpkin to make the cut.  It must be a brilliant hue of orange with a long stem and perfectly symmetrical.  After all, this would be the pumpkin that would adorn the front porch for all to see.  There is a certain magic in finding the “cream of the crop” when it comes to pumpkins.  Once your find is cleaned, cored, and carved it is ready to become the centerpiece of any fall display.  There is a sense of joy and accomplishment as the eyes and crooked smile of your creation glow at each passerby.  

Choosing the right pumpkin patch can be just as difficult for parents as choosing the right pumpkin for the child. "Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere" (Charlie Brown).  Sometimes for individuals with disabilities finding the "most sincere patch" takes a little bit more planning.  We have composed a list of our favorite Kansas City, accessible pumpkin patches this year. 

Johnson Farms:  This family owned farm has everything from fantastic food to hayrides.  The 60 acre pumpkin patch has paved paths, accessible restrooms and will assist each person on the hay ride to make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience. 

17701 S State Rte D

Belton, MO

816.331.1067

http://www.johnsonfarms.net/

Louisberg Cider Mill: Reviews rave “you don’t have to wait for the pumpkin patch or corn maze to make this a fun trip”.  Take a look around the accessible store and pick out cider, jelly, spices, or fruit butter.  The patch spans over 10 acres so you can pick your own from the vine.  The paths are very wide but are not paved so some individuals in wheelchairs may need a helping push.  The staff at Louisberg Cider Mill assured us that they host folks of all abilities every year.  Before you pick out your pumpkin don’t forget to stop by Teepee Villiage, Straw Fort and the petting zoo.  

14730 Hwy 68

Louisberg, KS 66053

913.837.5202

http://www.louisburgcidermill.com/

Weston Red Barn Farm: In the spirit of preserving the American dream of farming visitors are offered the opportunity to experience a real working farmstead.  Soak In some old fashioned farm fun on the hayride, at a bonfire, or while picking pumpkins and apples.  If you call ahead the kind folks out at red barn farm will gladly meet you with a ramp for assistance in getting on and off of the hay ride.  The paths in the orchard and pumpkin patch are dirt but are well maintained and extra wide.

16300 Wilkerson Rd.

Weston, MO 64098

816.386.5437

http://www.westonredbarnfarm.com/

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead honors the legacy of Officer Deanna Rose to bring the charm of a farm to children living in the city.  This 12 acre Farmstead has nearly 200 animals and birds, vegetable and flower gardens, fishing and pony rides.  The farmstead has many brick and paved paths leading you to each activity.

13800 Switzer Rd

Overland Park, KS 66221

913.897.2360

http://www.opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/deanna-rose-childrens-farmstead/

Finding New Normal After Stroke

Phil Griffin is the Score Board Operator for the Kansas City Chiefs.  On January 10th, he experienced a stroke that affected the left side of his body.  After going through RIKC’s Medical Rehabilitation Program, he is currently working with the RIKC Driving Program to return to his busy lifestyle.  In this latest blog post, he reflects on life after stroke.

Cannot drive yet - what frustration. It’s difficult relying on others for things I used to be able to do.  I don’t feel sorry for myself, though – always ready to start my next adventure. I used to shave left to right.  Now I shave right to left.  I’m learning to do things differently and starting to get into a routine that works for me.  Every day, I get up and work from home at one of my part-time jobs, assigning basketball officials for the metro.  Then I go for my walk to the coffee shop and talk to the guys.  We always solve world problems, which energizes me every day.  It’s important to feel like I’m still contributing – that I’m a part of a community. I’m lucky that my stroke hasn’t prevented me from continuing to work.  I know the Chiefs are losing, but I’m proud to work the scoreboard and the crew has been great to me.  I received a nice email from my boss at the Chiefs telling our crew we did a great job this year so far.  It meant a lot because sometimes I wonder if people know I had a stroke.  I don’t want people to baby me. 

I’ve noticed since the stroke that I am more careful about what I’m doing.  I survey every situation now.  I do a lot of walking.  I still have trouble walking stairs, so I have to be careful.  If there is an elevator, I use it.  I avoid different difficult situations like a gymnasium.  I always walk on the right side of an entrance so I can use my good arm for balance and avoid crowds if I can.  I’m still trying to define what’s normal for me.  It’s great to appreciate the little things, but also to stay busy.  I’ve learned how important it is to keep my brain busy.  Since my stroke, I’ve wanted to do something that helps stroke survivors like me live a normal life.  I feel that if you help somebody else, you’re also helping yourself; and that’s life in a nutshell.

Meet Bill - A Life Preview



Bill and his wife

In November of 1982, Bill was injured in a hunting accident on the opening day of deer hunting season. He became sick and fell out a deer blind, breaking his back. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bill's accident.

"I just enjoy life and I owe a large part of this to the Rehabilitation Institute of KC for getting me back up and running (rolling)," explained Bill, who went through our medical rehabilitation programs. "They put me back together and got me on my way so I could get back in the world and be an asset to the community."
 
When Bill was discharged from the hospital, he was in a full body cast for six months. Bill's positive outlook on life kept him going: "I had my arms, so that was a blessing. You do the best you can with what you have."

This same active lifestyle led him to his current job as the I.T. Director at H.U.D. for Region VII in Kansas City Kansas. While playing wheelchair basketball with some friends, Bill was asked if he was interested in a part time job. That part-time job grew into a full-time career. "I found something I was good at -- working on computers, tearing them apart and putting them back together, working with my hands," he explained.

In addition to his career, Bill continues to hunt to this day. He is a part of a handicap hunting club and has even modified his boat and ATV to make them accessible. 

Bill does not let his injury hold him back, explaining that he lives on a farm, and commutes 140 miles to work each day.

"There's not really much I don't do, other than walk," explained Bill. "I just go about it a different way."