34 families nominated for Family of the Year

The following families have been nominated for the 2011 Jackson County Family of the Year.

The Armstrong/Andorf Family consists of Sande, Mike, Ramsey and Tanner Armstrong and Mark, Lindsey and Mason Andorf (Blue Springs).
The story of the Andorf/Armstrong family is one of truly putting family first. I met Mason Andorf and his mother, Sande Armstrong through the school enrollment process last fall. Mason’s parents were divorced and he had been living with his father in Iowa. During Mason’s seventh grade year, his father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, which required him to take on extra responsibilities as the disease progressed. Last year, Mason’s school attendance and grades suffered due to the constant care required for his father and Mason was the primary caregiver. The needs accelerated and Sande arrived in Iowa to assist Mason in selecting a nursing home. Mason was devastated at the thought of placing his most important person in the world in an institution without an opportunity of visitation. Seeing the emotional toll, his mother and step-father unhesitatingly decided to have dad move into their home in Blue Springs. Dad and Mason share a room. Sande is the caregiver, and Mike Armstrong, the stepdad, is totally supportive.

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The Arnett Family consists of Gary, Tammy, Megan, Nick, Adam, Jamie, Eric, Zachary, Jacob, Mary and Samuel (Blue Springs).
Eric has been my best friend since kindergarten. As such, I have known the Arnetts most of my life. I would frequently go to their house as a kid. They are such a tight-knit family. Last Christmas, while Mr. and Mrs. Arnett had all their children home, they went Christmas Caroling and supplied homemade treats. It made my evening listening to this family perform. Mr. Arnett works a second job so his wife can be home with the children. You can tell by the interactions of the family that their parents put the family first. All of the children old enough to finish high school have, and are either in college or on a mission. Being with this family shows that love begins at home. Their youngest son was born with a heart defect and everyone pulled together making it possible for the parents to spend the required time at the hospital with this little boy, who is now a healthy young lad.

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The Austin Family consists of Edward, Wendy, Aslynn, Jordan, Zane, Caden, Marc, Adeline and Payton (Blue Springs).
Wendy and Edward Austin have a wonderful family, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them. When I didn’t have a car and needed a friend to get me to a doctor, Wendy assisted me. She will never know how much her help, has made me feel. I know they help an aged neighbor who too, has no family around. The Austins help so many people, which makes us all feel like their family. Wendy and Edward take the time necessary for each of their children. They have one child on a church mission and a daughter in college, out of state. They have five more children in the Blue Springs schools. These children are involved and their two faithful parents, support them in every way. What is even more amazing about this family is they have a special needs’ daughter, who takes a huge commitment. She requires extra time and has high medical needs.

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The Austin Family consists of Jason, Renee, Camryn and Gracyn (Blue Springs).
High school sweethearts, Jason and Renee have two beautiful daughters Camryn, 10 and Gracyn, 5, and together, they’re what every family aspires to be. Despite Jason’s busy work schedule, he finds time to coach soccer and participate in his daughters’ various events like ice-skating, dance performances or acting as a W.A.T.C.H. dog at school. He is as comfortable putting in pony-tails as kicking a ball in the yard. Renee is the most nurturing person imaginable, not only to her daughters, but to her class of second graders as well. She makes sure her daughters have positive, enriching experiences with Girl Scout activities, various “field trips” throughout the community, dance lessons and picnics at the pool. One of the most noticeable characteristics of the Austin family is that they are happy. Smiling, always encouraging each other, they would always rather be together than with anyone else.

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The Bahr Family consists of Timothy, Zandee, Olivia, Henry and George (Lee’s Summit).
Zandee and her husband Tim epitomize the meaning of family. They have three awesome kids, and family is what they are all about. They make family time almost every day and make sure that family is the most important thing. They are all involved in their church, Lakeland, and go together every Sunday. They sit down to a family dinner every night possible, when the kids are not at sports or activities and no cell phone, ipods or technology are welcome at the table. They talk daily about their highs and lows and work on helping each other out with any problems or concerns there might be for anyone in the family. They take time together to help out anyone in need, be it another family member, a neighbor, or just an acquaintance. When there is a birthday in the family, they make the day all about them, and talk about the things they love most about the birthday person.

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The Bailey Family consists of Josh, Mandi, Ikia, Jayla, Bradley and Kylie (Grain Valley).
Because of the special closeness in their family, it was especially hard on Josh Bailey when his dad died this past year from cancer. Josh and his dad had worked together fixing cars and engines since he was a little boy. He also grew to be a good example to his younger brothers and sister in many other ways. For a few years, the brothers and their dad operated a car repair shop together. Now Josh’s own sons and daughters watch and help as he figures out how to fix things to work properly again. He has extended hospitality to his sister and also a brother to let them live for extended periods in his house. He also makes sure his mother is taken care of and is doing ok. Josh and Mandi take their children camping and on trips and adventures they share together. Josh provides for his family so Mandi can stay at home and care for the young ones.

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The Baker Family consists of Daniel, Amiane, Makala, Caleb, Joseph, Hanna, Rebecca and Andrew (Blue Springs).
I first met the Baker family about 18 months ago when I moved here from New Jersey. Not having family or a secure network here, it was amazing to have this family welcome me and my son to the Blue Springs area. Every Monday evening is a special evening at the Baker home as they spend time together. Whether that time is spent serving each other or other families within the community, it is their time to love, grow and support one another. This family projects a warm, caring and embracing feeling to those around them I am grateful for their friendship and love.

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The Bledsoe Family consists of Seth, Sarah, Andrew and Kadi Joy (Independence).
Our nomination for Jackson County Family of the Year is a family who attends our church, Woods Chapel Bible Fellowship, in Blue Springs. They are Seth, Sarah, Andrew and Kadi Joy Bledsoe. Kadi Joy is two and was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and the family has enjoyed participating in various fundraisers to raise money for and awareness of CF. For example, the family started participating in a walk last year called Great Strides. This year’s walk is at a park across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum on May 14. Kadi has percussive treatments. She also has nebulizer treatments every day so Sarah allows the kids to watch their favorite shows during those treatments. They also use Kadi’s treatments as family time. Dad (Seth) roughhouses with the kids on the floor. Kadi and Andrew also enjoy play dates with friends and cousins and get togethers with extended family members.

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The Brown Family consists of Michael, Kristy, Katie, Matthew and Benjamin (Lee's Summit).
Every moment of every day is a family day at the Brown’s house. Recently, the Brown family decided to grow a garden. Dad, Michael, visited the public library where he checked out a video on “Planting a Garden.” Shortly thereafter, Michael and Kristy were showing the video to their children and explained how they were going to plant their garden. It was a fun moment, hearing that dad taught the children, in medical and doctor terms, how their family would garden. This is no different, than any other project at the Brown’s home. Michael is very busy as a resident in Family Practice. Michael and Kristy decided early in life that Kristy would stay at home and raise the children. Mom is a painter. The Browns life includes daily family prayer, weekly family night, reading as a family and singing together.

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The Brown Family consists of Cotter, Michelle, Marley, Zane and Piper (Blue Springs).
The Brown parents work hard to ensure that their children have positive learning experiences, opportunities for socialization and quality family time. If they are not doing a favorite family activity such as mushing, spelunking or parasailing, they are supporting each other in their individual endeavors. Piper was born with multiple VSD’s and her heart health is a concern. There are incidents with “seizure like behavior,” asthma and allergies. She has gone through a couple of hospitalizations and has a need to keep somewhat isolated. As the kids have grown up and the family has overcome many of Piper’s health concerns, they have been involved in a number of activities, gymnastics, violin lessons, Forensics, diving, computer, scouts and WatchDOG dad.

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The Dahlquist Family consists of Carl, Sherrie, Melissa, Michael, Kari, Kevin and Ryan (Blue Springs).
The Dahlquist family is a large, loving family with five grown children. Four of the five children are married and there are now eight grandchildren. There are countless examples of how the Dahlquist’s their family first. Sherrie stayed at home to raise their five children. Often Carl and Sherrie can be seen walking or playing with their grandchildren outside. Their family stays in close touch and makes a point of getting together, even though three of the children live in other states. The Dahlquists converted their basement into an apartment so Sherrie’s elderly mother (now deceased) could move in with them and not go to a retirement/nursing home. Their son, Ryan, has a place to live at home while attending Dental School. Carl is the Bishop of their church, so they have a large-close knit, extended church family. Family time is kept special with Sundays dedicated to family and church.

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The Driskell Family consists of Doug, Arlene, Ginger (Driskell) Birch, Rosie (Driskell) Fyffe and Ben Driskell (Lee’s Summit).
In 2010, Doug’s brother, Darrell, had health problems leaving him partially paralyzed. Doug and Arlene, along with Doug’s other brother, Kevin and his family, have aided Darrell’s wife and teenage sons with transportation, meals, lodging and other support, which has developed into long-term responsibilities as Darrell is now disabled. Doug’s mother turned 75 in July, and they put on a huge surprise party for her with Independence Mayor Don Reimal in attendance. Later in 2010, she had two major surgeries, one of which was very serious. They have lovingly cared for her in their home during her rehab, taken care of her house, her bills and anything else including taking her to doctor appointments as needed.

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The Ellibee Family consists of Bill, Jill, Don, Melissa, Tonia, Tressa, Jenny, William and Brent (Independence).
Bill and Jill Ellibee are the proud parents of seven children and 25 grandchildren. While raising their seven children, they sacrificed their desires and wants so that their kids could enjoy their activities. Like any family, the kids were constantly involved in extracurricular activities from running kids to soccer practice, scouts, band, church activities and other various activities. Through all the various activities Bill and Jill would strive to have weekly family time. Dinner time was always done around the table as a family where everyone could talk about the day’s events. They taught their children the value of hard work and integrity.

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The Feldman Family consists of David, Melissa, Jackson and Sophie (Blue Springs).
The David and Melissa Feldman Family are an exceptional example of unselfish service. This young family decided a year ago, to generate fundraising projects to earn $1 million dollars to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. David and Melissa put up a website where donations go directly to St. Jude’s Hospital. Their inspiration started at a family council where the parents wanted to do something significant to benefit their fellow man. David and Melissa teach and train their children positive values of hard work, compassion and honesty, by example. Melissa is a stay-at-home mom. She chose raising her children full time over a career during their critical formative years, putting family before wealth or honors. David works hard to allow Melissa to stay at home, keeping expenses down and living frugally.

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The Finter Family consists of Phil, Pam, Kyle, Keith and Claire (Blue Springs).
I would like to nominate the Finter family for Jackson County Family of the Year. They are a tight knit family always thinking about the others in the family. They have often spent vacations together in the mountains of Colorado. Small tents usually create close togetherness. Kyle, Keith and Claire have been very active in sports since they were little. Phil and Pam use these activities for family bonding. Phil was one of the soccer coaches for both Kyle and Keith for several years. He also was a Boy Scout den leader. They also try to do things one on one with each child. Board games and video games are favorites for the Finter family’s together-time.

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The Foutz Family consists of Jonah, Sophia, Jackson, Layla and Oliver (Blue Springs).
This family is a wonderful example of how family comes first. Even though Jonah is in dental school full time, he always makes time to come home and put his studies aside to spend time with his three beautiful children, Jackson , Layla and Oliver. Sophia keeps busy with making sure her home is little heaven on earth and carpooling the children to their various activities and school. Jonah and Sophia set aside time each week for a fun family activity. Even if it is as simple as getting the board games out or making cookies together. The kids look forward to it, and it brings the family closer together.

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The Fredlund Family consists of Adam, Laura, Logan and Emily.
We have been very impressed with this young family. Laura was very busy raising her young son Logan by herself as she trained to become a licensed respiratory therapist. She met Adam, a working college student, while attending our young single adult church group, and they fell in love and married. Since then, they have not only had a beautiful new baby girl, Emily Grace, but Adam has adopted Logan this past year. They are both very talented and loving parents who set a wonderful example to all of us who know them well. In our mind, they truly represent what our new younger generation ought to be – family-centered, loving and working hard to “put their family first.”

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The Fusaro Family consists of Tony, Danielle and Abigail (Blue Springs).
The Fusaro family began as a family of three, but recently have been a family of seven. They made the decision together to become a foster family. Abby was an only child until she was in fifth grade, when four Spanish speaking foster children entered the Fusaro home and their hearts. Abby loved these children as though, they were her own siblings. The Fusaros learned Spanish together and worked as a team to communicate with their “new” family. The “Fusaro three” did not let the newest family members change the dynamics of their original “team.” Tony and Danielle set aside individual time with Abby in the evenings and on weekends to reconnect and recharge as a family. They still wanted to let Abby know how important she is and how they are still united, even with foster children. They attend church together and are actively involved with their even larger church family. The Fusaros have given new meaning to the word family.

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The Hays Family consists of Doug, Dixie, Calvin, Kellen and Molly (Blue Springs).
This family is a model on how to raise and nurture a family in 2011. I have the privilege of watching this play out first hand by their weekly attendance at First United Methodist Church. They are active members and are raising their children in the faith. They are working together to ensure their children have the love and attention needed. Dixie is a stay-at-home mom and Doug has his own business. This gives them the flexibility to be there for their children every minute of the day. The “family” that Doug and Dixie provides is one that provides a solid foundation that will withstand whatever life may have in store for them.

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The Hayton Family consists of Phil and Janet, mother Helga, sister Merri and daughter Jennifer (Blue Springs).
Phil and Janet found each other years after earlier marriages had not worked out. This one did. But happily ever after hasn’t been without challenges. Serious chronic illness first with a son, then a mother has necessitated long-term care. Phil and Janet have opened their home to Janet’s mother, whose dementia requires constant care. Janet’s unexpectedly widowed sister has also been nurtured in their home. Phil and Janet also make time to do things together, driving to St. Louis monthly to serve others in the LDS Temple. They work together around the house making sure the other person has the help he or she needs. Although Phil’s security work overnight at Truman Library means he sleeps during the day, he attends church with Janet and other family members every Sunday in the middle of the day. Extended family are welcomed to dinners where grandchildren learn family stories while enjoying nourishing food and special traditional home-made ice cream.

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The Hetzel Family consists of Brian, Joan, Rachel, Jacob and Hannah (Blue Springs).
I have known the Hetzel’s for 14 years. When they moved to the vacant house next door, they were a family of three. They soon brought two more children into the world. Over the years, we have shared recipes, tools, family struggles and funny stories. Their daily lives consist of putting God first in all they do, eating meals together, sharing daily chores, keeping physically fit and finding time to play. They have not necessarily done any one particular action or experienced a life-altering event that would give them claim to fame. In fact, it is more of what they have not done that demonstrates their commitment of “Putting Families First.” They have committed their lifestyle to a single income home on a pastor’s salary. Although this lifestyle does not give them the ability to provide fancy vacations or other luxuries for themselves or the children, it does provide them the time that is needed to help each other and their extended families navigate their way through each passage of life.

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The Laws Family consists of Wally, Amanda, Connor, Sammy and Isaac (Grain Valley).
Having known the Laws family for about five years, I have observed their loving interaction as a family unit. As a family of five, one with special needs, they devote their lives and time to one another. They worship together as a family, where Mrs. Laws is a priest in the church, by attending church dinners, children’s activities and fundraisers. They also actively participate in the Special Olympics, the Autism 5k, the YMCA Challenger program for kids with special needs and “the Exceptionals” T-ball league. Each child has individual activities, but the entire family attends these events. Isaac is involved in youth wrestling, Connor takes karate and Wally is a bowling champion. One of the most touching qualities is the children’s care for one another. Since Sammy, the middle child, has special needs, his older brother goes above and beyond to make his life easier. In order that Sammy would not have to ride the “special” bus alone, Connor volunteered to ride the bus with his brother so he could help take care of him.

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The McCarty Family consists of John, Wendy, Michael, Emily and Matthew (Lee's Summit).
When I found out the theme for 2011 Family of the Year was “Putting Families First,” I immediately thought of John and Wendy McCarty and their three children. They all really seem to understand how important it is to be supportive of one another. They do things as a family, whether it’s eating dinner at home, singing in their church choir or attending band concerts at Michael’s school, young women programs that Emily is involved with or scout pack meetings with Matthew. John and Wendy clearly have a winning approach to parenting because their children show self-confidence in all the activities they engage in. The key element seems to be that everybody in the family cares about what’s important to each other, and they show this love by being there, fully physically present, for and with each other.

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The Michalak Family consists of Jeff, Prudence, Kyla, Brayden and Westyn (Blue Springs).
The Michalak family makes spending time and putting family first look easy. Prudence is a mother of three and works full time while her husband is working to become a doctor. Despite their busy schedules, they make time for family to create memories. I saw this first hand when she offered to take my son home from daycare to play with her kids. She was spending her Friday night at home playing games and sharing time with family while welcoming my son to be part of the fun. Despite the time she and her husband Jeff spend apart, they make their kids a priority and make the time with each other matter. Each year, their family takes a trip together, which has become part of a tradition. Kyla, Brayden and baby Westyn, are loving, caring, children because of the example set by their parents. The smiles on their faces and the laughter shared puts them at the top of the list for putting family first.

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The Murkin Family consists of John, Christina, Hannah and Luke (Blue Springs).
The Murkins are very involved with their children and their development. When I met Christina, I was impressed immediately by the comments she would make about her family. They were comments I would put with the “Ideal Family.” They don’t spend much time in front of the TV, but rather they spend evenings interacting in fun games, school work, sports or projects. The kids love time with their parents and look forward to weekend activities with them. The joys of life for this family are centered in family relations, and they seem happier because of that focus.

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The Neidholdt Family consists of Jesse, Lisa, Porter, Grace, Tucker and Simon (Blue Springs).
The Neidholdts are a tender loving family. They have four children, Porter, Grace, Tucker and Simon. Dad is an electrician, always working overtime, so mom can stay home with the children. Mom devotes her full time to her children. Within a few months, the Neidholdt’s will welcome twins to their home, making their family number grow to seven members. Both Jesse and Lisa dedicate their lives to their children and their family’s welfare. There is no family who cares for others like Lisa and Jesse. The Neidholdts hold daily family prayer and commit one night of the week to family time. They play together, read scriptures together and sing together.

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The Rice Family consists of Brad, Pauline, Britton, Taylor, Noland, Natalie and Jared (Oak Grove).
Most would say their family is the most important thing in their life. The Rice family shows this by their actions. The Rice’s are a physically active and academically high achieving family. Members of the family can be found daily at soccer events, track meets, PTSA meetings or academic events. When it comes to work, the Rice family works together. There is always a car the guys are fixing up, and if one member of the family is running on the track team, other members will run with them to practice. This extends to the fathers job as a remodeler. The kids are often found on the job, working and learning from him. Pauline creates a warm and inviting home. It is rare to visit the Rice’s and not see several of the children’s friends around.

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The Salsbury Family consists of Chad, Bernadette, Haley, Jaycee, Makenna, Laiken, Dain and Dennie (Grain Valley).
I chose to nominate this family because as long as I have known them, they are an example of “family first.” While Chad works hard to provide for the family, Bernadette stays busy helping out at her children’s schools, soccer teams or whatever else her children are involved in. She makes sure she is home when her children come home from school. Because Chad and Bernadette work together as a team the family works well together. There have been many times over the years where they have had to decline social engagements because of family plans - doctors appointments, school functions, the children’s games, etc. In the fall of 2010, Chad suffered an accident, falling 20 feet onto concrete ground. While Chad is still recovering from this accident, the family has rallied together to help each other face this challenge with lots of love and support. This family has learned to appreciate each other more in times of great trial.

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The Schlappi Family consists of Bruce, Ruth, Kyle, Leah (now Green) and Lauren (Blue Springs).
Ruth has MS, but always keeps a positive outlook. The rest of the family helps her out so much. Ruth is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She will go out of her way to do whatever she can for you. They were always up for visits from me, and I was able to go to St. Louis and meet some of their extended family on one occasion. They really are an awesome family.

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The Small Family consists of Tim, Annette, Maddie, Jack and Emma (Blue Springs).
Tim and Annette Small always put their family first, despite the demands on Annette as CEO of St. Mary’s Medical Center. They commit to “together” time to know what’s happening in each others lives. The extended family is also very important. All live in Jackson County and get together frequently. Family vacations include the extended family as well. The Smalls are very involved in their church and when Annette attends St. Mary’s family events, her whole family participates. They enjoy being together and supporting each other. Each would tell you that they couldn't do what they do without the rest of them. Family health is very important to Tim and Annette. Life is hectic for everyone, but the fun and fitness are very important to the Smalls, and they make time to get out, walk and talk together.

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The Zimmerman Family consists of Zac, Brooklin, Riley, Haven, Elliott and Kyler (Grain Valley).
I have been impressed with the Zimmerman’s since I first met Brooklin. This is a family that makes time for each other and others. Brooklin is actively involved in the PTA for both schools for her children. She has done this while going to school full time to become a nurse so that she could have a job that works around a family. While Brooklin was in school, Zac was home with the twins, doing what he could to support his wife and girls, while he also went to school. As a family, they always find time to help others however they can, including adopting a family last minute at Christmas that they found out had nothing. We are grateful for their example and friendship.