2008 Edition
WELCOME
In anticipation of your visit, the Administration department at the Stowers Institute would like to
provide you with information to help you get acquainted with the area.
The information in this guide is intended to familiarize you with life in Kansas City, immigration
regulations, etc. We hope you find the information useful while settling in to your new life here.
For further information or clarification on any of the contents, please contact one of the
members of the Administration department:
Abby Freeman
Vice President for Administration
816-926-4038
axf@stowers-institute.org
Maryhelen Boyd
Senior Administrative Assistant
816-926-4343
mhb@stowers-institute.org
David Latzman
Senior Administrative Assistant
816-926-4079
dml@stowers-institute.org
Cara Evans
Staffing Specialist
816-926-4089
cea@stowers-institute.org
Jennifer Tuttle
Coordinator for Immigration Services
816-926-4370
jrt@stowers-institute.org
Kevin Thies
Application Development Manager
816-926-4068
kjt@stowers-institute.org
Cherelle Clark
Administrative Assistant
816-926-4499
cic@stowers-institute.org
Important
The Stowers Institute has provided this guide for information purposes only and does
not endorse any of the organizations or agencies listed.
-2-
Table of Contents
1. Kansas City Information
 Geographic information
 Neighborhood information
 Useful resources
 Local newspaper
 Telephone area codes
 Weather
Page 5
2. Housing
 Apartments near the Stowers Institute
 Twin Oaks Apartment information
Page 7
3. Utilities
Page 9
4. Immigration and visa issues
 Immigration documents
 Travel
 J-1 Exchange Visitor Program – Review of regulations
Page 10
5. Financial
 Banking
 Money transfers
 Stowers paycheck
 Income and Social security taxes
Page 14
6. Social Security Card
Page 15
7. Transportation
 Driving (Missouri & Kansas)
 Buying a car
 Car insurance
 Child car seat regulation
 AAA
 What to do if stopped by the police
 Buses
 Bicycles
Page 16
8. Shopping
 Grocery stores
 Pharmacies
 Farmers markets
 Specialty grocers
 Household goods
 Wholesale discount clubs
 Furniture
 Garage sales
Page 18
-3-
9. Children
 Child care centers – See Appendix A
 Child care referrals
 Schools in Missouri & Kansas
 Stowers Institute policy regarding children on premises
Page 22
10. Health
 Medical/Dental insurance
 Emergencies
 Immunizations
Page 24
11. Higher Education
 Two year institutions
 Four year institutions
Page 25
12. Improving your English
Page 27
13. Information about the Stowers Institute
Page 28
Appendix A – Child Care Centers close to the Stowers Institute
Page 29
-4-
1. KANSAS CITY INFORMATION
Geographic Information
The Kansas City metropolitan area encompasses two states, five counties and numerous
municipalities. Although the city of Kansas City is in Missouri, much of the metropolitan area is
in the state of Kansas. The Kansas side is divided into municipalities such as Overland Park,
Prairie Village, Lenexa, Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas. On the Missouri side municipalities
such as Raytown, Lee’s Summit and Independence make up part of the metropolitan area.
Which state you live in determines the taxes you pay, the type of driver’s license you have, the
schools you can attend, etc.
Neighborhood Information
Kansas City, MO (Jackson County)
There are many residential choices within Kansas City which are all within easy reach of the
Institute ranging from lofts to historic homes and apartments, old and new. Some of the
neighborhoods you may consider are Downtown which continues to add new lofts, apartments
and condominiums, especially around the City Market; Westport, with its choice of renovated
and new apartments; The Plaza, offering many apartments and condominiums ranging from
very expensive to reasonably priced older models; Hyde Park, an area popular with renovators,
has spectacular older homes and apartment buildings; Brookside, south of the Plaza, a
beautiful, expansive neighborhood that attracts families who want comfortable older homes;
Waldo, to the south of Brookside with slightly smaller, more affordable homes.
Kansas Communities (Johnson County)
Several communities on the Kansas side offer attractive residential living within approximately
15 minutes driving distance of the Institute. Prairie Village is a peaceful community offering
charming, established neighborhoods with affordable, smaller homes in a variety of architectural
styles. With the Prairie Village shopping center situated in the heart of the community, this is an
ideal choice for those who desire a quiet, residential setting. Westwood is a small community
situated at the northeastern corner of Johnson County in close proximity to Kansas City, MO
and so conveniently located close to the Plaza, Westport and the Stowers Institute. To the
south of Westwood is Fairway, another similar community offering smaller homes in
established, leafy neighborhoods. Neighboring Fairway are Roeland Park and Mission offering
a blend of charming older homes as well as local shopping and easy access to Kansas City and
the suburbs further west. All of these communities are part of the Shawnee Mission school
district (www.smsd.org), one of the outstanding and recognized school districts in the nation.
Useful resources
Information about Kansas City and the surrounding area can be found at www.kansascity.com,
www.kcmo.org or at www.visitkc.com. Two publications to help you discover things to do in the
area are: “Insider’s Guide to Kansas City” by Katie van Luchene and “Day Trips from Kansas
City” by Shifra Stein. Both can be found in local bookstores.
-5-
Local Newspaper
The local daily newspaper is the Kansas City Star. To set up a subscription, call 816-234-7827
or go online to www.kcstar.com.
Telephone area codes
Telephone numbers on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area have the area
code 816. Numbers on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area have the area code 913. Calls
to these area codes are considered local. Calls to area codes other than these are considered
“long distance”. Consult your phone book for a list of national and international area codes.
Weather
Kansas City has four seasons of weather. Winters can be severe with snowfall and
temperatures that reach well below freezing during December, January and February.
Generally Spring and Fall are mild and the Summer months of June, July and August are hot.
Average high temperatures for the following months are January 36°F (2°C), April 64°F (18°C),
July 90°F (32°C), October 68°F (20°C).
Temperatures in the U.S. are recorded in Fahrenheit as opposed to Celsius. For a conversion
table, see http://www.texloc.com/closet/cl_cel_fah_chart.html.
-6-
2. HOUSING
One of the first tasks you will have is to find accommodation. The size and location of the home
or apartment determines the cost. In general, an unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment will cost a
minimum of $500 per month. A 2-bedroom apartment starts at around $600 per month. A small
2 or 3 bedroom house in the Kansas City area rents for approximately $900 per month.
Generally, you will be required to sign a 12 month lease and pay your first month’s rent and a 1
month deposit up front. If you do not have a social security number at the time of securing the
lease, you might be required to pay an extra deposit.
You can find listings of rental properties in the Kansas City Star (www.kcstar.com) newspaper or
also in The Pitch, a free publication found on street corners and in restaurants (www.pitch.com).
This is a good place to look for housing in urban areas.
-7-
Apartment Complex/
Leasing Company
Address
Distance
from
Stowers
Institute
Monthly Rent
Rent includes
Bluffs of Brush Creek
816-822-0228
1320 E. 49th Street
1 block
$550 1 bedr
$500 Studio
Water & trash
Casa Loma
816-753-1200
105 Ward Parkway
.9 miles
$675 - 825 1 bedr
$1100 2 bed/2 ba
Lights, gas, heat
and AC, trash,
water
701 Westport Road
2 miles
$850 - $1,075 1 bedr
$1,180 - $1,335 2 bedr
Trash
110 E. 51st St
1 mile
$700 2 bedr/1 ba
City Place at Westport
816-931-9004
www.lincolnapts.com
Tropicana
816-931-4157
www.plazaliving.com
Fountainhead Apartments
816-942-4777
Water & trash
9821 Wornall Rd
2 blocks
$575 1 bedr
$760 2 bedr
Trash
Knaack Properties
816-756-2380
www.knaackproperties.com
Various properties
close to Plaza/Art
Institute. Office &
Inglenook Complex at
4056 Warwick Blvd.
1.5 miles
From $450 1 bedr
From $550 2 bedr
From $700 3 bedr
Water, hot water,
trash
Locarno
816-531-8989
www.apartment.com/locarno
235 Ward Parkway
.5 miles
$605 - $1,225 2 bedr/2 ba
Water, trash, heat
Plaza House
816-561-6496
4712 Roanoke Pkwy
1.5 miles
$450 Studio
$550–570 1 bedr
$590–660 2 bedr
Water and trash
Seville Plaza
4545 Main Street
.8 miles
$350-420 studio
$550 1 bedroom
All but phone &
electric
Place Apartment Communities
816-561-1110
Plaza Tower
209 Emmanuel
Cleaver II Blvd
.7 miles
Plaza Point
816-756-1100
4901 Wornall
1.1 miles
Premiere Living
816-561-1992
Cleaver Blvd & Main
(several properties)
.7 miles
Robert Browning Building
816-931-8787
4809 Roanaoke,
1.5 miles
Troostwood Pointe
913-403-8008
Fountain View on the Plaza
816-561-4800
www.windsorcommunities.com
Union Hill Properties
www.unionhill.com
$539 1 bedroom
$650 2 bedroom
$735-795 1 bedr
$995-1,155 2 bedr
$1,795-1,995 3 bedr
$450 - 750 1 bedr
$650 - 850 2 bedr
Heat, A/C & water
Water & trash
$375 – 395 studio
furnished
Everything except
electricity
51st & Troost
1 block
$850 - $950 2 bedr/2 ba
Water & trash
4800 Oak St
.6 miles
$880 - $1,150 1 bedr
$1,220 -$1,595 2 bedr
$1,745 - $1,860 3 bedr
One parking space
Roanoke Court
3659 Summit
2 miles
$505-$565 1 bedr
$590-$660 2 bedr
The Founders
2 miles
$660-$790 studio
$900-$1,140 1 bedr
$1,295-$1,495 2 bedr
One parking space
Water & trash
Washer and dryer
in-unit
-8-
3. UTILITIES
Once you have found a place to live you will need to contact the different utility companies. The
apartment management or your landlord will be able to tell you who to contact to establish
service with the various utility companies as this is determined by your location in the city.
Below are some useful numbers for reference.
Electricity
Kansas City Power & Light
Board of Public Utilities
Tel. 816-471-5275
Tel. 913-573-9190
Gas
Missouri Gas Energy
Kansas Gas Service
Tel. 816-756-5252
Tel. 800-794-4780
Water
Kansas City Water Dept
Water 1 (for Johnson County)
Tel. 816-513-0123
Tel. 913-895-1800
Telephone
SBC
Birch Telecom
Tel. 800-464-7928
Tel. 888-772-4724
Cable
Time Warner
Comcast
Tel. 816-358-8833
Tel. 816-795-1100
When calling the different utilities, they will want to know, among other information, your social
security number. If you do not have a social security number, they will need your passport
information.
-9-
4. IMMIGRATION & VISA ISSUES
Immigration and visa issues are handled by the Administration Department. All foreign
nationals seeking sponsorship for work authorization must consult with a member of the
Administration Department before entering into an employment relationship with the Institute to
ensure that the appropriate procedures have been completed. There are three non-immigrant
visa types that the Institute will consider for sponsorship: J-1, H-1b and TN. The status you are
sponsored for will be discussed between you and the Administration department at the time an
offer is made.
The Institute will pay for the expenses of preparing and submitting petitions to the United States
Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), including petitions for an accompanying spouse,
accompanying minor children, change of status and extensions of stay. If you are sponsored in
J-1 status, this will be handled by the International Student Affairs Office (ISAO) at the
University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). All costs associated with obtaining a visa at a
United States embassy, obtaining a work authorization for those in F-1 or J-2 status or obtaining
a TN visa at a Canadian/Mexican border crossing are the responsibility of the foreign national.
See the Stowers Institute policy titled “Visas” for more information.
Arrival in the United States
As you plan your arrival to the U.S. you should keep the Administration department and your
Principal Investigator or Lab Supervisor informed of your arrival date. We advise that you plan
to arrive around 3 – 5 days prior to your start date. This will give you enough time to complete
check-in procedures (if applicable) make a start on finding accommodation, household goods,
setting up a bank account, etc.
Immigration Documents
As a foreign national entering the United States, you have four documents that are evidence of
your legal status: a passport, the visa stamp in your passport, Form I-94 and either Form I-797
(in H-1b status) or Form DS-2019 (in J-1 status). All these documents are necessary for your
stay in the United States and for temporary departures and re-entries.

Passport
You are required by law to maintain a valid passport while in the United States. After
your arrival, you may wish to register your passport with your country’s embassy or
nearest consulate. This will make it easier to replace the passport in the event of theft or
loss.
Important! Your passport should always be valid by at least 6 future months.

Visa Stamp
A visa stamp is obtained at a United States consulate or embassy abroad. It indicates
that the holder is eligible for admission to the United States. Visas are granted at the
discretion of the consular officer who will review your documents and interview you.
During the interview you must demonstrate ties to your home country and that you do
- 10 -
not intend to immigrate to the United States. The visa stamp shows your non-immigrant
status, the latest date on which you may enter the United States and the number of
entries allowed. It does not indicate the period you will be permitted to remain in the
United States and it is not proof of work authorization.

I-94
The small white card that you complete on the airplane is Form I-94 entitled “Arrival and
Departure Record.” It should be stamped with the date of entry and marked D/S
(Duration of Status) by the immigration officer at the port of entry. The I-94 shows that
you are lawfully admitted to the United States and is valid until the end date on either
your DS-2019 or I-797.

Document showing work eligibility
Depending on your non-immigrant status, you will have been issued either form DS2019 (J-1) or form I-797 (H-1b)
o
Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
The DS-2019 is the document that allows you to stay in the United States and
indicates that you are in valid J-1 status. When you enter the United States, an
immigration officer will note the entry date on the DS-2019 form and mark it with
D/S (Duration of Status). This indicates that the length of time you may remain in
the United States and during which you are authorized to work is the same
period noted in Part 3 of the DS-2019: “Form covers the period from ______ to
______.” You will also need to show this document on your first day of work as
proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.
o
Form I-797, Approval Notice
The I-797 is the document that allows you to stay in the United States and
indicates that you are in valid H-1b status during the dates noted on the form.
You will also need to show this document on your first day of work as proof of
your eligibility to work in the United States.
Travel
If you plan to travel overseas, please note the following:

If you are in J-1 status, your DS-2019 must be endorsed for travel before you leave the
U.S. This requires obtaining a signature from Abby Freeman or Jennifer Tuttle in
Immigration Services. The signature is valid for one year. On leaving the U.S. you will
need to present your passport and surrender your I-94 card. On re-entering the country
you will have to complete a new I-94 card and show your passport and endorsed DS2019 to the immigration officer at the airport. Call Immigration Services for help with
this.

If you are in H-1b status, you must have your I-797, passport and I-94 card. On leaving
the U.S. you will need to present your passport and surrender your I-94 card. On reentering the country you will have to complete a new I-94 card and show your passport
- 11 -
and your I-797. Proof of employment in the form of a letter from the Benefits/HRIS
department or your most recent pay stub is also recommended.

If you are in TN status and a Canadian national, you will need to show your I-94 which
acts as a visa as TN holders do not obtain a separate visa. Once a year, shortly before
your status expires, you will need to travel to Canada to renew your status at a port of
entry. For more information on the documents you will need, or for instructions for
Mexican nationals, contact the Administration department.
If you need to renew your visa during your overseas visit, please contact the Administration
department for information on which documents you will need.
For travel within the U.S. it is also recommended you have access to your immigration
documents (passport, I-94 and either Form DS-2019 or Form I-797).
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program – Review of Regulations
Since there are special instructions for foreign nationals holding J-1 status, please read the
below information carefully.
Program Duration
 Currently 5 years.
Check-in
 New arrivals in J status must check in with Immigration Services immediately upon arrival
in the U.S.
 Required documents: Passport, I-94, DS-2019.
 During check-in you will be asked for your address and to purchase your supplemental
insurance (see below).
Dependents
 If your dependents arrive separately, they must also check in with Jennifer Tuttle and
present their documents.
 Work authorization for J-2 dependent spouses is not guaranteed and the application
process can be lengthy. Your spouse can apply for a work authorization about 1 month
after arriving in the U.S.
 The J-2 work authorization is valid for 1 year or until the expiration date on the DS-2019,
whichever is sooner. The application process takes about 4 months, the same applies when
renewing. Make sure plenty of time is allowed to renew the work authorization.
 J-2 dependent spouses can study on a part-time basis only.
Travel
 When you travel outside the U.S. your DS-2019 must be signed before you depart by one of
Stowers Institute’s responsible officers. The signature is valid for 1 year.
 If traveling for more than 1 month outside the U.S., contact the Immigration Specialist in the
Administration department for special instructions. (This could be viewed as abandoning the
program and could be grounds for termination.)
 Travel documents (passport with I-94 and form DS-2019) should also be taken on trips
within the U.S. (a copy of each should be kept at home).
- 12 -
Insurance
 All J-1 holders are required to have repatriation/medical evacuation insurance in addition to
the regular medical insurance through Stowers Institute. This must be purchased at checkin.
 Reminders for renewals will be sent out shortly before the insurance is due. Checks should
be made payable to “International SOS Assistance”. (No cash accepted.)
 Individual coverage is $68 per year.
Address/Name changes
 Address and name changes need to be reported to Immigration Services at Stowers
Institute and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within 10 days of the change or
move.
Two-year home stay requirement (212e rule)
 Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors must return home for at least 2 years after completing their
program before they can return to the U.S.
 This usually applies when the program has been financed by a government source, if your
skills are needed by their home country (Skills List), or if you are in the U.S. to receive
graduate medical training.
 This is indicated on the visa and on your DS-2019 when you enter the country.
 A waiver may be granted. The process takes approximately 9 months. (See Immigration
Services for more details.)
Outside Employment
 J-1 Exchange Visitors can only perform the position listed on the DS-2019.
 If you are offered an honorarium, you must get a letter from Abby Freeman granting you
permission to receive it.
 If your position or area of research changes significantly, you must notify the Administration
department and a new DS-2019 may be needed.
Transfers/Leaving Stowers/Changing visa status
 Any J-1 Exchange Visitor transferring to another institute in J status or changing to another
visa status or returning home should contact Jennifer Tuttle, Coordinator for Immigration
Services for instructions.
The following are all grounds for termination from the J-1 program and possible deportation:





Failure to check-in on time
Failure to notify Immigration Services or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
regarding address changes
Failure to renew your SOS insurance on time
Transferring without Stowers Institute’s approval
Working illegally (in a position not listed on the DS-2019, or without work authorization)
5. FINANCIAL
- 13 -
We strongly recommend you bring as much documentation as possible with evidence of your
financial history. Suggested documents include the following: official statement of income,
records of mortgage/rental payments, loans, car insurance, bank and credit card statements,
pay-stubs, letters from utility companies stating accounts were paid on time, etc. This should
make renting or buying accommodation or purchasing a car much easier.
Banking
The Stowers Institute has developed a relationship with Country Club Bank (CCB). You are
under no obligation to use this service, but at your request the Administration department can
arrange for you to meet with one of their representatives. After making an initial deposit, you
will be eligible to receive checks and a debit card, which acts like a check, with which you can
make purchases in stores, restaurants, etc. A CCB cash machine is located on the premises of
the Stowers Institute. CCB assists Stowers Institute members with their financial needs as
much as they can, however, in order to qualify for a credit card you must first possess a U.S.
social security number and have established credit history in the U.S. It could take up to a year
to obtain a credit card. A banking representative can explain more about this.
Money Transfers
Wiring money overseas can be done through your local bank. Typically the charge is between
$35 and $45 per wire transfer. You can also transfer money using Western Union. Contact
them online at www.westernunion.com.
Your paycheck
The Stowers Institute pays its members on the 7th and 22nd of each month. For example, if you
start on the 1st of the month, you will receive your first paycheck on the 22nd of the same month
for work performed between the 1st and the 15th. This will be addressed in more detail during
New Member Orientation.
Income/Social Security Tax
Your tax residence, immigration status and possibly other factors will determine how much tax
(state, federal and local income tax as well as social security tax) will be deducted from your
paycheck. If there is a tax treaty between the U.S. and your country you can obtain an
exemption. The accounting department will review this with you during New Member
Orientation. The federal agency responsible for taxation is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
More information can be obtained from 1-800-829-1040 or their website at www.irs.gov.
Important!
Regardless of your tax status, you are required by law to file any necessary tax
returns every year for the previous tax year by April 15.
For questions regarding your paycheck or tax deductions, contact Diana Hackler in Accounting
at extension 4016 or at dlm@stowers-institute.org. Please understand that the Accounting
department cannot provide individual tax advice and ultimately it is your responsibility to file the
correct tax returns and pay the correct amount of income tax.
- 14 -
6. SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
Once in the United States you will need a social security card.
You should not apply for a social security card until you have been in the country for at
least 15 working days. This is to allow data to transfer from the Immigration Service to
the Social Security information systems. If you do not allow this amount of time, your
application will have to be sent to the Immigration Service for verification and can result
in lengthy processing delays.
Applications must be made in person at:
6320 Euclid Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
Tel. 816-822-7987
Office hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
The following documents are required:





Completed Social Security application, Form SS-5
(Available on-line at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf)
Passport
DS-2019 or I-797
I-94
Offer letter
If you do not have one of these documents, the officer might refuse to process your application.
Upon arrival at the office, your bags must be inspected by the security guard. Join the general
line and wait for an officer to become available at one of the service windows. You should tell
the officer that you have recently arrived in the U.S. and you are applying for a first time social
security card.
The officer should give you a receipt with the information that the card will come in 7-14 days.
You should forward a copy of the receipt to Diana Hackler in Accounting. When you receive
the social security card, you should notify David Latzman in the Administration department via
email (dml@stowers-institute.org) and Debbie Baker in the Benefits department via email
(dab@stowers-institute.org).
- 15 -
7. TRANSPORTATION
Driving
The most common form of transportation in the Kansas City area is the automobile. In order to
drive, you will need to obtain a Missouri or Kansas driver’s license. The license will carry your
picture and serves as the most widely used form of official identification. (It’s recommended that
you bring an international driver’s license from your home country which will serve as an extra
form of identification before you obtain your U.S. driver’s license.)
Missouri
All the information you need to know about obtaining a driver’s license, licensing and titling your
car and the taxes you will pay is at www.dor.mo.gov. You will need to pass a driving test in
order to obtain a license. Contact one of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) offices
(listed on the website) to find out how you can schedule a test. The test will consist of four
parts: a written test of laws and rules for safe driving; a vision test; a road sign test and a driving
test. The Missouri Driver’s Guide is available on-line at the above website and in hard copy from
one of the MSHP offices. It covers everything you need to review for the driver’s test plus
information required to obtain your license. You will need to obtain your social security number
before scheduling a driver’s test. You will also owe Personal Property Tax on the vehicle(s) you
own. This is due once a year in December and is based on the value of your car. When
licensing your car, you will need to provide the title, the safety inspection certificate, proof of
insurance and proof that you have paid your Personal Property Tax or a statement of nonassessment that you did not owe taxes. The Missouri Driver’s Guide has details of how to
obtain these documents. See www.dor.mo.gov/tax/personal/ for more information on Personal
Property Taxes.
Kansas
Similar regulations apply to Kansas residents. Information on how to apply for a license, the
driving test and car licensing can be found at www.ksrevenue.org/vehicle.htm. Kansas
residents are also subject to Personal Property Tax which is payable once a year based on the
value of the vehicle(s) you own. See http://www.ksrevenue.org/pvdcountywebsites.htm for
more information on Personal Property Taxes.
Buying a Car
Before buying a car you should consider the costs involved. In addition to the initial purchase
price, you will have to pay sales tax, insurance, title, license plates and personal property tax.
The purchase price of a car in the United States is almost always negotiable. Whether you buy
a new or used car through a dealer or a used car from an individual owner, you can usually
bargain for a final purchase price that is 10-20% below the asking price. To learn the actual
retail value of a car, visit websites such as www.edmunds.com and www.kbb.com. You should
obtain your driver’s license before buying a car as it may reduce the cost of your insurance.
Car Insurance
Missouri and Kansas law requires that car owners purchase, at a minimum, third party liability
insurance. Additional insurance is required on newer vehicles that have been financed by a
- 16 -
bank or lending agency. If you purchase a second-hand, older car you may choose to purchase
liability insurance only. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (816-221-2424) will
provide, on request a list of insurance agents who are chamber members or visit their website at
www.kcchamber.com. As a first time insurer in the United States, car insurance can be
expensive so we advise you to talk to friends and colleagues about their car insurance
coverage.
Child Car Seat Regulation
A car seat is required for all children under the age of 4. Children 4 and over are advised to ride
in a booster seat until they weigh about 65 pounds. Child car seats can be purchased from any
department store (e.g. Target, K-Mart, Wal-Mart etc.) and cost between $50 and $150.
AAA
An organization you might want to join is AAA (“Triple A”). This organization provides all kinds
of services to automobile owners including roadside assistance, towing, insurance, travel advice
etc. You can find more information at their website www.ouraaa.com.
What to do if stopped by the police
If a police officer stops you, you must stay in your car and present your driver’s license,
vehicle registration or car-rental agreement and proof of insurance. Failure to present these
documents may be considered an offense. Unless instructed to do so by the officer, you should
not leave your car. You may receive a traffic citation (“ticket”) from the officer that indicates the
amount of the fine and a telephone number for questions.
Buses
Public bus transportation in the Kansas City area is limited. In and around Kansas City bus
routes are operated by the Kansas City Area Transport Authority (KCATA). A monthly bus pass
can be purchased for $40, which includes unlimited riding for one month on any of the
downtown regular and express routes. You can find the service times, fares and routes on their
website: www.kcata.org. The Institute is on bus lines 55 and 25. In Johnson County buses are
operated by Johnson County Transit (“The Jo”). Routes and schedules are available at
www.thejo.com.
Bicycles
Bicycles provide an affordable mode of transportation and can be used approximately 75% of
the year. Inclement weather may limit the use of a bicycle during the winter months. Bicycle
racks are available in the Institute’s parking garage. The closest bicycle shops are Midwest
Cyclery located approximately 2 miles away at 3957 Broadway Street, and ACME Bike Co
located approximately 4 miles away at 412 E 18th Street.
- 17 -
8. SHOPPING
In the United States food is generally purchased in large grocery stores, rather than at
neighborhood retailers or markets. In addition to food, most grocery stores sell a variety of
household and personal care items and may have a pharmacy where you can pick up
prescriptions. Most large grocery stores are open 24 hours a day. Below is a list of grocery
stores and drug stores close to the Stowers Institute. Also included is a list of farmers markets
around the metro area where farm-fresh produce is available during the Spring, Summer and
Fall months.
Important!
Before filling a prescription, check with the Benefits department for pharmacies that are
considered “in-network”.
Grocery Stores
Drug Stores
Marsh’s Apple Market
3600 Broadway Street
KC, MO 64111
816 561-6155
CVS Drug
3902 Main Street
KC, MO 64111
(816) 931-5452
Apple Market Plaza
1215 E. Emmanuel Cleaver II Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 931-7153
6244 Brookside Blvd
KC MO 64113
816-444-0444
Sun Fresh Market
4001 Mill Street
KC, MO 64111
(816) 931-1639
Thriftway Supermarket
3967 Main Street
KC, MO 64111
(816) 531-6122
Walgreens
1100 E. 63rd Street
KC MO 64113
(816) 822-8981
4630 Troost Ave.
KC, MO 64110
(816) 931-4911
Price Chopper
6327 Brookside Plaza
KC (Brookside), MO 64113
(816) 523-7700
HyVee
7620 State Line Road
Prairie Village, KS 66208
(913) 383-8313
- 18 -
Farmers Markets
Specialty Grocers
City Market, Kansas City
5th & Walnut Streets
KC MO 64106
Open Spring - Summer
Saturday, 6:30 am – 3:30 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
www.kc-citymarket.com
Dean & Deluca
4700 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66209
Tel. 913-498-3131
Specialty: Gourmet
Brookside Community Market
63rd and Wornall
KC MO 64113
Open April 15 – October 14
Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
www.farmerscommunitymarket.com
Kansas City Organic & Natural Market
at Barstow School
115th Street & State Line
Kansas City, MO 64114
Open April – October
Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Overland Park Farmers Market
79th & Marty Street
Overland Park, KS
Open April – October
Saturday, 6:30 am – sell out
Shawnee Farmers Market
City Hall parking lot
11110 Johnson Drive,
Shawnee, KS 66203
Open May – October
Saturday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Parkville Farmers Market
English Landing Park
Parkville, MO
Contact: Ida Lake
(816) 450-8810
OPEN-AIR/SEASONAL
May 13 - Oct
Wednesday, 3:00 pm-6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 6:00 am – noon
India Emporium
10458 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66212
Tel. 913-642-1161
Specialty: Indian
McGonigle’s Food Store
1307 West 79th Street
Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel. 816-444-4720
www.mcgonigles.com
Specialty: Butcher
Mediterranean Market
7417 Metcalf
Overland Park, KS 66204
Tel. 913-722-7744
Speciality: Turkish & Arabic
Oriental Supermarket
10336 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66212
Tel. 913-341-3345
Specialty: Asian
Werner’s Specialty Foods
5736 Johnson Drive
Mission, KS 66202
Tel. 913-362-5955
Specialty: German
World Market
Westport Road & Mill Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Tel. 816-931-3590
Specialty: Various foreign foods
- 19 -
Specialty Grocers (cont.)
Wild Oats
4301 Main
Kansas City, MO 64116
Tel. 816-931-1873
OR
5101 Johnson Drive
Mission, KS 66205
Tel. 913-722-4069
Specialty: Health & Organic
Household Goods
The following stores have several branches across the metropolitan area of Kansas City. They all sell
household goods at reasonable prices and some also sell food. Check the websites to find the most
convenient branch.
K-Mart
www.k-mart.com
Target
www.target.com
Wal-Mart
www.walmart.com
Wholesale Discount Clubs
These stores sell a range of goods in bulk (large quantities) at very competitive prices. They also sell
some appliances (washing machines, TV’s, computers) and some furniture. An annual membership of
around $45 is required to visit one of these discount clubs. They each have several branches around the
metropolitan area. When buying furniture, check on their delivery service.
Costco
www.costco.com
Sam’s Club
www.samsclub.com
Furniture
There are many places to buy furniture in the Kansas City metropolitan area which you can find in the
Yellow Pages phone book. Below are listed some of the more popular stores. Aaron and Cort offer
second-hand items and furniture rental.
- 20 -
Aaron Furniture
7801 Frontage Road, Overland Park, KS
913-383-2900
www.aaronrents.com
Big Lots (household items and some furniture)
8236 Wornall
Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel. 816-822-3640
Cort Furniture
9111 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS
913-888-0100
www.cort1.com
Nebraska Furniture Mart
1601 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66111
913-288-6200
www.nfm.com
River Market Antique Mall
115 W. 5th Street
Kansas City, MO 60105
Tel. 816-221-0220
Important!
All goods are labeled at pre-tax prices. Sales tax at around 6.5% to 7.5% is
added at the register to all purchases (also in restaurants).
Garage sales
Searching for bargains and second-hand items at garage sales is common in Kansas City, usually between
April and October. A garage sale is where people sell personal belongings in their garage or driveway.
This is a great way to pick up second-hand items very inexpensively. You can find out about local sales
from signs posted on street corners and in the Kansas City Star or other area newspapers.
- 21 -
9. CHILDREN
Child Care Referrals
Heart of America Family Services provides a referral service for licensed child care providers in the Kansas
City metropolitan area. You can contact them at 913-573-2273. Alternatively, you can contact Midwest
Wholechild Development Group at 913-341-6200.
For information on child care centers close to the Institute, see Appendix A of this document.
Schools
Schools in the United States are administered by school districts. Where you live will determine the school
district for your child. Below are the web addresses to the more centrally located districts in the Kansas
City metropolitan area. If you have a school age child you may want to check out the information below
before deciding on a residence. You may want to check to see whether the school district offers English as
a Second Language (ESL) program.
Missouri
Blue Springs
http://www.bluesprings-schools.net/bluesprings/gen/blue_springs_generated_pages/Home_m1.html
Center
http://www.center.k12.mo.us/
Hickman Mills
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/hickman.k12.mo.us/
Kansas City
http://www.kcmsd.k12.mo.us/
Lee’s Summit
http://www.leesummit.k12.mo.us/
North Kansas City
http://www.nkcsd.k12.mo.us/
Park Hill
http://www.parkhill.k12.mo.us/
Kansas
Blue Valley
http://www.bluevalleyk12.org/
Olathe
http://www.olathe.k12.ks.us/
- 22 -
Shawnee Mission
http://www.smsd.org/
Kansas City (Wyandotte County)
http://www.kckps.k12.ks.us/
Stowers Institute policy regarding children on premises
Due to the kind of work in a research-intensive environment, there are restrictions on children visiting the
Institute. A policy addressing children in the workplace can be found on the Institute’s intranet site
“Biosphere” under General Administration, Policy Number 303. For further clarification, contact the office
of Administration.
- 23 -
10. HEALTH
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
As a full-time or part-time member with a regular schedule of 20 or more hours per week, you will be
eligible to enroll in the Stowers Institute medical, dental and vision plans effective your first day of
employment. Our Benefits department will orient you to the plans at New Member Orientation. Medical
insurance, to include prescription drug coverage, and dental insurance are provided through Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Kansas City (BCBS). You will have two medical plans to choose from: BCBS Preferred
Care Blue Network (PPO), or the BCBS Blue Care Network (HMO). The dental plan is through BCBS
Preferred Care Dental. The vision insurance is provided through the Vision Service Plan (VSP). Questions
on any of your benefits should be addressed to either Debbie Baker at extension 4439 or Evelyn Yoder at
extension 4036 in the Benefits department.
Emergencies
If you need urgent assistance for a medical, criminal or fire emergency, dial 911 on any telephone
throughout the United States. Explain the situation to the operator. This service should only be used for
life-threatening emergencies. If you should dial 911 on accident, do not hang up, or emergency personnel
may be dispatched to your location. Stay on the line and explain to the operator that you dialed 911 by
mistake.
Immunizations
All children entering school will need to provide an immunization record, you should bring all documents
indicating your child’s previous immunization record from your home country. State requirements differ
between Kansas and Missouri. This information can be found at the National Network for Immunization
Information at http://www.immunizationinfo.org/vaccineInfo/index.cfm#state. Your child’s health care
provider can advise you which immunizations your child will need to satisfy the state requirements.
- 24 -
11. HIGHER EDUCATION
Below is a selection of degree granting institutions in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Two Year Institutions
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Boulevard
Overland Park, KS
913-469-8500
www.jccc.net
Serves over 150,000 students in a wide variety of general education and career development programs.
Kansas City, Kansas Community College
7250 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS
913-334-1100
http://www.kckcc.cc.ks.us/
Offers college transfer programs, career/occupational programs and continuing education studies.
The Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC)
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, MO
816-759-1000
http://mcckc.edu/
Consists of five comprehensive community colleges offering Associate’s degrees and one-year certificates
in more than 70 accredited areas. The campuses include:





Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, KC, MO, 816-759-4000
Maple Woods Community College, 2601 NE Barry Road, KC MO, 816-437-3000
Longview Community College, 500 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, MO, 816-672-2000
Blue River, 20301 East 78 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO, 816-220-6500
Business & Technology, 1775 Universal Ave, KC MO, 816-482-5210
Four Year Institutions
University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC)
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO
816-235-1000
www.umkc.edu
Largest state funded university in the Kansas City area. Thirteen schools and colleges provide a wide
variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Located across the street from the Stowers
Institute.
University of Kansas, Edwards Campus (Extension of KU in Lawrence)
12600 Quivira Road
Overland Park, KS
913-897-8400
- 25 -
www.edwardscampus.ku.edu
Undergraduate degree completion programs, graduate degrees taught by University of Kansas faculty.
University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS
913-588-5000
www.kumc.edu
Offers medical and nursing degree programs as well as biological research programs.
Avila University
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO
816-942-8400
www.avila.edu
Four year Catholic liberal arts institution is well known for its Women’s Leadership Institute and Women’s
Entrepreneur Program.
Baker University
8001 College Boulevard
Overland Park, KS
913-491-4432
www.bakeru.edu
Awards Bachelor’s degrees in business administration and management as well as MBA and Master of
Arts degrees.
Rockhurst University
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO
816-501-4000
www.rockhurst.edu
Private, four year Jesuit institution awards a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- 26 -
12. IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH
You or your spouse might want to improve your English skills during your stay. Annually, the Stowers
Institute offers on-site English classes to its members. For more information, contact Jennifer Tuttle at
extension 4370. Below are some of the locations where English as a Second language is offered to adults.
Don Bosco Community Center
531 Garfield (corner of Independence Ave. and Brooklyn Ave.)
Kansas City, MO 64124
Tel. 816-691-2832
Classes are free of charge
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66210
For more information, contact Phil Wegman at 913-469-8500
University of Missouri, Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
For more information, contact Kathy Axe at 816-235-1233
www.umkc.edu/ali
- 27 -
13. INFORMATION ABOUT THE STOWERS INSTITUTE
Meals
The Stowers Café is located on-site at the Stowers Institute and offers the following services:
Breakfast: 7:30 am to 9:30 am
Lunch: 11:15 am to 1:30 pm
There are kitchens on each floor of the Research Buildings with a refrigerator and microwave and
coffee/tea making equipment.
Automatic Transfer Machine (ATM)
An ATM (cash dispensing machine) belonging to Country Club Bank is located outside the Stowers Café
on the B-1 floor. You can use the machine to obtain cash and a bank statement. For Country Club Bank
customers, use of the machine is free of charge. For non-Country Club Bank customers, there is a charge
for each transaction.
Mail Service
You may send personal mail through the Stowers Institute mail service as long as your mail has the correct
postage attached. Stamps may be purchased in the vending machine on the B-1 floor next to the bank
machine.
Fitness Center
An on-site fitness center is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for all members. Spouses
may use the center, but must be accompanied by the member. No children are allowed in the fitness
center at any time.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Institute after completion of a required automobile registration form.
will be addressed as part of New Member Orientation.
This
- 28 -
__14. JUST FOR FUN—Events, Entertainment, and Sightseeing
The Kansas City area offers a wealth of cultural, educational, and entertaining opportunities to explore,
many of which are inexpensive or free of charge. The following is a brief listing of local attractions, event
calendars, and resources.
The Country Club Plaza
Info center: 4745 Central - (816)753-0100
The Plaza is home to a wide array of boutiques as well as national and local shops and restaurants. It was
designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district. Since then, its open-air public art gallery
has continuously added to its collection, with fountains, sculptures and murals that bring to the heart of our
city the very best of the Old World and the new. Throughout the year, the Plaza offers special attractions
including outdoor concerts, a fine art fair, lively happy hours, horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor dining,
and the world-famous holiday display of lights. http://www.countryclubplaza.com/index.aspx
Loose Park
Intersection: Wornall Road and 51st Street - (816) 784-5300
Loose Park is one of Kansas City's most beautiful parks. The park is home to a lake, a shelter house, Civil
War markers, tennis courts, a wading pool, picnic areas and the famous Rose Garden. The Rose Garden
is popular for all types of outdoor special events including theatrical performances and wedding
ceremonies.
Westport
Westport is one of Kansas City's premier destinations for dining, shopping, site seeing and is the heart of
the city's nightlife. Located in the midtown, Westport is just north of the Country Club Plaza and a few miles
south of downtown Kansas City. Historically, Westport was built along the Santa Fe Trail as an outfitting
center for wagon trains heading west. Today the area is filled with renovated and new buildings housing
trendy shops, restaurants, and nightspots. http://www.westportkc.com/
Crown Center
Grand Boulevard – (816)274-8444
Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is often called a city within a city. Three
levels of great shopping and dining compliment two of the city’s most luxurious hotels, exquisite office
buildings, a residential community and several entertainment attractions. It all surrounds the worldwide
headquarters of Hallmark Cards, Inc. Seasonally, Crown Center offers activities ranging from free outdoor
movies in the summer, to an ice skating rink in the winter. http://www.crowncenter.com/
The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street – (816)751-1ART
Opened in 1933, the Nelson-Atkins Museum has more than 50 galleries and a number of period rooms.
The museum's outstanding feature is its collection of Asian art. The collection of Chinese landscape
paintings is one of the finest in the West, and the museum's holdings of Chinese ceramics and decorative
arts are also noteworthy. Besides European paintings from the Renaissance on, the museum also has
notable collections of ancient Egyptian sculpture, Japanese porcelains and lacquer, and English pottery.
The E.F. Pierson Sculpture Garden was dedicated in 1972, and the Henry Moore Sculpture Garden
opened in 1989. Admission is free. http://www.nelson-atkins.org/
- 29 -
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick – (816)753-5784
Founded in 1994, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art presents modern and contemporary art of the
highest quality and significance. It collects, preserves, documents, interprets, and exhibits a growing
permanent collection; develops and presents special exhibitions; and offers a variety of educational
programs. Admission is always free and the Museum serves a diverse and inclusive public population.
http://www.kemperart.org/
Union Station
30 W Pershing Road – (816)460-2020
This fully restored 1914 landmark is Kansas City's most prominent destination for entertainment and
cultural activities. The Station is home to a permanent rail exhibit with vintage rail cars, an interactive
science center, a vibrant Theater District featuring giant-screen movies and live theater, fine restaurants,
unique shops, spaces for meetings and events and much more. Of course, you can still catch the train at
Union Station, once again among Amtrak's busiest stops. http://www.unionstation.org/
Additional Resources
Kansas City Star (local newspaper) Events Calendarhttp://calendar.kcstar.com/web/newhome.php?site=KCC&tpl=CategoryBrowseKCC
The Pitch (local arts and music publication) Events Calendar - http://www.pitch.com/
Kansas City Parks and Recreation Events Calendar- http://www.kcmo.org/parks.nsf/web/special
Free activities - http://www.kctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=343335&nav=4nHfA9zr
Nearly Free Activities - http://www.kctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=343346&nav=4nHfA9zu
.
- 30 -
APPENDIX A
Child Care Centers Close to the Stowers Institute
Berkley Child & Development Center at UMKC
1012 E. 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64110
phone: (816)235-2600
- Ages offered: 3 months to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care: not offered
- Proximity to SIMR: 0.25 miles
Calvary Lutheran Early Education Center
7500 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64114
phone: (816)444-5517
- Ages offered: 6 weeks to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care - Yes
- Proximity to SIMR: 3 miles
Francis Child Development Institute
3201 Southwest Tfwy., Kansas City, MO 64111
phone: (816)759-4142
- Ages offered: 6 weeks to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care: No
- Proximity to SIMR: 3.5 miles
Global Montessori Academy
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
phone: (816)561-4533
- Ages offered: 2 years to 6 years
- Before/ After School Care: Yes
- Proximity to SIMR: 1 mile
Lavonna Peterson Early Childhood School
3930 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64111
phone: (816)753-6633
- Ages offered: 6 weeks to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care: No
- Proximity to SIMR: 1.5 miles
Old Mission Early Education Center
5519 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205
phone: (913)236-5229
- Ages offered: 1 year to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care: Yes, up to 4th grade
- Proximity to SIMR: 3 miles
- 31 -
Plaza Pre-School
4504 Madison, Kansas City, MO 64111
phone: (816)531-6555
- Ages offered: 2 to 6 years
- Before/ After School Care: No
- Proximity to SIMR: 1.5 miles
Saint Agnes Child Care Center
5130 Mission Road, Roeland Park, KS 66205
phone: (913)262-1689
- Ages offered: 2 to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care: Yes, up to 12 years old
- Proximity to SIMR: 3 miles
St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School
4041 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
phone: (816)931-8614
- Ages offered: 2 years through 8th grade
- Before/ After School Care: Yes
- Proximity to SIMR: 1.5 miles
Union Hill Day School
2911 Main, Kansas City, MO 64108
phone: (816)756-2911
- Ages offered: Infant to Kindergarten
- Before/ After School Care: No
- Proximity to SIMR: 3 miles
Willow Woods Child Development Center
201 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
phone: (816)753-5540
- Ages offered: 6 weeks to Pre-K
- Before/ After School Care: Yes, to 10 years old
Proximity to SIMR: 1.4 miles
- 32 -