SusanHiland's Blog

       I recently sat down with Mayor Mark Funkhouser's wife for a long interview.  You might recall Gloria Squitiro has raised some eyebrows for volunteering in her husbands office full time, and has been at the center of several controversies. 

        The interview shows another side to Gloria, you haven't seen before.  She talks about why she feels compelled to help her husband make his campaign promises a reality.  She's candid about controversies including accusations she used a derogatory word toward an african-american staff aide.  She addresses the former Parks Board member Frances Semler...campaign spending issues,  and the now infamous Christmas letter.

         You'll also see a lighter side of Gloria at home...fixing dinner, and how she and Mayor spend their downtime...although while we were there it was more phones calls and talking about work.

        The first part of my exclusive one on one interview with Gloria Squitiro airs this Sunday  night after the Super Bowl.  The second part airs Monday Feb. 4th,  on fox Four News at Five.

      I think you'll find the interview revealing, interesting...and may change the way you view the Mayor's wife.    Let me know what you think.

Susan Hiland

        If you your looking for a challenging yet amazing vacation, I highly recommend Peru.  I recently got back from trekking through the Ande mountains, and exploring Machu Piccu. It's called the "Lost City of the Incas" , and is one of the new seven wonders of the world.

When I decided to go, I saw the trek included elevations as high as 5,000 meters.  That didn't sound so high, til we started climbing, and the guide converted it to 15,000 feet!  (I was never good with numbers) 

Between gasps for air, I got to see the scenery which was breathtaking.  We saw a lot of Llama, Alpaca and Sheep.  One of the highlights was meeting children along the way.  We had bought bread, fruit, and marbles to give to them. They were so excited to see us, and came running as soon as we came into view. 

Most of the hike was a step back in time.  The people have no electricity, no televsion, or computers.  They live totally off the land, no government help.  And they're happy! 

So here are four things you need to know if you go to Peru...

4. The delicacy in Peru is Couee, also known as Guinea Pig.  I passed.

3.  Passes to hike the "Inca Trail" are limited and sell out quickly.

2.  Llamas spit   

 1. Drivers view lanes, traffic signals and speed limits as "optional."

Hope you enjoy the pictures and short video

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Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to play in a very worthwhile golf tournament. The Jessie Liddell Memorial Golf Tournament raises money for Sickle Cell Anemia.

Jessie Liddell worked at Harley Davidson, never letting the painful disease affect his work. In fact many co-workers didn't know he suffered from the disease until he passed away. The golf tournament is in his memory.

About 150 people turned out to spend their Saturday, golfing at Paradise Pointe Golf course in Smithville. With temperatures in the upper 80's, it was a perfect day.

After the first few holes it was obvious our group was not going to be in the running for any prizes. So with the pressure off, we had a good time, each of us pulling off a worthy drive or putt. I don't know what our final score was...but we were over rather than under. But it didn't seem to matter, at least to me. The point was to raise money and they did with a well run, well organized tournament. Oh yeah, there was barbecue afterwards!

Here are some pictures from the event--check em out!

On a rainy, nasty,  yucky  day...some 60 volunteers turned out to help a metro high school shine.

Volunteers with Hands on Kansas City and Home Depot showed up at 8 am for a half day blitz to spruce up J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Outside in the mud and rain...Home Depot workers planted a garden area.  They built benches, planted several bushes and flowers, then mulched the area.  It was dirty and wet job...that turned out fabulous.

Inside, other workers were busy painting parts of the gym that hadn't been had a fresh coat in several years.  it was amazing how new paint made everything look new.

It was a furious four hours, but they got it all done, and the job was well done.  

I was on hand for the closing ceremony...and official board cutting,  (instead of a ribbon cutting).

Congratulations to all that got down and dirty to make the school look great!

For pictures of the event go to 

HTTP://media.myfoxkc.com/madmugz/homedepot/index.h
tml

www.handsonkc.com

 

 

   Many area pools go to the dogs the weekend after Labor Day and before they are closed for the summer.  Thats all I needed to grab Checkers, her bikini and beach towel and hit the pool.

   We went to the Clay Platte YMCA.  The dogs had a blast!  Many of them were veterans and jumped right in without hesitation.  Checkers and her friend Norton were more interested in the sites and smells.  Checkers eventually jumped in, then immediately started swimming toward the edge, and was pulled out.  Norton got his toes wet.

   All kinds of dogs took the plunge...a small Dachsund,  a huge Great Dane, and a tiny Maltese.  They all got a long fabulously.

   Many 'doggie' events are geared for thier owners rather than the dog...but this was purely a doggie event.  Checkers was pooped when we got home, and slept soundly that night.  Probably dreaming about next years doggie dip! (me too)

 

 

 

After going to several puppy parties, I decided to host one. (FYI- these are little get togethers where owners and their dogs socialize.)

I added a twist and made it a Puppy Pool Party...bathing suit optional...for the dogs.

Checkers is very sociable and loves going to the dog park, so I thought she would have a great time. Not so much.

Morgan, a very sweet and loveable dog, was the first to arrive and Checkers was not happy at all. They were at each other, barking, growling and snapping, when ever they got close. I thought, this is going to be a disaster. Then Zorro came, Theckla, Gracie, another Gracie and Sophie. Things started to calm down...Checkers realized she was outnumbered. By the time Maddie, Norton, Buffy and Ginger arrived...all the dogs were playing together.

It was amazing. They spent the afternoon running, chasing, and sniffing each other. Hey, its what they do. Even if there was a little skirmish...five seconds later it was forgotton. All my fears disappeared.

I think this will be annual event...in fact next year, I'm thinking doggy games.

Please check out the the Puppy Pool Party album. The pictures are just too cute!

O.k. my last name maybe be Hiland...buts that's not why I went to the Scottish Highland Games. It was a lot of fun too. The festival was this past weekend in Riverside.

First of all hats off to the City if Riverside. Last month E.H. Young park was under several feet of water from flooding. But Riverside made getting the park ready for the games a priority, cleared out the debris, and cleaned up the park.

The games are a big attraction at the festival. The Highland Games date back to to the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The athletics judge men on the agility and strength. The popular contest is the caber toss. Basically a guy hurls a 125 pound, 18 foot long wooden pole through the air. Other games include throwing heavy rocks, hammers and weights. Did I mention all the guys wear kilts?

I was on hand for the Saturday night entertainment. My friend in one of the bands asked me to emcee. It was a perfect night to pull up a seat and listen to Scottish and Irish music.

St. Andrew Pipes and Drums kicked off the evening, followed by two bands The Shortleaf Band and The Elders.

The Shortleaf Band played traditonal Scot/Irish music, and sounded awesome. Ok, my friend is in that band, I may be a bit biased.

The Elders came out and rocked Irish music like nobody I've ever heard.

There wasn't a still toe in the place. At one point all the women came to the front of the stage to take part in the traditional "Highland" dance. I watched, but I'll be ready next year! I took a few pictures, but it's hard to capture the energy and excitement. Enjoy, and plan on coming next year.

The Shortleaf Band

My talented friend Tenley Hansen

St. Andrews Pipe and Drums

More men in Kilts!

Recently I had the chance to judge a costume contest. It was a bit unusual because many were Guide Dogs for the Blind. It was all part of a fundraiser for FIRST STEPS FOR THE BLIND.

The organization's goal is to reach people at the onset of visual impairment to help with the transition. They offer resources, support and help living independently. Right now they offer services, most are free, to folks in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass counties in Missouri, and Johnson and Wyandotte in Kansas.

There was a good turnout, especially for the costume contest. Now, as you see from the pictures...not all the dogs are guide dogs, but many of them are. Some of the outfits were so creative. It was a lot of fun, and I even got some ideas on dressing up my own dog!

Enjoy the pictures, and if you would like for information on First Steps for the Blind, I've included a weblink to their site.

http://www.firststepsfortheblind.org/main.html

Caesar

Ballerina

Princess

And her very cute owner

Hawaiian Dog..love the shells

Complete with grass skirt

Court Jester

Guide Dog

Colorful

Leftovers! Yum!

Looking for some summer vacation ideas? I've got them!

Volunteer Vacations are life changing. You get a very personal experience working with and getting to know people of a different culture and country. It's part work, part vacation, but all of it is amazing.

My first trip was to Brazil. We worked with single moms, helped paint one woman's house in a slum, and went to an orphanage. We also saw how groups are helping people become self-sufficient.

The second part of the vacation was an awesome trip down the Amazon.

Next was Nepal. We spent a week taking kids at a boarding school in Kathmandu on various field trips. From the kids you learn about the country, how they feel about their government..and their views on the rest of the world.

The boarding school is for poor children, they stay from first grade thru 11th...and may only see their family once every three years. The second part was hiking on the trail the leads to Mt. Everest. Very cool.

 

My last trip was to Kenya. Our group helped in an orphanage started by Mother Teresa. We helped the Nuns feed, bathe and change 25 babies. We also kept the toddlers busy, (to give the Nuns a break) and worked with several mentally handicapped children and women.

The second part, we went on Safari. We saw lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras...and a whole lot more.

Trust me, when asked what you did on your summer vacation, you won't be lost for words. And the experience will stay with you for life.

Next trip...Mongolia anyone?

Here are the organizations I have gone on trips with. I can only say my experience with the groups has been very good. Good Luck!

www.tjourneys.com

http://www.humanitariantours.com

www.soulfarikenya.com

A good resource for other volunteer vacations

www.gonomad.com

      My dog Checkers recently had surgery for a torn ligament. It requires an overnight stay at the Animal Hospital. Needless to say I was anxious and worried until I saw her.

     When I went to pick her up, I thought she would be happy to see. She was not. In fact I think she was mad, hurt and was going to make me feel guilty. When I held her and gave her some kisses, she just looked away. Too make me feel even worse...when a hospital worker walked by, see stretched way back and gave her kisses! I asked for some...again, she looked away.

    I brought her home and we stayed on the couch. I would periodically ask for a kiss...she would ignore me. This went on all day.

  The next morning, as we both woke up I wasn't about to be shunned again. So I didn't say anything...but then I felt a wet nose, and some small kisses on my face. I guess she had forgiven me.

   Now she's back to being Checkers...except for the peg leg. The bandage comes off soon and her recovery will continue.

    I don't know if a dog holds a grudge, but it sure felt like it.

 

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I loved being a Girl Scout in grade school, so I was really excited when a metro troop asked me to help them on their communication badge. I spoke to Troop 367 at Valley Park Elementary School in Overland Park.

We talked about what kind of education and experience you need to be a journalist, and what a typical day is like at Fox 4. One of the things I love about my job is that no two days are the same...and everyday is a challenge.

They asked about mistakes or bloopers I've made on the air, and well, there are just too many to mention.

Finally, they asked for some on-air advice. Hey, you're only in fourth grade kids! Then I learned the school has their own T.V. station, and the kids were already doing the news. Wow, how things have changed. Even if they don't become journalist, having that kind of opportunity in grade school is great.

Thanks again for asking me to speak, I think I probably learned more than the girls did.

Check out the video below.

Lots of metro kids have a brand new book to read. The books were given to kids at Operation Breakthrough, a child care center for disadvantaged kids.

I got to choose a book and read it to the kids, then they all got their very own copy of the book. The books were donated by Hands of Kansas City, a group that volunteers for different community projects. They bought the books with a grant they received from the First Book Program.

Of course, I chose a book about a dog...Clifford the Big Red Dog's First Snow Day. I had a great time reading it, and watching the kids react to the story. They also told me about their dogs.

So why is reading to kids important? Reading aloud stimulates a child's brain. It helps a child learn how to read, write, speak and listen. It's also a wonderful way to escape, learn and laugh.

I gleened this information from several educational websites. But really, how can you argue with the benefits of reading?

So back to Operation Breakthrough...they say when you volunteer you get more out of it, than the kids. How true! Before I even started reading, all the kids gave me hug. Then when I passed out the books afterwards, they were thrilled and said thank-you. Wow, I hope they remember their first book, but I'll always remember the hugs!

For more information on Hands of Kansas City check out their website www.handsonkc.com

FOX 4 SWEEPS THE EMMY'S

Fox 4 won more Emmy's than any other Kansas City Station! The regional Emmy's are awarded to recognize excellence in television reporting and promotions and programming. We compete against TV stations in Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, and parts of Illinois and Louisiana
Several of us from Fox 4 traveled to St. Louis for the awards dinner. John Holt, Phil Witt, News Director Bryan Mcgruder and I presented several of the categories. It was so much fun, especially since we won so many!
Phil Witt was also inducted into the Silver Circle,it's an elite group of professionals recognized for making a significant contribution to television for the last 25 years or more.
I have pictures from the evening in my Emmy's album too. And yes, it's painfully obvious I'm not a photographer.
Here is the list of the the Emmy winners from Fox 4. Congratulations!


WDAF Historical/Cultural-Program Story/Feature--Nancy Lewis, Jon Haiduk, Michael Butler
WDAF Promotion/Image--Tye Murphy
WDAF Investigative Report--Linda Wagar, John Williams
WDAF Interactivity--Jason Smith, Damon Bryant, Jeni Podrebarac
WDAF Specialty Program--Cory McRae, Damon Bryant, Jeni Podrebarac, Mike Thompson
WDAF General Assignment Report--Linda Wagar, Michael Butler

RUNNING INTO OLD NEIGHBORS BRINGS BACK A FLOOD OF MEMORIES.
I WAS AT THE FOX 4 TABLE AT HOLIDAY MART OVER THE WEEKEND WHEN A SMILING COUPLE COMES UP TO ME AND ASKS "DO YOU REMEBER US" OK, THAT IS USUALLY A NIGHTMARE AS I RACK MY BRAIN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE I MIGHT'VE MET THEM. STILL GRINNING THE WOMAN SAID...OLATHE, HUNTER DRIVE??? THAT HELPED NARROW IT DOWN, THEN SHE SAID ACROSS THE STREET?
WOW!!! THE PARENTS OF MY CHILDHOOD PLAYMATES. I COULDN'T BELEIVE IT, I NEVER SAW THEM AGAIN AFTER WE MOVED WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10. I LEARNED WHAT MY OLD FRIENDS WERE UP TO...NEITHER ONE LIVES HERE NOW.
IT ALSO GOT ME THINKING ABOUT GROWING UP IN OLATHE. AT HALLOWEEN WE WENT TRICK OR TREATING ALL OVER THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE FARTHER FROM OUR STREET THE BETTER. BACK THEN THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS GETTING A BOX OF RAISINS. (YUCK) DURING WINTER EVERYONE WOULD ICE SKATE ON FRISCO LAKE. WHAT A GREAT TIME AND PLACE TO GROW UP...WE DIDN'T WORRY ABOUT ANY OF THE THINGS PARENTS HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR.
AH TO REFLECT ON A SIMPLER TIME!

THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL AND TALKED ABOUT ISSUE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION IS AMENDMENT 2. IT WOULD ALLOW STATE MONEY TO BE SPENT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH. THE MEASURE WOULD KEEP THE STATE FROM HALTING CONTROVERSIAL RESEARCH.
FOX 4 NEWS WILL AIR A STEM CELL FORUM THURSDAY NOV. 2 AT 9:30 PM. WE WILL TRY AND CLEAR UP QUESTIONS SURROUNDING THE ISSUE. PEOPLE REPRESENTING BOTH SIDES WILL PRESENT THEIR TAKE ON THE AMENDMENT.
WE'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU NOW ON WHAT QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT AMENDMENT 2, AND CONCERNS YOU WOULD LIKE US TO ADDRESS THAT NIGHT.