Celebrate Walt's Life with Friends and Family

The friends, family and listeners of Walt Bodine are invited to a Celebration of Life for Walt. It will begin at 1 p.m. on Sat., March 30, 2013, at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO. (MAP).

Donations in Honor of Walt Bodine

The family of Walt Bodine has arranged two opportunities to make donations in Walt's honor. 

1, The Walt Bodine Scholarship in Communications Studies Endowment Fund will help to prepare the next generation of Kansas City journalists.

To support this, you can mail a check payable to the UMKC Foundation. Please mail it to:
Walt Bodine Scholarship Fund
UMKC Office of Development
202 AC
5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110

Or use the online form at the UMKC Foundation. (Please mention the Walt Bodine Scholarship in the comment field of the online form.)

2.  Children's Center for the Visually Impaired

The center "prepares children with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, to reach their highest potential in the sighted world." Walt and Bernie Bodine were supporters of this important work. Your donation will honor them both.

 To support this in honor of Walt, you can mail a check payable to CCVI with "in honor of Walt" in the memo line and mail to:
 Children's Center for the Visually Impaired
 3101 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

Or use the CCVI online donation page and please note your donation is in honor of Walt Bodine.

Thank you!

Walt Bodine signs off from Kansas City, March 24, 2013

Broadcaster Walt Bodine, 92, died peacefully in the early morning hours of March 24, 2013, in the city he loved and served. 

Born in Kansas City in 1920, Walt was the only child of Walton Martin Bodine and Mary Gilmore Bodine. His media career spanned 70 years from 1940 until his retirement in April last year.

Plans for a memorial service and celebration of Walt's life will be announced here later this week.

For more info about Walt, see http://kcur.org/people/walt-bodine

Congrats to Patty Cahill!

Congratulations to my friend and former boss, Patty Cahill, on her election as chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting board. News release

Thank you, Patty!

Walt gets the "rabbit ears" treatment from retiring KCUR station manager Patty Cahill. Walt, who has known more than a few station managers through the years, says, "Patty is one of the greats!"

Walt Retires with a Malt

Walt Bodine, 91, celebrated his retirement from "The Walt Bodine Show" on April 27, 2012, with a chocolate malt followed by a malt-flavored cupcake from www.3girlscupcakes.com. Thank you, 3 girls and everyone else in Kansas City for making this a very special day. The final broadcast of the radio show was a record-breaking hour of fund raising for KCUR public radio in Kansas City. Walt was thrilled.

Thank You, Kansas City!

Walt (second from right) at a special event in 2009 at the Plaza Library. (Photo courtesy of Ginzy Schaefer)

Thank you, friends and co-workers, for all the kind comments and wishes as I head into full retirement. It's been a joy to know you! -- Walt Bodine

What Do You Sing to That?

Walt Bodine was among the thousands of Kansas Citians at the opening of the brilliant Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Great Food, Great Cause

Don't miss the chance on April 30,  2011, to buy great BBQ ribs at McGonigles Market and support the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association.  The MFCAA's 8th annual Ribs for Kids event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Just stop by the store at 79th and Ward Parkway, purchase racks of baby back ribs, and McGonigles Market will donate $5 per rack to MFCAA.

Hot ribs from the BBQ are usually available during the middle part of the day. Cold, but fully cooked, ribs are available all day so you can heat 'em and eat 'em when you like. 

MFCAA is dedicated to support and advocacy for abused and neglected children and the families caring for them.  They are committed to helping all children have the opportunity to grow up successful, healthy and happy, despite childhood histories of abuse or neglect.

Join Walt's Team! Help Cure Blindness

It's too late for me to see, but there are millions of others who might
see again or see for the first time. And you can help make that possible
by supporting VisionWalk 2010 in Kansas City. It's a fund-raiser for the
Foundation Fighting Blindness and I'm pleased to be honorary walk
chairman of the walk, June 26th. Please join my team! Here's how:
http://www.fightblindness.org/goto/Bodine

'My Story' Summed up by Fox4

Here's "My Story" as reported by Fox4's Tess Koppelman and crew. (If the embedded video below doesn't play, try this direct link to the video.)

Remembering Richard Ward Fatherley

From the website of radio station KXOX in St. Louis, Frank Absher credited this quote to Bud Connell regaring Fatherley's early career there: (http://630kxok.stlmedia.net/rabbit/absherarticle.htm)

"Richard Ward Fatherley: One of only a half-dozen men to come to me with a built-in stage name, and also the best production man ever to cut tape. The voice of God was just a bonus."

Life has been hectic for me lately with all the recent changes, but I can't let the opportunity go by to acknowledge the passing of my friend and colleague, Richard Ward Fatherley. He did the same kind of work as most of us in broadcasting, but with uncommon excellence, and for many more years than most.

Over the years, many less hardy folks gave in to the hard knocks of the broadcasting industry, but Fatherley was a rare one who rolled with the changes and always came out on top.

He loved to kid me because at one time long ago, he was my boss as program director.  I still expect him to come up behind me and in his mellifluous voice, say, "Bodine, this is your Program Director, Richard Ward Fatherley."

So long, pal, I'll miss you.

Changes In Store For "The Walt Bodine Show"

Well, it's time for me to shift gears bit. Since I'm turning 90 this year, it seems like a good time to scale things back and slow down a bit, but I'll still be around. I'm taking a couple weeks of vacation from my radio show right now. When I get back, I'll still be on the air every Friday to host our two most popular features, The Food Critics and The Movie Critics, and I also have a new project in the works. But KCUR will remain an important part of my life.

I wish I could say thank you personally, on the air, to each person who has participated over the years. I want to express my gratitude to the thousands of listeners and callers who follow my program. I can never forget the great parade of people from all walks of life who have shared their knowledge and experience with our listeners. I especially appreciate the long standing support of our regular guests, and I'm sure their involvement with KCUR and public radio will continue.

I plan to stay active, which includes increasing work on my blog, and publishing a new book. It will include compilations of my writing in a much different style than I've shared in the past, a creative writing streak of short stories, fables, skits, satire, and even a little poetry.

Check back here soon, because in the next few days, I'll be posting the first of a series of excerpts from the new book, a hopefully amusing change of pace from what you've come to expect from me.

(Ed. note: Up next... "Interview With The Dragon," an unusual encounter. M.B.)

National Study On Hunger Underscores Magnitude Of Harvesters’ Task

Hunger In America 2010 

A new national report, Hunger In America 2010, reveals an alarming increase in need for emergency food assistance. In the Kansas City area, the most important resource for that assistance is Harvesters Community Food Network. 

The name Harvesters is well known to most folks in our area. Their familiar food donation barrels and numerous cooperative programs have made the food assistance network a household word. Harvesters is by far the most utilized, and sometimes the only, source of food for area food pantries and kitchens. But behind the image is an impressive large-scale effort to collect, distribute, and utilize contributions to the emergency food program from a wide array of sources. 

Harvesters Super Bowl Week Of Caring

The new study released last week makes a dramatic case for such emergency food relief in our area, and the importance of increasing community support for the regional food bank. Hunger in America 2010 studied 185 food banks like Harvesters, conducted 61,000 face-to-face interviews, and surveyed more than 37,000 individual relief agencies. According to the study, Harvesters provides 73 percent of the food distributed by regional food pantries, 53 percent of food served at soup kitchens, and 35 percent of food provided at emergency shelters.

The Hunger in America survey quantifies the severity of increasing need with some compelling statistics. Covering 26 counties across northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas, the new study reveals that a staggering 295,200 different people have received emergency food assistance each year through agencies served by Harvesters. “As a result of the most severe economic recession since the Great Depression and the highest unemployment rates since World War II, more people than ever are seeking emergency food assistance,” said Karen Haren, Harvesters’ president and CEO. “In 2009, we distributed 36.6 million pounds of food, which is 30 percent more than at any time in our 30-year history.” 

Links to the report’s key findings, as well as the full report in both local and national versions can be found at the Harvesters Hunger In America 2010 web page.

Startling Statistics:

Consider these disturbing study results released by Harvesters last week in the key study findings for Kansas City and the surrounding region:

• 37 percent of all members of households served in 2009 are children (up to 109,224 children overall).

• 45 percent of these children come from single-parent households.

• 39 percent of households have at least one adult who is working. Yet nearly three quarters (73 percent) have incomes at or below poverty level.

• 74 percent of food pantries and 82 percent of kitchens report an increase in need at their facilities since 2005.

• 25 percent of households have at least one member in poor health, thirty-one percent have no health insurance, and fifty-three percent have unpaid medical bills.

The study compared Harvesters food recipients to the U.S. government’s official food security scale. According to the USDA, Missouri ranks sixth nationally in food insecurity, and Kansas, eighth.

• 78 percent of households with children are considered “food insecure” and 34 percent are classified as having “very low food security.” In other words, there are a lot of children out there who would go hungry without the benefit of the Harvesters Network.

• Seniors are also at risk of going hungry, with 76 percent of recipient households with seniors classified as “food insecure”.

Working Families Also At Risk

Hunger threatens the employed as well as unemployed: “When people lose jobs, have a sudden illness or simply need a car repair, it can be devastating to a family,” said Haren.

Follow "What Do You Say To That" Posts On Twitter

Readers can now follow this blog on Twitter.
Walt Bodine's Twitter profile can be found at http://twitter.com/walt_bodine . Followers will receive automatic updates whenever there is a new post!

Kansas City Restaurant Week

Great Meals - With Benefits

The first metro area event of its kind, Kansas City Restaurant Week offers diners an eclectic selection of multi-course fixed price menus at participating area restaurants. At just $15 for lunch and $30 dinner, this is a unique opportunity to sample the finest fare Kansas City has to offer.

 A creation of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association, the program benefits the Harvesters food bank, which provides hungry people with over 60,000 meals weekly across a 26 county area surrounding the metro. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Harvesters. According to Ellen Feldhausen, Harvesters Director of Communications, every dollar donated lets them provide 5 meals through local food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and more. So while you're enjoying dinner, you're also helping to feed 15 people.

When you look at the list of more than 100 participating area restaurants and check the individual offerings, it's immediately clear that you can enjoy an amazing array of fine meals at quite a fine price. 

Restaurant week runs today through January 31st. Reservations are suggested since venues are filling up fast in response to this marvelous opportunity. The sponsors suggest using the free service provided by  Open Table to make reservations.

Bon appetit!

CANstruction - Where Dinner Meets Design

You shouldn't miss the new CANstruction exhibit benefiting Harvesters at Union Station, now through February 10, where 16 teams of architects, engineers, and contractors compete for national bragging rights by creating fantastic structures - made only from cans of food, and non-perishable food items. Admission to the exhibit is free.

The international competition created by the Society of Design Administration, an affiliate of the American Institute of Architects,.is a global anti-hunger project. Locally the exhibit benefits Harvesters, The Community Food Network. After the exhibit closes, the cans are donated to Harvesters.

According to Ellen Feldhausen, Harvesters' Director of Communications, the 16 structures in this year's exhibit are composed of 63,000 cans. Last year more that 33,000 pounds of food were donated,. the equivalent of 27,000 meals.

The winning entries selected by a panel of judges are pictured below by category. According to Ms. Feldhausen, the winners become eligible to compete in a national competition. She tells us that besides bragging rights, "the teams are very committed to what they're doing. They're excited, it's fun, it's creative, but I think they understand that they are helping to feed hungry people."

There is also a "People's Choice" award. Visitors to the exhibit can vote for their favorites, and Harvesters is asking a $1 donation per vote. You can also go to the Harvesters website and view all 16 exhibits, and vote for your favorite. Your vote is important because every dollar allows Harvesters to provide 5 meals.

Click here to see all 16 entries and vote in the CANstruction People's Choice competition.

Click here to learn how you can support Harvesters through donations of food, money, and time.

Congratulations to the 2010 CANstruction winners!

Click the photos for a larger image.

“Wedge Out Hunger,” by ACI/Boland, Structural Ingenuity award. The pineapple is constructed of cans of black eye peas, corn, pineapple chunks and kraut.

“War(hol) on Hunger,” by BRR Architecture, Best Use of Labels award. Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe is composed of cans of 11 different kinds of tuna and one kind of salmon.

“Garden is Where the Gnome Is,” by Gastinger Walker Harden Architects, Jurors’ Favorite award. The gnome is constructed of cans of tomato sauce, tuna, corn and pork&beans.

“Jump on the POPsled,” by Populous; Honorable Mention. The full scale bobsled is made out of 2,500 cans of sardines.

“Souper Spud,” by Black&Veatch, Best Meal award. This giant Mr. Potato Head is made out of cans of pinto beans, tuna, pineapple and packages of ranch dressing and taco seasoning.

Check back soon for more on local events which support Harvesters. Up next: Restaurant Week.

Martin Luther King Day

In the early 1960s, On the WDAF TV program "Insight" with co-host Bill Griffith, I had a brush with future greatness. I had the honor of interviewing a young Dr. Martin Luther King.

(Note: Photo is from Walt's personal archives.The photographer is unknown. If you are the photographer or know who should be credited, please contact us. M.B.)

 

K.C. will miss Wendall Anschutz

My hat is off to a long-time K.C. broadcaster Wendall Anschutz, who died Jan. 8, 2010.  The old cliche, "he was a gentleman and a scholar," applies well to Wendall. My sympathies go out to his wife, Nita, their family, and Wendall's many colleagues and friends. Here is a collection of photos from Wendall's career.

Best of 2009

Welcome and Happy New Year!

To kick off both the new year and my new blog, here are 10 of my favorite programs from 2009. Use the links to each program to access the podcast from KCUR and listen now. You can also go to the Walt Bodine Audio Archives at KCUR-FM anytime, and search for shows by title or topic.

The Walt Bodine Show - 1/26/2009
China  Listen now!
This show explores the population trend in China where record numbers of Chinese are migrating from rural to urban areas, bringing dramatic changes to the landscape, housing and quality of life. The show examines how these trends impact the rest of the world..

The Walt Bodine Show - 3/17/2009
Twisters and Hailstorms and Floods, Oh My! Listen now!
A scientific update on severe weather with area weather professionals. What does into predicting storms? This show has a strong personal facet for me as my grandson, David Bodine, is one of our guests discussing tornado research and weather radar technology.
GUESTS
David Bodine, Meteorology Ph.D. student at the University of Oklahoma
Bryan Busby, Chief Meteorologist, KMBC - Channel 9
Julie Adolphson, Meteorologist-in-charge, Pleasant Hill National Weather Service Office

The Walt Bodine Show - 4/15/2009
Tongue Twisters  Listen now!
It's the tongue twister challenge!  This show features callers and local Kansas City notables facing an articulation obstacle course.
GUESTS
-Virginia Blanton, Associate Professor of English & Religious Studies at UMKC

The Walt Bodine Show - 5/4/2009
Michael Feldman   Listen now!
The witty host of "Whad'ya Know?", Michael Feldman, discussed his radio quiz show and his new book of the same name.

The Walt Bodine Show - 5/7/2009
Celebrating Harry Truman's 125th Birthday  Listen now!
This show was broadcast live from the Truman Library and Museum with guest Clifton Truman Daniel, President Truman's oldest grandson, and Matthew Algeo, author of "Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: the True Story of a Great American Road Trip."

The Walt Bodine Show - 5/18/2009
BBQ City in a BBQ Nation  Listen now!
What could be more KC than BBQ? In this show just prior to the Memorial Day weekend, we sit down with local experts and authors of America’s Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America’s Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints Roadhouses, and Restaurants. The guests discuss their BBQ-themed travels, research and favorite picks.
GUESTS
-Amy Evans, Oral Historian for the Southern Foodways Alliance
-Ardie A. Davis, aka Remus Powers PhB, BBQ Judge and Author
-Chef Paul Kirk, CWC, PhB, BSAS, Kansas City Baron of Barbecue, Judge and Author

The Walt Bodine Show - 7/8/2009
Robin Abrahams, Mind Over Manners Listen now!
We chatted with author Robin Abrahams, the newspaper columnist known as Miss Conduct, about modern ethics and etiquette.
GUEST
-Robin Abrahams, Columnist for The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, and author of Mind Over Manners

The Walt Bodine Show - 12/10/2009
Marva Whitney Listen now!
Our show got funky with Marva Whitney, also known as the First Lady of Funk, Soul Sister Number 1, Marvelous Marva and Miss Excitement. Marva shared stories from her days performing with James Brown in the late 1960s and her musical roots in Kansas City singing in her family’s gospel revue.
GUEST
- Marva Whitney, Solo Artist

The Walt Bodine Show - 9/24/2009
Picturing Space  Listen now!
This show aimed for the big picture of the universe as seen from the upgraded Hubble space telescope. Two area astronomers gave us insights into  the latest images from Hubble.
GUESTS
-Daniel McIntosh, Professor of Astronomy at UMKC
-Gregory Rudnick, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas

The Walt Bodine Show - 10/29/2009
Vampires Listen now!
We celebrated Halloween with a Vampire-theme show. Vampires are enjoying a wave of popularity in pop culture with the Twilight Series in literature and True Blood on TV. Our guests help us explore the undying mythology of vampires in movies, books and society.
GUESTS
Kaite Stover, Kansas City Public Library
Loey Lockerby, The Kansas City Star