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June 2026 Newsletter
In this edition . . .
July 4 Parade
July 10 TGIF: Dessert Truck
Dumpster Day
Garage Sale
BBQ Showdown
Writer Sean Ludwig on National TV
Graduates:
Rachel Galloway
Brody McNeall
Eddie Schumann
Macey Willmann
Jacob Willmann
Board Meeting on June 7, 2026
Dee Breedlove Passes Away
Youth Services
Elliot Mabrey: Trash-Can Cleaning
Jacob Henry Long: Car Washing
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July 4 Parade Continues Old Tradition
As they have for 20 years, patriotic neighbors will celebrate Independence Day by marching through the neighborhood.
The gathering will begin at 9:45am, Saturday, July 4, in the cul-de-sac where NE 83rd Street meets N. Woodland on the eastern side of Bridge Pointe – the same location as last year. The parade will start at 10am.
Everyone is invited to bring flags and decorated bicycles, wagons and scooters for the parade. Excited spectators may cheer along the route. Cold cut watermelon, donuts, and bottled water will be served as residents mingle and visit on the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence.
For information, or to offer help (always appreciated!) contact Kristy Weaver, (816) 204-8908.
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Next TGIF: July 10 . . .
Letting Someone Else Do the Cooking!
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Photo by Kathy Ludwig
A TGIF food truck called “Weenies and Paninis” at the swimming pool parking lot on June 12 drew dozens of hungry neighbors, including Rick Ludwig, Danny Ray, Kattie Henson, Vickie Ray, Ken Nelson, Jim Schnitz, Mike Power, Joanne Link, Paul Link, DeWayne Rucker, Donna Power and Sandy Nelson.
Another food truck, “Tasty Temptations,” will be selling only desserts on July 10, 6-8pm. So, neighbors may want to eat supper before coming to the pool parking lot. As always, helpful neighbors are needed to set up and take down tables, chairs, and canopies. Call Maureen Rucker, (573) 690-3222, to get information or volunteer.
Soon TGIF Social Hours will return to homes on the second Friday monthly. Susan and Bob Hiatt will host on September 11. Linda Spotts Michael will host on October 9. Hosts still are needed for August 14, November 13 and December 11. To volunteer, contact Shauna Varner Pierce, (816) 694-4138.
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A sun-soaked Saturday, May 9, with garage-sale shoppers everywhere, was the perfect time for Andie Kathcart, Lucy Mabrey, Rowen Kathcart, and Jane Long to huddle beneath a huge umbrella and serve soft drinks fortified with fancy flavors at 8337 N. Highland. Their parents are Nikki and Jared Kathcart, Emily and Matthew Mabrey, and Stacy and Jake Long.
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Got Junk?
Once Again, Volunteers Fill Dumpster Fast
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Mike Palikij, Ron Jones and Matt Ryan load junk on Dumpster Day, May 30. Volunteers filled the Dumpster before 9:30am.
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Mike Palikij, Todd Warner, Scott McClure, Jack Kammerer, Don Meier, Al Neal, DeWayne Rucker, Danny Henson and Dale Meek rest after a frantic morning of unloading cars to fill the dumpster.
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The next Dumpster Day will be Saturday, September 19, 8-10am. Everyone should come early because the dumpster fills fast.
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Scott McClure gets a slice of cake from Jack Kammerer, whose birthday was on Dumpster Day.
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Bob Seidler surveys the bountiful smorgasboard of smoked ribs and chicken, and numerous side dishes and desserts which neighbors brought to the annual Barbeque Showdown on May 16.
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May was a busy month for dozens of neighbors who volunteered and who joined the fun of the Barbeque Showdown, pool cleanup, pool opening with hot dogs, and Dumpster Day.
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Larry Cockerel loads groceries for the annual Barbeque Showdown on May 16 and the pool-opening hot dog day on May 23.
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Photo by Danny Ray
DeWayne Rucker prepares pork ribs for the Barbeque Showdown. Danny Ray, Larry Cockerel and Mike Palikij also cooked for dozens of neighbors who brought side dishes and beverages to the popular annual event.
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A TV Star . . .
Writer Sean Ludwig Goes National
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If you were watching The Kelly Clarkson Show on May 12, you could have seen a familiar face: Former neighbor Sean Ludwig, son of Kathy and Rick Ludwig, who grew up in Bridge Pointe.
Sean was in the audience when the comedian Cedric the Entertainer was chatting with Kelly about his new barbeque book.
Kelly asked Sean to talk from the audience about his considerable experience with barbeque as the co-author of a national newsletter called The Smoke Sheet | Substack and author of one focusing on New York called NYC BBQ | Your Guide to New York's Best Barbecue.
A producer for the show had wanted a barbeque expert in the audience for a cutaway. The producer found Sean on the internet and asked for a short video. The show liked it enough to invite Sean to be on the air. During the show, Cedric showed how to make a favorite sandwich, then Kelly blurted, “Sean, you gotta come taste this!” Just like that he was on stage before a national audience.
To see more about Sean’s amazing adventure, check this link: Celebrating BBQ on The Kelly Clarkson Show with Cedric the Entertainer
Since that brush with fame, Sean announced that, after nearly a decade of crossing the country trying the best BBQ in America, he will co-author a barbecue travel guide. The book will take readers on the ultimate road trip through barbecue country: iconic joints, legendary pitmasters, regional traditions, including the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and Kansas City, plus plenty of spots off the beaten path. It’s set for release in 2027 from Harvard Common Press and Quarto Books.
Sean, 40, lived in Bridge Pointe from 1992 to 2004. He graduated from the Journalism School at the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2008. He and his wife, Stephanie, now live Jersey City, NJ with their two sons, Lincoln and Logan.
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Taking care of business . . .
Board Tends to Routine and New Tasks
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At its third regular meeting of 2026, on June 7, the Association’s board of directors welcomed seven neighbors who wanted to take a peek at what’s happening behind the scenes, and to offer their questions and ideas.
The board members first thanked Jim Schnitz for repairing the BridgePointe Book Station, which he had built several years ago and placed in the swimming pool parking lot so neighbors can lend a book or borrow a book. Harsh weather damaged the box recently.
Webmaster Josen Ruiseco’s written report showed that the Association’s website, bridgepointekcmo.com, has received numerous repairs and improvements to make it more reliable and current. Work continues, with hopes of completing the contract work by July 1.
The swimming pool season opened smoothly, but the pool had to be closed for one day to repair the pump. Underwater lights are repaired. Enough neighbors have volunteered to take a weeklong turn at closing the pool (tidying the area, closing umbrellas, etc.) that only one week needs a volunteer. Contact Jason White, (816) 696-9041, to volunteer or ask questions about the pool.
Scott McClure, Landscape Chair, removed the aged and unused basketball goal from the pool parking lot. Efforts to replace the retaining wall at N. Wayne and N.E. Barry Road continue. New drawings require City approval. New bids, which are expected to be quite expensive, will be sought to replace those which were based on outdated drawings.
The Association’s three account balances, including savings, checking and a certificate of deposit, total $257,096.68. The board voted to set the late fee for unpaid dues at $10 monthly.
Board members generally discussed revising the Covenants and Restrictions to remove obsolete provisions and to insert rules which address changes since the rules originally were adopted in 1986.
Pat Rainey volunteered to contact Reserve Advisors, a contractor which was hired to assist with developing a long-range strategic plan for financing maintenance, repair and replacement of the Association’s property for many years.
Mike Palikij is recruiting neighbors to revive the dormant Block Captain program. He welcomes more homeowners to join the several volunteers who already have stepped forward. Contact him at (816) 825-8968.
All neighbors are welcome at all board meetings, which are on the first Sunday in February, April, June, August, October and December. Annually, the June meeting is designated specifically for all neighbors to participate. The June meeting usually is at the swimming pool parking lot for everyone’s convenience. But rain threatened, so the June 7 meeting was moved indoors this time.
The next board meeting will be at 5:30pm, Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Meier home, 1907 NE 82nd Terrace. To read the entire minutes of the meeting, visit our website.
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Beloved Neighbor
Dies Suddenly
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Dee Breedlove, 73, long-time neighbor and wife of Ken Breedlove, passed away suddenly on May 6, 2026.
She and Ken met at the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics in 1975, the year they married. They moved to BridgePointe in 1987.
In college her studies focused on fashion merchandising and design, reflecting her lifelong love of textiles, interiors, beauty, and creativity. She took pride in her craft, and her skill, care, and attention to detail could be seen in everything she made by hand. Family and friends could always count on Dee for last-minute garment repairs, alterations, sewing projects, and thoughtful handmade touches that made everyday life feel special.
Dee worked in retail- and design-related businesses including JCPenney, Delmar Blinds, Norwalk, J. Jill, Casual Corner, Russell Stover Chocolates, and Medical Records at North Kansas City Hospital. She also spent time working with Young Life, a youth social program, where her warmth, encouragement, and love for young people naturally flourished. She especially loved helping others create beauty in their homes and lives.
She lovingly tended gardens, served as a Girl Scout leader, church and school volunteer, and mentor to countless children and friends throughout the years. Dee was deeply involved at Gashland Presbyterian Church, where she participated in Vacation Bible School, confirmation programs, and many acts of service within the church community. In more recent years, she and Ken had been regularly fellowshipping with the congregation at Jacobs Well Church. She also loved Kansas City’s vibrant food and art scene and treasured evenings spent exploring restaurants, art shows, and local events with dear friends and family.
She is survived by Ken, her daughters, Sara Ellen Gladfelter (Joel) of Manchester, Maryland, and Anna Rebecca Breedlove of Kansas City, and five grandchildren.
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If you know about or see anything which should be considered for publishing in The Pointe, please contact Ken Nelson at ken@nelsonlawkc.com.
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Current news, announcements, helpful comments, neighbors’ recommendations are available on the “Bridge Pointe Neighborhood” page on Facebook.
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