Respecting the French

Five years since so-called patriots renamed them, Freedom Fries are no longer spoken of. Liquor-store owners quit pouring out French wine in an ill-advised and ineffective boycott. Tensions have faded to the point that Union Station’s Science City (30 West Pershing Road) will teach children today to build trebuchets, war weapons with a moniker of French origin. Kids can also learn how to build paper airplanes and catapults. The first workshop is at 10 a.m., with another at 2 p.m. Admission costs $14.95 for members and $29.95 for nonmembers. See unionstation.org for more information, or call 816-460-2020.

Sat., Aug. 16, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., 2008