Valley News: March 7, 2019

March 7, 2019

Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com

Vol. 2, No. 10

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Shafer Appointed to Planning and Zoning Commission The Board of Alderman appointed Scott Shafer to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission at the February 25th Board of Alderman meeting. The Commission recommends approval of all plats, zoning changes, zoning ordinance

changes, capital improvement plans or any issues dealing with future planning.

Members serve 2 year terms. The next meeting of the Commission is March 20th at 6:30pm at Grain Valley City Hall.

Dr. Carrie Reich, Principal at Sni-A-Bar Elementary School, was honored as Distinguished Principal representing the Kansas City Suburban Region at the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) reception at Tan-Tar-A on Saturday, March 2nd. “Dr. Reich is committed to the success of every student and does so by working closely with teachers to make purposeful decisions around teaching.

Encouraging each student's voice in their own learning sounds challenging but, under Dr. Reich's leadership, Sni-A-Bar

teachers are making it look much easier,�

Dr. Brad Welle, Deputy Superintendent for Student and Community Services said.

Grain Valley educators were on hand at the MAESP banquet honoring Dr. Carrie Reich and Missouri's other 2019 distinguished principals.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Brad Welle, Kara Liddle, Dr. Beth Mulvey, Dr. Carrie Reich, Casey DeLoach, Dr. Kevin Carroll, and Dr. Glenna Bult. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools

Good News Much progress has been made in recent years in reducing the number of teens who smoke cigarettes. The CDC reports from 2011 to 2018, cigarette smoking went down among middle and high school students; middle school students who smoked decreased 4.3%,

Looking Back:

and the rate of high school students who smoked cigarettes decreased 15.8%.

However, this positive news is dampened by what the CDC states is an epidemic of students using e-cigarettes.

Nationally, news reports and social media sites are reporting widespread

see VAPING on page 3

Sni-A-Bar Farms Demonstration

by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

From the beginning in 1913, William Rockhill Nelson was seeking to demonstrate what could be done to improve native cattle by using good purebred bulls. The project was put into operation before the economic losses of the depression following World War I which created a gradual deterioration of Corn Belt livestock.

For agricultural colleges seeking to find a remedy for these financial conditions,

see DEMONSTRATION on page 5

Local News

Page 2

Jackson County Food

Establishment Report

Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days: Subway #31831, 109 AA Hwy Inspection date: 2/4/2019 Three-compartment sink not sealed to wall.

Sonic Drive In, 706 N. Main St. Inspection date: 2/11/ 2019 Excessive grease on sides and top of grill hood.

Food and debris on floor under shelving in walk-in cooler.

Food and debris on floor under shelving in walk-in freezer.

Dust/debris around fan/on fan housing on walk-in cooler.

Broken floor tiles on floor in cook line area.

Broken floor tiles around soft serve machine holding water and soft-serve.

No back flow prevention on mop sink faucets. Re-inspection required.

Inside of large ice machines with excessive black residue on inside walks and roof and where ice dispenses inside. Re-inspection required.

No food handler cards provided for five employees.

Matthews Elementary, 144 McQuerry Rd. Inspection date: 2/19/2019 Frozen food observed sitting in tray on prep table thawing. CORRECTED. Grain Valley North Middle School, 31608 N Pink Hill Rd. Inspection date: 2/19/2019 Marinara sauce in reach-in cooler dated 2/11/19 (observed on 2/19/19) past disposal date. Corrected.

Pile of frozen corn in back corner of walk-in freezer.

Valley Pub & Patio, 640 NW Yennie St. Inspection date: 2/25/2019 Diced tomatoes in container with no date in reach-in cooler. Corrected.

Hood vent filters with excess grease/ dust/debris.

Police Blotter

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of February 20-26, 2019.

February 20, 2019 900 Block Montana Ridge 700 Block Main St 1600 Block Andeon Eagles & Jackie 500 Block James Rollo 40 Hwy & Meadow 900 Block Ryan Rd 1100 Blk Buckner Tarsney Rd 900 Block Ryan Rd 700 Block Main St

Alarm Citizen Contact Stealing Motor Vehicle Accident Alarm Motor Vehicle Accident Alarm Check the Well Being Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact

February 21, 2019 300 Block 1st St 900 Block Baytree 700 Block Main St Eagles and Sni-A-Bar 100 Block Main St 100 Block Yennie 700 Block Main St Eagles Parkway & Kirby 700 Block Main St Long and Meadow 700 Block Harvest

Agency Assist (OGPD) Fraud Citizen Contact Area Check Recovered Stolen Vehicle Civil Standby Suspicious Activity Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Found Property Citizen Contact

February 22, 2019 300 Block Old 40 Hwy 1400 Block Willow Dr Woodbury & BB Hwy 700 Block Main St 100 Block Yennie 500 Block Clinton 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 800 Block Ridgeview

Recovered Stolen Vehicle Abandoned Vehicle Animal Control Motor Vehicle Accident Check the Well Being Agency Assist (OGPD) Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm

February 23, 2019 400 Block Foothill Sni-A-Bar & US 40 Hwy 400 Block Orion 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Jefferson 700 Block Main St 900 Block Deer Creek Dr 1300 Block Jefferson 200 Block Barr Rd

Parking Complaint Motor Vehicle Accident Parking Complaint Citizen Contact Alarm Citizen Contact Noise Complaint Alarm Disturbance

February 24, 2019 200 Block Jefferson St 900 Block Ryan Rd 200 Block Broadway 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Christie Ln 1200 Block Phelps Ct 1200 Block Valley Ridge 600 Block Tisha Ln

Check the Well Being Alarm Alarm Tow Release Agency Assist (CJC) Area Check Alarm Agency Assist (CJC)

February 25, 2019 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Hampton Ct 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 400 Block Old US 40 Hwy 500 Block Elizabeth

Citizen Contact Animals at Large Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Found Property Citizen Contact Stealing Agency Assist (BSPD)

February 26, 2019 1200 Block Pamela Addy and Minter Rd 700 Block Main St 600 Block Albatross Cir 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Pamela 1200 Block Valley Ridge 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Valley Ridge 300 Block Front EB I-70 Off Ramp

Property Damage Animal At Large Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Property Damage Stealing Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Motor Vehicle Accident

Additional calls this week: Suicidal Subject: 3

Valley News

Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print.

Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer

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Page 3 Assistance Council Seeks Volunteers for Moving Day on March 30th The Grain Valley Assistance Council (GVAC) is planning a “Community Volunteer Day” on Saturday, March 30th, and is seeking volunteers to assist with the move to their new location.

GVAC is moving from its current location in the basement of the First Baptist Grain Valley church to the old Nichols building just east of the church.

The City purchased the building in late 2018 and is leasing the two end units of the building to the GVAC for free.

“The new space is about 2200 square feet, which is about double what we have now. There is also some storage space in the attic area. It will be so nice not to have items stored in three different places,” GVAC Site Director Donna Compton said.

Volunteers are needed on March 30th

to help move freezers, refrigerators, shelving, supplies, and groceries from the organization’s current space to the new building.

“The more the merrier,” Jim Henson, GVAC President, said. “We need as many hands as we can get to help move flats of groceries from our current location to the new location.”

Volunteers with 2 wheeled dollies/ hand trucks are especially welcome, but all willing volunteers are asked to arrive at 9:00am at First Baptist Grain Valley, 207 W. Walnut Street.

Registration is not required to volunteer; volunteers can simply show up on the volunteer day and serve as long as they are able. Depending on the number of volunteers, Henson said the move should be wrapped up by early afternoon.

GVAC served 609 households in 2018, distributing 22,466 food items and $22,304 in utility assistance. Volunteers served over 3,800 hours in 2018, and community members donated 32,357 items to support families in need.

GVAC, an affiliate of the Community Services League, provides food, clothing, rent and utility assistance for low income residents, as well as home delivered meals for elderly, disabled, and home bound residents. GVAC also coordinates Thanksgiving baskets and the annual Christmas store for families in need.

For more information on the Grain Valley Assistance Council, visit www.grainvalleyassistancecouncil.org.

systems”, and by one of the most popular brand names among teens, “JUUL”.

While e-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes, most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. The liquid is sometimes called “ejuice”, “e-liquid”, “vape juice”, or “vape liquid”. E-cigarette devices can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs. While some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, some are made to look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items.

student behavior, disruptions in student learning, and the need to increase teacher and administrator training to identify vaping products and their use.

“Issues surrounding vaping/JUULing at South Middle School are not significant, but I believe the use of the devices occurs more than teachers and administrators are aware. Over the past year, the accessibility to such devices has increased dramatically, and there does not seem to be a negative stigma to the use, as there may have been with smoking a cigarette,” Brandyn Harmon, Assistant Principal, Grain Valley South Middle School said.

“Because of this, it is important to be proactive in educating students, staff, and parents. In order to combat the rise of e-cigarette devices among Grain Valley middle schoolers, a portion of our health program involves our School Resource Officers utilizing the Truth About Drugs program to teach students about the health risks associated with the use of vapes/JUULs.” The consequences of vaping/JUULing at school are not limited to health risks.

“At the high school, consequences are as follows: a 1st offense results in 3 days of In-school or Out-of-School suspension.

2nd and subsequent offenses increase in the number of days of out-of-school suspension. In some cases, we will limit the student's ability to travel during class time and set alternative passing periods,” Tarrants said.

Grain Valley Assistance Council is seeking volunteers to assist them Saturday, March 30th as they move from their current location to their new space in the old Nichols Machine building (pictured) just east of the First Baptist Church.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

VAPING continued from page 1 use of e-cigarettes, popularly known as “vape pens”, by students in schools, including bathrooms and classrooms. This nationwide trend has been felt locally, and Grain Valley schools have seen a marked increase in the number of incidents involving e-cigarettes in the past year.

According to Grain Valley Schools, incidents at the high school are more than twice as high as of February 26th as all last year (9 incidents in 2017-18 vs. 20 incidents as of February 26th for this school year). At the middle school level, there were 6 total incidents in the 2017-18 school year vs. 6 incidents occurring in the first six months of this school year.

“This year, we have seen an increase in the use of vape products (especially the JUUL). I believe the reasons for the quick increase is the marketing of the products (flavors such as mango, cotton candy, watermelon), the ease of access to the devices and the juice, as well as the ease of hiding the devices and the use of the device. While there is a certain stigma to smoking cigarettes, it appears that vaping is much more acceptable to teenagers. ’It isn't as bad as smoking’ is what I have heard from several students,” Mike Tarrants, Assistant Principal, Grain Valley High School said.

School administrators and health officials are finding that many parents are not aware of what e-cigarettes look like, how they are used, and the dangers they pose to developing brains and bodies. Likewise, students do not have an understanding of the effects of ecigarette use on their bodies, and the products do not have the same negative stigma among teens as smoking cigarettes.

So, what is vaping or JUULing?

Vaping or JUULing are terms used for using an e-cigarette. E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol mix of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Users inhale e-cigarette aerosol into their lungs.

Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol as the user exhales it into the air.

E-cigarettes are known by many different names, including “e-cigs”, “mods”, “vape pens”, “vapes”, “tank

What are the health risks of vaping?

Ray Dlugolecki, MPH, Community Health Department Manager with the Jackson County Health Department, says neither parents nor teens have a clear understanding of the health effects of the use of these products.

“Youth and young adults are uniquely at risk for long-term, long-lasting effects of exposing their brains to nicotine.

These new e-cigarettes, like JUUL, often deliver a higher dose of nicotine to users than even traditional cigarettes. Nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control are all possible outcomes of prolonged use. Nicotine also changes the way synapses in the brain are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning,” Dlugolecki said.

“I think there is a general lack of knowledge from parents and teens that adds to the danger of these products.

These products are built around addicting as many people as possible – similar to that of cigarettes. In fact, some of the same actors responsible for manufacturing tobacco products that have killed upwards of 20 million Americans have jumped at the opportunity to get on the e-cigarette bandwagon. With a lack of long-term studies on health impacts, teens today will be the data points we will be talking about relating to illness and potentially death in the future.”

How are ee-cigarettes impacting schools and student learning?

The increase in vaping/JUULing among teens has been felt at schools across the country, creating issues related to

What can parents do/what signs should they look out for when it comes to their teen?

“I believe the most important thing that parents can do is to educate themselves on vaping and JUULing. The US Surgeon General has a great resource for parents that provides information as well as tips for parents on how to have a conversation with their student about the effects of vaping/JUULing,” Mark Lyford, Grain Valley North Middle School Assistant Principal/Middle School Activities Director said.

(Resource: https://ecigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/ documents/ SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf)

“I also believe it is important for parents to familiarize themselves with the products and then have open/honest conversations with their students about the potential dangers and why it's important not to use them. Parents should also remain active in their child's life by asking questions about/knowing their friends and frequently checking their electronic devices and social media accounts.”

Dlugolecki suggests three steps parents need to take to address to the issue with their child: 1. Talk to your kids about the risks of using ee-cigarettes, including what’ what’s known and not known.

“Begin an open and honest dialogue with kids about e-cigarettes, the potential dangers and why it’s important they not use them. If you need an assist, your teen’s doctor is a great option,” Dlugolecki said.

2. Raise your antenna/familiarize yourself with the products.

“This crisis has reached a level where some youth are actively using devices at school under direct supervision and getting away with it.”

3. Help your teen quit if necessary.

“If you discover your teen is actively using e-cigarettes or any tobacco products, get them the help they need.

Call the national quitline number at 1-800 -QUIT-NOW as a starting point.

Remember these products achieve success through addicting people, so quitting cold turkey may not always be an option.”

What can communities do to address the issue of teens and vaping/JUULing?

“Many communities throughout the nation are altering their existing clean indoor air policies for smoking to include the use of e-cigarettes. The City of Grain Valley does not currently have even a clean indoor air policy in place, so exploring opportunities to implement such a policy would be a good first step,” Dlugolecki said. “Communities can also explore opportunities to increase the age of sale for tobacco products and ecigarettes from 18 to 21. This move would limit the exposure to nicotine on developing brains in the community.”

Page 4

Business News

REAL ID Compliant Licenses On Track To Begin March 25 The Missouri Department of Revenue remains on track to begin offering REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and nondriver identification cards on March 25, 2019. Issuance of REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards is the final step in the process for Missouri to satisfy requirements of the federal REAL ID Act and its regulations. Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card is optional.

“The Department of Revenue has been working hard toward achieving full implementation of the REAL ID Act, and I’m pleased to say we’re on schedule to do so later this month,” Joel Walter, Department Director said. “We look forward to being able to start offering REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards on March 25.

However, we want to stress to our customers that there’s no immediate need to rush to apply because the current Missouri-issued license and ID card will afford the same access as a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card until October 2020.”

Effective Oct. 1, 2020, residents of every U.S. state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, to board federally regulated domestic flights. Individuals will also be required

to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of acceptable ID, to access federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses, and to enter nuclear power plants.

The Department anticipates increased foot traffic and longer wait times at license offices in the weeks immediately following the start of REAL ID-compliant license and ID card availability. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the time between March 25, 2019, and Oct. 1, 2020, to apply for their REAL ID-compliant license or ID card.

“While we know many of our customers will ultimately choose to apply for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, we want to reiterate that doing so is a choice under Missouri law,” Walters said. “Not every person will necessarily need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card.”

Walters also stated that license offices will be unable to provide driver license services on Saturday, March 23, 2019, due to necessary system updates regarding REAL ID processing capabilities. He said customers who have a license or ID card that expires in March or April should check for the exact expiration date and plan their trip accordingly. Motor vehicle titling and registration services may still be

provided at those license offices scheduled to be open March 23.

Customers are encouraged to check license office schedules before visiting.

The transaction and processing fees for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, new or renewal, will be the same as they are currently. Detailed fee information can be found at dor.mo.gov/drivers/license.php#fees.

Customers can apply for an early duplicate license or ID card outside of their regular renewal period, which is six months prior to the expiration of their license or ID card. Missouri law allows for a one-time waiver of the duplicate transaction fee for persons who have not been issued a REAL IDcompliant license or ID card. License office processing fees, however, will not be waived and are $2.50 for a threeyear issuance or $5 for a six-year issuance.

The Department oversees more than 175 contract license office locations throughout the state. License office locations, hours and days of operation, can be found at dor.mo.gov/offloc/.

Visit dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-idinformation/ for a complete listing of acceptable documents for REAL IDcompliant license and ID card processing, as well as other important information regarding REAL ID.

Meet the Candidates Forum Set for March 19

The Grain Valley Partnership will host a “Meet the Candidates” Forum at City Hall on Tuesday, March 19th. A reception will be held at 6:00pm with the forum beginning at 6:45pm. All aldermen will be present at the

reception.

Only those running unopposed will be a part of the forum.

Ward 1 candidates Dale Arnold and Tom Cleaver and Ward 2 candidates Chuck Johnston and current Alderman Nancy Totton will participate in the

forum. Ward 3 current alderman Shea Bass is running unopposed and will not participate in the forum.

Moderators will use pre-established questions. The event is open to the public.

Thank you to the following businesses for supporting this tournament. If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact Tasha Lindsey by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.

Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org

Business News is provided weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley.

The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.

Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org

Upcoming Partnership Events: March Business After Hours Thursday, March 14, 2019 5:00pm—7:00pm March Coffee Connection Friday, March 15, 2019 8:00am—9:00am Grain Valley Cosentino’s Price Chopper Meet the Candidate Forum Tuesday, March 19, 2019 6:00pm reception; 6:45pm forum City Hall Council Chambers April Partnership Luncheon Tuesday, April 2, 2019 11:30am—1:00pm Business After Hours Thursday, April 11, 2019 5:00pm—7:00pm April Coffee Connection Friday, April 19, 2019 8:00am—9:00am Grain Valley Cosentino’s Price Chopper Kissick Classic Golf Tournament Friday, May 3, 2019 8:00am Shotgun Start Adams Pointe Golf Club Grain Valley Partnership Businesses: As a part of your partnership, you are entitled to a sponsored article in the Business section of Valley News.

To schedule an interview to highlight

your business, contact Cory Unrein, cory@grainvalleynews.com.

Page 5

DEMONSTRATION continued from page 1 improvement of livestock standards was one of the first things urged. In SniA-Bar Farms they found a living example of the ideas they sought to teach; in the results of the breeding were detailed figures on the value of a purebred sire in a grade herd, data illustrated with the most potent argument that could be used, the dollars

and cents profit.

The Demonstration Days began at Sni -A-Bar in 1918 and the lessons taught were so striking that within 10 years the farm had become world famous. It was visited by students and teachers from all over the globe; the government of Canada studied its management with the idea of starting a similar program in

the Dominion; and the better sired campaign spread to other states. The name Sni-A-Bar Farms became familiar to those persons interested in livestock improvement.

The demonstrations, which began with 200 foundation cows, their farmerbred calves, and the first, second and third crosses made with purebred bulls provided a graphic picture of improvement. The first cross showed a broadening of the back, widening of the rump, thickening of the flesh, shortening of legs and neck and a general betterment in quality. Further crosses intensified the progress of these characteristics in uniformity, type and color.

The grade cattle barns at Sni-A-Bar were built on U.S. Highway 40 (Eagles’ Parkway) close to the present-day location of Grain Valley High School. For the demonstration, tents were put up and pens were built to the east of the barns and extending to Buckner Tarsney Road.

To understand the scope of a Demonstration Day at the farm, here is a brief summary of the information in Circular 74 published by the USDA in 1926.

Approaching the farm by motor car we observed, half a mile away, a scene not unlike a county fair. In a 40-acre field is a large tent where cools are preparing the noonday luncheon.

Parking our car along with more than 2,000 others, we proceeded to the cattle pens. There are 13 good sized enclosures in which we see the results of the demonstration almost at a glance. In each pen are typical representatives of larger numbers in the farm pastures.

Pen 1- the bulls in service Pen 2 -10 red cows, typical of the 200 original cows Pen 3 -10 cows, daughter of the first cross from foundation cows and purebred sires Pen 4- 10 second-cross cows, 5-7

Sni--A-Bar Demonstration Days, held in Grain Valley annually on the Photos from Sni second Thursday in October from 1917 until 1945.

Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society

years old that would do credit to any farm Pen 5-7 cows of the third cross Pen 6-10 first cross heifers, heavy with calf or first calf at side Pen 7-10 second-cross heifers but of better quality that the previous pen and recommended to farmers as the type they should breed.

Pen 8-First-cross heifer calves as large as some mature cattle Pen 9-Second-cross heifers. As compared to pen 8, they have better frames, greater refinement and superior confirmation Pen 10 Third cross heifers. Heifers in 8,9 & 10 were being recommended by the attendant as those recommended for future breeding.

Pen 11, 12, and 13. Each pen had 10 steers from the first, second, and thirdcross steer calves ranging from 11 to 13 months.

The 13 consecutive pens at this remarkable demonstration enable us to see and study in a few hours breeding results extending over a period of 10 years.

After viewing the cattle, the audience heard from 3 speakers. The first was the James Napier, representing the farm. Next was William Jardine, United States Secretary of Agriculture. The final speaker was the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

At the conclusion of the speaking program six streams of men, women and children began the lines for the refreshment tent. The Milgram grocery stores of Kansas City prepared each guest a hearty luncheon, eaten picnic style, on the bluegrass. Attendance at the grading-up demonstrations increased from about 500 persons in 1917 to 10,000 in the mid-1920s. During and after the Great Depression the attendance dropped dramatically.

Next week: SniSni-A-Bar Welcomes the USDA and Mizzou

Community Voices

Page 6

Musings from the Middle

Favoritism at its Best

by Cathy Allie

Some might call me picky, but I have reached a time in my life where I have clearly defined preferences. Yes, I can still make nice if things aren’t 100% to my liking, and I have learned the art of give and take.

But like good old Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, I have a few favorite things. I don’t expect a rush to buy any of my favorite things like when Oprah publishes her favorite things list, but I respectfully ask you to just give them a read.

Cardigans. They are practical, seasonal, easily layered, figure forgiving and sometimes flattering. It is possible that my rainbow assortment of cardigans appears matronly to some, but those same folks are jealous when I don’t get cold in the movies because of a comfy cardigan. I can pull my cardigan off and drape it over my head when a quick rain comes up. It is basically a robe without a tie. A good oatmeal colored cardigan makes everything match, right?

One story says that cardigans were named after the Earl of Cardigan, so that makes them something royalty would wear, right? Somehow, I thought there might be a tiara in this for me.

Another story says that cardigan is a word used to describe a variety of a corgi dog with a long tail. So basically, it is like wearing your dog to work. My handsome pup would love just riding around on my body all day.

DIY shows. Look, the bottom line is that I have no technical skills that would allow me to complete even the simplest of projects. But a girl can dream, right? My heart races when they assemble the supplies, and I smirk when they make what seems like the most obvious measuring mistake. I love throwing around the terminology like MDF, raw measurement, budget range, big find, primer, ship lap and top-mounted horizontal tracks.

Chips and dip. If I can find one of those chips that gets folded over in the baking or frying process (oh, who am I kidding? It has to be fried...), those are the best dipping chips. The dip gets all nestled

between the layers and makes the perfect bite. Tell me you are not salivating.

Foods that people just throw together that actually ended up being good, like chicken and waffles. The first time I saw chicken and waffles advertised together, I laughed out loud. But even as I was driving away, I knew I would try it.

I waited until a trip out of town just in case any locals made fun of me, so I was in Nashville when I sunk my teeth into a wing and poked a piece of syrupy waffle in my pie hole for good measure. Nirvana!

I have since served them at a Happy Hour where my buttoned-down friends, perhaps expect bruschetta or a vegetable platter and meatballs as munchies, hesitated only for a moment before launching into the sweet and salty treat.

Mauve lipsticks. They aren’t purple, pink, red, or brown but some weird combination of all of them that looks good on my face and makes my teeth seem whiter, so I don't have to try any of the home-made teeth whitening solutions.

Funky words like folderol and galded and simpatico. I try to use at least one or two of them a week at work so when people stop to ask me what they mean, and I can either a. tell them the truth or b. completely lead them off track on the definition and gleefully wait for the fallout when I hear them incorrectly use it later in the day with another coworker.

Chuck Taylor tennis shoes. They are youthful yet timeless, and they hint at athleticism, however no one really ever wears them anymore to compete.

The smell of suntan lotion. Yes, I know I am not supposed to look like the Copper Tone baby but it instantly evokes my lazy pre-teen days at the pool, where we eyed gangly pre-teen boys diving from the edges as they eyed us back, and where we ate frozen Snicker bars from the concession stand like a dying prisoner devours his last meal.

And speaking of prisoners, one of my favorite movies is the Shawshank Redemption. First, if Morgan Freeman narrates it, I am pretty much all in.

Second, it encourages me. If good old

Andy can make it all the way to the water to sail his boat by tunneling out one scoop of dirt at a time, I can surely get through rush hour traffic.

Gold hoop earrings. They are just dressy enough to make it look like I made an effort, and yet trashy enough to make people think I am wild. One summer I bought a pair of gold hoops that were about three inches in circumference. I was twice mistaken for a gypsy and darn, it felt good. I tucked them away when school started, ashamed of my checkered past.

Things with my initials. With my advancing age, initialed items help me remember my name, always handy.

Second, when I wear them, they make me feel like I am at an Auburn vs. Alabama fall football game, where all the delightful, pink cheeked, well-manicured Reese Witherspoon look alike sorority girls are bopping through the tailgates. I have clearly read too many novels from overly whimsical Southern writers to have that clearly painted of a picture at my disposal to use.

Hymns where I already know all the words. If I am gonna bust out this lady tenor voice, it ought to be singing along with everybody else who also knows it in one gigantic discordant chorus, without having to glance up or down to catch a lyric. Stand by me some Sunday. I dare you.

Perfume samples. They are my favorites mostly due to my fear of commitment and buying the big size of anything. But I also love them because they remind me of the visiting door-to door Avon lady with her lotions, lipsticks, and fragrances.

Plus, I love to tuck them in my purse and have them break into little pieces when I toss my purse on a hard surface, only to allow me to reach my hand in and cut it wide open on a glass shard hours later. Luckily the alcohol base serves well as an antiseptic. Wouldn't a sarcasm font come in handy about now?

Violet Blue and other retired Crayola crayons. Yes, they retired some of my favorites, but apparently, they were no one else's fave. Violet Blue was the

mostly stately yet understated blue that you could use for coloring everything from skies to the princess' ball gown to Santa’s eyes. All those beauties replaced with downright silly wannabes. Good old Orange-Yellow replaced with Bright Tangerine. It’s a travesty.

Really good under eye concealer, the expensive kind. I have varying types, everything that covers just a slight flaw to ones that could also work for spackling walls. I stay up all night writing columns and watching DIY shows, so I need balance for the deep, VIOLET BLUE shadows and eye bags I have going. Take that, Crayola.

Crackly turkey skin. Only about twice a year is this my favorite, at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we are likely to roast a big bird. When it comes right out of the oven, I need just a sample of that crispy outer shell (which no doubt houses the dry white meat I have overcooked). Plus it grosses out my husband when I sample it, which tickles me just a little.

Some of my favorite things fall into the category of things that nobody else around here seems to even like at all, like pineapple on pizza and St. Louis Cardinals, but I stay strong and persevere in declaring my love for both. Sometimes I even combine them, like last year on opening day at Busch Stadium, when I ate Hawaiian pizza for my ball park snack instead of peanuts.

My list of favorites also includes Zotz candy that sort of explodes in my mouth; singer James Taylor, who I have seen in concert now 13 times; rib eye steaks cooked to just medium; the actor Sam Elliot, who has turned more heads than just mine; Christmas decorations of old, like bubble lights; my baby dog wearing a sweater, and Fridays off work, totally selfexplanatory.

But perhaps my very favorite thing is to turn a nothing thought into a column and tease you into reading it.

You are welcome.

Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.

Community Voices

Page 7

Wayne’s World

Two Things You May Have Been Taught About the Bible That Just Aren’t Exactly True

by Wayne Geiger

I wasn’t really raised in a Christian family. When I was young, we went to church, but there were heel marks all the way there. I found it boring and irrelevant.

Years later, after I gave my life to Christ and became a Christian, I had a passion to study the Bible. Honestly, the first thing I noticed was how big the Bible was. “What the heck is in this thing?” I wondered, but I began to devour its truth.

As the years went by, I was shocked, and a little dismayed, that deep-seeded truths that I had been taught were simply not true. They were “old wives’ tales,” or “urban legends,” passed down, kind of like George Washington and the cherry tree.

My original title was “five things…”, but I get a little wordy at times, and had to limit the number to two.

The apple I began as an Android user, but I made the switch to an iPhone many years ago because I loved my iPad and wanted my devices to connect. You’re familiar with the Apple logo, I’m sure. It’s an apple with a bite out of it.

Rob Janoff was responsible for creating the Apple logo for Steve Jobs in 1977. The Apple logo clearly establishes the brand.

But this is not the apple that I’m talking about. I’m talking about Adam and Eve and “the” apple.

I grew up, like most people, being taught, and believing, that God told Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God clearly established the boundaries and penalties for disobedience. They were deceived by the Serpent. Eve ate first and gave it to her husband and the rebellion was born.

That much is true as recorded in Genesis, the first book in the Bible.

What I was also taught, probably like you, was that the fruit they ate was an apple. Made sense to me. In fact, it was even published in books—color pictures and everything. I remember seeing the images in children’s books where the first couple ate of the apple. At that time, I believed everything written in books was true. Now, we know it’s not. It has to be on the Internet for it to be true.

Along the way in my spiritual journey, someone told me that it wasn’t actually an apple. I was shocked and offended. I found this less than appealing. This was a core belief (see what I did there?) At that point, my primary purpose was to prove this person wrong. I went back to the primary source—the book of Genesis and searched and read. I was quite surprised.

I found out that he was right and I was wrong. I hate when that happens!

Although the Bible does mention apples, the specific type of fruit that Adam and Eve ate is never mentioned in

the story in Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-7. In addition, nowhere else in the Bible is it mentioned. In truth, we simply do not know what kind of fruit it was.

Interestingly, the only tree mentioned in that passage is a fig tree (Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves), but no other specifics are given. At the end of the day, the type of fruit is irrelevant. I’ve always preferred pecan pie to apple anyway.

Jesus Christ In our society, most of us have first, middle, and last names. Some of us have two middle names or a suffix after our name. I am a junior. Named after my father. It’s also become common practice for some women to keep their maiden name hyphenated with their married name. Names help us identify one another and distinguish ourselves from others.

My wife and I have four children—two boys and two girls. I was not always thrilled with being named Wayne as a kid, I would have much preferred a cool name like Shawn, Michael, or Jeff.

I blame my first-grade teacher who had the brilliant idea to sit the entire class in a circle to discover the etymology of our names. I was enthralled with the idea. All the other kids had cool names that meant “a great prince” or “valiant warrior”. I could hardy contain my excitement when it became my turn, but by anticipatory joy turned to unprecedented horror when my teacher said Wayne means “wagon maker.” After a few giggles from my peers, the teacher reminded us that “Wagon makers were very important in the old days.” I was not convinced.

So, when my wife and I discussed having a family, I was already adamant that any sons would not be named, Wayne. However, I thought it would be cool if they had my middle name. My wife agreed, at least in principle.

When our first son came along, we named him Joshua and gave him my middle name, Wayne as planned Secretly, I have the George Forman idea in the back of my head. George had 5 sons and named them all, George. I would continue in that line of thought with my sons’ middle names.

We had girl, boy, girl, boy. Years later, when our forth child, Jonathan was born, I had already decided that his middle name would be Wayne. Turns out, my decision was only a suggestion. I was overruled by my wife who feared that he would be made fun of by kids who would call him John Wayne. My arguments of John Wayne being a western icon were irrelevant and my dream of being immortalized by my son’s middle name

Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.

vanished into obscurity.

But, back to my point. Before I knew better, I always assumed that Jesus’s last name was Christ. Made sense to me.

Everybody has a last name. I was shocked to find out that it wasn’t his last name.

In ancient times, including the time of the Bible, people didn’t have last names. They only had first names and their last names were often descriptive. For example, some people were identified by their father.

This is true in the life of the Apostle Peter. His real name was Simon. On one occasion, Jesus called him “Simon BarJonah” (Matt 16:17). “Bar” means “son of”.

So, Simon was “son of Jonah or John.”

John is the New Testament version of Jonah.

In addition, Simon had a descriptive nickname assigned by Jesus Himself.

When Jesus called Simon, he told him you shall be called “Cephas” (an Aramaic name) or “Peter” (the Greek equivalent).

Both of these terms mean stone or rock.

Peter, the wishy-washy apostle of extremes, I believe, was given the name “rock” to remind him of what God called him to be—stable like a rock.

When it comes to the name of Jesus

Christ, Jesus was His first name, of course. Years ago, I was surprised to learn that there were others who were named Jesus. It was a common name. The name Jesus is the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament name, Joshua which means “God is salvation.” Although there were many men named, Jesus; there was only One, Jesus Christ.

Jesus, most often, is referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus, the Christ. The term “Christ” is descriptive. It means “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” Therefore, Jesus Christ means Jesus, the Anointed One. The Bible says Jesus was given “the name above all names.”

I’ve learned a few things in my journey of faith. Maybe that’s why, even now, I am a perpetual student and question everything. As a researcher by nature and by trade, I am passionate about digging in and finding truth.

Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech at Johnson Country Community College, and a freelance writer.

Page 8

Health & Fitness

March is National Nutrition Month

Pepper Chicken Serves 6

by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD

March is designated as National Nutrition Month® by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s a great time of the year to review your eating habits and learn something new about good nutrition. That’s where a registered dietitian can help!

It’s common knowledge that a healthy lifestyle decreases many risk factors and just overall makes you feel great. Unfortunately, most people have trouble figuring out what to do without planning a complete diet makeover.

During National Nutrition Month®, here are some easy suggestions starting with the basics, so you can start building your nutritional health from the ground up!

Focus on fruits and veggies: Fruits and vegetables are the foods that should be eaten most often. For most people, this means more than

doubling the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat daily. Try adding a serving each day to one meal and increase the amount every few weeks.

Look for local items; they taste great!

Make calories count: Think nutrient-rich rather than “good” or “bad” foods. Most food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients — and be lower in calories.

Be aware of portion sizes. Even lowcalorie foods can add up when portions are larger than you need.

Make the most of family mealtime: mealtime Eating meals together provides the opportunity to help children develop a healthy attitude toward food. It also enables parents to serve as role models, introduce new foods and establish a regular meal schedule.

Keep moving: Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness.

Set a goal to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day.

Remember every little bit counts, so get out there with the entire family and build a family exercise program.

By starting slowly and giving yourself a good foundation, you too can work towards a healthier lifestyle.

Contact your local registered dietitian for more information to help you live an easier, healthier and happier life.

Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee. She can be reached at tshaffer@hy-vee.com. The information is not intended as medical advice.

Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Easy Ways to Burn 100 Calories

Jog the Commercials Run, jog, or march in place during each commercial break of your favorite 30-minute program to burn those extra 100 calories.

Remember Recess Grab your kid, partner, or best friend and get outside. Throwing a frisbee, shooting hoops, playing hopscotch or hide and seek for just half an hour will up your calorie burn.

Might As Well Jump Jumping jacks or jumping rope for 10 minutes is all it takes. Break it up into 2 -minute blocks throughout your day to make it more manageable.

Walk Your Dog A half hour brisk-paced walk will burn roughly 100 calories. No dog?

That’s okay, just walk yourself!

Do Your Chores Your honey and your health will thank you for this one. In the time it takes to cook dinner, vacuum or mop, clean out the garage, or other house work chores, you will have burned approximately 100 calories per task, and

earn brownie points with those you love.

You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs.

Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately.

Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.

3 tbsp. cold water 1 clove garlic, chopped fine 1 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained ½ med. red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 med. green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces] 2 tbsp. cornstarch Place chicken in a nonstick Dutch oven or heavy 12-inch skillet. Mix soy sauce with 1 tbsp of the water and pour over chicken.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 40 to 50 minutes. Add garlic, water chestnuts, and red and green pepper. Cover again and simmer 10 minutes longer, until juices from chicken run clear. Remove chicken to serving dish, and keep warm.

Serve chicken and sauce over cooked brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Just Dance Dancing to just 3 or 4 of your favorite songs will take about 15 minutes and leave you feeling happier and 100 calories lighter.

Winter Wonder It’s been a long, snowy winter, but for every 15 minutes you spend shoveling, scraping, and salting you melt away 100 calories. When spring (finally) arrives, mowing, weeding, planting, and pruning will also burn 100 calories in 20-30 minutes time.

¼ cup light soy sauce

Blend together cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Stir into juices in Dutch oven and heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 2 minutes.

by Sally Whitaker Burning an extra 100 calories a day can result in up to a 12-pound weight loss over a year, without any change in your eating habits. The following ways to blast an extra 100 calories are based on a healthy 150-pound adult, and while your results may vary slightly, adding an activity burst to your day will yield great results over time.

1 3 pound broiler-fryer, cut into 8 pieces, skin and all visible fat removed

Photo credit: iStock Photo

Page 9 Give Your Eyes a Rest: Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain Imagine how strained and tired your arms would feel if you carried around a 10-pound rock for 12 hours. That’s essentially what you’re doing to your eyes when you focus on digital devices all day.

If you’re experiencing headaches, eye fatigue, burning, stinging, redness, watering, blurred vision or even pain in the neck and shoulders after extended time on your devices, you may be experiencing digital eye strain.

A 2018 study from employee benefits company Unum found that nearly 40 percent of adults in the United States spend more than 12 hours a day looking at various digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and television screens. In the same study, 34 percent of respondents said they feel they spend too much time on their devices.

In today’s always-on digital culture, it can be hard to escape the need to stay connected, but making a few slight adjustments can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Dr. Chris Wroten, an optometrist and partner at Bond-Wroten Eye Clinic, suggests a simple, easy-to-remember rule of thumb for relaxing your eyes.

“Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds,” he said. “This 20-20-20 rule can help relax the eyes and allow them to focus on non-digital objects in the distance.”

Other tips to reduce digital eye strain include: Reduce the brightness or contrast on your screen to a comfortable level. You can find these controls in the settings of your phone or tablet and on the monitor or keyboard of your computer.

If your glossy screen is prone to glare, consider an anti-glare protector to reduce reflected light.

Try adjusting the ambient light around you. Strategically placed lamps can produce the proper lighting and result in less visual fatigue than fluorescent or LED light bulbs.

Maintain good posture and adjust your seating to assure you’re viewing screens at the proper angles and distances. The top of your computer monitor should sit just below eye level

Easy, On-Demand Dinners Nearly everyone wishes for an extra hour or two in the day. When juggling evenings filled with homework, practices, games and lastminute art projects, even just 60 extra minutes could make the difference in finding time to whip up a dinner you can be proud of. While there’s no changing the fact that there are 24 hours each day, there are some timesaving options for creating family dinners that feel like they’ve come together “on-demand.”

Cube, spiralize or pound.

No matter what shape you choose, decreasing the thickness of your ingredients is key to helping them cook through quickly. Think chicken breast cut into hunks for kabobs, thinly sliced Korean-style beef or zucchini turned into “zoodles.” With increased surface area and high heat, you may be surprised at just how quick you can have food on your plate.

Homemade tasting, onon-demand sides.

Rounding out your menu with easy -to-make sides can be a huge timesaver, and you sacrifice nothing if you rely on choices that deliver the same taste as if you had prepared them from scratch.

Marinate meat before freezing.

A rich marinade can add delightful flavor to a wide range of proteins, but marinating a dish takes time. Speed up the clock by marinating meat ahead of

time before freezing it. Then, on a busy weeknight, all you have to do is thaw and cook for a well-seasoned meal in minutes.

PrePre-cut veggies cut down prep.

Prepping vegetables is sometimes half the battle. From washing produce to peeling and chopping, precious time sometimes passes before ingredients even begin cooking. Washed and prechopped veggies are ready to go right in the pan so you can enjoy fresh flavors almost instantly.

Rethink leftovers.

The remains from a delicious dinner shouldn’t go to waste, and they don’t have to if you repurpose them into another meal. For example, you could reimagine grilled or roasted chicken into soft tacos or a proteinrich salad. Or you can add protein and seasonings to leftover pasta for a whole new meal. If you find the fridge full of odds and ends, make it a reheat -and-eat, quick smorgasbord meal.

After all, what often matters most is that everyone eats a nourishing meal together, whether the same exact foods are on their plate or not. It can be even better when this nourishing meal comes together in the blink of an eye.

Find more tips and ideas for creating delectable family dinners at Idahoan.com.

Family Features

at about an arm’s length away from your face.

Ensure your prescription is up to date, especially if you wear corrective lenses. If it’s been longer than a year since your last eye exam, consider making an appointment with your eye doctor.

Good visual health should be a component of maintaining your overall health and well-being. While the frequency of visits to your eye doctor typically varies for individual needs, most healthy adults should receive a comprehensive eye exam every year or two, which is included in most vision insurance plans. Eye exams can detect vision problems and allow you to adjust with corrective lenses, if necessary. This visit can also allow you to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, including eye strain.

Many employers offer vision insurance, and your human resources department can usually provide information about vision plan options.

Vision insurance can be an affordable solution and offer benefits typically not included in a health insurance policy. It can cover routine eye exams, most

Photo credit: Getty Images likely offer a benefit for corrective lenses and may provide discounts for additional lens options. Some vision carriers, like Unum, also offer online tools or mobile apps to help you manage your benefits and find qualified, in-network eye doctors in your area.

For more information about digital eye strain, consumer research regarding device dependence or vision insurance, visit unum.com/vision.

Family Features

Home & Garden

Page 10

The Endless Pursuit of Organization

Part 1: Functional Areas vs. Non-Functional Areas

by Chelsey Lauer, Founder and CEO, JLB Simplify Home Organizing

We have all been there and said, "next weekend we have to get that basement cleaned up and organized". If we are lucky, we find a way to push "next weekend" out as far as possible.

One of my favorite words when it comes to running a professional organizing business, is the word functional. It is also the first step to the JLB Organizing Method.

I think we all strive to have a functional home that is also organized.

However, the feeling of “being overwhelmed” is the #1 reason we put off organizing projects in our home.

To better understand why certain areas are harder for us to tackle than others I want to explain the difference between a functional area of your home vs. a non-functional area.

Understanding the difference can make the non-functional areas, which tend to the be areas of your home you

are the most overwhelmed, much easier to tackle.

First, I want to explain the difference between a functional area and a nonfunctional area from my perspective as a professional organizer. Functional areas in our homes are normally closets, kitchens, offices, linen clothes etc. They function, maybe not as well as you would like, but the area gets the jobs done. What these areas normally need are to be decluttered and then organized.

Then you have your non-functional areas. These tend to be the "catch all" areas: basements, spare bedrooms, or garages. These are the areas we tend to close the door to and forbid entrance to if a guest comes over. Often, these are the areas where you aren’t 100% sure what lurks inside, and even if you were certain, it could take 30 minutes of digging to find the item you were seeking. These areas tend to be hard to walk around in, with piles upon piles which can make looking for anything like a game a Jenga (can I move this, without that falling, etc.).

Over the next few weeks, I am going to share some simple tips and tricks to help you turn these nonfunctional areas into functional areas.

This then makes the decluttering and organizing steps easier. Taking just a few steps to turn a non-functional area into a functional area will make you feel so much more confident and then be motivated to fine tune and keep the area organized.

The acronym I use for the JLB 4Step Organizing Method is F.D.O.P. This is short for Functional, Decision Making, Organizing, and Personalization. Before you can get an area organized, you have to make the area functional and make decisions about the items in your home. The decision is not just if you need to keep an item or not but deciding what the item is to you and what category it should be organized in. After these two steps, you can start organizing. Once that step is complete, you can personalize the project or area.

Next article, I will cover the ground rules to follow and the supplies you will want to have on hand when you tackle

transforming a non-functional area into a functional area.

there are many local museums and art galleries to explore. The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is a great place to spend the day. The “Napoleon: Power and Splendor Tour” exhibition is open through March 10th. A number of works on display have never been exhibited before in North America. Tickets for the Napoleon exhibit are $18/adults, $16/seniors, $10/ students with ID, and free for children under 12.

There is no admission fee to tour any of the other galleries at the NelsonAtkins Museum. The Rozzelle Court Restaurant at the center of the museum is a great place to stop for lunch or dessert, and there are plenty of spots indoors and outdoors to snap photos. To purchase tickets and plan your trip, visit www.nelson-atkins.org Another great indoor activity would be

to visit the World War I Museum, located approximately 30 minutes from Grain Valley near Crown Center and Union Station. The museum is open 10:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday-Sunday. There are several tour options, and detailed ticketing information can be found at www.theworldwar.org Free parking is available on the south side of the museum. Like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the World War I Museum offers a number of great places to snap photos, especially from the observation deck which offers an amazing view of Kansas City.

However short spring break may be, take some time to enjoy time off from school with friends and family.

Until next time, Chelsey Lauer

Chelsey Lauer created JLB Simplify Home Organizing in 2015 after realizing that sometimes life throws to much at you and no matter how hard you try, your home continues to be a cause of stress and endless clutter. Her goal is to help people feel back in control of their home and running a business and raising 3 boys, she knows all too well how quickly a clean organized house can become a cluttered mess.

Follow JLB Simplify on Facebook at JLB Simplify Home Organization and on Twitter at @JLB_Simplify.

Use code GVNEWS when ordering the JLB Simplify 4-Step Organizing Booklet and save 50% at http:// www.jlbsimplify.com/shop.html.

Spring Break Day Trips

by Abie Groes, Student Writer Endless snow days have cut down spring break to just a threeday weekend. Three days is not nearly long enough for an extravagant trip, so here are just a few small trips you can take in and around Kansas City over your spring break weekend.

Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden in Kingsville, is only 28 minutes away from Grain Valley. Powell Gardens is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 4:00pm. There is plenty for the entire family to do, including touring the gardens and exhibits, hiking the Byron Shutz Nature Trail, and visiting the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.

After your tour, be sure to visit Cafe Thyme where they serve daily specials, homemade soups, and made to order

wraps and salads. Tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for youth ages 5-12, and $9 for seniors. Parking is free, and tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.powellgardens.org.

Outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping, is another great option. Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo are just 20 minutes away from Grain Valley and offer walking/biking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and plenty of room for boating and water sports.

Longview Lake, in south Kansas City, is just 35 minutes from Grain Valley, offers campgrounds, 14 picnic shelters, and the Fred Arbanas Golf Course. For more information on Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake, and Longview Lake, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.

If the weather forces you indoors,

Burr Oak Woods Hosts Free Naturescaping Workshop

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

Native wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses originated in the woodlands and the prairies, but they can easily be adapted to urban landscaping uses for beauty, hardiness, and as havens for butterflies and birds.

A free Naturescaping Workshop will be offered from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs.

A native plant sale from 1:00pm to 4:00 p.m. will follow the workshop and is open

to the public on a walk-in basis.

Native plants are adapted to Missouri’s climate and soils. With planning and some care, they can be attractive landscaping plants for lawns and gardens. Experts will help participants match plant species with planting locations according to sunlight or shade, soil types, and moisture requirements. They will talk about arrangements of plant types in landscaping, such as varied plant heights or bloom times.

Songbirds and pollinators such as

butterflies and moths also benefit from native plants. The birds often feed on insects that use native plants as a food source, such as butterfly caterpillars.

Adult butterflies and moths often feed on nectar from flowers.

The Naturescaping Workshop is open to adults. Registration is required. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center is located at 1401 N.W. Park Road.

All visitors are welcome to attend the afternoon native plant sale.

Representatives from the Missouri

Wildflower Nursery and Green Thumb Nursery will offer plants for sale while supplies last.

To register for the Naturescaping Workshop, visit MDC’s event signup pages at https://mdc.mo.gov/events-s3.

For more information, call 816-2283766.

Information about using native plants in landscaping is available at https:// mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/native-plantrestoration.

Sports

Page 11

Eagles Push Jaguars to the Limit in District Loss

by John Unrein You could cut the figurative tension with a knife inside of Truman High School’s Gym on Thursday, February 28th. The Eagles would score 35 second half points against the Jaguars, coming up just short in their 57-55 Class 5 District 14 matchup.

Eagles Head Boys Basketball Coach Andy Herbert was confident his team would be able to compete despite being the smaller school by enrollment.

“We expected to win that game. I told the team afterwards that when you give it your best and come out on the wrong end you tip your hat and know that you can be without regret in having given it your best shot. I am proud of this group of kids and the way they competed tonight. They left everything on the floor.”

Neither team could get into an

offensive rhythm in the first half.

Turnovers, fouls, and strong defense by both teams led to the Jaguars being ahead 26-20 at the half. It was a physical basketball game with players on the floor multiple times and neither side being able to clearly exert their will during the first two quarters of play.

The opening of the second half saw determined play by the Eagles. They consistently were able to defeat full court pressure by the Jaguars who were trying to slow down Grain Valley’s ability to get back into the game.

Junior Guard Caden Matlon and Sophomore Forward Cole Keller provided the bulk of scoring in a frenzied half. Each would go on to lead their team in scoring with 18 points.

Junior Forward Gavin Oyler also

Junior Guard Caden Matlon prepares for a drive to the basket.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

Upcoming

Prep Events Soccer: Girls Varsity Jamboree vs. Pleasant Hill, St. Teresa’s @ Pleasant Hill High School Monday, March 11, 2019 at 5:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Tournament vs. Oak Grove @ Adams Pointe Friday, March 15, 2019 at 8:30am Baseball: Boys Varsity vs. Rock Bridge @ Rock Bridge High School Saturday, March 16, 2019 Soccer: Girls Varsity Tournament @ Platte County High School Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 9:00am Track: Varsity Invitational @ University of Central Missouri Monday, March 18, 2019 at 1:00pm

provided a post presence on defense.

He drew the assignment of guarding Jaguar Sophomore Forward Jaylon McDaniel. Oyler gave up height and size and not much else in the block to McDaniel, who is a load in the paint.

Evidence of this was seen when Oyler blocked a shot in the post with 5:49 left in the third quarter.

Grain Valley was able to shave the lead in the second half by scoring on drives and successful baskets in the paint. Augmenting their ability to gain ground were made free throw attempts after being fouled on successful scoring attempts. Examples of this included Keller scoring off an inbound pass under the basket with 3:41 left in the 3rd quarter. Matlon also provided a nifty fingertip layup, taking off just inside the free throw line as Sophomore Forward Cole Keller attempts time expired in the 3rd quarter.

Matlon continued his assault on the a shot at the basket. basket down the stretch in the 4th Photo credit: Valley News staff quarter. Especially, after Keller fouled “That I was able to contribute to this out with 4:26 left in the game. Matlon team tonight meant the world. We made five different drives to the goal wanted that win not just for ourselves, for points or free throw attempts with but for our seniors. We did not want 3 minutes or less left in the game. This this to be our last game. We wanted to would include a made circus layup and keep playing for them,” Matlon said. subsequent free throw with :06 left The Eagles boys basketball team that brought the Eagles within two finishes the season 16-11. They say points of the Jaguars. goodbye to group of well-respected Both Matlon and Keller offered their seniors that include Jesse Scholtz, thoughts after the game.

Kevin Gutierrez, Brendan Shafer, and “Late in the year you gain the reality Nicholas Brown. The future should that you are competing for guys on this continue to be bright for the Eagles as team so that their season doesn’t end. they return six current juniors and one I wanted to work my rear end off just sophomore for next year to a squad trying to get one more game. My that proved they could compete in the confidence has improved and that has Suburban Conference during their allowed me to help my teammates,” inaugural season.

Keller said.

Community Calendar March 11, 2019

Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free.

Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members SelfSelf-Defense for Teens Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events Board of Alderman Meeting City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm

March 12, 2019

Using a Mouse and Keyboard Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—4:00pm www.mymcpl.org/events

March 13, 2019

Storytime for Families Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:00am—10:30am www.mymcpl.org/events

March 18, 2019

Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free.

Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members

March 21, 2019

Kindergarten Registration Event Held at all Grain Valley Elementary Schools 4:30pm—6:00pm Children must be at least five years old on or before July 31, 2019 to attend Kindergarten in 2019-20 school year.

March 28, 2019

Petite Picassos Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main 6:30pm—7:15pm $10/participant. Children 4 to 7 years with an adult will paint an 8x10 canvas.

816-847-6230

March 25, 2019

Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free.

Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members

Add your community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.

March Activities at the Library The Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley branch is offering a number of free events in March. For more information on these events and all upcoming events at the library, visit www.mymcpl.org/events. Registration is required for all of the following events, with the exception of the weekly Storytime for Families event.

SelfSelf-Defense for Teens Monday, March 11, 2019 6:30pm – 7:30pm Learn to defend yourself against attack. Tamara Shumate teaches selfdefense tactics, including hit-and-run escapes and pressure points. Be proactive not reactive when it comes to personal safety.

Using a Mouse and Keyboard Tuesday, March 12, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm Mastering a computer mouse and keyboard is the first step to using a computer. This two-hour hands-on session will guide you through some of the basics of mouse and keyboard use.

Using FamilySearch Thursday, March 14, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm Find out how to get the most out of using the FamilySearch website. Learn tips on searching records, using the

research wiki, finding family trees, using the Family History catalog, and more.

Beaded Duck Thursday, March 21, 2019 6:30pm - 8:00pm Thursday, March 28, 2019 6:30pm - 8:00pm Join Tina Gatewood as she shows us how to make these cute little beaded ducks. This is a two-week class, and each class lasts 90 minutes. There is a one-time hands-on material fee of $14.

Storytime for Families Wednesdays from 10:00am – 10:30am Come share the early literacy experience with the whole family.

Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and more.

The Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley branch is located at 101 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley.