Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
AUGUST 1, 2019
Vol. 2, No. 31
FREE
High School Addition Ready For Debut While students enjoy the last few weeks of summer break, work crews and school staff have been hard at work preparing the new addition at Grain Valley High School (GVHS) for its debut this August. Valley News recently toured the new space with GVHS Principal Dr. Jeremy Plowman. A new office at the entrance on the north side of the building will welcome parents and visitors. Students will continue to enter and exit the building from the school’s prior front entrance. The office space provides needed space for professional development and staff meetings, as well as comfortable spaces
for parents and students to meet with administrators and staff. A new library is five times larger than the school’s previous library, and includes a maker space, multiple use glass encased cubicles for tutoring or small group projects, and space for at least three full classrooms to utilize the area. All bookshelves, seating, and charging stations are moveable, allowing the space to be configured in a number of ways. The addition also includes a community meeting room with a separate entrance. The room will be used for Board of Education meetings, community use, and student testing. “We previously had to do all of our AP
see HIGH SCHOOL on page 2
Registration Open For Parade Registration for the Grain Valley Fair Parade is now open. The Grain Valley Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program is organizing this year’s parade, which will take place at Noon on Saturday, September 7th. “This is our first effort in organizing the parade. Mayor Todd and staff had the structure well in place. We are doing only one thing different this year, in that we are charging entrants excluding 501c3 entities. The registration fees support our Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund,” Cindy Bell, VIPS Secretary said. This year’s parade theme is "Broadway Shows". The parade categories are: Specialty, Best Dance Routine, Most Humorous, Community Spirit, Best Youth
Group, Best Float and Best Automobile. The community parade also serves as the high school homecoming parade. “We have 24 active members on our roster. It will take as many VIPS as available on Sept. 7th to man the intersections, direct vehicle and foot traffic and just be visible to the public for safety and questions. The Boys Scouts are the biggest help in lining up the parade entries.,” Bell said. Parade forms and entry fees can be mailed or delivered to the police department and must be received by Friday, August 23rd. An entry form for the parade can be found on the Grain Valley News website, www.grainvalleynews.com.
Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios
A new office space will greet parents and visitors at the north entrance of Grain Valley High School. The office suite includes an expanded counseling center, health clinic with well and sick areas, and improved meeting spaces for administration to meet with parents and students. Just outside of the office is The Valley, an enclosed courtyard that includes green space, an amphitheater, and areas for students to enjoy lunch outdoors. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Good News:
Cruise for Consciousness Sunday, August 4th
The 5th Annual Cruise for Consciousness Car Show benefiting Purple Peace Foundation for Epilepsy Awareness will be held Sunday, August 4th at the 11:00am— 3:00pm Community Center Pavilion. The event will be held from 11:00am —3:00 pm and will include a silent auction, concessions, DJ, and 50/50 Drawing. There is no cost to visit the car show. For more information, visit www.purplepeacefoundation.org. Photo credit: Valley News staff
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Local News
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HIGH SCHOOL
testing off-site at Blue River Community College. 1 was sending 100 kids back and forth on buses and adding 45 minutes to the test by having to go there. Now, we can test most of our kids here,” Plowman said. The most striking addition to the school is “The Valley”, a large enclosed outdoor courtyard that includes green space and an amphitheater. Seating for approximately 100 will allow students to enjoy lunch outside. A new health clinic has separate well
continued from page 1 and sick areas. An expanded counseling office allows for more privacy, and space for students to utilize technology to apply for college and scholarships. Administrators and staff worked with architects over the course of several months to develop the space. “When you have kids who are upset and waiting to see the counselor, it’s important to have a space for them to have some privacy, rather than make them sit out in the main area in plain view of everyone who walks by. We were
intentional in designing the space, and it is going to work so well for our students,” Plowman said. The addition also includes new classrooms for business and marketing and an area for a school store. “Our first couple of additions were pretty pragmatic. We needed lots of classrooms or we needed to build a new wood shop. We need science classrooms specifically for Project Lead the Way. We needed to build things for academic purposes,” Plowman said.
Plowman emphasized that new offices for administrators were never at top of his list of priorities. However, he has seen the pride former students and community members have shown when touring the space. “The kids that we’ve had through here have been excited. Every parent who comes in, every adult and business, will come through these doors and will see this office, our library, the courtyard, and will understand the pride we have in our school.”
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of July 17-23, 2019.
A new community room, with a separate entrance, will be used for Board of Education meetings, community meetings, and testing for students. See additional photos of the addition at www.grainvalleynews.com. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Former Exchange Student Visits New High School Addition Costos Kotzambasis attended Grain Valley High School as a foreign exchange student from Greece with the Class of 1966. Erma and Robert Doty and their children were his host family and the Dotys still consider him family. Costas returned to Grain Valley last week and was treated to a tour of Grain Valley High School with his host siblings. Students in the 1960s attended the two-story school on Main Street. Costas has been back to Grain Valley over the years and has been in the current high school building, but on touring the latest addition at the school, he was struck by the look and feel of the transformation that the community has taken on in
recent years. He marveled at how Grain Valley has grown, and how the new sections of the high school look more like a university than how he remembers high school. After graduating from GVHS, Costos went to Cornell University to study Hotel and Restaurant Management. For the past 30 years he has lived in Australia. When Costos arrived in Grain Valley in the 1960s, the population was just a little over 500 people. Today, more 12,000 people live in Grain Valley and many of the landmarks familiar to him from his high school days, such as the old twostory school building on Main, are gone.
July 17, 2019 100 Block Eagles 1300 Block Highview Dr. 1300 Block NW Jefferson 100 Block Rock Creek
Suspicious Auto Noise Complaint Alarm Alarm
July 18, 2019 500 Block Capelle 1100 Block Pamela 700 Block Main Street 300 Block Front Street 1900 Block NW Hackberry Ct 100 Block Sunny Lane
Noise Complaint Parking Complaint Area Check Area Check Burglary Area Check
July 19, 2019 400 Block Front Street 800 Block Lakeview Drive Cedar/Woodbury 1900 Block NW Hackberry Ct 700 Block Main Street 1000 Block Shorthorn 200 Block Garden 1000 Block RD Mize 1100 Block Lakeview Stoneybrook/Sni-A-Bar
Stealing Agency Assist (CJC) Suspicious Party Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Agency Assist (CJC) Stolen Auto Area Check Disturbance Area Check
July 20, 2019 1400 Block Highview 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Main Street 400 Block Hamilton Lane 1200 Block Eagles 2100 Block Sweetgum Ct 1400 Block NW Red Oak Ct 700 Block Main Street 1000 Block Sandy Lane 800 Block Meadowood 1100 Block Valley Woods Ct Joseph/Hillsboro 1400 Block Jacklyn Dr 1000 Block NW Magnolia
Agency Assist (CJC) Warrant Arrest Citizen Contact Fraud Animal Neglect Motor Vehicle Accident Property Damage Alarm Runaway Juvenile Agency Assist (CJC) Check the Well Being Burglary Suspicious Auto Noise Complaint Assault
July 21, 2019 Graystone/Elizabeth
Area Check
1800 Block Rosewood Drive 600 Block NW Valley Ridge Ct 700 Block Crestview Terrace 400 Block Europa 400 Block Graystone 700 Block Main Street 1100 Block Main Street Nelson/Country Hill BB/McQuerry 500 Block Gateway 1100 Block Golfview
Disturbance Stealing Disturbance Residence Check Disturbance Stealing Disturbance Suspicious Auto Disturbance Area Check Area Check
July 22, 2019 1800 Rosewood 700 Block Main Street Independence Police Dept 700 Block Main Street 1200 Block NW Woodbury 700 Block Main Street 1100 Block McQuerry 1400 Block Cottonwood Dr 100 S Main Street 400 Block Cross Creek 1100 Block NW Golfview 300 Block E Harris 1100 Block Golfview 900 Block Sandy 1100 Block Indian Creek
Parking Complaint Citizen Contact Prisoner Transport Citizen Contact Suspicious Auto Citizen Contact Disturbance Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Noise Complaint C&I Driver Citizen Contact Noise Complaint Alarm Barking Dog
July 23, 2019 700 Block Nelson 600 Block NW Valley Ridge Ct 700 Block Main Street 300 Block Front Street 700 Block Main Street Duncan/Rosewood 1100 Block Willow 1400 Block Olympic 1600 Block High View 1200 Block NW Walnut Ct 100 Block S Main 1300 Block Jefferson Main/I 70
Civil Matter Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Civil Matter Found Property Property Damage Parking Complaint Disturbance Area Check Trespass Alarm Area Check
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
Larry Doty, brother; GVHS Class of 1968 (31 in his class), Sandie Brown Doty (Larry's wife); GVHS Class of 1971 (39 in her class), Kathy Doty, sister; GVHS Class of 1973 (31 in her class), Konstantine (Costos) Kotzambasis, AFS foreign exchange student from Crete; GVHS Class of 1966 (32 in his class).
Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Sign up for our weekly emails and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @grainvalleynews).
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Looking Back: Lest We Forget by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society I realize I’ve been writing about the Grain Valley Schools for quite some time, however, before I return all of my research to the Historical Society file, I want to share one more bit of school history from the 1948-1949 Teacher’s Manual of Instruction and Suggestions. On the final page of the manual, Superintendent Carl Heuman shared these statements titled “Lest we Forget.”
LEST WE FORGET Teach children, not subjects.
Make allowances for individual differences.
Have a planned guidance program for each child. Find their interest and build on these strengths.
Teach pupils how to study and to organize clearly the materials they study.
Acquaint the pupils with the authors,
preface, table of contents and index of each textbook used, as well as reference books. Teach children how to use the library.
Try to meet as many parents as possible and as often as possible.
Make every effort to arrive at a just and accurate appraisal of the work of each pupil.
Hold a conference with each failing student in ample time to avoid failure.
Provide a school situation that makes for clean and wholesome living; private and public.
Support the teaching profession, it supports you.
Keep the public informed as to what you and your school are doing.
Be as attractive looking as possible. You position requires it.
Give the public something good to talk about.
Believe that this job you have is an important one.
Appreciate the fact that the Board of Education gave you a job and thank them by being so kind as to do the job well. “The man who is fired by ambition for his job is seldom fired by his boss.” Hubbard
Educational work is the spice of life. Look to your future.
Make up your mind to do a superior piece of work, and then do it.
Make your classroom so interesting and attractive that boys and girls will want to come to it.
Do your best with the equipment we furnish you. After all a good teacher without supplies is better than a poor
Melons Make Summer Sweeter
teacher with a room full of the best supplies obtainable.
Be one hundred percent for the school in which you are working. There is where you obtain your salary.
Learning is a reaction. Be sure that it is a desirable one.
Teaching and administering a school system is by necessity a democratic enterprise which can be accomplished through the combined efforts of the entire staff working in a cooperative manner. Let us all put our shoulder to the wheel the first day of school, and give our best throughout the entire year.
I’ve often heard that if something is fifty years-old it is historical. So, at sixtyone this old teachers’ manual is a relic. As a former teacher, I believe many of these ideas are just as relevant in 2019. What do you think?
by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
Melons make for a refreshing and lower-calorie treat during the warmer months. Most melons weigh in at under 50 calories per one-cup serving and contain fiber. Watermelons contain vitamin C and potassium, as well as a high water content, which contributes to hydration. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Honeydew melons are an excellent source of vitamin C. You can eat melon alone, or add it to smoothies, salads or desserts.
Choosing a Good Melon Watermelons: Look for the “yellow belly” – a flatter yellowish spot, which indicates it sat on the vine to ripen. Cantaloupe: Smell the cantaloupe. If it doesn’t have a smell, it likely doesn’t have a taste either. You want a musky sweet smell to indicate a ripe cantaloupe. You also need to touch it. The skin should give a little, but not feel mushy. You also want to look it over to make
sure there are no bruises, spots or punctures. Honeydew Melon: This melon should have a golden color; brownish freckling is fine and indicates a very sweet melon. The melon should feel firm, but not hard. Smell the melon. It should have a sweet smell. If you shake it, you should be able to hear the seeds rattling around inside.
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. Melon and Chicken Pasta Salad Makes: 6 servings (1 1/3 cups each) All You Need: Dressing: 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. salt ½ cup low-fat buttermilk ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise 3 tbsp. chopped, fresh tarragon, or 1 tbsp. dried 1 tbsp. distilled white vinegar Pasta Salad: 8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat bowtie pasta 2 cups cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon 2 cups thinly sliced baby spinach 2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup (about 3 ounces) chopped prosciutto Freshly ground black pepper, to taste All You Do: To prepare dressing, mash garlic and salt in a medium bowl with the back of a spoon into a chunky paste. Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, tarragon, and vinegar; whisk until combined. To prepare pasta salad, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water, according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl, and let cool. Add melon, spinach, chicken, cranberries, prosciutto, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat. To make ahead, cover and refrigerate, undressed, for up to 1 day. Toss with dressing about 1 hour before serving. Nutrition Facts per Serving:294 calories; 6 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 54 mg cholesterol; 633 mg sodium; 38 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 3 g added sugars; 25 g protein. Source: EatingWell.com
Business News
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High Tech Camping Gadgets For Your Summer Outdoor Adventure by Burton Kelso, Integral Computer Consultants
I'm a big fan of tech gadgets, but I can't say I'm a big fan of camping. My idea of camping is a day spent out in nature followed by nights in a climatecontrolled environment with running water and breakfast that's already been prepared. Every year there are new tech devices that make our lives easier, even when it comes to camping. Whether you’re a hard-core camper or a Glamper like me, there are many tech gadgets that will help improve your camping experience. If you and the family are headed for the great outdoors, get ready for this list of high-tech camping gadgets that will make your summer camping experience fun and comfortable. BioLite CampStove. Leave those cooking gas canisters at home and use the power of nature to charge your smart devices and and cook your meals at the same time. With the Biolite, you can have campfire powered by sticks and twigs. The technology in this campstove creates smokeless flames for your campsite. There are also accessories that allow you to grill food and a pot to serve hot beverages. BoomBottle. If you want to enjoy your favorite tunes when camping out, take this wireless, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with you. It has a magnetic mount for you to place your smartphone. You can also pair two
Boombottles to create true stereo sound. This speaker also has a built in bottle opener. E.Power 10000mAh Portable Solar Charger. No matter where we go, we are guaranteed to have our smart devices in tow which is why it's a good idea to have a portable charger with us. The E Power solar charger makes sure however isolated you are, you have power for your devices. The bonus is this device is waterproof and has a built in LED flashlight whenever you need a light to help guide you through the darkness. Phoenix 100 Mini Power Station. If I you need to keep in contact with the office when you're out in the wilderness, take the Phoenix Power Station with you. This portable batter pack will charge multiple devices including laptops and portable home appliances because it has a built in AC plug in. GoSun Go. Does cooking out in the woods stress you out? You might want to consider a solar cooker. The GoSun allows you to harness the sun's power to cook your meals. You don't have to worry about gathering wood for meals. Just setup the GoSun and make meal preparation simple and easy. Matrix Industries: PowerWatch X. When you're camping out, the PowerWatch will be your best friend. Never worry about charging this Smartwatch because it uses your body heat to keep it
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
charged. Like other smart watches, it works in conjunction with an Android or Apple app to monitor your daily steps, your heart rate Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter. Fresh water is important when you're out camping. Never worry about getting access to drinking water with this compact and lightweight water filtration system. It will remove 99.999 percent of bacteria found in fresh water. You can use the water bag that comes with the filter or attach the filter and straw to any standard bottle. If camping has stressed you out in the past, you'll want to consider taking these cool tech gadgets with you. These gadgets will help you focus on enjoying time with family and friends and not worrying about entertainment, charging devices and make sure you have power to cook meals or charge devices.
Burton Kelso is the Chief Technology Expert at Integral. Find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and watch great tech tip videos on his YouTube channel. Contact Integral Computer Consultants at 888-256-0829 or www.integralcomputerconsultants.com.
Upcoming
Partnership Events
State of the School District Luncheon Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Grain Valley High School 11:30am—1:00pm Visit www.growgrainvalley.org for more information and to register.
Community Voices
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Wayne’s World You’re Wrong! by Wayne Geiger
One holiday weekend, not so long ago, my wife and I decided to do a day trip to Kansas City to just hang out and spend the day together. We left a little later than I was hoping, but traffic on I-70 was unusually light. As fate would have it, I got behind someone in the center lane who was apparently not in a hurry. I was. I eased my foot off the gas and took a deep breath. I tried to relax and embrace the calmness of the moment. I was really proud of myself as it lasted for about 37 seconds. A new record! But then, I got tense and began to feel like a caged animal. The song Born Free was going through my head. Please understand, I really don’t speed. But, if the speed limit is 70, I would like to do 70. I would like to take full advantage of the law and not do 67. If I’m under the speed limit, I feel like I’m being cheated. It’s like having a $5-dollar discount and only using $3 dollars’ worth. Who does that? After a few moments of intense frustration, a fuse blew and I whipped around him passing him in the left lane. My wife, companion, and copilot was not impressed by my NASCAR skills and said, “You’re speeding”. A little frustrated, I
responded, “Just a little, but I’m just trying to get around this guy.” Then she added, “Well, you also crossed the solid white line.” My wife’s personality is black and white and ever the law-abiding citizen. Since bad news, and apparently traffic violations, comes in threes, she continued, “Plus, this is a construction zone. You should be going much slower.” My response was pretty typical. I heard the announcer come across the PA system saying, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” I took a deep breath and prepared my verbal defense. “Well, this guy is breaking the law by going 50 mph! He should get a ticket for going so slow!” I said in a frustrated tone. “Plus, I didn’t see the white line. It’s not like I meant to do it. Not to mention that it’s a holiday weekend so the workers have the day off!” I knew my rhetorical training would come in handy one day. Brilliantly, I had strategically countered all of her arguments and was feeling pretty good about myself. And then she said, “It doesn’t matter. It’s still the law.” Dang, I hate it when she’s right. It’s not that I mind her being right. The major problem with her being right in
this situation was that I was wrong. Like most people, I just hate to hear, “You’re wrong!” If you’re like me, rather than fess up when I mess up, I like to rationalize and justify my actions. I prefer to blame uncontrollable circumstances and other people around me. There is something deep within me that likes to be right and hates to be corrected. I think it’s called pride and arrogance. Driving along, the tension was thick. This was supposed to be a happy day where we would spend the day together. Then I remembered the Bible verse, “Happy wife, happy life.” Well, it’s not a Bible verse, but it is some good wisdom. I did some quick introspection and realized that she was right and I was wrong. Step one: I had admitted it to myself. Now, I needed to proceed to step 2 and admit it to her. “I’m sorry. You’re right,” I said sheepishly. Then I revealed my heart. “I’m just a little frustrated because I’m looking forward to getting there and having a good time. I’ve been excited about getting away with you and relaxing for the day.” Immediately the tension and frustration dissipated. The dark clouds parted giving way to sunshine. The birds began to sing. Maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but it felt that way, anyway. It turned out to be a wonderful day, but it could have gone in another direction. I’m not a fan of alternate endings, but this one could have ended badly. I could have stood my ground, clung to my
pride, and won one for the Gipper but had a miserable time. At the end of the day, I don’t need to be right. However, I do need to be in a right relationship with my wife. The crazy thing is, I know that I’m not perfect. I just hate to admit my imperfections— although they are readily apparent to those around me. I just need to get over my pride, reveal my heart, and seek peace. Frustrating interactions with people around us are normal and inevitable. They are also an opportunity for growth. How we deal with them is critical. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” In other words, don’t meet fire with fire. Meet fire with water. There are two extremely powerful phrases that are almost guaranteed to squelch an argument. They are not new to you. They are short and sweet, but oh so hard to utter. The first phrase has only three words: “I was wrong.” The second phrase has only two words: “I’m sorry.” These phrases don’t come naturally or easily. However, when used properly and sincerely, these phrases can bring peace and restoration to a tense situation. Do you need to be right or would you prefer to be happy?
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer. He can be reached at waynegeiger.com.
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Community Voices
Community Profile: Pete Carpino Grain Valley School District employee Pete Carpino was recently nominated for the Community Profile in Grain Valley News. Coach Carpino is about to begin his 31st year in public education. He’s worn may hats during that time. Tenures in rural, urban, and suburban school settings have led Carpino to believe that kids are the same regardless of where they come from. That view is clad in time spent as a strength and conditioning teacher, special education teacher, as well as a football and girls basketball coach. Carpino believes that respect and competition are two important parts of any education a student receives. “Treat people with respect and be hard on them when it comes to expectations, and they’ll respect you. My wife and I raised three girls, and we had a rule in our house that you had to be involved in two activities during the school year. As long as you are involved, you are better off. Research shows that students who are involved in school do better academically than those who don’t,” Carpino said. The University of Kansas is among those institutions that have conducted research cited by Carpino. A study performed by Lumpkin and Achen during the 2011-2012 school year found that students involved in athletics or activities had higher attendance and graduation rates, lower drop-out rates, and higher assessment scores than those not involved. “I’m a huge fan, and I know all of our coaches are, of students who are three sport athletes. We don’t want kids to concentrate on one thing year around. For one thing, I think it creates injuries. It’s something that’s unwanted. Especially, in a kid who’s fifteen, perhaps doing the same repetitive motion for 12 months continuously. We’ve got kids in the band or that cheer that are in the weight room. It helps them all. They know
I’m receptive to it. I love having them in there and seeing them work to get better,” Carpino said. Spending time near the sideline or court leads one to notice the pride Carpino has in being a Grain Valley Eagle, along with his passion for coaching. These attributes are echoed by head coaches David Allie and Randy Draper who lead the Eagle football and girls basketball programs respectively. “Pete is firm, fair, and caring. The kids like him because they know what they are going to get and it’s consistent. Coach is also quick to praise and quick to correct. He’s a good communicator and a great football mind. We both love football and have similar personalities. It’s awesome to coach with someone who’s your best friend,” Allie said. Draper was also complimentary in his summation of Carpino. “Caring and genuine are two words I would use to describe Pete. He wants to do a good job, and the kids know he’s invested in them doing well. He’s also hilarious, and the kids enjoy his sense of humor.” Coach Carpino is starting his sixth year at Grain Valley High School. He’s quick to light up when talking about Eagle Time Advisory Period or his teaching philosophy for strength and conditioning when asked about things he’s most proud of about being an Eagle. “The community is outstanding. There are so many good people here. We have a session during the week called Eagle Time where we mentor twenty or so kids through their high school career. Get to know them, do enrollment with them, and provide advice or counseling. My wife being a local OBGYN, two-thirds of that class was delivered by my wife. It’s really cool to have multiple connections with that group of individuals. This is the best school district I’ve ever been in, and I’ve been in some good ones,” Carpino said.
“I also went through a paradigm shift about fifteen years ago when I went to the University of Southern California when Pete Carroll was the head football coach there. I spent several days with their staff, and a large portion of that was in the weight room. What I learned from them that’s always stuck with me is that they preached they were building athletes not refrigerators. I started teaching more ground based explosive lifts to build better athletes in the weight room. I’m also fortunate to have several guys on staff who have weight training experience that I can lean on for advice as well.” Longevity within a profession tends to have several ingredients. A career that spans across three decades no doubt involves applying what you’ve learned. Carpino credits well respected and retired educator Bob Tavernaro as someone who had a profound impact on him. “The best advice I’ve ever received about doing well on the job came from Coach Tavernaro. He encouraged you as an educator to be fair in what you do. When you go home, look in the mirror and know that what you’ve done is the right thing. Be nice to the custodians. Be nice to the secretaries and don’t send your kids to the office all the time and you’ll be okay,” Carpino quipped with a smile and a chuckle. Having the good fortune to be around someone who influences you to do positive things is a blessing. Coach Tavernaro is a member of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He, just like Coach Carpino, enjoyed watching young people succeed during his time in education. It will be interesting to see who picks up the torch of motivating young people in the future with the Eagles that flock to the sideline or the court during the remaining tenure of Coach Carpino’s time in Grain Valley.
Photo credit: Valley News staff
Have a nomination for the Community Profile? E-mail news@grainvalleynews.com
Neighborhood View: Historical Society Ice Cream Social
Pictured above: Residents gathered at Armstrong Park on July 25th for the Society’’s annual Ice Cream Social. Grain Valley Historical Society Photo credit: Cathy Allie
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Sports
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Chiefs Defensive Line Depth Sticks Out At Training Camp by John Unrein
The campus of Missouri Western University in Saint Joseph, Missouri is the setting for the Kansas City Chiefs as they open training camp. National Football League MVP Patrick Mahomes garners much attention from onlookers as his athleticism and arm talent is on display. A second glance at the practice field reveals something significant as well. The team has noteworthy talent and depth along the defensive line. Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas had arguably the quickest defensive first step in Chiefs history. One might also argue league history for that matter. That mantle may be under duress from newcomer Frank Clark. The fifth-year defensive end out of the University of Michigan is a blur on the edge of the Chiefs defense. The proverbial sky may indeed be the limit for Clark as he looks to improve on his 13sack season of 2018. Clark is fresh off his newly signed five-year, $104 million contract as well as recently being ranked 85th by his peers on the NFL’s Top 100 for 2019. Clark is not alone in his first step prowess out of his stance. Fellow defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon along with defensive tackles Chris Jones and rookie third round pick Khalen Saunders are among those who limit the distance between themselves and an offensive lineman in a heartbeat. It’s impressive to the naked eye the get off possessed by young members of the Chiefs defensive line. Former Chiefs Offensive Lineman and current television football analyst Rich
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs offense during team scrimmage on July 30th. Photo credit: Valley News staff Baldinger has also been impressed by what he’s seen at camp from the defensive line. Baldinger watched pass rush drills and the nine on seven run emphasis period with an eagle eye. “I wanted to see the young man Saunders, number 99 and how he’s going to work on the inside. Chris Jones looks to be in tremendous shape. His get off on the ball is something. Frank Clark on the outside is quick as well. With Chris Jones and Frank Clark on one side of the defensive line, that’s going to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Their speed and ability to change direction so quickly is what you need up front,” Baldinger said. “The speed of the game continues to grow. It covers the whole field now. The ball can be placed anywhere on the field with the accuracy of the quarterbacks
Coach Brendan Daly encourages Defensive End Alex Okafor with tackling wrap on the sled. Photo credit: Valley News staff
and their ability to deliver the football. The game has become a marathon on the field because you are running from sideline to sideline.” How much depth the Chiefs retain along their defensive line remains to be seen. It’s not uncommon for 4-3 defenses in the National Football League to retain eight to ten linemen on their 53-man roster. The idea being you want to have a couple of waves you send at an offensive line that are consistently fresh throughout the game. New Chiefs defensive line coach Brendan Daly has employed a rotational strategy during training camp within team and group periods. It’s paying dividends as the defense has won more than their fair share of pass rush matchups and runs defended. Daly has also been assigned the title of Run Game Coordinator by Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Something earned during Daly’s tenure with the New England Patriots as their defensive line coach since 2014 prior to joining the Chiefs. It could be Daly’s resume as a recent Super Bowl champion, or it could be his ability to teach and communicate effectively, either way the Chiefs defensive line is all ears when he speaks. Daly has focused on tackling wrap, stance get off, hand placement, and clearing your hips when defeating a block during camp. Players have responded with an attentive and enthusiastic demeanor as they go through their work. Confidence has been on display for the defensive line during
camp thus far. Depth can be defined in a variety of ways. The “quantity of quality” is among the examples mentioned by online dictionaries for depth. The Chiefs are currently sporting as much depth as they’ve ever had along their defensive line. That will be on display as the preseason begins when the Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead on Saturday, August 10th. Current defensive lineman on the Kansas City Chiefs roster: Name
Position
Jeremiah Attaochu (51) DE/LB Robert McCray (52)
DE/LB
College
Georgia Tech
Indiana
Frank Clark (55)
DE
Michigan
Justin Hamilton (74)
DT
Louisiana
Breeland Speaks (57) Tim Ward (79)
DE/DT
DE
Emmanuel Ogbah (90) DE Derrick Nnadi (91)
DT
Joey Ivie (93)
DT
Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) DE Chris Jones (95)
DT
Mississippi
Old Dominion
Oklahoma State
Florida State Villanova Florida
Mississippi State
Cavon Walker (96)
DT
Maryland
Xavier Williams (98)
DT
Northern Iowa
Alex Okafor (97)
Khalen Saunders (99)
DE
DT
Texas
Western Illinois
Community Calendar Friday, August 2nd through Sunday, August 4th
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Certain back to school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax during this period.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
5th Annual Cruise for Consciousness Grain Valley Community Center Pavilion 713 Main Street 11:00am—3:00pm Car show benefiting Purple Peace Foundation for Epilepsy Awareness $10 to pre-register, $20 day of event No charge for attendees www.purplepeacefoundation.org
Monday, August 5, 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
Play and Learn Time Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 5:30pm—6:30pm Enjoy a special preschool playtime that is designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Family Support Group Meeting ReDiscover Mental Health 901 Independence Avenue, Lees Summit 7:00pm—9:00pm Free, 1st Wednesday of each month Discussions include bi-polar, schizophrenia, depression, and other mental illnesses. All families are welcome and discussions are confidential. Facilitated by www.namimissouri.org.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members Meet the Teacher Night: Early Childhood Center Grain Valley Early Childhood Center 5:00pm—6:30pm Meet the Teacher Night: Elementary Schools Grain Valley Elementary Schools 5:30pm—7:00pm
National Night Out Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main Street 6:00pm—8:30pm Grain Valley Police Department hosts this event, inviting families to join in a night of free fun and education. K-9 and bomb squad demonstrations, free drinks and hot dogs.
Using HeritageQuest Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—3:00pm Learn how to search thousands of resources with HeritageQuest online. Register online at www.mymcpl.org/ events
Board of Aldermen Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm
Book Group: Stranger Reads Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm
Monday, August 12, 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.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Senior Citizen Luncheon Please Note Location Change: Grain Valley North Middle School 11:30am—1:00pm RSVP to 816-847-6293 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
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Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Meet the Teacher Night: Middle School North and South Middle Schools 5:00pm—6:30pm First Day of School Grain Valley Schools
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main 6:30pm—8:30pm
Add your community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.