Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
November 15, 2018
Vol. 1, No. 22
FREE
Board of Alderman Considers Senior Housing Development, Convenience Storage Facility The Grain Valley Board of Alderman heard details on two proposed developments during the Public Hearing portion of the November 13th board meeting. First on the agenda was a request for a zone change from R-1 Single Family to R-3 Multi-Family Planned Unit Development for Senior Housing. The proposed development will include 12 residential structures and a clubhouse/ office building near the area of Walnut and Yennie. The zone change will allow the area to be developed into an age restricted
senior development, similar to the existing community of Blue Branch Manor. Residences will be restricted to residents age 55 and over, and rents will run approximately $800-1,100 per month. The board also reviewed a proposed ordinance approving a conditional use permit to allow for a convenience storage facility to be constructed on a 4 -acre property along Eagles Parkway. The first phase of the development will include the construction of approximately 197 storage units, office, and storm water detention basin.
Phase two will include the demolition of the existing CW Saloon and the construction of an additional 58 storage units. In other business, the first of two readings of an ordinance calling a General Municipal Election in the City of Grain Valley on April 2, 2019 was approved. In addition, the installation of eight new street lights in the 5th plat of the Woodbury subdivision was approved. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reminded the Board of the upcoming Holiday Festival on
November 29th. The event includes the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, and will begin at 6:00pm at Armstrong Park. Interim Police Chief James Beale reported the police department will host its Citizens Academy on Tuesday evenings from January 8th—March 5th, 2019. The sessions are held at the Grain Valley Community Center from 6:00pm—9:00pm. Additional details will be provided shortly. The next meeting of the Board of Alderman will be held at 7:00pm on November 26th at Grain Valley City Hall.
Good News
Local Students, Care Packages from Home Honor Veterans
On Friday, November 9th, in honor of Veterans Day, Stony Point Elementary and Care Packages from Home, Home a local 501c3 who supports deployed troops and local veterans, partnered to present a Quilt of Valor to a deserving veteran. Vietnam War Veteran Rory Holland of the United States Army Artillery, Sergeant E-5 was presented his Quilt of Valor at the school’s Veterans Day program. A Quilt of Valor is awarded to cover veterans touched by war with comfort and healing. It also is considered a “Welcome Home” for our Vietnam Veterans. Local quilt maker Sherri Hass Lewis designed the quilt for Rory Holland. The Veterans program was directed by Becki Bayless, the music teacher, and had a variety of students involved in the program. Students were chosen to
share their poems, thank you cards and essays with the audience. The audience was filled with veterans, students and teachers. The Boy Scout and Girl Scouts were in attendance to assist with the pledge of allegiance. The program ended with veterans in the audience recognized by standing and receiving a certificate and a carnation, presented by Student Council members. Care Packages from Home covers the Kansas City area and will send a total of 270 Care Packages to deployed U.S. troops around the world in 2018. For more information about the organization, visit www.carepackagesfromhomekc.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carepackagesfromhomekc.
Right-- Sam McDaniel, Rory Holland (Veteran), Lynda Passiglia, From Left to Right and Heather Wheeler. Photo credit: Heather Wheeler
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com
Local News
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Jackson County Christmas in the Park Opens November 21st with Fireworks Spectacular With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 22nd Annual Christmas in the Sky and 31st Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events. On Wednesday, Nov. 21, Christmas in the Sky will kick-off at Longview Lake Beach. This holiday fireworks spectacular, courtesy of Parks + Rec and 99.7 The Point, has provided the opening night festivities for Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park since 1997. The free event includes a holiday stage show featuring more than 100 singers and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance in Lee’s Summit, plus performances by the Southside Singers from Olathe South High School and local recording artist Crystal Clayton. Santa will arrive on a mule-drawn sleigh to present The “First Gift of Christmas” ahead of the colorful fireworks show, which will be synchronized to holiday music on 99.7 The Point. Gates open at 5:00pm; the holiday stage show begins 6:00pm, with fireworks starting at 7:30pm. Longview Lake Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Road, two miles south of 1-470. Topping off the evening, more than 300,000 lights and 175 animated displays will illuminate the drive through Jackson County’s 31st Annual Christmas in the Park. “Every year we add an exciting new display to the Christmas in The Park experience,” said Michele Newman, Jackson County Parks + Rec Director.
“This year, we’ve added a spectacular 50-foot lighted drive-thru entrance arch that will be programmed to
the Park part of their annual holiday experience. While there is no charge for this
3901 SW Longview Park Road (Two miles south of I-470 off of View High Drive). For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.
Jackson County Parks + Rec will host its annual Christmas in the Sky event on Wednesday, November 21st at Longview Lake Beach. Gates open at 5:00pm; the holiday stage show begins 6:00pm, with fireworks starting at 7:30pm. Longview Lake Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Road, two miles south of 11-470. Photo credit: Jackson County Parks + Rec sequence a variety of dazzling colors, patterns and effects.” “Our Parks + Rec staff is second to none,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “The talent and expertise they have to design, create and install this massive display year after year is impressive. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work they do to keep this tradition thriving and the holiday season bright for families.” Since opening in 1987, more than two million people have made the drive through Jackson County’s Christmas in
drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 41 area charities. The community’s support of Christmas in the Park has allowed Jackson County to give more than $1 million to more than 1,000 local charities since its inception. Christmas in the Park will be open November 21st – December 31st. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 11:00pm. The drive-thru event is located at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex,
Christmas in the Park will be open November 21st – December 31 st. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 11:00pm. The drivedrive -thru event is located at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex, 3901 SW Longview Park Road (Two miles south of II - 470 off of View High Drive). Photo credit: Jackson County Parks + Rec
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of October 31—November 6, 2018. October 31, 2018 700 Block Lee Ann Cir 1200 Block Ashley Dr 700 Block Main St Eagles & Sni-A-Bar 700 Block Main St 400 Block Old US 40 Hwy 1200 Block Eagles Parkway 200 Block Memorial Dr
Suspicious Person 911 Hangup Citizen Contact Animal in Roadway Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Prisoner Transport
November 1, 2018 1100 Block McQuerry 1000 Block Willow Dr 2200 Block Hedgewood 1400 Block Eagles Pkwy 700 Block Brome 700 Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Memorial Dr 1100 Block McQuerry 1200 Block Phelps Dr 200 Block Jefferson St 1200 Block Hampton Ct 600 Block Yennie
Found Property Disturbance Suspicious Person Vagrant Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Prisoner Transport Stealing Civil Standby Suspicious Person Alarm Suspicious Activity
400 Block Rock Creek Ln 1300 Block Blue Branch Dr 200 Block Jefferson St
House Fire Disturbance Suspicious Person
November 2, 2018 100 Block Sunny Ln 1400 Block Jaclyn Dr 1300 Block Brentwood 700 Block Main St 200 Block Jackie 800 Block Lee Ann Dr 600 Block Montana Ridge Dr 1400 Block Persimmon Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St Asbury & Cedar 100 Block Broadway 600 Block Westview Dr
Agency Assist (BSPD) Residence Check Alarm Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Alarm Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Parking Complaint Dog Bite Alarm
November 3, 2018 800 Block SanKar BB Hwy & Pink Hill Rd 1200 Block Golfview 700 Block Main St
Alarm Area Check Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact
700 Block Main St 700 Block RD Mize Rd
Citizen Contact Stealing
November 4, 2018 1100 Block Pamela 600 Block Nelson 1100 Block Willow Dr 1100 Block Pamela 700 Block Main St
Suspicious Vehicle Area Check Property Damage Alarm Citizen Contact
November 5, 2018 700 Block Main St 700 Block Brome Hillsboro & Oakwood 800 Block Stonebrooke 100 Block McQuerry 400 Block Foothill 1400 Block Willow Dr Kirby & Sni-A-Bar 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Pamela Blvd 100 Block Harris 300 Block Main St 700 Block Main St
Fingerprinting Suspicious Activity Suspicious Person Stealing from Auto Suspicious Person Parking Complaint Disturbance Area Check Citizen Contact Burglary Dealer Application Dealer Application Citizen Contact
1100 Block McQuerry
Stealing
November 6, 2018 1100 Block Dean Dr 1100 Block SW Dean Dr 700 Block Main St 600 Block SW Gateway WB I-70 Off Ramp 1200 Block Phelps Ct 3300 Block S Outer Rd 1000 Block Cedar Ln 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1300 Block NW Sycamore 1200 Block Phelps Dr 700 Block Main St Walnut/Main St 1200 Block Phelps Dr 700 Block Main St NW Jefferson
Stealing from Auto Stealing from Auto Citizen Contact Citizen Assist Debris in Roadway Harassment Alarm Runaway Juvenile Fingerprinting Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Civil Standby Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Harassment Warrant Confirmation Suspicious Person
Additional calls for the week: Domestic Violence Order of Protection
Home & Garden
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Pottery Palace Offers Creative Outlet for Customers With 900 items to choose from and a staff ready to help guide even the most insecure crafter, Pottery Palace offers a comfortable, creative outlet for customers. Heather Reed, owner of Pottery Palace, opened her shop in March 2017, at 504 South Main in downtown Grain Valley. After visiting a similar paintyour-own pottery store years ago when living in Pennsylvania, Reed knew she wanted to have her own place someday. Once her children were raised, she left her career in the medical field and pursued her long time dream of opening a shop in Grain Valley. “It was really important to me to start my business in the community where I live,” Reed said. Reed said pottery painting is accessible to all ages and abilities. Items are fired to a bisque form, so customers can simply pick an item, paint, and leave at the studio for Reed
Heather Reed, owner of Pottery Palace. Photo credit: Valley News staff
and her staff to clear glaze and fire. Items are ready to pick up in about one week. In addition to pottery painting, the
store offers canvas painting classes and recently added glass mosaic classes. Reed said she will also be adding a pottery wheel in the near future. The store hosts groups and is a popular space for bachelorette and birthday parties. A BYOB ladies night is offered on the 3rd Friday of each month. Reed said she is thankful for the support of the community, and is grateful she took the leap in starting her own business. When asked what advice she would give to someone considering a similar leap, Reed said “Just go for it. That’s the best advice I can give. If you sit, and think, and dream about it too long, you’re wasting time. And it’s a hard bullet to bite, but it’s worth it.” For more information on Pottery Palace, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ PotteryPalaceGV/.
Pottery Palace, located at 504 South Main Street, carries a wide variety of holiday themed bisque products. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Fall Tree Care—Part 2
by Chris Veach, University of Missouri Master Gardener
As we enjoy the colorful leaves flitting down from our trees, let’s give some thought to preserving tree health as winter approaches. Your landscape trees add much value to your real estate. They moderate temperatures summer and winter improving utility costs. Trees remove particulate and gaseous pollutants from the air that we breathe. Prevent Sunscald One fall tree care chore is to protect trunks of young thin barked trees from sunscald. Wrap the trunks from ground to the first branches with a lightcolored tree wrap or flexible white plastic tubing. On the south and southwest side of the trees, winter sunshine can warm this side of the tree trunk up to 40 degrees. The tree cells come out of dormancy during the day but rupture when night time temperatures drop. This damage can cause a vertical wound on the trunk which will be evident in the spring. Sunscald wounds can be an entry point for disease or insects. The trees can
recover but do need good care especially in dry weather conditions. Examples of thin barked trees that need protection are fruit trees, honey locusts, maples, crabapples, lindens and oaks. Resist Fall Tree Pruning As we roam around our yards putting the garden to bed in fall or waking it up in the spring, there is that natural tendency to prune our trees. Resist the urge! Put those saws and loppers down. For the health of the tree, these are the two worst times to prune. In fall, the tree’s energy is focused on storing food in the roots to keep it alive during winter. Fall pruning wounds seal with wound wood very slowly. This can be an entry point for pests and disease. In spring the food reserves that were used all winter are very low. They will replenish when new leaves emerge making food. The best time to prune trees is in the dormant season in January and February. Leaves are down, and the
structure of the tree can be visualized well. The second-best time is July and August when the tree is actively growing and can seal pruning wounds. Avoiding Critter Damage When animals and rodents are hungry enough, they disregard the critter resistant plant lists that we so carefully bookmark. Tree guards sunk a few inches below the soil and 2 feet high will help prevent vole damage just below the soil surface and rabbit damage further up the tree. Deer have a two-pronged assault on our trees: rubbing and eating. November is peak mating season. Male deer will rub the velvet off their antlers and scent-mark the tree by rubbing glands in the forehead against trees. This stakes the buck’s territory and attracts does in the area. During the scraping, bark is removed. This is disruptive to the transport of nutrients from the roots. If the bark is removed to form a complete circle, the tree will slowly die. Trees most at risk for scraping are smaller trees which are 1
to 4 inches in diameter. Hungry deer will eat many plants in winter when food supplies are low. They are creatures of habit and will return to landscapes that are good for browsing. Deer do not have upper incisors, so they jerk or tear plant material leaving ragged ends. Trees often damaged are arborvitae, white pine and crabapples. Many trees can be taste-tested as they investigate their palate. Deer can be deterred by repellents or excluded by fencing. If you have further questions about trees, contact your local University of Missouri Extension office, call the University of Missouri Master Gardener Hotline at 816-833-TREE or email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com
Chris Veach has been a University of Missouri Master Gardener Volunteer for 17 years. Her interests are trees, bees, and butterflies. She is active volunteering at the Hotline, in Speakers Bureau, and the Plant Sale.
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 Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
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Health & Fitness
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Turkey Talk
Make Time to Workout by Sally Whitaker
by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
It’s that time of the year again. It’s turkey time! Follow these simple turkey roasting tips below, and you and your guests will be pleasantly pleased with a delicious and juicy golden brown turkey this Thanksgiving. Whether you’re a veteran turkey roaster or a first-timer, it’s important to always follow food safety guidelines. Here are a few tips to ensure a Happy Thanksgiving for everyone this year: Defrosting your turkey – Leave the turkey in its original wrapping and place it on a tray in your refrigerator. You should allow five hours per pound defrosting time. Cooking a frozen turkey without defrosting – If you don’t defrost your bird, you can cook it in the oven, but don’t grill, smoke, microwave or deepfry a frozen turkey. Cooking time takes longer than when thawed, but follow the USDA guidelines and take the recommended cooking time for a thawed turkey and add 50 percent of that time to the original time. For example, a turkey that should take about five hours to roast if already thawed will take about seven hours and 30 minutes to roast if frozen. Remove the giblet packages during the cooking time by carefully removing with tongs. Roasting times at 325ºF for unstuffed turkey* 8- to 12-pound turkey: 2-¾ to 3 hours 12- to 14-pound turkey: 3 to 3-¾ hours
14- to 18-pound turkey: 3-¾ to 4-¼ hours 18- to 20-pound turkey: 4-¼ to 4-½ hours 20- to 24-pound turkey: 4-½ to 5 hours
*For optimum safety, the USDA does not recommend stuffing a turkey. For more even cooking, it is recommended to cook the stuffing separately from the turkey. Use a food thermometer to assure the stuffing reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165º F.
Check the temperature - To make sure the turkey is fully cooked, check the temperature in three places: the breast, the outer thigh and the inside thigh. In every case, the meat should be at least 165°F. If any place is under that temperature, put the turkey back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Shield the breast meat with foil if needed to keep it from overcooking. Leftovers - Once you've sat down at the table, don't forget about the turkey back on the counter. The leftover meat needs to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
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.
Smoked Turkey WholeWhole-Grain Slider
Serves: 4
All you need: 4 100% whole-grain cocktail buns ¼ cup apple butter, divided ¼ pound deli sliced smoked turkey or leftover turkey, divided 2 (1 oz each) slices Havarti cheese, halved and divided 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, cored and thinly sliced 4 fresh lettuce leaves All you do: Place buns on cutting board and split open. Spread apple butter evenly on top side of each bun. On the bottom bun half without apple butter, place 1 oz. turkey, a half slice of Havarti cheese, one-fourth the apple slices and a lettuce leaf. Repeat for other 3 bun halves. Top each prepared bun bottom with the top half, apple-butter-side down. Nutrition facts per serving: 230 calories, 8 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 600 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 15 g sugar, 12 g protein. Daily Values: 40% Vitamin A, 6% Vitamin C, 15% calcium, 15% iron.
Source: Adapted from Tri-Foods International
Holiday Cookie Contest!
Valley News is seeking your best holiday cookie recipes! Send your favorite holiday cookie recipe to news@grainvalleynews.com for a chance to win a $25 Hy-Vee gift card. Please include your name and phone number. Deadline for submissions is Monday, December 10th.
One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to fitness is finding and making the time to exercise. Here are 3 ways to get a workout in even on your busiest days. 10 Minute Rule Set aside 10 minutes for a workout. Whether you schedule it into your day or sneak it in when you have a gap, tell yourself you will do a workout for 10 minutes. A walk around the block, a quick online video of your favorite form of fitness, or even a Pinterest search for “10-minute Workout” will get you started. The hardest part of working out is often just getting started. You may find that once you have completed the 10 minutes, you now have the energy and desire to go a little longer. Break It Up A 2001 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that “exercise accumulated in several short bouts has similar effects as one continuous bout”. This means that two 15-minute workouts are just as beneficial as one 30-minute workout. To make this work for you, try a cardio workout such as the stationary bike or elliptical for 15 minutes during one part of your day, followed with 15 minutes of Pilates or Yoga at another open time. Think Outside the Gym Taking your dog for a daily walk, walking the circumference of the
Stock photo.
playground while your kids play at the park, or doing core work while catching up on your favorite TV show all count as exercise. Just because it doesn’t happen at the gym doesn’t mean it doesn’t count. Get creative!
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.
Education & Youth
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Instructional Coaches Fill Valuable Role in District Elementary Schools by Cathy Allie
Borrowing a term usually reserved for athletics, Grain Valley Schools utilizes Instructional Coaches, following Diane Sweeney’s student-centered coaching model. Sweeney is a longtime Colorado educator, who found success in the coaching world. Grain Valley’s coaches are used to provide everything from staff professional development training, to modeling classroom lessons, to planning with teachers, to co-teaching. Jane Wallace, who serves at Matthews Elementary, calls Instructional Coaching her dream job.
“We don’t have all the answers—we were approachable classroom teachers and good listeners who filled these roles- but we love to collaborate and work with our peers to set and reach goals,” Manz said. “We love the moments where we are in a classroom with a teacher and we problem-solve or come up with a new way to do something together.” The coaches attribute the success of the program to the expectations from principals all the way up to central office administration. They are grateful to Dr. Beth Mulvey, Assistant
and not as overwhelming,” Carpenter said. Carpenter has taught for 16 years, Twiehaus for 16, Wallace for 25, and Manz for 28, so there is a vast set of teaching experience for teachers to lean on. “Seeing a peer receive coaching is so rewarding,” Manz said. “We all went from being teacher leaders who participated in Professional Development and just took advantage of every opportunity to learn, so we love when we see that in peers.” Coaches may work with a teacher through the entire length of a unit or for shorter periods of time. Their focus is in three areas: reading, math, and writing. Coaches might see a teacher up to three times a week, once for planning and then twice in the classroom. “I miss developing the one on one relationships with students that I had in my own classroom,” Twiehaus said, “But when we are with a teacher through an entire unit, you can still connect with students. We love it when the students refer to us as the other teacher.” Sweeney’s model places coaches in classrooms 60% of the time, and in
mentors. The arrangement is superior to having a classroom teacher as a mentor, as the Instructional Coach can physically be in the new teacher’s classroom with them, whereas the other teacher has his or her own classroom to monitor. “Helping new teachers has been a part of the program I really enjoy,” Wallace said. ”Flexibility in our schedule is a key to success, but we always try to make time for the new teachers.” Manz and Wallace were the first two elementary Instructional Coaches and also covered the middle schools. Looking back, they are not sure how we they did it. “We were so busy,” Manz laughs. “Sometimes we look back and we can’t believe how much ground we covered,” Wallace said. Carpenter and Twiehaus were added during the 2017-18 school year and found great mentors in Manz and Wallace. “The first year, Kendra I talked about what a great structure we were walking into and we just followed their suggestions and modeled our work after theirs.” Twiehaus said. “Each building is a little different, but the model is the same.”
Prairie Branch Elementary Instructional Coach Emily Twiehaus meets with first grade teacher Kelsey Amensen. “We honor each teacher’ teacher’s expertise, and we know it takes a lot for them to come to us, sort of sense of vulnerability,” vulnerability, ” Twiehaus said. “It is job.”” important for them to know we are partners. I love this job. Photo credit: Valley News staff
“I have my dream job. I get to work with students, I get to collaborate, I get to interact with all grade levels,” Matthews said. “It’s perfect.” Matthew’s counterparts, Kendra Carpenter at Sni-A-Bar, Sonya Manz at Stoney Point, and Emily Twiehaus at Prairie Branch Elementary echo her sentiments. “We honor each teacher’s expertise, and we know it takes a lot for them to come to us, sort of sense of vulnerability,” Twiehaus said. “It is important for them to know we are partners. I love this job.” A typical day for an Instructional Coach might include spending planning time with a teacher to clarify his or her goals and ways to reach them, modeling a lesson in a different grade level, and reviewing results with a teacher who is headed toward his or her goal.
Superintendent Academic Services, and Dr. Glenna Bult, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for realizing the need for coaches in each building. “Our administrators know how tough it is to be a teacher. Teachers are trying to address multiple student needs, master a curriculum, and increase student achievement. This set up, which allows us to help lessen their load, and makes their life easier, is great,” Wallace said. Carpenter, who was new to coaching last year, likes the ‘boots on the ground’ feel of the program, where coaches are partners. “Following a big professional development day, some teachers may be overwhelmed and not be ready to try new strategies until a week or two later. But when you know you have someone right there in the building to come alongside you, it is much easier
SniSni-A- Bar Elementary Instructional Coach Kendra Carpenter works with students in Deanna Snedeger’ Snedeger’ s third grade classroom. “ Following a big professional development day, some teachers may be overwhelmed and not be ready to try new strategies until a week or two later. But when you know you have someone right there in the building overwhelming,”” Carpenter said. to come alongside you, it is much easier and not as overwhelming,
conferences, professional development, or planning 40% of the time. Grain Valley’s coaches try to stick to that model. “One of the hardest things for me is to say no to someone who is asking for help because I am already scheduled in a classroom or for planning time with another teacher,” Carpenter said. “Luckily they are willing to schedule at another time or try another way.” The Instructional Coaches also work with first year teachers as their
All four coaches miss having a classroom but love that they are reaching many more students in their current roles. “Grade levels have adopted us,” Wallace said “And central office provides collaborative time for the four of us together, so we really do have a place.” For more information about the Diane Sweeney model for instructional coaching, visit https:// dianesweeney.com.
Business News
Page 6 Partnership Seeks Business Partners for Senior Baskets Grain Valley Partnership is working with GVHS National Honor Society students to provide holiday baskets for Grain Valley seniors this holiday season, and businesses are invited to join in the effort. Business donors are needed to help raise $5,000 to provide food gift baskets for area seniors. Donor logos will be included in cards with the
basket and donors will be recognized in future editions of Valley News. To participate in this effort, businesses are asked to complete the form below and return to the Grain Valley Partnership office. For more information, contact Tasha Lindsey, 816-443-5162 or email info@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 at www.growgrainvalley.o rg
Upcoming Partnership Events:
Studio Five Beauty Boutique, 1440 SW Eagles Parkway, will be offering 20% off all products and clothing, and 10% off flat irons during Small Business Saturday! For more information on Studio Five Beauty Boutique, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Studiofivebb/.
www.growgrainvalley.org
Page 7
7 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft this Holiday Shopping Season by Burton Kelso, Integral Computer Consultants
card numbers and more importantly, your personal identities. Think about it, in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we all get caught up in purchasing and gift giving, that we lose track of keeping up with finances. Stealing credit card information is one of the goals of criminals, but ultimately, they want your identity. Want to keep your identity safe? Follow these steps during the Holiday Shopping Season and beyond:
You probably didn't know this, but the holiday shopping season is prime time for identity thieves. Cybercriminals know that during this hectic season, you and millions of others like you become more lax with their personal and financial information, leaving a great opening for thieves for stealing everything from your credit
1. Check your financial accounts often. Get with the times and sign up for online banking with your financial institution. If you have members of your family who haven't signed up, convince them to do the same as well. You might think you're opening up yourself to risk by signing up for online banking, but it's one of the best things you can do to stay on top of your money. Check your debit and credit accounts often to ensure nothing is amiss. 2. Beware of Credit Card Skimmers. Credit card skimming at ATMs, gas stations and other locations are
becoming more common, so pay attention to your surroundings. Skimmers attach to existing devices and are designed for quick removal. If you have to use credit card reader you aren't used to using, look for signs of tampering before placing your card into the reader. 3. Sign up for alerts from your financial institution. Your bank and credit card company offers mobile alert services that let you know when suspicious purchases have been made. These services will help you catch fraud faster, which makes remedying the situation that much easier. 4. Keep track of your smartphone. Your phone contains tons of information about your financial habits and accounts. Keep track of your smartphone at all times. Enable “find my phone� feature just in case you lose your phone, Make sure you keep your phone protected with a strong passcode. 5. Be careful when using public WiFi. Yes, it's convenient to use that
public WiFi, but you don't want to use them to make purchases online or to log into your financial accounts. Criminals can set up shop and tap into your computer to siphon your data. 6. Only enter personal information on secure websites. websites Sites with an HTTPS address have a stronger security protocol than sites with the regular HTTP address. Only enter information in secure sites. 7. Monitor your credit score. There are many services that offer free credit reports. Check your credit before the holiday season and after the holidays to make sure you haven't been taken advantage of. Burton Kelso is the Chief Technology Expert of Integral, a tech support company that services homes and businesses in the Greater Kansas City area and beyond. Burton also regularly appears on Fox 4 Kansas City, KSHB 41, KCTV5 and KMBC 9 offering viewers easy tips on technology, Internet lifestyle, and gadgets. He can be reached at 888-2560829 or e-mail at burton@Integralcomputerconsultants.com
Community Voices
Page 8
Musings from the Middle
The Five Phases of Being a Sick Mom by Cathy Allie
I have been sick. Not just a little upset stomach, but full blown pneumonia. I realize this sounds like I have recently trekked the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon or Conestoga or just was rescued from a Gangs of New York tenement, where we have been boiling our laundry and eating rotten potatoes, because that’s who gets pneumonia, right? I thought it was an illness you read about in history books, like the plague or black death. But it’s a real life, uncomfortable, bad deal for me. If you are a part of a family, you know it’s a big deal when Mom gets sick. The first thing that happens when Mom gets sick is she goes into denial. I drank hot tea for three days, took ibuprofen like it was candy, loaded up on Vitamin C, sucked on throat lozenges with a vengeance. By day four, I realized I really was sick and began a plan of attack, which first involved telling the family and my boss. “I am sick,” I say to my husband. “No problem,” he says, “I can do some things to help.” I flip open my planner— yes they still exist, millennials—with my beautifully color-coded schedule, and suddenly he is looking ill as well, at the thought of tackling my schedule along with his own. At this point, if I hadn’t felt so sick—did I mention I am sick?—I would have gloated about how impressed he is with my highly organized mom life. “Wow! That’s a lot of stuff,” he says
bravely. I know, I think, every week, every month there is stuff. “Well, let’s see what we can do,” he says, and pries the planner from my hands, weakened because I am sick. About this time, my daughter grunts in our general direction, a sure indication she wants to interact. “You’re sick? Does this mean Dad is going to drive car pool?” I can’t tell if she is relieved or fearful, because my ears are sort of plugged from being sick. Never one to linger very long on anyone else, but to purely consider how things impact her, she says, “Will I still be able to stay after school for Lego Debate Interactive Musical Coloring Club?” (well, I think that’s what she said, I am a little fuzzy with this illness…) and, “Wait. Do I still have to wash my hair while you are sick?” (if you have a middle schooler with questionable grooming habits, you get this, too). After the hurdle of telling my family, I need to let my boss know I will miss work. “Oh, no! Take care of yourself,” he says and reminds me to rest. “We need you healthy! We will be fine!” he finishes with forced jocularity. But I know the sentiment is only superficial. Within the hours, there are emails, clarifying calls, and appointments that appear and disappear on the calendar like shooting stars across the night sky. I sigh. It will take a few days after my return to move things to this side of normal again. With my illness now public, I move
Community Profile: Abie Groes Meet Abie Groes, a junior at Grain Valley High School.. Abie will join Valley News this school year as a Student Writer. Who is your hero? My mom. She's always there for me and gives the best advice. Favorite Foods? My favorite food would have to be the spinach and artichoke pasta from 54th Street Grill & Bar. My favorite restaurant is V's Italian Restaurant. Outside of school, what activities/ hobbies do you enjoy? Outside of school, I play club volleyball, draw, and of course, write. Favorite holiday? Christmas would have to be my favorite holiday, because I get to spend time with my family, put out all my snow globes, and watch sappy Hallmark movies. What is your idea of the perfect lazy weekend? A typical lazy weekend would consist of me lying in bed watching The Office with my dogs.
Abie Groes joins Valley Student Writer. Photo credit: Abie Groes
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into phase three and try to get some rest. I declare an early bedtime for everyone. I move myself into the guest bedroom, and I take the best blankets, the ones that don’t smell like feet or old cheese. I create a diffuser cocktail I have found on Pinterest and I steam the crap outta that room. The dog, who wedges himself between my husband and me at night, doesn’t know what to do with us in two rooms, so he gets a pass to become one with the dirge of stuffed animals on my daughter’s bed. I pick my favorite flannel jammies to wear, and I shamelessly place menthol rub on my feet. I adjust the heat to my favorite temperature (I never get the remote, but temperature control is my thing), dim all the remaining lights and head to bed. I toss and turn through the night, get my family out the door the next morning and return to the bed. By now the dog has found me and is scratching his way into a nest. He sniffs the heating pad, paws around gingerly and gags—literally vomits—as he smells the menthol rub. After vomit detail is complete, I tuck myself in. When did all these daytime noises start? What is that drilling sound? Is the garage door going up? Is the dog’s breathing labored? Ugh. I should have gone to the bathroom before I laid down. Maybe the tv will help me fall asleep. I seek out a 24-hour news channel, but it stimulates me instead of lulling me to sleep. I didn’t know the Chinese
were beating us in the cosmetic industry! What happened to good old Cover Girl and Maybelline? Why are people getting fish pedicures? How did we become the 24th ranked nation in the world in math? Is it because people like me immediately quit using it upon graduation? I sleep fitfully and realize this may be more than I can handle myself, and I call the doctor. I crawl across the Urgent Care parking lot and join other sickies in the waiting room. A man next to me has clearly hacked up a lung, and I can almost feel the germs dancing on the waiting room magazines. The nurse checks me in and weighs me. I joke that the sheep lined sweatshirt I have on because I wanted to feel comfy, probably weighs five pounds. She is not amused. When I see the doctor I proudly recite the things I have tried or taken as attempts at self-doctoring. She nods and writes the prescription I should have had two days ago. I trek to the pharmacy, which might indeed be my least favorite place in the world. No wait…forgot about the DMV. I wander through the aisles while I wait for the prescription, picking up things I would never otherwise treat myself to. A trade magazine with lots of pretty people on the cover, truffles, a bedside fan, coconut snowball cakes. They call my name, and I shuffle back to the pick-up lane. Separated by a paperboard divider for patient consults, I get to hear about
see FIVE PHASES on page 9
Page 9
Looking Back: Harlan Moody Murry by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
Moody Murry came to Grain Valley in 1957. He was hired by then Superintendent Gilbert Temple to be the Elementary Principal. He also taught 8th Grade, a high school history class, and was the assistant football coach. The following year, at the age of 35, he became Superintendent of Schools, a position he held until about 1968. Moody was born on April 5, 1923 in Annacoco, Louisiana but his family moved to Missouri when he was very young. He was a football “star” at North Kansas City High School before serving in the Navy during World War II. After mustering out in January, 1945 he completed his education at Central Missouri State Teachers’ College (now UCM) in Warrensburg, Missouri. It was at CMSC that he met his wife, Barbara Ball, music major from Lost Springs, Kansas. After graduation, they both taught in Braymer, Missouri, and Pittsfield, Illinois become coming to
Grain Valley. While at Grain Valley, Murry oversaw the addition to the elementary school in 1960 and construction of the gymnasium in 1965. He left Grain Valley for a job in Kansas City with the Labor Union. At the time of his death, July 26, 1972, he was the Democratic candidate for the Missouri State House of Representatives. The 1961 yearbook, dedicated to Mr. Murry, best stated the sentiments of the students and community:
“We, the Treasure Chest staff of 1961, dedicate this yearbook to Mr. Harlan M. Murry, our superintendent, with deep gratitude and appreciation for his untiring efforts in behalf of our education and the personal welfare to each member of our school. To us he is more than a cheery voice behind a desk. He is the silent voice behind all our efforts, our class work and our activities. For this through all our years at G. V., we thank him.”
The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 510 Main Street, is open Wednesdays from 10am— 10am —3pm and by appointment. Visit the Historical Society’ Society’s website, www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).
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Harlan Moody Murry served the Grain Valley School District, first as teacher, and then as Superintendent of 1957--1968. Schools from 1957
Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
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Moody Murry Field on the campus of Grain Valley High School is named for Mr. Murry. Photo credit: Marcia Napier.
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FIVE PHASES continued from page 8 my prescription and also what happens to be my neighbor’s strange new rash for which they have prescribed a cream which is $50 for five ounces. Some rash! I head home and my family allows me the sleep I need to come back to life. Well, what is left of it after Mom is out of the loop for five days. I call this stage The Aftermath. I stumble into the hallway and come face to face with the mound of laundry that is molting in my absence. It’s my fault, I suppose, because despite my many attempts to teach them laundry secrets, they mess it up! I spot a pair of leggings that I had relegated to the rag bag, which my daughter probably wore the same day as she didn’t wash her hair. Laundry
started, I head to the bathroom. There is an ice cream bowl in there. Who eats ice cream in the bathroom? People whose Mom is sick, I suppose. The repercussions of being ill can stretch for days, maybe weeks. I got an unusual charge on my credit card and I call about it. Looks like it’s a movie poster, the perky salesperson on the line says, and when she tells me it’s a Godfather poster, I chuckle at the thought of my husband watching the movie and really needing that poster for his office. I have to run permission slips to school that no one scraped out of my daughter’s backpack to sign. Her lunch box contains random packaging of several not so healthy lunches she has apparently made for herself without
me lobbying in her ear for fruit and veggies. For weeks after you have been sick, people ask you if you are tired. The dark circles have taken up residence under my eyes, I suppose. You hear about someone at work who got engaged. Engaged? Wow! Oh, I think that happened when you were sick, coworkers say. You keep smelling something unusual in the fridge, and you dig until you find it. Garlic hummus is the culprit, and it has been purchased when your husband headed to the store unfettered with your list while you were sick. From the looks of the crumbs in the recliner which has gone five days without being Febreezed, he probably ate it on crackers while
watching The Godfather. People who have heard news about your untimely demise are somewhat pleasantly surprised to know you are among the living, and they ask you for the gruesome details, which they later share as their own when they too are sick. I am up and moving around now, still somewhat of a zombie, but well enough to feel sorry for myself and to write this column for you. I have some leftover coconut snowballs and a couple of magazines if you are interested, and the ‘suitable for framing’ Godfather poster will be available at our next garage sale. Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.
Page 10
Residents Share Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes Readers submitted their family’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes to Valley News for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Price Chopper. Congratulations to Kayla Bass, whose name was drawn to win the gift card.
We received a number of wonderful recipes and have shared two of the submissions below. Thank you to everyone who shared their family recipes—we wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
BOURBON SWEET POTATOES 6 medium sweet potatoes (about 4 pounds) unpeeled ½ butter, melted ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup orange juice ¼ cup bourbon ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ cup chopped pecans Cook sweet potatoes in boiling water 30-40 minutes, until tender. Drain. Let cool to touch. Peel & mash sweet potatoes. Combine sweet potatoes, and remaining ingredients except pecans. Spoon into a lightly buttered 2 qt baking dish. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.
Submitted by Toni Desselle
Kayla Bass shared this family recipe for cranberry tea. “This is my husband husband’’s late grandmother’’s recipe for cranberry tea. It is a must have during the holidays. It grandmother has been a family favorite before and after her passing. Having it made during the holidays reminds us she is always with us,” us,” Bass said.
Sports
Page 11
Chiefs Defense Faces Challenges by John Unrein
The Kansas City Chiefs defense has hovered around last in the league in overall rank much of this season. Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton has drawn the ire of fans and pundits in Kansas City and across the league. In his defense, the Chiefs have been playing with large leads much of this season, which has led to an increase in passing and urgency to score by opponents. The object in the National Football League is to win and to put yourself in the best situation each down. Sutton has been dialing up defenses that he feels best for each circumstance encountered. It’s safe to say at this point that the Chiefs have a Super Bowl caliber offense. Meeting the current challenges facing the Chiefs defense could help end a drought that has lasted since 1970. That was when the organization defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV, during January of that year. The obstacles faced by the Chiefs defense are not insurmountable. However, they are showing up with frequency on Sundays. There are five things that need to be addressed. They hold the keys to success for what appears to be a tight locker room of players who enjoy playing for one another. First, the Chiefs must find a safety or someone who can lock down a tight end. Eric Berry used to fulfill that role. However, the 29-year-old has been on the sideline this year battling a Haglund’s deformity in his heel. This is the same player that has defeated cancer and rehabilitated from Achilles tendon tear. He will no doubt let the organization know when he’s ready to take the field. It can’t come soon enough as the Chiefs have been victimized by tight ends this year in the passing game. Safeties Eric Murray, Jordan Lucas, Daniel Sorenson, and Ron Parker have all tried to fill the role admirably. The organization was rumored to be
pursuing New York Giants Safety Landon Collins at the NFL trade deadline, likely for his ability to smother tight ends. The Chiefs will see Rob Gronkowski again if they continue to win the rest of the season into the playoffs. The ninth-year pro has had the Chiefs number in recent head to head matchups. The Patriots have thrown to him often during crunch time and when mismatches can be found against the Chiefs defense. Second, crossing routes by offenses at linebacker depth have been an issue for the Chiefs. Two inside linebackers line up in the middle of the team’s 3-4 defense. This puts the offense at an advantage in that they can occupy both defenders with crossing routes in opposite directions. A 4-3 defense tends to struggle less with this route concept as they drop three linebackers that can occupy or step in front of these routes as receivers cross the field. Sending a running back into space that previously was occupied by a Chiefs inside linebacker has also produced results for opposing teams’ offenses. Third, the wheel route by running backs of opposing teams have also been an issue. The Arizona Cardinals took advantage of this concept against the Chiefs. They reduced the split of their wide receiver to the single receiver side to “rub” or run into the outside linebacker responsible for covering the running back. This also brought the cornerback covering that receiver into the traffic jam. The Chiefs defensive coaching staff would refer to this as a “pick” route which is illegal. However, that doesn’t matter if it’s not called as a penalty and executed deceptively as done by Arizona and San Diego against the Chiefs. Fourth, the Kansas City Chiefs are a 3 -4 defense by name mainly. They line
Boys Swim & Dive Ends Season With Strong Showing at State Meet Grain Valley High School (GVHS) Boys Swim & Dive team finished their season with a strong showing at the Missouri State Meet last weekend in St. Peter’s, MO. Wyatt Huffman (swim), Eli Hendricks (dive) and Jackson Lane (dive) all qualified to compete at the state meet. This is the first year of the swim and dive program at GVHS, and the Eagles represented the program well in its first year.
Freshman Eli Hendricks (dive) placed 4th in the finals with a score of 371.10. Junior Wyatt Huffman finished 14th in the Breaststroke with a finals time of 1:03.58. Girls Swim & Dive began practice this week, with 33 girls turning out for their first practice. The girls season begins on Saturday, December 1st with a meet vs. Blue Springs at the Centennial Pool Complex.
up more consistently now with nickel and dime defensive alignments that contain five and six defensive backs on the field respectively. The adjustment to the front of the defense when this occurs is going with two down lineman and two outside linebackers. The two down linemen typically line up in a three technique (outside shoulder of the offensive guard to the strength of the offensive formation) and one technique (inside shoulder of the offensive guard to the backside of the offensive formation). The outside linebackers tend to line up wide outside of the end man on the line of scrimmage for the offense and tilted towards the quarterback. This leaves the Chiefs defense with six men in the proverbial “box.” Teams like the Patriots and Browns have taken advantage of this numbers game by audibling and running inside the tackles with much success. This has been on simple running plays such as power, inside zone, and isolations. In other words, teams are bringing in three wide receivers and a tight end to get the Chiefs to substitute with nickel or dime personnel only to run the football inside due to the numbers and alignment advantage.
Stock photo.
Fifth, the Chiefs defenses of recent past have been filled with silent enforcers: names like Hali, Johnson, and Berry who did not incite trouble, but were not going to be intimidated. They played the game with their pads and not their mouths. The team needs for names like Ford, Houston, and Jones to take this mantle moving forward with the continued ascent of their play. The outcome of the resolution of these 5 challenges faced by the Chiefs defense will have a major impact on the length and success their season. Sutton and the Chiefs defensive staff have their work cut out for them. It’s not an impossible task, though. The organization playing football in February would be welcomed with open arms by the Chiefs Kingdom.
Community Calendar November 1515-17, 2018 Sister Act presented by GVHS Theatre 7:00pm Jerry Mueller Performing Arts Center Grain Valley High School Tickets: $5 students, $8 adults November 17, 2018 Angela’s Army 5K and 1 mile stroll 9:00am start Prairie Branch Elementary www.angelasarmy5k.com November 17, 2018 Youth Program: Earth Keepers 10:00am—10:45am Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch Registration required: https://www.mymcpl.org/events November 20, 2018 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main Street November 2121-23, 2018 No School—Thanksgiving Break Grain Valley Public Schools November 2222-23, 2018 City Hall Closed—Thanksgiving Holiday
November 26, 2018 Board of Alderman Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main
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November 29, 2018 Holiday Festival 6:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main Lighting of Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Santa, hot chocolate and cookies. December 1, 2018 Create with Lego Bricks: Christmas Tree 11:00am—12:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch Registration required: https://www.mymcpl.org/events December 3, 2018 Book Group 6:30pm—7:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch December 5, 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street
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