Valley News
February 7, 2019
www.grainvalleynews.com
Crews Behind Snow Plows Tackle Much More Than Snow The snow events in recent weeks have had residents breaking out the snow blowers and snow shovels to dig out a path from their doorstep to the road. We rely on City snow plows to keep the roads clear, and rarely give the workers behind the plows much thought, unless it is to curse them for piling snow up at the end of our driveways. Valley News recently sat down with three members of the Public Works
Department to learn more about the work they do in the City and how they keep our streets clear and safe during the winter months. Joining in the discussion was Patrick Martin, Public Works Maintenance Superintendent; Brad Elledge, Public Works Crew Leader; and Bill Welsh, Public Works Crew Leader. We started out by discussing misperceptions the public often has regarding the department. The size of the department and their
Vol. 2, No. 6
FREE
Good News
GVHS FCCLA Students Earn 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
see PUBLIC WORKS on page 3
GVHS FCCLA students recently competed in the Region 14 STAR Competition. Photo credit: Sarah Malott, GVHS FCCLA Advisor
L to R: Bill Welsh, Public Works Crew Leader, Patrick Martin, Public Works Maintenance Superintendent, Brad Elledge, Public Works Crew Leader Photo credit: Valley News Staff
The Grain Valley High School (GVHS) FCCLA student organization received two silver awards and one bronze award in the recent Region 14 STAR Competition. FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) focuses on personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner, and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation. STAR (Students Taking Action
without Recognition) is an FCCLA Competition in which student select a category they are interested in and create a presentation that meets the required criteria. Four FCCLA Members competed on Tuesday, January 22nd in the Region 14 STAR Event held at the Wood Chapel United Methodist Church. GVHS students competed in Fashion Design (silver), Life Event Planning (silver), and Nutrition and Wellness (bronze). This is the end of FCCLA’s competitive season, but the organization is planning a number of service events throughout the semester to give back to the school and the Grain Valley community.
Local News
Page 2
Water Issues Plague Jackson County Courthouse Following a water main break that flooded the basement of the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City on January 31st, the courthouse remains closed this week due to an additional water line break inside the facility. During the overnight hours of Thursday, January 31, a large, underground water line outside of the downtown courthouse burst. The water from this line quickly filled the courthouse basement with over 10 feet of water and thousands of pounds of mud and debris. The flooding caused damage to components of almost all major operating systems and in many cases, destroyed those components. During the overnight hours of February 3rd, a water line break occurred on an upper floor on the east side of the building, causing water to leak to the floors below. County staff responded and immediately resolved the leak. Crews are continuing to work to remove the water, assess the
damage and begin the clean-up process. “We are disappointed about this setback, but when you’re dealing with a nearly 90-year-old building, it is not uncommon for one problem to cause other issues,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “Our team has been working non-stop to get the courthouse back in operation and will continue to do so until all issues are resolved. We ask for the community’s continued understanding and patience as we continue to move forward.” The Historic Truman Courthouse, 112 W. Lexington Avenue in Independence, will be open for business. The County’s Collection, Assessment and Recorder of Deeds departments provide services Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. While the downtown courthouse is closed, the Clerk of the County Legislature Office and Legislative Auditor’s Office has relocated its staff to 201 W. Lexington Avenue, Suite 201, in Independence.
Conservation Workshop for Small Acreage Owners Conservation practices on small acreages can help property owners attract and enjoy wildlife. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free workshop on conservation management for small acreages from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Bass Pro Shop in Independence. The workshop will cover topics such as: Ways to attract wildlife to an acreage; Trees and shrubs for landscaping and wildlife value;
Identifying and controlling invasive species; Woodland management; Where to find equipment available for loan. MDC staff making the presentations will include Chuck Conner, community forester, Andy Carmack, private land conservationist, and Jake Colehour, fisheries management biologist. Participants are asked to register by Feb. 8. For more information or to register, call 816-622-0900.
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of January 23-29, 2019. January 23, 2019 1200 Block Pamela Blvd 1700 Block Nicholas Dr (Gladstone PD) 600 Block Yennie 1200 Block Golfview 300 Block Rock Creek Ln 3300 Block Outer Rd 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Christie Ln 500 Block South St
Disturbance Alarm Property Damage Agency Assist (CJC) Citizen Contact Stealing Animal Control
January 24, 2019 1800 Block Pond Ave 400 Block 14th St 600 Block Yennie 800 Block Redbud 400 Block Minter Rd 1200 Block Phelps Dr 1100 Block Indian Creek 100 Cross Creek Dr 500 Block Whitestone 600 Block Yennie 4500 Block Rust Rd 200 BLock Barr Rd 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 400 Block Front St 500 Block South St 1100 Block Ephraim 700 Block Crestview 1200 Block Pamela Blvd 600 Block Lakeview Dr Rosebud & Hackberry 1200 Block Golfview 800 Block Country Hill Dr
Alarm Agency Assist (OGPD) Animal Control Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Open Door Animal Control Parking Complaint Attempt to Contact Civil Standby Alarm Agency Assist (CJC) Warrant Confirmation Warrant Confirmation Check the Well Being Check the Well Being Motor Vehicle Accident Area Check Burglary Agency Assist (BSPD) Suspicious Vehicle Animal Control Noise Complaint
January 25, 2019 1200 Block Buckner Tarsney 1100 Block Smith St 700 Block Main St US 40 Hwy & Barr Rd 1200 Block RD Mize Rd 900 Block Shorthorn Dr 600 Block Walnut 1000 Block Ephraim 1200 Block RD Mize Rd 100 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd 700 Block Main St 100 Block Rock Creek 1500 Block Erin Ct 100 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd
Burglary Agency Assist Citizen Contact Property Damage Suspicious Activity Death Notification Disturbance Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Disturbance Robbery Standby to Prevent Alarm
January 26, 2019 700 Block Main St Main St & Front St
Follow Up Report Area Check
Property Damage Agency Assist
600 Block Nelson 800 Block Mulberry Ct 600 Block Yennie 1700 Block Valley Woods Ct
Alarm Alarm Stealing Assault
January 27, 2019 West Bound I-70 1600 Block Eagle Ridge 900 Block Birch Ct 100 Block Lee St Walnut St & Main St WB I-70 & Lefholtz 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 400 Block Coldwater Creek 2100 Block Sycamore Ln 1000 Block Shorthorn Dr 700 Block Ginger Hill
Agency Assist (MSHP) Motor Vehicle Accident Open Door Agency Assist (BPD) Animals at Large Agency Assist (TOW) Tow Release Warrant Confirmation Noise Complaint Noise Complaint Disturbance Agency Assist (BSPD)
January 28, 2019 700 Block Main St 1600 Block Highview Dr 600 Block Yennie 100 Block Harris St 1200 Block Pamela Blvd 1500 Block Cross Creek Dr 800 Block Cedar Ln 700 Block Main St Cross Creek Dr & Stone Brook Ln 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 800 Block Meadow 1100 Block RD Mize Rd 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Phelps Ct 1300 Block Jefferson St 1600 Block Eagle Ridge 700 Block Main St 200 Block Broadway Cir
Citizen Contact Animal Neglect VIN Verification Property Damage Alarm Citizen Contact Stolen Auto Recovered Stolen Auto Parking Complaint Civil Matter Warrant Confirmation Harassment Disturbance Citizen Contact Civil Standby Alarm Burglary Citizen Contact Alarm
January 29, 2019 200 Block Old 40 Hwy 700 Block Main St 2000 Block Dillingham Rd 1100 Block RD Mize Rd 700 Block Main St 800 Block Par Dr 200 Block Harris St 1300 Block Eagles Pkwy 600 Block Yennie 1600 Block Nicholas Dr 200 Block Jensen 700 Block Baytree Cir BB Hwy & Duncan Rd
Stolen Auto Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Animal Complaint Trespassing Citizen Contact Suspicious Vehicle Disturbance Stealing Check the Well Being Motor Vehicle Accident
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 Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
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Page 3 PUBLIC WORKS
continued from page 1
scope of work are often not understood. In larger municipalities, there is often a separate department devoted to streets. In Grain Valley, the Public Works department is responsible for streets, water, sewer, and storm water systems in the City. When a winter storm event occurs, the City relies on 2 shifts of 5 people including office personnel to maintain 140 lane miles. Three primary trucks are sent out during a snow event, each covering a specified route. Crews focus on clearing main roads first, then focus on secondary roads, and finally hitting subdivision streets and cul-de-sacs. The process repeats as winter weather continues. The recent winter storm that resulted in nearly 10 inches of snow in Grain Valley kept crews running for more than 3 12-hour shifts. “You’re driving a truck in the worst conditions, and have to be aware of vehicles, mailboxes, and children playing. The lights on top of the truck are running, and you are constantly monitoring the temperature, adjusting controls, and communicating by radio to the office. It’s a challenge to stay alert over a 12-hour shift,” Welsh said. Every storm is different and Public Works staff evaluates the current weather conditions, ground temperature, and forecast to determine what type of treatments should be applied to roads. “If it is going to rain ahead of time, we won’t pre-treat as it will all wash away, and beyond wasting money, that is not good for the ecology of our community. We are concerned about the environmental health of our community and continually receive training to be aware of these issues,” Elledge said. “It’s a new world in terms of street treatment and our concentration on the environment. We calibrate all of our trucks to only drop what is necessary and have a lot of tools we can use to monitor ground temperature and weather conditions so we can determine how best to treat the streets,” Welsh said. “Our aldermen and everyone at City Hall is committed to making sure that we have good equipment to be able to
fight the snow with. They take good care of us on that front,” Elledge said. Once the main arteries and side streets have been cleared, crews will return to residential areas to “curb out” areas to allow for mail delivery. While crews do their best to pile snow out of the way of resident driveways, it is not an easy task, especially on residential streets and cul-de-sacs. “People think we can put the snow wherever we want to put it, but it is not quite that easy,” Martin said. The recent polar vortex that brought subzero temperatures to the area created another headache for Public Works employees and affected neighbors: frozen pipes. “We have a small crew, 2 shifts of 5 people including office personnel. Eight people in the field cover street maintenance. The same people trying to treat the snow are also going out on calls related to frozen pipes. So not only are we trying to treat the streets for snow, but we had 15-16 calls last week related to frozen pipes,” Elledge said. As the crews are also tasked with maintaining City streets, plow drivers are often noting potholes as they clear snow and treat roads. “As we were out plowing the roads last week, we were on the radio calling in a list of potholes to fix once the snow melts,” Welsh said. Public Works employees have been treating potholes between winter storms with a cold mix, and once spring arrives, crews will return with hot asphalt mix for a more permanent solution. Hydrants, water meters, and valves become the focus in the spring. The department’s task list includes maintaining and replacing hydrants, water meters, and valves, tapping main lines, and installing water meters to hook up water service to new construction. “We will also replace around 375 water meters each year as a part of our annual replacement program,” Martin said. The department also maintains the City’s sewer and storm lines and completes a number of road projects
annually. Public Works is also responsible for creating and maintaining street signage. “I am proud of the achievements our crews have made over the years. Our team has strived to be more interactive with the community and in doing so have seen great support from our citizens and elected officials. Our crews know above all how important transportation, water and sewer utilities are for the health and safety our community. It is important that our residents know that their Public Works Department is working for them night and day, weekdays and holidays; not
just during winter storms but for any natural event that may disrupt those utilities,” Rick Arroyo, Community Development Director said. “Our biggest strength is our versatility. We have a great crew that shows up ready to work and willing to do whatever we need to do to get the job done. If it’s a new project or a oneoff project we need to tackle, our crews will take it on and if we don’t know how to do something, we’ll figure it out together,” Martin said.
The interior of a snow plow cab, showing a portion of the controls drivers must manage while clearing streets. Visit www.grainvalleynews.com for a video showing the view from the cab. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Page 4
Business News
Relationships Are Key to Brown Agency’s Success
For the Brown Agency, a Farmer’s Insurance agency located at 630 NW Jefferson Street, Grain Valley, relationships are key to their business. Tyler Brown started an agency in Briarcliff in 2016, and after initially moving his business to the Blue Springs area, joined with his mother Janette Brown and childhood friend and fellow agent Todd McMahill to open the Brown Agency in Grain Valley in August 2018. Agency Owner Janette Brown retired after 32 years of teaching in the Blue Springs School District and is enjoying the new challenge of running the Brown Agency with Tyler and Todd. Tyler has been a resident of Grain Valley for five years and Todd recently purchased a home in Grain Valley. “We’re growing with the community,” Todd said. “We complement each other really well, and work well together as a team,” Tyler said. “Todd is great at working with our online leads and is great about communicating with our clients by email, phone, text, or in
person. He is great about adapting to each client’s need. Our clients love that he makes their lives fast, simple, and easy,” Tyler said. “I love focusing on meeting one-onone with clients. I’m a big believer in life insurance and want everyone to have their family adequately covered on the worst day possible,” Tyler said. “I’ve known Todd since 5th grade and it’s been interesting to work with my son (Tyler). As the mom, you’re used to being the expert. So, it’s been a bit of a flip flop to see my son become the expert. It’s been great fun and I’m so glad we work together,” Janette said. The Brown Agency offers a full menu of personal insurance products, including auto, home, rental, life insurance, specialty lines such as RV and boat coverage, as well as commercial coverage for business owners. While most customers are understandably focused on the cost of their coverage and their deductibles should they need to file a claim, the Brown Agency works with clients to
also carefully consider what their policies cover. “People are more focused on the cost of the policy and their deductible than their coverages. If you are involved in a fatal wreck or someone is taken away in an ambulance, those are big dollars you’re looking at and much more than the $500 deductible people are often focused on. So, we really try to make sure that everyone is adequately covered,” Tyler said. This includes making sure coverage grows with families. Special situations such as buying a new home, insuring a teen driver, or job changes all necessitate a critical look at current policies. “You’re not going to be worried about how much you’re paying for your insurance when your home needs to be rebuilt or when you’re being sued,” Todd said. The Brown Agency also works with clients to understand the importance of additional coverages such as sewer and drain coverage as an addition to a homeowner’s policy. “We had a client experience a backup in his basement and it resulted in an $18,000 claim. Sewer and drain coverage is especially important in Missouri with all the snow and rain events we experience,” Tyler said. Farmer’s Insurance will be adding additional coverage options in March, including service line coverage and warranty on household appliances. Service line coverage protects homeowners from damages incurred if pipes or wiring coming into their properties are damaged. The agency reviews current policies with their clients annually to ensure they are adequately covering all their needs and adapting policies as needed. “We want people to understand what type of coverage they need and what their policies cover,” Janette said. Prospective customers interested in learning more about their current coverage and how The Brown Agency may be able to serve their needs, call 816-220-3637.
Business News is provided weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley. The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org
Upcoming Partnership Events: After Hours at Floyd, Meinershagen & Co.
Thur Feb 7 2019, 5:00pm—7:00pm 107 SW Eagles Parkway
February Coffee Connections Fri Feb 15 2019, 8:00am—9:00am Cosentino’s Price Chopper
After Hours at Sandra Dee’ Dee’s Gifts
Thur Feb 21 2019, 5:00pm—7:00pm
For more information on membership and upcoming Partnership events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org or call Tasha Lindsey, 816-443-5162.
New Partners:
Sponsored advertisement.
Pictured L to R: Insurance Agent Todd McMahill, Agency Owner Janette Brown, and Insurance Agent Tyler Brown of the Brown Agency located at 630 NW Jefferson ST. Prospective customers interested in learning more about their current coverage and how The Brown Agency may be able to serve their needs, 816--220 220--3637. call 816 Photo credit: Valley News staff
Grain Valley Partnership Businesses: To schedule an interview to highlight
your business, contact Cory Unrein, cory@grainvalleynews.com.
MO Chamber Medical Plans for Small Businesses Are you a small business who would like to offer health care insurance for your employees but have been limited due to rates being high or not being
able to qualify for group rate plans? We may have a solution. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please
reach out to Tasha Lindsey at the Grain Valley Partnership, 816-443-5162 or email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Grain Valley Partnership Welcomes El Tequilazo 522 South Main Street
Page 5 6 Steps to Stop Your Smartphone From Tracking Your Location by Burton Kelso, Integral Computer Consultants
You may not know this, but you are being tracked on your smartphone. Maybe you do, but I don't think you understand the extent to which it's happening. Everything you do is being analyzed. Yes, those apps you use, your text messages and even your phone calls are recording your day-to-day habits. Why are we being tracked? It's pretty simple. Large and small companies have come to realize that interest-based advertising is big business. This form of advertising is so successful because it allows advertisers to get up and personal with you. From the information gathered from your smartphone about your daily habits and interests, advertisers can target ads that are of interest to you. What can you do to keep your habits out of the prying eyes of Big Brother? Well, you can't completely stop the prying unless you completely get rid of your smartphone and other devices, but here are some tips to reduce the amount of snooping that occurs. 1. Turn off your location settings. On your Apple and Android devices, you have a feature that keeps track of
where you've been and how long you stay at that location. Pretty spooky right? Well, it's very simple to turn that off. For Apple devices: Go to "Settings", then go to "Privacy" From there go to "Location Services", then go to "System Services". Select “Significant Locations" to see a record of where you've been. To turn this off, de-select "Significant Locations" For Android Devices, go to "Settings" find "Location" and click on it, then go to "Google Location Settings" and find "Location Reporting", then and "Location History". Once there, switch the slider from on to off for each one. 2. Change the Permissions on Your Apps. When you install apps on your smart devices, you need to pay attention to what you're giving the app permission to do. In today's digital age, there are many apps that will request more information than they need to access. If you allow your apps to access too much information, it could be shared with companies who will use the information for advertising. 3. Consider using private browser on your Smartphone. You probably use private browsing on your desktop and laptop computer, but you need to use that on your smartphone too. If you want to keep your web searches private on your smartphone, you can make changes with your current browser. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge,
and Safari have incognito and InPrivate modes that will keep your browsing private. If you don't want to use a mobile browser that's associated with the large tech companies, you can try Dolphin browser which offers the same things that the other web browsers offer. If you like your current phone web browser, but don't want Google recording your searches, try search engines such as Yippy and DuckDuckGo.
6. Watch Out For Those Virtual Assistants. Every time you use Siri and Google Assistant, your voice is uploaded and saved to Apple or Google's servers. What we're told is it's done because they want to improve how those assistants work for you. There's a good chance that your data is bring used analyze your behaviors and patterns for targeted advertising. You can use them but understand the risks.
4. Limit The Ads that Track You. Android and iOS provide options to cut down ad tracking. From your iPhone, Go to Settings, then go to Privacy, then, Advertising, Toggle, then switch, "Limit Ad Tracking" to On.
What steps do you take to keep your smartphone data private? Drop me a line and let me know. If you have any questions about your technology and your devices, please feel free to contact us at Integral. Our friendly tech experts at Integral are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us at www.integralcomputerconsutants.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
From your Android smartphone, go to Settings, then Google, then Ads. Switch "Opt out of Ads Personalization" to On. 5. Don't Let Google Track Your Every Step. Did you know that Google can track you on your iPhones and Android even if you've changed your privacy settings? How do you turn off these settings? On your smartphone, sign into your Google Account then click on "Your personal info" in the "Personal info & Privacy" section. Then, click on "Manage your Google Activity" then "Go To Activity Controls." In this section, you can turn off the different types of data that is saved to your Google account.
Burton Kelso is the Chief Technology Expert at Integral. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. I can be reached by email at burton@integralcomputerconsultants.com.
A Snapshot of Philanthropy in 2018 by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
I am pleased to report that 2018 was a great year for philanthropy from the perspective of your Community Foundation. It’s too early to report on total charitable giving for 2018, but I still stand by my prediction that contributions will exceed the 2017 total of $410 billion. In 2017, giving from individuals represented 79 percent of total giving, foundations 16 percent and corporations 5 percent. As you may recall, many predicted that with the higher standard deduction in 2018 charitable giving will be down, however, I still don’t buy those predictions. Now that the dust has settled on our year-end numbers, I am pleased to report that total contributions to your Community Foundation were $7.2 million in 2018, up 19 percent over 2017. We also added 48 new funds and now have more than 700 active funds at the Foundation. Most importantly, we saw a
remarkable number of grantmaking in 2018, with $4.4 million total in grants to nonprofits and scholarships from funds at the Foundation. This was a 37 percent increase over 2017. We have many very generous donors who we serve, and we strive to increase and enhance the impact of their charitable giving. Our Heartland Legacy Society continues to grow. In 2018, we added 15 new members, bringing the total to 147 members with plans to use their fund at the Foundation as part of their estate plan. Their commitment to philanthropy is exceptional and it truly is our pleasure to serve these generous individuals. In 2018, we received the Regional Leadership Award from Mid-America Regional Council for our work with the Community for All Ages Coalition. It was an honor and a great recognition not only for your Community Foundation, but also for our Eastern Jackson County community. Our own School of Philanthropy, our Youth Advisory Council, had another successful year, now with more than 190 students from 13 area high schools.
These students are the next generation of philanthropic leaders and their efforts are already making an impact in our community. While we experienced the same downturn in the stock market as all investors in 2018, with a sharp downturn in the fourth quarter, we maintain a long -term investment strategy for our endowed funds. With the goal of ensuring these funds last in perpetuity, our Board of Directors recently updated our spending policy for endowments. We moved from a 5 percent spending policy, taking the average balance of the fund over the last 3 years, to a 4.5 percent spending policy, based on a 5-year rolling average. Effectively managing our endowment funds is an important responsibility of our Board. Not all funds at the Foundation are endowed. In fact, some of our most active funds are Donor Advised Funds and many donors routinely grant out the majority of funds and then replenish these periodically. This new spending policy only applies to the funds where the
donor has requested that they be endowed. I am confident that 2019 will be another robust year at your Community Foundation. In July, I will report back on the total charitable giving according to Giving USA and still believe it will exceed $410 billion. But as our snapshot of charitable giving indicates, philanthropy continues to grow in our great community.
Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. THCF serves the region with assets of more than $47 million and annual grants surpassing $3 million. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org of call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Education
Page 6
Grain Valley Schools Earn Perfect Score on Annual Performance Report The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released an Annual Performance Report or APR for each school district in the State. Grain Valley Schools earned a perfect rating of 100%. In the state report released on February 1, the district earned all 120 total cumulative points possible in the categories of Academic Achievement, Subgroup Achievement, College and Career Readiness, Attendance, and Graduation Rate in the 5th cycle of the Missouri School Improvement Plan, otherwise known as MSIP. “Missouri's school districts and state assessments are in a period of transition as we are operating under our third set of state standards in five years. Earning high marks from the state at this time reflects how well our team is managing the transition,” Grain Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Marc Snow said. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website indicates that MSIP 5 is the state’s accountability system for reviewing and accrediting public school districts, and it outlines the expectations for student achievement with the ultimate goal of each student graduating ready for success in college, career, and life. Dr. Brad Welle , Deputy Superintendent for School and Community Services, shared some of his thoughts regarding the district’s scores on its Annual Performance Report. “Year after year we consistently earn 100% of the points possible for college and career readiness, as well as for student attendance,” Welle said. The comprehensive MSIP accountability system was established in 1990 and has evolved with each version. The adopted MSIP 5 Standards represent the work of hundreds of
educators, numerous refinements, and revisions which met the approval of the State Board of Education. MSIP 5 Resource and Process Standards were designed to promote continuous improvement and innovation within each district. The process standards are often qualitative in nature, differing from the testing or attendance standards, for example, which rely strictly on numbers. The MSIP 5 Performance Standards are designed to recognize the achievement and continuous growth of ALL students as they prepare for a global economy. MSIP 5 is also used to distinguish the performance of schools and districts in valid, accurate, and meaningful ways so that districts in need of improvement can receive appropriate support and interventions, and high-performing districts can be recognized as models of excellence. Annual Performance Reports (APRs) are based on the performance standards and are reviewed for accreditation purposes at the district level. The state also produces APRs for schools and charter LEAs to support its goal of empowering all stakeholders in manners appropriate to their roles through regular communication and transparent reporting of results. College and career readiness includes postsecondary placement (a graduate attending school or entering employment for a field they were trained in), advanced placement scores (AP College Board Course Exams, IB, PLTW, IRC and Dual Credit or Dual Enrollment), and CCR Assessments (college entrance exams like but not limited to the ACT and SAT). Attendance is calculated using a student hourly rate of their time present. Grain Valley scored 93.4% in this subcategory during the prior school year (2018-2019). Despite Grain Valley and several
neighboring districts’ high MSIP and APR ratings, Academic Achievement has not come without its challenges for many Missouri school districts. The current Missouri Learning Standards that students are assessed upon followed the field testing of Common Core State Standards, and prior to that, Grade and Course Level Expectations. Missouri educators have had to be flexible in understanding, implementing, and teaching students the latest revision of state standards. There is benefit to having a consistent set of learning standards. Assessment data will now be comparing apples to apples when looking at results due to having a consistent test. “With the changes in state standards and this being the first data using new state assessments, we are not able to make accurate year-toyear comparisons on student performance data. However, one contributing factor leading to our 100% rating this year is that our scores were above state average in every subject and every grade level except one,” Welle said. District level administration and school district leadership teams often look at opportunities for improvement upon reviewing their Annual Performance Report. According to Welle, districts that earn high scores will seek opportunities for improvement in ways to further
student achievement. “The ratings are based on status points, plus growth points and progress points. Although we earned a rating of 100% this year, we did not earn all status points possible for the assessed subject areas. We are using the feedback from the assessments last spring to improve,” Welle said. “By increasing the percentage of our students performing at the proficient and advanced levels, we can increase status points and maintain a rating that is at or near 100% moving forward.” Field tests are used when transitioning in new learning standards at the State level. The tests help establish norms and make sure there are no testing glitches prior to counting the test results as a part of districts’ APRs. “Science assessments at grades 5 and 8 were field tests in 2018 and the results from those assessments were not included in APR ratings this year. Results from the science testing this spring will be included in the ratings for 2019,” Welle said. MSIP school district data may be obtained through the Missouri Comprehensive Data System on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website at https://dese.mo.gov/.
Claphan Crowned Courtwarming Queen
Grain Valley High School celebrated courtwarming on Friday, February 1st. Pictured: (Left) 2019 Courtwarming Queen Bryana Claphan, (Right) 2018 returning Courtwarming Queen Meagan Hodges. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Education
Page 7
Students, Teachers Embrace 1:1 Chromebook Initiative by Cathy Allie
A great deal of planning and perhaps a little worry went into launching a 1 to 1 Chromebook initiative at Grain Valley middle schools, and it appears not only did the planning pay off, the worry may have been for naught. “Our students had some access to Chromebooks at the elementary level through classroom sets, so as we planned for 1 to 1, we knew they would not only be ready but also excited to get to use them more. Most of our planning revolved around how to share information with parents about the devices and helping teachers plan to use them all the time,” Director of Technology Kyle Pace said. “Our only worries were if students could handle the responsibility of caring for a device, and they have done pretty well.” Ideally Pace would like to have been able to have a “Chromebook bootcamp” for parents, but time and resources generally prohibit that type of training. Instead, he created a Chromebook Guide in the spring of 2018 in preparation for the move, and that has been a beneficial starting place. Items like a district approved app list and refresher emails and reminders to staff have also helped with the smooth start. Additionally, staff can monitor students’ screens during lessons via thumbnail images on the adult’s screens. “No filters are perfect, and students will always push boundaries,” Pace said. “We have some filters in place that send alerts to our department and to principals if someone tries to access a site they shouldn’t, so we can block it.” Most of the time, teachers are the best line of communication for Pace and his staff as to how students are using the devices. “Teachers watch their classes and can report the need for a filter, and sometimes they also are able to suggest things that would benefit students. The best problem for us to have is tons of requests for apps and things teachers would like to use because that shows us they are really using the devices,” Pace said. Staff professional development was a key component to the initiative’s strong launch, and Instructional Technology Coaches Audrey Harrison and Emily Hannah were instrumental in preparing staff. Neither coach is surprised by the success of moving to 1 to 1 at the secondary level. “Some of our students have now had 5 to 6 years of using various types of
devices, so their fear level is low,” Harrison said. “And our staff has had ongoing professional development at a variety of levels, so this was just a next, logical step.” Hannah’s only surprise has been the struggle in moving students from using the devices socially to using them academically. “The simplicity of a Chromebook and its user-friendliness definitely helped students adjust to having a computer, but using the device for things like organizing their Google drive, checking their email, or using Google calendar is a struggle for many of our students,” Hannah said. Harrison is assigned to both middle schools, and to Stony Point and Matthews Elementary schools. “Kids catch on very quickly and they amaze me when they learn things like keyboard commands as quickly as they do. You can show them how to do things once and they can remember the next time you are in their classroom,” she said.
“Most teachers are incredibly willing to let a relative stranger come in and show them and their students how to do something. Then we find ourselves collaborating on what could happen next or a new way to use the devices,” Hannah said. Pace says the willingness from staff to use the technology is based on the district’s efforts to make sure that technology professional development is in the forefront. There has been a move from tech tool-based professional development to pedagogy, where technology is used as a part of instructional strategies. “We have multiple comfort levels of staff in the use of technology, but the commonality they share is that they all want students to become adept at using the newest and the latest technology, so they are willing to explore with the Chromebooks. You don’t have to be an expert to allow kids to explore technology,” Pace said.
includes monthly in-services and connecting with the coaches. Harrison explains that often technology use is a part of a teacher’s personalized learning plan as well as a part of the building level professional development plan. According to Harrison, technology lets teachers explore things without being evaluated specifically on its use and also allows teachers to use technology authentically rather than just using technology for technology’s sake. “We see everything from individual goals to department or team or grade level goals to use technology, and we help them with as many resources as we can. Sometimes it is tricky to support everything teachers want, but it’s a good problem to have, ” Harrison said. Hannah emphasizes that working with administration in the various buildings to have sustained, continuous professional development is essential to successful technology use. “The high school block schedule
“We have multiple comfort levels of staff in the use of technology, but the commonality they share is that they all want students students to become adept at using the newest and the latest technology, so they are willing to explore with the Chromebooks. You don’ don’t have to be an expert to allow kids to explore technology.” technology.” Kyle Pace, Director of Technology. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools Hannah is assigned to the high school, and Prairie Branch and Sni-A-Bar Elementary schools, and she has been pleasantly surprised at the welcome coaches have received in the buildings.
But many Grain Valley teachers are becoming experts through work in cohorts that began several years back. Teachers applied to become part of the cohorts, and they get multiple levels and layers of ongoing tech training based on their comfort levels. “Cohorts are really instrumental to building and maintaining interest in technology training. If teachers hear about it from other teachers, they are more likely to want to try it themselves,” Pace said. Some staff spends a half day with Instructional Technology Coaches and then a half day with the principal, determining how technology will be integrated at the classroom and the building level. Staff who became a part of the cohorts maintain a two-year minimum commitment for training, which
supports technology learning because teachers can teach the topic and then students can demonstrate their learning using that technology, in particular Chromebooks” Hannah said. Pace has a rotation plan in place for the Chromebooks, which included moving the Chromebooks which had been on carts at the middle schools to the elementary schools. At the elementary schools, they are closing the gap on a 1 to 1 ratio. But the mantra still seems to be, ‘More, more, more’. “Right now the Chromebooks are on carts at each elementary and individual buildings have a plan for their use, but they never fail to tell me they could use more Chromebooks,” Pace said. “We always explore options for adding devices for both students and staff as budgets allow.”
Community Voices
Page 8 Wayne’s World
My Biggest Valentine Fail (so far) by Wayne Geiger
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! There are some people who anxiously anticipate the day with great enthusiasm and excitement. Others, somewhat intimated by the day, begrudgingly move forward with fear and trepidation. Finally, some would prefer to forget February 14th altogether. I’m somewhere in between I guess. I really dislike the commercialism of the day. Right after Christmas, retailers begin the hype, and we began seeing Valentine’s candy in the stores. According to the National Retail Federation, the average person spent about $162 dollars on items like jewelry, flowers, candy, and dinner, for a total of more than $20 billion. That amount, by the way, would include their spouse, or love interest, family members, and coworkers. Naturally, we must not forget our furry friends. More than $750 million will be spent on our pooches and kitties. On that note, some pet supply retailers even hold Valentine's Day events offering free doggie ice cream and photos. Don’t forget the pet costumes. The day is not all fun and games, unfortunately. For some, Valentine’s Day can be a very emotional or depressing day. For example, there are many singles, longing for companionship, who would like to be in a serious relationship and February 14th is a concrete reminder that they are not.
In addition, there are many widows and widowers, who aren’t looking for love, but now see an empty chair at the table and remember a love that once was. They would prefer not to think about the day at all. Finally, there is a lot of pressure on Valentine’s Day. It’s almost like February 14th is our one shot a year to communicate enduring love. I’ll never forget my biggest Valentine’s Day fail (so far). One particular year, my wife was dedicated to better health and was on a pretty strict diet—so traditional chocolates or sweets were out. We were on a pretty tight budget, so jewelry was out of the question. My wife does appreciate flowers but is not overly crazy about receiving them on Valentine’s Day. She would prefer for flowers to be unexpected and meaningful. For example, rather than giving her a dozen red roses, she would prefer something with meaning and symbolism. She would enjoy seven red roses to symbolize our love each day of the week, four yellow roses to represent our four children, and a light blue rose to represent our precious grandson. For my wife, and for many I’m sure, it’s not the price tag but the thought and amount of effort that counts. I’m happy with a gift card or Under Armour. So, back to my biggest Valentine’s Day fail (so far). Respecting, and hoping to capitalize off her dietary modifications, I
decided to orchestrate a “healthy basket of love.” I bought a decorative basket and filled it with all sorts of her favorite healthy treats like protein drinks, nutrition bars, and some other healthy treats I knew she would enjoy. I wrapped the basket and goodies in colored cellophane and planned to put a bow on top, but it just looked “blah.” It needed some “wow” or “pizzazz.” In a moment of rare inspiration, I decided a cute little stuffed animal would be the perfect topper! I dashed off to find the perfect stuffed animal. As I perused the aisles, many of them were cute, but they didn’t look suitable for Valentine’s Day. I wanted something red or pink to encapsulate the moment and show my creativity and love. Then, I saw it! My eyes locked on an adorable, pink stuffed animal holding a big heart that said, “Kiss me”. I was ecstatic. My search was over! She would be overjoyed. Hindsight is always 20/20. In retrospect, I probably should have thought it through a little more rather than be driven purely by bright color or raw emotion. You see, the stuffed animal I chose was cute and cuddly, but unfortunately, it was a stuffed pink piggy. Probably not the best animal to serve as a crowning crescendo for a basket full of healthy treats given on Valentine’s Day! Big fail. Some water has passed under the bridge, and my wife and I still laugh
about it now. In fact, from time to time, as a monument to enduring love and commitment, the cute little guy will be proudly displayed in a prominent place on our decorated bed serving as a vivid reminder of my biggest Valentine’s Day fail (so far). Over the years, on Valentine’s Day, my wife and I have tried to remember those who may need an extra-special hug. My wife, ever the creative person, loves to put together little bouquets or gift bags and deliver them to people who could use a smile. Although I’m not overly creative, I do enjoy being a part of the process and being the chauffer. So, although I do despise the commercialism of Valentine’s Day, and the underlying amount of pressure that the day brings, I do recognize the day as an opportunity to show love to those who need it most. Chances are, we all know someone who could use an extra-special hug on Valentine’s Day. The opportunities are endless and the price tag doesn’t have to be tremendous. It really is the thought that counts. Of course, when I say the “thought that counts,” it does require a little thought. It might be best to think twice before sending a special diet goody bag with a pink piggy on top. Just sayin’.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech at Johnson Country Community College, and a freelance writer.
Looking Back: Five Things to Keep by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
Those of you who know me well have no doubt heard me say that I try to get rid of five “things” every day. Sometimes it is trash, sometimes it is old clothing for the DVA box at my church, sometimes it’s the contents of a box in the attic or basement with those “keepsakes” we all gather over the years. I’ve been able to reduce my collection to two small grey archival boxes containing my most treasured items. Among them, I kept only one greeting card from each of my relatives! Over the past two years, I’ve done a great deal of purging and I’ve concluded there are five things you don’t purge. Instead, you find them a home. If you have duplicates and they are of historical value or you simply have pictures and/or artifacts you are willing to part with, I hope you will consider a gift to the Grain Valley Historical Society. We always appreciate photographs of Grain Valley (which we can scan and return to you). As for the five things to keep, here is my recommendation: Documents: Birth certificates, death certificates, passports, and tax records. The rest is just “stuff.” I finally parted with 30 years
of teacher contracts after 18 years of being retired. You laugh, but what do you have taking up space for no good reason? Not even the Historical Society could find a use for them. If you must, keep the first and the last and make your survivors deal with them! Photographs: Keep only those you know! Please give your original or scanned photos of Grain Valley citizens, activities and events to the Historical Society. I suggest you leave your printed photos out where you can work on them in your spare time. Put names and a date on the back of each photo. If you don’t know anyone in the photo, best to throw them away. The person or persons inheriting your collection won’t know them either. I recently threw away over 30 photographs of buffalo, elk, moose, and a bear or two from a family vacation to Colorado and Wyoming in 1954. I couldn’t remember a single name! Awards and Recognitions: Elementary Reading Circle Certificates, Sunday School Perfect Attendance, 8th Grade diploma (high school and college, too), along with congratulatory notes and greeting cards are always good to keep. If you’re having
a bad day, take them out of the closet and gloat! Family heirlooms: These are always a keeper. I’m not referring to the woven basket your parents purchased in Mexico when they retired in the RV to South Texas or Arizona. I mean the cut glass vase your grandmother got as a wedding gift or the ax your grandfather used to cut wood for the kitchen stove. The older I become, the more important they become. I have to believe these items will be important to the youngsters in your family, too. If you don’t believe me, think back to how important they were to you 20, 25, 50 years ago. Keep them! Necessities - food, clothing, household goods and furnishings: Of course, we need all of these for survival. Maybe just not as much. Purge those closets and cabinets. Before food items are out of date, donate to a food pantry; take slightly used clothing to the Disabled Veterans, Salvation Army or Goodwill, and donate extra household items to a good charity. Make this Valentine’s Day not only a day of love and caring but also a day of sharing!
The beautiful silver embossed card at the left was sent to me on Valentine’’s Day from my Valentine Grandmother Rumbo. It contained two $1 bills. I was a junior in college, so it was mailed to me in 6-- cent stamp. In Columbia with a 6 1966 when the card was sent, $2 bought 33 stamps. Today 33 stamps would cost $16.17. The printed price on the back of the card was only 15 cents.
Community Voices
Page 9
Musings from the Middle
Now That’s Funny by Cathy Allie
I love to laugh. I like long drawn out jokes where the punchline is on the tip of my tongue just as the joke teller finishes. I like puns, maybe even love them. I like irony, the kind that I can see and maybe someone else misses. I like sarcasm as much or more than most of my family members. I love embellishment and hyperbole, wordplay and madcap antics, and Lucille Ball like physical comedy. As a little kid, I would hang around the kitchen table in my grandparent’s tiny old kitchen because I was just sure Pa would tell a story about one of his farmer neighbors that would make us all laugh. In school we read the all too serious book To Kill a Mockingbird, and I love the prose of Atticus Finch’s beautiful courthouse defense of Tom Robinson. But my favorite passage is a funny one, when Scout decides to test her cussing ability and asks somebody to “Pass the damn ham.” While growing up, we watched the Carol Burnett show, and giggled at her antics as Mrs. Wiggins, the terrible secretary. We howled at Johnny Carson’s Carnac the Magnificent, where he would state an answer, then place a “hermetically sealed envelope” against his forehead to determine the question to that answer. One of my favorites was when he said as an answer, “Old wives’ tales” and the question he divined was, “What do cannibals find hard to digest?” I have been known to read cards in a Hallmark store and just laugh out loud right there. I think Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby is one of the funniest movies ever, and if anybody quotes the John C. Reilly lines about Jesus wearing a tuxedo t-shirt, I have been known to snort out loud from laughter. I have paid altogether too much money to see Comedienne Kathleen Madigan in concert twice and Jerry Seinfeld in concert once and laughed at both until I cried and my cheeks hurt the next day from grinning ear to ear. All in all it doesn’t take much to get me tickled and truly involved in a hearty chuckle. But my favorite laughter comes from the things that kids say and do. I know Art Linkletter, followed by Bill Cosby, and now sometimes even Steve Harvey have all had us laughing at kids, but I think some of my little pals can hold their own. I suppose it started with my own daughter, who at about age four was very verbose with a really good vocabulary. One day she stood at the bottom of our stairs and called out to me, “Mom! I have a significant dilemma.” With as straight a face as I could muster, I asked, “Oh! What is it?” to which she replied by rolling her eyes, sighing heavily, and saying, “A dilemma is when you can’t decide between two things,” just assuming it was the vocabulary that needed explaining to dumb old mom, not her particular problem.
When my nephew was about two, he was standing on my husband’s lap, and he kept leaning in very close to his face to give him an Eskimo kiss. But in a very bizarre turn of events, and one that happened so quickly we couldn’t stop it, he grabbed my husband’s very brown beard and proclaimed, “Chocolate!” right before he licked him, much like an ice cream cone. A little friend from dance class, Elaina, was learning her numbers and was doing a great job counting. One night she decided to be stubborn about it and not show us her ability. I said, “Well, I will count first, and then you can count,” to which she agreed. “One, two, four, seven eight,” I said, and hoped she would take the bait and correct me. Instead she said, “Try again. As old as you are, you should be able to do much better.” And to add insult to injury, when we returned to class the next week, there were two open chairs, one of which was next to me. She leaned over to her mom and said in a serious stage whisper, “I would rather not sit next to the lady who can’t count.” My friend Gideon from church stopped me outside the pre-school room door one Sunday. He was in the classroom and I was delivering supplies. “Can you do me a favor?” he said, which had me grinning from ear to ear already. “Sure, how can I help you Gideon?” I said. “I need you to go find my mom. She is the one with brown hair and big eyes.” It is the perfect description of his mom, but not much help in our big church. In the same room with Gideon is my friend Owen, who at that age narrated for us each move he intended to make in third person. “Owen is going down the slide.” “Owen will eat his snack now.” “Owen needs to go to the bathroom.” And in all fairness, we should have taken his warning seriously when he said, “Owen will hit Gideon now because he wants that toy.” At a friend’s special decade birthday party, I got to sit with his granddaughter as she ate her dinner. I said, “Natalie, do you like your food?” and she nodded that she did. “But I don’t like foods that start with B,” she said. “No broccoli or brussel sprouts or bologna for me.” Then she looked at me very earnestly and said, “Do you like food?” and I replied that yes, I liked food very much. She got out of her chair, walked around me, looked me up and down, poked me in my side and said, “I can tell you like food. You have been eating a lot!” Alas, Natalie was right. Another five-year-old friend of mine told me one day she was going to Hawaii. Wow, I told her, that is really cool. She has a little brother and sister, so I asked if they were going as well. I knew the question was a little silly, but I was just making conversation. Her reaction was priceless. She reached out, patted my hand, like I was a doddering old imbecile, and said,
“What do you think?” and just walked away. My friend Judson has the prettiest mop of curly brown hair, and I am sure I am not the only one who had told him so, because when I said, “Man, Judson, you have really great hair” he looked up at me and said, “I know. And it is much better than yours.” The truth hurts. One of my all-time favorites is a relatively new friend, Isaiah. He watches me cautiously out of the side of his eye all the time, just to make sure I am not going to do something very silly, which is highly likely when I am around him. Luckily, my dad prepared me well for a time such as this. When we were little, my dad fascinated us and other children by pretending to remove his finger. In a complicated series of folds and maneuvers, the finger removal looks pretty darn real. The look of faked pain on my dad’s face as he tugs on his finger really sells the removal, and the trick holds just the right amount of fascination and scariness. Dad used to do this when kids were looking over the back edge of the pew at church into our pew. The looks on kids’ faces were priceless. My mom would tell you that is why we had to change churches all the time. Fast forward several decades, and I am now the one removing a finger here or there. After Isaiah and I got to know one another pretty well, I caught him watching me with his side-eye glance
once day. I just casually placed my hand on my leg and pretended to remove my finger. Without missing a beat, he said, “You know they have doctors who can fix that. My mom can make you an appointment,” and went right back to coloring. I have a collection of hilarious stinky fart and poop references kids have made in my presence which may not play well in print. Except for maybe just one, for the readers who still possess a 7th grade boy’s sense of humor like mine. We were visiting my husband’s aunt’s house, and her grandson was there. He was AWOL for a while, and I volunteered to hunt him down. I finally tracked him to the bathroom, where I knocked on the door. He opened it pretty quickly and said, “Hey, maybe you can help me look at this,” and pointed to the toilet. My husband and I had not been dating long at the time, and I really wanted to make a good impression, so sure, I was gonna’ look! I peered over the edge at what looked like…well…some kid’s poop. “Looks like you did a good job,” I said. “Would you like me to help you flush it?” What comes next is the truth, as I live and breathe. “Not really,” he said. “This is a pretty good VOWEL movement. I just want to keep looking for an A.” I just hope this isn’t too crappy an ending to this column.
Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.
Trivia Night for Grain Valley Assistance Council Saturday, February 9, 2019 Grain Valley High School, 551 SW Eagles Parkway 6:00pm
Money raised will be used support the Assistance Council’s move to a new location. $100.00 per team of 8. 10 mulligans can be purchased for $10.00. Doors open at 6:00pm; play begins at 6:30pm. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks and drinks for the table; no alcohol. Players must be 16 years old.
www.grainvalleyassistancecouncil.org
Health & Fitness
Page 10
Flu Fighting Foods by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
Cold and flu season is rapidly approaching. There is no reason to assume getting sick this year is inevitable. By adding flu fighting foods to your diet, practicing good hygiene and getting regular exercise, you may just stave of the flu or at least shorten its duration. A nutrient-rich diet packed full of vitamins A, B6, C and E, and potassium, zinc, magnesium, live and active cultures and folate just may keep those sniffles and sneezes away. Orange juice and other citrus fruits are full of vitamin C which can fight certain viruses and bacteria and can help to lessen the severity and duration of a cold. You need about 1000 mg per day of vitamin C to fight
Orange Cinnamon Breakfast Boost of the flu. This is equivalent to one cup of orange juice every hour for eight hours. Whole fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins and minerals known as phytochemicals which protect our body from disease. Some strengthen our immune system while others protect against heart disease and cancer. Lean beef and pork are full of zinc which helps promote healing, tissue growth and repair. You can also find zinc in seafood, whole grains and nuts. Yogurt contains live and active cultures known as “friendly” bacteria that can help strengthen our body’s resistance to infection.
Ditch These Five Fitness Myths by Sally Whitaker
Starting and staying with an exercise program is challenging enough. Stop buying into the following myths and your journey may become easier.
most people think, you cannot exercise a pizza, hamburger, or ice cream sundae away. Your healthiest body starts in the kitchen.
1. Only Cardio Will Burn Fat Cardiovascular exercises such as running, biking, or walking are great ways to get your heart rate up, which translates into a healthier heart and an increase in burning calories. However, cardio is just a piece of the fat burning puzzle. Larger (stronger) muscles burn more calories, so adding weight lifting to an exercise program helps the body to burn more calories even at rest. More muscle = more calories burned throughout the entire day, while when doing cardio, as soon as you stop, the calories being burned dramatically decreases.
4. You Can Spot Reduce Fat In a perfect world, and in some product marketing, we could do one or two exercises to reduce fat in specific troublesome areas. While spot strengthening can take place with a bicep curl or calf raises, losing fat is not something that can be targeted to one spot. As you increase exercise and decrease unneeded calories, the body will start to shed fat, from front to back, head to toe. An old personal trainer saying is that “the areas of the body that you most want to slim will be the last to change” is not 100% accurate, but does hold some truth. Be patient, keep with your program, and you will notice proportional progress.
2. Sit Ups and Crunches Are a Must for SixSix-Pack Abs 50 sit ups. 100 crunches. Most people have put in the reps, but some just don’t see results. Having a chiseled mid -section does not have to come from repeating the same exercise time and again. Pilates, yoga, and other body weight exercises will target the entire body, to give a more comprehensive workout for abdominals, obliques (the side ab muscles), and the muscles of the back. 3. Exercise Equals Weight Loss Adding physical activity most definitely increases how many calories the body burns. For some people, though, this translates into inches lost, not pounds. Make sure you are not just tracking your weight but also your waist, hip, arm, and leg measurements. For true weight loss, you must also change your diet. Contrary to what
5. Lifting Weights is the Only Way to Build Strength Weight training no doubt builds strength and muscle, but if the thought of picking up dumbbells makes you cringe, worry not. There are many other options. Pilates and yoga both add muscle strength, as do cross training options such as Strong by Zumba, the 7 Minute Workout, and Barre.
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.
Spinach contains both folate and magnesium, two key phytochemicals which give you energy and generate new cells that are essential for a healthy immune system.
Source: www.floridajuice.com
Try this quick and refreshing beverage that provides antioxidant vitamin C and live and active cultures.
one-inch chunks
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.
2 cups (16 oz.) orange juice 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt 1 navel orange, peeled and cut into ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Place all ingredients into a blender container and blend until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Makes 2 servings.
Pair this smoothie with whole-grain toast and a handful of almonds or
sunflower seeds for additional nutrients to support the immune system.
Sports
Page 11
Eagles Establish Tone in Win Over Warriors by John Unrein
The visiting Smithville Warriors only managed nine first half points against the Eagles boys basketball team during their game on February 1st. Grain Valley set the tone early with the press and trap. Smithville struggled to get the ball past half court along with finding scoring opportunities due to the Eagles defensive pressure. Head Boys Basketball Coach Andy Herbert spoke to his team about the importance of getting off to a good start prior to the game. “The longer you let someone stay in
Cole Keller with the put back for two points. Photo credit: Valley News staff
the game, the more belief they gain. We wanted to get on them quick, and I thought we did a good job with that defensively. Not only in the press to open the game but as we transitioned back to playing man as well,” Herbert said. Momentum continued to build for the Eagles in the second quarter. Junior Guard Caden Matlon and Junior Forward Josh Kilpatrick were active in the transition game. Matlon fed Kilpatrick on the break with 6:20 left in the half, helping to widen their lead. Senior Forward Nick Brown later fed Matlon on a breakaway bucket right before the half. The Eagles went into halftime ahead 30-9. “You witnessed unselfish play this evening. Guys received the ball on time in transition so they could do something positive. When we play that way, we are really good. We have guys who understand angles and that makes us tough when we look to move the ball unselfishly,” Herbert said. Kirkpatrick and Matlon were the Eagles leading scorers on the night with 15 and 14 points respectively. They were supported offensively by the efforts of Sophomore Forward Cole Keller and Junior Forward Gavin Oyler in the second half. Keller would go on to pour in 9 points on the evening, along with Oyler’s 7 points. Both Keller and Oyler’s hustle were on display in the 3rd quarter. Oyler opened scoring for the Eagles with his made bucket under the basket at 7:22. He would turn around and take a charge under the Smithville basket at 6:23. Keller was opportunistic with rebounding positioning, put backs off of
misses, and influencing or blocking shots under the basket. “Coaches fear getting off to a big lead and then relaxing. We had an extra long halftime tonight with Courtwarming. Both Gavin and Cole did a good job of establishing the paint both offensively and defensively. Cole has length and influences things with his height while Gavin plays very hard,” Herbert said. The fourth quarter saw the Eagles clear their bench due to their lead. Players such as Junior Guard Seth Dankenbring continued to play hard as
Grain Valley would go on to win the game by a final score of 51-31. “Our first seven players did a good job tonight of taking care of business so that we could reward other members of the team. Seniors like Brendan Shafer who work their tails off every day in practice and doesn’t always get the minutes or reps, got a chance. I was proud of him and his teammates and how they did things the right way,” Herbert said. The Eagles will travel to Grandview to face the Bulldogs on Friday, February 8th in a conference matchup.
Junior Guard Caden Matlon for three from behind the arc. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Successful First Conference Meet for Girls Swim and Dive The Eagles girls swim and dive with a best time of 6:22.83. team finished third in a strong Head coach Kara Liddle is proud of showing at their first conference this first-year team’s success. championship meet on Saturday, “They have come so far since the February 2nd at Lee’s Summit Aquatic beginning of the season and finishing Center. 3rd at conference behind two very Divers Hayden Meyer and Abigail strong Kearney and Platte County Castle earned teams was my goal qualifying state “They have come so far since the for our first year. scores, with Piper beginning of the season and finishing Everyone swam Barnard earning a 3rd at conference behind two very their best races of season at consideration strong Kearney and Platte County the score. conference and we year.”” teams was my goal for our first year. Rachel Turpin had almost Head Coach Kara Liddle finished 3rd in the everyone make it 100-yard back to finals with at least 1-2 swimmers in the A final for breaststroke. Turpin’s success each event,” Liddle said. continued as a member of the 200 “I am very excited to see how free relay team of Turpin, Maddie things shake out for State next week. Epple, Olivia White, and Bailey Reich. We have the potential to take a big Reich also finished 6th in the 100 group if our relays make the Top 32.” backstroke with a best time of 1:12.12, The State Tournament begins and 3rd in the 500 free with a time of Friday, February 15th. 6:04.89. Alyssa Hanenkratt finished 4th
Swim and Dive Head coach Kara Liddle (front row, left) with the Girls Swim and Dive team, who placed third at their first conference championship meet on February 2nd. Photo credit: Eagles Swim & Dive
Community Calendar February 9, 2019
Investigating Skulls Burr Oak Woods Nature Center 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs 10:00am—11:00am No registration required (all ages). As you explore outdoors, have you ever come across an animal skull? A skull will give you all the evidence you need to identify which animal it came from. Use new skills to identify the skulls of a few of Missouri’s wild animals. Trivia Night for Grain Valley Assistance Council Grain Valley High School, 551 SW Eagles Parkway 6:00pm Money raised will be used support the Assistance Council’s move to a new location. $100.00 per team of 8. Doors open at 6:00pm; play begins at 6:30pm. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks and drinks for the table; no alcohol. Players must be 16 years old.
February 11, 2019
Board of Alderman Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main 7:00pm
February 12, 2019
Getting to Know Your Computer Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—3:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events
February 13, 2019
Planning and Zoning Commission Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main 6:30pm
February 14, 2019
Using Findmypast Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—3:00pm www.mymcpl.org/events
Volunteer
Opportunities Grain Valley Assistance Council (GVAC) is in need of substitute drivers for the HomeHome-Delivered Meals program. Volunteers deliver meals daily to elderly, disabled, and home bound residents. Meals are picked up at the Grain Valley Price Chopper and routes are completed between 11:00am and Noon. For more information or to volunteer, please leave a message for Debbie King, 816-355-0328. For more information on the Grain Valley Assistance Council, visit www.grainvalleyassistancecouncil.org. Have a volunteer opportunity to share? Send information on your organization’s volunteer needs to news@grainvalleynews.org.
February 16, 2019
Basic Handgun— Handgun—Women Only Lake City Shooting Range 28505 E Truman Road 8:00am—11:30am Call 816-249-3194 to register. Zumba Passport Party: Passport to the Caribbean Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:30am—11:30am www.mymcpl.org/events
February 18, 2019
President’ President’s Day City Hall Closed Grain Valley Schools Closed
February 19, 2019
Music with Mar Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway 10:00am Brain based music and movement program for children 6 months—5 years old. $5/family. Register: 816-847-0008.
February 25, 2019
Building a Capsule Wardrobe Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:15pm www.mymcpl.org/events
February 28, 2019
Grain Valley Schools Late Start
March 4, 2019
Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events
Add your community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The City of Grain Valley is now hiring for Seasonal Concession Attendants and Swim Instructors.
Apply online at https://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/employment/. Post your employment opportunities with Valley News; ads begin at only $5/week.
Reserve your ad by emailing news@grainvalleynews.com.
