Food Truck Fridays dominates full agenda at Board meeting
Good News:
At its March 22nd virtual meeting, the Board of Aldermen considered a full slate of agenda items, with a resolution authorizing Food Truck Friday events to be held on City property monopolizing a good portion of the meeting. The Board reviewed and adopted the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), outlining a schedule of large-scale improvements and major purchases, which includes several projects slated for 2022. Projects on the schedule for 2022 include a $400,000 project to upgrade playground equipment at Armstrong Park, and $10,000 to resurface the loop trail at the park. $526,830 is slated in 2022 for pavement maintenance, and a $317,000 water extension on Buckner Tarsney is also planned. Prior to the approval of the CIP, Mayor Johnston raised several concerns regarding a resolution to allow Food Truck Friday events on City property from April – September 2021. The event,
The Jackson County Legislature passed an ordinance March 22nd to help families throughout Jackson County who were evicted from their homes as of February 3, 2021 as adjudicated in cases by the 16th Circuit Court. These households were unable to pay current and past due rent and utility bills as part of the ongoing crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of $387,946.84 will immediately assist 152 people, with portions to help 87 people with Court costs and help 65 families to keep possession of their homes. These families may also qualify to get further assistance as there will be additional funds made available from the State of Missouri for rental assistance. These funds are part of the $11.5 million grant issued to Jackson County as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. In a press release, the County Legislature stated it “feels a duty to be responsive to the needs of all citizens of Jackson County and will continue to do so. During these times when there continues to be incredible amounts of suffering by families, friends, neighbors, schools and businesses, by no fault of their own, their is light at the end of the tunnel. That light comes in the form of the COVID-19 numbers coming down along with the number of hospitalizations and deaths associated with this pandemic.” We also have at least 136 million additional federal dollars to help get our
Rental Assistance available for Jackson County residents
held on Friday evenings last year at the lot next to the post office and later on the lot behind the Community Center, is sponsored by the Grain Valley Fair and the Grain Valley Partnership. Johnston stated that allowing the event on City property is in conflict with City code which prohibits concessions or merchandise sales on City park facilities, and park property. City Administrator Ken Murphy reminded Johnston the Code allows for exceptions to be made by the Board, citing a motion approved earlier in the meeting allowing the Purple Peace Foundation to utilize park property for a charity car show. The City Attorney concurred, stating that there did not appear to be an issue. Johnston mentioned Valley Speedway had been offered as an alternative to utilizing City property. Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director of the Grain Valley Partnership, attended the meeting by phone and stated the Partnership and Fair committee
see BOARD on page 2
In This Edition: Looking Back: Harris Street
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Business: February Jobs Report
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Musings from the Middle: Of Note—A guide to enjoying Karaoke
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Your Health: Oral tips for parents by the ages
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Sports: Young Eagles hopeful ‘fore’ successful golf season
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Cover Photo: Sophomore Joel Palecek pitches in relief for the Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff. Story on page 11.
lives, schools and economy heading in the right direction that has just come into Jackson County with this last aid package.” The County legislature approved an ordinance on March 22nd, authorizing the use of $11,550,205 in grant monies the County received from the federal government to launch an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program would provide financial assistance and housing stability services to Eastern Jackson County families struggling financially. Households facing imminent eviction would receive priority assistance. The Community Services League and United Way of Greater Kansas City have formed a collaborative partnership to implement and administer the County’s program. “Many families are in dire need of help and this is our opportunity to provide a lifeline to them during these challenging times,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “I am grateful for our local partners who share our commitment of housing stability and will assist us in getting these critical dollars to those in need as quickly as possible.” Eligible households include renters who demonstrate a risk of experiencing housing instability, have seen their income reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and earn a household income at or below 80% of the county median income. Once approved, eligible individuals may receive up to 12 months of assistance. Rental and utility assistance payments are made directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of the tenant.
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Police Blotter
RENT ASSISTANCE
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The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of March 11-16, 2021. March 11, 2021 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 1800 Block of Rosewood 1200 Block of Willow 500 Block of Eagles Armstrong Park Main St & South Outer RD 1400 Block of Mary CT 1000 Block of E Ryan RD 1400 Block of Mary Ct Ray County 600 Block of Eagle 700 Block of Main 900 Block of Sandy CT March 12, 2021 100 Block of Sunny Lane 800 Block of San Kar Main South of RR Tracks Main & I 70 1100 Block of Main 1400 Block of NW Willow Dr 700 Block of SW Montana Ridge
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance Area Check Loud noise & smoke Suspicious Activity Check the Wellbeing Motor Vehicle Accident Verbal Disturbance Alarm Citizen Contact Prisoner Transport Stealing Citizen Contact Stealing From Auto
Citizen Contact Property Damage Suspicious Activity Motor Vehicle Accident Motor Vehicle Accident Alarm Agency Assist Clay County
March 13, 2021 5900 Block of Minter 100 Block of S Main 700 Block of Main 900 Block of SW Sandy LN
Stolen Vehicle 911 Hang Up Citizen Contact Area check Loud Vehicle 700 Block of Main Agency Assist CJC 1500 Block of NW Eagle Ridge DR Harassment 1500 Block of NE Erin CT Disturbance 700 Block of Main Welfare Check 1200 Block of Eagles Disturbance 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 600 Block of SW Brome Dr Alarm 600 Block of SW Brome Dr Citizen Contact
800 Block of Broadway Disturbance 1200 Block of NW Ashley Ln Alarm 1100 Block of SW Indian Creek DR Agency Assist Blue Springs PD March 14, 2021 1300 Block of Willow 400 Block of NW Europa 400 Block of NE Woodbury 900 Block of Cedar 100 Block of SW Eagles PKWY 200 Block of Cypress 600 Block of Walnut 600 Block of Yennie Tayler CT 700 Block of Main Duncan & Rust 300 Block of Yennie 600 Block of Montana Ridge
March 15, 2021 700 Block Main St 1000 Block of E Ryan RD 200 Block SW Nelson Dr Main St I-70
March 16, 2021 1300 Block Jefferson St 100 Block Locust Madison and Central 1400 Block Minter Way 700 Block Main St City Limits / US 40 Hwy 700 Block Main St Main St at I-70
Citizen Contact ATV on Roadway Citizen Contact Alarm Alarm Verbal Disturbance Residence Check Suspicious Person Abandoned Vehicle Lost Property Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Agency Assist Blue Springs PD
Walk-in report of Assault Alarm Parking Complaints Traffic Lights not working
Alarm Agency Assist Oak Grove PD Agency Assist Buckner PD Alarm Agency Assist - DFS Suspicious Vehicles Follow up on Stolen Vehicle Motor Vehicle Accident
Sustaining Members Thank you to our first sustaining members for their support of local news. Join them in supporting YOUR local news at https://www.grainvalleynews.com/store/p7/sustainingmember.html.
Cathy Allie
Marcia Napier
Rose and Steve Brashears
Mike and Tosha Todd
Dennis and Deborah Ellsworth
Sarah and Jerry Vaughan
Shannon Grubb
Courtney and Jeff Williams
Phillip Hanson
Wesley Wolski
Chuck Johnston
Jeff Wolff
Leon Maberry
John and Cory Unrein
Katherine McCarthy
More information about the program including eligibility requirements, an application checklist and to sign-up to be notified when the application portal is open, can be found at www.jacksoncountyerap.org. Detailed program information is also readily available for Spanish-speaking families at www.jacksoncountyerap.org/espanol.
BOARD
The $11.5 million grant is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. The amount of funding received is based on the County’s population, excluding the City of Kansas City, MO.
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appreciated the offer, but outlined several reasons why the venue would not be ideal. Johnston also questioned the cost of insurance for the event, stating he had contacted the Partnership’s insurance agent and was told the cost to insure the food truck events exceeded $8,000. Lindsey disputed the amount quoted by the mayor, indicating the cost to insure the event was just over $1,000, and expenses such as insurance are covered by sponsorships. The resolution allowing Food Truck Fridays to be held in the lot behind the Community Center passed 6-0. Reached for clarification on the insurance premium amount for the food truck event, Grain Valley Partnership Executive Director Tasha Lindsey confirmed the amount she stated in the meeting was correct. “The insurance amount was misquoted by the Mayor for the Food Truck event. The correct price was the price that I mentioned at the meeting, $1026.00 for the season. We will be presenting that amount at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. Since the amount was released in a public forum, we wanted it to be retracted in the same public forum,” Lindsey said. “The Grain Valley Partnership and the Grain Valley Fair are very excited about Food Truck Fridays this year. The support we have received over social media has been tremendous. The trucks all see that, and that is what makes Grain Valley one of their favorite places to visit. Right now, we have over 40 different trucks scheduled to come out over the season, with several trucks that were favorites from last year plus several new trucks that have never been out to Grain Valley before. It looks like we will also have some special non-
Friday nights as well this year where some trucks will come out because we have some businesses in town who want to have trucks come out to their parking lots,” Grain Valley Fair committee member Mike Todd said. “Our first Food Truck Friday is April 9th and then they will go every Friday up until Fair weekend, which is September 10th and 11th. The times will be 4:30pm – 7:30pm each Friday until June, and then we will extend it a half hour and go till 8:00pm. We are planning on trying to bring in some live bands once summer gets here.” The board also approved a resolution renewing an agreement with Ray County to provide secure detention services for adults arrested on municipal charges, and a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Jackson County for distribution of $75,000 in COMBAT funds. Funding will be used to assist the City in defraying costs of its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. In other business, the Board approved the appointment of James Hofstetter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term. The Board plans a workshop in late March to continue discussions regarding facility needs, and its next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held Monday, April 12th at 7:00pm.
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 John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @grainvalleynews Sign up at www.grainvalleynews.com to have Valley News delivered weekly to your inbox.
Looking Back
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Looking Back: Harris Street by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society I don’t know when Harris Street got its name, but I do know that according to the 1930 U S Census it was South Main Street. At some time after 1930 it became Harris Street, named for the family living on the tiny street. It was then, and remains today only two blocks long; one block on the east side and one block on the west side of Main Street, two blocks south of the railroad tracks. Charles Warren Harris was born in Perry Township, Ohio in 1868. He and his older sister, Annie, moved with their parent, Elisa and Sarah Harris, to Iowa around 1870. According to the United States Census of 1900, Charles and his first wife were living in a boarding house in Columbus, Ohio. However, on November 4, 1903, Charles married his second wife, Louiza “Lulu” in Jackson County, Missouri. Lula was the daughter
of George and Melinda Stillwell. According to the 1920 US Census, they were living on Capelle Street in Grain Valley. By the 1930 US Census the Harris family included six children and they had moved to South Main Street. All six children grew up here, attended school here and married a local resident. All six children continued to live in Grain Valley where they raised their own families and sent them to school here. Mabel (1904), the eldest married Ronnie Peal. Ina Jane (1907) was next and she married Bill Mitchell, a Scotsman working at Sni-A-Bar. Clara Belle (1908) married Bill Shippy and Veneda (1910) married Hamp Smith. The boys were Carl (1913) and George (1917). Carl’s wife Velma (Robinson) and George’s wife Gladys (Smith) were local girls.
Their Grain Valley relatives include family names many of you will recognize; Peal, Davis, Coleman, Affolter, Danner, Mitchell, and Todd, to name a few. And that great, great, great grandson I mentioned last week, Miles Bell. He and sisters Payton and Laney are descendants of Mabel Harris Peal, Evelyn Peal Affolter, Dennis Affolter, and Jennifer Affolter Bell! Former Mayor Mike Todd is also a great-grandson. Charles and Lula Harris had 6 children, 11 grandchildren, and more than 20 great-grandchildren. So while Harris Street may be quite short, the list of Harris Family members is quite long. More than 100 years later, their impact on Grain Valley is still going strong.
Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Did you know Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Brookfield is home to more than 100 bald eagles and one of the largest concentrations of Canada geese in North America. Bald Eagles have more than 150 active nests in Missouri.
Support Local News: Become a Sustaining Member Sustaining members receive the following: Name listed in each weekly edition for one year. 20% discount on all advertising and Valley News products. Valley News coffee mug and Roasterie coffee. Each sustaining membership is valid for one year from the date of payment.
Join online at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Because of its big rivers, many lakes and wetland areas, Missouri is especially attractive to these large, magnificent birds. More than 2,000 bald eagles are reported in Missouri regularly during winter, making our state one of the leaders in the lower 48 states.
Business
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Hints of spring and life near normal by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation With March coming in like a lamb, I guess it's supposed to go out like a lion, according to the saying. Personally, I am ready for Spring weather. I’m ready for life to get back to normal or at least more normal. If we can all continue to be smart and safe until everyone who wants to be is vaccinated is, I think something near normal could be possible by this summer. Fingers crossed and knock on wood. Spring also brings tax season, which is often met with much less enthusiasm than warmer temperatures and budding flowers. But there have been a few tax changes related to charitable giving that are worth noting. First, for the vast majority of people who can no longer itemize because of the higher standard deduction, there is a 2020 Universal Charitable Deduction available which provides $300 for individuals and $600 for couples. Even if you cannot itemize, you can take this deduction in 2020 and again in 2021 as this provision was extended in the December stimulus plan legislation. Second, for those of you who are
generously supporting your favorite charities and find as you prepare your tax return you still cannot itemize your deductions, now is a good time to do some tax planning for 2021. Charitable Bunching utilizing a Donor Advised Fund is a tax planning tool that is growing in popularity. Like a charitable savings account, a Donor Advised Fund is just like having your own private foundation – only better and much simpler. In addition to allowing you to become more organized and strategic with your charitable giving, a Donor Advised Fund coupled with a "bunching" strategy provides a way for you to maximize your tax benefits. Gifts to a Donor Advised Fund are immediately tax-deductible. With a "bunching" strategy, you can use your Donor Advised Fund to contribute multiple years' worth of donations in one calendar year, enabling you to exceed the standard deduction in that year. You then can maintain your regular support of your favorite charities through grants from your Donor Advised Fund over several years. You claim the standard deduction in the years you don't bunch your charitable gifts. Let's look at the example of a couple
February Jobs Report Missouri non-farm payroll employment decreased in February 2021, probably the result of deteriorating weather conditions. However, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, decreased by 11,600 jobs over the month, and over-the year job losses totaled 130,500. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in February 2021, down from 4.3 percent in January 2021. The labor market still showed substantial losses over the year, but may show improvement in the coming months as vaccines for COVID-19 become available. Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point in February 2021, dropping to 4.2 percent from the benchmarked January 2021 rate of 4.3 percent. Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the February 2021 rate was 0.6 percentage
points higher than the February 2020 rate. The rate had reached a low of 3.1 percent starting in July 2018, before gradually edging up to 3.5 percent by the end of 2019, and then to 3.7 percent in March 2020. The COVID-19 effect hit in April 2020, spiking the rate to 12.5 percent for that month. The rate decreased monthly for the rest of 2020, reaching 4.3 percent in January. Missouri’s unemployment rate remained below the national rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 128,934 in February 2021, down by 1,615 from January’s 130,549. The state’s not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 5.0 percent in February 2021, also down by a tenth of a percentage point from the January 2021 notseasonally-adjusted rate of 5.1 percent. The corresponding not-seasonallyadjusted national rate for February 2021 was 6.6 percent. A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.6 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 3.8 percent.
with state and local tax deductions, plus mortgage interest deductions that total $18,000 per year ($10,000 SALT, $8,000 Mortgage). They are charitably minded and currently generously donate $7,000 to support their church and favorite charities, which gives them $25,000 total in itemized deductions. However, since the standard deduction is now $25,100, they cannot itemize. If they use a Donor Advised Fund to bunch their charitable giving and put three years' worth of contributions (or $21,000) into their fund, then they would have $39,000 in deductions this year and could itemize and receive the additional tax deduction of $13,900. In the next two years, they would take the standard deduction on their tax return. They would continue to donate their typical $7,000 each year to their favorite charities through grants from their Donor Advised Fund. The Donor Advised Fund resources are invested and will have the opportunity to grow tax-free, resulting in more money available to support both their church and chosen causes. Additionally, a Donor Advised Fund offers an opportunity to maximize the power of your charitable contributions
with gifts of non-cash assets. By donating appreciated securities, such as stocks and mutual funds, directly to your fund (instead of selling the security and donating the cash), you can gain considerable tax advantages. You avoid the capital gains taxes and receive the charitable deduction for your gift's fair market value. Talk to your financial advisor and do some tax planning now to ensure you have the most effective charitable giving plan to minimize your 2021 taxes and maximize your giving. Waiting until later in the year may keep you from taking full advantage of this tax-saving tool. So, while we may have to wait patiently for spring to arrive, now is the time for your 2021 tax planning.
Phil Hanson is the president and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through partnerships with donors and community members. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816-836-8189.
State News
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Eric Schmitt joins Missouri race for U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Roy Blunt by Jason Hancock, Missouri Independent Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt officially jumped into the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, making him the second major Republican hopeful seeking to replace Roy Blunt. Schmitt’s decision comes after former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens jumped into the race earlier this week. Both made their announcements on Fox News. “Washington, D.C., needs more fighters, needs more reinforcements to save America,” Schmitt said Wednesday morning. After Blunt announced he wouldn’t seek a third term in 2022, a parade of GOP candidates began publicly considering running for the now open seat. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft was considered the frontrunner, but he bowed out of the race last week. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe followed suit a week later. Those moves opened the door for Schmitt, a former state legislator from St. Louis County who was appointed attorney general in 2019 and won a full term last year. He has long harbored ambitions to be a U.S. Senator. In 2017, as Josh Hawley was publicly waffling about whether to challenge then-Sen. Claire McCaskill, Schmitt traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss the race with leaders of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He ultimately begged off when Hawley launched his campaign and became the clear frontrunner. High-profile lawsuits Schmitt was considered a moderate during his two terms in the Missouri Senate. But his politics evolved as the state turned a deeper shade of red over the last decade — and his ambitions turned toward a statewide race. And since becoming attorney general, his national profile has grown through a series of lawsuits that have bolstered his conservative bona fides. Last year, Schmitt sued the Chinese government, accusing it of lying and covering up the danger posed by the coronavirus. And just as Blunt was announcing his decision not to run, Schmitt joined a lawsuit against the Biden administration challenging an executive order tightening regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. But his most controversial move as attorney general was joining the legal effort to overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. The lawsuits were ultimately rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. More recently, Schmitt has become embroiled in controversy over a robocall sent out by an arm of the the Republican Attorneys General Association that urged supporters march to the U.S. Capitol to “stop the steal” — a reference to former President Trump’s baseless election fraud claims.
On Jan. 6, a day after the robocall, a violent mob stormed the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. Schmitt, who serves as vice chairman of the association, has denied knowledge of the robocall. But records show his office had an invitation to a conference call with the group behind the robocall the day it was sent out. He has also garnered headlines for his efforts to combat violent crime in the urban core, drawing praise for the “Safer Streets Initiative” — a joint effort he launched in 2019 between the attorney general’s office and U.S. attorneys. But a push by Schmitt to convince Missouri lawmakers to give him the power to prosecute certain homicide cases in St. Louis has been controversial, with critics contending he was simply trying to strip authority away from St. Louis’ first Black prosecutor, Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. The bill never gained traction. Legislative career During his eight years in the state Senate, Schmitt’s highest-profile victory came with legislation capping the amount of revenue municipalities could raise from traffic tickets and other violations. The bill was inspired by abuses uncovered in the wake of the Ferguson uprising in 2014. An investigation at the time by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch detailed how cities in the St. Louis area relied heavily on court fines and fees to raise revenue for city services. Schmitt was also a champion during his legislative career for those with autism, inspired by his son Stephen, who is on the autism spectrum, is nonverbal and has epilepsy. He successfully pushed for legislation allowing a person with disabilities, or their families, to open a tax-exempt savings account for the purpose of paying expenses relating to disabilities, including autism. Another of Schmitt’s bills that became law required health insurance companies to pay up to $40,000 per year for autism therapy. He also sponsored a bill allowing cannabidiol, a cannabis extract, to be used to treat epilepsy patients who don’t respond to conventional treatments. And in 2015, after reports surfaced about the vicious beating of a 12-yearold autistic boy by a classmate in the Liberty School District, Schmitt threatened to derail state funding for the district unless it took steps to strengthen anti-bullying policies. But his legislative career, and his reputation as a political moderate, could also be a stumbling block for Schmitt in a GOP primary. Most notably, perhaps, was Schmitt’s push for the so-called “China Hub” legislation in 2011. The bill included $360 million in tax breaks intended to make Lambert-St. Louis International Airport a hub for freight flown between China and
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt discusses the Safer Streets Initiative at an event in St. Louis. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Attorney General's Office. the Midwest. The bill drew intense criticism from conservative lawmakers, who bristled at creating a new tax credit program unless the state reined in other tax credit spending. The idea ultimately died after weeks of debate when a compromise couldn’t be reached between the House and Senate.
Jason Hancock has been writing about Missouri since 2011, most recently as lead political reporter for The Kansas City Star. He has spent nearly two decades covering politics and policy for news organizations across the Midwest, and has a track record of exposing government wrongdoing and holding elected officials accountable. www.missouriindependent.com
Community Voices
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Musings from the Middle: Of Note—A guide to enjoying Karaoke by Cathy Allie In another life, I am a good singer. I wear a sparkly cocktail dress, weave my way through the tables up to the stage in the smoky nightclub, squint into the spotlight, and launch into a performance that would make Babs Streisand, Judy Garland, Lindsey Buckingham, or maybe, just maybe, Janet Jackson, cry. In real life, I can sort of carry a tune and love lots of kinds of music, the perfect combination to become a karaoke singer. When my husband and I first dated, we ended up at a local pub’s karaoke night. It was a full house on a Saturday, and as a dare, we each picked a song to sing. While waiting our turn, we heard some folks who should have cut a record, and some who patterned themselves after the sound of dying whales. At the pub’s long tables, we made friends with some of the regulars. Jodi, new to the area from California, had sung on public access TV. She gave free advice to those who returned from the stage to their seats. “Next time stand up a little straighter to lengthen your diaphragm,” she told Tony. “You will get more volume and be able to hit the high notes.” He bought her a tequila shot in gratitude, but she refused it as she had heard alcohol damaged vocal chords. We met a singer whom we later found out was 90% deaf, yet who sang the most beautiful version of “Make the World Go Away” we had ever heard. I had almost had enough to drink to start re-thinking my song entry that night when they called my name. I made it through a pretty wicked version of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” channeling Gladys, minus the Pips. The crowd clapped politely. A couple of songs later my brave date sang Hank William’s “Family Tradition,” and the crowd went wild. I felt a surge of pride that this was my fella, and he could actually sing. We enjoyed a few more roundsboth of singers and of drinks- and were winding down when Betty, the pub’s aging and only waitress, dropped a yellow ticket in front of my date. “Congrats! You are in the finals,” she said. Unbeknownst to us, we had joined in the fun on karaoke contest night. Truthfully kind of disappointed I was unticketed, I looked up into the eyes of a true competitor, who had already opened the massive song list book, and was busy selecting his next number. While there is some debate these many years later between my now husband and me about the amount of the prize awarded that night, suffice it to say, he made Bobby Darrin proud with a version of “Mack the Knife” that won the big cash prize. This was before the proverbial mic drop became popular, but it was a pretty good moment. A man who can earn a
check during the week and pick up a little extra moola singing on weekends? Sign me up. He believes his boyish charm won me over. Actually, I had always wanted to marry a performer. We spent a few (read many) nights at the pub, making more karaoke friends and introducing some of our friends to it. Along the way we learned so much about the fine art of karaoke. Here are ten things you should know, too. First, applaud no matter the quality of the performance. You may be applauding for the courage of the person who put it all out there, possibly for the fact the song is finally over, and because it really is just for fun. And most importantly, if you stink when it is your turn to sing, they will also clap for you. Second, some folks take their karaoke very seriously. If they change outfits any time during the night for different songs, forget about beating them in the weekly contest. Karaoke joints are not the place to get discovered, but believe me, some warblers think they are. Third, don’t karaoke if you cannot read. The words literally light up in front of you, and all you have to do is follow them. If the crowd helps you or the K-J steps in, you are sunk. Hooked on phonics for you, friend. Fourth, maybe it actually is time to stop believing. That Journey song is a huge karaoke foul in most places. If you hear an audible groan when your title comes up, you have a strike against you before your opening note. Other ones you might want to put on the back burner are Adele’s “Hello” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” It is possibly time for a B52’s “Love Shack” return, but first check the crowd for dark glasses, go-go boots, and beehive hairdos to see if you will have any fans. Fifth, most people cannot rap, and that includes you. A particularly saucy rendition of Baby Got Back might be a good substitute for the Eminem song you wanted to sing, but leave beat boxing and Tupac at home. Sixth, the 4th week in April is National Karaoke week. I think that should tell you about its importance. It has its own week for crying out loud! Seventh, the best duet for a man and woman is “I Got You Babe” ala Sonny and Cher, because they weren’t really in tune when they sang it, so it seems okay if you aren’t either. Dolly Parton and George Jones’ “Rockin’ Years” is a good one, too, if the crowd likes country. Leave anything from Lionel Richie or Peaches and Herb alone, dang it. You will never sound that good. Eighth, “Paradise By the Dashboard Lights” is too long, as is “American Pie,” but if the crowd likes to get involved, these are sure ways to win them over. If you do launch into a sing along number, don’t be surprised if some overlyenthusiastic new friend joins you on stage or if you end up with back up dancers. It’s all a part of the karaoke
game. Ninth, deliberately performing another singer’s signature song is considered bad form. At our old place, Tammy and Jake had cornered the market on most of the duets. That was okay with us, as we both envision ourselves as primarily solo acts. But we witnessed a near thrown down the night Sheila sang Celine Dion ‘s “The Heart Will Go On,” when everyone knew it was Debbie’s territory. Shameless! Tenth, if you can get dancers on the floor during your song, you have made it big time. We noticed that the contest winners almost always had dancers. As my friend would say about the good singers, “They sound so much like the record!” I have to admit that our buddy’s version of “Living on Tulsa Time” and his rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues,” which both got multiple dancers last time he sang them, have tested the theory a bit. But put on your falsetto vest and break out a Whitney Houston number like “I Will Always Love You” or a Bee Gees “How Deep Is Your Love,” and the slow-dancers
come out of the woodwork. When the pub closed (read: was condemned), we were sad, and we never found another just right place to recreate those fun days. We missed Jodi’s advice and Ray the K-J’s announcing skills. We saw Tammy and Jake at a table near ours when we were eating out one night years later. In the flickering Olive Garden candlelight, they looked just like your next door neighbors. But we remembered their power when they held those karaoke mics. If you hummed, ran the lyrics through your mind, or sang aloud to any of the songs I mentioned, you likely have the karaoke bug. If you weren’t moved by any of my suggestions, but have your own personal favorite in mind, you have surely been bitten. Call us if you are out and about some night for karaoke. We might just come by and dance to one of your numbers.
Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.
Your Health
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Oral care tips for parents by the ages (StatePoint) Proper oral care is essential to overall wellness. Here are a few tips and strategies for each stage of your child’s development: Teething Even before your child’s first tooth appears, good oral care matters. While some discomfort is associated with teething, you can help alleviate it by being prepared. When it comes to teethers, look for smart designs, keeping in mind that a teether can only do its job if your baby can hold onto it. Check out new solutions, like the NotToo-Cold-To-Hold Teether, which features a handle that stays room temperature while the gel-filled teethers are chilled to go to work. The teethers come in four specially designed shapes with different textures to massage and stimulate gums in the front and back and reach all new teeth types. The American Dental Association recommends a dental visit within six months of the appearance of a child’s first tooth, so this is also a good time to find a pediatric dentist for your child
Mandatory 10 digit dialing
and schedule an appointment. Babies and Toddlers “It’s important to instill good habits at a young age. Even when your child still has a gummy smile, you can introduce the brushing gesture and oral hygiene habits with a toothbrush,” says Dr. Misee Harris, a pediatric dentist based in Arkansas. “One good option I like to recommend to parents is the Frida Baby Grow-With-Me Training Toothbrush Set because it’s designed specifically for this purpose with it’s triple angle bristles.” Dr. Harris points out that the set contains both a training toothbrush for babies to provide sore gum relief and basic brushing training, as well as a training toothbrush for toddlers that helps continue to build good brushing habits and nurture their growing independence with your help. “Making brushing fun and efficient is key when getting little ones to enjoy and engage in oral hygiene,” according to Dr. Harris.
begins April 24
Photo credit: iStock Photo Elementary-Aged Kids By this age, kids should be well on their way to proper brushing techniques and oral care habits. Encourage them to keep up the good work by giving them a bit of control and independence. Let them select their own toothbrush and toothpaste, and help them create a routine that aligns with their dentist’s recommendations. This is also a good time to instill good nutrition habits, as this can play a big role in oral hygiene. Indeed, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So try to make snacks and beverages with added sugars more of a special treat than part of your child’s daily diet. Also, be sure to include plenty of foods that build strong teeth and gums. Through each age and stage of your child’s development, you can play an important role in helping foster a healthy smile.
Beginning April 24th, callers in Missouri area codes must dial all ten digits of a phone number to make local calls. On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted an order approving the designation of 988 as the 3-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, requiring all telecommunications carriers, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, and one-way VoIP providers (covered providers) to make any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) starting July 16, 2022. What is the impact of making the 988 a 3-digit dialing code? In the area codes where the 988 is an assigned, working prefix, local calls will have to be dialed using all 10-digits of the phone number. To complete all local calls, you will need to dial area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within your area code that are currently dialed with 7-digits. What states/area codes are impacted by this Order? There are 37 states and 83 area codes that are impacted by this Order where the 988 prefix is a working prefix and has 7digit local dialing. This includes the entire Missouri 314, 417, 660, and 816 area codes. Will everyone in the 314, 417, 660, and 816 area codes have to dial 10-digits for a local call or just the people with 988 numbers? Yes. Every customer in the entire 314, 417, 660, and 816 area codes will change to mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls. Dialing 7-digits for local calls will be prohibited for all customers in the entire area code.
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Delicious and delightful carrot cake twists for Easter (StatePoint) Carrot cake has been an Easter staple for years, so why not serve some fun takes on this popular dessert for your celebration? With Easter landing on International Carrot Day, April 4, John Kanell, culinary expert and founder of Preppy Kitchen, partnered with McCormick spices to create exclusive Easter dessert recipes that put a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. “Growing up, desserts were always the highlight of Easter, with my mother and grandmother making wonderful carrot cakes from scratch,” Kanell said. Because carrot cake brings back great memories, Kanell wanted to channel that nostalgia, while adding whimsical touches. His resulting creations are fun, family-friendly and beyond-delicious. As darling as they are tasty, Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld way that allows the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. Big and little kids alike can help frost and decorate! Make room at the dessert table for Carrot Cake Roll with Lemon Cream
Cheese Filling – a fluffy spiced cake loaded with carrots and the warm flavor of McCormick spices. Rolled up with a light and airy lemon and cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season. “As a nod to my Greek heritage, my family always incorporated lemon into our dessert recipes. Adding it to the cream cheese filling provides a bright complement to my slightly sweet and tender Carrot Cake Roll recipe,” Kanell said. Kanell is also sharing his top baking tips for success. • Feature carrots front-and-center in desserts. Beyond their beautiful orange color, they add moisture to baked goods. • Too much flour makes for dense, gummy baked goods. Always measure your flour correctly by using a scale or fluffing the flour and sprinkling it into your measuring cup before leveling off. • Don’t over-mix your batter. It will activate the gluten in the flour and cause your baked goods to go from tender and airy to tough and overly chewy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined.
• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese – left out of the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes. They should show a slight indent when pressed, yet still hold shape. Remember that consistency is important when creaming butter with sugar and it should be visibly fluffy and not cling to the side of your mixing bowl. • Stock your spice rack with McCormick pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg so it is ready for all your baking needs. Spring is all about nature waking up after a long slumber and these essential spices brighten and add warmth to seasonal dishes. • Even if your little ones are too young to make a recipe, they can still help measure, mix and combine ingredients, and of course decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies. For these exclusive Easter carrot cake -inspired recipes, crafting ideas for kids and kids-at-heart, and everything else you need to complete your Easter celebration, visit mccormick.com/easter. With delicious takes on the classic
Photo credit: John Kanell carrot cake, your family can hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and whimsical fun this Easter.
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Outdoors & Recreation
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Late March and early April a good time to catch walleye and white bass by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation March and April are months when anglers have a chance to catch walleye and white bass moving to spawning areas. Spring’s warming water temperatures put fish on the move. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) biologists have some tips for anglers seeking to catch walleye and white bass making spring runs in the northwest and Kansas City regions. Walleye spawn earlier than most sport fish. But they are not necessarily easy to catch. They traditionally moved up rivers to rocky areas to spawn. In lakes without rocky rivers, they will move near dams with rock rip rap or on to rocky points. They’re not interested in feeding during runs, making them harder to catch. But if one takes a lure, it might be a trophy-sized walleye. “Smithville Lake and Mozingo Lake dams will be the highlight in late March and early April for walleye,” said Tory Mason, MDC fisheries management biologist. “Fishing is best at night using shallow running crankbaits or twitch baits to entice a reaction strike, since most fish on the dam aren’t there to eat.” Smithville Lake is north of Kansas City and Mozingo Lake is east of Maryville. Parks at the lakes offer public boat or shore access. Harrison County Lake near Bethany also offers some walleye fishing. “The best opportunities for anglers to catch a walleye this time of year is to target them after dark when these fish
move into the shallows to spawn,” said Eric Dennis, MDC fisheries management biologist. “Females will come in lay their eggs and leave the area within a few days, while the males will hang out for a couple of weeks for the opportunity to spawn.” Longview Lake and Lake Jacomo in the eastern Kansas City metro area also have walleye spawning runs near the dams, said Jake Allman, MDC fisheries management biologist. Walleye runs also occur near the Stockton Lake dam in Cedar County. Feeder streams into Truman Lake in west central Missouri have some walleye runs, but they occur mostly near private land and fishing access is limited. Anglers should check fishing regulations in the Wildlife Code of Missouri for the waters they plan to fish. Some known walleye spawning areas may be closed to fishing during the spring to protect the spawning run, especially in streams. Any walleye foul hooked or not legally hooked in the mouth must be turned loose. White bass are a hard-fighting fish that are also aggressive feeders during their spring spawning run. Given the right water temperatures, they will run up the Little Platte River that feeds Smithville Lake. Anglers catch them on jigs or minnows. Other lakes have white bass, too. “As soon as the walleye are finished, white bass will be stacked heavily on the dam at Lake Jacomo,” Allman said.
Early spring provides anglers a chance to catch walleye and white bass as they make spawning runs. This walleye (top photo) was captured and release by MDC biologists monitoring populations. But it shows how big the toothy fish can get. Photo credit: MDC “This usually occurs the second week of April.” White bass spawn in large numbers. When anglers find them, the fishing action can be fast and exciting. “A lot of the larger creeks that flow into Truman Lake have white bass runs in the spring,” said Chris Brooke, MDC fisheries management biologist. “By boat, you may need to push up the creeks as far as you can to get to the fish when they’re running good.
Celebrate Missouri trees through Arbor Days in April by Joe Jerek , Missouri Department of Conservation Spring is a great time to plant trees. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care. This year’s Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 2. Missouri has been observing the state's official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 30 for 2021. Missouri forests cover about onethird of the state and provide outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, jobs, timber for many wood products, and much more. Spending time in Missouri woods and forests can also provide health benefits. Exposure to nature contributes to physical wellbeing, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, relieves stress, and boosts energy levels. Trees also work to help our wallets, our families, our communities, our environment, and our economy. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/forest. Get information on backyard tree
care – including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more -at mdc.mo.gov/tree-health. MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers residents a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are accepted from Nov. 1 to April 15 every year. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/ seedlings.
Missouri’s official state tree, the native flowering dogwood presents boughs of white flower clusters in the spring. Learn more from the MDC online Field Guide at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/ field-guide/flower
There’s also some potential to catch white bass by fishing places along the Corps of Engineers public lands where the creeks come into the lake.” Anglers can find places to go fishing and check regulations using MDC’s free MO fishing app, https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJZ. A wide variety of information about fishing in Missouri is available on the web at https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZS4.
Sports
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Young Eagles hopeful ‘fore’ successful golf season by John Unrein It is hard to imagine a better way to return from spring break than hitting the links. Overcast skies and 65 degrees greeted the 18 high school teams participating in the Independence Invitational on March 22nd at Drumm Farm Golf Course. The Grain Valley Eagles boys golf team under the leadership of head coach Andy Herbert looked to build on their early season success. Herbert’s squad had already won the Oak Grove Invitational on March 19th at Adams Point Golf Course, with Sophomore Owen Herbert (77 for the round) as the individual champion and Freshman Charlie Aldred (83 for the round) as the runner-up. Both golf courses the Eagles competed on recently have beautiful views and unique layouts. The major difference between the two is that the Drumm Farm Course is more open with less wooded areas. This affords daring golfers to be more aggressive in their club and shot selection. The potential reward is an opportunity to put for a birdie or par due to the golf ball not being trapped in leaves or between trees along the fairway. That approach was capitalized on by both Herbert and Aldred during the Independence Invitational. “Last week the forecast said it was going to rain today and we were not sure if we would get to play. We got to miss school and enjoy this weather,” Owen Herbert said. “This course at Drumm Farm is more attackable due to its openness in places and can lead to lower scores in my opinion. I love the greens at Adams Pointe. Both courses offer a fair test to golfers.” Aldred added, “This course (at Drumm Farm) fits my game better. I like to hit the ball long and that means it will not always go straight. You must take advantage of the par fives and go for birdies. You may not always be on the fairways, but you will have a hittable second shot.” Grain Valley would go on to finish 7th place with a team score of 352 across 18 holes at the Independence Invitational.
The Eagles would accumulate three golfers with a score of 90 or less. Owen Herbert would tie for 8th place with a score of 78, Aldred would tie for 11th place with a score of 79, and Connor Nadeau would round out the trio with a score of 87. The wet conditions over the past weeks have led to a Grain Valley squad that has not been able to practice as much as they would like. A growth mindset in golf for the Eagles means that improved scores over time is how both Herbert and Aldred indicated they will measure success as the season progresses. Putting is another facet of the game that each feel is overlooked and can shave points off a score if given the necessary attention. The commitment needed to be successful at the high school level in golf is something not lost on Herbert as he leads his team conducting multiple roles. “There is a lot that goes into to being a successful golfer. You cannot escape the offseason commitment. Hot summer days and cold winter afternoons are what is needed to maintain consistency and push for growth,” Andy Herbert said. “Most people can’t buy a ticket and come watch these events, so you don’t get to appreciate how good some of these kids are.” “Building relationships with the kids is priority one. That lets you know what each one needs as this is a sport that tests mental toughness. On the basketball court, you are worried about what the team needs to stay together. You have to know the kid as an individual to see what they may need prescribed to help their golf game.” Andy Herbert concluded, “We have established where we are at the outset of the season. We were 353 (at Oak Grove) and today we were 352 (at Independence Invitational). Now we will start to attack the full swing or short game for each golfer as needed to find growth. That will allow us to remain consistent and push ahead to where we want to be come April.”
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Sports
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Eagles on a roll with win over Trojans by John Unrein One week into the baseball season and the Grain Valley Eagles find themselves with a 4-1 record. Timely hitting by Cole Keller, strong pitching from Alex Snyder and Joel Palecek, and a key sacrifice bunt by Cole Arndorfer propelled the Eagles to a 5-2 victory over the Park Hill Trojans on March 24th. Overcast skies and a chilly 48 degree temperature did not halt Grain Valley from staying hot out of the gate during their 2021 season. The Eagles win was the second time they had defeated the Trojans in Pool B play of the Kansas City Metro High School Leadoff Tournament within the span of four days. Alex Snyder used fastball command and a breaking ball that nipped the outside edge of the plate to hold down the Trojan offense through the first three innings. The sophomore gave up two earned runs and rang up three strikeouts prior to exiting in the top of the fourth inning after taking a sharply hit ball off the shin. Snyder tried to continue on the mound with a few warmup pitches to no avail as Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell believed it best for Snyder’s day to be done. Joel Palecek would come on in relief of Snyder during the top of the fourth inning. Palecek was summoned cold off the bench and needed the warmup pitches to find his correct stride length with the front foot in his delivery. Once the appropriate distance was found with his lead left foot by the sophomore, he was able to keep his fastball down in the zone and hitters off balance with his secondary offerings. Palecek would go on to pitch two and two-third scoreless innings in relief, racking up two strikeouts before yielding to Keller in the bottom of the seventh for the save. Keller’s day would be highlighted by stellar play in all three phases of the game. The senior would make a great running grab in left field during the second inning to compliment his save in the final frame. Keller’s biggest contribution of the day would come at the plate though. A three for three afternoon that included a grand slam and four runs batted in left everyone with a smile in the Grain Valley dugout. Both Palecek and Keller explained why this win was important to them. “I felt confident on the mound. My first few warmup pitches were a little wild and that had me nervous. I was determined though to do my job. My
fastball command was there due to the finish in my delivery. This start to the season by our team feels great,” Palecek said. Keller added, “My approach at the plate is to stay calm and loose. I try to attack the right side with my swing and adjust upon seeing the pitch. That works at any level of baseball.” “I wanted the ball on the bump (the mound) the whole game, but I knew we needed to let my teammates throw successfully, and they did. I was happy to get called upon in the seventh, especially against those guys (Park Hill) and the successful reputation they have. It was great to compete and close out the game.” Keller’s swing was swift and level all three times he made contact at the plate. His shot that cleared the bases in the third inning was a no doubter over the centerfield fence at the Creekside Baseball Complex in Parkville. A feat that is even more eventful when you consider that Keller has not played high school baseball for almost twenty two months, with his last stint being on the diamond during the 2019 baseball season. The icing on the cake for the Eagles was laid down (pun intended) by pinch hitter Cole Arndorfer in the bottom of the sixth inning. The senior would apply a sacrifice bunt that hugged the first base line in staying fair and brought Keller home from third base. The proper execution by Arndorfer extended Grain Valley’s lead by three runs to what would end up being the final score of 52. Driskell’s faith in Arndorfer was rewarded and led to a boisterous Eagles dugout. It is not hard to notice how much Driskell is enjoying baseball again. The Eagles skipper has chosen Twitter as a way to remember those who did not get to have a 2020 high school baseball season. The sentiment expressed is how difficult it was to not watch last year’s seniors get to compete and how much Driskell misses that group of individuals. Something that leaves Driskell soaking up each win this season that much more. “I am not sure that I have seen a kid put a team on his back in baseball the way that (Cole) Keller does. It is so rare in baseball as you can only affect the game every ninth time you are at the plate offensively. He is a big difference maker. Keller being a three sport athlete is immense as he is in pressure
situations all the time and they do not rattle him. It is apparent in his leadership and the way he rises to the challenge,” Driskell said. “Arndorfer’s sacrifice bunt was a selfless act done by a selfless player. That starts with his parents and is a testament to the type of kids that are on this team. We talked about the possibility of that situation before the inning started and he (Arndorfer) assured me by saying ‘absolutely coach, whatever you need, I will get it done’ and he delivered. Equally as impressive was how well Arndorfer handled Keller then behind the plate in the seventh
inning.” Driskell continued, “Palecek did a nice job coming in with the circumstance he faced in a tight game. He has fought being nervous in practice and his first varsity outing. Today, he pitched confidently against a good team in Park Hill and held down a two run lead. His facial expression never changes, and you can never tell whether he is calm or upset. His teammates were equally as impressed.” Grain Valley will next travel north to face the Liberty Blue Jays on March 27th.
Spring Cleaning for a Cause With Spring quickly approaching, Community Services League (CSL) and Thrift World are inviting you to start fresh by de-cluttering your home and donating non-perishable food, household items and gently used clothing during a spring cleaning drive on Saturday, April 10th from 9:00am— 1:00pm at Community of Christ Auditorium, 111 West Pacific Avenue, Independence. No matter the items you find within your home, chances are they can be beneficial to our neighbors in the community. For your convenience and to minimize contact, this will be a drivethru collection located at 1111 West Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. Items accepted: - Gently used or new clothing - Shoes - Handbags
Community Calendar Thursday, March 25, 2021 Grain Valley Historical Society Membership Meeting 7:00pm www.grainvalleyhistory.com
- Bedding - Small Appliances - Household items Do you have larger items such as furniture you are interested in parting ways with? Contact CSL at 816-254-4100 or info@cslcares.org to learn more about our pick-up service.
Saturday, March 27, 2021 Discover Nature: Aquatics 10:00am—11:00am Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64110 Registration required (ages 8+) Take a step off land and dive into the world of aquatic ecosystems. Learn how to identify macroinvertebrates and what they tell us about water quality. Discover the watershed you live in and how our actions can have an impact and get up close with aquatic wildlife. Discover Missouri's aquatic ecosystems and discover a world of wonder. This is an all outdoor program so dress for the weather. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor the day prior to the event if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. Monday, March 29, 2021 Women of Missouri: Shaping the ShowMe-State 7:00pm—7:35pm Presenter: Jim Wallen Held virtually online by Mid-Continent Public Library Register: www.mymcpl.org/events Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events Friday, April 2, 2021 Easter Break Grain Valley Schools closed Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Municipal Election Polls open 6:00am—7:00pm Information on polling locations and ballot issues may be found at www.jcebmo.org.
Saturday, April 10, 2021 Spring Cleaning for a Cause 9:00am - 1:00pm Community of Christ Auditorium 1111 West Pacific Ave, Indep., 64050 With Spring quickly approaching, CSL and Thrift World are inviting you to start fresh by de-cluttering your home and donating non-perishable food, household items and gently used clothing. No matter the items you find within your home, chances are they can be beneficial to our neighbors in the community. For your convenience and to minimize contact, this will be a drive-thru collection located at 1111 West Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. ITEMS ACCEPTED: - Gently used or new clothing - Shoes - Handbags - Bedding - Small Appliances - Household items Do you have larger items such as furniture you are interested in parting ways with? Contact CSL at 816-254-4100 or info@cslcares.org to learn more about our pick-up service. Monday, April 12, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center Monday, April 26, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
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