Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
APRIL 9, 2020
Grain Valley South Middle School Teacher Receives Prestigious Award Jessica Dierking has spent all six years of her career as a public educator at Grain Valley South Middle School. Meeting the daily challenge of building positive relationships with pubescent adolescents along with making sure they understand ratios and proportional relationships is something Dierking excels at as a seventh grade math teacher. Her talent as an instructor and caring adult in the lives of young people has not gone unnoticed. Dierking has been awarded the Jedel Family Foundation for Math Excellence Exponential Educator Award. The ceremony took place virtually, via Google Meet on Friday, April 3rd during a Grain Valley South faculty meeting led by Principal Jim Myers. Congratulatory comment boxes filled computer screens as faculty learned of Dierking winning the award. The Jedel Excellence in Mathematics Education Awards are bestowed to recognize exemplary K-12 math teaching. Established by the Jedel Family Foundation in 2018, the awards recognize outstanding mathematics teachers in the Greater Kansas City area.
Grain Valley South Middle School Math Teacher Jessica Dierking was awarded the Jedel Family Foundation for Math Excellence Exponential Educator Award during a virtual staff meeting on Friday, April 3rd. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools The awards recognize those that implement innovative instructional practices and strategies to strengthen student understanding in mathematics. Award recipients serve as leaders for
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Vol. 3, No. 14
FREE
Good News
Teachers Parade Through Town To Connect With Students
Grain Valley Schools Early Childhood and Elementary teachers paraded through town on Wednesday, April 8th to connect with students who are learning from home due to stay at home orders. Teachers decorated their cars and caravanned through town,
accompanied by school buses. Eager students waved from their driveways and street corners. In video: Prairie Branch Elementary staff drove through the Rosewood Hills subdivision. Video credit: Valley News staff
Looking Back: The O’Connell Place by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
At some point, John T. O’Connell put away his barber sheers and started a business on US Highway 40. Also known as “the Main Street of America,” it was the first highway to stretch coast to coast across United States. Often referred to by locals as “Old 40” (Eagles’ Parkway), it was completed in 1926. The route was built on top of several older highways, most notably the National Road and the Victory Highway. The Victory Highway was an auto trail across the United States between New York City and San Francisco, roughly equivalent to the present U.S. Route 40. It was created by the Victory Highway Association, which was organized in 1921 to locate and mark a transcontinental highway to be dedicated to American forces who died in World War I.
see LOOKING BACK on page 3
Connell’’s Place, circa 1928. Pictured left to right: John T. O’ O’’Connell, Creola Warren O O’’Connell, O’Connell O’Connell, Patricia Davis, Danese O O’’Connell Davis, unknown man and woman. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society Nadine O
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S
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Page 2 DIERKING continued from page 1 their schools and ambassadors of mathematics for their community, per the University of Kansas website. Awards are given to classroom mathematics teachers who teach in charter, private, and public schools within eight counties: Platte, Clay, Jackson, and Cass counties in Missouri and Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson and Douglas counites in Kansas. Jedel Family Foundation board member Don Hobbs was present on the call along with his peers to congratulate Dierking and share excerpts from their classroom observation visit along with the nomination submission. Dierking was all smiles during the presentation as her husband Tyler, and other family members (parents and in-laws) were present for the ceremony by getting to be part of the call. Myers was as proud as anyone in sharing his thoughts of Dierking as an educator in his building. “Jessica Dierking makes South Middle School a better place for everyone. John F. Kennedy once said, ‘…a rising tide lifts all boats,’ and Jessica is the living embodiment of that idea at South Middle School,” Myers said. “Her presence benefits not only her students, but teachers and administrators as well. In addition to being an exceptionally talented math teacher, Jessica is passionate about serving other people and helping them reach their full potential.” Myers concluded, “This begins with her students and extends to her colleagues as well at South Middle School. The example she provides gives us all something to aspire to.”
Thought Coordination Company released a story written by Melissa Kelly in October of 2018 about the Ten Things That Worry Math Teachers the Most. Top items on the list included students arriving in their current grade with the needed prerequisite math knowledge to be successful, demonstrating to students connections of math to real life that they will need as consumers, varying math instruction in a way that meets the diverse needs of students, dealing with student absences, and finding time to provide timely feedback in grading. All these challenges make teaching today extremely tricky as well as potentially very rewarding. 21st century learners need a mentor, role model, instructor, and someone who’s technologically competent. The ingredients of this recipe help to foster successful learning. Dierking will receive $5,000 as part of the Jedel Excellence in Mathematics Education Award and will become part of a fellowship of mathematics educators from Kindergarten through 12th grade next year. This will afford Dierking the opportunity to spend time and collaborate with other exceptional math educators in the Kansas City area. Furthermore, Grain Valley South Middle School will also receive a banner to be placed outside the building. Grain Valley South Middle School has received a string of good news recently. Counselor Cara Long was also recently honored as the Greater Kansas City School Counselor Association Middle School Counselor of the Year.
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
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police
Department daily calls for service log for the week of March 25-31, 2020. March 25, 2020 500 Block Lakeview 600 Block Valley Ridge Ct 600 Block Walnut 1200 Block Scenic 800 Block Lee Ann Dr 100 Block Pebblebrook Ln 900 Block Sandy Ln 1200 Scenic Dr 700 Block Main St Sni-A-Bar/Cross Creek 1200 Block SW Dean Dr 200 Block Main St
Golf Cart on Roadway Alarm Vin Verification Disturbance ATV's on Roadway Harassment Citizen Contact Disturbance Citizen Contact Suspicious Persons Assault Suspicious Vehicle
March 26, 2020 100 Block AA Hwy 800 Block Woodland Dr 800 Block Lee Ann Dr 600 Block Woodbury Duncan/Dillingham 600 Block Woodbury 700 Block Main St 200 Block Woodbury 100 Block Main St 1000 Blk SW Mtn View Ct 1800 Block Madi Ct
Agency Assist (IPD) Nuisance Animal ATV on Roadway Disturbance Juvenile Issue Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Shots Fired ATV's on Roadway Stealing
March 27, 2020 900 Block Dogwood 100 Block Michael 1000 Block Pecan Dr 600 Block Cross Creek 1600 Block Kingsway St Dean Dr/Joseph 1300 Block RD Mize 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St
Disturbance Agency Assist (OGPD) Trespassing Civil Stand By Agency Assist (OGPD) Shots Fired Check The Well Being Citizen Assist Citizen Contact
March 28, 2020 800 Block Lee Ann Dr 1400 Blk Buckner Tarsney Rd 1000 Block Stone Brook Dr 1200 Block Pamela 500 Block Broadway 600 Block Valley Ridge Ct 1300 Block Jefferson
Check The Well Being Alarm Juvenile Issue Alarm ATV's on Roadway Alarm Alarm
300 Block Woodbury 600 Block Yennie 400 Block Hamilton 400 Block Front St 700 Block Graystone March 29, 2020 700 Block Main St 700 Block Squire Ct 700 Block Main St
Shots Fired C&I Driver Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Juvenile Issue
700 Block Main St 500 Block Willow 300 Block SE 1st St 900 Block Valley Woods Dr BB Hwy 300 Block Front St 200 Block Cypress 100 Block Buckner Tarsney
Citizen Contact Alarm Recovered Stolen Vehicle Assault ATV on Roadway Agency Assist (OGPD) Shots Fired Debris in Roadway Disturbance Check The Well Being Suspicious Vehicle
March 30, 2020 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 700 Block Main St 200 Block E Broadway 400 Block Walnut 100 Block Main St 100 Block Old US 40 Hwy 800 Block Willow Dr 100 Block Michael 1300 Block Willow
Alarm Property Damage Disturbance Disturbance Motor Vehicle Theft Suspicious Person Burglary Agency Assist (CJC) Agency Assist (BSPD)
March 31, 2020 5th St/Clinton 300 Block E Harris 1100 Block NE McQuerry 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 800 Block Ridgeview 700 Block Crestview 700 Block Orchard 100 Block Harris 600 Block Yennie 400 Block Jefferson 1000 Block Ryan Rd Sni-A-Bar/Cross Creek
Agency Assist (OGPD) Peace Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle Check The Well Being Disturbance Suspicious Person Suspicious Activity Burglary Suspicious Vehicle Alarm Alarm Suspicious Activity
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When Patricia (Davis) Parr gave this photo to the Historical Society, she related to me the success of her grandfather’s business. Built about a half mile west of Buckner Tarsney Road (Main Street), it was the equivalent of our modern-day Casey’s convenience stores. The prominence of Sni-A-Bar Farms, located just across the road, and the newly completed highway afforded the O’Connell family a good living and a big new house on Walnut Street. Pictured at right: Nadine O’Connell was 23 years old when this photo was taken beside a gas pump at the family business. The year was 1930. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
For more information on the Grain Valley Historical Society, visit www.grainvalleyhistory.com.
Plants On Your Plate: Spinach by Denise Sullivan, Nutrition & Health Education Specialist, MU Extension-Jackson County What image comes to mind when you hear the word ‘spinach’? Is it the bright green leafy salad so popular on springtime menus or a dark green stringy mass that appeared on your school lunch tray or dinner plate at grandma’s house? Unfortunately, the latter was my only exposure to spinach as a child, so you can imagine my skepticism, as a young adult, when encouraged to try the spinach salad (with fruit in it no less) at a ladies luncheon held at a quaint tearoom. Ahh…I still had so much to learn! There are three basic types of spinach, Savoy, semi-Savoy and flat leaf. Savoy, also called curly leaf spinach, has large, very dark crinkly leaves and is better suited for cooking. Semi-savoy is very similar, but the leaves tend to smaller and still somewhat crisp and crinkly. Flat leaf, which is the most popular in the United States, has smooth, tender, spade shaped leaves with a slightly sweet flavor. This is the most popular variety for raw uses like salads and smoothies. Baby spinach is flat leaf spinach picked in the early stages of growth. As a quick maturing, cool season leafy green, spinach is often one of the first garden gems to harvest in early spring. A member of the Amaranthaceae family, this leafy annual is a ‘cousin’ to beets, chard, and quinoa. Spinach ranks as one of the most nutrient-dense of all foods. At just 7 calories per uncooked cup, it is an excellent source of folate, and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6. Spinach is also a good source of iron, magnesium, riboflavin and potassium. This vast array of nutrients provide many benefits including reducing risk of heart disease and cancer and promoting eye health, wound healing, healthy blood pressure and protection from neural tube defects
in a developing fetus. It is worth mentioning that the iron found in spinach is non-heme iron, which needs a high vitamin C helper such as citrus foods or strawberries. (Now that first spinach salad makes sense!) As healthful as spinach is, there are potential adverse effects, especially when consumed in large amounts. Because of the high vitamin K, it can interfere with blood thinning medication and clotting ability. In addition, the high levels of oxalic acid and calcium salts can interfere with mineral absorption and contribute to kidney stones in people who are at risk for developing them. As an adult, I may still politely pass when it comes to a plain vegetable side dish, especially if it resembles what I experienced in my early days. However, I have learned to enjoy spinach in a variety of ways…in a salad, in pasta dishes, in omelets and even a breakfast smoothie, like the recipe below. One thing I have learned is that I prefer blueberries or a berry blend, so that the darker purple colors can ‘win’ over the green of the spinach! Berries and Greens Smoothie ½ cup 100% cranberry juice ½ cup vanilla yogurt 1 cup fresh spinach, packed ½ ripe banana (try freezing first) ½ cup frozen berry blend (blueberry, blackberry, strawberry) ¼ teaspoon ground ginger Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Nutrition information (based on 6 servings): Calories: 223, Total Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Sodium: 128mg, Carbohydrates: 41g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 9g Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple, analyzed by verywellfit.com
Business
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Valley News is pleased to provide a free business directory to encourage our readers to support local businesses in this unprecedented time. Listings are provided at no cost to businesses and all local businesses are welcome to add their information. Visit www.grainvalleynews.com to view the Business Directory and/or add your business listing.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS. SHOP LOCAL. AD SPECIALTIES/EMBROIDERY/ SCREEN PRINTING Jeff Barnard Barnard Sports & Apparel 617 NW Valley Ridge CT 816-355-0297 barnardsports@comcast.net barnardsportsandapparel.com Screen printing, Custom Embroidery, Advertising Specialties and uniforms Hours open: 9 to 5 M - F We have been in business since 1999, family owned and operated. We do embroidery and screen printing in house. Come by and see us for your company, team sports or organization needs. We would appreciate your business.
ATTORNEYS Lorri WilbeeWilbee-Kobe Law Office of Lorri L. WilbeeWilbee-Kobe, LLC 510 Main Street, P.O. Box 309, Grain Valley MO 64029 Lkobe@lwklaw.com Www.lwklaw.com Law Office: Family law, Custody, Divorce, Support, Mediation, Traffic, Municipal Court matters, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives Hours open: Normal hours are M-Th 8:30 to 6 and Friday 8:30 to 3. During the Order, we are handling new consultations by phone only and are accepting most payment by credit card (except initial deposits on hourly matters). Due to the significant need for Health Care Powers of Attorney and Directives, we are drafting them with phone consultations for $100.00. We are also accepting credit cards, temporarily, for attorney fees, fines and costs on traffic and municipal court matters. We have been your hometown lawyer’s office since 2006!
AUTOMOTIVE Absolute Automotive LLC 104 E AA Hwy sam@absoluteautomotive.net https://absoluteautomotive.net/ https://www.facebook.com/ AbsoluteAutomotiveLLC/ Auto Repair Hours open: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Hight Automotive, Inc 103 Armstrong Dr 816-229-9919 hightauto@sbcglobal.net Facebook: @Hight Automotive Auto Repair and Machine Shop Hours open: 8am - 7pm Monday thru Thursday Missouri State Inspections by appointment only. We have a drop slot with envelopes provided for dropping off keys with area to specify problems to examine on vehicle. We can take credit card info for payment over the phone and lock keys in vehicle if preferred. Justin Nicholls Nicholls Performance Transmissions 1200 D Nw Pamela Blvd Grain Valley Missouri 64029 816-522-7227 NPT7227@gmail.com Automotive transmission repair Hours open: 7am-6pm Monday-Thursday We’re open! Valley Synthetics David Abrams, Independent Dealer 816-699-2563 djaabrams@gmail.com www.valleysynthetics.com Walker Tire Truck & Tow Service 403 Action Road, Odessa 816816-230230-5752 Facebook: Walker Tire Truck & Tow Towing Company & Tire Store
Hours open: 8-6 M-F 8-2 SAT / TOWING & ROADSERVICE 24/7
AWARDS AND ENGRAVING Melonie Hale MVP Awards & Engraving 805 C West Main, Blue Springs 816-224-6687 mvpawards@sbcglobal.net www.mvp--awards.net www.facebook.com/mvpawards www.facebook.com/ Awards and Engraving engraved gifts, plaques, trophies and sublimation Hours open: Mon, Wed, Fri 10-5 Tues, Thurs 10-6 Sat 10-1 Temporary hours 11-3 Tues & Thurs. Phone answered at all times. Curb side service.
Hours open: Tuesday-Saturday While we currently cannot perform any services, we are still able to get your favorite Kevin Murphy & Unite products to you! Just contact us via Facebook and we will get you taken care of. Fredericos Nail Bar 512 Main St. Suite A 816-288-6449 Ffredericosnailbar18@gmail.com www.vagaries.com/fredericosnailbar Facebook: @Fredericos Nail Bar, @ Instagram: @fredericosnailbar Nail salon Hours open: 10:30-8 Closed for services but gift certificates are available website.
CBD PRODUCTS
BALLOONS Funtastic Balloon Creations 1103 NW Casey Blvd. Grain Valley, Mo 64029 816-598-0690 Info@funtasticballooncreations.com Arches, columns, bouquets, balloon creations, party twisting, helium Hours open: Currently closed to walk in service. No contact delivery provided. During the stay at home order, you may order balloons online ( please give a 24 hour notice) and pick up at the store or we can do porch delivery.
BEAUTY SALONS/NAIL SALONS Studio Five Beauty Boutique 1440 SW Eagles Parkway 816-443-5193 Facebook: @Studio Five Beauty Boutique, Instagram: @Studio Five Beauty Boutique Hair salon, lash & makeup boutique, airbrush spray tan
CBD American Shaman 1402 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley M 64029 816-726-4615 kcbdamericanshaman@gmail.com https://cbdamericanshaman.com/ grainvalley Facebook: Grain Valley American Shaman https://www.yelp.com/biz/americanshaman-grain-valley-grain-valley Retail store specializing in CBD products Hours open: Sun 12-6 M-F 10:30-7 pm For home delivery please order at https://cbdamericanshaman.com/ grainvalley Feel free to call our store 816.726.4615 for curb side pick up and to check as we may flex our hours for the short term.
Business News is sponsored 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
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S
LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY.
www.grainvalleynews.com
Business CHILDCARE Eagles Academy 1438 S Minter Way 816-355-0663 eaglesacademy.gv@gmail.com https://eaglesacademygv.wixsite.com/ website Facebook: @eaglesacademyllc Childcare Provider Hours open: Monday thru Friday 6am to 6pm We are remaining open so essential employees can have care for their children during this time. We are a state licensed facility and the state has asked us to remain open so those on the front lines can still receive quality care. We are waiving all enrollment fees until May 1st for all essential workers. Milestone Academy Child Development Center 1401 Buckner Tarsney Rd Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-0204 milestoneacademy@gmail.com milestoneacademycdc.com Child care services Hours open: 6:00am-6:00pm Hours reduced to 6:30am – 5:30pm during stay at home order.
CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Catherine Dowd Grain Valley Chiropractic, LLC 203 South Main Street 816-443-5485 grainvalleychiro@gmail.com www.grainvalleychiro@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ grainvalleychiro/?ref=bookmarks Chiropractic We are reaching out to ensure your patient care and safety is our highest priority. We are going above and beyond CDC guidelines to safeguard your health and safety. During this time, we have arranged appointments to help with social distancing and limit patient exposure. As you arrive for your appointment, we are asking that you remain in your vehicle and we will contact via text or phone call when you may enter. We do not foresee a long wait time as we have arranged our schedule to accommodate this.
CHURCHES crossroads Church 900 NW Jefferson ST 816-847-7621 http://direction4living.com First Baptist Church Grain Valley 207 W. Walnut www.grainvalleyfirst.com
Faith United Methodist Church 1950 SW Eagles Parkway 816-847-0008 www.valleyfaith.church
CLEANING SERVICES Kade Cleaning Systems, LLC 500 James Rollo Dr 816-888-9653 kadecleaningsystemsllc@gmail.com kadecleaning.com https://www.facebook.com/ kadecleaning Emergency Water Damage/Clean-up, Fire Damage and Mold Clean-up 24 hours for emergency services We are available 24/7 for any emergency needs you have.
DENTAL
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Lodge of the Four Paws 511 James Rollo Dr 816-847-7777 Facebook: Lodge of the Four Paws Dog & cat grooming & boarding Hours open: M-W 8-6, Th 8-4, F 8-6, Sat 8-3, Sun 5-6
DOG TRAINING K9 Diversity Dog Training 515 Main St k9diversitydogtraining@gmail.com k9diversitydogtraining.com facebook.com/K9DiversityGrainValley Dog training Hours open: 4-8pm during the week 10-8 on Saturday Open for phone consultations during the stay at home order.
Guthrie Family Dental 1203 S Buckner Tarsney Rd guthriefamilydental@gmail.com Guthriefamilydental.com Dentist Hours open: Monday 8-7, Tuesday 9-4, Wednesday 85, Thursday 8-5, Friday 7-12 Emergency treatment only all other nonurgent appts will be rescheduled.
EDUCATION
DIRECT SALES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Catrina Brunk Scentsy Consultant 816-769-0485 mombrunk3@gmail.com www.whoiswickless.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/ CatrinasVIPgroup/ Scentsy warmers, wax, oils , diffusers, and more You can shop online anytime. I am available for pick up or shopping from my home by appt. Courtney Williams ThirtyThirty-One Gifts - Independent Senior Consultant 913-548-7297 criceproverbs31@gmail.com www.mythirty-one.com/williamsc http://www.facebook.com/groups//toteallyblessed All orders will be shipped directly to your door. New Insider Rewards and Flat Rate Shipping. Online parties available.
DOG GROOMING Exclusively Dogs KC 1060 NE McQuerry Road, Suite F 816-721-5486 www.exclusivelydogskc.com
Crider’ Crider’s Institute of Welding Technology 300 NW Jefferson ST ciwt.mo@gmail.com cridersinstitute.com Welding School Hours open: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tasha Lindsey Grain Valley Partnership 1450 SW Eagle Parkway 816-443-5162 info@growgrainvalley.org growgrainvalley.org Facebook: @growgrainvalley, @ValleyGrain (Twitter) Hours open: 9 am - 5 pm Even though I am splitting time spent working between my office and my home, I am still working to bring as much information regarding this COVID19 crisis to our business community. I am available to help in any way that I can. The Grain Valley Partnership is committed to supporting Grain Valley's business community to ensure growth, creating a positive atmosphere and as a connector to available resources. Promotion, Networking, Advocacy, Credibility, and Education are the top services that we offer year-round!
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR A&A Electrical Inc. 705 Squire Court ADMIN@AAELECTRICALINC.COM WWW.AAELECTRICALINC.COM https://www.facebook.com/ aaelectricalinc Hours open: 6 AM TO 3 PM We have been in business in Grain Valley
since 1994. Residential service calls, commercial small to medium projects, swimming pool equipment, bucket truck work.
EVENT FACILITIES Acquaint Gathering 512 Capelle St hatfieldl87@gmail.com www.acquaintgathering.com Facebook: Acquaint Gathering, Instagram: Acquaint Gathering_kc Weddings and special events
GARAGE DOORS Andrew Powell State Line Door & Lift 816-616-8352 Statelinedoorlift@gmail.com www.statelinedoorlift.com www.facebook.com/statelinedoor Garage door supplier Business as usual. Taking precautions with necessary PPE while in your home. We have a no contact service, for your safety, if you wish. See our Facebook page for more information.
GROCERY Cosentino’ Cosentino’s Price Chopper 1191 NE McQuerry Road 7:00am – 8:00pm 7:00am – 8:00am reserved for seniors, expectant mothers, and customers with compromised immune systems. Mactan Asian Market 1438 SW Eagles Parkway mactanasianmarket1438@yahoo.com Facebook: Mactan Asian Market Asian grocery store Hours open: 9:30 to 7:00 Monday thru Saturday Open during stay at home order.
HOME INSPECTION Lawrence Baker Homesweet Home Advisor, LLC hshadvisor@gmail.com www.hshadvisor.com Home Inspection Hours open: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to noon. $275.00 home inspection (up to a 2,500 sq/ft home) - valid thru June 30, 2020. 10% Discount Mold testing and reporting; Radon testing and reporting; Asbestos testing and reporting; Termite inspection and reporting; Sewer Scope inspection and reporting.
Business
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INSURANCE
PEST CONTROL
RESTAURANTS
Andrist Farmers Insurance Agency 203 A S. Main St, Grain Valley MO 64029 816-759-8640 mandrist1@farmersagent.com https://agents.farmers.com/mo/grainvalley/margie-andrist Facebook: Margie Andrist Agency, Farmers Insurance Home, Auto, Life, Umbrella, Motorcycle, RV, Business Hours open: 8:30-5:30 M-F Please call my office at for help with any insurance needs.
Ben Stowe Echo Pest Control 1251 NW Pamela Blvd suite A ben.moxie@gmail.com www.echopestcontrol.com https://www.facebook.com/echopestkc/ Pest Control Hours open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-12pm Echo Pest control offers service to all homes and businesses during the stay at home order. We will be limiting inside treatments on a case by case basis. Technicians will practice safe distancing and not have customers shake hands or sign work orders. Many common pests carry disease and viruses. Control is recommended in all times but stressed during current health concerns. We do have access to disinfectant sprays that are labeled to kill bacteria and viruses.
El Maguey 102 S Main ST 816-443-2794 Available for carry out orders.
Farmers Insurance - Brown Agency 630 NW Jefferson Street 816-220-3637 jbrown5@farmersagent.com https://agents.farmers.com/mo/grainvalley/janette-brown Facebook: @tylerbrownfarmersagent Insurance for Life, Home, Auto, Umbrella, etc. Hours open: Working remotely from 8:30-5:30 Tanna is answering the phones and can answer most of your policy questions as well as making changes to your policy if necessary. This is a great time to give her a call and review your insurance with her. There may be some adjustments that we can make to help with your rates. If you are not our customer, this is a great opportunity to get a review of your current insurance policies and discover any risks and/or savings.
MASSAGE Ananda Therapies 816-943-9157 www.massagebook.com/biz/ anandatherapies
MEDICAL SERC Physicial Therapy 103 SW Eagles Parkway 816-443-2375 tkrska@serctherapy.com Physical Therapy Hours open: 7:00am – 6:00pm M-F
MERCHANT SERVICES Ed Thomas Blue Payment Systems Bluepaymentsytems@gmail.com www.BluePaymentSystems.com https://m.facebook.com/EdtheCardMan https://Twitter.com/Edthecardman We are a full-service merchant service brokerage we offered a better way to get paid call for details 816833097 Hours open: Open Monday through Friday from 8 to 7 PM call 816-833-0975
Kevin Girtz Moxie Pest Control 1251 NW Pamela Blvd Suite A kevin.moxiemo@gmail.com www.killbugsfast.com https://www.facebook.com/ MoxiePestControlKansasCity/ Pest Control service Hours open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat- 8am-12pm Moxie Pest control offers service to all homes and businesses during the stay at home order. We will be limiting inside treatments on a case by case basis. Technicians will practice safe distancing and not have customers shake hands or sign work orders. Many common pests carry disease and viruses. Control is recommended in all times but stressed during current health concerns. We do have access to disinfectant sprays that are labeled to kill bacteria and viruses.
PHOTOGRAPHY Diana Luppens Switch Focus Studios 816-809-8868 diluppens@sbcglobal.net www.switchfocusstudios.com Facebook/Instagram: Switch Focus Studios Photography: Family, Newborn, Seniors, Wedding Hours open: Appt only
RENTAL SERVICES Dave Kennedy Grain Valley Rental, Inc. 209 James Rollo Drive gvalleyrental@aol.com www.grainvalleyrental.com Lawn Mower Sales and service / Equipment Rental, Propane Hours open: Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm Subject to Change Open with shortened hours. Mon-Fri 8-4 no weekends.
El Tequilazo 522 S Main ST 816-355-0258 Available for carry out orders. www.eltequilazorestaurant.com
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR The Small Engine Shop 311C James Rollo Rd, Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-215-8766 https://www.facebook.com/ SmallEngineShop Small Engine Repair Shop Hours open: M-F 8 AM-5 PM, closed 11:30 AM-12:30 PM for lunch + Sat 9 AM-Noon
TAX SERVICE Gail Boyson Boyson Tax Service. LLC 1000 SW Cross Creek Dr gail@boysontaxservice.com Tax preparation for individuals and businesses Meinershagen & Co. Certified Public Accountants, Accounting and Tax Services 107 SW Eagles Parkway 816-847-0536 www.floydmeinershagenandco.com Valley Tax Service 210 Cannon Street 816-847-2180 valley210@sbcglobal.net www.ValleyTaxService.tax Tax Preparation all year, Notary and Fax services during off season Hours open: January-May 9:00am – 5:00pm., June -
December 9:00am – 4:00pm Office is open for clients to come and leave documents to file taxes. Clients will be called when tax returns are completed for signing and pickup. Office is cleaned between visits.
TRAFFIC SAFETY PRODUCTS J A Traffic Products LLC 627 NW Valley Ridge Circle 816-220-0450 amindham@jatps.com www.jatps.com Traffic Safety Products/ Road Construction Products Hours open: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Please contact via phone or email if you are interested in placing an order.
VENDING SERVICES David Carter Carter’ Carter’s Sales LLC Vending Company 649 SW Gateway Ct 816-876-7998 Carterd2004@yahoo.com Food and drink vending machine company Hours open: 5:00 am — 5:30 pm We own and operate a full service vending machine service for local businesses. We place vending machines in local businesses and keep them fully stocked at your convenience. Our goal is to offer on-site food and drinks at a fair price to help keep employees and customers happy.
Community Voices
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Wayne’s World The Great Flood by Wayne Geiger
It was a busy day. I rushed in the front door to quickly change clothes and head back out to another meeting. I heard the sound of the hairdryer coming from the bathroom. My daughter, home from school already, was holding the cat and said proudly, “I got the cat dry.” I was a little perplexed. “How did the cat get wet?” I asked. “You don’t know?” came back the reply. “Know what?” I said. She directed me to the basement door. Our home, at that time, was a little small for our six-member family. It’s redeeming quality was a sizable finished basement with additional restroom. It was like another home downstairs. Part of it served as a perfect space for our two boys while the girls stayed upstairs. I loved it too because we were able to line one of the rooms with bookshelves which was perfect for all my books. Clutching the cat, my daughter opened the basement door and awaited my reaction. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. It had been raining extremely hard all day. Our home was located on a corner where two streets met. The phrase, “it’s all downhill from here” would have described our home at the time. That day, there was a great deal of rain and unfortunately, it all headed in our direction. There was too much water, too fast and no way for our sump pump to handle it. In one day, our basement had become a sizable swimming pool. In our family, we refer to that time as “the great flood.” In horror, and almost in a dreamlike state, I pulled off my dress shoes, put on some old sneakers, and ran down the stairs to access the damage. Halfway down, I felt the cold water surround my ankles. As I continued, the water came up to
my thighs and eventually just below my chest. I wondered how many steps were left and if I needed to get my floaties. After reaching the floor, the water in our basement was about four-feet high. As I waded through the water, I had no idea what was below the surface. The water was dark, murky, and mysterious. I felt like I was in the ocean. The theme music from Jaws would have been appropriate. Although I couldn’t see in the water, I was cognizant of what was around me. There were bits and pieces of all sorts of debris floating in the water—including tiny particles. I was bewildered as to what these particles were and then it finally dawned on me! It was a mixture of cat litter and cat food. Days before, we had bragged about being such frugal shoppers and the great deal we had gotten on the ‘big bags’. “Why did we have to buy the giant bags,” I wondered? Then, I witnessed a small miracle, for which I am thankful. The plastic cat box, driven by unknown undercurrents, came floating by. It was well-used, but thankfully, it was above the water. At least one catastrophe avoided (emphasis on the cat in catastrophe). I wondered what other mysterious messes laid below the abyss. For a brief moment, I remembered the bathroom in the corner of the basement. No doubt, the toilet, like most everything else, was below the water. I hoped my sons had remembered to flush the last time they used it. I quickly removed the thought from my mind. Now was not the time for speculation, and I did not own a decontamination suit. The basement looked somewhat familiar—at least from the waterline up. In the first room, were the particleboard bookshelves that housed my college, seminary, and other personal books, along with my wife’s cookbooks and other personal items. There were five bookshelves. Three
of them had buckled and toppled because of the water and weight of the books. The other two remained at their post victoriously displaying several rows of books that were saved from the flood. The kid’s beta fish was also on the shelf. The little guy had missed his chance at freedom by a foot or so. In the next two rooms, I examined my sons’ living quarters and play area. Beds, toys, chest of drawers, guitars, saxophone, handheld portable devices, gaming systems, and more were all underwater. There was also the antique chest of drawers handed down to me from my grandparents who came to this country from Italy. The last room was a storage area, of sorts. In this room I kept some of my “extra” books and Bible commentary sets that would not fit on the shelf. I left them packed in the boxes for safe keeping and even put a dehumidifier to keep the moisture out. Dehumidifiers are not rated for floods. Always read the fine print. When it came time for the cleanup, thankfully, we had several friends who came to our aid. They offered some great advice and help. This was quite the process. Because everything was soaked, normally heavy books became extremely heavy to say nothing of the stench. The immediate goal was to get it all outside and pile it in an area in the corner of the lot. A friend’s trailer, which would serve as a dumpster, would be coming soon. During the cleanup time, both my wife and I checked out emotionally, a coping mechanism. We had to push down the intense pain in order to deal with the immediate problem. We each had our job. I worked in cleanup. She worked in restoration. She had rescued the clothes from downstairs and the plan was for her to go to the laundromat while I pitched our belongings into the dumpster. She couldn’t handle the sight of throwing our possessions in the trash. I’m not allowed to do laundry because of my failed attempt to wash her cashmere sweater early in our marriage. So, we each had our duty to do. Now was not the time to mourn. That would come later. As I stood before the huge, mangled pile of my past, I held a little, reddish, brown book in my hand. Hebrew grammar was one of the most-difficult classes for me in seminary. I spent hours studying every night. To the chagrin of my wife, I had 3x5 cards of Hebrew vocabulary and conjugated verbs taped all over the walls in my study room. My professor
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was Dr. Waylon Bailey and we used his textbook in class. I remember spending hours in that grammar book underlining, circling, highlighting, and adding notes. As I held the waterlogged book in my hand, the memories came in like a flood. Unfortunately, the book could not be saved. Naturally, I could buy the book again, but I would never have the same attachment or notes. There was nothing that could be done. I looked at the cover, flipped through a couple of pages, and with a heave threw it in the dumpster. I had dozens of books and the same number of untold stories. The books were a personal loss to me, but not the biggest loss. The wound that cut the deepest was the pictures of our family and personal documents. My wife and I lost many of our wedding photos and pictures of our children growing up. These pictures were taken before the digital age and could not be replaced. We also lost videos we had taken of the kids, awards, and other memorabilia that we had kept from their growing up years. To say that this was an extremely difficult time in our life would be an understatement. The great flood taught me several lessons. Interestingly, I can now see some of the beauty that grew up out of the ashes of despair. First, it reminded me that I cannot do life alone. During that time, I was overwhelmed, but caring friends came to our aid offering their wisdom, time, and resources to assist. I will never forget their kindness. I could not have done it without them. The second thing that I learned was, although our waterlogged and ruined material possessions ended up in a landfill somewhere, I still have the memories. No one can remove them from my mind. The great flood is one of those landmark events in our family that we talk about from time to time and actually brought us closer. And finally, I am reminded that things could always be worse. I am very grateful for the marvelous blessings of God. I also realize that there are many people who have suffered tremendous hardship and heartache. My story would be minuscule in comparison to theirs. So, things could always be worse. Sometimes, it’s the little, gentle reminders of that fact. On that fateful day, when I first looked upon that dreadful scene to see the destruction and mess, I was thankful that the dirty cat box came floating by.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer.
Your Health
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Choosing Seafood—Responsibly by Amanda Emilee Moder, RD, LD
Easter is Sunday, April 12, which means HyVee stores are filled with flowers, fun crafts and supplies to make colorful decorations. This year, you might be considering some new social-distancing-safe backyard adventures for Easter. One idea is to make scavenger hunts a “glow-in-the-dark” evening activity using flameless tealight candles inside the hidden prizes for kids. Easter approaching also means that this is the last week of Lent. During Lent, many Christians (especially in Catholic traditions) choose to fast on designated days. The practice serves two main purposes: 1) to shift the focus of those who fast off of their surroundings to hope in Christ and 2) to remind them that faith is a process – the continual renewing of the heart and mind. One of the foods people often fast from during Lent is meat, which makes seafood a popular source of protein this time of year. As a dietitian, I love that this time of
year means more people are open to increasing seafood intake. Seafood (especially salmon and tuna) offers omega-3 fats, and research shows that these types of fat promote heart health. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week. Keep in mind, four ounces is typically considered one serving for fish; visually, that’s about the size of one deck of cards. It’s also noteworthy that deep-fried fish options wouldn’t count towards the AHA’s recommendation (delicious as deepfried fish may be). To reach two servings of seafood per week, break it down to one seafood option with lunch and one seafood option with dinner each week. For example, choose salmon as your protein with dinner one evening, and include tuna in a sandwich or wrap with lunch (my favorites are the “infused” tuna varieties, with flavors like sundried tomato or basil). Whether or not you’re avoiding meat on Fridays for this last week of Lent, it’s a great time to add seafood to your menu. One thing to consider when purchasing seafood is sustainability.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the source of seafood you’re buying. “Responsible Choice” is a label given to seafood that indicates it’s from sources that can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the environment or other marine life. Hy-Vee has made great efforts to ensure that sustainable seafood options are available and are labeled as such in its seafood cases. Making responsible seafood purchases can play a role in ensuring a healthy supply of seafood for generations down the road. Whatever your beliefs are and whatever spring traditions you celebrate, I think we can all get behind the idea of making informed decisions to set up for a better tomorrow while promoting heart health today.
Hy-Amanda Emilee Moder, RD, LD, is a Hy Vee dietitian in the Kansas City metro area. This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Ginger and Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Serves 4 All you need: 1 tbsp dark brown sugar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp soy sauce 1/4 tsp ground ginger 4 (approximately 4-oz each) salmon fillets Pepper, to taste Sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
All you do: 1. Lightly spray grill rack or skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat to medium. In small bowl, combine sugar, mustard, soy sauce and ginger. 2. Season salmon to taste with pepper and place skin-side-up on grill rack or skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes. Turn salmon; brush with brown sugar mixture. Cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until sugar melts and fish flakes easily with a fork. 3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Nutrition Facts per serving: 195 calories, 4g carbohydrate, 81 mg cholesterol, 0g dietary fiber, 5g fat, 31g protein, 386 mg sodium Source: www.hy-vee.com
Home & Garden
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4 Steps To Expertly Green Grass On A DIY Budget (BPT) - Having lush green grass is a delight for the senses. Not only does it look amazing, boost your mood and enhance your property value, but few things are better than walking barefoot through your yard or the fresh smell of grass on a warm, sunny day. "Many people think you need to hire professionals to get the green grass they admire in magazines, but the truth is you can do everything they do, with a little guidance and the right strategies," says Phil Dwyer, Ph.D., R&D Principal at Scott’s Miracle-Gro. As we look outside in these first days of spring, this is the ideal opportunity to improve your lawn and give it just what it needs to thrive. Consider these smart lawn care tips to get a lush green blanket of grass across your yard for months to come. Access technology for guidance What type of grass grows in your yard? What is that weed over there? When's the best time to fertilize? You may not know these answers, but technology can help provide expert guidance at no cost. For example, the free Scotts My Lawn mobile app lets you geo-target your specific yard to get expert insight and step-by-step guidance on how to create a customized lawn care plan for an entire year based on your location, climate, environment and goals. Ask questions through live chat, use the weed identifier tool to tackle tough weeds and follow seasonally relevant lawn tips and grass seeding recommendations. It's like having an on-call pro, without the costs.
Mow to the highest preferred height How and when you mow can impact the health of your lawn for better or for worse. Because mowing takes time and energy, it's best to know strategies to help you maximize effectiveness with minimal effort. Overall, the higher you mow the deeper your roots grow. It's important to learn which grass type you have so you can mow appropriately. Northern coolseason grasses should be cut 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches. Some southern warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass do better when cut a little shorter. Make sure to avoid cutting more than a third of the grass blade at a time so you don't stress the plant and try to vary your mowing pattern to avoid ruts. These steps will help your grass grow strong at an optimal height that also helps shade the soil to prevent weed growth and water evaporation. Feed at the right times It's not only about how much you feed your lawn. Using the right treatments at the right times gives grass all it needs throughout the season and saves you money along the way. Typically, the first treatment should occur in the spring after your first mow to jump-start growth and strength. As months continue, you'll need treatments that support a lawn's overall health long term, including weed and insect control. Scotts takes the guesswork out of lawn care with an easy, customized subscription plan that delivers the correct amount of what is needed when it is needed. Fill out a brief diagnostic quiz at program.scotts.com to get
Photo credit: BPT
recommendations and order for convenient delivery. In general, a nice lawn can be achieved by feeding once in the spring and again once in the fall. If you want to create a really beautiful thick green lawn, in the North try feeding twice in the spring (4-6 weeks apart) and twice in the fall (Labor Day, Halloween). In the South, apply four applications spaced out between spring and Labor Day. Use wise water strategies Reduce your water footprint, save money on utilities and help grass thrive with wise watering methods. Frequency will depend on how much it rains and the time of year, as grass needs less water in spring and fall than it does during hot summer months.
Rather than watering only once a week, try watering for shorter periods every other day to best respond to changing conditions, needs and rainfall. When the grass starts to look purplish to light brown and doesn't bounce back when walked on, it's time to water. Water is best applied in the early morning hours, as this prepares grass for the heat of the afternoon. Soil should be moist to the sticky point, but not muddy or dripping wet. Most sprinklers can achieve this in about 15 minutes per zone. "These four simple steps will set any homeowner on the path to a green lawn," says Dwyer. "You'll enjoy spending time in your yard and enjoying the outdoors to the fullest."
Morel Hunting Season Has Arrived Missouri Department of Conservation To the uninitiated, a morel does not have the most appetizing appearance. Its brain-like form looks like something out of a campy horror movie, and a morel’s neutral, earthy color doesn’t command much attention. From about late March to early May, however, foraging for these small mushrooms is serious business—a business so serious that many folks refuse to reveal their morel spots even to their closest friends and family. The question many people ask this time of year is, “How can I find morels?” Well, morels are finicky fungal organisms. The underground portion of the fungus only produces mushrooms in some years—mostly based on soil temperature and moisture availability (but other factors play a role, too). Ultimately, most of what we know about finding morels is anecdotal and widely variable, but here are a few tips to help
you narrow down good places to look for morels: Morels commonly appear after warm, moist spring weather with daytime temperatures in the low 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 50s. South and west facing slopes are good sites to look for morels early in the season, with north and east slopes being better for later-season morel hunting. Morels tend to favor tree species such as elms, ashes, cottonwoods, and even domesticated apples. Look around recently dead trees but beware of falling branches. Areas disturbed by flooding, fire, or logging often produce loads of morels.
Morels peak when lilacs bloom. Most public lands in Missouri allow the collecting of mushrooms for personal use, but always check the regulations before you collect to be sure. Remember, these are just general guidelines – morels have been found growing in all sorts of locations and conditions. Before setting off into the forest, make sure you know how to correctly identify morels. Misidentifying and consuming toxic mushrooms can cause anything from mild stomach issues to organ failure or even death! There are several mushroom species in Missouri, including the big red false morel, which are considered toxic and not recommended for consumption. Consult with field guides or a professional mycologist to be completely confident in
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Morels are often associated with ash trees, dying elms, and apple trees, although they are found elsewhere as well. Photo credit: MDC Staff species identification before consuming any mushrooms. Browse MDC’s mushroom field guide for photos of the more common and noticeable fungal species in Missouri.
Sports
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Officiating Profile: Kevin Driskell by John Unrein
Involvement in athletics and officiating is a family affair for Grain Valley resident Kevin Driskell. His brother Darrell pushed him to become an official and his second cousin, Brian Driskell is the head varsity baseball coach at Grain Valley High School. The youngest of four siblings who were born and raised in Independence, MO, (Kevin) Driskell was a three sport high school student athlete. Being an official for 37 years (33 years certified in Missouri) has permitted Driskell to stay close to the sport of basketball. Driskell enjoys watching up close the development of student athletes in the game he loves. “I get to be physically active. Being a basketball official is part of being an adrenaline junkie. You get to run up and down the floor, sweat, and players and coaches are in your ear,” Driskell said. “Even in the locker room before tipoff, you still feel the excitement. You know you’re going to be in the middle of the action. The camaraderie of being around other officials and coaches who have a passion for the game is special.” Driskell is thankful that along the way he’s had family and mentors to lean on for advice in a demanding job. Driskell’s brother Darrell scheduled his first ever officiating gig with a private school. Driskell also worked youth games as a novice to gain experience. Driskell credits retired former Independence School District elementary teacher Don Robinson as being a positive advisor. Robinson was a sought after high school official for many years who was generous with his knowledge and time in supporting Driskell. The weight of that gesture is something that Driskell still feels to this day. “Having a mentor saved me some heartache. Working in management and raising three kids through adolescence has pushed me to give people the benefit of the doubt as an official. You never know what’s going on in someone’s life outside of sports,” Driskell said. “Being challenged in a manner that’s
inappropriate may have caused people to see me in a light they’ve never seen before. There’s a consequence to every choice made in life. You always try to be as positive as possible. If you are in your chosen profession and enjoy what you’re doing, you’re right where you’re supposed to be.” Driskell has been honored to work the Show-Me Games in 2006, 2011, and 2015 in Columbia, MO. Getting to referee the first basketball game between the Truman and Chrisman girls’ teams at the Independence Events Center is also a fond memory. Driskell still believes that the value of competition and providing fair play outweighs changes he’s seen in sports recently. “Society has changed drastically in the last five to six years. Minimizing the adversarial nature of how people view officials would be beneficial for the sport and all involved,” Driskell said. Driskell believes joining the Greater Kansas City Officials Association is the best way for someone to become an official. Contacting a high school athletic director or head coach you know is a good avenue as well due to their connections. Seeking them out for advice is something they be more receptive to then you think according to Driskell, even if you are worried they won’t have the time. Admitting that everyone, including officials, make mistakes comes with the territory as a human being. Driskell shared that as part of one of the funniest things that’s happened to him in his tenure as an official. “I was selected by the state to work a quarterfinal playoff basketball game at the Independence Events Center. The two other veteran officials who were working with me combined to make up 85 years of experience on the floor,” Driskell said. “Sometimes the home team doesn’t always know they are the home team when you play at a neutral site. We had the teams going the wrong way at tipoff. It was a situation we got corrected shortly after the start of the game.”
Grain Valley resident Kevin Driskell serves as a MSHSAA official. Photo courtesy: Kevin Driskell
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MSHSAA official and Grain Valley resident John Kilmer officiates a high school basketball game. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Sports
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Soccer Still On The Mind by John Unrein
Numerous professional athletes have paid credit to soccer for success they’ve had in other sports. Christian Okoye and Odell Beckham Jr. are both former and current National Football League players who started out kicking a checkered ball. Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutumbo were African born soccer goalies who claim they wouldn’t have had the footwork they possessed in the low post in basketball if it wasn’t for soccer agility drills. Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant can also be added to the list of basketball players who were soccer disciples growing up. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Its diverse appeal is that it can be played in some manner by almost anyone of any age. The sport combines a blend of sprinting as well as endurance running. Your vision is used for space and timing. Using a ball with your foot increases agility and foot quickness. Many are coping with the loss of their favorite activity that allowed them to socialize with others due to coronavirus concerns. Grain Valley Eagles Boys and Girls Head Soccer Coach Tyler Nichol is among those lamenting time away from the game. “It’s been really hard. I miss seeing all my students and players daily. The fellowship shared with the coaching staff as well. We get into this profession because we care about people,” Nichol said. “Growing up I loved sports and played everything under the sun. My dad was a baseball player as a kid. I fell in love with soccer.” Nichol continued, “There’s a free flowing and creative nature to soccer. You have to be a problem solver and critical thinker in the moment. You don’t get timeouts, and there are no setting plays. You are never bored in soccer. I was a mover as a kid.” Nichol has spent seven of his eight years in public education in the Grain Valley School District. The Grain Valley resident is appreciative of the opportunity the district gave him to become a head coach when he was very young in the profession. Being an Eagle is a family affair for Nichol, as his wife works for the district as well. Nichol was set to coach seven senior girls this spring who are all scheduled to go on and play college soccer. Finding a way to communicate with his players
There’’s a free flowing and creative “There nature to soccer. You have to be a problem solver and critical thinker in the moment. You don’ don’t get timeouts, and there are no setting plays. You are soccer,”” Grain Valley never bored in soccer, Boys and Girls Head Soccer Coach Tyler Nichol said. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools during this strange time and being supportive of them is a thought that’s never too far away. “Group Me (text messaging), email, and Google Classroom are all things we use to stay in touch. Google Meet conference call also allows us to talk with the kids virtually and hang out with them to know what’s going on in their world,” Nichol said. “We have provided suggestions of drills that players can do at home by themselves. Juggling soccer and tennis balls, receiving passes from a family member or off of a wall to execute a proper turn in being ready for play in a fast manner, dribbling through slalom cones with the inside and outside of the foot, and stepovers are just a few.” Nichol was honest with Grain Valley News when asked what differences exist between coaching boys and girls. “I’m right in the middle of the fence on this one. There are differences, but perhaps not as many as people think. Boys tend to be more competitive and inherently confident in themselves. Girls tend to have less ego and are a little bit more coachable,” Nichol said. Nichol wrapped up his thoughts, “Regardless of male or female, every player is different, and you have to find a way to communicate with them based
Pictured: Senior goalkeeper, Raegan Beeding. “She has been our starting varsity goalkeeper since her freshman year. If we would have played a full season this spring, she would have broken every goalkeeping record in the book for us. She is a 3 time all conference and all district player, and was the class 3 region Goalkeeper year,”” Nichol said. Beeding is committed to play at of the Year and all state last year, Tulsa next year. Photo credit: Tyler Nichol
Coach Nichol meets with his team after a game last season. Photo credit: Tyler Nichol on who they are and the relationship you build. Each season is different in what the entire group dynamic brings, and you have to be aware of that and adapt to it if you want to be productive.” Time will tell if spring sports and activities resume at the high school
level in Missouri. Everyone’s well-being and health is the first priority in that consideration. Soccer is on the mind of many who are used to having grass under their feet while next to friends during this time of year.
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