June 21, 2018
Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
Vol. 1, No. 1
FREE
City Audit, Bond Savings
Highlight of Board of Aldermen Meeting Positive financial news dominated the June 11th Board of Aldermen meeting. Butch Beeman with Troutt, Beeman & Company, P.C., the firm retained to complete the City’s 2017 audit, reported the overall health of the City’s finances is positive. Beeman noted that interest on long term debt is down by approximately $100,000. Alderman Bamman inquired if there were any recommendations had been made in the audit. Beeman reported that no recommendations had been made, indicating that there were no instances of deficiencies in internal control. City Administrator Ryan Hunt praised Finance Director Cathy Bowden for her leadership and work on the audit. The full audit report is available for review in the June 11, 2018 Board of Alderman meeting materials on the City’s website: www.cityofgrainvalley.org In addition to the audit report, the Board of Alderman also approved Ordinance 2437, authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2018A. The action refinances the 2008A Bonds, providing a savings of 7.5%. This will result in a savings of an estimated $259,000 over 10 years. The refunding of these bonds did
not extend the debt, which expires in 2028. Ben Hart, Senior Vice President and Client Representative, Springsted, managed the transaction. Hart reported the City received 10 bids, which is significantly more than expected. The S&P reaffirmed an AArating on these bonds. Additionally, the S&P rating on the 2012 TIF bonds was upgraded from a BBB+ rating to an A rating. Hunt stated, “I was proud to see the rating increase issued by S&P. One of the top priorities of both the Board of Aldermen and City Administration is improved financial stability. That is the beginning of a positive impact to our citizens in the form of lower taxes. For several years we have been telling residents and business owners that we are working to lower taxes. Despite what you hear at election time, financial stability has consistently improved in Grain Valley over the last 5 years. During that time, my staff has been working hard on a multiyear endeavor to improve our positions and reserves, while paying off the debt that was incurred to add services during the population explosion between 2000-2010. For all practical purposes, this rating increase is proof that our diligent and strategic approach is working and it will serve as the beginning of a
series of public announcements that will result in tangible savings to our taxpayers.” In other business, the Board of Aldermen approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with MorphoTrak for “Livescan” services, providing the police department with digital fingerprint software and equipment to determine identity and criminal history of persons in detention. The Board also approved a
resolution to collect payment from Jackson County, Missouri’s COMBAT Tax in the amount of $82,307. These funds are used to support the DARE program, school resource officers and other educational program related expenses. The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held June 25, 2018 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers of the Grain Valley City Hall.
Good News
The Grain Valley Mavericks 10u baseball team traveled to Springfield, MO on June 10th to play in the Summer Showdown Baseball Tournament. They went 3-0 to win the tournament in their age bracket and took home Championship Medals. Front (on ground L-R) Titus Jennings, Baylor Doneyson, Brody Jones, Braylen Patel, Clayton Eggleston. Back (L-R) Chase Neer, Coach Gary Wright, Bentley Craver, Coach Bruce Neer, Coach Derek Craver, Hunter Nally, Head Coach John Floyd Whitaker, Levi Whitaker, Carson Lundquist, Coach Joel Lundquist, Wyatt Bickham.
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Local News
“Are you crazy, or just plain stupid?” by Cory Unrein, Co-Owner/Publisher That famous line from the movie Forrest Gump kept coming to mind as we prepared to take on the challenge of starting a newspaper. As you can imagine, when you begin telling folks you plan to start a newspaper, you are met with a mix of reactions.
Our mission is simple: to affirm a sense of community through our publication, sharing news of interest to Grain Valley citizens and helping each of us learn more about our neighbors. In a time that often feels as though there is more that separates us than unites us, we invite you to join with us in sharing information Thankfully, most people we have with your neighbors and join in the met are excited about the conversation. prospect, given the lack of a commuGrain Valley – this is your paper. nity newspaper and the rumor based (and often unkind) noise on social Talk to us, send us your news. We media. But along with the kind words want to hear about your businesses, of support, we are regularly met with volunteer work, celebrations, and milestones. We are excited to start a mix of quiet concern and pity. this venture and thank you for I’ve worked in the nonprofit field reading and for supporting our local for 20 years and my husband is an advertisers. educator, so we are no strangers to seemingly hopeless causes. But the fact is, that while large metropolitan print media is struggling, community -based media is doing quite well.
For Partnership Executive Director, Building Relationships Is Key
Tim Russell, Executive Director for the Grain Valley Partnership, is settling in to his new role and says he is “focused on building relationships”. After 12 years of working with small nonprofits, Russell transitioned into neighborhood work. He is most proud of his efforts as a part of a
neighborhood team in southern Kansas City, Kansas, who worked to transform a food desert into a thriving neighborhood with a grocery store and growing businesses. After working with nonprofits and neighborhood groups to build solid partnerships, he says it was the name Grain Valley Partnership that attracted him to his new role. The Grain Valley Partnership combines Economic Development, which is Russell’s main role, and the traditional chamber of commerce activities, which are managed by Tasha Lindsay, the Partnership’s Director of Business Services. The Partnership is working on building awareness of the organization and how its see PARTNERSHIP page 5
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 | Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
Free Family Fun at 12th Annual Community Development Event
Families enjoy a variety of games at the 2017 Community Development Event.
The Community Development Department will hold its 12th Annual Community Development Event on Thursday, June 28th from 5:00pm— 7:00pm at Armstrong Park, 711 Main Street. This free event is an opportunity for the department to
meet members of the community. Hot dogs, Papa Murphy’s Pizza and drinks are provided and a variety of activities are offered for families. These include bounces, games, a photo booth, and balloon animals.
Team from Crossroads Church Heading to Peru A team of 12 (six high school students and six adults) from Crossroads Church will be embarking on an 11-day mission trip to Peru on Friday, June 15th. The team will spend their trip with David and Tonya Liles, missionaries to Peru the church has supported for 19 years. The team will spend half of their trip in and around Lima, Peru and the other half over the Andes Mountains and into the Amazon jungle in San Ramon and surrounding villages and communities. According to Pastor Darryl Jones, "The main focus of the mission trip is two-fold: to encourage and support our
missionaries and to catch a vision and experience for what they do and bring that back home to report. A trip like this cannot help but break hearts and change lives for people around the world." The team will provide manual labor at a camp being built for youth camps, family, and adult retreats. In addition, they will be doing work at a seminary that was ravaged a year ago by heavy flash flooding. The team will also have opportunities to share stories of Jesus and their own personal testimonies through interpreters.
Three Reappointed to Grain Valley Park Board Three citizens were reappointed to the Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Board during the June 11, 2018 Board of Alderman meeting. Alderman Jayci Stratton introduced resolutions to reappoint Don Caslavka, Nathan Hays, and Brad Welle to each serve three-year terms on the Park Board. The Board of Alderman unanimously approved the reappointments. The Park Board is responsible for
the long-term planning of the Grain Valley Park System, as well as the maintenance of and improvements to existing park facilities. The Park Board currently has a vacancy for a representative from Ward II. Interested citizens may complete an application, available on the City website, or contact Shannon Davies, Director of Parks and Recreation, 816-847-6230, for more information.
Education and Youth
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New Director of Bands Focused on Building Relationships, Honoring Tradition
Daniel Berard, the new Director of Bands for Grain Valley High School, has not let distance get in the way of starting his work with students. Prior to an interview with Grain Valley News, Berard was Skyping with students about the coming season. He says that establishing relationships with students and staff is his primary goal as he begins his tenure with Grain Valley this school year. Berard brings 25 years of experience as a high school band director, most recently having served as Director of Bands at Fossil Ridge High School, in Fort Collins, Colorado from 2004-2018. He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and Master of Music degrees in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting from Colorado State University. Prior to his current position at Fossil Ridge, Berard led successful
programs at Ponderosa and Douglas County High Schools and also served on the instructional staff for several Drum & Bugle Corps, including: The Madison Scouts, The Cavaliers, and currently, The Cadets. Berard is one of 17 directors nation -wide to be named a Yamaha Master Educator, is active as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor, and has presented at numerous clinics and conventions across the country. He has received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, and in 2012 was named one of the "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" by School Band & Orchestra Magazine. Berard is enthusiastic about leading the Grain Valley bands program and sees great potential in what is possible, “I am excited to be joining the Grain Valley High School Band staff and am excited to build upon the foundation of excellence that the program has become known for.”, Berard said. “As we chart our path for the future of the program, it is my intention that the students of GVHS Bands will be considered among the top echelon across the country in concert, marching, chamber, percussion, color guard, and jazz ensembles.” Berard believes that the concept for the coming season is to “explore the role of the artist in our society and how individual artists find opportunities to elevate art on a daily basis”. From an educational standpoint, he further explains that he “looks forward to building this connection with students to help them understand how each
individual voice is unique” and thus connect with each other a little more powerfully. The band will return this year to the St. Louis Bands of America Super Regional Competition, where they placed fifth overall. In addition, the band will travel to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma for the Broken Arrow Marching Band Invitational. In his spare time. Mr. Berard enjoys hiking with Tucker, “the world’s greatest dog”, and riding his motorcycle. He looks forward to exploring the trails in eastern Jackson County once he is settled in the area. Mr. Berard replaces Reid Atkinson, who announced last month he had accepted a position at Vista Ridge High School with Leander ISD in Texas. Atkinson has led the Grain Valley High School band program for 10 years.
Parents Work Behind the Scenes to Support Band Last year, when the Grain Valley High School Marching Eagles needed 11 moveable spiral staircases built that could each hold 10 students, they turned to a dedicated army of volunteers who work such miracles behind the scenes. That volunteer army was the Grain Valley Band Parents Association (GVBPA), a dedicated group of parents and community members who support the district band program through fundraising and serving in a variety of critical volunteer roles. As the band begins the marching season in a few short weeks, GVBPA members will be busy supporting students and staff by working on a variety of committees and raising funds for travel, meals, supplies, and props. Ben Stowe, GVBPA President, says that parents spend 2-3 weekends during the summer building all the props and helping to make the staff’s vision come to life. Stowe says this “behind the scenes” work is at the heart of the organization. The largest fundraiser for the GVBPA is the annual fireworks tent, which will once again be located across from Casey’s on SW Eagles
Parkway. Parents and students volunteer to run the tent and raise thousands of dollars to support the band. In addition to their traditional fundraising efforts, including the annual fireworks sale, the GVBPA is raising funds to replace one of the equipment trailers. The current trailer is over 30 years, and the GVBPA board has decided “due to its age and service life, the cost to maintain the trailer for another season is too great”. Stowe states the initial goal is to raise $15,000. These funds would be used to purchase a trailer, outfit the interior to safely transport equipment, and fully wrap the trailer. The wrap serves two purposes: to proudly identify the band at competitions, and to provide an opportunity for corporate sponsors to be featured on the trailer. Information on sponsorship opportunities and volunteer opportunities can be found on the GVBPA website: www.gvbpa.net.
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Business News
Editors Note: We are pleased to partner with the Grain Valley Partnership to bring you the latest business news in our community. The Partnership will provide weekly updates, including member news, events, and economic development updates. Press releases and business/economic development story ideas are always welcome and may be submitted to Valley News at news@grainvalleynews.com.
Grain Valley Partnership:
Leader for Growth in the Community The Grain Valley Partnership was established in 2017 with the merger of the Grain Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley. Keeping our vision always in the purpose of our actions, we work conscientiously to create an atmosphere of probusiness/pro-community throughout Grain Valley. Our passion and drive into creating programs that stimulate advocacy, education and possibility of growth, fosters trust and value in being a part of our
organization. Tim Russell, Executive Director, is head of the Economic Development Corporation and will be hard at work bringing new business in to the community. With those businesses, our goal is to better stabilize the Grain Valley economy and hopefully create jobs here in Grain Valley. Tasha Lindsey, Director of Business Services, is head of the Chamber side of the organization. She works hard to create programs that support the existing businesses, help newer businesses get established, and stimulate community engagement.
State Bank of Missouri Welcomes Angie Miller; Promotes Daniel Strader Angie Miller has joined State Bank of Missouri as an Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer at its Grain Valley location. Angie has over 30 years experience in community banking. Daniel Strader also received a promotion to the position of Vice President. Daniel has been instrumental to the Bank in developing customer relationships through loans and customer convenience services like online and mobile banking. State Bank of Missouri is a member of the CS Bancshares, Inc. family. Sister facilities include The State Bank in Richmond and Chillicothe State Bank.
Together, we work hard to live up to our motto, “Grow Grain Valley”. The success of our community, the success of our businesses and the quality of life here in Grain Valley is always present in our actions. We want Grain Valley to be the place that we can “shop, dine, and play”. We support LOCAL and we encourage everyone to do the same. If you are wanting to start a
business or are an established business, then the Grain Valley Partnership is the connection to making your dreams become reality.
The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway Grain Valley, MO 64029. You can reach us 816-443-5162 or via email
at info@growgrainvalley.org. Our website, growgrainvalley.org, has a wealth of information pertaining to our organization and Grain Valley. Check out our member directory while browsing our site.
PROGRAMS We have a lot of programs that provide networking opportunities. We offer a variety of different events that allow all business owners the opportunity to attend. Please contact us and ask us about:
Our monthly luncheon
Our Coffee Connections
Our “unwind after 5” (Business After Hours)
We are also working closely with the Square One Business Specialists of Mid Continent Public Library and have a FREE monthly business learning series. The topics are taught by experts in the business world. The first class was all about creating your brand. The next class is about marketing for Direct Sales.
We are so excited to have Valley News and look forward to being able to work with them to bring you the Business News of Grain Valley and our surrounding LOCAL area.
We are excited to be able to showcase our Partners and provide updates on the BUSINESS side of Grain Valley. We will use this media to educate, advocate and promote.
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Receive 10% off any NEW membership $250.00 or greater
Community Voices
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Welcome to Community As the City Administrator of Grain Valley, I frequently get to welcome people to town. It may be a new resident or a Ryan Hunt business, but City Administrator welcoming folks to Grain Valley is one of the most special moments of my job - that I really enjoy. Recently, I have been thinking more and more about our community and how fortunate we are to have this new publication. It provides an anchor of communication the whole
PARTNERSHIP
community can rely on. So what’s with the title, you may ask? I want to use my time and words to invite and welcome each of you into this community. This goes much farther than corporate boundaries, city limits or district lines. We are a community of people who care about one another and are engaged in each other’s lives. Having the Valley News enhances that sense of community. It keeps everyone “in the know” and gives us a central point to seek information. There are so many things about community that seem to have slipped away in these days of 24/7 connection and social media. It
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structure differs from a traditional chamber of commerce. He explains that his role “is focused on bringing business to Grain Valley. Tasha’s role is focused on the ‘care and feeding’ of business.” Through networking events, monthly learning series events, and marketing of member businesses to the community, the Partnership staff and board of directors are focused on supporting existing businesses and creating a welcoming environment for new businesses. “Grain Valley is poised for a boom”, according to Russell, but emphasizes that growth must be controlled and make sense for Grain Valley. The small-town feel of Grain Valley is what makes it attractive to families and treasured by those who
have lived in the community for generations. He emphasizes that there must be a balance between attracting new businesses and the conveniences they bring and maintaining the aspects of Grain Valley residents value most. He has been encouraged by the enthusiasm of local business owners who are working with the Partnership to learn from each other, support each other, and help create an environment to attract new business to the community. Russell emphasizes the important role residents play in creating a welcoming environment for businesses. He encourages residents to shop locally and learn about the many businesses already here.
makes you wonder: how can we be part of the most socially connected period in history and still be the most socially isolated humans in history? I believe the answer is in community. Electronic-connection does not equal social connection and community is built around social connection. Community is helping one another with jobs, it is visiting face to face, it is shedding tears together in loss, helping others carry their burdens and sharing in the joys and laughter that life brings as well.
honesty, integrity, loyalty, care and love. It can help you weather any storm that comes your way and is one of the central points of our existence. I am excited to see the launch of Valley News and I hope it will help everyone in Grain Valley join in community. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge one another. Instead of ranting about neighbors on Facebook; try to work it out with them directly, but most importantly, be kind to one another and never forget the golden rule. If each of us makes an intentional effort to help Community takes time to build build community, it would change the and cannot be rushed. It relies on face of Grain Valley for decades to things that money can’t buy like come.
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Health & Wellness
Snacks to Save the Day Snacking has several benefits such as preventing overeating at our next meal, allowing an opportunity to provide our bodies with important nutrients, assisting with blood sugar control, and giving us satisfaction and enjoyment. But being prepared for snacks home or away can be difficult. Next time you grab a snack, think like a dietitian with these recommendations.
cup of apple juice has no fiber and an apple has 4 to 5 grams of fiber, making it a good source of fiber and providing something that will really make a difference in feeling full.
What goes well with an apple? Ideally, a good protein source. Protein also contributes to filling up the stomach. Everyone should shoot for at least 5 grams of protein in a snack. Great examples of this include a hard Diabetic or not, everyone should -boiled egg, a cheese stick or 2 be eating diabetic-friendly snacks. A tablespoons of nut butter; they all good snack is carb- smart and is provide 6 to 8 grams of protein. paired with a protein. When When on the lookout for that persearching for the perfect carb-smart fect snack, dietitians have 5 suggessnack, keep fiber in mind. Fiber helps tions to include. Perfect snacks would fill up the stomach curbing cravings. be between 100 and 200 calories, low A perfect example of this is apple in added sugar, have around 15 to 20 juice vs. an apple. In comparison, one grams of carbohydrates, at least 3 cup of apple juice and one medium grams of fiber, and 5 grams of apple have the same amount of protein. Aim for a snack that fits carbs, about 20 grams. However, a three of the five suggestions. If the
package says 1 serving but doesn’t fit within these parameters, try splitting the package or choosing something different. Make a snack save the day with these simple tips and tricks. A good rule of thumb is to always be prepared. As a dietitian I rarely leave the house without a snack. This allows you plenty of time to scout out the best options that fit within your lifestyle. Granola bars or a trail mix are affordable and easy to throw in a purse or bag and take with you. Watch out for high-carb, high-calorie bars, and make sure you include a protein source in your trail mix such as almonds! At home there are a variety of temptations for snacking, such as the kids’ treats or the cookies the neighbor brought over last night. Stop and think first: Am I feeling real hunger? If yes, foods with more nutrition will leave you feeling more satisfied longer. Do some refrigerator and cupboard searching and prepare yourself a better-foryou snack. Try hummus and veggies, a light multi-grain English muffin and Greek yogurt cream cheese, or this great recipe for Toasted Walnut Hummus!
Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian at the Blue Springs Hy -Vee. She can be reached at tshaffer@hy-vee.com. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Toasted Walnut Hummus Ingredients: ½ cup California walnuts 3 tbsp. walnut oil 1 clove garlic quartered 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed ½ tsp orange zest ¼ cup orange juice 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper Directions: Toast walnuts in 350°oven for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool to room temperature. Combine toasted walnuts with oil and garlic and puree in food processor or blender until smooth. Add chickpeas, orange zest, orange juice, salt and pepper and continue to blend to an even, smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with raw vegetables. Recipe Source: Adapted from California Walnuts
Nutrition Facts: 170 calories per serving Total Fat: 11 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 400 mg Total Carbohydrates: 13 g Dietary Fiber: 4 g Protein: 5 g
Sports
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Royals Approach Trade Deadline by John Unrein
The 2018 Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st. It’s likely a foregone conclusion at this point that the Kansas City Royals will be sellers. Outfielder John Jay has already been shipped to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league pitchers Elvis Luciano and Gabe Speier. The Royals have placed them at their minor league affiliates of Burlington and Northwest Arkansas respectively. Players such as Kelvin Herrera (1.6 WAR), Mike Moustakas (1.3 WAR), Lucas Duda (0.2 WAR), Whit Merrifield (1.7 WAR), and Danny Duffy (0.2 WAR) could be the next to be traded for an attractive haul of prospects. According to Baseball Reference Online, a player’s Wins Above Replacement (WAR) ranking is the sabermetric of a player’s total value to his team. Contending teams in pennant races are reluctant to part with prospects if they do not feel like they are getting something in return that will help them win. The Royals do appear to have some attractive pieces. Any further trades will continue what started at the end of the 2017 season, another rebuilding process for the Kansas City Royals. This would not the first undertaking overseen by General Manager Dayton Moore. He successfully guided the ship to consecutive world series
appearances in 2014 and 2015. This culminated in the club celebrating their second World Series title in 2015. Last July, Royals General Manager Dayton Moore had a tough choice to make. He would no doubt get a lucrative return on the future of the Royals for trading players like Jason Vargas, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and Kelvin Herrera, etc. Or he could push his chips into the center of the table and make moves to try to strengthen the core of the team for one more run at a championship. Moore chose the second option. The team acquired pitchers Brandon Maurer, Ryan Buchter and Trevor Cahill from the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitcher Matt Strahm and two other minor leaguers. Moore also went on to acquire outfielder Melky Cabrera from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for two Royals minor league pitchers. We all remember how this turned out for the Royals. They finished the 2017 season with a record of 80-82 and a third-place finish in the American League Central. Moore’s choices sent a strong message to the people within the organization and to the fans of the Kansas City Royals. He made the decision to go for being a winner instead of trading off valuable pieces of the team that likely could’ve shortened the rebuilding process by at least two years based on the
Summer Youth Sports in Full Swing
Area fields, courts, and pools are buzzing with activity this summer. The Grain Valley High School Swimming and Diving program has begun summer workouts at the Blue Springs YMCA. Grain Valley Parks and Recreation is offering a number of opportunities for students to get active and learn new skills, including a tennis camp held at the Grain Valley High School tennis courts. The camp continues through June 28th. Pictured at right: Students practice their serving skills during a Grain Valley Parks and Recreation tennis camp at Grain Valley High School.
projected returns of potential trades. Those who play professional sports know that their time in the game is limited. No one should doubt that anyone who played for the Royals last season, as well as those familiar with Major League Baseball noticed the brave choice Moore made. The rebuilding process continues to help the Royals gain momentum. They selected five collegiate pitchers with their first five picks in the 2018 MLB draft. All of them possess significant talent. No doubt the emphasis was to find quality arms
with potentially short paths to the to the major league club.
Major League Baseball Pipeline
ranked the Royals as having the number two ranked draft. Let’s see what else Dayton Moore has up his sleeve as the trade deadline approaches. He’s stayed with the franchise and been committed to having no fear on pulling the trigger on moves he feels will improve the organization. Royals fans should embrace this time.
Eagles 12u Team Headed to Coopertown
Eagles 12u Baseball Team will be travelling to Oneonta, NY to play baseball at the Cooperstown All Star Village from June 23-29, 2018. The team includes young men from Grain Valley, Oak Grove, and Blue Springs.
Community Calendar
Looking Back
June 25, 2018
The Story Behind Sni-a-Bar
Board of Alderman Meeting 7:00pm Council Chambers, Grain Valley City Hall
by Marcia Napier
June 26, 2018 Didgeridoo Down Under 6:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch Registration required. Call 816-228-4020 or register online: www.mymcpl.org. Square One Small Business and Nonprofit Education Series Direct Sales: How & Who Is Your Target Market 6:30pm—8:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch Registration required. Call 816-228-4020 or register online: www.mymcpl.org.
June 28, 2018 City of Grain Valley 12th Annual Community Development Event 5:00pm—7:00pm Armstrong Park, 711 Main ST Free event for families.
Grain Valley Historical Society In an atlas printed in 1877, we find the following: Sni-A-Bar was organized on May 5, 1834, by order of the court. South of Ft. Osage township, from which it was detached, the name originally given the township was “Slue-Abar” by order of court in June 1843. Watered by the Blue, its tributaries and springs, its most singular name derived from a mistake made by a Frenchman named Abar, exploring the river at the mouth of the creek.
He supposed it was a “slue” and would bring him back into the river again. He ascended it for some distance before discovering his mistake. From thence the name, Slue Abar. The Grain Valley Historical Society is located at 506 South Main Street.
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Summer Activities Abound at Mid-Continent Public Library The Blue Springs South branch is temporarily closed for renovations. The Grain Valley branch will host several of Blue Springs South’s programs until October. Registration is required for the following programs. Contact the Grain Valley branch by phone at 816-228-4020 or register online at www.mymcpl.org. June 26: June 26: July 11 : July 14: July 19th July 21st July 25th July 28th
Didgeridoo Down Under, 6:30 pm. Square One Small Business & Nonprofit Education series Direct Sales: How & Who is your target market. 6:30 pm to 8 pm Amado's World Music Odyssey, 10:30 am Under the Big Oak Tree Presents: Local Honey, 2 pm Paper making, 2pm Meet a Guide Dog, 11 am Stories of Note W/Jay & Leslie, 10:30 am Waves of Danger Murder Mystery, 2 pm
Book Group is the first Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. The Blue Springs South Branch Book Group will meet in Grain Valley the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30ppm through October. Storytime at the Grain Valley branch is held every Wednesday at 10 am. Blue Springs South Storytime will be held at the Grain Valley branch each Thursday at 10am. Registration is not required for Book Group or Storytime programs.
