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The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Missouri’s request for assistance through the federal agency’s disaster loan program. This move makes low interest disaster loans available to small businesses and private non-profits severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for each affected small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants will be able to apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process. Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship. The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020. For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster. by Cathy Allie Every writer gets the gift of a topic once in a while, one that just falls right into her lap and practically writes the column itself. Sometimes the topic is a ridiculous politician (plenty of those for fodder), sometimes it is a speaker’s gaffe or facial expression which leaves us laughing, or sometimes it is fad or challenge that catches our attention. But in 2020, Enter Queen Coronavirus.
Once we moved past the funny memes connecting the Queen to Corona beer and the funny songs to the tune of My Sharona, I got bored with the online stuff. Until we were encouraged to stay home, and suddenly things got interesting. First there was the viral thread where we were asked to tag our spouse, kids, or pet as a co-worker in our home office and describe their behavior. I couldn’t get enough. One friend posted that his ‘co-worker’ had paraded into the room, not wearing pants and demanded that he hug him. He had taken his case to the director of Human Resources (his wife and not by chance the co-worker’s mother) and she had said just hug him and help him put his pants back on. Reasonable enough. Some co-worker reports are closely related to 7th grade boy humor. There was the co-worker who was reportedly licking his private parts and laying in the sun all day. Another co-worker believed he could handle ‘number two’ all on his own and got it all over the bathroom and himself. A very troubling report said the co-worker kept farting and asking for lunch and playing on his tablet while the adult co-worker did all the work. This time when the complaint went to HR, HR replied, “Leave my grandbaby alone.” There were a number of posts (sometimes accompanied by pictures) of co-workers drinking on the job. Guilty as charged! But my personal favorite was the ‘co-worker’ who clipped her toenails on the carpeted stairs then brought ten clippings to her boss to prove she had picked them all up. It is possible I am related to this co-worker. Soon we had all the different ways people pronounced and mutilated the name of Queen Corona. I heard it called ‘coronaryvirus’ , ‘coronation virus’ (probably initiated in sadness about Harry and Meghan shedding royal titles) and then later ‘The Corona’, kind of like my grandmother used to say, “Can you take me up to The Walmart?” as though there was just one. Just in time, they grabbed a name which did not refer to any geographical location, animal, individual or group of people, COVID-19, which just simply means the coronavirus disease, discovered in 2019. But folks didn’t get the message. It became The Ghost Virus, the illness, the silent problem, the China virus, the Wuhan virus, the novel virus, the invisible threat and many others. In line at CVS, of course six feet away from the lady in front of me, I heard her say,” I am just picking up some supplies in case this cerveza virus gets a lot worse.” Now that is the kind of virus I could handle. Next came all the 20 second hand washing songs for practicing cleanliness during this time. We were tired of singing Happy Birthday two times through. Newsflash: We needed playlists of 20 second songs! I heard them all from Baby Shark to Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline. But how can I wash my hands to Sweet Caroline? Aren’t my hands supposed to be swaying back and forth in the air during that time as I sing along? Some of them were not quite so funny—Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer, Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive and Lizzo’s Truth Hurts, to name a few. My favorite 20 second handwash is a nod to my former career as an English teacher. Little known fact: If you recite Lady MacBeth’s Out Damn Spot speech at a measured pace, it fits the bill: “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One, two. Why, then, ’tis time to do ’t. Hell is murky! Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account? Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him." I realize just by letting you know I have this memorized, I run the risk of you never reading another of my columns. There was moment when I did not see the humor in any of this corona virus mess. One morning, I woke up in a sweat. I mopped my forehead, certain I had a fever, and charted the best course of action. If my fever was high enough, should I drive myself to the doc or risk my husband being exposed? It was a mere five minutes later when I realized the dog had bumped the controls on the electric blanket to high. Crisis avoided. Through this, I have learned some new tricks to working from home. For example, as long as you wear a different shirt, you can wear the same pants from the day before for teleconferencing. And since your family never paid any attention when you talked to them about work, they have no idea what you are doing. You can pop in ear buds and point to your computer as though you are very busy. Fearful they might be asked to help, they will surely stay away. If you are able to find anything on the grocery store shelves except lime Jello and Tuna Helper, you can try any weird recipe and tell your family that you saw on TV it was good to eat this particular food during the pandemic. I have learned to appreciate reheated coffee—didn’t I just brew a pot this morning? We have reacquainted ourselves with family game night. The only difference from before is wash the dominoes in soapy water after our nightly game. And I now know why my dog is a nervous wreck when I come home at the end of the day—there are lots of suspicious noises on our street, and he has clearly been on patrol. Frankly this social distancing thing feels like Christmas break, where you lose track of days and wear a lot of flannel, but without the promise of presents at the end of it all. I know people are saying how much they like the time with their family. I admire those people. I think it is also possible they are liars, but I am not pointing fingers. Queen Corona has, however, given me one really good present. My best old person story used to be that we had to get up and walk across the room to change the channel on the television. But I am thankful that years from now, I will have some corona virus stories about this time to tell my grandkids and young co-workers, since I lost most of my savings in the stock market and am now on a fully retire at age 85 plan to recoup it all. Stay home, stay safe. Wash your hands, make some memories. Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer. by Michael Todd, Mayor of Grain Valley I don’t know about you, but I enjoy reading Marcia Napier’s articles each week from the Historical Society teaching us about the history of Grain Valley. Recently she shared with us excerpts from the local paper during World War II. It described scrap drives, the rationing of resources and food, and encouraging people to buy War Bonds. I loved how the city of Grain Valley came together in the 1940s to help in any way they could.
The more I thought about it - the City of Grain Valley has always stepped up in times of need to come together. With the uncertain times we find ourselves in now, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I see the same great spirit in the citizens of Grain Valley. I love seeing neighbors helping neighbors. People offering up toilet paper to those who are down to their last roll. People sharing eggs, flour, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer. The people of Grain Valley are truly amazing. I am humbled by the generosity that I’ve witnessed already and am certain that this community will continue to help others in countless ways over the next few weeks. I encourage you to contact a neighbor, family member or friend who may not have someone checking on them regularly. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance and you’re not sure where to find the resources they need, dial 2-1-1. This is a line, provided by the United Way, that provides access to thousands of resources from basic needs to educational information and health care. The city staff and our elected officials have been working to do everything possible to plan for these unforeseen circumstances. At last week’s first ever Board of Aldermen meeting conducted via teleconferencing we discussed how best to move forward, including an official proclamation, declaring our City exists under a State of Emergency. The meeting went well and can be viewed on the City’s website and our Facebook page. The proclamation was a formality at this point, as we had already made changes to comply with recommendations set forth by the CDC, Jackson County and Governor Parson. We have worked with and communicated with several agencies in order to get up-to-date health and safety information that we have shared with the community. I would like to applaud the rapid and effective response of the Grain Valley School District. The Food Services Department is preparing meals for students who need them. The prepared lunches and breakfasts for the next day are available each weekday and can be picked up at the High School at 11:00 am. Families who are unable to travel to the school to pick up the meals can also make arrangements for delivery by contacting the school district at 816-847-5006. Faculty has made accommodations for their students to continue their education remotely, including many teachers videoing themselves reading books aloud for younger kids. Some are engaging the older students with fun challenges via social media. School district counselors are still available via email and by phone if you have concerns about your children and how these unprecedented events and restrictions are affecting them emotionally. Their contact information can be found on the school district’s website: www.grainvalleyschools.org. You are all aware by now that all residents in Jackson County are under a Stay at Home order until 11:59pm on April 23rd. The order requires residents to stay at home unless they are engaged in essential activities, including working in an essential business, obtaining supplies or necessary services, seeking medical care, caring for a family member or loved one, and exercising and maintaining personal health. There have been rumors circulating that police officers will be arresting people who violate the order. This is not true; however, I strongly encourage to STAY HOME to do your part to help stop the spread of this highly contagious virus. If you have any questions about COVID-19 call the Jackson County Health Department at 877-435-8411. We will get through this together, Grain Valley. I encourage you to stay up-to-date by following the City of Grain Valley on Facebook and Twitter and our COVID-19 page on the City’s website: www.cityofgrainvalley.org. Stay safe and call or email me if you have concerns that you would like to discuss: 816-719-9436 or mayor@cityofgrainvalley.org. by Denise Sullivan, Nutrition & Health Education Specialist, MU Extension-Jackson County Asparagus grew abundantly along the ditch behind my childhood home. I am not sure why the previous owners chose to plant it there, but I remember my mother’s delight when it popped up out of the ground in the early spring. Unfortunately, I did not share her delight…then. But oh, how I wish my adult efforts to grow this lovely vegetable could result in as prolific a harvest!
While green asparagus is by far the most common, you might also find it in purple or even a combination of the two, due to hybridization. White asparagus is also available due to a process called ‘earthing up’, which repeatedly covers the shoots as they emerge from the soil. Without exposure to the sun, no photosynthesis occurs, so the shoots remain white. Many people find white asparagus to be less bitter and more tender. With prime growing season from February through June, asparagus will begin to be more prevalent in the produce section as we transition into spring. When shopping for asparagus, opt for spears that are crisp and round. Ideally, tips should be pointed and tightly closed. Avoid extra-large spears, as they will be more ‘woody’ and tough. Asparagus keeps for 2-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrapping the bottom ends of the stalks in a wet paper towel and storing in a plastic bag will maximize storage time. Asparagus is rich in Vitamins A and C, antioxidants that may reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. Vitamin C also aids in absorption of iron. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin K, potassium and folate. Asparagus is also a good source of fiber, an important nutrient for controlling cholesterol and keeping your digestive system healthy. To prepare, clean asparagus under cool running water. Rinse tips well, dipping in and out of water to ensure removal of dirt inside tips. Cut off any white or tough ends on the spears. Spears may be left in longer lengths, or cut into one-inch pieces. To grill, broil, sauté or stir-fry, drizzle with olive oil and fresh herbs. Cook until desired tenderness, about 5 minutes. To roast, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Follow the steps as if grilling/broiling, roast for 5-8 minutes. If asparagus can be pierced easily with a fork but is not yet flimsy, the asparagus is done. Asparagus can also be microwaved or steamed with small amount of water, low-sodium seasoning and garlic. Microwave for 3-4 minutes in microwave safe container or steam over medium heat for 6-8minutes. To serve cold on a relish plate, plunge the asparagus into cold water to stop cooking. The main point to remember is do not overcook it to retain a tender-crisp texture and bright green color. For longer-term storage, asparagus is best frozen, as the desired color and texture is lost in the canning process. Asparagus can however pickled, like green beans or okra, and still have be a desirable tender-crisp texture. Asparagus with Pesto Pasta (makes 6-8 servings) 2 cups whole grain penne pasta ½-pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups fresh green peas 4 tablespoons basil pesto ½ cup grated parmesan (fresh if available) Cook pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus and peas during the last minute of cooking. Drain pasta and vegetables well. Transfer to serving bowl, add pesto and toss gently. Top with cheese and serve. Nutrition information (based on 6 servings): Calories: 292, Total Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Sodium: 240mg, Carbohydrates: 37g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 15g Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple, analyzed by verywellfit.com (Special thanks to Katie Davies, dietetic intern, for her research on this topic) by Amanda Moder, RD, LD It’s no secret that people have been stocking up on foods, paper products and other necessities. Over the past few weeks, many have found themselves running to the grocery store to prepare accordingly. Shelf-stable products are a natural first choice – items for which the expiration date is long enough to last the length of current cancellations and beyond.
As we approach grocery store and online purchases with a mindset of preparation, nutritional value is another component to consider in order to prevent disease. Aiming for variety in food purchases can help in more ways than one – it can offer our bodies the balance of nutrients we need to stay healthy, and can also help prevent shelves from being “cleared out.” Items such as chips, cookies and frozen pizzas are easy to stock up on. But eating these options exclusively isn’t a sustainable way to prepare for staying well and promoting health (especially for kiddos, who are still growing). So what are some of the options we could consider instead? Whether you’re choosing from what you already have at home or purchasing through Hy-Vee’s Aisles Online, I recommend a mix of veggies, fruits, protein, whole grains and healthy fats to offer balance. I’ve included below some examples of foods from each category that have a longer expiration date but still offer nutritional value. Vegetables and fruits: These are important for our bodies to get a variety of antioxidants to keep us feeling well. Frozen: Tip: check the ingredients list – your best choices are those where ingredients are just veggies or fruits, without added sauces or flavors. Ideas for use: Steamer veggies, microwaveable as an easy side Blend frozen spinach and frozen fruits in your favorite smoothie recipe to boost antioxidant intake Canned: Tip: Choose no-salt-added for veggies and options without added sugar or in their own juice for fruits. Fresh: Tip: Consider freezing fresh options such as berries or bananas (peeled). Opt for longer-lasting fresh choices, such as spaghetti squash.. Dried: Tip: Dried fruits (such as dried mango or raisins) and veggies (such as dry-roasted edamame or kale chips) can be nutrient-dense snacking options. Opt for unsweetened or minimally salted options, when available. Protein: Helpful for muscle repair, transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and regulating metabolism. Canned or packaged chicken, tuna or salmon Canned beans Rotisserie chicken Pre-cooked frozen shrimp Prepackaged Greek yogurt Filtered milk (such as FairLife milk): Tip: This brand of milk is ultra-filtered, and the fridge-life on it is longer than most. Legume or lentil-based pasta Whole grains: Offer antioxidants such as vitamin E to help with immune health, soluble fiber for digestion/cholesterol management, and complex carbs for longer-lasting energy. Brown rice Oats/oatmeal Frozen quinoa steamers Whole-grain crackers Whole-grain cereal Whole-grain breads Healthy fats: Nuts or nut butters Olive oil Flax/chia seeds Frozen avocado How can you prepare to incorporate variety in your diet with limited access to the stores? Choose a mix of canned, frozen, fresh and dry goods. Prepare ahead in an intentional way, rather than a panicked, impulsive approach. This can help by leaving variety for others in the community. Meanwhile, it can also help you maintain balance (in at least one way) during a season of so much uncertainty. Wishing you and your family wellness, safety and financial stability – wherever you find yourself in this challenging season. by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Commission announce they are temporarily waiving permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended.
The waiver of needing a permit or trout tag to fish will run from Friday, March 27, through April 15. MDC will reassess the situation at that point. All season dates, methods, and limits will continue to apply and be enforced. “The current public-health emergency caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) has many Missourians and others looking for safe ways to get outside in nature,” MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said. “Missouri’s rivers and streams offer high quality fishing as a way for people to connect with nature while still complying with all health and safety recommendations. Fishing is also a great way to get some much needed physical and mental health benefits during this stressful time.” More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state's more than 1.1 million anglers. Get more info on Missouri fishing at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing Pauley added that it is still critical for everyone to continue to heed all recommendations for hand washing, social distancing, and other public-health measures while fishing and during other outdoor activities, including maintaining at least six feet of distance between all individuals who are not family members. The Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Department, in accordance with the Jackson County Executive Order to stay in place, has closed all park playgrounds, picnic shelters and restrooms to the general public effective March 24, 2020. Parks, including trails and open greenspace, will remain open and available for patrons to utilize. In a statement, the Department stated it “wants to make sure that during this challenging time, there are still outdoor opportunities available for your physical and mental well-being.”
Residents are asked to practice social distancing guidelines, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others. Grain Valley Schools will extend its school closure through April 24th.
The closure comes in response to a “stay at home” order issued by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas this afternoon. According to an email released by Grain Valley Schools to parents, the decision was made in collaboration between 14 members of the Coopering School Districts of Greater Kansas City and Mayor Lucas. “The mayor also let schools know his new ‘stay-at-home’ order would have exceptions to allow school district employees to continue the important work they are doing to feed children and provide academic opportunities.” Dr. Kenny Southwick, executive director for the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City said. All school district facilities remain closed for student or community use for the duration of the school closure. All activities and practices are canceled during the school closure. The district stated the Valley Kids before and after school program remains closed, but they are exploring the possibility of providing daycare for children of parents and guardians in the medical professions and other first responders in the community. The district will begin its Grab and Go lunch program for families begins on Monday and will proceed as planned. Any modifications that need to be made to this program will be communicated with those directly involved. Empathy is defined by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another.”
The job of police officer demands that those who wear the badge be able to wear many hats in what they experience on the job day in and day out. Community police officers swear to uphold law and order, are ambassadors of the city they represent, must possess judgment that’s sound and consistent, and understand the appropriate continuum of force to use in the various situations they encounter. Grain Valley residents, ages 18 and older could experience real life scenarios that police officers face during training provided by the Grain Valley Police Department on Saturday, March 14th. Fifteen citizens of Grain Valley signed up for the instruction provided. Goals of the training included hearing the department define and explain their use of force continuum, gain insight on decisions officers must make in a chaotic environment, decide in real time if the use of a weapon is reasonable, and answering questions of public participants. Smokeless Range computer software and a modified Airsoft handgun are used during the simulation. Participants in the training got to experience three scenarios over a fifteen minute session that included two traffic stops and a physical altercation disturbance between two men. The experience provided not only offered empathy of what it’s like to be a police officer in those situations, it is also the same training used by officers in the department to better their judgment and reaction time. Ronnie lives in Grain Valley and admitted he took a deep breath prior to staring the simulation due the adrenaline he felt even though he knew what he was about to experience was not real. “That was definitely interesting. Even in the shooting range portion of the training, I could anticipate what was coming and could feel my heart rate start to increase. This definitely gives you insight into what goes on in the daily life of a police officer,” Ronnie said. “One wrong move and a whole situation can be different. This is something I’m definitely glad I did and would encourage others to do as well. I have great respect for police officers and this experience only improved that.” Sergeant Jake Wise of the Grain Valley Police Department led the training provided. Wise focused on the importance of judgment and the value of paying close attention to details in situations you face as an officer in the field. “You have to read every situation you encounter. Doing so will allow you to know whether de-escalation will work. You want a positive outcome if at all possible,” Wise said. Grain Valley Chief of Police James Beale wants experiences like Train Like An Officer to drive community engagement between the department and the general public. Beale was on hand for the training and was active in engaging with participants. “Training is paramount. We’re going to be ready for situations that come our way. Our department is fortunate in that we don’t have too many issues with use of force. I think our guys get to a scene and assess a situation and are good at de-escalation,” Beale said. “The software affords us the ability to do scenario based training with role playing that we can control. It allows an officer to practice directions like ‘let me see your hands, move over there, drop the weapon’ to be ready for compliant and non-compliant people.” Beale also spoke to the value of de-escalation as an instrument in an officer’s toolbox. “A lot of times when we arrive on scene, people’s adrenaline is generally flowing, and they are upset. If we arrive and match their level of intensity it can go bad quick. We try to use reason and a calm voice tone to bring down the situation. Separating two disagreeing parties is also effective. My guys are very good at this and that’s why our use of force is minimized through de-escalation,” Beale said. Participants in the training were requested to provide feedback that will be used by the department to guide future events and to be discussed internally. Cancellations of school, business, church, and community events continue in response to coronavirus concerns, as do modifications to how business is conducted in the community.
The Jackson County Health Department reported its first two presumed cases of coronavirus on March 17th. The first case is a woman in her 80s who had not traveled recently. The second case is a man in his 40s who had recently traveled internationally. The Grain Valley Police Department, in a tweet dated March 16th, stated officers would respond in person only to emergency calls for service. All other calls/reports will be handled via telephone. For non-emergency calls, residents are asked to call Jackson County Dispatch at 816-795-1960. Police Chief James Beale later sent out a statement clarifying that officers would still be patrolling streets. Grain Valley Schools announced schools would be closed through at least April 3rd. According to an email from Grain Valley Schools on March 16th, all school district facilities are closed for student or community use effective immediately and for the duration of the school closure. All activities and practices are canceled during the period of school closure. City facilities are closed to the public; the Community Center is closed through at least April 3rd. All Municipal Court cases set for the March 24th have been continued to April 28, 2020. Utility customers are asked to pay their water bills online, over the phone, or by submitting payment to the drop box on the north side of City Hall. The City of Grain Valley has also announced it will not disconnect water service for non-payment through June 30th. Numerous churches and community organizations as well as the Mid-Continent Public Library and YMCA have also announced closures. Valley News will continue to share cancellation information via social media and on our website, www.grainvalleynews.com, as it becomes available. |
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