Scholarships are a great way to help students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. So far this year, THCF has awarded more than $738,050 in scholarships to 312 area students! These scholarships will help alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with higher education, making it more accessible to a broader range of students.

​For many students, scholarships are the difference between being able to attend a college, university, or trade school or staying home. With more than 2,100 applications received this year, the need is clear.
 
We received 53 percent more applications this year than we did in 2022, with total scholarship award amounts going up by 14.4 percent. In 2019, $319,054 in scholarships were awarded. Looking at our numbers for this year, we see a staggering 131 percent increase in awards over this five-year period, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. We are proud to serve 159 scholarship funds at Truman Heartland and help fundholders help students throughout the region make dreams of higher education a reality.
 
This work couldn’t be done without our education foundation partners. Fort Osage Education Foundation, Grain Valley Education Foundation, Lafayette County C-1 Educational Foundation, Oak Grove Education Foundation, and Raytown Education Foundation collaborate with THCF on their scholarship programs. Together, we are changing the lives of students throughout suburban Eastern Jackson, Cass, and Layfette County communities.
 
On June 14, the Foundation brought together scholarship fundholders and their scholarship recipients for an old-fashioned ice cream social. It was an excellent opportunity for students and fundholders to meet, exchange stories, and celebrate the student’s academic accomplishments with a big bowl of ice cream. It’s an exceptional event unique to THCF. 
 
I can only begin to imagine the hours of work involved in reviewing every application and reading every essay. Thank you to our 2023 Scholarship Committee members for their time and dedication: Rochelle Parker – Chair, Linda Gerding, David Mayta, Rochelle Parker, Dr. Jason Snodgrass, Shayla Baxter, John Dane, Trisha Drape, Madison Kuenkle, Cindy Miller, Chuck Mikulich, Glen Nash, Jennifer O’Brien, Nick Parker, Janice Phelan,  Linda Roberts, Kim Roam, Jovanna Rohs, Dr. John Ruddy, John Ryan, Eddie Saffell, Dr. Elizabeth Savidge, Ian Scott, Patti Simcosky, Cory Unrein, and Matt Verlinden. The following individuals worked with our donor directed scholarships, assisting families in selecting their recipients: Rob Binney, Scott Chase, Don Claphan, Dr. Ryan Crider, John Grant, Keith Hannaman, Travis Hunt, Brian Morris, Terry Snapp, and Zac Sweets.
 
Starting a scholarship fund is a great way to give back to your community and support education. It's a tax-effective way to make a meaningful impact. With the ability to manage complex transactions, and offer resources and personal service, a scholarship fund at your Community Foundation makes it easier than ever to help local students pursue their dreams.
 
The impact of scholarships is truly incredible. If you're a business owner, community leader, or simply, someone who cares about education, consider starting a scholarship fund to help support the next generation of students. Your investment in their education today will pay dividends for years to come, creating a brighter future for everyone. With the cost of education on the rise, financial barriers can often be the biggest obstacle for students. Scholarship funds have become an increasingly important source of support for students pursuing higher education.
 
There are many different types of scholarships you can establish, depending on your interests and goals. You might choose to focus on a specific field of study, geographic area, or institution. You could create a scholarship in memory of a loved one or to honor a specific achievement or accomplishment. The Foundation will work with you to ensure your fund meets both your financial and philanthropic goals.
 
Whatever your motivation, starting a scholarship fund is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of local young people. Your dedication will help to create a more educated and prosperous community, one student at a time. 

​On Monday, June 26, the City of Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met for their regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall. The meeting included four new resolutions, and two ordinances.
 
There were no proclamations, no citizens who came forward to address the board for public comment, no previous business, and no new business in the first part of the meeting.
 
Butch Beeman with Troutt Beeman & Co. P.C. presented an overview of the recently completed City audit, and informed the board that the city is, “in a very sound financial position.”
 
Four resolutions were passed Monday evening, the first authorizes the city administrator to complete an agreement with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. for the design of a new 1.25-million-gallon elevated water tank. This agreement would cost $257,000 for the design of the elevated water tank. This resolution passed unanimously.
 
The second resolution, also passing unanimously, approves the 2024-2028 City of Grain Valley Capital Improvements Plan. City Engineer Dick Tuttle went over some key points and prices of the plan with the board, noting some projects are pending funding.
 
The final resolutions addressed the allocation of funds from the American Recovery Plan Act(ARPA) to upgrade the Police Report Management System (RMS). Grain Valley Chief of Police, Ed Turner, said that police departments around the region are moving to a new RMS, called Central Square. Chief Turner also said that moving to this system would increase the police department’s ability to communicate with other local law enforcement agencies, as well as increase their ability to serve the Grain Valley community by having a better understanding of what the community’s needs are. The board voted unanimously to amend the 2023 budget to allocate ARPA funds to upgrade the police department’s RMS, and authorized the city administrator to enter into an agreement with Central Square to upgrade the department’s RMS.
 
Under ordinances, the board approved the first reading of an ordinance to approve the final development plan for Creekside Village 4th Plat. This ordinance was unanimously approved and will be brought back for a second reading at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
 
During staff reports, Finance Director Steven Craig thanked the staff that assisted during the audit process. He said that it’s a very time-consuming process and the city had a very good year.
 
Community Development Director Mark Trosen stated that last week the city successfully held their annual Public Works Event and recognized the Public Works staff and the other departments that helped out with that event.
 
City Administrator Ken Murphy shared that the Workplace Improvement Committee is putting together a staff appreciation lunch on Friday, June 30, therefore, City Hall will be closed from 12-2 that afternoon to allow the staff to take part.
 
Murphy also noted that he and Chief Turner are in talks with FOP to modify the city’s compensation plan for officers and sergeants. The city currently uses a 17-step compensation plan. If modified, the new plan would be 14 steps, raising the starting pay for an officer by three steps. Murphy said that hopefully this new plan would help not only with recruitment of officers, but also retention of current staff. A motion was requested to implement the plan, which was made and unanimously approved.  
 
Mayor Mike Todd recognized Murphy’s 17-year anniversary working for the City of Grain Valley and thanked him for his service.
 
Todd finished his report by saying that a new video is coming out shortly from the city as a part of their ongoing community outreach efforts. The video is a parody of a popular YouTube series where guests eat hot chicken wings while doing an interview. The city’s video includes Mayor Todd and various employees in the Public Works Department. According to Todd, this is “the most highly anticipated video Grain Valley has ever made.”
 
The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place at City Hall on Monday, July 10 at 7:00pm. 

by Michael Smith
 
​
Last season, Grain Valley graduate Austin Schmitt was one of the best kickers in the Kansas City area.
 
He had such a strong and accurate leg that he could attempt field goals of over 50 yards during games. In 2022, Schmitt made 9 of 14 field goals, with a long of 48 yards. He converted on 60 of 63 PATs, had five touchbacks and averaged 49.8 yards on kickoffs.
 
The Eagles will also have to replace senior Brek Sloan, who elected not to play this season. He was the team’s punter last season and averaged 31.3 yards per punt last season.
 
The team has big shoes to fill, but luckily for head coach David Allie’s team has a pair of replacements that had a taste of varsity experience a year ago.
 
Senior place kicker Ben Drinkwater and sophomore punter Colton Clyman both saw a little time at their special teams positions in 2022, and are eager to play full time at the varsity level.
 
“We’ve had kicks in blowouts. There could be a lot of nerves going from watching the team play to actually going in there,” Drinkwater said. ““I got some kicks during my sophomore year and even more during my junior year in varsity games.”
 
“I don’t think there will be any nerves this year since I’ve already kicked in varsity games.”
 
Added Clyman: “Last year was my first ever playing football. It was great to get that experience in. I was able to get punts in with the freshman team, junior varsity and varsity.”
 
Drinkwater, like Schmitt, is a soccer player, and has decided to make football a focus for his senior season. He became a place kicker after Allie spoke with Ben’s father and threw out the idea of him kicking for the football team.
 
His mother then encouraged him to try it and after Drinkwater did, he liked it.
 
“I knew when Austin left, I would have a chance,” Drinkwater said. “I just stuck with it. Since I liked it so much, it made the decision so easy.”
 
Clyman grew up playing baseball and soccer, but because he contracted lead, mercury and pesticide poisoning three years ago, he had to quit those sports and pick up ones that didn’t involve a lot of running like golf and being a punter in football.
 
“I played soccer my whole life, so I figured it would translate into kicking,” Clyman said.
 
Both have been putting in a lot of work over the summer to get ready for the season. Drinkwater said he’s been working on getting all of his kickoff inside the 5-yard line. To do that, he’s been trying to get his kicks inside the ball more, so he could generate more power.
 
“So far, that has been working pretty well,” said Drinkwater, who said his strongest attribute his his accuracy. “On my field goals, I have been seeing it big time. I don’t miss a lot.”
 
Grain Valley special teams coach Kevin Page said he’s liked what he’s seen from Drinkwater so far over the summer.
 
“Today, he was consistently kicking it inside the 5 and that was without a warmup,” Page said. “I would expect he would be able to put it in the end zone during the season. He’s also really good with his onside kicks and directional kicks. I think he can help us out.”
 
For Clyman, he’s been focusing on his footwork.
 
“I have been working on having short, controlled steps,” Clyman said. “The shorter your steps are, the more power you have. I have also been working on full field situations like getting the ball inside the 20-yard line.
 
“I have been working on these kicks called Aussie balls, where the ball back spins. That way, you can put them close to the goal line and it kind of sits there.”
 
With the hard work both Clyman and Drinkwater have put in over the summer and the experience they’ve already had at the varsity level,” Page is confident the team’s special teams unit will pick up where it left off last season even with the new full-time personnel.
 
“I’ve been really impressed with their efforts over the summer,” Page said. “They have been working hard over the summer and they understand the important role that kick plays on our team. I have been very pleased with their offseason.”

by Michael Smith
 
​
Every year, the Grain Valley boys and girls soccer teams participate in a week-long camp at the end of June.
 
With the season beginning in just two months, it is extremely valuable for the boys side as it is preparing for the regular season play that is right around the corner.
 
But what about the girls?
 
Their season just ended last month and won’t start again until March 2024. That may seem like a long way away, but even so, the summer camps are something that helps the Eagles even with many months to go before they face competition.
 
“It's really light,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said of the work his girls do during the camp. “It’s more about them getting to know each other. It also helps us prepare for next season and helps the coaches know what the team is going to look like from a personnel standpoint.”
 
On Monday, the first day of the camp, Lewis had his team play a “World Cup” game that had eight girls on the field and broke them out in teams of two apiece.
 
He would have one or two balls on the field at the same time and each pair had to try and control the ball while the other pairs defended. They would then try to score on the goalkeeper while yelling out the hypothetical country they were representing like Cambodia or Brazil when taking a shot.
 
Grain Valley’s starting goalkeeper, Alayna Maybell, wasn’t able to be in the net Monday due to a broken wrist, so Lewis stepped in and stopped plenty of shots his girls fired at him.
 
“He made some pretty good saves out there. Maybe he should be our goalie,” junior Ally Gilbert joked.
 
Maybell said she was happy to get back out on the field after suffering her injury. She had the opportunity to try and put the ball in the net rather than defending shots, which was a nice change of pace for her.
 
“I got to play in the World Cup with my sister, Haley,” Maybell said. “It felt great to get back out there. It was very fun.”
 
Maybell added that the camp is especially valuable for the incoming freshman, who get to meet some of the seasoned upperclassmen for the first time. Throughout the week, Lewis said he expects to have about nine or 10 freshmen participate.
 
“The upcoming freshman can get to know us and get more comfortable during this camp,” Maybell said. “It’s really valuable for them, especially before they get to high school.”
 
Added Gilbert: “We all have a lot of fun. We don’t take it too seriously, but we get a good session in.”
 
Lewis also has his campers work on technical aspects of soccer to go along with some of the fun games. The players participate in possession and dribbling drills, as well, and they also work on ball striking.
 
“A lot of the girls out here play for a club team, too,” Gilbert said, “so it helps them get ready for that.”
 
During the final two days of the camp, Lewis said he plans to have a World Cup Tournament in which he will divide his campers into teams of four or five. Each team will have three or four players on the field and one goalkeeper. The teams will play in scrimmage games and will represent a country of their choosing.
 
Like a regular soccer game, whichever team scores the most points wins, and the victor of the tournament will take home Lamar’s Donuts.
 
“It’s pretty intense and pretty competitive,” Lewis said. “It’s a fun time for the girls to just get out. Some of the girls haven’t touched a soccer ball since the end of last season.”

Celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way at Missouri Town Living History Museum, Tuesday, July 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., located in Jackson County’s Fleming Park near Lake Jacomo. 

March in the parade, play Town Ball and enjoy patriotic activities as they did in the mid-19th century. Music, crafts and children’s games make the day exciting and educational. Hot dogs and drinks will be available for cash-only purchase. 

Admission is $8/adults, $4 for seniors and children (5-13). Children 4 and under are free.
 
The Missouri Town Living History Museum is located at 8010 East Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64064. 
 
For additional information, visit Missouri Town online or call (816) 229-8980.

by Cole Arndorfer
 
 While driving through Main Street through Grain Valley, residents may notice a new sign in the Main Center strip mall. The new sign in question belongs to Art Approach, a new pottery business offering classes to the public.

Grain Valley residents, Don and Laura Fethkenher, opened Art Approach Inc. in April this year with the purpose to promote active involvement in both the Grain Valley and Kansas City communities through the creation of pottery. The duo said that they chose Grain Valley because it is their home and they feel that it’s their way of giving back by providing a creative outlet for the community.

Don is a retired college professor who wishes to continue being active in the community through this business. He is very thankful of the support the community has shown Art Approach so far, beginning with the 50 people that came out for the open house in the studio back in April.

Art Approach offers two different kinds of pottery classes, wheel throwing and hand built, for both adults and youth artists. For adults, the classes cost $145 for four, two-hour classes, once per week. The cost includes the materials and use of the studio to create each students’ pieces. For youth classes, the cost is $75.

In the future, Don said their goal is to add more class options, including other art forms such as drawing and painting. For some, these forms of art may be more appealing to them instead of creating pottery pieces.

The classes at Art Approach have been fun for Don so far.

“Getting to see the pottery student’s reactions to their creative skills is very rewarding,” Don said, “Their success has been great.”

While Art Approach is a business venture for Don and Laura, it’s even more of a way to give back to their community. Art Approach Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on donations from the community to be able to serve their artists.

Being a non-profit organization, Don said, community partners can receive tax deductions from donations made to Art Approach.

“The success of Art Approach is within the community and surrounding cities and towns,” Mr. Fethkenher said. He encourages any artists that have taken classes in the studio to spread the word and tell people about their experience. He also said that those interested in Art Approach should stop by and check out the studio, give them a call at 913-277-1008, or check out their website artapproachinc.com. 

The Fethkenhers are very excited about their new opportunity with Art Approach and look forward to meeting all kinds of community members who want to learn the Art Approach way to create pottery. 

The Jackson County Health Department has moved to a new location and will now be known as Jackson County Public Health (JCPH).

After 89 years of service based in Independence, JCPH has relocated to Lee’s Summit. Located off I-470 and Woods Chapel Road, 3651 NE Ralph Powell Road, is now the new address for Jackson County Public Health. 

The new building also provides a new home for Jackson County’s Environmental Health department and WIC program, bringing all three county divisions under the same roof for the first time.

The new location offers a number of improvements for clients: 


• Expanded waiting & registration areas
• Lactation rooms for nursing mothers 
• Two large public meeting spaces 
• A higher number of modern clinical rooms that are ADA compliant (11 rooms vs. 5)

“We’re excited about this move as it signifies our commitment to the residents of Jackson County,” Bridgette Shaffer, Health Director at JCPH said. “The new space will ensure residents experience modern and quality facilities that match the level of superior customer service we have provided for nearly 98 years.”

Jackson County Public Health provides health services to over 379,000 residents in Eastern Jackson County, serving the parts of our county outside of Kansas City and Independence.

The City of Independence re-established their own health department during the pandemic. JCPH says the move to Lee’s Summit allows the department to more effectively provide services to residents within their jurisdiction. 

“For far too long we have undervalued the significance of public health, but today, I take immense pride in declaring that this is no longer the reality,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “The County’s multi-million dollar investment ensures that everyone has equal access to the care they require in a setting that is convenient, supportive, and purposefully designed. In fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity, we hope to empower all residents to actively engage in their own health and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.”
 
Services offered at the new location, include:

• Routine vaccinations for all ages
• Tuberculosis (TB) skin tests
• HIV & STI testing and treatment 
• Free COVID-19 and flu testing
• Daycare, preschool, and pre-employment physicals
• Vital records services (birth and death certificates)

​Learn more at www.jcph.org.

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
Over the years many organizations have found a home in Grain Valley. Early groups like the Royal Neighbors or America, the Order of Eastern Star, and the Modern Woodman were national organizations with community service as a goal. In the 1950s a group of men started the first Lions Club International in our town. The Lions tried a comeback in early 2000, but it was unfortunately short lived.

Currently, FOCUS (Finding Opportunities and Creating Unique Solutions) is the only community club of which I am aware (please contact me if I am wrong.). While there are organizations for specific group such as Youth Sports and the Grain Valley Assistance Council, I am unaware of any other general groups. 

FOCUS was originally Optimist International.  It was started in our town when the high school principal, Dan Jones, organized a group of 25 citizens to support the schools. With a motto, “Friends of Youth,” Mr. Jones became the first president in 1993.

By 1997, the group had doubled in numbers. The president that year was Chip Hall and his quote in The Examiner probably said it best. “What the optimist club is about is building character and community spirit in the people of this city, especially the youth.”

What Grain Valley child did not participate in an optimist event during the 1990s and early 2000s? The Optimist Club had at least one or two events monthly. Each year they sponsored the Easter Egg Hunt, the Santa House, the Grain Valley Basketball Little League, the Bike Safety Rodeos and car maintenance and safety clinics. They provided scholarships for up to three sophomores attending the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation, as well as two annual scholarships for graduating seniors. They also sponsored an oratorical contest, an essay contest, and a poster contest for third graders with a theme to fight drugs.

In the community, they sponsored Respect for Law Day, took treats to the fire department, as provided volunteers and goods to the Grain Valley Assistance Council.

These activities were supported by chili suppers, pancake breakfast (with Santa) popcorn, candy and nut sales, trivia nights and booths and bingo at Grain Valley Fair Days.

A few years ago the group decided to discontinue their affiliation with Optimist International. Dues to the state and national organization had greatly increased and attendance at their quarterly meetings was waning. 

Locally, FOCUS has replaced the Optimist. A very small group of loyal supporters continues to “do good” for our community. Much of their work goes unnoticed by the citizens as they continue to be a friend to youth in a more private way. They currently support four programs. Originally called Pairing with Optimist, FOCUS provides $50 toward the purchase of shoes for nearly 100 students each year. The also maintain an emergency clothes closet in the elementary schools, buy eye glasses for needy students, and furnish the lice kits to all of the school health rooms.
​
Oh yes, let’s not forget the $1,000 scholarships they award yearly to two graduating seniors! While Optimist International is HISTORY in Grain Valley, it’s not too late to join FOCUS.

Beverages are summertime staples especially to refresh and rehydrate while lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue. But with many sugary drinks available, it can be tough to find a healthy option. And nobody needs to sacrifice their health goals to get a bit of refreshment. (I’ll drink to that!) That’s where your Hy-Vee dietitians’ pick of the month – Zevia – comes in!

Zevia offers a variety of delicious and refreshing beverages for the entire family to enjoy, and all of the beverages are sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a plant. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar but contains 0 calories.
Kick back, relax and celebrate summer without a headache or sugar crash – and if you choose to drink alcohol, raise your glass with care.

Consider these 3 smarter sip tips:

1.Avoid premade drink mixes. Make your own so you can control the calories and choose healthier ingredients instead of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

2.Choose a lower-proof liquor or low-ABV beverage: The lower alcohol content typically results in fewer calories.

3.Alternate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Drinking water in-between alcoholic drinks helps keep you hydrated and limit excessive calorie consumption.
 
Let’s not sugarcoat it – we’re still drinking way too much sugar! Try this Zevia pink drink recipe below and skip the added sugar! Your Hy-Vee dietitians are here to help make hydration be anything but boring.

Hibiscus Tea Pink Drink
 
All you need:
1 cup Hy-Vee coconut milk
1/3 tsp Hy-Vee pure vanilla extract
1 can Zevia Caffeine Free Hibiscus Tea Passionfruit
Ice
5-6 fresh Basket & Bushel strawberries, sliced
1 strawberry for garnish
 
All you do:
1.In a shaker, add coconut milk, vanilla and tea into a shaker and mix.
2.In a tall glass, add ice and fresh strawberries.
3.Pour mixture into the glass.
4.Garnish with a strawberry and enjoy!
 
Recipe adapted from: https://www.zevia.com/blogs/recipes/hibiscus-tea-pink-drink
 
Looking for more ways to skip the added sugar and achieve better blood sugar control? Check out our NEW Balancing Your Blood Sugar program, an action-based group program for those with prediabetes, diabetes or gestational diabetes. It’s also suitable for individuals looking to lower inflammation, reduce their sugar intake and control their cravings. Participants can expect four virtual sessions led by your Hy-Vee dietitian designed to facilitate positive behavior changes. The program includes nutrition education, actionable goals, group discussions and time for self-refection. Participants will also receive in-person A1C and biometric screenings at the beginning and end of the program to track progress (available at select locations). Register online at https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx.
​
This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Don’t fear the snake you encounter in the backyard or hiking afield. Instead, understand and respect them with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Snakes Alive program from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. Snakes are a valuable bug and mice eating predator in both our urban and wild lands ecosystems.
This class will teach about the different types of snakes, their habitat preferences, and their role in the natural world. A world that sometimes includes backyard gardens and fence lines. Jada Tressler, MDC naturalist, will discuss how to identify species. Tressler will also have some live, captive, snakes that are native to the Kansas City area to show participants.
Snakes Alive is open to all ages. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Pj.

​For more information about the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods.