I know I have written many times about the beginning of our town. I’m going to share it once more, but this time in the words of Mrs. Birdie (Potts) Davidson. Each Sunday for a year, prior to the 100th Anniversary of the Methodist Church (circa 1889), Birdie would share “Reflections of our Church.”
    That first Sunday she told us about her big drawer where all of the old newspaper clippings and church related information was stored. She began with the following story of Pink Hill, Stony Point, the railroad, and finally Grain Valley.
     Among my clippings I find the 13 charter members of the Pink Hill Methodist Church, the nuclei of Oak Grove, Oakland, and Grain Valley Methodist.
     Because the hill about 3 miles Northeast of Grain Valley was covered with pink verbenas and wild roses the name Pink Hill was selected. The church was on the Main Street of the little village which also had 3 saloons, a store and a United States Post Office. Ground for the church was purchased from George and Anna Carlyle for $10 and in 1871 the church was built.
     The lot was deeded to seven trustees and their successors. The seventh man named was Levi Potts (Birdie’s  grandfather). The church sat on the south side of Pink Hill Road and faced west. The 36’ x 48’ structure was built by the community at a cost of $3,000. It had a second floor used as a Masonic Christian Lodge meeting place.
     Around 1854, the citizens had built a school house one-half mile to the south. In later years the school was moved one-fourth mile west of the church. The story behind the move was that an elderly couple lived across the road from the school and they were disturbed by the noise of the children.
     They told the officials that they would donate a lot on their property on Pink Hill Road if they would move the school. When the R-5 school district was consolidated and the students were sent to Grain Valley the school house was sold and became a residence. It later burned.
     According to the 1877 Atlas there were 1,000 plus residents; 482 men and 884 women and the children living at Pink Hill.. There were also 595 horses, 178 mules, 1019 cattle, 674 sheep, and 3,647 hogs in Pink Hill.
     The area had been surveyed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad in the early 1850s. The C & A had plans to extend the route from Mexico, Missouri , to Kansas City. The Civil War came, then the panic of 1873. During 1876, Sni-A-Bar Township began to rally.
     Pink Hill had renewed hope that the railroad would go through their town, but alas, in 1878 it was built too far to the south. The residents were stunned and the little town began to die, except for the church. The Post Office closed in 1902.
     The first structure to be built in Grain Valley was a sort of railroad station, a shack of hewn lumber which was replaced by the first railroad station. In 1912 Mr. Ben Armstrong bought the shack from the Chicago & Alton Railroad and moved it to his farm.
     To be continued...
 

​The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of September 16-22, 2020.
 

     Let’s face it, the complexity of today’s world may leave you looking for a way to boost your ability to focus. Increasing your seafood intake can be the answer. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, eating fish just once a week increased the gray matter volume in the hippocampus part of the brain – your memory and learning center.
     Researchers pointed out that more gray matter can lead to a lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It’s worth noting that brain benefits were seen in seafood recipes that were baked or broiled, not fried.
     Regular consumption of baked or broiled fish has proven to have such a positive effect on health that current dietary guidelines recommend 2 servings of fish per week (8 oz./week) for adults eating around 2000 calories per day, and less for young children, starting with 1 oz. per week at the age of 2 and increasing to 4 oz. per week at age 11.
     For pregnant and breastfeeding women, 8-12 oz. per week is recommended, emphasizing lower mercury seafood choices. Some of the more common fish that have low mercury levels include salmon, skipjack tuna (canned), shrimp, scallops, tilapia, cod and crab. 
     For more information on this topic, check out this article on the fda.gov website. https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
September is National Family Meals Month. Here’s an idea to celebrate and begin a healthy tradition: Have one fish dish together as a family each week. Think about the brain boost and family benefits that you’ll gain!
     Studies have found families that eat more meals together have better communication, and their kids perform better in school and are less likely to use drugs. There are many quick, delicious seafood recipes at www.hy-vee.com; there’s even a how-to cooking guide for seafood!
     Try this quick and easy salmon recipe for your next family meal night. For sides, cook 4-6 servings of brown rice and microwaveable green beans, adding butter and salt to season. Cooking salmon only takes 10 minutes, so you may want to start cooking your sides first. Pair your meal with a glass of low-fat milk and, for dessert, a piece of sliced fresh fruit topped with whipped cream.
 
Resources: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/08/this-is-your-brain-on-fish/375638/
 
    The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
 
     Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Megan is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles to our Hy-Vee community. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2).
 
 

     For 25 years, Truman Heartland Community Foundation has been bringing people and businesses from our region together annually to celebrate the community servants and philanthropic organizations who make a difference in Eastern Jackson County. In this time filled with crisis’s, distress and divisions, this year’s event was a celebration and a call to action. 
     On Saturday, September 26, we hosted our 25th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala. Presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union and broadcast online to more than 80 watch parties, this dynamic one-hour program reminded us of the many ways that philanthropy strengthens our community. Together, with seven local mayors, Truman Heartland awarded the Citizen of the Year awards.
     Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams were recognized as the Heartland Humanitarians of the Year. Speaks Chapels was honored as the Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year. Junior Service League of Independence, celebrating their 75th anniversary, received the Heartland Service Award. Adam Kliethermes was awarded the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor Award.
     This inspiring group of honorees has devoted countless hours, financial support and resources to help bring about positive change in our community. Although they come from different backgrounds, with unique skillsets and philanthropic interests they are united by their willingness not only to lend a hand to help others, but with the conviction that it is a responsibility to do so. This was a reoccurring message from our honorees - the privilege and responsibility of giving back to the community.
     We also had a call to action from our 2020 Heartland Humanitarians, Brent and Lee. For more than 30 years, the couple has been working behind the scenes to drive community initiatives throughout the region. In their remarks they noted the many ways they are privileged, including race, education, opportunities, the transfer of generational wealth, and extraordinary friendships.
     They also announced that they have established the Racial Equity Action Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation. The fund aims to recognize, identify and address the racial inequities in our community. Led by an advisory committee, which includes a member of Truman Heartland’s Youth Advisory Council, the fund will make grants for the following purposes.
     Support community organizing efforts within communities of color that promote voter registration, voter engagement and community involvement.
     Support racial equity projects identified by the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council.
     Support projects that increase the diversity and effectiveness of public boards and commissions.
     Strengthen relationships among Eastern Jackson County residents, particularly across racial and ethnic groups.
     Increase awareness of resources and best practices related to advancing racial equity.
     Increase understanding or our community’s challenges with racial equity and race relations.
     Provide access to stories and diverse perspectives on the lived experience or racial inequity in Eastern Jackson County.
     I was very pleased to hear about Brent and Lee’s plans for this fund, yet another example of why they deserved to be recognized as the Humanitarian of the Year. Brent and Lee made the initial gift to establish the fund and I was pleased to make a grant from my CEO discretionary fund to support this effort. 
     The Racial Equity Action Fund has already received $19,000 in contributions and I know many others in our community will also want to support this effort.  As your Community Foundation, we are committed to strengthening the community and believe that we have a responsibility, like our honorees, to use our position in the community to promote initiatives that support collaboration to make immediate and substantial changes that will have a long-term impact in Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding communities.
     If you are interested in making a contribution to the Racial Equity Action Fund, I encourage you to visit www.thcf.org/donate/racial-equity. Truman Heartland donor advised fundholders can also make a grant from their fund to support the Racial Equity Action Fund.
     Our region is full of diverse and caring individuals. We are deeply grateful that we had the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate this year’s honorees and inspire giving during this historic and challenging time. The Toast to Our Towns Gala would not be possible without the continued support from our generous sponsors and the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board and Advisory Board members who helped plan this year’s virtual event.
     My sincere thanks to everyone in the community who supported our 25th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala. And congrats again to all our honorees.
 
Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. THCF serves the region with assets of more than $50 million and annual grants surpassing $4.8 million. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.
 

     Jackson County continues to provide COVID-19 testing opportunities throughout the county at mobile locations. Events next week include:
 
Monday, October 5th:
Lee’s Summit: Old Fire Station #3, 210 Sw Pryor Rd.
 
Tuesday, October 6th:          
Metro Christian Fellowship, 2217 High Grove Rd, Grandview
 
Wednesday, October 7th:    
Blue Springs: Vesper Hall,     
400 NW Vesper St
 
Thursday, October 8th:
Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy., Raytown
 
Friday, October 9th:
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 603 N Jennings Road, Independence
 
     Advance registration is requested and may be completed at https://jacohd.org/events/ Walk-ups will be taken on a limited basis.
 

     Ten is a good number for the Grain Valley Lady Eagles Softball team. On the same day the team pushed their record to 10-0, they won 10-0 against the visiting Raytown Blue Jays. The game on September 22nd was completed in six innings as the Lady Eagles met the ten run spread rule with the two they put across the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning.
     Hailey Hemme pitched a gem of a game for Grain Valley. Hemme’s shutout against Raytown was fueled by her 13 strikeouts on the mound. The sophomore hurler is demonstrating improved velocity and movement on her pitches to either side of the plate. This growth in Hemme’s repertoire allows her to keep hitters guessing with her ability to place the softball in all four quadrants of the strike zone.
     Grain Valley backed Hemme with a strong team effort at the plate in producing ten runs. Sophomore Left Fielder Cameryn Bown fueled the Eagles offense by hitting for the cycle. The left handed leadoff hitter for the Eagles used a level swing and hustle on the base paths to power her successful game at the plate.
     Bown stretched a double into a triple in the first inning, followed by a single she extended into a double in the second inning. The aggressiveness on the base paths continued for Bown with taking second base in the fourth inning on a passed ball after she landed on first base with a single. The home run to complete the cycle for Bown came fittingly enough with an inside the park home run during the sixth inning.
     Grain Valley Lady Eagles Head Softball Coach Garrett Ogle spent a decent portion of the game whirling his right arm signaling Bown to keep going after she contacted the baseball at the plate. Ogle was pleased with his team’s effort as they approach the September Slam Tournament the weekend of September 25th-26th.
     “There are always things to improve on, but right now we are starting to do a lot of things well as a team. This team is starting to mesh and embrace their individual roles. Offensively, we’ve been able to hit all season long. The key has been getting all nine in the lineup to do it in the same game. Pitching has been fun to watch so far this season with the arms we have in our program,” Ogle said.
     “(Hailey) Hemme has improved her location and how fast she sends the ball to the plate. It’s fun to watch her compete. She was matched today by (Cameryn) Bown, who leads by example. Cameryn takes off to first as fast as she can anytime she hits the ball because she wants to peek at seeing if it’s possible to get an extra base. Her hustle is on point.”
     Ogle concluded, “We are going to see a lot of good teams this weekend, and the competition will be tough. We look forward to seeing where we land.”
     Hemme and Bown were showered with praise by their teammates during their postgame meeting. Both returned the favor in celebrating their win with their post-game comments.
     “I thought I pitched well today, but I couldn’t have done it without my team behind me. Both their fielding and hitting allowed this win to be possible. I have been working on my spin pitches to either side of the plate,” Hemme said.
     Hemme continued, “We respect each other and are kind. That makes this win that much more fun.”
     Bown added, “My team’s enthusiasm pushes me to play hard. It also helps us at the plate. I tried to make contact with ball in the center of the plate today.”
 

     With 20 season best 5K performances, 9 personal best 5K times, and 15 course personal best times, the Grain Valley Cross Country team continues to progress this season. The team competed in the Kris Solsberg Invite at Liberty North High School on September 19th. The boys team placed 14th with an average time of 19:01. The girls placed 8th with an average time of 21:21.
     Mason McCain placed 27th at the invite with a time of 17:11.40. Ella Casey placed 20th with a time of 20:37.40.
     The team next heads to Rock Bridge on September 26th.
 

     Both Grain Valley Eagles Head Football Coach David Allie and his quarterback Cole Keller had their own positive perspective on being undefeated a month into the season.
     “The best thing about being 4-0 is that we are still playing (amid the COVID-19 pandemic),” Allie said.
     Keller reflected briefly prior to adding, “The best thing about being 4-0, is it allows us the opportunity to be 5-0.”
     Both Allie’s coaching as well as Keller’s right arm and legs were instrumental in Grain Valley’s 38-0 win against the Truman Patriots on September 18th. Truman was determined to slow down the game and limit Grain Valley’s possessions by being methodical with their offense and running time off the play clock prior to each offensive snap.
     Truman Head Coach Charlie Pugh found temporary success in his strategy through the end of the first quarter, with zeroes for both teams on the scoreboard. Pugh leaned on junior running back Patrick Martin throughout the game. Martin would compile 109 yards on 20 carries.
     Allie would respond by pressing the tempo of the game for the Eagles offensively. Examples of this can be found in Grain Valley’s 28 point explosion during the second quarter.
     The Eagles would use consecutive running plays off tackle to junior running back Jaxon Wyatt, along with touchdown play action and fade passes respectively from Keller to senior tight end Ryan Summerlin and senior wide receiver Carter Vrienich for three quick scores.
     Grain Valley rarely huddled and stayed near the line of scrimmage. The Eagles would snap the football as soon as it was marked ready by the official and the play was received from the sideline.
     Allie did not relent as he called three consecutive timeouts on Truman’s final possession of the first half with less than two minutes left on the clock. The resulting stop by Grain Valley’s defense and punt by Truman would pay dividends for the Eagles and Allie’s clock management.
     The Eagles would secure a four touchdown lead with Keller’s 21 yard touchdown run on a scramble out of the pocket with :56 seconds left in the second quarter. The result for the Eagles was wearing down their opponent heading into halftime.
     Keller was able to shake off an interception on the Eagle’s first possession of the game. The Eagles senior signal caller would bounce back by going 6 for 9 passing, good for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. Keller would also finish as the Eagles leading rusher with 91 yards on four attempts and 2 touchdowns.
     “I had a lot of time in the pocket tonight. When I was flushed from it, that was more for my comfort. That’s a credit to our guys up front. Our receivers did a good job getting open and catching the football. We were prepared and did a good job taking care of business tonight,” Keller said.
      The Eagles black shirt defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Pete Carpino, would match the intensity of their offensive counterparts. Sophomore defensive back Keegan Hart and senior linebacker Zach Kirk were Grain Valley’s leading tacklers. Hart’s 6.5 tackles along with Kirk’s 5 tackles helped secure the Eagle’s shutout.
     Senior defensive lineman Donovan McBride would turn in the biggest defensive play of game for Grain Valley. McBride’s sack of Truman quarterback John Chapin with 2:33 left in the first quarter stopped the Patriots offensive momentum.
     McBride is playing both ways along the line of scrimmage this year for the Eagles. Center is McBride’s offensive home. Making line calls for blocking schemes and executing a shotgun snap consistently is a tall order for the 6’ 4”, 270 pound McBride, something he has excelled at as a first year starter on the offensive line for the Eagles.
     Providing a strong pass rush and keeping control of his gap is how he spends his time as a defensive end.
     McBride also provides levity for his team. Mocking an official who repeatedly insisted in a loud manner that the play was over on a kickoff, due to the football landing in the end zone is usually not advisable for a player.
    However, McBride’s mimic, done with a smile on his face, was such a spot on impersonation that it drew a chuckle from the line judge. McBride’s follow up of “Thanks for keeping us safe” also went over well with the official and eased tension along the Eagles sideline.
     “We knew that Truman was going to pass in third and long situations. Coach (Carpino) put me in a good position. I was in a ‘five technique’ over the offensive tackle, and I have to win those one on one battles. A shout out to Coach (Carpino) on that,” McBride said.
     “I had to work on my stamina in the offseason knowing there was a chance I would be playing both ways. Coaches on both sides of the football have done a good job of getting after me and making me work. We knew nothing was going to come easy.”
     McBride closed with his sense of humor on display by saying, “Having a six-five quarterback makes it easier to execute the shotgun snap.”
     Allie smiled and took a deep breath leaving the field after the Eagles victory. Grain Valley avoided a letdown against a hungry Truman football team. The execution of a strong game plan permitted the Eagles to come out on top in a convincing manner.
     “Truman came out tonight strong and wanted to eat as much clock as they could to keep the ball out of our hands. Hats off to Coach Pugh and the job he’s doing at Truman. (Donovan) McBride’s sack was a momentum changer and boosted us into the second quarter,” Allie said.
     “Cole (Keller) was good at reading the variety of fronts and techniques they were throwing against us. He got us in the right play tonight at the line (of scrimmage). We were going to step on the gas to try and maximize our possessions by hurrying up once we saw they were trying to slow down the game.”
     “We had faith in our defense to get stops. We work on our two minute offense all the time in practice. We were ready for this situation tonight and things worked.”
     Grain Valley will host the Kearney Bulldogs on Friday, September 25th at Moody Murray Stadium. Kearney’s 2-2 record on the season includes a notable 27-21 overtime victory against the Fort Osage Indians in week one.
 

     Absentee and mail-in voting began September 22nd in Jackson County for the November 3rd election.  Ballots have been mailed to voters who have requested absentee or mail-in ballots. The deadline to request an absentee or mail-in ballot is October 21st. Ballots must be received by 7:00pm on Election Day (November 3rd).
     The Jackson County Election Board absentee office is located at 110 N. Liberty, Independence. The office is open Monday—Friday, 8:30am—5:00pm. In addition, the office will be open the following Saturdays: from 8:30am—12:30pm:
October 10, 2020
October 17, 2020
October 24, 2020
October 31, 2020
    
     A chart outlining eligibility and application procedures is provided on page 2. Applications for absentee or mail-in ballots may be found at www.jcebmo.org.
 

     The Grain Valley School Board voted at its September 17th meeting to extend the hybrid model through the end of first quarter. When the hybrid model for grades 6-12 was originally adopted for the start of school it was set for only the month of September.             
     In a email to parents and community members, the district stated the hybrid model has helped allow for social distancing in middle and high schools while also allowing each student in person days each week.
Early childhood and elementary students are in person full time.
     The Board will continue to monitor the hybrid approach and expects to rule on a model for second quarter by early November.
     Brad Welle, Deputy Superintendent for School and Community Services, said the school year is off to a smooth start despite the challenges of COVID-19.
     “The school year is off to a very good start considering the circumstances. Our teachers and staff are working incredibly hard to provide as much normalcy as possible to our students and our families have been very generous with us as we navigate a different kind of school year, “ Welle said.
     As of September 23rd, the confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in the district remains at 3.
     In other business, the school board approved set the overall tax levy rate at $5.1059 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for property within the school district boundaries. The rate reflects an increase of 10.89 cents compared with a year ago to offset a decrease in assessed valuation of property by $3,136,212 in 2020.