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Editors Note: This is the final column from Denise Sullivan, who has contributed outstanding "Plants on your Plate" articles for several years. Denise is retiring in January. Congralulations and thank you, Denise! by Denise Sullivan Nutrition & Health Education Specialist MU Extension-Jackson County This month’s feature fruit often gets a little more attention during the holiday season, due to its higher availability and bright ruby red color. Oddly enough, this fruit has no real ‘flesh,’ as the true treasure of the pomegranate are the juicy seeds, called arils. The juice is commonly extracted and consumed as is or processed into sauces, jellies, or grenadine syrup. As with most fruits consuming the arils whole, as opposed to juice, will also provide the benefits of fiber.
Pomegranates are part of the Punicoideae family and grow in a bushy shrub that can reach 20 feet tall. They are centuries old with a rich botanical, medicinal, and cultural history. Pomegranates are referenced in many religious writings and are seen in ancient drawings and sculptures. Ancient writings often described pomegranates as a sacred fruit that provided fertility, abundance, and luck. With origins in the middle east and the Mediterranean region, pomegranates are primarily grown in India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. They are also grown domestically in California and some parts of Arizona and Florida. Pomegranates are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, thiamin, folate, a variety of antioxidants, and a good amount of fiber. Half of a pomegranate contains around 70 calories and 5.5 grams of fiber. 20 plus years of research on pomegranates at UCLA has revealed benefits in heart and blood vessel health, urinary health support, gut health and digestive health benefits, and antimicrobial properties that fight oral germs that cause gum disease and bad breath. Extracting the arils from a pomegranate can be a challenge, but these steps can make the task easier:
Pomegranates have a keeping quality that is similar to that of apples. They should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Whole fruit can be refrigerated and will keep as long as 2 months. Fresh seeds or juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Consider using the arils in this salad recipe for a tasty and colorful addition to your holiday table this year. Spinach Salad (Makes 4 servings) 10 oz. fresh spinach ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup alfalfa sprouts ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles 1 pomegranate, arils separated 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon orange juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Nutrition information: Calories: 125, Total Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 300mg, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fiber: 2.4g, Protein: 4g Recipe adapted from University of Florida Citrus Research Center, analyzed by verywellfit.com by Michael Smith There is an old cliche in sports that states, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” For the Grain Valley boys basketball team, it was the opposite in Friday’s non-conference matchup with Fort Osage. The Eagles used a variety of zone defenses in the first period and it flustered the offense of the Indians. They led 17-3 at the end of the first quarter and went on to get a 60-50 victory at home. “We did a great job of communicating and rotating,” Grain Valley veteran head coach Andy Herbert said. “We call it motion defense. There’s rules but you can also ad lib. As long as things get covered it doesn’t matter.” Fort Osage (3-1) outscored Grain Valley (2-1) by four points for the rest of the game, but the big lead the Eagles built in the first quarter ended up being the difference. The Eagles shut off the paint that made it difficult for the Indians to get clean looks there. The rotations to open shooters behind the 3-point line were also sharp for the home team as Fort’s only basket came on a 3-pointer from junior forward Isaac Woodward, the team’s top scorer who was held to just nine points. “We were dialed in and everything we did was with a purpose,” Eli Herbert said. “We had a really good week of practice and getting everything organized. We were ready to play tonight. “When we are good defensively, the offense takes care of itself.” Meanwhile junior Aaron Barr and sophomore Eli Herbert combined to hit two 3-pointers apiece to help build the early lead. One of Herbert’s threes was a buzzer-beater that he heaved up with a defender all over him. Herbert, who is developing into a well-rounded player, finished with a game-high 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had four steals. Herbert was a force on offense, on the glass and on defense as he was consistently getting into passing lanes and challenging ball handlers and passers. “It’s about not being one-dimensional, and I have never seen myself as one-dimensional,” Eli Herbert said. “I didn’t want to force threes and wanted to get more downhill. When I am active defensively and on the boards, everything translates better.” Added Andy Herbert: “He’s gotten so much stronger and that helps him do everything better. He was proud of his rebound. He told me, ‘What did you think of that free-throw rebound?” Barr also had himself a game as he chipped in with 12 points, which included a trio of treys. He helped Herbert space the floor from the perimeter which opened up driving lanes and post opportunities for their teammates. “If I got the ball and I was open, I was going to let it fly,” Barr said. “I wanted to take smart shots.” Fort Osage’s offense started to come alive in the second period as it cut the lead to 30-21 going into halftime. In the third, Herbert helped Grain Valley creep the lead up to 48-37 at quarter’s end with a pair of threes early. Barr also had an impressive crossover dribble that helped him deke a Fort defender and he made a circus-style layup while getting fouled. Fort Osage Dylan Ball got his team as close as eight points with a step-back 3-pointer at the top of the key midway through the fourth to make it 53-45. However, Grain Valley senior Logan Marcum, who had eight points, responded with a corner 3-pointer to quash the Indians’ hope of a comeback. Grain Valley sophomore Eli Herbert heaves a 3-pointer and makes it at the buzzer while being defended by Fort Osage junior Ryver Peppers in the first quarter. He had a game-high 20 points in a 60-50 victory Friday at home. Photo credit: Clara Jaques Grain Valley junior Aaron Barr unleashes a three from the left wing as he chipped in with 12 points for the Eagles. Photo credit: Clara Jaques Grain Valley sophomore Samuel Pendergrass tries to corral the pass from a teammate. Photo credit: Clara Jaques
The Jacomo Chorale is pleased to announce their Christmas concert will be presented on December 16th at Mission Woods Community of Christ, 2800 Duncan Rd, Blue Springs. The concert, “Merry and Bright” will begin at 7 P.M. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted. Products from Equal Exchange, including chocolate bars, teas and coffee, will be available for sale. Equal Exchange is a fair trade co-op.
The Jacomo Chorale is a community chorale, now in its 41st season. Founded in 1982, the Chorale presents music from various genres to audiences throughout Eastern Jackson County. The Chorale is currently recruiting for all voice parts. Singers of all levels are encouraged to meet with the director for voice placement (no auditions required) and get a sense of the ensemble. For additional information, please contact Nancy White at 816-560-9148. More information can be found at www.jacomochorale.org. Filing began this week for the April 2, 2024 municipal election, with at least one candidate filing for each open position.
One alderman seat in each of the three wards is open and the current mayoral term for Mayor Mike Todd expires in April. Todd has filed for re-election as has incumbents Ward II Alderman Rick Knox, and Ward III Alderman Ryan Skinner. In Ward I, current alderman Dale Arnold has not filed for reelection, but new candidate Kyle Sole has thrown his hat in the ring in Ward I. Two seats are up on the Grain Valley School Board this April, and both incumbents for these positions, Jared English and Eddie Saffell, have filed as of December 6th. Filing concludes at 5:00pm on December 26, 2023. by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Gavin Parks sets high standards for himself. He said his emotions got the best of him during the Grain Valley wrestling team’s Senior Night match against Blue Springs Wednesday at home. Parks said he didn’t wrestle his best, but he still managed to get a third-period pin against freshman Jackson Paulsen. He was one of three seniors to earn wins in the Eagles’ 52-27 victory over Blue Springs. The returning state medalist was up 10-2 against Paulsen before he was able to win by fall with just 5 seconds left in the match in the 126-pound bout. “It was a big night,” Parks said. “I am going to get in the room and do better. I wasn’t proud of my performance. I am going to handle my business next time.” Fellow senior Jace Worthington impressed in his first match of the season at 175 pounds. He got a quick takedown against freshman Kade Schmidli and used a wrist and a half to turn him and got a pin in the first period. “I went out there and got the W. That’s what I wanted, but I am never satisfied,” Worthington said. “I feel like I executed my snatch single very, very well and when I was on top I executed my wrist and a half very well.” Senior Ethan Jones (138 pounds), who is in his second year wrestling on the varsity squad, got an impressive win as he pinned senior Korbin Schmidli from the top position in the second period. Jones said wrestling on Senior Night had a different feel to it than a normal match. “There’s definitely a lot more momentum coming into this match,” Jones said. “It’s definitely something special. I had most of my family here. It was a bigger match for me personally but the team did well as a whole.” Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner said he was proud of the way his seniors wrestled, including Camden Nelson, who fell by tech fall against Blue Springs senior Greg Dillon. “Camden came back from two years of not wrestling and did well against a really tough opponent,” Horner said. “I couldn’t be happier for our seniors. They have helped build this program and are helping it in the right direction.” Other Eagles to earn victories were freshman Sam Garrett (106) by forfeit, junior Colston Parks (113) by a first-period pin, sophomore Zac Bleess (120) by a first-period pin, freshman Sjoeren Aumua (145) by a first-period fall, sophomore Caine Nelson (150) by a second period pin and Gavin Barker (215) by a 15-5 major decision. Girls Grain Valley and Blue Springs split a pair of contested matches, but the Eagles had four forfeit wins as it took a 30-3 team victory. Two-time state champion Sevi Aumua (145), a senior, pinned sophomore Ari Bartholomew in 39 seconds. Juniors Adalia Del Real (155) and Mackenzie Davis (125), sophomore Jayden Moehle (235), and freshman Lucy Dampf (135) all won by forfeit for the Eagles. Grain Valley sophomore Caine Nelson gains control of his opponent, Grady Wooderson of Blue Springs as he went on to get a pin in the second period. Photo credit: Clara Jaques Grain Valley senior Ethan Jones, top, went on to win by fall against Blue Springs senior Korbin Schmidli during his team's 52-27 victory Wednesday at home on Senior Night. Photo credit: Clara Jaques
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
As the days keep getting shorter, we realize winter is nearly here. The winter solstice, which marks the first day of winter 2023, occurs on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 10:27 p.m. EST. Winter solstice is the astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, we have our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside your window, the solstice marks the official start of winter. For folks in Grain Valley, December 21st meant the Christmas program at school; yes, we could still call it Christmas and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight. Can any of you remember those Christmas programs when we sat on risers on the old gym floor, gathered around the “fresh” cedar tree. Girls wore their formals from prom or homecoming and our full skirts billowed out around us! The aroma from that tree filled the entire gym and spilled out into the stairway. And, by the way, no one ever asked where the senior boys got the tree! December 21st meant school was out, or it would be soon, for Christmas vacation. With any luck there would be snow on the ground and a “White Christmas.” A few years ago at the fraternity house where I worked in Columbia, several young men were seated around the breakfast table when I mentioned the classic song. To my surprise, and dismay, they didn’t know what I was talking about. I put the CD into the computer in my apartment, turned the volume ALL THE WAY UP, and played it over and over for the next three days. Needless to say, they were really happy for finals to end so they could go home for winter break. December 21st meant last minute shopping, getting out the sled, and baking cookies to leave for Santa on Christmas Eve. When Santa came to our house he got a plate of Mom’s best Jam Thumbprints, but at Christmas time they were topped with red or green maraschino cherries. JAM THUMBPRINTS (Mom’s recipe) 2/3 cup butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs (separated) 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups sifted flour /4 cup finely chopped nuts Red and green maraschino cherries, well drained Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add 2 egg yolks, vanilla, and salt; beat well. Gradually add flour, mixing well. Shape in 3/4-inch balls; dip in 2 slightly beaten egg whites, roll in chopped nuts. Place 1-inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Press center of each with thumb. Bake at 350-degrees for 15 minutes. Cool slightly, remove from pan and cool on rack. Top each with a cherry (or cherry or strawberry jam). Enjoy! The Historical Society will be opened on December 13 and 20 with Christmas Decorations, Vintage toys and Thumbprint Cookies, along with Coffee, Hot Tea and Punch! Come and visit! Student artists from Grain Valley South Middle School will be featured Friday, December 15th at a Pawportunties Portrait Project event from 5:00pm - 7:30pm at the school. The event will include a silent auction of pet portraits created by students. Funds raised will be used for medical equipment, food, and other supplies for animals cared for by Pawportunties.
There will be 60+ paintings/drawings to bid on to raise money for Pawportunites. The organization will be on site to answer any questions about their fostering, volunteering, and adoption policies, and there will also be adoptable animals at the event. International Student Exchange (ISE) provides cultural exchange programs for high school foreign exchange students to come to towns and cities across the United States and live their dream - spending a year with an American family as a real member of the family and attending a typical American high school. ISE Area Representative Heidi Sullivan has hosted eight students in her home and currently supervises 18 exchange students in this area (northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, including one at Grain Valley), and she provides support to them and their host families throughout the year. Each year, ISE selects two Area Representatives from across the country to receive the Area Representative of the Year Award. Some of the criteria for the award are based on the following: passion for the students and the program, provides ongoing assistance to find success with a student’s program, works well through student and host family intervention situations. being active in the community, active as a team member and in training, 100% compliant. Sullivan was named a 2023 Award winner. She places high school foreign exchange students with local host families and then provides supervision and support throughout the student’s cultural exchange program. She is currently working on placements and finding host families for next school year in NW MO and NE KS. Please contact Heidi at 816-213-5268 for more information about hosting. (Left) Gary Lubrat, ISE Director of Program Management presenting award to Heidi Sullivan (right). Photo courtesy ISE.
By Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers, Joanie Shover, Michele Cole, Sherri Carter, and MU Extension Horticulture Instructor Cathy Bylinowski, bylinowskic@missouri.edu The Blue Springs Historical Society Museum is where history lives in the garden! In 2019, the Blue Springs Historical Society Museum Garden became a University of Missouri Extension Partnership Garden. Museum staff and Extension Master Gardeners also work with the local MU Extension 4-H Classy Clovers, teaching the children the science of gardening. They apply what they learn to their Regional Fair. This year five qualified for State Fair Exhibition . As the project grew, the museum and garden staff needed direction, so we developed a vision statement and developed goals. Goal 1: To Provide education to youth and adults and encourage gardening in the historical section of Blue Springs. Goal 2: To provide education to the community and those who visit the museum about flowers and plants in the gardens. The vision was to create an educational “place of peace and beauty” that was easy to walk through and inviting for visitors of all ages. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the garden provides a respite for area walkers and visitors and gardening information through plant labels and signage. Historical Society members give tours three times a week during the growing season. The garden staff and Extension Master Gardeners developed a program of gardening classes during April through August. These classes are open to Extension Master Gardeners and the public. Extension Master Gardeners teach these classes to encourage people to grow vegetables, flowers, native plants, and use reliable, science-based gardening methods. Class includes hands-on learning in the garden. Museum staff work with Extension Master Gardeners to write and illustrate storybooks for the children to read as they walk through the garden. These storybooks connect the history of early residents to gardening and how gardening helped to grow the community in the 1800s. One story book focuses on a female doctor who used medicinal herbs to cure patients. A second tells how people traded farm products with merchants for staples like flour and sugar during winter months. The latest tells how residents grew pumpkins and shipped them through rail service which began in 1879 in Blue Springs. In addition to offering gardening classes at the museum, EMGs also hold plant sales to raise funds to support the museum, its grounds, and horticulture education programming. Blue Springs Historical Society Educational Garden. Photo used with permission of Extension Master Gardener Joan Shover Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Plant Sale at Blue Springs Historical Society Museum and Garden photo used with permission on Extension Master Gardener Joan Shover
Blue Springs Historical Museum Garden and Extension Master Gardener 2024 Schedule For more information on upcoming classes and how to register, please visit this MU Extension webpage for Upcoming Gardening Education Opportunities - https://bit.ly/GardeningEd Mark your calendars now! March 23, 2024 Location: Blue Springs Historical Museum Garden, 101SW 15th Street, Blue Springs, MO Topic: Tomatoes-Learn techniques for planting, pruning, watering, and disease management Presenters: Master Gardeners speakers Short description: Learn about tomatoes and how to manage plant growth and diseases Max number of registrants: 35 Time of Program: 9 AM-11 AM May 4, 2024 Location: Blue Springs Historical Museum Garden, 101SW 15th Street, Blue Springs, MO Topic: Managing your Garden in Extreme Conditions; Cold, Heat, Drought Presenters: Master Gardeners speakers and Garden staff Learn the needs of your plants during extreme weather conditions including when and how to water, mulch, feeding, and covering plants Max number of registrants: 35 Time of the program: 9 AM-11 AM Delta Dental of Missouri’s popular Land of Smiles® dental education program is on the road this fall, taking the crusade for healthy teeth to 23,000 youngsters at more than 100 schools across the state in the coming weeks. The cast of dynamic superhero characters made their most recent stop in Grain Valley for performances at Stony Point Elementary School, Matthews Elementary School, Prairie Branch Elementary School and Sni-A-Bar Elementary School, teaching good dental health habits to 1,350 students in kindergarten through third grade.
The Land of Smiles® experience follows superhero Captain Super GrinSM, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz CavitySM, with help from his sidekicks Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National Health Education Standards, as well as standards for Missouri. Delta Dental of Missouri also offers free “smile bags” to schools for students who participate in the program. Each bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to help students practice the good oral health habits they learn. Newly created short videos, which recap important oral health tips that the program teaches children in schools, are now available for caregivers and can be found at https://www.landofsmilesmo.org/parent-caregiver-information. Since its inception in the fall of 2002, the Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles® program has taught more than 1.1 million kids how to take care of their growing smiles through more than 5,800 onsite performances at schools in 113 Missouri counties, and through its online version. At least 25% of schools receiving the program have more than 80% of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. The Land of Smiles® experience is provided free of charge to schools, courtesy of Delta Dental of Missouri. |
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