|
Four New Members Welcomed to the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board of Directors in 20241/11/2024
Adam Kliethermes, Dr. Jovanna Rohs, Derek Schoeneberg, and Bridgette Shaffer accepted nominations to join the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) Board of Directors. New members of the Board of Directors are expected to serve for a term of three years and can renew for two additional terms, totaling a maximum of nine years of service.
Volunteers play a vital role at THCF. All the Foundation committees are Chaired by members of the Board of Directors, including the Scholarship Committee, Grants Committee, Jelley Grants Committee, and more. Members of those committees are drawn from the Foundation's four local Advisory Boards. Nearly 100 local business owners, public officials, community leaders, and caring citizens volunteer countless hours each year to improve the quality of life for everyone in their communities. 2024 New Board Members Adam Kliethermes, an Edward Jones advisor since 2011, won THCF's Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the Year award in 2020. He will serve on the Investment Committee and previously served for six years on the Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board. Dr. Jovanna Rohs has 20+ years of experience in early childhood development and education. She has been appointed Chief Program Officer for the Children's Services Fund in Jackson County. She has also been involved in governing and coordinating boards at local and state levels. Derek Schoeneberg is from Lee's Summit and studied civil engineering at the University of Missouri. He is currently the Regional Vice President for the Great Plains Region at NorthPoint Development, where he focuses on industrial development in Kansas City, Denver, and Texas. Bridgette Shaffer is the Health Director at Jackson County Public Health. She was a 2019 National Emerging Leader in Public Health and a recent Jackson County Women of Distinction Honoree. Bridgette and her husband, Marc, are active philanthropists in the community and are members of the THCF Legacy Society. "It is always heartening to see so many friends and neighbors volunteering to serve in such an important way," Phil Hanson, President and CEO of THCF remarked. "With a small staff, there is no way we could review every nonprofit grant proposal, every student's scholarship application, plan our annual Toast to Our Towns Gala, and provide quality service to our fundholders without community volunteers. Our volunteers truly make our work possible". For a full list of the THCF Board of Directors and Advisory Board members, please visit www.thcf.org/about/board. The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce will open nominations for its new Heart of Grain Valley Awards program on January 9th in advance of an awards dinner on February 24, 2024 at the Grain Valley Community Center. Residents are invited to nominate businesses and individuals in any of the following six categories:
Business Person of the Year This award recognizes someone who has been in business in Grain Valley for more than two years and has set the standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. The have shown leadership, vision, and a commitment to the betterment of their business, employees, community, local economy. Business of the Year This award recognizes a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in Grain Valley and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: a successful marketing or business strategy; growth; community involvement; exceptional customer service. Emerging Business of the Year This award recognizes a business that has opened in the last 24 months. The business has filled a niche and operates in a community minded way that is in the spirit of Grain Valley. Nonprofit/Community Organization of the Year This award recognizes a nonprofit organization or community organization that contributes to the quality of life in Grain Valley through their service to the community. Volunteer of the Year An award celebrating an individual who is dedicated to enhancing our community by volunteering their time and energy to serving the public good. Unsung Hero This award honors an individual whose quiet contributions, either through their work or service to the community as a volunteer, deserve celebration. Nominations for each category will be open to the public on January 9th. A committee will select honorees from the top three nominees in each category and announced the evening of the event. The top three nominees in each category will be featured during the event. For more information, visit Heart of Grain Valley (growgrainvalley.org). The New Year is here and I'm sure most of you have already decided on your resolutions. A fresh start is what many of you are looking for in 2024, so when you resolve to make positive changes to your personal life, take a moment to make some resolutions for your digital life as well.
Just like good personal habits help you live a longer and fuller life, good tech habits help your technology last longer and prevent you from falling victim to many of the scams out there that threaten your tech devices and your data. There are so many habits you should pick up when it comes to using your technology. Here are some important ones you need to use in the coming year. Get on Board with AI. Generative tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney took over the tech space in 2023 and their popularity will increase in 2024. These tools are essential replacements for standard web searches like Google allowing you to find information in one search rather than scouring the Internet for information. This is helpful if you need ideas for starting a business to helping your kids with homework. They also allow you to create websites, and PowerPoint slides and get help for anything home and work-related. Get started by downloading the ChatGPT app and use it rather than Google and watch your digital life transform. Build Your Human Firewall. Cybercrime is a human problem. Every device you own such as your smartphone, computer, and other gadgets is safe from hacks, however, if you accidentally click on a link in an email or text message, all of your systems can get compromised. By doing things like using 2-factor authentication for all of your online accounts, using a password manager, rather than trying to remember all of your online account credentials, and using passphrases rather than passwords, criminals will never get access to your devices. Sign up for a Technology Services Plan. In this day and age, technology is always changing which can make your digital lifestyle complicated. To ease that technology stress and confusion, you should sign up for a managed services plan for your home or business. Most tech support services plans can monitor all of your devices to give you a heads up if you have a device failing and they can provide 24/7 phone and remote tech support to help you solve problems with your smart home, smart TV, and any other device in your home and office. Configure Your Devices to Automatically Backup to a Cloud Storage Service. You can easily replace your computers, smartphones, and tablets. Your data, such as baby's first photos, wedding pictures, and holiday videos, can't be replaced when lost. Even if there was a chance to reclaim those old files it could cost thousands if you let us at Integral attempt to retrieve them from you. External hard drives can be used for backup, but most of you won't remember to plug them into your devices to have them back up. Resolve this year to have your devices automatically back up that information to the cloud. Unfortunately, there are no free services that allow you to do this, but most backup services average around $70 a year which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your files are safe and secure. Not sure what to use? Windows and Macintosh Computers: Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) will automatically backup your items to the cloud and keep older files for up to 30 days. iPhones and iPad: iCloud. (www.icloud.com) Apple starts you off with a small amount of storage for your tech devices, but for a small monthly fee, you can increase that storage to backup all of your important files on your iPhone, iPad and even your iMac and Macbook. Android Phones and Tablets: Google Drive. (www.google.com) Google follows the same model as Apple by giving you a free amount of storage space, but for a small monthly fee you can have all of your Android devices and your Windows and Apple computers backed up to the cloud. Use a Password Manager to Store Those Passwords. Hopefully, you're using different passwords for all of your online accounts. If you're not, you're risking identity theft and having your online accounts compromised. Cybercriminals are using a method called Credential Stuffing to get access to your information. With all of the data breaches that have occurred over the years, the is a good chance your user information is sitting on the dark web. Once your information is obtained, a criminal just needs to use your credentials to log in. Making sure you have a different password for each of your online accounts is a great deterrent. Keeping track of all of those passwords is the challenge, which is why a password manager is a good tool for you to use. Not the most secure method, but storing those passwords in your favorite browser is better than using the same passwords for your accounts. Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera all offer an option to store your passwords. If you want a little more security, use LastPass (www.lastpass.com) or DashLane (www.dashlane) to store those passwords. Have a Good Balance between Screen Time and Real Life. Technology has been a great tool during the pandemic allowing us to stay in contact with family and friends, but if you've seen "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix, you know technology is designed to keep you addicted and plugged. It's even worse for younger members of your family with social media creating a host of mental and physical ailments. iPhone users can take advantage of Apple's Screen Time to track and control their smartphone use. Android users can use Digital Wellbeing to set limits on the time you spend on your devices. It helps if you block or unfriend negative people on your social media accounts. Also, set certain areas in your home as 'no tech' zones to help curb the amount of time you spend staring at your devices. Implement a Disaster Recovery Plan Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or cyberattack, numerous unexpected events can take your business offline. The most important thing in these instances is to have a plan to get back up and running as soon as possible. A good disaster recovery plan will help you feel prepared and calm when things go awry. Add a Little 'Green' to Your Tech. One of the great things about technology is all of the environmentally friendly tech that is available. Focusing on 'green' tech can help your home and office finances. The first thing you should do is replace your standard light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs can save you up to $6 a year. A small amount when you think of one bulb, but think about how many bulbs you have in your home or office. If you haven't already, you should also invest in smart home hubs like Amazon and Google that can control items like thermostats, locks, garage doors, and other items to help monitor your home and office devices to help with your energy savings. Some utility companies will provide them to you, but once you have one in your home or office, you can program a schedule to make sure there is no waste when it comes to your utilities. Hopefully, this will give you some ideas of how you can keep and make technology resolutions for your technology for the new year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Looking for More Useful Tips Tips? My Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, I live stream new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People' every Wednesday at 1:00 pm CST on Facebook, Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,900 jobs in November 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 5,600 jobs and government employment increased by 300 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.2 percent in November 2023, up from 3.1 percent in October 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 40,700 jobs from November 2022 to November 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by half of a percentage point, from 2.7 percent in November 2022 to 3.2 percent in November 2023.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in November 2023, increasing to 3.2 percent from the revised October 2023 rate of 3.1 percent. The November 2023 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the November 2022 rate of 2.7 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 100,927 in November 2023, up 3,105 from October's 97,822. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in November 2023, declining by three-tenths of a percentage point to 2.9 percent from the October 2023 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.2 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 2.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for November 2023 was 3.5 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.5 percent in November 2023, seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.8 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61.4 percent in November 2023, nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.5 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.2 percent in November 2023, half a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 2,997,800 in November 2023, up 5,900 from the revised October 2023 figure. The October 2023 total was revised downward by 800 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries increased by 4,300 jobs over the month, with gains of 3,000 jobs in manufacturing and 1,300 jobs in mining, logging, and construction. Private service-providing industries increased by 1,300 jobs between October 2023 and November 2023. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in leisure and hospitality (2,800 jobs); private education and health services (1,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (900 jobs); financial activities (500 jobs); and information (200 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-3,600 jobs) and other services (-600 jobs). Total government employment increased by 300 jobs over the month, with an increase in local government (500 jobs) and a decrease in federal government (-200 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 40,700 jobs from November 2022 to November 2023. The largest gain was in private education and health services (18,100 jobs), followed by leisure and hospitality (11,900 jobs); other services (4,000 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (3,900 jobs); manufacturing (2,100 jobs); and financial activities (1,600 jobs). Employment decreased in mining, logging, and construction (-4,600 jobs); professional and business services (-1,900 jobs); and information (-1,900 jobs). Government employment increased by 7,500 jobs over the year, with increases in local government (6,800 jobs) and federal government (1,000 jobs) and a decrease in state government (-300 jobs). Read the full report at https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report. 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.
U.S. News & World Report has named Saint Luke’s East Hospital as a 2024 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy). This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
Best Hospitals for Maternity Care is an annual evaluation designed to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care that best meets their family’s needs. Saint Luke’s East Hospital earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as newborn complication rates. “We are proud of the exceptional care and supportive environment that our women and children’s services team provides to expecting mothers in the Eastern Jackson County community,” Ingrid Larson, Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Luke’s East Hospital said. “We are pleased to receive this recognition for the third year in a row and to be only one in four hospitals to be honored in the state of Missouri. This demonstrates our commitment and dedication to the quality care we provide daily.” U.S. News evaluated hospitals from across the nation that provide labor and delivery services and submitted detailed data to the publication for analysis; 680 hospitals, an all-time high, participated in this year’s U.S. News survey. Fewer than half – 46% – of all hospitals that offer maternity care and participated in the survey received a High Performing designation. The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures. Federal report forecasts the Midwest’s climate futureby Christopher Ingraham, Missouri Independent More ticks. More mosquitos. Those are just a couple of the climate impacts facing Midwestern states in the coming decades, according to the just-released Fifth National Climate Assessment. The massive, congressionally-mandated report is released roughly every five years in an attempt to track how climate change is affecting the United States, and what policymakers can do to address the issue. In addition to national trends, the report also summarizes findings for each U.S. census region. Here are the assessment’s five main takeaways for the Midwest.
Major disruptions to agriculture are coming
The Midwest produces roughly one third of the world’s corn and soybeans, and increasingly erratic weather patterns are going to make that more difficult. The growing season is getting longer, summers are getting hotter, and precipitation is becoming more volatile, with rapid cycling between extreme wet and dry conditions. Milder winters are allowing various agricultural pests (stink bugs, corn earworms, etc.) to make their way northward, putting further pressure on growers. But the report credits farmers and policymakers for taking proactive steps to address these problems. Practices like cover crops, no-till farming, and more precise application of fertilizers can help smooth out some climate-driven volatility, making boom and bust cycles less severe. But farmers may have to settle for reduced yields, and reduced profits, as a trade-off.
Ecosystems are degrading
The natural environment is also responding to the changing climate, often for the worse. On land, some cold-adapted species like moose and the monarch butterfly are fighting for survival as warm weather invaders move in. Wildfires are becoming more common, fouling the air and altering the landscape. Flooding and droughts, meanwhile, are stressing aquatic ecosystems. Popular species like walleye and trout are, in some cases, becoming more scarce as a result. Winter ice cover is diminishing, reducing opportunities for ice fishing and other recreational pursuits. As temperatures rise and ice weakens, winter drownings are becoming more common.
Greater risks to public health
A warming climate is expected to worsen air quality in the Midwest. Higher temperatures mean more production of ground-level ozone, which causes various respiratory problems. A hotter climate also means more wildfires and more smoke pollution. Extreme heat events will lead to death and hospitalization. But there will be smaller effects too. Warmer spring and fall temperatures mean more pollen and more intense allergy seasons. Oak pollen alone could drive a 7% increase in asthma-related ER visits by 2050, according to the report. Heavier precipitation events will lead to major floods like the Red River flood of 1997, as well as smaller more localized events that cost time and energy to manage. Warmer winters mean more ticks and all the illnesses they harbor. Already, Lyme disease incidence across the Midwest has increased roughly fivefold since 2000. Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, Zika and others may become more common.
More infrastructure headaches
Changes in temperature and precipitation will place more stress on roads, bridges, dams, power grids and other pieces of vital infrastructure. Increased or decreased river flow on the Mississippi, for instance, will lessen the number of transport ships able to travel on it. “Without coordinated adjustments to monitoring, water releases, and communications along the river, significant disruptions to traffic flow and volume of goods transported are expected,” the report warns. High temperatures reduce power line carrying capacity at the same time demand for air conditioning increases, raising the odds of grid failures.
Messier hydrology
Total annual precipitation is expected to keep rising across the Midwest, according to the report. But it will come concentrated in major flooding events interspersed with periods of drought. More will fall as rain and less as snow, with predictable consequences for ski resorts, snowmobile manufacturers, and other parts of the winter recreation industry. The average summer surface water temperature on Lake Superior has already increased by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1980, according to the report. The implications for the overall ecology of the lake are unknown. This story was first published by the Minnesota Reformer, a States Newsroom affiliate. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter. This time of year reminds us to pause and remember all the reasons we have to be thankful. It's a time when people come together to give back to their communities and spread kindness.
The power of philanthropy is often underestimated, but it has the ability to significantly impact our Eastern Jackson County communities. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) has been at the forefront of philanthropy in the region for 41 years. So far this year, just over 300 Truman Heartland Community Foundation fundholders have contributed more than $2 million in funding to all kinds of nonprofit organizations. December is traditionally the biggest month for giving, so we expect to see a significant increase in donations over the next six weeks. From Raytown to Raymore, Englewood to Tarsney Lakes, the thoughtful generosity of our friends and neighbors is heartening. Earlier in November, we hosted our 28th Annual Competitive Grants Luncheon, awarding $453,733 in competitive grants to 59 local nonprofit agencies. The funding for these grants mainly comes from endowed funds set up through donor estate gifts. Just over $30,000 in additional funding was provided through the generosity of current Truman Heartland fundholders, the THCF Youth Advisory Council endowment fund, and the Junior Service League. Competitive grants help nonprofit organizations serving suburban Eastern Jackson and Cass County communities by providing much-needed programs and project funding. The volunteers who served on the THCF Grants Committee spent countless hours over the summer and fall reviewing all 126 grant proposals in detail. It would be impossible for the foundation to do this work without the dedicated support of these community volunteers. If you see any of these people out and about town, please thank them for all they do. Led by Allan Thompson as Chair, the 2023 THCF Grants Committee included Cathy Allie, Ted Bowman, Rev. Aaron Brown, Dr. Robert Cordell, Beth Franklin, Ryan Gibson, Nancy Griego, Lori Halsey, Liesl Hays, Damon Hodges, Mayor Mike Larson, Dave Mayta, Ritchie Momon, Joe Mullins, Steve Noll, Tom Rohr, Merideth Rose, Dr. Beth Rosemergey, DeeAnn Stock, Trish Totta, and Dr. Joy Vann-Hamilton. During the Competitive Grants Luncheon event, there were several members present from THCF's Legacy Society, which is comprised of individuals who have generously included the Foundation in their estate plans. These new members were recognized for their deep commitment to philanthropy and their legacy of giving back to the community: Bob Glaser, Gerald Rooker, Brent Schondelmeyer & Lee Williams, John & Karen Schuler, and Lennie Wyre. The luncheon provided an opportunity for the foundation to acknowledge and thank these individuals for their generous support. Their contributions and foresight have helped to ensure that the Foundation will continue to make a positive impact on our communities for years to come. As you soak up the warm glow of twinkling lights and holiday cheer over the coming weeks, take a moment to thank someone you know—someone who makes a habit of doing amazing things for their community. For decades, our foundation fundholders have been creating positive change by providing millions of dollars in funding through competitive community grants, educational scholarships, field-of-interest funds, and more. Their work has transformed the lives of countless individuals, families, and organizations throughout our Eastern Jackson County community and beyond. For all that they do, I am truly thankful. By working together, we can create a better world for all of us to live, work, and serve, not just during the holidays but for generations to come. Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation, a public charity committed to improving area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good. Founded in 1982, THCF serves individuals who, through their private giving, wish to support the public good in the most tax-wise and effective manner. For more information, visit www.thcf.org or call 816-836-8189. Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,600 jobs in October 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 4,800 jobs and government employment increased by 800 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in October 2023, up from 2.9 percent in September 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 41,300 jobs from October 2022 to October 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.7 percent in October 2022 to 3.1 percent in October 2023.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point in October 2023, rising to 3.1 percent from the revised September 2023 rate of 2.9 percent. The October 2023 rate was four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the October 2022 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 97,812 in October 2023, up 6,137 from September's 91,675. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in October 2023 increased by six-tenths of a percentage point to 3.2 percent from the September 2023 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 2.6 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 2.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for October 2023 was 3.6 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.6 percent in October 2023, nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61.6 percent in October 2023, 1.4 percentage points higher than the national rate of 60.2 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in October 2023, eight-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 2,992,700 in October 2023, up 5,600 from the revised September 2023 figure. The September 2023 total was revised downward by 1,600 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries decreased by 4,000 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 200 jobs and manufacturing declining by 4,200 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 8,800 jobs between September 2023 and October 2023. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in leisure and hospitality (3,600 jobs); private education and health services (2,800 jobs); financial activities (1,500 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (500 jobs); and other services (500 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-100 jobs). Total government employment increased by 800 jobs over the month, with increases in local (800 jobs) and federal government (400 jobs). State government declined by 400 jobs. Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 41,300 jobs from October 2022 to October 2023. The largest gain was in private education and health services (17,200 jobs), followed by leisure and hospitality (11,400 jobs); other services (4,800 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (3,000 jobs); manufacturing (1,700 jobs); financial activities (1,500 jobs); and professional and business services (300 jobs). Employment decreased in mining, logging, and construction (-4,300 jobs) and information (-2,600 jobs). Government employment increased by 8,300 jobs over the year, with increases in local (7,300 jobs) and federal government (1,000 jobs). In commemoration of Veterans Day, the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. To recognize these men and women, admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel from Friday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 12. General admission for the public is half-price.
Visitors celebrating Veterans Day at the Museum and Memorial will be some of the first to view four major upgrades to the Main Gallery. “Prologue: Grand Illusions,” “Interactive Touch Tables,” “America Mobilizes” and “Move 'Em Out and Bon Voyage” reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and feature new technology and stories showcasing the enduring impact of WWI. This phase of construction follows the recent renovation to the Lower Level that opened in May, featuring the Berman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, and precedes additional upgrades to the Main Gallery that will take place through 2025. VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES IN CONVERSATION: VETERANS BENEFITS When: Thursday, Nov. 9 | Reception 5:30 p.m., Panel 6:30 p.m. Where: Auditorium and Online What: Join us for a reception and a panel discussion examining the myths and dispelling the rumors of veterans benefits, moderated by Lt. Col. (ret.) Nikki Dean. Whether a veteran, a family member or a member of the public who recognizes the importance of military service, we welcome your presence and support. Register for this free program SABATON'S "THE WAR TO END ALL WARS - THE MOVIE" SCREENING When: Friday, Nov. 10 | Reception 5:30 p.m., Film begins at 6 p.m. Where: Auditorium and Online What: An animated musical motion picture featuring songs from Sabaton’s album “The War to End All Wars,” the film’s screening is part of the Swedish heavy metal band’s worldwide museum project “History Rocks.” Register for this free program VETERANS DAY CEREMONY When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m. Where: Auditorium and Lobby What: Join us for a moving ceremony honoring our nation’s veterans. The formal public program will include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address, as well as special music. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public. This year's keynote speaker is Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle Jr., Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. VIETNAM: A COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHER'S VIEW OF THE WAR, 1967-1968 When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 1 p.m. Where: Auditorium and Online What: Peek behind the lens of Vietnam veteran Chip Osborn, who led the U.S. Army Combat photographic team in telling stories from the rice paddies to the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, as he recounts his role of capturing history through images. Register for this free program WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the Museum and Memorial What: Find your connection to World War I during Veterans Day weekend through research stations at the Museum. With access to multiple databases – including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission and the National Archives – discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. FREE to the public. MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY CRAFT When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to the Museum and Memorial! If you miss the craft table before it closes, you can make your own poppy at home with this Cut-Out Poppy or the instructions for this 3D Poppy. FREE to the public. VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: U-shaped drive outside the Museum and Memorial What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. FREE to the public. |
Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|
Grain Valley NewsGrain Valley News is a free community news source published weekly online. |
Contact Us |