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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society As has been the case for the last seven plus years, I sit down pondering what to write about this week. On Sunday I took wreaths to the cemeteries where my family members, having lived a good life, have been “laid to rest” as the saying goes. Well, today this column is being laid to rest. But, I believe this column, too, has had a good life. And in the research and writing for my weekly musings, I have had a curious adventure, sometimes challenging, but always giving me interesting new insights into the history of our town. I’ve learned about many of the families that helped to shape our town. I’ve learned about the roads, and their namesakes. I’ve learned about many businesses both old and new, successful and not so much so. I’ve learned about the churches and traipsed through nearly every cemetery in the area. I’ve learned about Grain Valley when Sni-A-Bar Farms was world famous and I’ve learned about Grain Valley when they experienced the Great Depression, and lost sons during World War II. I’ve also learned about our schools, and the talented and successful people that call Grain Valley High School their alma mater. But mostly, I learned to be extremely proud of the place I call HOME. I am grateful to Cory and John Unrein, owners of the Grain Valley News for asking me to experience this great adventure! While writing a weekly column is not something I ever thought about doing, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So, thank you! If you would like to read more stories about Grain Valley, send me your email and I will add your name to the growing list of readers who receive The Voice. It is a monthly newsletter from the Grain Valley Historical Society. I always include a story about Grain Valley and it is certainly my intention to expand those stores. Hopefully they will have more depth as my research of “all things Grain Valley” continue to find its way to my desk (computer). And, if you want to reread any old stories you can visit the Historical Society Museum at 506 Main Street in Downtown Grain Valley. We have notebooks with copies of all of the articles I have written and artifacts that might trigger a future article for The Voice! Come visit soon. Thanks for reading, Marcia “Marty” Napier [email protected]  Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main ST Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society 
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by Tara Sallee MS, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian The holidays are a time to enjoy the season and extend appreciation for friends, family, and co-workers. This year, try taking a mindful approach to gift-giving and incorporate a healthy holiday theme. It’s the perfect way to share a gift that contributes to overall health and well-being. Here are some of Hy-Vee’s registered dietitians’ favorite healthy food-focused holiday gift ideas. Mixed Nuts Nuts are packed with protein and heart-healthy fats which make them an ideal snack to stay energized between meals. The higher fat content in nuts helps promote satiety, though it also means they are calorie dense. Sticking with a one-ounce serving will give you all the benefits without overdoing your snack. Fill a festive box or basket with mini-packages of favorites such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and more. Fill an attractive holiday decanter with mixed nuts for everyone to enjoy! Additionally, for people with high blood pressure, it’s beneficial to look for options that are unsalted or lightly salted. Elevated Olive Oil Basket Say “heart-healthy holidays” with a gift basket of high-quality olive oil. Graza is always fresh, never blended -- a single origin olive oil. Picked, pressed, and bottled all in the same season, the harvest date is even on the label! Include in your basket the top three varieties:
Italian and Mediterranean-Themed Meal Prep Packs with Meatballs! Put together an Italian-themed meal prep gift with Graza Olive Oil and include a recipe card with ingredients for Festive Marinara Meatballs (see recipe below). For a Mediterranean version, gather prepared hummus dip, pita bread, and kalamata olives to pair with Nana’s Italian Meatballs from Mulay’s. They’re ready-to-cook and free of the top nine allergens. Mulay’s products are sustainably sourced with simple ingredients and no sugar, nitrates, or preservatives. If traveling, include an ice pack to keep the meatballs at a safe temperature. Popcorn From classic favorites to unique flavor blends, popcorn has always been a pantry staple. A three-cup serving of this whole grain snack offers three to four grams of fiber which helps control appetite and plays a role in supporting stable blood sugar levels. Look for varieties with minimal butter, sugar, and sodium to maintain its nutritious profile. Popcorn that is air-popped is especially healthy as it requires no butter or oil to make. Another bonus, popcorn is naturally gluten-free! If you have celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, it’s still important to read the ingredient list to make sure added flavorings or processing did not introduce any allergens. Wrap up a variety pack with a festive ribbon. Fruit Basket Instead of making that forbidden fruit cake, send a seasonal fruit basket this year! Fruit is a sweet treat that’s also filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For best results, look for fruits that are in season as this will help with both affordability and optimal taste. Pomegranates, apples, pears and kiwi are a handful of winter fruits that are sure to make for a colorful gift. If you’re looking to add a few tropical pieces to the basket, pineapple, mango, papaya, dragon fruit, and passion fruit all have their growing season in the southern hemisphere during our winter. Mix and match for your perfect basket! 
I’m often asked why Americans don’t connect with their neighbors like they used to. Why is there such a noticeable drop in neighborhood interaction—fewer block parties, fewer waves from the porch, fewer casual conversations across fences? For years, I’ve leaned on four key reasons, drawn from research and observation, that help explain this trend: First, loneliness itself often keeps us from reaching out. Second, busyness. We overbook our calendars and run from one commitment to the next, leaving little margin for spontaneity or neighborly encounters. Third, is a retreat mentality. Many of us view our home as a place to hide, not a space to connect. Fourth, entertainment focus. We often choose virtual engagement at home over real-world relationships. But recently, I’ve come to believe there’s something deeper going on. I’m adding a fifth category that I call “heart obstacles.” These are the internal, emotional barriers that quietly but powerfully sabotage our capacity to connect. Specifically: fear, shame, an unwillingness to be vulnerable, and selfishness. Fear causes us to hide our true thoughts and feelings for fear of being judged or rejected. Fear erodes trust and leads to avoidance—of neighbors and potential friendships. Shame whispers that we’re not good enough. So instead of inviting others in, shame convinces us to stay silent and alone. It also fuels defensiveness, which can stop real connection. Unwillingness to be vulnerable may be the most subtle obstacle. Many people keep up a polished exterior but never let others get close. Without vulnerability, relationships remain shallow. Selfishness, though it may not be obvious, poisons relationships. When we constantly prioritize our own comfort there’s no room left for empathy. Selfishness makes connection feel like a burden instead of a joy. Together, these heart obstacles form a relational fog. They cloud our clarity, block our closeness, and distort our sense of community. They keep us guarded and emotionally distant—sometimes even from the people living just a few feet away. However, unlike the size of our front porches or the placement of our garage doors, these obstacles are within our control. They aren’t fixed by government policy, homeowner’s association rules, or new urban design. They’re fixed by the choices we make in our own hearts. If we want stronger neighborhoods—and a healthier, more connected society—we must confront these internal barriers head-on. That means being willing to slow down, to risk vulnerability, to push through fear, to let go of shame, and to put others before ourselves.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society (originally published in the Grain Valley Historical Society's December 2025 edition of The Voice) As is evidenced in the photo below, on November 7, 1925, the Grain Valley School was totally destroyed by fire. Classes were held in the three churches in town and the 1925-26 basketball team played their games at The Royal Playhouse. The Grain Valley Consolidated District #3 centered around the first public school built on Capelle Street in 1887. Over the next two decades, they had added a two-year high school. By 1906, the little town, now 28-years old, was growing. William Rockhill Nelson, editor and publisher of the Kansas City Star, was buying up land to begin his beef-cattle experiment. The town had three churches, two hotels, and several businesses. It was time to build a bigger school. The second site for the Grain Valley School was at the north end of Main Street. On June 19, 1907, 1 ½ acres was purchased from James and Nettie Hall for $300. Construction began in 1908 on an eight room, two story brick building was completed in early 1909. The high school enrollment had increased to 15 students and in the spring of 1909 four students became the first graduates from the two-year program at Grain Valley High School. In 1913 Grain Valley became a four-year high school. On November 7, 1925, the building was totally destroyed by fire. Classes were held in the three churches in town and the 1925-26 basketball team played their games at The Royal Playhouse. The Class of 1925 had 3 teachers and 15 graduates. (The class of 2025 was just over 25 times larger!) 
As we move into the holiday season, it’s a special time to pause and give thanks. Not that giving thanks should be limited to an annual ritual. Giving thanks is an important component of my daily prayer routine. I am certainly greatly blessed and thank God for my wife, my wife’s health, my health, my children and their health, my granddaughter Jacklynn, my siblings...and many more. However, during this season of thanksgiving and giving, as I look back on the year, I have recognized several other things that I am truly thankful for. One of these is the incredible strength, commitment and fortitude of my nonprofit colleagues in our community serving those in need. They have weathered an incredibly chaotic year, due to the dramatic changes from the Executive Branch of our federal government that have impacted grant funding and many other processes. And recently, they stepped up to fill the breach created when SNAP benefits were paused during the government shutdown. As we enter the holiday season, many of our social service nonprofits need our continued support now more than ever due to starting this season with their resources depleted by their crucial response to the SNAP crisis. As you are giving thanks and giving, please give generously to organizations in our Eastern Jackson County Community, like Community Services League, Coldwater, Lee’s Summit Social Service, Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP), and many more that are enabling families to celebrate the holidays. You can find a more complete list on the homepage of our website www.thcf.org. Click on “Help the SNAP Funding Crisis”. And if you are not personally food insecure, consider adding that to your daily “I am thankful for” prayer list, as I have. It’s very easy to take so much for granted. I am also very grateful for the generosity of donors who have created a fund with the Foundation. Last year, our total grants and scholarships were $9 million, and we are on pace to set another record again this year due to their generosity. It truly is a privilege to support the charitable giving of generous people in our community. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.
In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to mistake communication for connection—especially in our neighborhoods. We wave from the driveway, comment on a Facebook post, or send a quick text about a package on the porch. But genuine neighboring doesn’t start with information exchange. It starts with trust. The same rule that applies to strong teams is true on every block in Missouri: people have to connect as people before they can collaborate as neighbors. Or put another way, neighborhoods grow at the speed of trust. Think about any neighborhood project that fizzled—an event no one showed up to, a beautification idea that stalled, or a tough issue that never got addressed. Most of the time, the problem isn’t a lack of good intentions or ability. It’s that people didn’t yet feel connected enough, safe enough, or aligned enough to work together. Without trust, even the best plans become polite coordination rather than genuine collaboration. But when neighbors truly know one another, something deeper happens. Empathy develops. Misunderstandings shrink. Hard conversations become easier. People start looking out for each other—not because someone told them to, but because the relationship makes it natural. Trust doesn’t grow by accident. It grows through small, steady acts of neighboring: a wave, a conversation at the mailbox, sharing tools, checking in on an older resident, inviting someone to a simple front-yard gathering. None of these gestures feel big on their own. But repeated over time, they build a neighborhood where people feel seen, valued, and safe. Community leaders—whether they have a title or are simply the ones who care—help set the tone. When they model hospitality, kindness, and consistency, others follow. Blocks with high trust move quicker, solve problems easier, and bounce back from challenges with far more resilience. The irony is that in our rush to get things done—plan the barbecue, fix the park, organize a cleanup—we sometimes skip the very thing that makes all of that possible: relationships. But trust is not a detour from community work. It is community work. Without it, nothing moves. With it, almost anything can. If you want a stronger neighborhood, start with a stronger connection. Take a few extra minutes to stop and talk. Ask how someone is really doing. Share a little more of yourself than usual. You don’t have to become best friends with every neighbor—but you do have to show up as a person, not just a resident behind a closed door. Because in the end, it’s not just about the projects we complete. It’s about the people we’re building community with. And when we start with trust, we go further—together.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society When this column began over 7 years ago, I had no clue I would write more than 370 stories. My college degree, earned some 56 years ago, was in Home Economics Education. My older brother was the one with a degree in journalism. I didn’t even like to write papers for my English classes. But here I am, decades later, writing weekly stories. And, I can honestly say I have enjoyed it! The fun has been writing stories about Grain Valley! Over the years, I have come to appreciate this town more and more. And in this week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful that writing this column has given me the opportunity to learn so much about the town. Beginning in 1878, the Chicago & Alton Railroad stopped at Sni Creek to take on water and prompted James Cannon to build the first general store. The town was registered for incorporation in 1884. In 1913, William Rockhill Nelson choose Grain Valley to establish the world famous Sni-A-Bar Farms from 1913 through 1945. 1926 brought us U.S. Highway 40, the Main Street of America, followed by an East Kansas City Airport in the 1950s and finally Interstate 70 (1965). I’ve been able to learn about the families that have lived here, some with a street or road named for them. I have spent hours in the local cemeteries and online, tracing the genealogy of many of these families. I’ve learned about Grain Valley during World War I and II, and the Korean War. I learned about Grain Valley during the Great Depression and the much more recent years of prosperity and growth. I have also learned about our schools; from small rural schools to reorganization in 1949; to the excellent school system we enjoy today. Mostly, I’ve learned about the many great and sometimes famous people that have called Grain Valley home. It has been interesting and informative. But, as I have stated many times, my research often leaves me with more questions than answers. I have two columns left. If there is something you would like to read about, please let me know. (COMMENT BELOW) I struggle to know how I should end this column. How do I finish what I started 375 articles ago?  My favorite photo. Grain Valley, MO. Circa, 1915
Over 300 people from across the United States have taken the Engaged Neighbor Pledge during 2025. Each one was invited to share what that commitment means in practical terms. These voices—ranging from small towns to big cities—show us both the simplicity and the depth of what it means to be an engaged neighbor. Their reflections reveal a consistent set of themes, a hopeful vision for stronger neighborhoods, and the first steps many are ready to take. 1. Start with Simple Acts of Connection These simple actions highlight that engagement doesn’t require elaborate programs. It begins with a smile, a name remembered, or an open conversation. Most people start with the basics of kindness and recognition. 2. Creating Spaces for Belonging A strong theme was the desire to bring neighbors together in shared spaces. Physical gathering spaces—front yards, sidewalks, community centers—become incubators for belonging and people create opportunities for neighbors to connect naturally. 3. Service and Care for Vulnerable Neighbors Many respondents focused on serving those in need—especially seniors, widows, or marginalized groups. For these neighbors, engagement means more than friendliness; it’s about practical acts of care and justice. Service turns neighborliness into tangible acts of kindness or love. 4. Healing Divisions and Building Unity Some participants named the divisions in their communities—especially political ones—and expressed a desire for unity. Neighboring can serve as a quiet act of peacemaking in a fractured society in one of your areas of greatest influence – right where you live. 5. Long-Term Commitment and Leadership Finally, several respondents described themselves as already engaged neighbors, seeing this pledge as a way to deepen or extend their practice. These individuals are thinking about sustainability, leadership, and multiplication, showing that engaged neighboring can spread as a cultural movement. Patterns and Predictions Taken together, the reflections suggest that most engaged neighbors will:
These steps reflect a grassroots movement of ordinary people choosing to live intentionally with those around them. The Engaged Neighbor Pledge has attracted participants from 34 different states, reflecting a broad national interest in strengthening community connections. A clear majority of the pledge takers come from Missouri. Sign the pledge at https://engagedneighbor.com.
When flu season hits or stress runs high, you’ll often hear advice on how to “boost” your immune system. But here’s the truth: your immune system isn’t like a car battery you can just charge up. In fact, “boosting” immunity isn’t possible, and if it were, it could actually be dangerous. An overactive immune system is what causes allergies and autoimmune diseases. Instead, the goal is to support and balance your immune system so it can function effectively when you need it most. The immune system is complex with many moving parts: white blood cells, antibodies, signaling proteins, and protective barriers like your skin and gut lining. A true “boost” would mean overstimulating this network, leading to chronic inflammation or immune overreaction. Instead, research shows that consistent lifestyle habits, like adequate sleep, stress management, regular physical activity, and proper nutrition, help keep your immune system in balance, ready to respond effectively to threats. Nutrition’s Role in Immune Support Food is one of the most powerful tools for supporting immune health. Nutrients act as building blocks for immune cells, regulate inflammation, and influence your gut microbiome, the home of nearly 70% of your immune system. Here are some of the most well-studied nutrients and food sources:
Beyond Nutrients: Everyday Habits That Support Immunity Nutrition is powerful, but it works best as part of a bigger lifestyle picture. Evidence shows that your immune system is strengthened by:
You don’t need to “boost” your immune system, you need to support it. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet alongside healthy lifestyle habits keeps your body prepared to defend against illness while staying in balance. Start by filling your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, and fermented foods. Combine this with good sleep, movement and stress management, and you’ll be giving your immune system exactly what it needs: steady, sustainable support. Salmon, Kale and Grains Salad Servings: 4 All You Need:
As the holiday season gets underway, here are five favorite neighborhood traditions that I have heard from across the country—simple, meaningful ways neighbors bring joy to one another this time of year. Try one of these ideas to help build social capital where you live. 1. Sharing Goodies The word “goodies” may sound old-fashioned, but the tradition is timeless. Every December, thousands of neighbors share baked cookies, tins of popcorn, or small store-bought gifts. For some, it’s the only neighboring act they do all year—and that’s exactly why we love it. Holiday giving draws even the quietest or most reluctant neighbors into the circle. A plate of cookies on a doorstep often opens the door to future conversations. 2. Neighborhood Light Displays Holiday lights brighten more than rooftops—they brighten community spirit. Some neighborhoods host tree-lighting ceremonies; others hold friendly decorating contests (thankfully, far less dramatic than the movie versions!). Apartment buildings join in with door-decorating events. One creative neighborhood asks residents to place themed Christmas trees on their porches and then publishes a map for neighbors to enjoy a festive walking tour. Bonus: research shows people who decorate outdoors are perceived as friendlier. If you want your neighborhood to feel welcoming, encourage a little sparkle. 3. The Living Advent Calendar This tradition blends art, anticipation, and creativity. Twenty-four homes commit to decorating one street-facing window, revealing a new “day” each night leading up to Christmas. Many neighborhoods leave all the windows lit through the 12 days of Christmas, some even turning it into a fundraiser. It takes coordination, but it brings neighbors outside, talking, walking, and admiring each other’s handiwork. 4. Holiday Gatherings A cookie swap, a hot-chocolate bar, a simple open house—small gatherings build big connections. One family on our team invited a few neighbors over for a children’s Christmas concert. The kids dressed up, made programs, and served apple cider. The concert lasted minutes; the conversations lasted hours. That’s the power of bringing people together. 5. Progressive Dinners Progressive dinners are popular because the work—and the fun—is shared. Four or five homes each host one course: appetizers, salad, main dish, dessert. Guests move from house to house, enjoying food, laughter, and holiday décor along the way. It’s an ideal indoor tradition for colder climates and a wonderful way to experience the hospitality of several households in one evening. The holidays offer endless opportunities to build connection. Whether you choose a classic tradition or invent something new, the goal is simple: bring people together. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Do you remember your school field trips? When I was in sixth grade, my class went to the Wonder Bread Bakery and the Coca Cola Bottling Company. We got on the big yellow bus and headed for Kansas City. At lunchtime we stopped at a park and ate our sack lunches, which we washed down with Kool-Aid provided by our room mothers. We looked forward to the “educational” trip for weeks and had a great time. But the big treat came in high school. Every year, on the next to the last day of school, all four classes, freshmen through seniors, and our teachers headed west for a day at Swope Park and the Kansas City Zoo. My senior year (1964) there were 143 students, 13 teachers, and our principal and we all fit into one building. Our principal, Mr. Malone, drove one of the buses! It was before I-70 was built, so we headed west on U. S. Highway 40. To get to the park we turned on Sterling Boulevard, drove through Raytown to 63rd Street and on to the park. After an entire day at the zoo, playing baseball (watching the guys play), eating popcorn and cotton candy, and buying souvenirs, we headed back to school, arriving just in time to go home! This week, the Grain Valley Historical Society hosted the 7th grade history classes from South Middle School (next week we will welcome North Middle School, and the following week we will host students from GVHS) for the Smithsonian Exhibit, Voices and Votes. About half of the Grain Valley 7th graders, 158 students. visited. That is 15 students more than the entire high school 61 years ago. Can you just imagine the fleet of 25 or 30 buses it would require to take the entire high school to the park? Oh, wait, most high school students today would probably refuse to ride a bus. Well, maybe they could be bribed if it was free admission to a Chiefs game or a Taylor Swift concert! I usually find it amusing when folks my age talk about the “good old days.” What was so “good” about no central air or heat, outdoor “johns” and no televisions. On the other hand, a field trip to Swope Park every year was pretty cool! By the way, if you haven’t been to the Historical Society to see VOICES AND VOTES, DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, plan to visit before December 13, 2025. We are open from 10:00am - 4:00pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and from 1:00pm - 4:00pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.  Grain Valley High School from 1960 to 1975. Photo credit Grain Valley Historical Society
A while back, my parents and I had a conversation about long-term care (LTC) insurance. Talking about the possibility of one or both of them needing this kind of care wasn’t fun for any of us, but that made it no less important.
It’s one of those decisions many people put off until they urgently need it. Unfortunately, with LTC insurance, waiting too long can make a policy significantly more expensive or even unavailable. Determining whether LTC insurance is right for you isn’t simple. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. When evaluating it, several key factors must be considered. For example, what is your family’s health history? Do you have close relatives who’ve experienced Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or strokes? If so, you may be at increased risk, and LTC coverage could be a wise move. Another major consideration is your financial situation. LTC insurance isn’t cheap, and it typically becomes more costly as you age. You must weigh whether you can afford the premiums now, and whether you’ll still be able to afford them when you’re most likely to need care. At the same time, consider the alternative: potentially paying $50,000–$100,000 per year out of pocket for care, something that can quickly erode savings and retirement assets leaving a healthy spouse high and dry. You should also examine your support system. Do you have family members who are willing and able to provide care? And what are your intentions regarding leaving an inheritance to a surviving spouse or children? These and many other questions should be addressed before making a decision about purchasing LTC insurance. But even after obtaining a policy, many people don’t realize that coverage isn’t static. Insurance companies are likely to present you with new options throughout the life of your policy as an alternative to increased premiums. For instance, due to rising claims and an aging population, many insurers offer a buyout option, where the insurance company pays you a lump sum to cancel the policy, or may propose benefit reductions, which keep your premiums steady but reduce inflation protection or daily benefit amounts. While these alternatives to rate increases might seem like an opportunity to save money or simplify your financial plan, they can have major long-term consequences. Accepting a buyout or reducing coverage may leave you underinsured in your later years. On the other hand, accepting continued premium increases might make the policy unaffordable just when you need it most. That’s why, whether you’re purchasing your first policy or reevaluating an existing one, it’s critical to work with a fiduciary, someone legally required to act in your best interest. A fiduciary can help assess not only your current circumstances, but also your evolving financial needs and goals, to ensure your coverage remains aligned with your overall plan. In my parents’ case, we ultimately decided that LTC insurance wasn’t the right fit for them at this time. But for many, it isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. If you’d like help determining if LTC is right for you, or if you already have a policy and need help navigating the range of options your provider is offering, we’re here to help. At Stewardship Capital, we work as fiduciaries to provide honest, objective advice so you can make informed, confident decisions that are right for you and your loved ones. (Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The advice is general in nature and not intended for specific situations)
Jeff Siegler, author of “Your City is Sick,” doesn’t mince words when he says, “Most people live in a community that isn’t worth caring about, so they don’t.” That stings, but it rings true. Drive through almost any town and you’ll see the evidence: peeling paint, trash in the ditch, half-empty storefronts, and people who no longer show up for the parade or volunteer for the clean-up day. The symptoms of apathy are everywhere, and they quietly erode the spirit of a place. We often think money will fix it. A new employer, another subdivision, or a downtown grant will somehow spark pride again. But apathy isn’t cured with asphalt or incentives. It’s healed through connection, belonging, and beauty. When people know one another, they start to care about one another. That’s why the simplest act of meeting a neighbor, waving at someone you pass every day, or hosting a block gathering matters more than most city-wide plans. Human connection is the foundation of civic pride. People also care about identity—what their community stands for and what makes it special. Every town has stories worth retelling: the local factory that pivoted to help in a crisis, the teacher who inspired generations, the volunteers who refused to let a park close. When we remind ourselves of those stories, we rediscover why this place matters. And then there’s ownership. We feel pride when we support the coffee shop owned by someone we know, when we paint the fence instead of waiting for someone else, when we choose to plant flowers instead of posting complaints online. Ownership is contagious; one small act of care gives others permission to do the same. Finally, Siegler reminds us of beauty. A community that looks cared for feels cared for. Clean sidewalks, public art, tidy yards, and lively parks aren’t trivial—they’re visual cues that say, “Someone loves this place.” Beauty inspires better behavior; pride follows care, not the other way around. If we want thriving towns, we have to make them worth caring about. That starts not with a big budget, but with a handful of people willing to notice, connect, and take small, steady action. Because when neighbors begin to care—even just a little—the transformation of a place is never far behind. 
Thanksgiving brings warm memories of loved ones sitting around the dining room table. Gratitude and happiness are rich in the air as plates are filled with seasonal favorites. While health may not be at top of mind during a meal that is often considered indulgent, there are several superfoods that are true Thanksgiving classics. While the focus may be on the big meal, it’s still important to nourish your body throughout the day. Many people try to “save” calories for a holiday meal, which can decrease energy, negatively impact blood sugar, and increase the risk of overeating later. Why not start the morning with a satisfying whole grain option? Nothing But the Truth Overnight Oats & Chia is a new brand from Hy-Vee that’s a great superfood start to your day! With 6 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving, enjoy either mixed berry or chocolate varieties. Pair your oats with a coffee that’s infused with superfoods like Lion's Mane mushrooms to support focus, energy, and gut health. Four Sigmatic is a unique brand of organic Arabica coffee infused with functional mushrooms & adaptogens. With breakfast covered, read on to find out which foods to include on this year’s Thanksgiving menu! Cranberries This small, but mighty fruit packs a punch when it comes to nutrition! Cranberries are high in antioxidants, and they can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by keeping bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining. These berries provide the greatest benefit for UTIs when consumed as unsweetened cranberry juice, though if you’re looking for a fun beverage to serve alongside your Thanksgiving meal, the recipe below for Virgin Cranberry Cream Smash is sure to be a hit! Pairing cranberries with Too Good & Co. Coffee Creamer makes for a delicious combination, and you will feel good knowing you’re getting 40% less sugar than the leading coffee creamers. The clean label offers no artificial sweeteners, flavors, gums, oils or preservatives. Brussels Sprouts Similar to cranberries, don’t let size fool you! Brussels sprouts are also loaded with antioxidants that can protect our cells from damage. Brussels sprouts are full of fiber which can help keep cholesterol levels in check. Thanks to their spike in popularity over the past several years, there are many delicious recipes available if you’re looking for inspiration. For an easy side dish, look no further than Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts. In just 20 minutes, these Brussels sprouts will have a crisp, golden-brown outer shell with tender leaves inside. Pick smaller Brussels sprouts and avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness. Sweet Potatoes While a casserole full of brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows may come to mind when you think of sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving, there are so many other ways to prepare this superfood. For a delicious combination of ingredients and just the right amount of sweet, try this Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Tahini Maple Dressing. Sweet potatoes get their orange color from beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A. The body relies on this vitamin for optimal eye health, proper immune function, and healthy skin. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a fiber-rich complex carbohydrate which gets digested slower and helps to stabilize blood sugar. Turnips Turnips are nutrient-dense vegetables that only contain about 35 calories per cup and offer many nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and manganese. This makes it an ideal food for weight management. In addition to the root, turnips contain edible greens. Many people throw away this part of the plant, though there are a lot of benefits to eating them as well! Calcium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K are just a few of the nutrients hidden inside. For a unique twist on classic mashed potatoes, try Root Vegetable Mashed Potatoes, which are sure to please the crowd! Pecans This Thanksgiving ingredient shines at the dessert table, though pecans can also be used in a variety of salads or as a crust on meat or fish. If sweet sounds the best, for a lighter dessert option, try Apple Pecan Nachos! The medley of fruits tastes great alongside crisp pecans and chocolate drizzle. Pecans offer a good serving of heart-healthy fat, which can help lower bad LDL cholesterol. When eaten in moderation, the combination of healthy fats, fiber, and protein helps to promote satiety and reduce cravings. Equally nutritious and delicious, it’s easy to see that these superfoods certainly do have a seat at the Thanksgiving table! Of course, it’s important to note that nourishing your body is all about balance. You will have some days and meals that are more decadent, and that’s OK! Enjoy time with the people you love and savor those family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Consider throwing one new recipe into the mix this year, and maybe it will become a new tradition. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate these fall superfoods into your diet or have other nutrition questions, schedule a complimentary Discovery Session today by contacting our Discovery Call Center via email [email protected] or calling (515) 695-3121. Your local Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian is excited to help create a nutrition plan that works for you. Virgin Cranberry Cream Smash Here’s a sweet and tart non-alcoholic cocktail – perfect for the holiday season Adapted from: https://www.hy-vee.com/discover/recipes/cranberry-coconut-smash Servings: 4 All you need: ½ C fresh cranberries 8 oz sugar-free ginger ale 16 oz Hy-Vee cranberry juice 8 oz Too Good & Co. Coffee Creamer (Sweet Cream, Roasted Vanilla or Lavender) Rosemary sprigs All you do:
Six-word stories are a fascinating form of storytelling. They pack a complete narrative into just six words, forcing writers to be creative and concise. The origins of this storytelling style can be traced back to a challenge posed to Ernest Hemingway, a famous American author. The story goes that Hemingway was once asked to write a story in just six words. His response? "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This tiny story became famous for its emotional depth and its ability to convey an entire narrative in so few words. The power of Hemingway’s six words lies in what they don’t say. While it doesn’t explain what happened to the baby or why the shoes were never worn, it hints at a tragic situation, leaving readers to fill in the blanks. This ability to suggest so much with so little is the essence of six-word stories. In the years since Hemingway’s time, six-word stories have gained popularity, especially in writing challenges and creative exercises. Many writers enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful plot with such limited space. The form is particularly effective for capturing moments of tension, emotion, or surprise. Because each word must be carefully chosen, six-word stories encourage writers to focus on what’s most important and to let the reader’s imagination fill in the rest. Here is my example of a six-word story that showcases this idea: "New neighbors moved in. Silence followed." The story suggests a shift in the neighborhood—a new beginning with the arrival of the neighbors. But instead of introducing warmth or excitement, it leaves us with silence, hinting at isolation, tension, or even discomfort. What happened? Why is there silence? The story doesn’t provide answers, but it makes readers wonder. The lack of details invites a deeper interpretation, encouraging readers to think about the feelings or conflicts that might lie beneath the surface. When it comes to neighborhoods and neighbors the story could just as easily be: New neighbors arrived, bringing unexpected friendship. Or perhaps: Neighbors waved; secrets lingered in silence. Six-word stories have a rich history, beginning with Hemingway’s famous challenge. They’ve evolved into a fun and creative way for writers to tell a complete story in as few words as possible. I’m Whether through tragedy, humor, or mystery, six-word stories remind us that a lot can be said with just a few carefully chosen words. I would love to read your six-word story about your neighbors. Send it to me at [email protected].  |
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