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:
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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].  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Halloween began as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the harvest. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred; spirits of the dead would return to earth, causing trouble and damaging crops. They lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off these ghosts. People carved faces into turnips, pumpkins, or other root vegetables to put a candle inside, creating "Jack-o'-lanterns" to ward off spirits. The Catholic Church later incorporated some of these traditions into the Christian holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1st) and All Souls' Day (November 2nd), with the evening before becoming "All Hallows' Eve" which was eventually shortened to Halloween. Over time, these traditions evolved in America to include trick-or-treating and jack-o'-lanterns, becoming the holiday we know today. Last Friday, as I sat in my driveway and greeted the two or three hundred ghost, great pumpkins, football players, cheerleaders and princesses, or the older teens without costumes, I reflected on the Halloween nights of my youth. First of all, there were no Disney characters or superheroes in my day. There certainly were no inflatable dinosaurs. Rather, there were homemade costumes, many of which would be politically incorrect today. Of course, there were ghosts, wearing an old bed sheet, but mostly, there were gypsies, hobos, cowboys, and cowgirls. There were three basic sources of “treats!” Churches had parties for the kids. We bobbed for apples, pinned the stem on a pumpkin, and paraded around in a circle while the “judges” selected the best costumes. And we ate! Cupcakes, candy, popcorn balls and apple cider. At my church, the party was held on the Sunday night before Halloween and us kids divided into small groups and went door to door, not to get candy, but to Trick or Treat for UNICEF; the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. While we usually got some change, sometimes a “rich” resident would give us a dollar! One year, I think I was in 7th grade, we collected $45. We were beyond excited to be able to send so much money to the organization in New York City. Elementary school children had Halloween Parties. The room mothers provided the treats, and the teachers provided games and activities. After lunch, we generally had time for one lesson before we were dismissed to go to the restroom and change into our Halloween costume. Do any of you recall, as I do, that your masked was usually unrelated to the rest of your costume. Now what was that all about? Sometime in the mid- 1990's, Halloween Parties were discontinued at many schools. In recent years, many schools have introduced Harvest Parties. Finally, there was Halloween night when even the country kids came to town to go door-to-door and trick or treat. There was usually one house on every block that you didn’t knock on the door. They were mean, meaning they didn’t hand out candy. Remember the Armstrong house, The Grain Valley News, October 9. 2025? And speaking of candy, in my day you might get candy, but more than likely you got a popcorn ball, homemade cookies, or an apple, if they had an apple tree in their yard. Of course, everyone went to the Frantz’s house on Charlotte Street. Roland and Louise owned the grocery store and they gave out candy bars that cost a whole nickel!  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society My memories of Lot 9 of the Graves and Ashcroft Addition go back to the early 1950's (yes, I’m old!). However, my family was here when the lot was vacant. My mother was around when it became a storefront, most likely for a general store. I seem to recall that my father told me when he came to Grain Valley in 1922 the store was a “new” general store. Early photographs reveal that they sold shoes. But who could have predicted that 100 years later, it would house an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC? While the original structure may have been wooden, the current building is brick. It has been a general store, a grocery store (with several proprietors), an upholstery shop, and a gun shop. Since 1992, it has been known as the Grain Valley Historical Society. Before City Hall was built, it was used by the city for city council meetings. It is currently home to the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. While the building has a varied past, beginning Saturday, November 1, it will be home to the Museum on Main Street. Through a grant from the Missouri Humanities, the Grain Valley Historical Society is delighted to welcome the Smithsonian exhibit “Voices and Votes” to Lot 9. Please visit this wonderful exhibit in our community. Admission is FREE. November 1 thru December 13, 2025 Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am - 4:00pm; Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1:00pm - 4:00pm  Lot 9, Circa 1925  Lot 9, Circa 1985  Lot 9, circa 2025
Recently, MSN published a story by Ana T. Sola reporting a survey by Empower, a 401k provider, that most Americans now think age 58 should be the appropriate time to retire. I would say that the 1,001 responders undoubtedly included a high percentage of younger workers. From my own experience with clients and others is that most people in their 50’s or older say they plan to retire in their mid-60’s or older. Many admit they did not begin to save early enough in their working lives and are playing catch-up. However, a young couple amazed me with their willingness to start in earnest to prepare well for their future. In their early 20’s, he was already well aware of the power of compounding and the tax benefits of having a Roth IRA. One of the best explanations of a Roth versus a traditional IRA comes in a question: Would you rather be taxed on the acorns of an oak tree early on or on the full giant tree in a few decades? The next item of discussion was the Rule of 72. What? The number of years required for a dollar to double is the number produced by dividing the interest rate into 72. Thus using 9 for an assumed long term interest rate and 8 years for a doubling, any 22 year old will be shocked by seeing a $64 total in their 60’s. For each and every dollar saved in the Roth. I know of some high school students that are funding their Roth accounts from part-time jobs. My next encounter was a young Missourian of 58 years who actually did retire from a materials company last month. How did he do it, I asked? In his 20’s, he began saving 15 percent a year and stuck with it. He worked for the same company while a college student and began to receive its match of 4 percent. It was fantastic how fast the total of 19 percent grew during 39 years. So much for the money; but what are you going to do with an extra 40 hours a week? Those who retire successfully have a great reason—in their minds at least—to continue to live with a mind toward the future. In the last case, he has been wanting to volunteer in disaster relief efforts but work prevented that until now. Here he is in western North Carolina, helping build a new house for an older couple whose home and all their belongings floated down the river 11 months ago. We have an opportunity to try new things, study subjects of special interest at free or reduced rates, or volunteer at an animal shelter or one of dozens of worthy charities always in need of experienced help. Some of us will need to work part-time to remain engaged socially. Others I know are helping their children with providing childcare for their grandchildren. It certainly helps to keep your day job if you love what you do, but unfortunately many do not. That is a big part of my own reason not to retire. Plus it allows us to give more to our favorite charities than we would otherwise would be able. But retirement is not just about the money. Plan ahead to have money, but focus upon retiring to something, not just from something. 
When a veteran moves in next door, it’s natural to want to say “thank you for your service”—but what really matters most is how we follow that up. “Veterans often face a tough transition from military life back to civilian life. As neighbors, we can play a meaningful role in helping them feel welcomed, understood, and connected,” said Joshua Shinn, a community development specialist with University of Missouri extension and leader of the Veterans Read program. Start with respect, not assumptions. Veterans come from all walks of life. Some served in combat; others did logistics, intelligence, or humanitarian work. Not all want to talk about their service, and that’s okay. Instead of pressing for stories or assuming trauma, treat your veteran neighbor like you would anyone else: as a whole person with interests, goals, and experiences beyond the military. Build trust through simple acts of kindness. Simple things go a long way. Say hello. Bring over fresh tomatoes from your garden. Offer to lend a tool or help carry a heavy item. These everyday gestures help build trust and make a veteran feel like part of the neighborhood. Common interests are great bridges—whether it’s cheering on the local team, fishing at a nearby lake, or attending community event. Shared experiences help ease the feeling of being “different” or out of place. Support your veteran neighbor without overstepping. If your neighbor opens up about needing help—whether it’s with VA benefits, job resources, or mental health—be ready to listen and gently point them toward local support systems, where organizations like the Missouri Veterans Commission and local VFW posts can help. It’s also okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, just being a consistent and caring presence is enough. If you notice signs of isolation, distress, or withdrawal, don’t ignore them. Check in. A simple “You doing okay?” can mean a lot. If you’re seriously concerned, help them connect with resources like the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1). Being a good neighbor still matters. At the end of the day, being a good neighbor to a veteran isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about steady kindness, quiet respect, and offering space to reconnect at their own pace. When we show up for each other, especially for those who’ve served, we make our town stronger for everyone.  Editor's Note: We are pleased to welcome Stewardship Capital Financial Advisors as a new content contributor, sharing articles on financial planning and financial health.
This year has been a roller coaster for investors. From steep losses in the early months to meteoric gains since April, 2025 has tested investors’ nerves. With a positive swing of nearly 30% in the last six months, it’s easy to feel tempted to take on more risk with your investments. Wall Street trumpeting record highs, friends sharing big wins, and social media proposing “can’t-miss” stock tips. That fear of missing out (FOMO) often convinces investors to abandon their usual risk tolerance and buy at precisely the wrong moment. Morningstar’s latest “Mind the Gap” study shows investors earned, on average, 1.2% less per year than their funds over the past decade, mostly from buying after rallies and selling during declines. This “behavior gap” often reflects enthusiasm that builds late in bull markets, pushing some investors to take on extra risk just before valuations peak. Getting in late can also magnify losses when markets inevitably pull back. Many novice or risk-averse investors panic-sell after a drop, locking in losses and widening the gap between market returns and their own results. To stay disciplined, even when markets tempt you to chase gains, keep these principles in mind: First, stick to your risk profile. Your tolerance for risk doesn’t change as often as market headlines do. Constantly shifting from aggressive to conservative is a recipe for disappointment. Second, while reallocating your portfolio may make sense from time to time don’t chase. Successful investing is less about finding the hottest stock and more about avoiding the trap of arriving late and leaving early. Lastly, remove emotion from the investing process. A qualified investment manager can offer objective, level-headed advice and help you stay steady, whether you fear losses or missed gains. History shows that periods of euphoria and ill-advised aggressiveness, especially among do-it-yourself investors, often precede market pullbacks. It’s tempting to assume recent trends will continue, but markets rarely move in straight lines. The safest way to build lasting wealth is to follow a thoughtful strategy, keep your risk aligned with your true tolerance, and let patience—not emotions—guide your decisions. By resisting FOMO and focusing on discipline, you give yourself the best chance to weather volatility and capture the market’s long-term rewards. (Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The advice is general in nature and not intended for specific situations) Stewardship Capital is a Registered Investment Advisor Firm that focuses on building lasting relationships to help clients achieve their goals in life. For more information, visit www.stewcap.com.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The Seniors in the photograph below were members of the last class to graduate from the original Grain Valley Consolidated District No. 3 building on Broadway (now Main Street). A few months after this photo was taken the building was completely destroyed by fire on November 7, 1925.  Grain Valley High School Class of 1925 Shown in the photo are: Row 1: Mr. Holman, history teacher, Opal Rumbo, Lucille Rowe, Wilma Howell, Lois Tritt, and Nadine O’Connell. Row 2: Charlie McQuerry, Leonard Stephenson, Henry Wyatt, Marie Beggs, Eleanor Hendrickson, and Delores Warren. Row 3: Miss Caster, English teacher, Mrs. Holman, mathematics teacher, Maurice Frost, Theodore Holman (the son), Lawrence Williams, and Ernest Dobson.  Grain Valley School 1909 – 1925 While many of the students moved on after graduation, a few remained in and around Grain Valley and continued to make their mark on our community. Opal Rumbo (my aunt) married Clyde Fristoe. Prior to World War II, they owned a grocery store in town. Aunt Opal played the piano at the Methodist Church for more than 35 years. Lois Tritt lived on Walnut Street, and became a fixture at the Bank of Grain Valley where she worked for many years. In her late 40s, she married Clarence Dobson, Ernest’s father. They were both lifelong members of First Baptist Church. Nadine O’Connell was the daughter of Creola (Warren) and John T. O’Connell. Her daughter was Patricia Davis Parr (Grain Valley, Class of 1944). Although Pat moved to Blue Springs, in her will she donated $25,000 to the Grain Valley Historical Society. Charlie McQuerry was one of the eight McQuerry children for which McQuerry Road, north of Grain Valley, was named. Leonard Stephon was one of the eight Stephenson children with a long history, all living in and around our town. There are still numerous Stephenson descendants in the area. Deloris Warren married Howard Mollenkamp. After college, she returned to Grain Valley and taught at the elementary school for many years. Mollenkamp became president of the Bank of Grain Valley after the death of her father, William Durwood Warren. Maurice Frost ran the family grocery store in town for many years, but I don’t know where he landed after WW II. Finally, Ernest Dobson became a builder. Although he and his family moved to Blue Springs, he is responsible for more than half of the new houses built in Grain Valley in the 1950s and 60s. If you are interested, visit the Historical Society (after the Smithsonian exhibit closes on December 13, 2025) and together, we can research others from the Class of 1925. Or, for that matter, any other year!
October is full of delicious treats, from Halloween candy and pumpkin-spiced goodies to caramel apples and cozy fall desserts. While it’s absolutely OK to enjoy these festive flavors, too much added sugar can lead to energy crashes, mood swings and overall drowsiness. With a few smart swaps and mindful habits, you can savor the season without overloading on sugar and still feel your best every day. Here are some easy tips to keep added sugars at bay this October. 1. Choose Real Fruit Over Candy: Fruit naturally satisfies sweet cravings and provides vitamins, fiber, and hydration. Mangos are a great option. They’re naturally sweet, packed with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, and makes a delicious, satisfying snack. Try festive fall-inspired ideas like:
To help stabilize blood sugar and stay full longer, pair fruit with a little protein or healthy fat, like nut butter or cheese. 2. Rethink Seasonal Drinks: Fall favorites like pumpkin spice lattes and sweetened ciders are festive, but they can be loaded with added sugars that sneak into your day without you realizing it. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season’s flavors without overdoing it on sugar. Try these alternatives:
3. Plan Smartly for Candy: Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, help your family enjoy treats mindfully:
With these ideas, sweets remain a treat, not a daily habit. 4. Prepare Balanced Snacks Ahead of Time: Having ready-to-go, lower sugar snacks makes it easier to avoid reaching for candy when hunger strikes. Some favorites include:
5. Stay Hydrated to Curb Sugar Cravings: Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger or sugar cravings. Staying well-hydrated helps keep energy levels stable and reduces unnecessary snacking. Try Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free Energy to deliver hydration with essential electrolytes, without any added sugars. It’s an easy, delicious way to stay balanced during the sweetest season of the year. The Key Takeaway: October is a time for celebration and seasonal treats, but with a little planning and smart swaps, you can enjoy the best of fall flavors without the sugar crash. Focus on real foods, hydration and balance to make this month energizing and enjoyable. Contact your Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian by visiting www.hy-vee.com/health. Chili-Lime Spiced Mango Serves 1 All You Need:
All You Do:
In cities across the country, a quiet revolution is taking place—not through protests or politics, but through simple acts of care. Someone paints a crosswalk on a dangerous street—not to be defiant, but because they’re tired of watching people risk their lives crossing. Someone else installs a bench at a bus stop—not for recognition, but because their neighbors are tired of standing in the sun or rain. These aren’t acts of rebellion; they’re acts of responsibility. But how do cities often respond? The crosswalk is scrubbed away. The bench is removed. Press releases are issued. And sometimes, criminal charges follow. This response is rarely driven by malice—it’s the result of systems built to prioritize control over community, liability over livability. Here’s what gets lost in that mindset: most people who take such actions don’t do it for attention or disruption. They do it because someone got hurt—or might. They do it because they’ve tried to go through official channels and gotten nowhere. They do it because they care. When a city meets care with crackdown, it sends a chilling message: “We care more about maintaining authority than meeting public need.” That doesn’t build safety or order. It erodes trust, the very foundation of a functioning city. But there is another way. Cities like Richmond, California started to recognize the value in these grassroots efforts. Rather than punish residents who installed benches at neglected bus stops, officials created a framework to support and legalize volunteer-led, ADA-compliant installations. Instead of pushing people away, they welcomed them in. In Pittsburgh, the city launched a traffic calming program designed to respond directly to residents’ concerns. The process starts with listening and leads to quick, visible action—from temporary bump-outs to pedestrian signage—showing that local voices matter. In Shreveport, Louisiana, what began as a small neighborhood cleanup became a city-wide partnership. When residents organized to improve a neglected park, the city recognized the effort and responded with bond investment, creating a ripple effect of shared responsibility and renewed civic pride. These are not stories of protest. They are stories of partnership. The difference wasn’t what residents did—but how the city chose to respond. And these aren’t isolated examples. Across the country, communities are quietly stepping up. In Minneapolis, residents painted vibrant murals in alleys plagued by dumping and crime. Instead of painting over them, the city now works with artists to use public art as a tool for revitalization and safety. In Tucson, Arizona, a group of neighbors began building DIY shade structures at bus stops using repurposed materials. Rather than tearing them down, the city launched a pilot program to co-design shade solutions with residents. In Boston, a parent group frustrated by dangerous school crossings used cones and homemade signs to slow traffic. Rather than punish them, the city initiated a Safe Routes to School program, informed by those parent experiences. These responses required a shift—from viewing residents as problems to be managed, to partners to be empowered. From enforcing rules to meeting real needs. What if more cities chose this path? What if the first question wasn’t, “Who did this?” but “What are they trying to tell us?” That simple shift in perspective can turn an act of frustration into the beginning of transformation. Because in the end, people don’t paint crosswalks or install benches for fun. They do it because they want their neighborhoods to be safer, kinder, more livable places. They do it because the system didn’t show up—but they still cared enough to act. The question now isn’t whether cities will face these moments. They will. The real question is: how will they choose to respond? Choose partnership. Choose trust. Choose community. David has been a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension since 2001. He is the founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week and a former weekly newspaper editor who lives in Republic, Missouri. 
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The cars sold along Main Street and south of the railroad tracks are not the first automobiles to be sold in Grain Valley. Over 100 years ago, you could purchase a brand-new Buick from Clarence W. Childers, right on Main Steet! His dealership was in the Williams Building on the west side of Main, just north of the Bank of Grain Valley.  1925 Advertisement from The Oak Grove Banner Childers was born in Stewartsville, Kentucky in 1874. He came to Missouri where he met and married his wife, Lucinda Bowen on November 24, 1898 in Jackson County. According to the 1920 U. S. Census, they owned a farm in Sni-A-Bar Township where they lived with their two daughters, Edith (born 1900, death unknown) and Margaret (1905-2004). Another source gives his address as a farm in Lee’s Summit, but that could have been only a few miles out of Grain Valley. (Remember, the Lee’s Summit School District boundary is barely a mile west of Stony Point Elementary.) His occupation was listed as automobile company. Clarence and Lucinda were still living in Sni-A-Bar township in 1935, however by that time the building on Main Street housed Storms Drug Store and a restaurant. By 1940 the Childers had moved to Independence, Missouri. In 1925, Margaret married Vollie Hartley. Some readers may remember their business, Hartley Furniture Store in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Coming in 2 weeks: Voices and Votes, Democracy in America at the Grain Valley Historical Society. Join us for the ribbon cutting at 1:00pm on November 1st.
Service is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. It means giving of yourself for the good of others. Every town needs people who serve—those who donate food, volunteer for cleanup days, or help lead community drives. Yet, as valuable as it is, service alone is not the same as being an engaged neighbor. Being an engaged neighbor is something deeper. It is service that repeats itself. It’s service that takes root on your street, among people whose names you know and whose stories you share. It’s not just about meeting needs—it’s about building relationships. Most acts of service happen outside of where we live. We go downtown to volunteer or to the community center to help. But engaged neighboring happens right where you are. It’s the ripple of kindness that begins when you shovel a driveway or check in on a widow next door. Those acts may seem small, but they become habits. And over time, they transform neighborhoods into communities of belonging. Sociologists call this the power of proximity. When people live near each other and have regular, positive interactions, trust grows. And trust, as research repeatedly shows, is the foundation of every thriving community. Community service is like planting a single flower. Engaged neighboring is cultivating a garden. One is generous; the other is relational. Both are good—but one lasts longer because it involves ongoing care. When you are an engaged neighbor, your service has a face, a name, and a shared story. You aren’t serving strangers; you’re investing in relationships. The difference isn’t what they’re doing—it’s where and with whom they’re doing it. One of my favorite parts of engaged neighboring is how it multiplies. When a single neighbor starts organizing a block party, delivering cookies, or waving at the bus each morning, it gives others permission to do the same. Over time, that repetition becomes culture. The best neighboring happens when we decide to care about the people closest to us—again and again. So yes, volunteer at the shelter. Join the community cleanup. Join Rotary. But don’t stop there. Look around your own block. Who might appreciate a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a shared meal? Being an engaged neighbor doesn’t replace community service—it multiplies its impact. When service becomes a rhythm of relationship, we move from being helpers to being friends, from being residents to being community members. The truth is, programs, governments, and nonprofits can’t build belonging—only neighbors can.
For many of you, the desktop or laptop computer you own running Windows 10 is a perfectly capable machine that handles your daily tasks without a problem. However, Microsoft has stated that on October 14, 2025, Windows 10 support will end, potentially exposing you to significant security risks. If you're one of those with a computer that doesn't meet the strict requirements for Windows 11, this deadline presents a daunting choice for you: buy a new computer or risk running an unprotected system. However, a third option exists. If you're not ready to part with your reliable computer, there are several things you can do to extend the life of your Windows 10 computer well beyond its official expiration date. Here's what you need to know: As of September 2025, you can extend Windows 10 support for one year past the official end-of-life date of October 14, 2025, by enrolling in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. Microsoft offers individual consumers three enrollment options, including two free methods. What are the enrollment requirements? To be eligible for the ESU program, your computer must be running the latest version of Windows 10, version 22H2. You can make this happen by downloading Windows updates to your computer. Is there a fee to enroll in this program? There are two free options for enrolling in the ESU program, but they require that you set up a Microsoft account.
Enroll with a one-time purchase. For a one-time purchase of $30, you can get a one-year ESU license if you prefer not to use a Microsoft account or sync your PC settings. What you can expect after enrolling: After enrolling, you will receive critical security updates through October 13, 2026. However, there are limitations to the ESU program:
Commercial customers:
Can you get ESU for multiple Windows 10 PCs with one Microsoft account? Yes, a single Extended Security Update (ESU) license, whether obtained for free or purchased for $30, can cover up to 10 personal Windows 10 PCs . This applies to all three ESU enrollment methods:
How can I enroll multiple PC's:
Important notes:
If you truly want to stand out in your neighborhood or community, don’t aim for status, flashiness, or power—be a person of peace and a truth teller. In a world of social media where gossip travels faster than facts and conflict often drowns out compassion, peace and truth are radical. They are rare. And precisely because they are rare, they are powerful. Walter Scott, in his 1808 poem Marmion, observed, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Though centuries old, his words still ring with sharp relevance today. Deception—whether through outright lies, half-truths, or whispered rumors—creates a web that eventually entraps everyone it touches. In close-knit settings like neighborhoods, that web can spread fast. A single lie can fracture relationships, fuel suspicion, and tarnish reputations. And once trust is broken, it’s a long, hard road to rebuild it. Neighborhoods do not need deceivers or gossips—they need peacemakers and people who speak the truth, even when it’s inconvenient. It might be tempting to join the rumor mill or to stay silent when misinformation circulates, but truth-tellers bring clarity where there is confusion. They speak calmly, not to condemn but to clarify, to anchor others in reality rather than fan the flames of drama. They understand that truth without love becomes cruelty, but love without truth becomes sentimentality. True community thrives when both exist together. Likewise, a person of peace stands out not because they avoid conflict at all costs, but because they seek reconciliation, not division. They don’t take sides for the sake of winning—they seek understanding. They listen first. They forgive freely. They create safe spaces where others feel heard, respected, and valued. In a time when tensions can flare over the smallest differences—politics, parking spots, pet noise—being a non-anxious presence is not weakness; it’s a quiet revolution. Standing out doesn’t require grand gestures or constant visibility. It means showing up consistently as someone others can trust. Your reputation will grow, not because you are loud, but because you are solid. When you are both peaceful and honest, people will come to you for counsel, for comfort, and for clarity. In a noisy world, peace and truth speak the loudest. And if you want to leave a mark on your community, start by living what others rarely do. David has been a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension since 2001. He is the founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week and a former weekly newspaper editor who lives in Republic, Missouri. by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation The Truman Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to support the group of Independence community leaders leading the initiative to redevelop the Englewood Theater, which has been closed for 18 years. Our Board of Directors agreed to the Foundation serving as a fiscal sponsor for this project in September 2024, while the newly formed Friends of Englewood Theater obtained its 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. Brent Schondelmeyer is leading the charge on this project. Brent and his wife, Lee Williams, were recognized at our 2020 Toast to Our Towns Gala as Humanitarians of the Year and have continued their community service through this project and numerous other initiatives. Great progress has been made. The property is now under contract, and they will soon close on a loan to purchase the theater for $600,000. A feasibility study paid for by the City of Independence estimates that the renovation costs will be $3.5 million, bringing the total cost to $4.1 million. The process for obtaining historic tax credits is well underway, which could provide $1.4 million of the renovation costs. The Friends of Englewood Theater are making plans to launch a capital campaign to raise the $2.7 million in community support needed to make this dream a reality. This campaign will require a lot of effort, but I have no doubt that it will be successful. The community is very excited about this project, and I anticipate that a significant number of the Foundation's Fundholders will be interested in making a grant from their donor-advised fund to support this project. Brent Schondelmeyer and the Board have been extremely transparent with the community regarding this project. Their website, www.englewoodtheater.org, provides all the information about the project, their plans, and the history of the theater, which was the home of the Kansas City Opry for over a decade. You can sign up on the website to receive their newsletter and stay updated. The reopening of the Englewood Theater will be another boost for this community, adding to the energy and excitement brought by the Englewood Arts Center. The Friends of Englewood Theater is a separate nonprofit organization from Englewood Arts; however, the two organizations work closely together to support each other's missions. The Truman Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to be playing a supporting role assisting the Friends of Englewood Theater in making the dream of reopening this historic theater a reality. I hope you also will consider supporting the Friends of Englewood Theater.  |
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