Happy Halloween! It’s time to pick out your costume and run out the door to do some trick-or-treating! If you or your child is one of the many affected by food allergies, this time of the year can bring challenges. However, your Hy-Vee dietitians are here to help you navigate this season and provide you with the tastiest, allergy-friendly treats you can enjoy all year round. Food allergies affect millions of Americans. Ingredients such as peanuts, wheat, and milk are common in Halloween treats. Knowing what to look for on food labels is vital to ensuring a safe, allergen-free holiday. Check out these tips below to have a frightfully fun, allergy-friendly Halloween this year. First, check labels and ingredient lists to ensure that the treats are free from your allergen. It’s best to avoid treats that do not have an ingredient label. Get in the habit of checking every label, and never assume something is safe to consume. Candy that may not appear to contain your allergen might. For example, some brands of candy corn contain egg whites and sesame. Just because candy was safe for you last year doesn’t guarantee it will be safe for you this year because food manufacturers can change their recipe.1 Second, your local Hy-Vee HealthMarket Department is home to many allergy-friendly snacks and treats. Brands such as Smart Sweets, Yum Earth, and Rotten make candies and gummies that are free from the top 9 allergens and gluten-free. Partake, Blake’s Seed Based, and Allergy Smart offers a variety of different flavors of bars or cookies that are also allergen-friendly, gluten-free and contain no artificial food dyes. The talk on whether it’s safe to consume artificial food dyes is a popular topic right now, and you may have seen headlines or heard claims that ingesting these dyes can cause adverse health effects such as hyperactivity in children.2 If you are in the habit of looking at food labels, you might have seen these dyes listed at the end of an ingredient list: Red 40, Yellow 5, or Blue 1. Synthetic food dyes are found in various products throughout the food system. You may think of candy, sports drinks, and even vitamins containing these dyes to enhance the color and overall marketability of the food item. Although there is no conclusive evidence that artificial food dyes cause adverse health effects, several studies show an increase in hyperactivity in sensitive children. As Hy-Vee dietitians, we believe all foods can fit into a healthy diet. But before you kick off your Halloween festivities, fuel up with a delicious and nutritious meal. This Fish Taco with Mango-Avocado Salsa recipe will surely energize and satisfy you to trick or treat, watch a spooky movie, or carve pumpkins! Still need help navigating life with a food allergy? Don’t be scared. Let your Hy-Vee dietitian help! During your 1-on-1 individual consultation(s), we will explore your health and wellness history and any current medical diagnoses for which dietary assistance can be integral to treatment. Our Hy-Vee dietitians are here to guide you every step of the way with:
Contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian or visit Hy-Vee.com/Health for more information on our Individual Nutrition Consultations and subscription plan. Fish Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa All you need: 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and cubed 1 avocado, firm-ripe, peeled, pitted, and cubed ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 1 tsp Hy-Vee kosher sea salt, divided 1 pound tilapia fillets ½ tsp Hy-Vee garlic powder ½ tsp Hy-Vee ground cumin ½ tsp Hy-Vee cayenne pepper 1 tbsp Gustare Vita olive oil 4 (8-inch each) Hy-Vee flour tortillas All you do: 1.Place mango, avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; toss gently. Cover and refrigerate. 2.Pat fish dry with paper towels. Combine the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; rub the mixture on the fish. 3.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook fish in hot oil for 5 minutes or until fish easily flakes with a fork (145 degrees), turning once. 4.Fill tortillas with fish and salsa. Recipe source: Fish Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa | Hy-Vee The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the support of our sponsor, the National Mango Board. I am pleased to share that $508,205 in grants will be awarded at our Grants Luncheon on November 14th to 63 area nonprofits. The competitive grants program at Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) received a total of 125 grant requests this year from local nonprofits, covering a wide range of impact areas, including arts, culture, and historical preservation; community betterment; adult/non-traditional education; children's education; health and human services; and Missouri wildlife conservation.
The cumulative dollar amount of these grant requests reached more than $1 million, reflecting the continuing need for substantial funding for a variety of initiatives across the region. Two competitive grant programs are available through THCF: the Community Grants Program and the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education. Following a thorough review process by the volunteers serving on the foundation’s grants committee, 63 competitive grants were awarded, providing vital support to projects and initiatives that directly impact our local communities. The primary source of these grant dollars are the 20 endowed funds that were established at your Community Foundation through estate gifts of generous legacy donors. These endowed funds provided $431,179 of the $508,205 total. These legacy donors were generous in their lifetime, and their legacy of supporting the community lives on through their endowed funds. We are also grateful to the Junior Service League (JSL) for once again participating in our grants process and providing $8,000 in grant dollars for 4 organizations. We also had for the first time a grant from the Eileen Normile Weir Community Impact Endowment fund, providing $1,878. The balance of the grant dollars was provided by our donor advised fund holders, who helped fill the gap between what we wish we could provide in grants and what we had available. We are very grateful for their generosity again this year. This rigorous review process could not have been completed without the steadfast dedication of the foundation’s Board and Advisory Board volunteers serving on the Grants Committee. These individuals spent countless hours poring over each grant application. Members of the grants committee include Allan Thompson, Committee Chair; Cathy Allie; Beth Franklin; Lori Halsey; Liesl Hays; Damon Hodges; Mayor Mike Larson; Dave Mayta; Ritchie Momon; Jovannah Rohs; Steve Noll; Tom Rohr; Bridgette Shaffer; Dr. Beth Rosemergey; DeeAnn Stock; Rob Binney; Ryan Crider; Dr. Joy Vann-Hamilton; and Zac Sweets. And the JSL representative was Leslie Cutshall. We are also very grateful to our Youth Advisory Council members who made site visits with organizations requesting grants and provided valuable information and feedback to the grants committee. These local high school students truly help us make better decisions about our grants and provide a valuable service to the Foundation. Our November 14th Grants Luncheon Celebrations is being dedicated to the memory of Dave Mayta, a devoted member of the THCF Board of Directors and grants committee. Dave, who passed away earlier this year, has been a valuable member of the grants committee for many years, and we will honor his service to the community at the luncheon. You can find more information about our Grants Luncheon on our website www.thcf.org. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The facts:
Trust me when I tell you that I have spent several hours trying to learn more about Moreland School, but I have found nothing to assure me that what I’m about to write is true. When writing nearly 150 years “after the facts” it is often difficult to back up my theories, so I will leave you with a mystery. (I miss being able to do research at the Jackson County Historical Society when it was opened in the Jackson County Court House in Independence on a daily basis.) After studying the U. S. Census records from 1840 through 1900, I can tell you Moreland did not stay in one place for very long. Joseph A. Moreland was born to Stephen and Elizabeth Moreland in Ohio on April 8, 1838. In 1840, the family lived in Ohio. In 1850 they were living in District 85, Parke, Indiana. Sometime before 1860, the entire family, Stephen, Elizabeth, their five children, son-in-law and three grandchildren had all moved to Maryville, Missouri. Stephen died there in 1859. It was in Maryville that Joseph Moreland married Lucinda “Kate” Woods. By 1870 Joseph, his bride and his mother were living in Jackson County. Their address was Township 47, Range 31. Two of Joseph’s uncles (Stephen’s brothers) were already living nearby in Creighton, Bates County, Missouri. According to the 1870 U. S. Census Joseph A. Moreland, his bride and his mother were living in Jackson County. He was a land speculator and his home was Township 47, Range 31, Jackson, Missouri. His post office was Lee’s Summit. . Two of Joseph’s uncles (Stephen’s brothers) were already living nearby in Creighton, Bates County, Missouri. The Moreland home/land would not have been close to Moreland School as Township 47, Range 31 has Lee’s Summit on the northwest and Greenwood on the southcentral edge. Although I cannot be certain where Moreland School was, Moreland School Road is in Sni-A-Bar Township 48 and would have been in Section 30 or 31 as an 1877 Plat Map shows three schools in the area. Sni-A-Bar (Green) Township 48, Range 30 in in the upper right-hand
Side. Moreland School may be in Section 7 or 8. Or it may be in Section 12 of Township 48, Range 31. THE MYSTERY! The Moreland property was in Prairie Township (lower left) By 1880 Joseph A. Moreland and his family were living in Denver, Colorado. The 1890 Census, as well as the 1900 U. S. Census records their residence in Los Angeles, California. Over the years, Moreland School Road has gotten longer. I find it interesting that one of the main roads going East and West from Grain Valley to beyond Missouri 7 Highway is named for a man who lived in the area for such a brief time while families that have been in the area for four or five generations have no such claim. So, when was Moreland School built? Was it built on Joseph Moreland land? Where was that land? It’s a mystery! Editor’s Note: Just South of Moreland School Road is Litchford Road which runs South to Colburn Road. Could that be the Litchford Anne Atchison is referencing in her research? It’s a mystery… It’s that time of year when tailgating is king, and cool breezes inspire us to hold on to summer. How about taking a tropical twist on your next tailgating event? Make mangos part of your outdoor menu for a sweet and delicious celebration of sporting events, turning every bite into a win!
Why Mangos?
The Secret to Selecting & Slicing The color of a mango isn’t always a reliable indicator of ripeness. Instead, focus on the way a mango feels. Ripe mangos are slightly soft to the touch; a medium-ripe fruit is slightly firm, and unripe mangos will be very firm. Flavor ranges from sour-tart to naturally sweet (ripe mangos), and they can be enjoyed at any stage of ripeness. Store unripe mangos at room temperature. If firm, place them in a brown paper bag for a few days to ripen. Once ripe and soft to the touch, they can be refrigerated to slow down ripening. Cutting a mango is as easy as 1—2—3—4 once you navigate the large seed in the center. Be sure to wash the fruit, have a sharp knife, and have a clean cutting board dedicated to fruit/produce.
Tropical Mango Mania – Fun Foods for Tailgating
Game On! Get ready for game day with tropical, mouthwatering mango recipes. This winning approach is sure to treat your tailgating partners with naturally sweet, nutritious, and unique culinary options. Remember to plan ahead, pick the perfect mango for timely ripeness, and enjoy the game! Are you struggling to plan healthful menus? Hy-Vee Dietitians provide a personalized approach with our Healthy Habits Menu Program. To learn more about Healthy Habits and our other available services, schedule a complimentary Discovery Session today by contacting our Discovery Call Center at [email protected] or (515) 695-3121. Learn more about Hy-Vee Dietitian Services here. Mango Basil Barbeque Chicken Flatbreads (Serves 4) Starting with shredded cheese and already-cooked chicken helps ensure you can prep this delicious app in 20 minutes. For a tailgating time-saver, use ready-to-go flatbread such as Hy-Vee 10" Flatbread Pizza Crust or Stonefire brand. All you need: ¾ c. Heineken 0.0% alcohol-free beer 2 tbsp. Gustare Vita basil pesto 2 c. Hy-Vee all-purpose flour ½ tsp. Hy-Vee salt 2 tbsp. Gustare Vita olive oil ¾ c. organic mango jalapeño BBQ sauce 2 ¼ c. Hy-Vee shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ¾ c. Hy-Vee Kitchen picked rotisserie chicken 1 c. chopped mango ½ c. red bell pepper strips Fresh basil, for garnish All you do:
Source: Mango-Basil Barbecue Chicken Flatbreads | Hy-Vee Nutrition Facts per serving: 590 calories, 23 g total fat, 8 g saturated fat, 1110 mg sodium, 70 g total carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 15 g total sugars, 0 g added sugars, 24 g protein. Daily Values: Iron: 20%, Calcium: 30%. Vitamin D: 0%, Potassium: 6% by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Unless you live south of Grain Valley and travel on Ryan Road or Moreland School Road, you may never have heard of Shippy Road. It is less than .2 mile long; only about 1,000 feet from north to south. If you travel on Moreland School Road, you may have noticed Purdee Cemetery on the northeast corner where Shippy Road turns off to the north toward Ryan Road. Although I do not know when Seth and Rozella Shippy lived there, I do remember Mr. Shippy in his later years when he lived in a small, probably no more than 4-room, house on the east side of Gregg Street, next to the tennis court. Yes, Grain Valley had one tennis court back in the 1950s. It was on the corner of Walnut and Gregg behind the Christian Church. I believe the Church may have owned the land.
I also remember the day the house burned. I was visiting Aunt Opal when my cousin, Donald Fristoe, raced from his parent's house on the opposite corner and brought Mr. Shippy out of his home. The volunteer fire department, without a city water supply, was unable to save his burning home. But that’s a story for another time. Mr. Shippy was well into his 80's and I don’t recall where he moved after the fire. Seth V. Shippy was born to Lewis and Matilda Shippy in Luzerne, Pennsylvania in 1869. Seth, his parents, and his ten brothers and sisters lived in Stephenson, Illinois during most of his youth. At some time during the 1890s at least some of the family moved to Sni-A-Bar Township where Seth met and married Rozella Arnold (1880-1945) on November 22, 1898. I found Seth Shippy family on every U. S. Census between 1900 and 1950, but only two mentioned their place of residence: in 1930, Moreland was recorded and in 1950, Gregg Street. The first five censuses gave Seth’s occupation as “farmer” and the 1950 census list “retired” in that space. I found no record of Lewis and Matilda Shippy living in Grain Valley or Sni-A-Bar Township; however, they are buried at Koger Cemetery alongside Seth and Zella. Apparently only one sister, Ida Viola (Russell), stayed in Grain Valley. The remaining 8 spread out from Holden and Kansas City to as far away as Iowa and Washington State. As for Seth and Zella, their six children remained in the area. If you are a long-time resident, you might remember Bill (1907-1991) and Clara Bell (Harris), Pete (1911-1990) and Cecil (Cary) (1909-2008); Arnold (1915-1997) and Ardie Bell(Phillips) (1915-1991), and Ralph (1918-1989 and Nellie (Martin) (1922-2022). Their daughters were Mabel (1902-1920) and Elsie (1903-1981). Next week, I will travel a bit further down Moreland School Road. by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
Several reports on charitable giving were issued over the summer, and I want to share a few of their findings and my perspective on the charitable giving environment. In June, the annual Giving USA Report was issued, reporting that total Charitable Giving in 2023 increased to $557.16 Billion an increase of 1.9% over 2022. Unfortunately, when adjusted for inflation, the total decline was 2.1%. This follows a decline of 3.4% in 2022 in current dollars, which was a decline of 10.5% adjusted for inflation. So, overall charitable giving in the past two years has not been growing. Giving by individuals continues to provide the preponderance of giving. At $374.4 billion individual giving is 67% of the total and when you add in Bequests from individuals it is 75% of the total. Giving by Foundations was 19% of the total and corporations 7%. The Giving USA Report includes a relatively new chapter reporting on giving by and to donor advised funds (DAFs). The report indicates that grants made from DAFs in 2022 totaled $52.16 Billion, an increase of 9.1% over the preceding year. During this same time, the approximately 300 donor advised funds here at your Community Foundation increased grants by 20% to $3.2 Million in 2022. Donor Advised Fund Giving is one of the most positive trends in charitable giving. A study was also done for the first time, “The 2024 DAF Fundraising Report-The Inaugural Benchmark Study on Nonprofit Fundraising from Donor Advised Funds”. The study utilized data from 20 larger nonprofits with 34,498 donors who gave to them via their DAF. A key finding from the study was that once donors began giving via their DAF their giving to the organization increased on average 96%. For example, if a donor had given a $1,000 gift by credit card previously, their gift from their DAF would be nearly $2,000 per year after. Some people criticize DAFs as a way for the wealthy to get an immediate tax deduction but not have to make an immediate grant from their fund to their charities of choice. They often characterize this as hoarding their charitable giving. Organizations like your Community Foundation, which work with community members who have DAFs, realize that DAFs are to charitable giving what 401(k)s are to retirement or Health Savings Accounts are to healthcare expenses. They are dedicated sources for charitable giving, and as this study found, having this dedicated source enhances the generosity of donors. Again, donor advised fund giving is one of the most positive trends in charitable giving. Call or email the staff at your community foundation today to learn how you can do more with your giving with a DAF. (816) 836-8189 or [email protected]. The East Side of Main Street, Circa 1920
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The September 2024 calendar photograph shows Grain Valley in the early 1900s. The east side of Main Street, then known as Broadway was part of the original town. This picture begins at the railroad tracks and looks North. The first building, on Lot 19, is Warren Webb Hardware, built by William Warren and Tommie Webb. An early photo of the building is dated 1902. Next door, on Lot 20 is the old hotel. The two-story brick building had several owners before it was converted to a gas station and garage with tiny one or two room apartments on the second floor. The building, then known as the Huff Building, burned in 1959. Across Front Street on Lot 22 there was a two-story green house owned by Mrs. Morrison. The lower floor housed her millinery shop. Mittie Sanders, my maternal grandmother, was working there in 1906 when she married my grandfather. She used to tell me about the fancy hats they made for the ladies of Grain Valley to wear to church and for special occasions. Next was O’Connell’s Tonsorial and Bath House (Lot 24). I’m unsure of the business on Lot 25, but the sign on the building indicates that it was also the location of the telephone office. Eventually the first two buildings were torn down and replaced by a brick structure known as the Ryan Building. On a 1924 map it was labeled as a hotel. Today that building houses a tattoo shop. The final building visible on the calendar page (Lot 26 & 27) is Williams Meat Market, later Frantz’s Grocery Store until it closed in 1973. Here is an excerpt from this column written in April, 2020: Frantz Grocery was one of the last old-time stores of its kind, offering services that slowly died out with the introduction of modern supermarkets. The grocery store specialized in high-quality meat and Mr. Frantz and his butcher, Otis Williams, cut it for the customer’s needs. If Mom needed a 3-pound roast, that’s what she got! If company was coming it might be 4 or 5-pounds. If you ordered hamburger it was ground just before it went into the wrapper and a variety of lunch meats could be bought by the slice. The first two buildings, Lot 19 and 20, are now a parking lot. Two locations in this photo are currently for rent in Downtown Grain Valley. There are more stories to be told! by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Since moving to the Southside, I have decided to look more closely at the area and thus look more closely at the roads southwest of Grain Valley. I planned to begin with Ryan Road, however, I found nothing. I had always assumed (you know what they say about “assume”) the road was named for Charles Ottis Ryan, a businessman in Grain Valley during most of the 1920s thru 1950. However, I find no evidence that he, his wife Ida (Minter), or his son, Charles O Ryan, Jr. ever lived anywhere other than their homes on Walnut Street and later on Capelle. So this week I will begin with Arnett Road. I know little about where Jacob and Lucy Arnett lived along the road, however it is less than 2 miles long, stretching from Ryan Road on the south end to Majors Road on the north end. Since their address, according to the 1900 and 1910 U. S. Census was Van Buren Township, Jackson County, Missouri, I will again “assume” it was closer to the south end of the road.
In my research, I did learn some rather interesting facts about the Arnetts, especially Jacob. He was born in Scott (Van Buren County), Indiana on May 11, 1857. Jacob Eldridge Washington Arnett was the son of David and Isabel (Pointer) Arnett. A census record of the deaf population revealed that his father was deaf, but his mother was hearing. Three of their five children, including Jacob, were born deaf. Another interesting fact is that the 1870 U. S. Census revealed that Jacob was still living in Scott, Indiana; but he was living with Thomas and Susan Armstrong. After Susan’s death, Thomas remarried and moved with some of his children to Grain Valley. There was no further mention of Jacob Arnett living with the Armstrongs, but it is interesting that they were both from Scott, Indiana and moved to Grain Valley. In 1879, Jacob married Lucy Ellen Stokes from Missouri. They had five children; Lula, Maud, LeRoy, Jasper and Mary. None were deaf. And none of their five children remained in Grain Valley after the death of their parents; but they didn’t go far. Four moved to Lee’s Summit and the fifth, Jasper, moved to Oak Grove. Lucy died on January 30, 1934, and Jacob died on January 11, 1937. They are buried in Historic Lee’s Summit Cemetery. On a personal note: Their grandson Clifford (Jasper’s son) was married to Betty (Gibson) Arnett and she drove a school bus for my parents in Oak Grove for 23 years (1960 until 1983). I only realized this relationship today while doing my research. Small world! by Tara Sallee, MS, RD, LD
Tomatoes are the quintessential summer fruit. Yes, in the botanical world, they are fruit (flowers and seeds), but they are commonly known as vegetables. Beyond the identity crisis, tomatoes are packed with good nutrition— a vital choice to include in a healthy eating pattern. Fresh Versus Canned Late summer is the time for harvesting local tomatoes, but when you need a fast, convenient ingredient, reach for the pantry for canned tomatoes. Harvested at their flavor and nutrition peak and processed within just a few hours, canned tomatoes are budget-friendly and speedy—with no washing or chopping required. Canned tomatoes also provide a bigger bonus when it comes to certain nutrients. Nutrition Bonus – Lycopene Activation Tomatoes are nutrient-rich, with vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid and fiber. When heated in the canning process, lycopene is activated, which is a powerful antioxidant. Tomato products account for more than 80% of the lycopene in the American diet and studies suggest that high lycopene intake is associated with lower rates of heart disease. 1 More Lycopene Benefits According to the American Cancer Society, lycopene helps prevent gene damage. Eating abundant lycopene-rich foods, like tomato products (canned tomatoes, marinara sauce, salsa and tomato soup), may lower the risk of lung cancer and aggressive prostate cancer. Studies also show that people who eat plenty of plant foods rich in carotenoid antioxidants like lycopene have a lower risk of heart disease. 2 Tips for More Tomato Wellness
Make Tomato Time Your Routine Tomatoes are the perfect healthy addition to any recipe. Remember to select bright-red fresh tomatoes and store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Never refrigerate fresh tomatoes, as it diminishes the flavor. Stock up on a variety of canned tomato products, from sauces to purees, paste and diced. Enjoy the tomato season while incorporating canned products all year round. For a full-of-flavor tomato treat, use fresh or canned diced tomatoes in this summer salad recipe featuring two seasonal favorites—corn and tomatoes. This tasty spin on traditional salsa can be served with crispy tortilla or pita chips. Tomato Tip: Use drained, diced canned tomatoes for convenience and a boost of the antioxidant lycopene. Tomato Avocado Corn Salsa Serves 4 (1 cup each) All you need: 1 (14.5-ounce) can Hy-Vee diced tomatoes, drained 1 cup whole-kernel yellow corn 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, chopped ½ cup red onion, diced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice ½ teaspoon Hy-Vee ground cumin ½ teaspoon Hy-Vee garlic powder ½ teaspoon Hy-Vee black pepper Salt to taste (optional) All you do:
Note: This recipe can be prepared up to one hour in advance. Cover tightly and stir gently before serving. To further reduce sodium levels, use canned tomatoes without salt added. Nutrition Facts per serving: 118 calories, 15 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 67 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 6 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 2 g protein, 309 mg sodium Source: Healthy & Delicious Cookbook from the Tomato Products Wellness Council (Recipe by Andrea Mathis, RD). Photo credit: Tomato Wellness.com Free Cookbook – Healthy & Delicious from TomatoWellness.com Download the free Tomato Wellness Cookbook with 17 wholesome recipes developed by registered dietitians that represent many cultures and food traditions. Register with the QR code or click here: https://tomatowellness.com/cookbook/ The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the sponsored support of our sponsors (Tomato Wellness and Good Foods). Cited Sources:
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Last week I received a call from a former GVHS classmate, Katheen (Barnard) Barnett. She had some old school newspapers to donate to the Historical Society. Turns out, she had about 70 old papers including several copies of the Broadcaster from 1938. Her mother, Earlene Smith, was the “Athletics Editor.” She also had papers from 1962-64 when we were in high school. Kathleen was a typist. And more from 1965 to 1969 when her sister graduated. Needless to say, I have spent several hours perusing their contents. Last week, most of this column dealt with the Homecoming Bonfire and Parade. So continuing in that vein, I will share snippets of Homecoming in 1962 (Class of 1963) and 1963 (Class of 1964). October 26, 1962 (Front page) After the Ball is Over The sophomores had the tasks of decorating the gym and the result was blue and white crepe paper streamers, balloons, and blue letters spelling “Welcome Back Alumni.” Music was provided by a four-piece band which included a GV student, Roy Robinette. Fast and slow tunes were played, even during the twist songs; off went the heels and everybody danced. October 26, 1962. Half-time Activities The themes of the floats were either T.V. shows or commercials… The senior class had the winning float with the theme Wagon Train, Victory or Bust. The other float themes were: freshmen, Knock’em Popeyed, sophomores, From the Valley of the Jolly Blue Giant, and juniors, Gleem (toothpaste) with Beam (Coach Beam). Cover of The Eagles Cry
September 27, 1963 September 27 (Lead story) Preparations for Homecoming The Homecoming theme “Good Neighbors” will be carried out through the parade, football game and dance… The parade will consist of the high school band and majorettes, floats from each high school class and their queen candidate… …grade school students will dress as different people of the world and march in the parade. The parade route will begin at school and proceed down Main Street to where Old 40 Highway joins Buckner Tarsney Road, and then return back to the school. The football game will begin at 8:00 PM, Friday night. The Eagles play the Oak Grove Panthers. At half-time, the float of each class will be brought onto the field and displayed. The Ivy Chain (four girls from each class) proceeds onto the field, followed by the queen candidates. One lucky football player will then crown the Homecoming Queen. The gym will be decorated by the sophomore class, halls by the seniors, goal post by the freshmen and the outside of the building by the juniors. As much as life has changed over the 60 years since these stories were written, it is somewhat comforting to know that something never change! GVHS Alumni, family, and friends are invited to view photos and artifacts at the Alumni Tent before the 2024 Homecoming Game at Moody Murry Field on September 20th when the Eagles host the Ruskin Eagles. NOTE: The dance that we now know as the Twist originated in the late fifties among teenagers, and was popularized by Chubby Checker who debuted the song to a national audience on August 6, 1960, on The Dick Clark Show. Moody Murry was the superintendent of the Grain Valley Schools for seven years, from 1959 until May 1966. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society While Grain Valley no longer has a Homecoming Parade, we do have a Fall Fair Parade and it’s coming up this Saturday, September 7. It made me think of the of the Homecoming memories I have, growing up in Grain Valley. After looking through some old yearbooks, here are some photographs from Homecoming in 1952, 1953 and 1954. Some readers may recognize a face or two. And speaking of photographs, I’m on the search for any pictures from a homecoming bonfire when it used to take place “right on Main Street” in the middle of town. We’re taking a “snake dance” that started in the high school parking lot and wound its’ way 2 blocks down Main Street to the bonfire. If you or anyone you know might have attended one of these pep rallies and have any photographs, please share! The bonfire is returning this year to the City Garden at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets on Wednesday, September 18. Put it on your calendar; it promises to be a good time! It looks like Grain Valley’s Marching Band had 31 members, including the drum major, mascot, and three majorettes. Circa, 1953 The majorettes were (left to right) Sandra Temple, Janice Thompson, and Florene Brown. Every student, 1st grade through seniors marched in the parade! Jean Wiggins (Herron) was the 1953 Homecoming Queen, crowned by Jimmy Booker, captain of the football team if I remember correctly. And the parades always had floats! We must have played the Odessa Bulldogs for homecoming in 1954! Yours truly, rode on the senior class float, the theme was “It’s in the cards – VICTORY”
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 10 women and is the leading cause of female infertility. It’s a condition where tiny follicles can be built around the ovaries, usually caused by hormone imbalance. In honor of September being PCOS Awareness Month, our Hy-Vee dietitians wanted to share our top tips as registered dietitians on how to balance hormones and manage PCOS naturally.
Most women with PCOS are told to lose weight (which can be very difficult with PCOS) or to just go on a birth control pill to help treat their symptoms. The key to treating your symptoms is to find the root cause of your hormone imbalance. Typically, we see the most common causes of PCOS are insulin resistance, inflammation, adrenal stress, or any combination of these. Let’s dive into some strategies that can help naturally manage these! Manage Blood Sugar Levels Managing blood sugar is especially important if insulin resistance is the root cause of your PCOS. Balancing blood sugar starts with having a balanced meal. We recommend using the plate method where you have ½ your meal non-starchy vegetables, ¼ protein, and ¼ complex carbohydrates. For better blood sugar balance, you also want to try to have at least 25-30 g of protein at breakfast (see the Peachy Overnight Oats recipe below for a yummy option). For balanced snacks, be sure to pair fiber and protein together like whole grain crackers with cottage cheese and cherry tomatoes, steamed edamame with Good Foods dip or fruit with nut butter. Regular exercise can also help with blood sugar balance. Even just a five-to-10-minute walk after a meal can help. Reduce Inflammation Working on reducing inflammation is key if inflammatory PCOS is your root cause. Eating a balanced diet (see the plate method discussed above) does wonders for this and includes more omega-3 fatty acid foods. These foods include tuna, salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. Improving gut health can also help reduce inflammation, so eating more fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi can be beneficial. However, underlying food sensitivities could be the source of your inflammation, so you’ll want to have a medical professional help you check for this as well. Good Foods dips are a great option if you do because they are free of the top 9 allergens, gluten-free and vegan. Manage Stress Reducing stress is the primary target if you have adrenal PCOS. For this, you’ll want to aim for seven to eight hours of adequate sleep every night, as this can significantly reduce stress and help your body better adapt to it. Of course, utilizing the plate method for balanced meals can also help reduce stress (specifically, not skipping meals). With adrenal PCOS, you also want to avoid overexercising, as this can worsen your hormone imbalance rather than improve it. Take 30 minutes of exercise two to three days a week and remember to embrace the rest days. To reduce stress, also be mindful of your caffeine intake, as overconsuming caffeine can worsen symptoms. What To Do Next Now, you might be thinking, “How do I know the root cause of my PCOS?” Getting specific lab tests such as fasting insulin, HgA1c, DHEA-S, total testosterone, and vitamin D can help pinpoint your root cause. This is where you will want to work with a Hy-Vee dietitian to help! We can review your medical history, lab work, and symptoms to help decipher your root cause and provide a clear path forward. You do not have to manage PCOS alone. Let our Hy-Vee dietitians provide guidance and encouragement along the way! It can take two to three months to start seeing results. Sign up for Hy-Vee’s Healthy You Subscription at Hy-Vee.com/Health to access monthly visits with a Hy-Vee dietitian, personalized nutrition advice and coaching, and access to virtual Hy-Vee classes and other online resources. Peachy Overnight Oats Serves 1 All you need: ½ cup Hy-Vee quick oats 1 tbsp chia seeds ½ cup Fairlife 2% milk ¼ cup Chobani Zero Sugar Vanilla ½ cup peaches, sliced 1 tsp Hy-Vee cinnamon All you do:
Adapted from: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/peachy-overnight-oats ![]() by Burton Kelso, The Tech Expert In today’s digital age, you must equip your children with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely. Students age 5 to 80 need to understand they are targets of cyber crooks who want their personal information.
From understanding the importance of strong passphrases to recognizing the signs of AI phishing scams and threats, there are several steps parents can take to develop a cyber-safe environment. Cybercrime is a human problem which can be solved if you help your students build their human firewall. In this article, I will help you explore practical tips and strategies to help your kids stay safe and secure online throughout the school year. Here's what you need to know. Don't turn a blind Eye to AI. AI isn't this all-knowing aware chatbot that can help you create new content, it is just scraping information off the web. Let your kids know they need to be cautious of what information they share on AI, as it might be leaked on the web. Also, you need to tell your kids to beware of AI-based phishing and cyber attacks that can lure them in with a variety of scams that are fueled with deepfakes and voice cloning. Visit Google's phishing quiz at https://phishingquiz.withgoogle.com/ to help your students stay safe from any phishing attacks: Use Easy to Remember Passphrases. Passphrases are two unrelated words to create a strong password. Passphrases like "PurpleFox2021$" or "StolenBumble!243" are stronger than your garden variety of random numbers and characters to protect your kids online accounts. Visit Bitwarden's password and passphrase generator at https://bitwarden.com/password-generator/ Make Sure You "Back That Thang Up". Encourage students to stop carrying around important information on flash drives and external hard drives which can be misplaced, stolen, and can fail at a moment's notice. The cloud is the only way to go. Cloud services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive automatically copy your data to the cloud which ensures their precious information is always backed up. Keep Track of Lost and Stolen Devices. Enable Find My to keep track of stolen devices. Get your student an Apple or Android alert to get alerts when devices are missing. Make Sure Your Students Information isn't on the Dark Web. With data breaches occurring on a regular basis, you need to verify your kid's information isn't floating on the dark web. Many companies don't disclose when they are responsible for leaking customer's information to the dark web. Once criminals have access to your information, they can commit ID theft, log into and take over social media accounts and access web backup services. Check out haveibeenpwned.com This website will let you know if your students' information such as passwords, social security numbers, and email addresses have been leaked on the dark web and if they should get ID protection. Hopefully, this will give you tips to help your students stay safe this school year. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to [email protected]. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Need computer repair or IT support services? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Campbell’s Sho-Me Gun Shop
Tim Campbell owned a gun shop at 506 N. Main Street for a number of years during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Thus far, the exact dates have not been determined, but I’m working on that. This building, now home to the Grain Valley Historical Society, requires a bit more researching before I can give you its entire history. A hundred-year-old plus photograph, the July calendar page, indicates that among other things, this general store sold “Worthmore Shoes"; however, it also pictures a wooden structure, not brick, and it was not attached to the garage on the south side of the building. Photos from later years depict the current brick structure. In a newspaper article written by Winona Burgess, the first president and a founding member of the Grain Valley Historical Society, she remembered the building as the Frost Grocery Store when she moved to Grain Valley in the late 1930s. I remember this building as the Minter Grocery Store in the early 1950s. Last year, a visitor to the Historical Society said his grandfather had an upholstery business in the store few a few years in the 1970s; however, he didn’t know the exact dates. Sometime during the 1980s it became the Sho-Me Gun Shop. It was vacant when the Historical Society bought it in 1998. After a total gutting and an extensive remodeling job which included installing restrooms, a kitchen and restoration of the original tin ceiling, hidden above the 1980s drop ceiling, it opened just before Christmas in 1999 as the Grain Valley Historical Society. While it may require quite a bit of research, stay tuned to this column. I’m on a mission to learn more about this historical old building. When I do, I’ll certainly let you know! by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society With the 2024-25 school year beginning this week, students and faculty were able to see the beautiful new fieldhouse that’s ready for the first volleyball match next Thursday, September 5. I do not know if I’m more excited to see the match or the new facilities. Both should be exciting! Twenty-five years ago, the Grain Valley football faithful were greeted by an award-winning football field. That’s right, in 1999, Grain Valley’s field was recognize as one of the 10 best playing fields in the nation by Pioneer Manufacturing of Cleveland, a nationally known company that makes and sells field- and turf-maintenance equipment and supplies to some of the largest football organizations in the United States. The district received a certificate and a large banner claiming its’ field a “Field of Excellence.” Twenty-five years ago Randy Anderson was the school district groundskeeper. He, along with five volunteers; Sam Packham, Joe Cornell, Al Hager, Duane Nay and Chip Toma, spent about ten hours per week during the football season beautifying the grass field. I think it would have been much more work maintaining a grass field. It took nearly four hours just to paint the Eagle! Grain Valley received the prestigious honor because Sam Packham, the school district director of buildings and grounds at that time applied for the award after seeing an advertisement in a trade magazine. Grain Valley’s Moody Murry Field, circa 1999. Al Hager and Randy Anderson ready the field for Friday Night, under the lights! Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
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