​Mid-Continent Public Library’s 2023 Summer Library Program will begin June 1 and run through August 24. The annual program helps kids stay intellectually engaged over the summer months by encouraging them to read for at least 20 minutes a day.
 
“Whether you’re reading a recipe together while cooking, or sitting down for a traditional storytime, there lots of ways for kids to get those 20 minutes of reading time in each day,” said MCPL Youth Services Manager Katie McDonald. “The most important thing is that reading becomes a daily practice because that’s what helps build those foundational early literacy skills. Summer Library Program is great because it helps make this easy and fun, and kids are ready to learn when they head back to class in the fall!”
 
Kids who read 20 minutes a day will earn a free book at 20, 40, and 60 days of reading, and those who complete 60 days (and log their reading online) will also qualify for a grand prize from the Library’s Community Partners, including the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Zoo, B&B Theatres, and SEA LIFE Kansas City.

​Adults can also get in on the fun by modeling good reading behaviors, and those who read for 60 days will earn a commemorative Summer Library Program glass.
 
The theme of this year’s Summer Library Program is “All Together Now” in celebration of kindness and friendship. In addition to encouraging reading, MCPL branches will host a variety of Summer Library Program events for all ages related to this year’s theme, such as Kansas City Zoo: Jungle Harmony (for ages 4 and up), during which kids will learn how animals and plants of the rainforest work together to create a harmonious ecosystem.
 
Find a full list of Summer Library Program events, get additional program information, and sign up to participate at mymcpl.org/SLP. Paper logs are also available at MCPL’s 30+ locations to sign up and track reading.

Grain Valley High School hosted its local scholarship awards ceremony on May 10th, presenting more than $146,900 in scholarships earned by graduating seniors. The scholarships presented and each honoree is listed below.
 
Grain Valley Education Foundation Top 15% scholarship:
Yumiko Chen
Cameryn Bown
Evan Reich
Gabrielle Holman
Owen Herbert
Carmen Myers
Grace Slaughter
Jade Stone
Lillian Cassidy
Allison Shafer
Macey Gower
Peyton Bell
Olivia Chatburn
Carter Bohanon
Kylie Barnett
Maddux Hughes
Lynnette Jones
Caitlin Tan
Ava Lin
Allison Shields
Ethan Simpson
Emmalee Lockwood
Holly Malicoat
Ella Clyman
Josie Adams
Chloe Carrillo
Finley Waldren
Mattie Allen
Marissa Johnson
Caton Day
Kiera Miller
Payden Stone
Trent Hailey
Hailey Hemme
Jaydn Jarman
Kayley Coney
Madison Rogers
Austin Schmitt
Avery Garmon
Kaleena Menzsa
Brock Baker
Mason Morris
Kennedy Bohanon

 
John Cianciolo Athlete of Character Memorial Scholarship:
Austin Schmitt
Avery Garmon
Owen Herbert
Cameryn Bown
Lillian Cassidy
Evan Reich
 
David & Patty Hackett Scholarship:
Jade Stone
 
Focus for Grain Valley Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
Owen Herbert

Hanneman & Ward DDS Scholarship:
Olivia Chatburn
 
Grain Valley Family Dental Scholarship:
Adelyn Bybee
 
Rachel M. House Hudson Memorial Scholarship:
Olivia Chatburn
Ella Clyman
Lillian Cassidy
Makayla Dyer
Payden Stone
Peyton Bell

Leroy Grubb Memorial Scholarship:
Kellen Stephens

Iron Kettle Foundation Scholarship:
Carmen Myers
Kendrah Brooks

Barbara & Moody Murry Music Scholarship:
Maddux Hughes
 
Mary & Lonnie Harper Speech and Debate Scholarship:
Carmen Myers
 
Kissick Construction Scholarship:
Carter Bohanon
Macey Gower
Ava Lin

Grain Valley Partnership Kissick Construction Scholarship:
Brock Baker
 
Pam Perry "Always an Eagle" Scholarship:
Owen Herbert
 
BR Carpet Marching Eagles Band Scholarship:
Kayley Coney
 
Grain Valley Eagle Booster Club Scholarship:
Peyton Bell
Ava Lin
Carmen Myers
Owen Herbert
Cameryn Bown
Lillian Cassidy
Keagan Hart
Spencer Chase

Dean Sibert Memorial Scholarship:
Cameryn Bown

Jared & Keri English Family Scholarship:
Peyton Bell
Carmen Myers
 
Papa Murphy's of Grain Valley Scholarship:
Madison Rogers
 
Student Government Scholarship:
Jackson Stewart
Jade Stone
 
Dr. Roy Moss Education Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
Lynette Jones
 
Athletic Letter-of-Intent Scholarship:
Peyton Bell
Keagan Hart
 
Belcher Scholarship:
Gabrielle Holman
 
Grain Valley R-5 Board of Education Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
Evan Reich
Carmen Myers
Peyton Bell
Olivia Chatburn
Ava Lin
Allison Shafer
Hailey Hemme
Cameryn Bown
Trae Selemaea
Owen Herbert
Keagan Hart
Josie Adams
Jade Stone
Emma Carey

Marty Napier Community Service Award Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
Olivia Chatburn
Maddux Hughes
Carmen Myers
Avari Schwenk
Allison Shafer

Jerry Mueller Memorial Scholarship:
Mattie Allen
 
Ray Wilson Memorial Scholarship:
Austin Schmitt
 
Jessica Gardner Memorial Scholarship:
Mattie Allen
 
Napier Award Football Scholarship:
Jake Allen
 
Erma & Robert Doty Memorial Scholarship:
Maddux Hughes
 
Grain Valley Historical Society Scholarship:
Ty Sanders
 
Bank of Grain Valley:
Evan Reich
 
Ed McRell Memorial Scholarship:
Makenzie Keller
 
Stayton and Patricia (Davis) Parr Scholarship:
Yumiko Chen
 
Foundation Seed Money Scholarship:
Owen Herbert
Megan Mazzarella
Ty Sanders

Shirley Condra Memorial Scholarship:
Gabrielle Holman
 
OOIDA Scholarship:
Jade Stone
 
Releve Performing Arts Scholarship:
Gabrielle Holman
 
MSHSAA Sportsmanship Award Scholarship:
Owen Herbert
Keagan Hart
Ella Clyman
Keili Stevens

US Marine Corps: Scholastic Excellence Award:
Yumiko Chen
 
US Marine Corps: The Distinguished Athlete Award:
Jake Allen
 
US Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence:
Lori Bickham
 
Grain Valley Sports League Athletic Scholarship:
Jackson Stewart
Josie Adams
 
Grain Valley Alumni Association Scholarship:
Mackenzie Keller
Kayley Coney
Makayla Dyer

Liquid Soap Products LTD GVHS Scholarship 4 Year College:
Cameryn Bown
 
H. Gene and Michael Gene Butler Memorial Scholarship:
Mattie Allen
 
KC Scholars-Grain Valley Education Foundation Scholarship:
Yumiko Chen
 
KC Scholars Traditional Awards:
Lynette Jones
 
Shelter Insurance Foundation Agents Scholarship:
Rhea'leigh Stanley
 
Adrienne Barber GVHS Scholarship:
Ava Lin
Emmalee Lockwood
 
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
 
Phil Roberts Scholarship:
Yumiko Chen
Owen Herbert
Ava Lin
Jade Stone 
 
The Ellis Foundation Scholarship:
Gabrielle Holman
Madison Rogers
Kayla Rolley
 
Masonic Lodge Merit Undergraduate Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
 
Nicholas V. Mortallaro, State Farm Agent-Francis Anzalone Memorial Scholarship:
Carter Bohanon
Alayna Patel
Rhea'leigh Stanley
Kaitlynn Goosey

Truman Heartland Community Foundation Blue Springs Rotary Scholarship:
Jade Stone
Carmen Myers

Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation:
Adelyn Bybee
 
The P.E.O. International Star Scholarship:
Lillian Cassidy
 
Doctors of St. Mary’s Scholarship:
Gabrielle Holman

Cars and Coffee will return to Joe Shmoes on Sunday, May 14th from 8am - 11am at Joe Shmoes Coffee and Waffles. 

All makes and models are welcome, including bikes. Everyone is welcome to come out to check out the cars and grab a drink or waffle at Joe Shmoes. The event runs until 11am at which point Captains Sports Lounge begins to serve brunch. 

For more information on the Cars and Coffee events, visit (1) Grain Valley Cars and Coffee | Facebook. 

Mid-Continent Public Library’s (MCPL) Food for Fines program is back! The biannual program will return Monday, May 1, through Sunday, May 7.

 During the weeklong initiative, MCPL customers will have the chance to donate nonperishable food items in place of money to pay off overdue fines or replacement card charges. Customers with no fines or fees are also encouraged to donate, and donations will be used to “pay it forward” toward another customer’s fines. Following the completion of the program, the food will be given to charitable organizations across the Kansas City metro.

MCPL offers the Food for Fines program twice a year— leading into the summer to encourage active participation in the annual Summer Library Program, and in the fall to alleviate any barriers for students seeking resources at the Library. To date, the Library has collected more than 165,000 items for local charities through the program. Donations collected at the Grain Valley branch will support the Community Services League (the Grain Valley Assistance Council is an affiliate of the Community Services League).

Suggested donations include boxed meals, canned food, peanut butter, cereal, and pasta. Donations must not be expired, damaged, open, non-nutritious, or in a glass, plastic, or cardboard drink container. Each donated food item will count as $1 toward a customer’s fines and fees (up to $10).

     Local youth volunteers will gather at area Hy-Vee locations on Saturday, April 29th from 9:00am - 1:00pm to fill a truck to help those in need.
     ​Each year, Truman Heartland Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members organize a food drive to help combat hunger and food insecurity in the area. YAC volunteers will attempt to fill a box truck or van at each location with donated nonperishable food items and household goods. The goal is to collect at least 20,000 donated items to benefit food programs at Community Services League, Lee’s Summit Social Services, and Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP).  
     Volunteers will be located at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee, 4625 US Highway 40, from 9:00am - 1:00pm on Saturday, April 29th to collect food and monetary donations. 
    

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation 

     Step outside and discover nature at the free Get Outdoors Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Blue Springs. A variety of outdoor activities will be on tap, and the event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, and Jackson County Parks and Recreation. Staff from each of the agencies will be on hand to help visitors with outdoor skills and answer questions about nature.
     Individuals and families will be able to paddle kayaks, target shoot with easy-to-use archery equipment, practice yoga, learn about birding, go hiking, go fishing, and see nature displays. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required. MDC and the park agencies will provide all the equipment needed for the activities. For example, it’s a chance for newcomers to learn how to go fishing, how to cast lures with a rod and reel, and how to handle a fish. Experts will help with other activities, too. Visitors can learn a new skill or sharpen an old one.
     April 22 is also Earth Day and getting outdoors is a fine way to honor the day and perhaps get started on a lifetime sports.
     The Kemper Outdoor Education Center is at 8201 Jasper Bell Road. To learn more, visit the event’s website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Q7 or call 816-229-8980.

     Joeshmoes Coffee & Waffles, 120 Buckner Tarsney Road, will celebrate its 1st year in business with a 1st birthday party on Saturday, April 8th. Guests can enjoy free cake, and live music will begin at 9:00am.

     City staff, elected officials, and representatives from McCownGordon Construction and Hoefer Walker gathered March 23rd for a groundbreaking at the site of the new police station, located near the City's Butterfly Trail. 
     Construction on the new police station is slated to take approximately one year to complete. Voters approved a $14,000,000 bond issue in April 2022 to fund the project.

     Grain Valley High School Theatre Department will present The SpongeBob Musical March 30 – April 1 at the Jerry Mueller Performing Arts Theatre at Grain Valley High School (GVHS). 
​    The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley.
     GVHS Theatre Director John O'Neil said the "it's a big, fun musical show, and one of the biggest we've ever attempted."
      "It's a very collaborative show in a lot of ways. Each of the songs in the show is written by a different musical artist, as opposed to one composer and one lyricist." 
     The show follows the characters as the town of Bikini Bottom is facing an apocalyptic threat from a volcano threatening to destroy the town. 
     "The characters are trying to figure out how to survive under these circumstances. Some of the characters have more evil methods of trying to survive. Other characters have more pure hearted ways. I really think it feels very relevant to me. It feels very similar to what we all faced in the pandemic. Are we going to survive this? What's the best solution? Who do we turn to in these times to lead us? Are we scapegoating people who are different than us? It handles all those themes very lightly while also touching on themes of friendship," O'Neil said.
     As the group enters its final week of rehearsals before the show, O’Neil said he has been very impressed with their dedication and talent.
     “Our props and set building crew has worked overtime on this show. The amount of work they have done on this show has been incredible. Everything you see on stage has been created by our students. All of our seniors involved in this show have just done an incredible job. I am going to be really sad to see this group go.”
     Senior Katie Hobbs plays SpongeBob SquarePants in the show, and says that SpongeBob’s character embodies the importance of self-confidence.
     “He struggles a lot with who he is, what he is good at. All he really knows is he’s a fry cook. Throughout the show, he proves to himself that you can do whatever you put your mind to,” Hobbs said.
     Hobbs said the cast and crew have worked really well together, and said one of her favorite scenes is also one of the most technically complex.
     “I’ve really enjoyed working on the volcano scenes. We have scaffolding that spins, and it’s been fun to work with the tech crew on these scenes.”
     Hobbs said her time in theatre has improved her public speaking skills, given her more confidence, and she plans to put these skills to work as she moves on to college.
     Hobbs plans to attend Metropolitan Community College (MCC) after high school to complete her associate degree, taking advantage of the A+ program and then plans to transfer to KU to study biology to pursue a career as a geneticist.
     Junior Autumn Ferrante serves as Technical Director for the show, and oversees all the technical aspects of the show from set design and production to moving sets and props on stage. Ferrante agrees with Hobbs that theatre has helped her confidence and social skills.
     “My freshman year I was very introverted and didn’t really talk to anyone. I went to theatre just to step out of my comfort zone. I got to meet a lot of new people, grew my social skills and my confidence,” Ferrante said.
     Tickets for SpongeBob the Musical are going fast, and can be purchased in advance at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/71339. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 
     “It’s a really fun show and will be a fun night out,” Ferrante said.