Guest Column: Community Steps Up In Times of Uncertainty;

by Mayor Mike Todd, City of Grain Valley

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​     Hello Grain Valley!  I know that these last several weeks have been a time of uncertainty and stress for everyone.  However, there has been much positivity with neighbors helping each other by picking up necessities, countless birthday “drive-bys,” sidewalk chalk art, signs in some of your yards and teddy bears in windows to lift the spirits of a passersby.  Our homes have become classrooms and offices.  Families have spent more time together than they typically do, bringing many great moments with new memories made.  We have faced challenges as well trying to keep children occupied and interested in their schoolwork, while many of us work from home. 
     As a special education teacher for the Blue Springs School District, I know that our students have missed out on many of their typical spring school experiences, but I am amazed at the manner in which the Grain Valley School District and community have shown support to both students and teachers.  Thank you to the Grain Valley School District for their quick response to the Stay-at-Home order when it was first put in place in March.  They’ve provided nearly 450 meals daily (Monday-Friday) for students over the last several weeks and will continue a similar program through the end of June.  Students were engaged with a variety of resources available to them from the school district and even some fun social media challenges.
     Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020!  I wish each and every one of you the best as you move into your future.  I know that this has not been the graduation season that you dreamt of, but this community is so proud of you as evidenced by the great support shown with yard signs, special gifts and the graduate parade. 
     Our City staff has been working diligently to keep you informed of precautions and changes in County restrictions.  Jackson County recently released Phase 1 of the Recovery Plan which will be evaluated for the appropriate next steps, sometime in the last week of May.  It is unknown at this time when we will be able to proceed to the next phase. 
     The County will rely on many factors, including results of mobile testing sites, which they (along with Truman Medical Centers) have made more available over the last two weeks.  We hosted one in the Community Center parking lot a couple of weeks ago.  There have been several additional testing sites throughout the area, with one scheduled at Delta Woods Middle School in Lee’s Summit, Friday, May 22nd from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  This testing is free to all Jackson County residents. Please, if you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath or any other flu-like symptoms in nature, call 816-404-CARE to register for testing.
     We know that these last several weeks have been challenging for many of our local businesses.  I encourage you to support them as often as you can and please be patient, as they are limited by social distancing guidelines as to how many customers are allowed inside each establishment.
      I am hopeful that the lengths and sacrifices made since March have helped to flatten the curve, but I implore you to please continue moving forward with precaution.  Please practice social distancing at all times and wash/ sanitize your hands frequently. 
     Visit cityofgrainvalley.org or our City of Grain Valley Facebook page to stay up to date regarding COVID-19 response, testing and information about moving forward as we proceed over the next several weeks.  Jackson County Health Department (jacohd.org) is a great resource as well with tips on how to keep your family safe.