New teachers at Grain Valley

New faces at the Grain Valley school

We have some new teachers and they have come to visit the Optimist Club. Dr. Small introduced them and the trio told us a little about the accomplishments they have done. The Band director is Reid Atkinson, his assistance is Davis Gronneberg and Heather Makely is the High School English teacher ans sponsor/coach of the girls color guard.

The Gifting Gals visit the Optimist Club....

The Gifting Gals

Left to rightL
DJ Malotte, Linda Johnson, CJ Johnson


On Saturday August 23rd, these three ladies were one of our guest speakers to the club.
The Gifting Gals dedicated to bringing donations of goods, services, and funds to the elderly, women/mothers and children who need assistance fulfilling needs that are unmet by other sources. This is their mission. In the picture are examples of some of the gift cakes they offer as part of their fundraisers. The 'Gift Cake" they have created and selling are for baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays, special occasions and much more. You have got to see these in person to appreciate the work they have done.

DJ Mallotte spoke to the group on how they became the Gifting Gals and shared some of the things they have done. To find out more you can call any one of the three ladies.

Contact information:

CJ Johnson 224-8808

DJ Mallotte 847-7647

Linda Johnson 847-0178

Strack named Citizen of the Year....

Mark Strack

A family that helps fight cancer, a community volunteer, and the team behind the transfer of seven schools from the Kansas City f Independence School District are some of the honorees as Citizen of the Year.

The honoree for Grain Valley is Mary Strack, who has been very involved in the Grain Valley community by volunteering her time to the work of the Historical Society, school district. Christian Church, Community Service League and the Grain valley Assistance Council. We are also very honored that she is one of our members of the Grain valley Optimist Club.

After 25 years of service, the THCF continues to serve the region with assets reaching $35 million and annual grants surpassing $3 million.

Congratulations Mary.

Summer Social at the Barkers.... July 26th

The Optimist Summer Social was at the Barker's home again this year. The group got there between 5:30 and 6:30 and we had a very short meeting to cover one item. Then we proceeded to get the food that was brought to share with all. Those in attendance, enjoyed the food, the company and ate until we could not move. Please look at the pictures that I have posted. We had one attendee from the Jr Optimist and that was Nick Jackson who came with Grandma Erma Doty. I don't know what happened to that picture but it did not come out.

Some reminders.....

This week we have our Summer Social at the Barker's house Saturday July 26th. There will be no meeting on Saturday morning and we will meet at the Barkers at 5:30 to discuss any issues if there are some. We will eat at 6:30, so bring whatever you signed up for and if you prefer to drink anything other than tea. See you there.

Also the Historical Society will have their Ice Cream Social on Thursday 7-24 in Armstrong Park. Time is 6:00 to 8:30 while it last. Please come out and eat ice cream and dessert and socialize with others.

GRAIN VALLEY ASSISTANCE COUNCIL: Mary Strack indicated that her cupboards were bare. She could use any kind of donations for the needy. You can find someone at the Baptist Church Mon-Thur 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. There is also a barrel at the Community Center.

Late but needs to be addressed....Golf Tournament

I had a strange call today on July 19th when I came back from our meeting. One of the ladies who gave money, gifts, water and maybe some other things, indicated that she got my name (Chris Davis) from the community book where it gives our contact. She wanted to ask a question as to whether she gave to a good function as she has never seen anything as a result of the golf tournament, even on this blog, I had not posted anything on the results and most of all had not received a thank you card.
As for the blog, I do apologize as I should of written something up but this was about the time John had his incident and was waiting for more information and just forgot about it. This tells me that others outside the club are looking at the blog to see what we are doing. I gave my apologies to the nice lady and indicated to her that yes it was a legit fund raiser and an event for Optimist Club and thanked her for the gifts she had donated. I also assured her that we would get some official thank you notes out to her and those who did contribute in any way to our event.
Please members, in the future, remember to thank those who are giving or who have participated. This means a lot to those who do these things for us. We want to continue with the good name of the Optimist and do not want anyone to get different ideas as to our reason in the community.
I want to thank the phone caller for the call and her concern that she was definitely helping out our club.

CJCFPD guest speaker at Optimist 7-19....

Our guest speaker for July 19th

The Chief of the fire department came in to give a an update on the two issues coming up August 5th.

The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District is there for your safety and means business when they go out on a call.
The two issues coming up on voting day are:
1) No Tax increase Bond Issue. Passage of this issue the proceeds will provide:

• Scheduled replacement of Ladder truck.
• Scheduled replacement of one Fire Engine.
• Communications Equipment, including computers, dispatch equipment and software upgrades.
• Safety equipment, thermal imaging cameras, and uniforms.
• One additional ambulance.
• Staff vehicles.
• Training center completion, including live burn rooms, modern training technology, furnishings, and classroom equipment.

Second issue is 1/2 cent sales tax with a reduction in property taxes.

So why do we need a sales tax increase? The Central Jackson County Fire District asked for a tax increase only once in the last 15 years. During the same 15 years time frame population has increased 50+%, while fire and ambulance calls have increased by over 150%. Passage of this issue allows your fire district to continue providing the level of protection you deserve and allows your fire district to continue providing the level of protection you deserve and trust, and provides value by reducing your property taxes.

Please vote on August 5th.