A Little Bit of History
By Clara E. Scott
The story this week will be on the Benjamin L. Emmons Home located at 1201 North Fifth Street in St. Charles.
The home is situated on one of the highest of “the little hills” and provides a glorious view of the Missouri River. Emmons Abstract No. 352 shows that in 1831, the property consisted of four acres. June 1 of that year, Augustus Dorlac was granted a 999-year lease of $70.00 per year to farm the four-acre property. By August 20, 1838, the land had increased in value to $176.00 when Basille Pallardee and his wife, Annie purchased the tract. They erected a one-story, four-room house with three fireplaces here. The house had a glass front door with sidelights of beautiful red, blue, and green Siegel glass.
In the early 1900’s, the property was subdivided and Ben L. Emmons, the noted local historian, acquired the home and a lot measuring 98 x 170 for a consideration of $1,800. Emmons added a front porch, side entrance, and four rooms in 1902. Interior walls that were 13 inches thick reportedly impeded remodeling. A Grand Hall measuring 6’ x 30’ runs through the main floor. Original small glass windows remain. Since 1960, the Henry Jadrich family has resided there.
Note: Henry Jadrich is a past president of the St. Charles County Historical Society.
(Information on this article obtained from McElhiney’s Guidebook to Historic St. Charles, Missouri, dated 1992, with the permission of the author, Richard G. Sperandio, grandson of Edna McElhiney Olson).
Friday, July 22, 2005
SPECIAL CONSERVATIVE FACTOR - In Memory of Peggy Wilke - 1941 - 2005
We have said our good-bye to our dear friend Peggy Brickner-Wilke, who without a doubt was truly the popular writer for the Conservative Factor. One of her final wishes was that those who remain would continue this column and keep the torch for justice alive. The spirit of our friend will always be alive, just as the spirit of Elijah Lovejoy III is alive and will continue with the power of truth at any cost to inform the citizens of the evil and injustice in our City.
First, let us say a word to the movers and shakers, you were too eager with your “Sigh of relief.” As you meet with those at the round table of God-father Dempsey, be sure to thank him for getting this column started. This is definitely one of his foolish games with people that come back to bite him in the butt. Thank goodness there is a doctor in the house with bag in hand. Dr Clever will run to treat any infectious wounds caused by Alex Spencer.
With all respect to the good book, the Holy Bible, I’ll ask how many of the movers and shakers are familiar with the book of Revelation? John, while sitting in a prison, was told only what the good Lord thought we could bear and the rest of the Revelation was sealed. Unlike the book of Revelation the knowledge and information that is needed to continue with the truth was not sealed. The power of the truth is in an open book, waiting for the time to expose and reveal the truth about movers and shakers and all who are partakers with their insidious actions. Perhaps there are some who sit at the round table of the God-father who are fearful to stand up and speak the truth, for fear of loosing their knighthood? Truly these people are lacking in knowledge and wisdom. This word will be sharper than the double edge sword they were dubbed with, Job 28:28. And to man God said, behold the fear of the Lord that is Wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.
Oh yes, could there possibly be a falling out with the God-father and our insolent Mayor York? Guess she is doing her campaign early, or is she just looking for another safe place to entertain. Culpeppers is a very reputable restaurant, and the food choice is excellent, place of choice for the ladies from a local subdivision to meet for lunch with the Queen Bee. I would have been there but I don’t live in the subdivision, but I have friends who do, small world isn’t it?
Well, with the campaign wagon rolling with York, perhaps those who are wanting the position of Mayor, should start holding their luncheons, teas, breakfast, and wine and cheese gatherings now, (early bird gets the worm - Yuk!)
Don’t forget to send out your memo’s to beg-oops, ask people to entertain you, that way you can say whatever you want - you won’t be on TV for all the citizens to hear. Sometimes you get and sometimes you git, GOT. By the way God-father, remember the HAWK?
I have heard the Mayor wants Bass Pro to move to the old Noah’s Ark property. Want to bet that some of her friends or suppporters owns adjacent property? More to come.
First, let us say a word to the movers and shakers, you were too eager with your “Sigh of relief.” As you meet with those at the round table of God-father Dempsey, be sure to thank him for getting this column started. This is definitely one of his foolish games with people that come back to bite him in the butt. Thank goodness there is a doctor in the house with bag in hand. Dr Clever will run to treat any infectious wounds caused by Alex Spencer.
With all respect to the good book, the Holy Bible, I’ll ask how many of the movers and shakers are familiar with the book of Revelation? John, while sitting in a prison, was told only what the good Lord thought we could bear and the rest of the Revelation was sealed. Unlike the book of Revelation the knowledge and information that is needed to continue with the truth was not sealed. The power of the truth is in an open book, waiting for the time to expose and reveal the truth about movers and shakers and all who are partakers with their insidious actions. Perhaps there are some who sit at the round table of the God-father who are fearful to stand up and speak the truth, for fear of loosing their knighthood? Truly these people are lacking in knowledge and wisdom. This word will be sharper than the double edge sword they were dubbed with, Job 28:28. And to man God said, behold the fear of the Lord that is Wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.
Oh yes, could there possibly be a falling out with the God-father and our insolent Mayor York? Guess she is doing her campaign early, or is she just looking for another safe place to entertain. Culpeppers is a very reputable restaurant, and the food choice is excellent, place of choice for the ladies from a local subdivision to meet for lunch with the Queen Bee. I would have been there but I don’t live in the subdivision, but I have friends who do, small world isn’t it?
Well, with the campaign wagon rolling with York, perhaps those who are wanting the position of Mayor, should start holding their luncheons, teas, breakfast, and wine and cheese gatherings now, (early bird gets the worm - Yuk!)
Don’t forget to send out your memo’s to beg-oops, ask people to entertain you, that way you can say whatever you want - you won’t be on TV for all the citizens to hear. Sometimes you get and sometimes you git, GOT. By the way God-father, remember the HAWK?
I have heard the Mayor wants Bass Pro to move to the old Noah’s Ark property. Want to bet that some of her friends or suppporters owns adjacent property? More to come.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
LETTER TO THE SPORTS EDITOR
A Letter To The Sports Editor
Mike,
I have enjoyed most of your pieces in the First Capitol News concerning the sports coverage. What is amazing is how much
Rage coverage you have been able to do this season, even with the “former” owner of that team now being editor of the other
tabloid.
I have a slight tip for you and I’m not sure if you could bring an article about this. Over the last few weeks, I talked to a number of Missouri River Otter season ticket holders, some who have bought season tickets since the team started in 1999. A number of them aren’t renewing because of the possible fear that Mike Shanahan, Jr. could get an ownership group together to buy the St. Louis Blues and if that happens, the Otters fold or get relocated someplace else. There aren’t any guarantees, even with the UHL All-Star Game scheduled here. By the way, that All-Star Game didn’t get announced around here until three weeks after it was awarded. I got my tip from someone who read the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette and they are =always= on the ball with the UHL and NIFL in that city. Also, a number of patrons who attend Family Arena are upset about the parking situation that is there. It is the main reason why you only see small numbers attend sporting events there. There are more parking places than there are seats at the facility. Yet, there are parking attendants there who charge $5 or $6 for parking and force cars to park as far away from the facility as they could. That is one of the reasons why season ticket sales for the Otters continue to decline. And although the team announced they are “committed” to the 2005-06 season, because of the Blues situation, fans are very unsure that the management/ownership of the teamwill be dedicated to the River Otters this season. There have been some good player signings and the schedule has been announced (www.theuhl.com).
But fans are still not sure if the River Otters are determined to play in St. Charles the entire
season. I think some fans are upset from last season when the playoff games were moved to Savvis Center because of
“schedule conflicts.” Something isn’t right and I don’t think that some who live here and feel that Family Arena has been a great place really feel that the operators of Family Arena itself (not the sports teams) really don’t have the hospitality that they should have to keep the teams from bolting over to St. Louis for playoff games. There’s something quite suspicious when we have two of our mainstream teams play regular season home games at Family Arena and then when the playoffs take place, the games are moved to Savvis Center. I think Rory Riddler had some points he made in an article he wrote earlier this year about Family Arena. But he failed to point out that people don’t like paying for parking at all and they don’t like when the parking attendants tell the patrons where to park.
I think what confuses St. Charles County residents is that they will attend baseball games at T. R. Hughes Ballpark in
O’Fallon and the parking is free and no one tells them where to park. But at Family Arena, people pay to park in a
parking lot that is never completely full and patrons are ordered to park as far away from the facility as possible.
Finally, I have seen the conditions of both parking lots at T. R. Hughes and at Family Arena. T. R. Hughes does have a very
good parking lot and is well maintained. The Family Arena parking lot looks like it has never been maintained or even
repaired after its initial layer of asphalt was poured. The neglect that has been given to Family Arena since the “controversy” that took place in 2000 (New Year’s Eve, 1999) has really affected the conditions of what could be a great building. I wish every sports reporter and mainstream reporter would write about this.
Also, I have been told that no one who attends Family Arena understands why Arena Parkway can’t be lit better at night from the Arena to Route 364 and from the Arena to Fifth Street. In the winter, it can be very dark, even with the little snow we
have received in the last several winters.
My wife and I plan on attending more Rascals games because of their friendliness. But we’re not sure if we plan on attending hockey games in the fall and winter. Hockey is my more favorite sport compared to baseball. But since I have a stepdaughter in high school this fall, it looks like I’ll be watching Mid-States Club Hockey again more than I will be watching the minors. At least I don’t have to be told where to park at either the St. Peters Rec Plex or at the Wentzville Ice Arena.
Keep up the good work.
Louis Laune
Mike,
I have enjoyed most of your pieces in the First Capitol News concerning the sports coverage. What is amazing is how much
Rage coverage you have been able to do this season, even with the “former” owner of that team now being editor of the other
tabloid.
I have a slight tip for you and I’m not sure if you could bring an article about this. Over the last few weeks, I talked to a number of Missouri River Otter season ticket holders, some who have bought season tickets since the team started in 1999. A number of them aren’t renewing because of the possible fear that Mike Shanahan, Jr. could get an ownership group together to buy the St. Louis Blues and if that happens, the Otters fold or get relocated someplace else. There aren’t any guarantees, even with the UHL All-Star Game scheduled here. By the way, that All-Star Game didn’t get announced around here until three weeks after it was awarded. I got my tip from someone who read the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette and they are =always= on the ball with the UHL and NIFL in that city. Also, a number of patrons who attend Family Arena are upset about the parking situation that is there. It is the main reason why you only see small numbers attend sporting events there. There are more parking places than there are seats at the facility. Yet, there are parking attendants there who charge $5 or $6 for parking and force cars to park as far away from the facility as they could. That is one of the reasons why season ticket sales for the Otters continue to decline. And although the team announced they are “committed” to the 2005-06 season, because of the Blues situation, fans are very unsure that the management/ownership of the teamwill be dedicated to the River Otters this season. There have been some good player signings and the schedule has been announced (www.theuhl.com).
But fans are still not sure if the River Otters are determined to play in St. Charles the entire
season. I think some fans are upset from last season when the playoff games were moved to Savvis Center because of
“schedule conflicts.” Something isn’t right and I don’t think that some who live here and feel that Family Arena has been a great place really feel that the operators of Family Arena itself (not the sports teams) really don’t have the hospitality that they should have to keep the teams from bolting over to St. Louis for playoff games. There’s something quite suspicious when we have two of our mainstream teams play regular season home games at Family Arena and then when the playoffs take place, the games are moved to Savvis Center. I think Rory Riddler had some points he made in an article he wrote earlier this year about Family Arena. But he failed to point out that people don’t like paying for parking at all and they don’t like when the parking attendants tell the patrons where to park.
I think what confuses St. Charles County residents is that they will attend baseball games at T. R. Hughes Ballpark in
O’Fallon and the parking is free and no one tells them where to park. But at Family Arena, people pay to park in a
parking lot that is never completely full and patrons are ordered to park as far away from the facility as possible.
Finally, I have seen the conditions of both parking lots at T. R. Hughes and at Family Arena. T. R. Hughes does have a very
good parking lot and is well maintained. The Family Arena parking lot looks like it has never been maintained or even
repaired after its initial layer of asphalt was poured. The neglect that has been given to Family Arena since the “controversy” that took place in 2000 (New Year’s Eve, 1999) has really affected the conditions of what could be a great building. I wish every sports reporter and mainstream reporter would write about this.
Also, I have been told that no one who attends Family Arena understands why Arena Parkway can’t be lit better at night from the Arena to Route 364 and from the Arena to Fifth Street. In the winter, it can be very dark, even with the little snow we
have received in the last several winters.
My wife and I plan on attending more Rascals games because of their friendliness. But we’re not sure if we plan on attending hockey games in the fall and winter. Hockey is my more favorite sport compared to baseball. But since I have a stepdaughter in high school this fall, it looks like I’ll be watching Mid-States Club Hockey again more than I will be watching the minors. At least I don’t have to be told where to park at either the St. Peters Rec Plex or at the Wentzville Ice Arena.
Keep up the good work.
Louis Laune
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITH YOUR IDENTITY SHOWING Valuable Information from First Bank to Avoid Identity Theft on Vacation
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITH YOUR IDENTITY SHOWING
Valuable Information from First Bank to Avoid Identity Theft on Vacation
Vacation was great! The beach was more beautiful than you could have imagined. The resort staff catered to your every need. The food was exquisite. The hotel was comfortable and relaxing. You arrive home refreshed until you discover that someone charged hundreds of dollars using your credit card number.
You’ve been the victim of identity theft. “Identity theft and identity fraud,” says Chris Kieffer, Vice President for Electronic Banking at First Banks, Inc. “refers to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data to commit fraud or deception typically for economic gain. In this case, someone else may be living it up in a hotel room while you’re looking at a lot of work getting back what was stolen.”
But there are ways to minimize your susceptibility.
PRIOR TO VACATIONING
Contact your bank when you have confirmed your vacation plans. Most banks monitor suspicious activity (including geographic shifts in cardholder usage) and may choose to temporarily restrict the card for your protection until the activity can be validated. By informing your bank up front, you can prevent unnecessary inconveniences while vacationing.
Make a list of debit card, credit card, and bank account numbers as well as the associated customer service telephone numbers (typically located on the back of the card). Keep this list in a safe place so that you can use it to contact the necessary banks to prevent any potential fraud in case you lose your wallet or purse.
WHILE YOU’RE VACATIONING
Never leave your Personal Identification Number (PIN) anywhere but in your memory. Do not write it down where it could be detected. Visit your bank to determine if they will allow you to change your PIN to something easily remembered, but it is a good idea never to use the last four digits of your social security number, date of birth, address, or other numbers that could easily be discovered by identity thieves.
When vacationing, be aware if a merchant takes your card somewhere out of your sight for an extended period of time. Most merchants will process transactions within your view. You might call your financial institution to warn of possible violations against your account.
Do not leave keys, debit/credit cards, checks, receipts or other sensitive documents in your hotel room. Many hotels provide a safe or other type of secure location for safekeeping your documents until you need them or check out.
Always keep those receipts for credit card purchases or withdrawals. Never throw them in a public trash container where someone will eventually find them.
Never give out your debit or credit card numbers over the telephone unless you have a trusted business relationship with the person or company. When vacationing, be mindful of schemes that ask for your card number (i.e., “To enter this sweepstakes, give us your card number”).
Carry only cards necessary for the trip. It is often wise to carry two cards in case one is lost on vacation or inactivated. Prior to your trip, cancel any cards that you do not use or secure them in a safe place while you are away.
Have a trusted neighbor or family member retrieve your mail to prevent identity thieves from obtaining credit card statements, bank statements, or credit card offers that could be used inappropriately.
WHEN YOU RETURN FROM VACATION
Upon returning home, contact your bank and credit card companies to review recent activity on your account. If anything looks suspicious or unfamiliar, tell the bank right away.
Destroy any unnecessary documents or receipts to prevent someone from finding and stealing any sensitive information.
“Your fingerprints are yours. They cannot be given to anyone else to use,” Kieffer points out. “But your personal identity data - Social Security Number, bank account and credit card numbers, even your telephone calling card number can fall into the wrong hands, if you are not careful, and the losses can be significant.”
First Bank is one of the largest family owned banks in the country with more than $8.7 billion in assets and nearly 170 locations in Missouri, Illinois, California and Texas.
Valuable Information from First Bank to Avoid Identity Theft on Vacation
Vacation was great! The beach was more beautiful than you could have imagined. The resort staff catered to your every need. The food was exquisite. The hotel was comfortable and relaxing. You arrive home refreshed until you discover that someone charged hundreds of dollars using your credit card number.
You’ve been the victim of identity theft. “Identity theft and identity fraud,” says Chris Kieffer, Vice President for Electronic Banking at First Banks, Inc. “refers to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data to commit fraud or deception typically for economic gain. In this case, someone else may be living it up in a hotel room while you’re looking at a lot of work getting back what was stolen.”
But there are ways to minimize your susceptibility.
PRIOR TO VACATIONING
Contact your bank when you have confirmed your vacation plans. Most banks monitor suspicious activity (including geographic shifts in cardholder usage) and may choose to temporarily restrict the card for your protection until the activity can be validated. By informing your bank up front, you can prevent unnecessary inconveniences while vacationing.
Make a list of debit card, credit card, and bank account numbers as well as the associated customer service telephone numbers (typically located on the back of the card). Keep this list in a safe place so that you can use it to contact the necessary banks to prevent any potential fraud in case you lose your wallet or purse.
WHILE YOU’RE VACATIONING
Never leave your Personal Identification Number (PIN) anywhere but in your memory. Do not write it down where it could be detected. Visit your bank to determine if they will allow you to change your PIN to something easily remembered, but it is a good idea never to use the last four digits of your social security number, date of birth, address, or other numbers that could easily be discovered by identity thieves.
When vacationing, be aware if a merchant takes your card somewhere out of your sight for an extended period of time. Most merchants will process transactions within your view. You might call your financial institution to warn of possible violations against your account.
Do not leave keys, debit/credit cards, checks, receipts or other sensitive documents in your hotel room. Many hotels provide a safe or other type of secure location for safekeeping your documents until you need them or check out.
Always keep those receipts for credit card purchases or withdrawals. Never throw them in a public trash container where someone will eventually find them.
Never give out your debit or credit card numbers over the telephone unless you have a trusted business relationship with the person or company. When vacationing, be mindful of schemes that ask for your card number (i.e., “To enter this sweepstakes, give us your card number”).
Carry only cards necessary for the trip. It is often wise to carry two cards in case one is lost on vacation or inactivated. Prior to your trip, cancel any cards that you do not use or secure them in a safe place while you are away.
Have a trusted neighbor or family member retrieve your mail to prevent identity thieves from obtaining credit card statements, bank statements, or credit card offers that could be used inappropriately.
WHEN YOU RETURN FROM VACATION
Upon returning home, contact your bank and credit card companies to review recent activity on your account. If anything looks suspicious or unfamiliar, tell the bank right away.
Destroy any unnecessary documents or receipts to prevent someone from finding and stealing any sensitive information.
“Your fingerprints are yours. They cannot be given to anyone else to use,” Kieffer points out. “But your personal identity data - Social Security Number, bank account and credit card numbers, even your telephone calling card number can fall into the wrong hands, if you are not careful, and the losses can be significant.”
First Bank is one of the largest family owned banks in the country with more than $8.7 billion in assets and nearly 170 locations in Missouri, Illinois, California and Texas.
MY COLUMN - Mike McMurran Sports Editor
The letter from Louis Launer published this week brings up some very interesting points, many of which I will address here. I too was somewhat surprised at the reception given by the Rage early in the season. At one point I thought the previous owner might have stepped in and voided an agreement with the FCN and the Rage in reference to the ad displayed on the first page of the Sports Section the entire Rage season. Not so! Scott Wilson informed me first hand “We black list no one, and we appreciate the coverage given to us by the First Capitol News.” The Rage have gone out of their way to make Bob Barton and myself feel very welcome. Add to that list head coach Mike Wyatt, who has made himself available for interviews whenever asked. My contact person 99.9% of the time is Morris Groves, a transplant from Canada and Lindenwood University graduate. No, the Rage are a quality act, from top to bottom. Their owners are what I call “football guys.” Football guys understand and respect other football guys.
Will the Missouri River Otters return next season? I don’t know. As of press time the Otters have yet to return my phone calls. This is not to say they are avoiding me; in terms of journalism I am about as far down on the food chain as you can get. I did contact Dan Silver, the “voice” of the Otters on KSLQ radio. Dan was asked to comment on Launer’s concern – he said he was not the person to ask. He also told me Mike Shanahan was a very hard person to reach. I understand. He referred me to the team’s general manager, who has yet to return my calls. If I were a season ticket holder, I think I would try to contact the team directly and ask them.
Parking at the Family Arena – I agree 100%. The last thing I want to do is anger those at the Family Arena. Jamie Newell, director of public relations, has been nothing but great to Barton and I. No matter what the event, she insures we have full access passes. If Launer is surprised at the friendly reception by the Rage, imagine my surprise at the reception from the Family Arena. Considering our County Executive personally approves all of whom perform – let’s just say I was, and remain respectful with those at the Family Arena I have come in contact with. Parking does seem to be a deterrent to many. I remember last year when the Lewis and Clark celebration was held at Frontier Park and they advertised and ran “free shuttles” from different places around town. I’ll never forget how surprised I was that I had to pay to park. “The shuttle is free, but you must pay to park,” is how it was explained to me. As luck would have it I ran in to at least two people who parked at Duchesne High School to take their “free shuttle.” At Duchesne, not only was the shuttle free, so was the parking. I think, and this is just me thinking out loud, they need to make the bottom line more impressive than it really is – and they do this by charging $5 for parking. Yeah, I bet Shanahan and Wilson wish they would drop the fee – its as if the County is charging a $5 tax for tickets. Of course since this County is run by those who think “tax” is a four letter word, they simply do some creative financing. Whomever it is in charge had better wake up, and wake up fast! If the Otters and Rage leave the Family Arena, it might just become more than a symbolic “white elephant” of those in charge. While attending the Rage playoff game at the Savvis Center, I heard more than one person say “this isn’t as much of a ‘courtesy’ as it is a ‘courting.’” I cannot help but think the same was being said when the Otters played their “home” playoff game some 20 miles from the Family Arena.
If I may, back to Bob Barton for a second. Bob and I have known each other for over 28 years, although most of it in a previous life, or rather life-style. Bob and I hung out together on a regular basis in the late 70’s. Time and careers separated us, but the FCN reunited us. Strangely enough, both Bob and I turned very much into family men – which is not what we were in our previous life. Enough said about the past. Bob and I both have acted upon our dreams; mine is to write, Bob’s is to capture life on film. One of my favorite motivational sayings I tell my children, students and athletes goes something like this: “Success comes to those who dare to act upon their dreams.” Bob likes to tell the story of how he finished high school in record time – or something along those lines. Maybe it was just how short his high school career lasted – a semester or two. I mention this because Bob’s current position has something to do with engineering, civil engineering at that. Bob doesn’t have a civil engineering degree, but he does have an Associate Degree in some sort of engineering. Presently he has something to do with the Metro Link extension – A job he seems to love as much as photography. Being the quick thinking individual that he is, Bob decided to combine two of his passions – construction and photography. It seems there is a national monthly publication entitled “Urban Construction,” and this monthly periodical has purchased a pack of Bob’s pictures of the Metro Link construction. Congratulations to Bob Barton, who now is a nationally published photographer. He will be the first to admit though, nothing can top working with yours’ truly. Good job Bob.
Will the Missouri River Otters return next season? I don’t know. As of press time the Otters have yet to return my phone calls. This is not to say they are avoiding me; in terms of journalism I am about as far down on the food chain as you can get. I did contact Dan Silver, the “voice” of the Otters on KSLQ radio. Dan was asked to comment on Launer’s concern – he said he was not the person to ask. He also told me Mike Shanahan was a very hard person to reach. I understand. He referred me to the team’s general manager, who has yet to return my calls. If I were a season ticket holder, I think I would try to contact the team directly and ask them.
Parking at the Family Arena – I agree 100%. The last thing I want to do is anger those at the Family Arena. Jamie Newell, director of public relations, has been nothing but great to Barton and I. No matter what the event, she insures we have full access passes. If Launer is surprised at the friendly reception by the Rage, imagine my surprise at the reception from the Family Arena. Considering our County Executive personally approves all of whom perform – let’s just say I was, and remain respectful with those at the Family Arena I have come in contact with. Parking does seem to be a deterrent to many. I remember last year when the Lewis and Clark celebration was held at Frontier Park and they advertised and ran “free shuttles” from different places around town. I’ll never forget how surprised I was that I had to pay to park. “The shuttle is free, but you must pay to park,” is how it was explained to me. As luck would have it I ran in to at least two people who parked at Duchesne High School to take their “free shuttle.” At Duchesne, not only was the shuttle free, so was the parking. I think, and this is just me thinking out loud, they need to make the bottom line more impressive than it really is – and they do this by charging $5 for parking. Yeah, I bet Shanahan and Wilson wish they would drop the fee – its as if the County is charging a $5 tax for tickets. Of course since this County is run by those who think “tax” is a four letter word, they simply do some creative financing. Whomever it is in charge had better wake up, and wake up fast! If the Otters and Rage leave the Family Arena, it might just become more than a symbolic “white elephant” of those in charge. While attending the Rage playoff game at the Savvis Center, I heard more than one person say “this isn’t as much of a ‘courtesy’ as it is a ‘courting.’” I cannot help but think the same was being said when the Otters played their “home” playoff game some 20 miles from the Family Arena.
If I may, back to Bob Barton for a second. Bob and I have known each other for over 28 years, although most of it in a previous life, or rather life-style. Bob and I hung out together on a regular basis in the late 70’s. Time and careers separated us, but the FCN reunited us. Strangely enough, both Bob and I turned very much into family men – which is not what we were in our previous life. Enough said about the past. Bob and I both have acted upon our dreams; mine is to write, Bob’s is to capture life on film. One of my favorite motivational sayings I tell my children, students and athletes goes something like this: “Success comes to those who dare to act upon their dreams.” Bob likes to tell the story of how he finished high school in record time – or something along those lines. Maybe it was just how short his high school career lasted – a semester or two. I mention this because Bob’s current position has something to do with engineering, civil engineering at that. Bob doesn’t have a civil engineering degree, but he does have an Associate Degree in some sort of engineering. Presently he has something to do with the Metro Link extension – A job he seems to love as much as photography. Being the quick thinking individual that he is, Bob decided to combine two of his passions – construction and photography. It seems there is a national monthly publication entitled “Urban Construction,” and this monthly periodical has purchased a pack of Bob’s pictures of the Metro Link construction. Congratulations to Bob Barton, who now is a nationally published photographer. He will be the first to admit though, nothing can top working with yours’ truly. Good job Bob.
Otters are Staying in St. Charles “Mike Shanahan is dedicated to bringing minor league hockey to the Family Arena, no matter what happens down the r
By: Mike McMurran Sports Editor
Responding to a letter received from First Capitol News reader Louis J. Launer, in an exclusive interview with Missouri River Otters General Manager Frank Buonomo, FCN has learned not only are the Otters staying in St. Charles, they have plans for expansion and growth. “These plans were in motion long before the Blues situation presented itself,” said Buonomo in a phone interview. “Mike Shanahan is committed to the Missouri River Otters. And anyone who knows anything about Mike Shanahan knows he is a man of his word. We have a signed contract to play the 2005-2006 season in the Family Arena, and we will proudly honor that contract,” he said.
More importantly the First Capitol News has learned that the Otters are, and have been for some time, negotiating with “four or so” National Hockey League and American Hockey League franchises. If successful in their negotiations, the Otters would become a minor league affiliate for one of the teams they are talking with. “In a perfect world, should Mike become owner of the Blues, and believe me, that is a long, long way down a long, long road, the Missouri River Otters could become a farm club for the Blues.” This means players would move up and down the franchise ladder, depending upon injuries and team needs. Much like the Cardinals rely upon their minor league team in Memphis to fill gaps when presented, very soon, “hopefully even next season,” shares Buonomo, the River Otters will be in just such a position. “There are different levels of minor league play,” Buonomo says, “and the chances of the Otters becoming a top level minor league team right off the bat are unlikely. At the same time, that is the direction in which we are heading.” So for those season ticket holders who are having second thoughts about renewing their orders, worry not. If anything they might wish to hurry and secure the same tickets they had last season.
Responding to a letter received from First Capitol News reader Louis J. Launer, in an exclusive interview with Missouri River Otters General Manager Frank Buonomo, FCN has learned not only are the Otters staying in St. Charles, they have plans for expansion and growth. “These plans were in motion long before the Blues situation presented itself,” said Buonomo in a phone interview. “Mike Shanahan is committed to the Missouri River Otters. And anyone who knows anything about Mike Shanahan knows he is a man of his word. We have a signed contract to play the 2005-2006 season in the Family Arena, and we will proudly honor that contract,” he said.
More importantly the First Capitol News has learned that the Otters are, and have been for some time, negotiating with “four or so” National Hockey League and American Hockey League franchises. If successful in their negotiations, the Otters would become a minor league affiliate for one of the teams they are talking with. “In a perfect world, should Mike become owner of the Blues, and believe me, that is a long, long way down a long, long road, the Missouri River Otters could become a farm club for the Blues.” This means players would move up and down the franchise ladder, depending upon injuries and team needs. Much like the Cardinals rely upon their minor league team in Memphis to fill gaps when presented, very soon, “hopefully even next season,” shares Buonomo, the River Otters will be in just such a position. “There are different levels of minor league play,” Buonomo says, “and the chances of the Otters becoming a top level minor league team right off the bat are unlikely. At the same time, that is the direction in which we are heading.” So for those season ticket holders who are having second thoughts about renewing their orders, worry not. If anything they might wish to hurry and secure the same tickets they had last season.
Family Arena to host United Hockey League All-Star Game
Family Arena to host United Hockey League All-Star Game
River Otters release 2005-2006 schedule
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
The United Hockey League announced recently that the Missouri River Otters will host the 2006 UHL All-Star Classic, set for Wednesday, January 25 at the Family Arena.
The league also released the entire 76-game schedule for the 2005-06 Season, which starts for the River Otters Friday, October 21 when the Motor City Mechanics come to St. Charles.
The River Otters, who will battle in the Western Division, home games are scheduled for one of five days; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Of those days, the Otters play the most home match-ups on Friday, with thirteen games scheduled for that day. There are eleven games on the docket for Saturday, seven on Wednesday, six on Sunday, and one set for a Tuesday face-off.
The busiest month for the Otters will be March, as they are scheduled to play fifteen games. November is the second most frenzied month for the team, with fourteen contests, followed by January and February with twelve apiece, December with eleven, April with seven, and October, with five.
Individual and season ticket information is available at 636.896.4200.
River Otters release 2005-2006 schedule
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
The United Hockey League announced recently that the Missouri River Otters will host the 2006 UHL All-Star Classic, set for Wednesday, January 25 at the Family Arena.
The league also released the entire 76-game schedule for the 2005-06 Season, which starts for the River Otters Friday, October 21 when the Motor City Mechanics come to St. Charles.
The River Otters, who will battle in the Western Division, home games are scheduled for one of five days; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Of those days, the Otters play the most home match-ups on Friday, with thirteen games scheduled for that day. There are eleven games on the docket for Saturday, seven on Wednesday, six on Sunday, and one set for a Tuesday face-off.
The busiest month for the Otters will be March, as they are scheduled to play fifteen games. November is the second most frenzied month for the team, with fourteen contests, followed by January and February with twelve apiece, December with eleven, April with seven, and October, with five.
Individual and season ticket information is available at 636.896.4200.
Pingel and Blue Represent Rage at NIFL All-Star Game
Pingel and Blue Represent Rage at NIFL All-Star Game
Wide receiver Scott Pingel travels to third consecutive classic appearance
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Two Rage players will represent the team at the NIFL All-Star game to be played in Odessa, Texas the weekend of August 5-6th, 2005. Rage wide receiver Scott Pingel will be making his third straight All-Star appearance and entering the game with some impressive statistics for the year. Pingel finished 8th in scoring with 23 touchdowns, 14 XT-pts, good for 152 points over 14 games. A league leader in receptions, he hauled in 88 passes for 863 yards, an average of 61.6 yards per game.
On the defensive side, Big number 99, defensive end Bruce Blue ends his rookie season for the Rage with trip to the elite post-season contest. Blue wound up fourth on the NIFL list for Tackles for Loss with 16, and was a league leader with 37 unassisted and 43 assisted tackles on the year, good for 58.5 lost yards for the opposing team. Bruce was the Rage team leader in sacks, totalling 11 for 2005.
And for guiding his team to the best record in the Atlantic Conference, Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt has been tabbed as a co-head football coach for the All-Star team. He will handle the sideline duties with Everett Hawks head coach Dan Maciejczak, whose team went undefeated in the 2005 regular season. Wyatt, the Atlantic Division Coach of the Year in 2004, says the selection is an honor and a good opportunity to “meet and get to know some of the other high caliber players from other teams, and see what makes them tick.”
Wide receiver Scott Pingel travels to third consecutive classic appearance
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Two Rage players will represent the team at the NIFL All-Star game to be played in Odessa, Texas the weekend of August 5-6th, 2005. Rage wide receiver Scott Pingel will be making his third straight All-Star appearance and entering the game with some impressive statistics for the year. Pingel finished 8th in scoring with 23 touchdowns, 14 XT-pts, good for 152 points over 14 games. A league leader in receptions, he hauled in 88 passes for 863 yards, an average of 61.6 yards per game.
On the defensive side, Big number 99, defensive end Bruce Blue ends his rookie season for the Rage with trip to the elite post-season contest. Blue wound up fourth on the NIFL list for Tackles for Loss with 16, and was a league leader with 37 unassisted and 43 assisted tackles on the year, good for 58.5 lost yards for the opposing team. Bruce was the Rage team leader in sacks, totalling 11 for 2005.
And for guiding his team to the best record in the Atlantic Conference, Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt has been tabbed as a co-head football coach for the All-Star team. He will handle the sideline duties with Everett Hawks head coach Dan Maciejczak, whose team went undefeated in the 2005 regular season. Wyatt, the Atlantic Division Coach of the Year in 2004, says the selection is an honor and a good opportunity to “meet and get to know some of the other high caliber players from other teams, and see what makes them tick.”
Saturday, July 16, 2005
She Has Left Us PEGGY BRICKNER-WILKE
On July 5, 2005 the First Capitol News lost one of our columnists and a dear friend, Peggy Brickner-Wilke. Peggy left us after a courageous battle with cancer; she died peacefully, completely surrounded by her loving family and friends. Peggy will be forever loved by her two sons, Robert Scott Brickner and Mark Thomas Brickner, their beloved wives, Aparna Brickner and Whitney Brickner, and her darling granddaughter Ava Elaine Brickner, daughter of Mark and Whitney. Also present with love at her time of passing were her dear friends of many years, Joyce Bredensteiner and Maria McDonald.
Peggy fought many battles and climbed many mountains in her time. Throughout her entire life, her ethics, principles and sense of humor were an unwavering constant. We are always brought to grins by the thought of Peggy; as an eight year old girl, leaving a note on the porch of a mean old woman in her neighborhood. This woman had all of the children in fear of her, but not Peggy. Seeking to end the woman’s reign of terror once and for all, Peggy’s note challenged her to a duel at high noon in the street. The woman didn’t show, but instead tattled on Peggy to her parents. Standing up then was well worth the red bottom, and she has never stood down since.
In heaven, Peggy will be reunited with her mother, Jessica, sister Sue, brother Darrell and her faithful companion Shep. Peggy has close friends and other family members too numerous to mention here, but all will miss her wit, her love and her company until we are reunited with her.
CENSORSHIP, A BUSINESS DESTROYED St. Charles Native Ken Tipton Premieres Movie Based On His Family’s True Life Story
Lynndi Lockenour
A local St. Charles man recently achieved his dream by writing, producing and directing his own film, something that has taken 12 years to finally become a reality. Ken Tipton; born and raised in St. Charles, his film Heart of the Beholder is based on the true story of how Ken lost his family, multi-million dollar chain of video stores and almost his life. His family refused to buckle to the terror tactics of a group of religious fanatics and the corrupt prosecutor the religious fanatics had blackmailed into ruining them because they would not remove Martin Scorsese’s controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ, from his video stores. “It wasn’t so much about this particular movie,” Tipton said, “But more that I didn’t want someone telling me what to do.”
Heart of the Beholder is a film project that has been up and down the development slates in Holly wood since 1993. In most cases, the project was too controversial because it deals with the fanaticism of the religious right. However, Tipton is certain to say it is not about trashing Christians or their faith. Darlene Lieblich, Vice President of Broadcast Standards and Practices for Fox Cable Networks, said pure and simple the film is about the abuse of power – both religious and political. “In my 28 years as a television executive, I’ve read thousands of scripts,” she said. “It still amazes me how much trash finds its way into production, while riveting, relevant stories are ignored. Lieblich said when she read Heart of the Beholder she found it to be an incredibly powerful story. “Based on real people and real events, the films structure is flawless and the writing excellent in every aspect.”
Tipton moved to Hollywood in 1993 to begin working on the movie but after being bumped around by several companies, including HBO, it seemed a dead end. Though his family agreed he should stay in Hollywood until the film was completed, Tipton said he felt his family has suffered because of his dream. “It was a 12 year-long obsession I guess you could say.” To combat this, Tipton turned over all money made on the film to his ex-wife and children. “My ex-wife is my hero for raising our four children while I was out there doing my thing,” he said.
Attending his twenty-fifth class reunion in 1996 is what pushed Tipton to continue searching for a way to get his movie made. “People were saying ‘I thought you were in jail’ when I arrived,” he said. “I wanted people to know what really happened behind all the cameras and newspapers.” More than anything Tipton said he wants people to enjoy the film. “It’s entertainment and I want people to see it as that instead of fact checking every detail,” he said. “I’m not a documentarian; I’m a film maker.”
Shooting for Heart of the Beholder began in May of 2004 after finally raising enough money through the refinancing of Lieblich’s home and personal loans to make a $500,000 independent film. Tipton said by the time he finally got to begin filming he had directed it in his head for 1,000 nights. “I wasn’t really overly excited,” he said. “I slept fine the night before. I was just ready to get started.” In July 2004 the principal photography was completed and by January 2005 the film had to be completed and submitted to various film festivals.
After waiting twelve years to have his dream made a reality, Tipton said it was an amazing feeling when the last scene was filmed. “Everyone was crying because we knew it was such a good story,” he said. Tipton said he was lucky enough to have three of his four children help him film the movie. “After it was over they all said they never wanted to do it again because it was such hard work, but I think it was a wonderful experience for us to share.” The film was shot in 18 days, but took 10 months to edit, instead of the six months predicted because of various problems. “We were having sound problems and come to find out someone was cutting one out of every 24 slides out of our film,” he said. “So by the end of the movie, the sound was 2 minutes off from the pictures.” Eventually the problems were solved and editing continued, resulting in the finished film by January 2005.
Though Tipton changed the names of the characters when creating the movie, the film is based on his family’s experience 18 years ago. In the film Mike and Diane Howard, played by Matt Letscher and Sarah Brown, are a typical young couple with dreams of raising a family and starting a business of their own. They opened the first videocassette rental store in St. Louis in 1981 and with hard work their company grew into a multi-million dollar chain of stores.
During the growth of the company, a religious group called the Citizens For Decency frequently visited the Howard’s. The CFD insisted the Howard’s remove movies from their stores that they felt were “obscene or a determinant to the community and its children.” Films such as Taxi Driver, Agnes of God, Blazing Saddles, Animal House, Mr. Mom and many more were targeted. The CFD even targeted the Tom Hanks film Splash because they claimed the movie promoted sex with animals (bestiality) because he makes love to a mermaid. “These people weren’t even customers of ours at the time,” Tipton said, “So for them to be telling our customers what they should and shouldn’t watch really angered me.”
When Martin Scorsese’s controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ was released on video in 1989, the Howard’s were the only video stores in St. Louis to offer the film for rent. The CFD declared war on them, harassing the Howard’s and their employees, vandalizing stores and cars and even going so far as to make death threats toward the Howard’s daughter, which Tipton said was the most difficult thing about all the entire ordeal.
When the Howard’s refused to buckle, the CFD blackmailed the Prosecuting Attorney with information about the prosecutor’s secret sex life. The prosecutor then had no choice but to ruin the Howard’s any way he could. Obscenity charges were filed and the prosecutor fed the media vague details about investigations, alleging that the Howard’s had ties to organized crime. The Howard’s won their case, but the negative publicity and legal fees bankrupted their business and harmed their family. “My business started right here on First Capitol with my first store where I only had 68 movies,” he said. Within five years Tipton turned those 68 movies into 6 stores worth over three million dollars. “To lose all that just because some particular religious group doesn’t like some of the movies we offer; I had to tell the story.”
Depressed and contemplating suicide after the decline of his business, Mike Howard’s unexpected meeting with a prostitute made everything clear. The woman had fallen into the religious group after leaving the sex business. She found the emotional acceptance she needed by picketing gay funerals, abortion clinics and any other group the CFD decided to target. The Prosecuting Attorney had been a regular customer of the woman and she told the religious group about the Prosecutors hidden sex life. She felt terrible about what happened to the Howard’s and agreed to help set up a sting to expose the corrupt prosecutor. Though the Howard family endured tremendous loss, there was something to be said for getting revenge on the prosecutor.
When Nikos Kazantzakis published the book The Last Temptation of Christ in 1955, the Catholic Church banned it and the Greek Orthodox Church excommunicated him. Three decades later, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese released his screen adoption of the novel. Scorsese’s film portrays Jesus as a confused man who struggles against his dual nature, thoughts and action. Preproduction of the film began in 1983 and until the release in 1988, groups affiliated with the Christian Right demonstrated against the film through petitions, phone campaigns, radio broadcasts and street protests.
By the time The Last Temptation of Christ went into wide release, the national controversy had diminished, but now individual cities and towns were seeking bans on the film. Among the list of cities was St. Louis. Blockbuster Video declined to carry the film in its stores. Even though the film earned mixed reviews in other countries, the film earned Scorsese an Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
If Heart of the Beholder is successful, Tipton plans to continue filmmaking. “This is my life,” he said. He currently has nine scripts ready as possibilities for his next film, including a sequel to Heart of the Beholder. “It took all these weird things and this up and down roller coaster of the last 12 years for me to finally realize this is what I want to do,” Tipton said. Despite his success with this film, Tipton said he hopes he never has to write for a film again. “The film we shot was rewrite number 246,” he said. “I started with over 400 pages that had to be cut down to 110 before we could begin.”
Tipton’s film will be showing Sunday at the Filmmaker’s Showcase in St. Louis at the Tivoli. The screening will be dedicated to Steve Mizerany, since he is the man Tipton credits with starting this entire journey. Tipton was working as a computer repairman for IBM in 1980 when he received an emergency phone call from Steve. It was payday and dozens of employees were waiting for their checks. The reason they were waiting is because the payroll operator had vomited all over the keyboard. Tipton finished repairing the keyboard in time for payroll to run. As a gift for braving the vomit to get him through a tough situation, Steve gave Tipton a Beta Videocassette Recorder. This machine inspired Tipton with the idea of renting movies and eight months later he opened his first video rental store.
Tipton’s dream is to eventually come back to the St. Charles area to shoot a movie. “You can’t get a better place than this,” he said. “Main Street could easily be a scene from the 1890s and south St. Louis looks like New York.” Tipton said if he gets the choice, chance and budget to come back to the area and shoot, he’d do it in a heartbeat. “People in St. Charles look like real people,” he said. “People in Hollywood look like Hollywood people trying to act like real people.” Tipton also encourages people to visit the website, www.beholder.com for more information or if they are interested in distributing the film.
A local St. Charles man recently achieved his dream by writing, producing and directing his own film, something that has taken 12 years to finally become a reality. Ken Tipton; born and raised in St. Charles, his film Heart of the Beholder is based on the true story of how Ken lost his family, multi-million dollar chain of video stores and almost his life. His family refused to buckle to the terror tactics of a group of religious fanatics and the corrupt prosecutor the religious fanatics had blackmailed into ruining them because they would not remove Martin Scorsese’s controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ, from his video stores. “It wasn’t so much about this particular movie,” Tipton said, “But more that I didn’t want someone telling me what to do.”
Heart of the Beholder is a film project that has been up and down the development slates in Holly wood since 1993. In most cases, the project was too controversial because it deals with the fanaticism of the religious right. However, Tipton is certain to say it is not about trashing Christians or their faith. Darlene Lieblich, Vice President of Broadcast Standards and Practices for Fox Cable Networks, said pure and simple the film is about the abuse of power – both religious and political. “In my 28 years as a television executive, I’ve read thousands of scripts,” she said. “It still amazes me how much trash finds its way into production, while riveting, relevant stories are ignored. Lieblich said when she read Heart of the Beholder she found it to be an incredibly powerful story. “Based on real people and real events, the films structure is flawless and the writing excellent in every aspect.”
Tipton moved to Hollywood in 1993 to begin working on the movie but after being bumped around by several companies, including HBO, it seemed a dead end. Though his family agreed he should stay in Hollywood until the film was completed, Tipton said he felt his family has suffered because of his dream. “It was a 12 year-long obsession I guess you could say.” To combat this, Tipton turned over all money made on the film to his ex-wife and children. “My ex-wife is my hero for raising our four children while I was out there doing my thing,” he said.
Attending his twenty-fifth class reunion in 1996 is what pushed Tipton to continue searching for a way to get his movie made. “People were saying ‘I thought you were in jail’ when I arrived,” he said. “I wanted people to know what really happened behind all the cameras and newspapers.” More than anything Tipton said he wants people to enjoy the film. “It’s entertainment and I want people to see it as that instead of fact checking every detail,” he said. “I’m not a documentarian; I’m a film maker.”
Shooting for Heart of the Beholder began in May of 2004 after finally raising enough money through the refinancing of Lieblich’s home and personal loans to make a $500,000 independent film. Tipton said by the time he finally got to begin filming he had directed it in his head for 1,000 nights. “I wasn’t really overly excited,” he said. “I slept fine the night before. I was just ready to get started.” In July 2004 the principal photography was completed and by January 2005 the film had to be completed and submitted to various film festivals.
After waiting twelve years to have his dream made a reality, Tipton said it was an amazing feeling when the last scene was filmed. “Everyone was crying because we knew it was such a good story,” he said. Tipton said he was lucky enough to have three of his four children help him film the movie. “After it was over they all said they never wanted to do it again because it was such hard work, but I think it was a wonderful experience for us to share.” The film was shot in 18 days, but took 10 months to edit, instead of the six months predicted because of various problems. “We were having sound problems and come to find out someone was cutting one out of every 24 slides out of our film,” he said. “So by the end of the movie, the sound was 2 minutes off from the pictures.” Eventually the problems were solved and editing continued, resulting in the finished film by January 2005.
Though Tipton changed the names of the characters when creating the movie, the film is based on his family’s experience 18 years ago. In the film Mike and Diane Howard, played by Matt Letscher and Sarah Brown, are a typical young couple with dreams of raising a family and starting a business of their own. They opened the first videocassette rental store in St. Louis in 1981 and with hard work their company grew into a multi-million dollar chain of stores.
During the growth of the company, a religious group called the Citizens For Decency frequently visited the Howard’s. The CFD insisted the Howard’s remove movies from their stores that they felt were “obscene or a determinant to the community and its children.” Films such as Taxi Driver, Agnes of God, Blazing Saddles, Animal House, Mr. Mom and many more were targeted. The CFD even targeted the Tom Hanks film Splash because they claimed the movie promoted sex with animals (bestiality) because he makes love to a mermaid. “These people weren’t even customers of ours at the time,” Tipton said, “So for them to be telling our customers what they should and shouldn’t watch really angered me.”
When Martin Scorsese’s controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ was released on video in 1989, the Howard’s were the only video stores in St. Louis to offer the film for rent. The CFD declared war on them, harassing the Howard’s and their employees, vandalizing stores and cars and even going so far as to make death threats toward the Howard’s daughter, which Tipton said was the most difficult thing about all the entire ordeal.
When the Howard’s refused to buckle, the CFD blackmailed the Prosecuting Attorney with information about the prosecutor’s secret sex life. The prosecutor then had no choice but to ruin the Howard’s any way he could. Obscenity charges were filed and the prosecutor fed the media vague details about investigations, alleging that the Howard’s had ties to organized crime. The Howard’s won their case, but the negative publicity and legal fees bankrupted their business and harmed their family. “My business started right here on First Capitol with my first store where I only had 68 movies,” he said. Within five years Tipton turned those 68 movies into 6 stores worth over three million dollars. “To lose all that just because some particular religious group doesn’t like some of the movies we offer; I had to tell the story.”
Depressed and contemplating suicide after the decline of his business, Mike Howard’s unexpected meeting with a prostitute made everything clear. The woman had fallen into the religious group after leaving the sex business. She found the emotional acceptance she needed by picketing gay funerals, abortion clinics and any other group the CFD decided to target. The Prosecuting Attorney had been a regular customer of the woman and she told the religious group about the Prosecutors hidden sex life. She felt terrible about what happened to the Howard’s and agreed to help set up a sting to expose the corrupt prosecutor. Though the Howard family endured tremendous loss, there was something to be said for getting revenge on the prosecutor.
When Nikos Kazantzakis published the book The Last Temptation of Christ in 1955, the Catholic Church banned it and the Greek Orthodox Church excommunicated him. Three decades later, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese released his screen adoption of the novel. Scorsese’s film portrays Jesus as a confused man who struggles against his dual nature, thoughts and action. Preproduction of the film began in 1983 and until the release in 1988, groups affiliated with the Christian Right demonstrated against the film through petitions, phone campaigns, radio broadcasts and street protests.
By the time The Last Temptation of Christ went into wide release, the national controversy had diminished, but now individual cities and towns were seeking bans on the film. Among the list of cities was St. Louis. Blockbuster Video declined to carry the film in its stores. Even though the film earned mixed reviews in other countries, the film earned Scorsese an Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
If Heart of the Beholder is successful, Tipton plans to continue filmmaking. “This is my life,” he said. He currently has nine scripts ready as possibilities for his next film, including a sequel to Heart of the Beholder. “It took all these weird things and this up and down roller coaster of the last 12 years for me to finally realize this is what I want to do,” Tipton said. Despite his success with this film, Tipton said he hopes he never has to write for a film again. “The film we shot was rewrite number 246,” he said. “I started with over 400 pages that had to be cut down to 110 before we could begin.”
Tipton’s film will be showing Sunday at the Filmmaker’s Showcase in St. Louis at the Tivoli. The screening will be dedicated to Steve Mizerany, since he is the man Tipton credits with starting this entire journey. Tipton was working as a computer repairman for IBM in 1980 when he received an emergency phone call from Steve. It was payday and dozens of employees were waiting for their checks. The reason they were waiting is because the payroll operator had vomited all over the keyboard. Tipton finished repairing the keyboard in time for payroll to run. As a gift for braving the vomit to get him through a tough situation, Steve gave Tipton a Beta Videocassette Recorder. This machine inspired Tipton with the idea of renting movies and eight months later he opened his first video rental store.
Tipton’s dream is to eventually come back to the St. Charles area to shoot a movie. “You can’t get a better place than this,” he said. “Main Street could easily be a scene from the 1890s and south St. Louis looks like New York.” Tipton said if he gets the choice, chance and budget to come back to the area and shoot, he’d do it in a heartbeat. “People in St. Charles look like real people,” he said. “People in Hollywood look like Hollywood people trying to act like real people.” Tipton also encourages people to visit the website, www.beholder.com for more information or if they are interested in distributing the film.
Mayor’s Bodyguards Cost Taxpayers $45 an Hour
By Tony Brockmeyer
The First Capitol News has learned that St. Charles Mayor Patti York is being furnished police officers as bodyguard/drivers. A source at City Hall told us the officers, who are usually off duty, are paid overtime which amounts to approximately $45 an hour. Our source told us the Mayor provided the police department with a list of special officers, who in her opinion, were acceptable to act as her bodyguard/driver.
Neither Mayor York or City Administrator Allan Williams responded to our requests for information about who authorized the bodyguard/drivers or why it was felt the Mayor needed protection.
In the metropolitan area only St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and Florissant Mayor and former Chief of Police Robert G. Lowery have police officers who act as bodyguards.
The First Capitol News has learned that St. Charles Mayor Patti York is being furnished police officers as bodyguard/drivers. A source at City Hall told us the officers, who are usually off duty, are paid overtime which amounts to approximately $45 an hour. Our source told us the Mayor provided the police department with a list of special officers, who in her opinion, were acceptable to act as her bodyguard/driver.
Neither Mayor York or City Administrator Allan Williams responded to our requests for information about who authorized the bodyguard/drivers or why it was felt the Mayor needed protection.
In the metropolitan area only St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and Florissant Mayor and former Chief of Police Robert G. Lowery have police officers who act as bodyguards.
Anatomy Of A Recall Effort Who Is Behind Effort To Recall
Last week a group calling itself the Citizen Empowerment Committee sent out two expensive full-color brochures which made personal attacks on Councilwoman Dottie Greer and threatened her with recall if she didn’t resign. The First Capitol News was unable to find any statement of committee organization on file with the Secretary of State for such a group or the Missouri Ethics Commission, but we did find one called St. Charles Citizens For Responsible Government, whose stated goal is the recall of Council members in our community.
We have reprinted for you the form as it appears in State records. Knowing the background of the two co-chairs and their bank of choice should answer the question of who is really behind and bankrolling the attacks on Councilwoman Greer.
So who is the group that has so much money to spend trying to get people out of office in the middle of their term? Who wrote and designed their expensive piece of literature and is manipulating news coverage?
Glennon Jamboretz
Glennon Jamboretz, heads a St. Louis City Advertising & Political Consultant Firm. He lives in an exclusive area of St. Louis County. Not in St. Charles.
Jamboretz serves with millionaire developer T. R. Hughes (the Mayor’s number one political ally) on the board of the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance.
Jamboretz also represents the head of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Tommy Mayer, who is suing the City for over a $100 million and who held a gun on City Administrator Allan Williams during a traffic stop a while back and ordered Williams face down on the ground. A woman, whose name appears on the literature sent out against Greer, just happens to be the wife of a city police officer and friend of Tommy Mayer. Mayor York has called Tommy Mayer Missouri’s “Top Cop”. He delivered the State Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement to Mayor York in her reelection.
Ken Kielty
Ken Kielty runs a political consulting business out of his home and served as a campaign consultant to the Mayor.
Ken Kielty is also heading the committee raising money for a legal defense fund for the Mayor.
Ken Kielty was the Chairman of the County Convention & Sports Facilities Authority when they gave the contract for deposits to Premier Bank. At the time Premier Bank did not have an office in St. Charles. This illegal action was later stopped by the City Council.
Ken Kielty doesn’t live in
Dottie Greer’s ward.
Premier Bank
The bank where the group keeps the money they are raising to try to recall Greer is Premier Bank out of Jefferson City.
It is the same bank that millionaire developer T. R. Hughes is involved in many projects with and where it is believed he is an investor. It is also the same bank to which the Mayor and Kielty tried to move millions in deposits for the Convention Center.
Ken Kielty was the immediate past
Chairman of the board that oversees the Convention Center, where he served with the Mayor.
This same bank is where the Mayor’s Legal Defense Fund has their deposits.
WHAT ARE THEY AFTER?
Now that we have introduced the players what is their goal. Many people believe it is the $100 million taxpayer dollars that the City of St. Charles spends every year. $100 million dollars that this group can no longer control because of actions by six of the members of the City Council. For years these people have benefited from taxpayer dollars. Since this has been stopped. it is believed that they will stop at nothing to regain control of the taxpayer’s money.
We have reprinted for you the form as it appears in State records. Knowing the background of the two co-chairs and their bank of choice should answer the question of who is really behind and bankrolling the attacks on Councilwoman Greer.
So who is the group that has so much money to spend trying to get people out of office in the middle of their term? Who wrote and designed their expensive piece of literature and is manipulating news coverage?
Glennon Jamboretz
Glennon Jamboretz, heads a St. Louis City Advertising & Political Consultant Firm. He lives in an exclusive area of St. Louis County. Not in St. Charles.
Jamboretz serves with millionaire developer T. R. Hughes (the Mayor’s number one political ally) on the board of the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance.
Jamboretz also represents the head of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Tommy Mayer, who is suing the City for over a $100 million and who held a gun on City Administrator Allan Williams during a traffic stop a while back and ordered Williams face down on the ground. A woman, whose name appears on the literature sent out against Greer, just happens to be the wife of a city police officer and friend of Tommy Mayer. Mayor York has called Tommy Mayer Missouri’s “Top Cop”. He delivered the State Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement to Mayor York in her reelection.
Ken Kielty
Ken Kielty runs a political consulting business out of his home and served as a campaign consultant to the Mayor.
Ken Kielty is also heading the committee raising money for a legal defense fund for the Mayor.
Ken Kielty was the Chairman of the County Convention & Sports Facilities Authority when they gave the contract for deposits to Premier Bank. At the time Premier Bank did not have an office in St. Charles. This illegal action was later stopped by the City Council.
Ken Kielty doesn’t live in
Dottie Greer’s ward.
Premier Bank
The bank where the group keeps the money they are raising to try to recall Greer is Premier Bank out of Jefferson City.
It is the same bank that millionaire developer T. R. Hughes is involved in many projects with and where it is believed he is an investor. It is also the same bank to which the Mayor and Kielty tried to move millions in deposits for the Convention Center.
Ken Kielty was the immediate past
Chairman of the board that oversees the Convention Center, where he served with the Mayor.
This same bank is where the Mayor’s Legal Defense Fund has their deposits.
WHAT ARE THEY AFTER?
Now that we have introduced the players what is their goal. Many people believe it is the $100 million taxpayer dollars that the City of St. Charles spends every year. $100 million dollars that this group can no longer control because of actions by six of the members of the City Council. For years these people have benefited from taxpayer dollars. Since this has been stopped. it is believed that they will stop at nothing to regain control of the taxpayer’s money.
York Tries To Stop News To Residents
By Tony Brockmeyer
In an obvious attempt to keep the residents of St. Charles from discovering sweet heart deals for her friends and supporters and special favors given to special interests by her and her administration, Mayor York has made another attempt to hurt the publication of the First Capitol News.
York, who has been at odds with the newspaper since it began reporting on questionable questionable activities of her administration several years ago, has made many attempts to put the First Capitol News out of business. Her latest effort has been to halt payment of invoices due the newspaper for City advertising.
In June of last the First Capitol News was contacted by Marilyn McCoy, the City Clerk. She told us the City Council was considering printing the Council Agendas in a newspaper so the people watching the Council meetings on cable television could follow along and understand the discussion. She asked what we would charge. We were later informed our price was the lowest and the City Council voted to print the City Council Agendas in the First Capitol News.
The money for printing the agendas comes from the City Clerk’s advertising budget. Since the budget had already been approved before the printing of the agendas had started, the City Clerk determined that there was not enough funds in her budget to pay all the outstanding invoices. Other money available in her budget so she requested a line item budget transfer. Even though this is a common practice and done many times throughout the year, the Mayor refused to make the budget transfer. A City Hall source told us the Mayor also ordered the finance director not to write any checks to the First Capitol News as she would not sign them. This is in direct violation of the City Charter and City ordinances.
At a work session of the City Council on Tuesday evening the Council voted 10 - 0 to pay $9,600 in outstanding invoices for the printing of the agendas out of the City Council Directives. City Council Directives is a separate account controlled by the City Council. City Clerk Marilyn McCoy, when questioned, told the Council she ran out of money in the advertising account not because the cost had gone up but because the length of the agendas had increased, therefore taking more space to print them. Councilman Larry Muench said, “I like printing the agendas for the public to follow but I would like to see them shortened. Maybe reduce the size of the print.” Councilman Bob Kneemiller told the Council. “We need to pay our bills.”
Councilman Mark Brown made several attempts to discover if the other newspapers had been paid for their advertising and if the First Capitol News was the only one who had not been paid. City Administrator Allan Williams avoided answering Browns questions and became very belligerent towards him. Williams told the Council there is a state statute requiring a contract with vendors and told the Council that even if the First Capitol News sued the City, the City would not have to pay the outstanding invoices because there was no contract. Several Council members told Williams that the Council, the governing body of the City, had authorized the advertising and the City needed to pay the bills.
Phyllis Schaltenbrand, publisher of the First Capitol News said, “The City has never asked us for or presented us with a contract for this advertising. We would have been happy to sign a contract had they asked. Unlike other publications, the First Capitol News, since our inception, has never required our advertisers to sign a contract committing them to advertise with us for a specific amount of time or for a specific dollar amount. We take our advertisers at their word. I always thought your word was your bond but apparently that doesn’t hold true for some in the City Administration.”
A local attorney, considered an expert in debt collection, had been watching the Council proceedings on cable TV and contacted the First Capitol News the next day. He told us William’s interpretation of the law was in error and that if the First Capitol News sought relief in court for the monies due them from the City, the newspaper would be victorious. He further said that Williams, who is neither a licensed attorney or law school graduate, should not be interpreting law or giving legal advice to the City Council. That is the job of the Council Attorney.”
In a review of City records, the First Capitol News has learned that the St. Louis Post Dispatch and the Suburban Journals, both owned at the time by Pulitzer Publishing, received over $150,000 a year for the past several years for advertising and subscriptions. Records do not reflect any indication that their requests for payment were delayed at any time.
Some of the invoices owed the newspaper by the City date back to the early part of February.
In an obvious attempt to keep the residents of St. Charles from discovering sweet heart deals for her friends and supporters and special favors given to special interests by her and her administration, Mayor York has made another attempt to hurt the publication of the First Capitol News.
York, who has been at odds with the newspaper since it began reporting on questionable questionable activities of her administration several years ago, has made many attempts to put the First Capitol News out of business. Her latest effort has been to halt payment of invoices due the newspaper for City advertising.
In June of last the First Capitol News was contacted by Marilyn McCoy, the City Clerk. She told us the City Council was considering printing the Council Agendas in a newspaper so the people watching the Council meetings on cable television could follow along and understand the discussion. She asked what we would charge. We were later informed our price was the lowest and the City Council voted to print the City Council Agendas in the First Capitol News.
The money for printing the agendas comes from the City Clerk’s advertising budget. Since the budget had already been approved before the printing of the agendas had started, the City Clerk determined that there was not enough funds in her budget to pay all the outstanding invoices. Other money available in her budget so she requested a line item budget transfer. Even though this is a common practice and done many times throughout the year, the Mayor refused to make the budget transfer. A City Hall source told us the Mayor also ordered the finance director not to write any checks to the First Capitol News as she would not sign them. This is in direct violation of the City Charter and City ordinances.
At a work session of the City Council on Tuesday evening the Council voted 10 - 0 to pay $9,600 in outstanding invoices for the printing of the agendas out of the City Council Directives. City Council Directives is a separate account controlled by the City Council. City Clerk Marilyn McCoy, when questioned, told the Council she ran out of money in the advertising account not because the cost had gone up but because the length of the agendas had increased, therefore taking more space to print them. Councilman Larry Muench said, “I like printing the agendas for the public to follow but I would like to see them shortened. Maybe reduce the size of the print.” Councilman Bob Kneemiller told the Council. “We need to pay our bills.”
Councilman Mark Brown made several attempts to discover if the other newspapers had been paid for their advertising and if the First Capitol News was the only one who had not been paid. City Administrator Allan Williams avoided answering Browns questions and became very belligerent towards him. Williams told the Council there is a state statute requiring a contract with vendors and told the Council that even if the First Capitol News sued the City, the City would not have to pay the outstanding invoices because there was no contract. Several Council members told Williams that the Council, the governing body of the City, had authorized the advertising and the City needed to pay the bills.
Phyllis Schaltenbrand, publisher of the First Capitol News said, “The City has never asked us for or presented us with a contract for this advertising. We would have been happy to sign a contract had they asked. Unlike other publications, the First Capitol News, since our inception, has never required our advertisers to sign a contract committing them to advertise with us for a specific amount of time or for a specific dollar amount. We take our advertisers at their word. I always thought your word was your bond but apparently that doesn’t hold true for some in the City Administration.”
A local attorney, considered an expert in debt collection, had been watching the Council proceedings on cable TV and contacted the First Capitol News the next day. He told us William’s interpretation of the law was in error and that if the First Capitol News sought relief in court for the monies due them from the City, the newspaper would be victorious. He further said that Williams, who is neither a licensed attorney or law school graduate, should not be interpreting law or giving legal advice to the City Council. That is the job of the Council Attorney.”
In a review of City records, the First Capitol News has learned that the St. Louis Post Dispatch and the Suburban Journals, both owned at the time by Pulitzer Publishing, received over $150,000 a year for the past several years for advertising and subscriptions. Records do not reflect any indication that their requests for payment were delayed at any time.
Some of the invoices owed the newspaper by the City date back to the early part of February.
1st Advantage Bank Sets Grand Opening For July 19
Normally when two friends share a pipe dream, nothing ever happens and the dream remains just that—a dream. Every so often, though, they actually do something about it. That’s exactly what happened with 1st Advantage Bank.
1st Advantage Bank is a recently launched community bank that will celebrate its Grand Opening on July 19 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The 6,700-square-foot branch is located at the corner of Salt Lick and Janis Ann. The event is open to the public. In addition to free hotdogs, soda and popcorn, special CD and Money Market offers also will be available.
The bank was founded as result of an idle conversation between two friends—Steve Groeper and Chuck Brooks. Today, Groeper serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Brooks serves as President & CEO of 1st Advantage Bank. Groeper also owns several real estate holding companies that develop and manage residential and commercial real estate in St. Charles County. Brooks was formerly the St. Charles Regional President of First Bank. The bank has 73 area investors and is headed by a board of directors comprised entirely of prominent St. Charles County business leaders.
Brooks had been Groeper’s business banker at First Bank for years and the two became close friends. Groeper—a man with a knack for dreaming big and then seeing his dreams come to fruition—mentioned the idea of opening a bank to his friend and long-time business banker, Brooks, while helping him remodel his house in 1999. Neither took the idea very seriously—at least at its outset.
“While we were working on the house, we were talking about how there really wasn’t a true community bank in St. Charles County—one that really wanted to serve small businesses and residents. One that was 100% locally owned. It just seemed like most of the banks here really wanted to go after bigger accounts and that the little guys were left out in the cold,” said Brooks.
Five years after this initial discussion, Groeper and Brooks felt the time was right and took the plunge—recruiting investors and raising the then-record amount of $10,685,000 for a start-up bank in just nine days.
Groeper says they could have raised more, but wanted to provide a good return for initial investors and did not really need the additional capital.
“1st Advantage Bank is a full-service bank that has a true community focus,” said Brooks. “We are 100% locally owned. Everything stays right here in St. Charles County.”
Groeper says the bank’s key focus will be on providing uncommon expertise and service—two things that both retail and business banking customers in this area have not found in local abundance. He says 1st Advantage is especially interested in giving small businesses the kind of banking service advice and guidance that they deserve.
Prior to my introduction to Chuck Brooks, I never felt like I was on equal footing with my banker. But from the beginning of my relationship with him, he and his staff were always focused on going the extra mile for me. Once when I was out of town, Chuck personally saw to it that a check I had requested from my account was hand delivered to the recipient the day I called for help. And that was long before I was the chairman of anyone’s board. It’s that level of responsiveness and concern that we intend to show all of our customers at 1st Advantage Bank,” said Groeper.
1st Advantage will offer a complete line of consumer and business loan and deposit products. The bank is offering several Pre-Grand Opening Specials:
• CD specials include 18-month CDs at 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and 8-month CDs at 3.50% APY. A $5,000 opening balance is required.
• Money Market specials rates up to 3.00% APY, depending on the balance.
• Free Checking, including a 50-pack of free variety checks is also available through July 19. Call 1st Advantage for details at 636-970-0440.
Although the official grand opening is July 19, the branch opened for business on June 27. The bank was built by St. Charles County contractor Blanton Construction. The architect was S. J. Hollander, also of St. Charles County. Additionally, several local artists have their work prominently displayed throughout the branch.
Bank officers include: Jill Starkey, Chief Financial Officer; Stank Rubbelke, Vice President of Operations and Lee Koch, Executive Vice President.
The Board of Directors consists entirely of prominent St. Charles County business leaders. Board members include Brooks and Groeper, along with Mark Baker, Chief Operating Officer of Warrenton Oil Company; Richard Francis, President of Bax Engineering Company; Jeffrey Kolb, President of Dave Kolb Grading, Inc.; Dolora Beckerle, President of Beckerle Preferred Properties; and Ted Dettmer, President of Vantage Homes, Inc. In addition to its seven-member board, 1st Advantage has an additional 66 investors, all with local ties.
1st Advantage Bank is located at 240 Salt Lick Road, directly south of Interstate 70, across from the new Dierbergs in St. Peters. To learn more, contact them at 636-970-0440.
1st Advantage Bank is a recently launched community bank that will celebrate its Grand Opening on July 19 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The 6,700-square-foot branch is located at the corner of Salt Lick and Janis Ann. The event is open to the public. In addition to free hotdogs, soda and popcorn, special CD and Money Market offers also will be available.
The bank was founded as result of an idle conversation between two friends—Steve Groeper and Chuck Brooks. Today, Groeper serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Brooks serves as President & CEO of 1st Advantage Bank. Groeper also owns several real estate holding companies that develop and manage residential and commercial real estate in St. Charles County. Brooks was formerly the St. Charles Regional President of First Bank. The bank has 73 area investors and is headed by a board of directors comprised entirely of prominent St. Charles County business leaders.
Brooks had been Groeper’s business banker at First Bank for years and the two became close friends. Groeper—a man with a knack for dreaming big and then seeing his dreams come to fruition—mentioned the idea of opening a bank to his friend and long-time business banker, Brooks, while helping him remodel his house in 1999. Neither took the idea very seriously—at least at its outset.
“While we were working on the house, we were talking about how there really wasn’t a true community bank in St. Charles County—one that really wanted to serve small businesses and residents. One that was 100% locally owned. It just seemed like most of the banks here really wanted to go after bigger accounts and that the little guys were left out in the cold,” said Brooks.
Five years after this initial discussion, Groeper and Brooks felt the time was right and took the plunge—recruiting investors and raising the then-record amount of $10,685,000 for a start-up bank in just nine days.
Groeper says they could have raised more, but wanted to provide a good return for initial investors and did not really need the additional capital.
“1st Advantage Bank is a full-service bank that has a true community focus,” said Brooks. “We are 100% locally owned. Everything stays right here in St. Charles County.”
Groeper says the bank’s key focus will be on providing uncommon expertise and service—two things that both retail and business banking customers in this area have not found in local abundance. He says 1st Advantage is especially interested in giving small businesses the kind of banking service advice and guidance that they deserve.
Prior to my introduction to Chuck Brooks, I never felt like I was on equal footing with my banker. But from the beginning of my relationship with him, he and his staff were always focused on going the extra mile for me. Once when I was out of town, Chuck personally saw to it that a check I had requested from my account was hand delivered to the recipient the day I called for help. And that was long before I was the chairman of anyone’s board. It’s that level of responsiveness and concern that we intend to show all of our customers at 1st Advantage Bank,” said Groeper.
1st Advantage will offer a complete line of consumer and business loan and deposit products. The bank is offering several Pre-Grand Opening Specials:
• CD specials include 18-month CDs at 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and 8-month CDs at 3.50% APY. A $5,000 opening balance is required.
• Money Market specials rates up to 3.00% APY, depending on the balance.
• Free Checking, including a 50-pack of free variety checks is also available through July 19. Call 1st Advantage for details at 636-970-0440.
Although the official grand opening is July 19, the branch opened for business on June 27. The bank was built by St. Charles County contractor Blanton Construction. The architect was S. J. Hollander, also of St. Charles County. Additionally, several local artists have their work prominently displayed throughout the branch.
Bank officers include: Jill Starkey, Chief Financial Officer; Stank Rubbelke, Vice President of Operations and Lee Koch, Executive Vice President.
The Board of Directors consists entirely of prominent St. Charles County business leaders. Board members include Brooks and Groeper, along with Mark Baker, Chief Operating Officer of Warrenton Oil Company; Richard Francis, President of Bax Engineering Company; Jeffrey Kolb, President of Dave Kolb Grading, Inc.; Dolora Beckerle, President of Beckerle Preferred Properties; and Ted Dettmer, President of Vantage Homes, Inc. In addition to its seven-member board, 1st Advantage has an additional 66 investors, all with local ties.
1st Advantage Bank is located at 240 Salt Lick Road, directly south of Interstate 70, across from the new Dierbergs in St. Peters. To learn more, contact them at 636-970-0440.
Whittaker Announces FREE “NEW TOWN Movie Nights”
Whittaker Homes announces “New Town Movie Night!” The general public is invited to attend free movie showings on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. at the New Town Amphitheater.
The July/August schedule is as follows: July 15 – The Truman Show; July 22 – Grease; July 29 – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory; August 5 – Shrek; August 12 – Raiders of the Lost Ark.
“New Town Movie Night is just the start of many activities and events that we have planned for New Town,” says Greg Whittaker, president of Whittaker Homes. “Of course, Movie Night and future events are open to the public. We not only encourage residents from New Town but also people from all over the area to come into this town, visit and stay awhile.”
People are encouraged to bring their blanket, lawn chair and picnic basket and enjoy a movie under the stars. “We’ve selected movies that are appropriate for almost all generations,” notes Whittaker. “It’s a great event for the entire family and it’s free!”
Ultimately, The New Town at St. Charles – a $1.3 billion project – will be a thriving town with approximately 5,700 residences in ten phases, with a carefully planned mix of homes in addition to a large town center and four neighborhood centers.
To reach The New Town at St. Charles, take Hwy. 370 to north on New Town Blvd., 1 ? miles to the neighborhood on the right. For information, call 636-949-2700 or visit www.newtownatstcharles.com.
The July/August schedule is as follows: July 15 – The Truman Show; July 22 – Grease; July 29 – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory; August 5 – Shrek; August 12 – Raiders of the Lost Ark.
“New Town Movie Night is just the start of many activities and events that we have planned for New Town,” says Greg Whittaker, president of Whittaker Homes. “Of course, Movie Night and future events are open to the public. We not only encourage residents from New Town but also people from all over the area to come into this town, visit and stay awhile.”
People are encouraged to bring their blanket, lawn chair and picnic basket and enjoy a movie under the stars. “We’ve selected movies that are appropriate for almost all generations,” notes Whittaker. “It’s a great event for the entire family and it’s free!”
Ultimately, The New Town at St. Charles – a $1.3 billion project – will be a thriving town with approximately 5,700 residences in ten phases, with a carefully planned mix of homes in addition to a large town center and four neighborhood centers.
To reach The New Town at St. Charles, take Hwy. 370 to north on New Town Blvd., 1 ? miles to the neighborhood on the right. For information, call 636-949-2700 or visit www.newtownatstcharles.com.
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer
SHE HAS LEFT US
PEGGY BRICKNER-WILKE
1942 - 2005
We lost a dear friend and a columnist on July 5th, Peggy Brickner-Wilke. Peggy left us after a battle with cancer. She will be missed.
Peggy was one of the writers who wrote the Conservative Factor Column using the pseudonym of Alex Spencer.
While covering a fundraiser held at Pio’s Restaurant for Dan Foust a candidate for Mayor, I met the owner, Ernie Dempsey. Dempsey told me that if we would have a conservative column in the First Capitol News he would advertise Pio’s Restaurant in the paper and would also have friends of his advertise with us. We accepted his proposition and suggested he author the column. He declined but Peggy Wilke, who had been listening to Dempsey, offered to be one of the contributors and offered to find others in the Republican party who would share the writing with her. Thus was born the Conservative Factor Column. The writers decided to use the pseudonym, Alex Spencer.
After the Conservative Factor was published for a couple of months, Peggy said she went to Dempsey and told him it was time to advertise in the First Capitol News as he had promised. She said he told her that he had changed his mind and was not going to advertise. She never forgave him.
Even though Dempsey reneged on his promise to Peggy and us to advertise in this publication, he is responsible for some of the success of this newspaper. The Conservative Factor column was well received by our readers and quickly became one of our most popular features.
Peggy was a prolific writer. She also knew who did the dirty deals and where the secrets were hidden and was not afraid to let the people know.
Peggy will be missed. She asked that the Conservative Factor column continue. We hope that the others involved with her in the production will honor her wish.
WHO IS SPENDING THE MONEY
AND WHY?
Last week the voters in Councilwoman Dottie Greer’s ward received two publications attacking Greer. These pieces were professionally produced. The layout, design and distribution of these publications cost someone a great deal of money. Doesn’t it make you wonder why they are spending so much money in an attempt to change the make up of teh Council? My guess is they are no longer able to live off the public dole because the Council won’t allow it, so they are going to try to get these Council people out of office and replace them with ones who will once again make it profitable for them.
A CAPITALIST? COME ON.
Someone told me the other day that Ken Kielty was calling himself neither a Democrat or a Republican but a capitalist. He is as much a capitalist as were Stalin and Lenin. Kielty has been operating off of the government dole for as long as most people can remember. He was a high school teacher and counselor. Nothing wrong with being a teacher but he was in fact being paid with government funds. Then he received the hand-me-out of the state license office. Once again being paid with government dollars. Then he became chairman of the County Convention and Sports Facilities Authority and when the Governor removed him, he wanted them to hire him as a consultant at $50 an hour. Once again to be paid out of tax dollars.He told them that he would help develop a golf course on the north end of town. I know of no golf course design or planning experience that he can claim. He recently started a campaign committee to recall City Council members so he and his cohorts can replace them with representatives of their choosing who will once again put him and his friends back on the public dole. In addition, he has also allegedly been able to work a government program that allows him to market in babies from third world countries.
People sit back and think this could not be happening in St. Charles. They ask why? What could be causing this? That is easy to answer. The control of the $100 million City budget is what they are after. Your tax dollars to be used to benefit themselves once again.
PEGGY BRICKNER-WILKE
1942 - 2005
We lost a dear friend and a columnist on July 5th, Peggy Brickner-Wilke. Peggy left us after a battle with cancer. She will be missed.
Peggy was one of the writers who wrote the Conservative Factor Column using the pseudonym of Alex Spencer.
While covering a fundraiser held at Pio’s Restaurant for Dan Foust a candidate for Mayor, I met the owner, Ernie Dempsey. Dempsey told me that if we would have a conservative column in the First Capitol News he would advertise Pio’s Restaurant in the paper and would also have friends of his advertise with us. We accepted his proposition and suggested he author the column. He declined but Peggy Wilke, who had been listening to Dempsey, offered to be one of the contributors and offered to find others in the Republican party who would share the writing with her. Thus was born the Conservative Factor Column. The writers decided to use the pseudonym, Alex Spencer.
After the Conservative Factor was published for a couple of months, Peggy said she went to Dempsey and told him it was time to advertise in the First Capitol News as he had promised. She said he told her that he had changed his mind and was not going to advertise. She never forgave him.
Even though Dempsey reneged on his promise to Peggy and us to advertise in this publication, he is responsible for some of the success of this newspaper. The Conservative Factor column was well received by our readers and quickly became one of our most popular features.
Peggy was a prolific writer. She also knew who did the dirty deals and where the secrets were hidden and was not afraid to let the people know.
Peggy will be missed. She asked that the Conservative Factor column continue. We hope that the others involved with her in the production will honor her wish.
WHO IS SPENDING THE MONEY
AND WHY?
Last week the voters in Councilwoman Dottie Greer’s ward received two publications attacking Greer. These pieces were professionally produced. The layout, design and distribution of these publications cost someone a great deal of money. Doesn’t it make you wonder why they are spending so much money in an attempt to change the make up of teh Council? My guess is they are no longer able to live off the public dole because the Council won’t allow it, so they are going to try to get these Council people out of office and replace them with ones who will once again make it profitable for them.
A CAPITALIST? COME ON.
Someone told me the other day that Ken Kielty was calling himself neither a Democrat or a Republican but a capitalist. He is as much a capitalist as were Stalin and Lenin. Kielty has been operating off of the government dole for as long as most people can remember. He was a high school teacher and counselor. Nothing wrong with being a teacher but he was in fact being paid with government funds. Then he received the hand-me-out of the state license office. Once again being paid with government dollars. Then he became chairman of the County Convention and Sports Facilities Authority and when the Governor removed him, he wanted them to hire him as a consultant at $50 an hour. Once again to be paid out of tax dollars.He told them that he would help develop a golf course on the north end of town. I know of no golf course design or planning experience that he can claim. He recently started a campaign committee to recall City Council members so he and his cohorts can replace them with representatives of their choosing who will once again put him and his friends back on the public dole. In addition, he has also allegedly been able to work a government program that allows him to market in babies from third world countries.
People sit back and think this could not be happening in St. Charles. They ask why? What could be causing this? That is easy to answer. The control of the $100 million City budget is what they are after. Your tax dollars to be used to benefit themselves once again.
THE CITY DESK - Rory Riddler City Council President
Talking To Our Dogs
Would Make Us Smarter...
If Only They Could Make Us Understand!
I came across a great novelty sign the other day. In bold letters it proclaimed, ”Don’t Let the Dog Out!” Then in smaller letters adds...“No Matter What He Says.” After several years of sharing our home with our dog Sophie, I’m more convinced than ever that, but for an opposable thumb, we’d be the ones wearing collars and using the outdoor facilities.
Like most pet owners, I find myself talking to our dog as if she understood every syllable. Ever catch yourself telling your dog when you’ll be home? I have. Things like, “We’ll be back in a couple of hours girl.” It would mean so much more if only we had bought her that nice wrist watch.
Dogs live in the present. That’s why they’re always happy to see us. It doesn’t matter if we’re gone an hour or a week, just that we’re back. It isn’t that dogs can’t tell time. Our dog can tell you when it’s three in the afternoon. That’s when she gets fed and you can set your watch by it. It’s simply that dogs aren’t slaves to time.
Tomorrow my schedule has something penciled in every hour. I haven’t checked Sophie’s palm pilot, but I’m guessing she’s not worried about running late to any appointments. Imagine being free from the constraint of time. Think back to the last time you didn’t worry about the passing hours. It was probably over summer vacation when you were a kid. Those lazy never ending summer days of youth. That’s the closest we come to knowing what a dog’s life is all about.
A few months ago, I was speaking with a seventy-eight year old man who grew up on a farm in West St. Louis County. Back then, it was still fields and woods as far as the eye could see. He was talking about his life, walking to the one room schoolhouse, and doing chores around the farm. Then he recalled one of his fondest memories and you could see his face light up. It was about exploring the woods around the farm with his dog when he was a boy. He talked about how they would make a pile of leaves and just lie there together, staring up through the trees. Maybe that’s why dogs and children get along so well. They like the same things.
Of course it’s hard to tell a dog they have to wait for something. When does a dog want to eat? Now! When does a dog want to go on a walk? Now! When does a dog want to play? Now! When does a dog want to go to the VET? Never! (Caught you)
I think the word “Veterinarian” shows just how smart dogs are. It’s the one word we don’t go out of our way to teach them, but it’s the one word they all seem to know. Sophie knows a lot of words, like sit, stay (her version of a rolling stop), treats, dinner, walk and, of course the complete sentence, do you want to go for a ride in the car. I don’t know of a dog yet that ever said no to being chauffeured around.
As cute as it is having dogs react to what we say, I think it’s a lot more fun observing how dogs try to communicate with their big “dumb” human companions. One night we were all in the living room talking and Sophie, perhaps feeling left out, broke into a series of guttural sounds that we swore was trying to mimic human speech. Later on I figured out she was just being sarcastic.
Sophie has different barks, as most dogs do, for when she wants to go out, remind us its dinner time or wake us early on a Sunday morning. But she also points at things she wants by facing her whole body towards them and hoping we’ll get it. She does it with her leash hanging on the back of the stairwell door. She stands there looking at it, then turns her head to look back at you as if to say, “What part of this don’t you get?”
Sophie is a brave dog, but she has one irrational fear. Sophie is scared to death of storms. Since we got her from the Humane Society, we aren’t sure what early experiences she had might be driving her storm phobia. She is far better than any radar at knowing when a storm is coming because instinct drives her to want to run upstairs and secure the high ground. We discourage that as her anxiety often drives her to shred whatever available bedding she comes in contact with.
In such times of crisis, Sophie feels the need to save the rest of us from the impending danger. Her frantic yelps and barks can be roughly translated as, “Save yourselves from the whirling vortex of doom!!!”
Thwarted from her original escape route and unable to make us comprehend the danger facing us, Sophie tries to make herself as small as possible to fit behind or beneath all manner of improbable furniture and fixtures. Despite her valiant effort, she usually succeeds in just hiding her head and shoulders. We do our best to hold her and comfort her till the storms pass; acts of kindness she no doubt equates with the band playing as the Titanic went down.
I was going to end this weeks column with something profound about the relationship between humans and their pets. Perhaps that it doesn’t take a lot of words, or even a common language, to understand the needs of others. Or that in helping others, whether man or dog, we help ourselves as well. Or perhaps that the closest we can come to those summers of our youth, and beating back the hands of time, is in a long walk with a faithful companion. I could be philosophical, but instead, I think I’ll just go walk the dog.
Would Make Us Smarter...
If Only They Could Make Us Understand!
I came across a great novelty sign the other day. In bold letters it proclaimed, ”Don’t Let the Dog Out!” Then in smaller letters adds...“No Matter What He Says.” After several years of sharing our home with our dog Sophie, I’m more convinced than ever that, but for an opposable thumb, we’d be the ones wearing collars and using the outdoor facilities.
Like most pet owners, I find myself talking to our dog as if she understood every syllable. Ever catch yourself telling your dog when you’ll be home? I have. Things like, “We’ll be back in a couple of hours girl.” It would mean so much more if only we had bought her that nice wrist watch.
Dogs live in the present. That’s why they’re always happy to see us. It doesn’t matter if we’re gone an hour or a week, just that we’re back. It isn’t that dogs can’t tell time. Our dog can tell you when it’s three in the afternoon. That’s when she gets fed and you can set your watch by it. It’s simply that dogs aren’t slaves to time.
Tomorrow my schedule has something penciled in every hour. I haven’t checked Sophie’s palm pilot, but I’m guessing she’s not worried about running late to any appointments. Imagine being free from the constraint of time. Think back to the last time you didn’t worry about the passing hours. It was probably over summer vacation when you were a kid. Those lazy never ending summer days of youth. That’s the closest we come to knowing what a dog’s life is all about.
A few months ago, I was speaking with a seventy-eight year old man who grew up on a farm in West St. Louis County. Back then, it was still fields and woods as far as the eye could see. He was talking about his life, walking to the one room schoolhouse, and doing chores around the farm. Then he recalled one of his fondest memories and you could see his face light up. It was about exploring the woods around the farm with his dog when he was a boy. He talked about how they would make a pile of leaves and just lie there together, staring up through the trees. Maybe that’s why dogs and children get along so well. They like the same things.
Of course it’s hard to tell a dog they have to wait for something. When does a dog want to eat? Now! When does a dog want to go on a walk? Now! When does a dog want to play? Now! When does a dog want to go to the VET? Never! (Caught you)
I think the word “Veterinarian” shows just how smart dogs are. It’s the one word we don’t go out of our way to teach them, but it’s the one word they all seem to know. Sophie knows a lot of words, like sit, stay (her version of a rolling stop), treats, dinner, walk and, of course the complete sentence, do you want to go for a ride in the car. I don’t know of a dog yet that ever said no to being chauffeured around.
As cute as it is having dogs react to what we say, I think it’s a lot more fun observing how dogs try to communicate with their big “dumb” human companions. One night we were all in the living room talking and Sophie, perhaps feeling left out, broke into a series of guttural sounds that we swore was trying to mimic human speech. Later on I figured out she was just being sarcastic.
Sophie has different barks, as most dogs do, for when she wants to go out, remind us its dinner time or wake us early on a Sunday morning. But she also points at things she wants by facing her whole body towards them and hoping we’ll get it. She does it with her leash hanging on the back of the stairwell door. She stands there looking at it, then turns her head to look back at you as if to say, “What part of this don’t you get?”
Sophie is a brave dog, but she has one irrational fear. Sophie is scared to death of storms. Since we got her from the Humane Society, we aren’t sure what early experiences she had might be driving her storm phobia. She is far better than any radar at knowing when a storm is coming because instinct drives her to want to run upstairs and secure the high ground. We discourage that as her anxiety often drives her to shred whatever available bedding she comes in contact with.
In such times of crisis, Sophie feels the need to save the rest of us from the impending danger. Her frantic yelps and barks can be roughly translated as, “Save yourselves from the whirling vortex of doom!!!”
Thwarted from her original escape route and unable to make us comprehend the danger facing us, Sophie tries to make herself as small as possible to fit behind or beneath all manner of improbable furniture and fixtures. Despite her valiant effort, she usually succeeds in just hiding her head and shoulders. We do our best to hold her and comfort her till the storms pass; acts of kindness she no doubt equates with the band playing as the Titanic went down.
I was going to end this weeks column with something profound about the relationship between humans and their pets. Perhaps that it doesn’t take a lot of words, or even a common language, to understand the needs of others. Or that in helping others, whether man or dog, we help ourselves as well. Or perhaps that the closest we can come to those summers of our youth, and beating back the hands of time, is in a long walk with a faithful companion. I could be philosophical, but instead, I think I’ll just go walk the dog.
The People Speak - Letters To The Editor
First Capitol News
This quote is from a letter to the editor in Key West, Florida, sent in by a guy named Craig Buzzart.
“Other than telling us how to live, think, marry, pray, vote, invest, educate our children and, now, die, I think the Republicans have done a fine job of getting government out of our personal lives.”
Joe Morice
Dear Editor:
Thank you Mark Brown for telling it like it is regarding politics in our town (FCN 06-25-05, P.9) and thank you First Capitol News for enabling him to do so!
Glen Dashner
Dear Tony,
I have two questions that I am sure other taxpayers are curious about. How many hotel rooms were filled by attendees of the recent craft show and coin show?
Have we been able to land those two big draws, the coveted knife show and gun show?
Gene Fitzwalter
Dear Editor:
I was at the beauty shop the other day and was reading another publication. A colum nist, and I use that word lightly, was writing about the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. He was telling his readers how great the organization was and how rich the members were. He commented they had plenty of money and were opposing the St. Peters 370 project out of the goodness of their heart and they did not want any more money.
Is he that dumb or does he think we are that stupid? Show me a rich man or woman who does not want any more money. There is no such a thing.
Now I remember why I quit reading him some time ago.
Pauline Rigors
This quote is from a letter to the editor in Key West, Florida, sent in by a guy named Craig Buzzart.
“Other than telling us how to live, think, marry, pray, vote, invest, educate our children and, now, die, I think the Republicans have done a fine job of getting government out of our personal lives.”
Joe Morice
Dear Editor:
Thank you Mark Brown for telling it like it is regarding politics in our town (FCN 06-25-05, P.9) and thank you First Capitol News for enabling him to do so!
Glen Dashner
Dear Tony,
I have two questions that I am sure other taxpayers are curious about. How many hotel rooms were filled by attendees of the recent craft show and coin show?
Have we been able to land those two big draws, the coveted knife show and gun show?
Gene Fitzwalter
Dear Editor:
I was at the beauty shop the other day and was reading another publication. A colum nist, and I use that word lightly, was writing about the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. He was telling his readers how great the organization was and how rich the members were. He commented they had plenty of money and were opposing the St. Peters 370 project out of the goodness of their heart and they did not want any more money.
Is he that dumb or does he think we are that stupid? Show me a rich man or woman who does not want any more money. There is no such a thing.
Now I remember why I quit reading him some time ago.
Pauline Rigors
THE CONSERVATIVE FACTOR
ANGEL ON EARTH
Have you ever met an Angel? I have, and anyone who ever had the opportunity to meet or be a part of my dear friend Peggy’s life have been blessed by an Angel on earth.
Let me tell you about my dear friend of the heart. This sweet Angel had the courage of the mightiest warrior in heaven. She had the spirit and strength of a garrison of Angels. There was a humble compassion for the less fortunate and the hurting by injustice to the people she cared about and loved.
This Angel always had her priorities in order, God, family and friends. This Angel was never impressed by who you are, titles and positions meant nothing to our Angel. the things that did impress her were the depth of character and the sincerity of the heart. Our sweet Angel could never be bought by wealth or fame. Her integrity was as solid as the rock she stood on. This dear sweet Angel knew the word was mightier than a double edge sword and she was swift to use it against evil and injustice.
Our sweet Angel was entertained at the White House on many occasions, having tea with the First ladies, but it was them who were blessed by entertaining an Angel. Our Angel’s real delight was dining with her family and friends. One of her dear sayings was, “People can be so foolish, they’ll step over a diamond to get to rhinestones.” God gave our Angel the gift of being able to see through a person into the heart. Our Angel always knew good from evil. this dear sweet Angel was born with the boldness of a lion and the charge of a wild herd of elephants.
There wasn’t anything or anybody who could back her down when God placed the call and mission in her spirit.
Our Angel walked her life without fear. The word fear was not a part of her being. Our Angel was small in size but she could stand up and confront Goliath without one ounce of fear. This sweet Angel was never afraid of what people might say or do to her, but if someone tried to come against her family or friends, she would without a doubt win the war.
Our sweet Angel had an enlarged heart, but it was made of gold. Her heart was very soft and filled with love, compassion and generosity. Her love for her family was full of dedication and loyalty and nothing came before them. Our Angel was so proud of her sons, Scott and Mark, and their beautiful wives, Aparna and Whitney and her precious grandbabies, Ava and her baby B on the way. Our angel had the sweetest and purest love for children. Our Angel loved the sweet innocence of children. She loved the honesty in their hearts and sweetness of their smiles and laughter.
Our Angel accomplished more in her dash than some people who could live a lifetime. This Angel knew that the birth date and date of her death was not important. Our Angel knew the life of the dash was what really mattered. I know when our dear sweet Angel returned to heaven she was greeted with open arms. “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Our Angel always greeted family and friends with open arms when you entered her home on earth. Her warmth and love filled the room and she always made your presence feel important.
Has our Angel touched your life in some way? Can you search within your heart and say you have even one of these beautiful qualities of character? If not, you should ask God to search your heart and place you on the road to Damascus and renew your spirit of integrity, “honesty-the total absence of any intent to deceive,” truth, justice, liberty, freedom, courage and love for all mankind.
The leaving of our Angel has placed a big void and loss to our world. This I know for sure, our Angel is talking to God in heaven as to who should be the next to do our Angels’ work here on earth. Our Angel always knew there wasn’t one thing that our God didn’t know about our Angel. Our Angel knew there wasn’t one thing she couldn’t do-that God knew everything. Our Angel left with sweet peace and calmness. When you look up at the stars and if you are blessed to see a shooting star, remember our Angel is still doing her mission. She will be completing her dash in Heaven. Peggy was and will always be my Angel on earth, my Hero, my special friend and the classiest lady I ever met. Thank you God for placing an Angel in my life.
I’ll always love and remember my sweet, sweet angel. I’ll see you again.
Love ya,
Your friend Joyce
Have you ever met an Angel? I have, and anyone who ever had the opportunity to meet or be a part of my dear friend Peggy’s life have been blessed by an Angel on earth.
Let me tell you about my dear friend of the heart. This sweet Angel had the courage of the mightiest warrior in heaven. She had the spirit and strength of a garrison of Angels. There was a humble compassion for the less fortunate and the hurting by injustice to the people she cared about and loved.
This Angel always had her priorities in order, God, family and friends. This Angel was never impressed by who you are, titles and positions meant nothing to our Angel. the things that did impress her were the depth of character and the sincerity of the heart. Our sweet Angel could never be bought by wealth or fame. Her integrity was as solid as the rock she stood on. This dear sweet Angel knew the word was mightier than a double edge sword and she was swift to use it against evil and injustice.
Our sweet Angel was entertained at the White House on many occasions, having tea with the First ladies, but it was them who were blessed by entertaining an Angel. Our Angel’s real delight was dining with her family and friends. One of her dear sayings was, “People can be so foolish, they’ll step over a diamond to get to rhinestones.” God gave our Angel the gift of being able to see through a person into the heart. Our Angel always knew good from evil. this dear sweet Angel was born with the boldness of a lion and the charge of a wild herd of elephants.
There wasn’t anything or anybody who could back her down when God placed the call and mission in her spirit.
Our Angel walked her life without fear. The word fear was not a part of her being. Our Angel was small in size but she could stand up and confront Goliath without one ounce of fear. This sweet Angel was never afraid of what people might say or do to her, but if someone tried to come against her family or friends, she would without a doubt win the war.
Our sweet Angel had an enlarged heart, but it was made of gold. Her heart was very soft and filled with love, compassion and generosity. Her love for her family was full of dedication and loyalty and nothing came before them. Our Angel was so proud of her sons, Scott and Mark, and their beautiful wives, Aparna and Whitney and her precious grandbabies, Ava and her baby B on the way. Our angel had the sweetest and purest love for children. Our Angel loved the sweet innocence of children. She loved the honesty in their hearts and sweetness of their smiles and laughter.
Our Angel accomplished more in her dash than some people who could live a lifetime. This Angel knew that the birth date and date of her death was not important. Our Angel knew the life of the dash was what really mattered. I know when our dear sweet Angel returned to heaven she was greeted with open arms. “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Our Angel always greeted family and friends with open arms when you entered her home on earth. Her warmth and love filled the room and she always made your presence feel important.
Has our Angel touched your life in some way? Can you search within your heart and say you have even one of these beautiful qualities of character? If not, you should ask God to search your heart and place you on the road to Damascus and renew your spirit of integrity, “honesty-the total absence of any intent to deceive,” truth, justice, liberty, freedom, courage and love for all mankind.
The leaving of our Angel has placed a big void and loss to our world. This I know for sure, our Angel is talking to God in heaven as to who should be the next to do our Angels’ work here on earth. Our Angel always knew there wasn’t one thing that our God didn’t know about our Angel. Our Angel knew there wasn’t one thing she couldn’t do-that God knew everything. Our Angel left with sweet peace and calmness. When you look up at the stars and if you are blessed to see a shooting star, remember our Angel is still doing her mission. She will be completing her dash in Heaven. Peggy was and will always be my Angel on earth, my Hero, my special friend and the classiest lady I ever met. Thank you God for placing an Angel in my life.
I’ll always love and remember my sweet, sweet angel. I’ll see you again.
Love ya,
Your friend Joyce
What menacing mental health cuts really mean for Missouri
Dr. Howard Rosenthal
I recently received a call from a local community college counselor who needed a referral for a student in need. That’s an easy one, I thought. As I rattled off referral after referral the counselor indicated that she had already tried each and every one of them without success. Many were sporting new messages on their voice mail indicating they weren’t taking any clients due to budget cuts or impending budget cuts. I regret to report that I was not able to provide her with a suitable referral.
Many of my students are placed at a well-known agency that helps substance abusers. One of the counselors confided in me that if the governor unleashes his entire budget cut package their agency (like the platypus) would be extinct.
“But where would the clients go if that occurs?” I asked.
“I don’t have a clue,” replied the counselor.
Perhaps the coup de grace took place not long ago when I attended a fundraiser for a large agency that helps a lot of folks in the St. Louis and St. Charles area. Hundreds of people came to pay tribute to the agency and all they had accomplished. The decibel level from the audience clapping rivaled that of a major league baseball game. That is, until one of the directors of the agency stood up and revealed that if the governor secured his budget cuts not one program we were clapping for would exist!
Some budget cuts that were spared this year will resurface again next year. If you know someone who works for a mental health agency or is a client at an agency they may ask you to sign a petition.
Will you be willing to provide your John Hancock? Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of your fellow citizens. The ball is in your court.
Dr. Howard Rosenthal is the author of a number of books including the Encyclopedia of Counseling. His website is www.howardrosenthal.com.
I recently received a call from a local community college counselor who needed a referral for a student in need. That’s an easy one, I thought. As I rattled off referral after referral the counselor indicated that she had already tried each and every one of them without success. Many were sporting new messages on their voice mail indicating they weren’t taking any clients due to budget cuts or impending budget cuts. I regret to report that I was not able to provide her with a suitable referral.
Many of my students are placed at a well-known agency that helps substance abusers. One of the counselors confided in me that if the governor unleashes his entire budget cut package their agency (like the platypus) would be extinct.
“But where would the clients go if that occurs?” I asked.
“I don’t have a clue,” replied the counselor.
Perhaps the coup de grace took place not long ago when I attended a fundraiser for a large agency that helps a lot of folks in the St. Louis and St. Charles area. Hundreds of people came to pay tribute to the agency and all they had accomplished. The decibel level from the audience clapping rivaled that of a major league baseball game. That is, until one of the directors of the agency stood up and revealed that if the governor secured his budget cuts not one program we were clapping for would exist!
Some budget cuts that were spared this year will resurface again next year. If you know someone who works for a mental health agency or is a client at an agency they may ask you to sign a petition.
Will you be willing to provide your John Hancock? Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of your fellow citizens. The ball is in your court.
Dr. Howard Rosenthal is the author of a number of books including the Encyclopedia of Counseling. His website is www.howardrosenthal.com.
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