By Jerry Haferkamp
An actual St. Charles “Citizen”
I will again be writing an occasional column for the FCN, although I am changing the name of the column to “ The View from The Cheap Seats”. As with the previous column, it will be a voice for the citizens from a citizen. It will not be written to better wealthy people trying to buy influence. I am not “for sale” like writers in other periodicals seem to be. I don’t care if I am never invited to the Mayor’s soirées. I want nothing but a city government that represents all of its citizens, not just the well heeled.
As you know, I stopped writing because of a difference of opinion within our ranks over the mayoral recall. I only condone recall if the person committed some breach of the oath of office or was found to have committed abuses while in office. While our current mayor seems to qualify, I feared the result of a recall would be that her allies would do exactly what they have done…start recalls of anyone who didn’t march in lockstep with the “money” as Petty Patty does. She knows who butters her bread and it’s not the average citizen.
This effort to recall is pushed by a man who claimed in a dropped lawsuit that he was compared to a picture of the devil. The jury in this ridiculous lawsuit would have had to “wing it” since none of us has actually seen the devil and have no point of reference. The devil can only be known by his acts, not his facial features. In that case, the plaintiff would surely not have wanted anyone on the jury who reads the paid political advertisement that he tries to palm off as news. I can’t express my personal view of his actions because he can afford better lawyers than I, but the phrase “Satan incarnate” keeps resonating in my head. His paid political ad insert is what brings my column out of “retirement”. I can’t sit still and watch our citizens become so misled.
Please read today’s column; “ The View From The Cheap Seats”. That’s where most of us have to sit.
The View From The Cheap Seats
By Jerry Haferkamp
It’s a thrill only a few of us were able to experience. I’m speaking of the thrill I witnessed and experienced at a banquet table the night before the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida.
After the St. Charles West Marching Warrior Band was awarded four of the possible six trophies for “best” in separate field performance areas, five of the possible six in the Gator Bowl Parade, first place in their division in field competition, and first place in their division in the parade, we all awaited the announcement of who won the Grand Champion Award. Of high school bands from all over the U.S., only one would get to perform in the Gator Bowl pre-game show.
When the announcer read the name, “St. Charles West”, the assembled crowd erupted in applause. Some West Band parents in attendance teared up. Others “high fived”. We all applauded the band members who were cheering and hugging each other.
I have had the great pleasure of being allowed to haul the instruments, uniforms and props for these great kids for the past few years and have witnessed the hard work and long hours they have put in to attain the level of excellence that was evident at the Gator Bowl.
There are many parents who need to be thanked. They work year ‘round to provide the financial support and hard work necessary to keep the band program alive. Doctor Tom Siler accompanied the band and attended to the several illnesses that popped up during the trip. Thank you, Doc. A Schnucks mechanic, John LePique, donates many hours of hard work maintaining the tractor/trailer. There are also generous sponsors who helped make this possible. The outstanding staff works tirelessly.
But that Florida day belonged to the members of the St. Charles West Marching Warrior Band, the Color Guard and the Dance and Drill Team. With little sleep in the week, they drew on their inner strengths and gave performances that wowed the spectators and impressed the judges. On the following day, they assembled on the field and performed in the pre-game show for over 50,000 Virginia Tech and Louisville fans and members of bands from all over the U.S.
Be proud, St. Charles.
On that day they were not just a band; they were the band.
