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St. Ferdinand Shrine Benefit A Tremendous Success! On Sunday evening January 29, 270 floor where Archbishop Robert Monsignor Jack Schuler of present people gathered at Kemoll’s Carlson made a brief appearance. His day St. Ferdinand Parish was the Restaurant in the top floor of the Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Master of Ceremony aided by and Metropolitan Building in downtown St. Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Fathers Keller and Driscoll and there Louis to raise funds to benefit the Signatura, was the keynote speaker at were many other priests in atten - Friends of Old St. Ferdinand. Mark the dinner and shared a detailed reflec - dance including Monsignor Mark Cusomano generously donated the tion on the life of devotion and dedica - Ullrich of Sacred Heart who’s parish 42nd floor premises and the dinner tion to Christ of St. Rose Philippine the Shrine is now located in. service and Drury Hotel’s sponsored Duchesne and in particular her 14 Friends of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine the pre dinner reception on the 40th years at St. Ferdinand in Florissant. president Geri Debo presented gifts of appreciation to Rosemary Davison, Mary Kay Gladbach, Mary Keeven & Father Patrick Driscoll for their contributions to the preserva - tion of the Shrine. Mayor Thomas P. Schneider noted that Florissant has always valued the Shrine and thanked the Archdiocese for taking a renewed interest in it. He shared biographical accounts that Mother Duchesne loved Florissant with a kind of vehemence for its soli - tude and in her eye it had the quality of hospitality and that we still have Mayor said that our children have that asset. He shared quotes of admi - taken the lessons learned in ration and awe of Rose Philippine Florissant on tolerance and hospital - Duchesne that were made by the ity to all corners of the globe return - famous missionary Priest Father ing some of the grace that was Pierre-Jean DeSmet, S.J. who was brought here by St. Rose Philippine ordained at St. Ferdinand. Fr. DeSmet Duchesne and Father DeSmet. said in 1847 “After a visit with her at Everyone was delighted to hear an St. Ferdinand I had the conviction announcement at the end of the that I was with a truly living saint….I evening that Mark Cusomano will On a recent trip to Idaho, Mayor Schneider unexpectedly came upon should not be surprised if she were host this tremendous event at this sign about Pierre J. DeSmet some day raised to our alters.” The Kemoll’s again next year. Valley of Flowers Will Celebrate 50 Years of Festivals The Valley of Flowers Festival began one will be sent to you. have to be a Florissant resident or Food booth applications for the in 1963 as an attempt by local mer - Annually, thousands of visitors to business to be part of the parade. Knights of Columbus grounds are for chants to promote civic beautification Florissant on the first full weekend in The selections of the queen will Thursday, May 3rd through Sunday, in the City of Florissant. Since that May are sure to find something of take place at the Queen’s Tea and May 6th at a cost of $125.00. time the festival has grown to include particular interest whether it be Dinner on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Please submit you application dozens of events including a very sporting events, plant sale, the chil - the James J. Eagan Center. The win - request through our website or large parade and queen crowning. dren’s festival of performing arts, car ning candidates for queen, first run - through our office located at 601 St. Florissant, Missouri celebrates the shows, carnival rides or delicious ner-up and three special maids are Charles Street, Florissant, MO 63031. first Festival of spring on May 3rd, barbeque and other foods, arts and revealed at the queen’s Crowning on The office hours are Monday, 4th, 5th and 6th, 2012. The Valley of crafts or flea market. Sunday, May 6th. Wednesday, and Friday from 8:45 Flowers Committee has chosen Applications are available for the Craft Fair, Flea Market and Food a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The phone number “Valley of Flowers Celebrates 50 Valley of Flowers: Parade, game booths, Booth applications are for Friday, is 314-837-0033. Years of Festivals as the theme for food booths, flea market or craft fair May 4th and Saturday, May 5th at the For further information concerning 2012. All parade units are invited to online at www.ValleyofFlowers.com or James J. Eagan Center. The Craft Fair the festival call the office at 314-837- decorate their entries using any of by calling 314-837-0033. is on the covered Ice Rink Pavilion 0033, email us at valley-of-flow - the themes used over the past 50 fes - The parade will take place on and the Flea Market is inside the [email protected] or visit the web - tivals. A complete list of themes is Sunday, May 6th, 2012 in Old Town building. All food booths are site at www.valleyofflowers.com. available on the Valley of Flowers Florissant on rue St. Francois. There grouped together in the Food Tent website or by calling the office and is no entry fee and applicants do not on the grounds. Florissant City Television is Streaming Live! - Here is How to Find Us FCTV broadcasts informational, educational choose “OK”. “Florissant Missouri City real time including the bulletin board. You next to the show. and entertainment programs, and include Television-FCTV” will appear. Choose “OK” may access this feature from anywhere with *(3) All On-Line Viewing Requires Windows FCTV’s electronic bulletin board with the City's again to go full screen. an internet connection.*(3) Media Player. latest news, current weather, and information, 3. FCTV On Demand: Find The City’s *(1) To view Channel 108 you may be If you have trouble finding us or need more 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The program - website by entering www.florissantmo.com required to rescan your digital TV channels. information please call Kerry Luster at ming for FCTV, Florissant City Television, can in the address bar at the top of the page. *(2) Shows currently running can be seen 314-839-7635 or now be found on Charter Cable, AT&T U-verse, Look for heading “Quick Links.” Under quick On Demand by clicking the (View) option Email at [email protected]. On Demand via our website and Streaming links click on FCTV Video On Demand, this Worldwide via the internet. will take you to FCTV’s home page. In the Page 4 - To Access These Options Read The upper left side of FCTV’s homepage you will Instructions Below Carefully: see the “Show Search” bar. Type in the name Florissant Police News 1. Charter: With a Charter Digital Cable of the program you would like to see and Page 5 - Box tune to Channel 992; with a new televi - click on “Go”. All On Demand Programs, Public Works sion and no digital cable box tune to Channel from your choice, will appear. Find the par - 108. If you have an older TV with a non-digi - ticular show you want to watch and click Pages 6 and 7 - tal tuner, and no cable box we are not acces - (View), within a few seconds your show will Florissant Civic Center Theatre sible.*(1) begin playing.*(2) Pages 8 and 9 - 2. AT&T Uverse: Using your AT&T 4. Streaming Worldwide: With any In this Issue: Florissant Seniors News remote tune to Channel 99. There you will computer go to The City’s website by enter - see: government, education & public TV, ing www.florissantmo.com in the address bar Page 2 - Page 10 - choose “OK”. You will then be prompted to at the top of the page. Look for heading City News & City Council Community Development & Valley of Flowers “Please select a city from the list below.” “Quick Links.” Under quick links click on Page 3 - Florissant Missouri City Television-FCTV is “FCTV Live Stream” within a few seconds Page 11 - the 4th city down. Arrow down to FCTV, FCTV’s programming will begin playing in Our Town from the Mayor Florissant Parks & Recreation 2 City News & City Council The Florissant Focus City Seeks Photographs Florissant Continues Going Green "Please Join Us." says Mayor Schneider of Past Mayors Ward 1 - Tim Lee Dear Residents and Planet Earth, Mayor Thomas P. Schneider has directed the City Clerks 839-7669 ext 1009 Florissant continues going green to 314 / 837-8875 office to research and find as many photos of past Mayors [email protected] of the City of Florissant as possible to be displayed in the benefit the environment and our Council Chambers. We have good images of former future generations. The blue recy - Mayor’s Robert G. Lowery, Sr., James J. Eagan, Henry F. cle totes go a long way to increas - Ward 2 - John Grib Koch and Arthur Bangert. ing our percentage of recycled waste which lowers our cost of 314 / 839-2669 He is asking that anyone who has a photo or painting of a [email protected] past Mayor on the list below contact the City Clerks office trash removal and saves the envi - at 314-839-7630 or [email protected] and they ronment. Thank you for using your will arrange to scan and reproduce the picture for display. blue single stream recycling tote. If you do not have a blue recycling tote please call city Ward 3 - Joseph Eagan The Mayors of the City of Florissant beginning in 1857 that 314 / 395-6838 the city needs photos for are as follows: hall at 921-5700 to get one. A magnetic recycling guide with phone numbers and a calendar were recently delivered to [email protected] Florissant Residents. Please make note that every month except November Ward 4 - Keith English and December there is a bulky trash curbside pick up on 839-7669 ext 1013 the third trash pick up of each month. Also note that there 314 / 837-2707 will be two electronic recycling days this year at St. [email protected] Ferdinand Park for computer parts and TV and stereo parts etc. The first one is sponsored by Meridian Waste Services and is set for Saturday April 28th from 8 AM to Ward 5 - Keith Schildroth 839-7669 ext 1014 1PM rain or shine. In addition a Document Shredding 314 / 839-2927 Event will be held on Saturday May 19th from 9 AM to [email protected] Noon sponsored by The Bridge at Florissant. This is your chance to watch as a worker shreds those old tax and bank documents that have been piling up. Ward 6 - Pat Stinnett Recycling conserves our natural resources, saves money, 839-7669 ext 1015 creates jobs, eliminates waste in landfills and reduces 314 / 578-4777 [email protected] Also if anyone knows of an image of the First harm to the environment. Please go green for your chil - Commandant Francois Dunegant dit Borosier or any other dren and your grandchildren. Ward 7 - Karen McKay Chief Executive of St. Ferdinand de Fleurissant from 1786 Thank you for helping to preserve our environment, 839-7669 ext 1016 to 1857 we would like to obtain those images also. Mayor Thomas P. Schneider 314 / 838-2313 [email protected]

Please Retire Your American Flags Properly Ward 8 - Mark Schmidt 839-7669 ext 1017 Retired American Flags may be 314 / 838-7410 deposited in a bin located in the [email protected] vestibule of the North entrance to Florissant City Hall. The American Ward 9 - Ben Hernandez Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars 839-7669 ext 1018 will collect the contents and respectful - 314 / 546-9590 ly retire your Flags properly. You can [email protected] drop off your Stars and Stripes anytime during City Hall business hours five days a week.

“Custom Painting at It’s Best” The BAILIE Florissant PAINTING CO. Call for Focus Donald Santacroce - Owner Advertise in the Great Rates in RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL the Upcoming Valley of The Official Florissant Focus! Flowers Full Service Painting Issue Newsletter • Interior Painting of Horizontal & Vertical Surfaces - Trim Work Your Ad of Florissant, • Wall Covering Removal & Installation Will Be In the Missouri • Exterior Painting of Siding, Brick, Masonry, Metals, Porches/Decks, Mailboxes of Articles and Photographs Fences & Swimming Pools 38,000 Homes Provided • Power Washing & Gutter Cleaning by the City of Florissant and Businesses • Days, Nights Participating Published by & Weekends Member in the City of • Licensed of the Goldmark Enterprises, & Insured FLORISSANT Florissant! • Referrals Inc. Supplied GOLDEN AGE 549 N. Lafayette on Request DISCOUNT Florissant, MO 63031 • Free Estimates PROGRAM A wide variety of ad sizes and pricing plans available. To Place Advertisements Call today to reserve your space in the upcoming issue. Contact: (314) 837-2040 Goldmark Enterprises, Inc. cell: (314) 629-7622 Call Goldmark Enterprises at 314-921-2323 1780 Arundel Drive Florissant, MO 63033-6325 contact Laurie at Ext. 30 or Mark at Ext. 21 at 314-921-2323 March 2012 Our Town from the Mayor 3

Greetings Everyone, the late 70s. Street Light projects are currently Fee—$15. All of the usual garage sale items underway in the Paddock Estates area. If you can be found throughout the sale as well as We have had a mild winter so far but we did notice a street light that has stopped working some unusual items. There is sure to be a have a tricky storm to deal with and we learned in your neighborhood, please note the pole treasure with your name on it! And you won’t a few lessons that will help us with future number or address the pole is located at and have to compete with “American Pickers”! storm challenges. Our goal will always be to call our Public Works Department. MSD is cur - Easter Egg Hunt & Snack with the Easter continue the tradition of the last two adminis - rently working on the Fountain/ St. Anthony Bunny will be held on Saturday, March 31st at trations to have snow removal service second Sewer Project and the Brightwell Sanitary the James J. Eagan Center from 9:30- to none. To that end Florissant is investing in Sewer Projects which hopefully will eliminate 11:30am. Tickets are available beginning an auxiliary second salt storage facility which basement back up incidents in these areas. Monday, March 12th for the Snack with the will be located in the top corner of Koch Park MSD continues to deal with the recent chal - Easter Bunny. The event is free; however, a cur - near the cell tower. Bids will be sent out in lenges by the Environmental Protection Agency rent resident card must be presented to obtain February and construction will be completed far to reduce or eliminate overflows of sewage into tickets. Ticket locations are the James J. Eagan in advance of next winter. fresh water streams. Center as well as the JFK Community Center. A The second salt storage shed is one of the cost I am pleased to announce that the 10 million light snack and drink will be provided while the saving projects the City of Florissant identified dollar Value City redevelopment is currently children visit the Easter Bunny and his friends. to undertake with funds created when the underway and the names of the tenants in After the snack, there will be an Easter egg hunt Council approved the Administration’s recom - addition to Panda Express that are coming will in the field outside of the Eagan Center. mendation to refinance our debt service bonds be announced in the beginning of March. Also Parents don’t forget to bring a camera! Limit of taking advantage of the lower interest rates the 1.4 million dollar Firestone development is 200 tickets will be made avail able. available. We also have projects in various underway at 8400 Lindbergh. The pre-existing Summer Playground Before and After stages of planning and implementation to building (the old Quik Trip) at this location has Care will be offered this year. You can register and the party will go till 2:00pm. Krause upgrade the Heating Ventilating and Cooling been demolished and a new Firestone will be for one or both. This is designed for those Katering will be providing the lunch and we systems of all of our major facilities. The salt built soon. Finally, Deleo’s Deli, Estes Park working parents. Only 40 spots will be avail - will have a special performance by the storage will pay for itself in 4 or 5 years by Colorado was projected to open on February 20. able for each location site, so sign up early. Clarkson School of Irish Dance. Coming allowing us to purchase salt in the summer It is located in Surrey Plaza. There is a fee for this program. Registration Tuesday, April the 17th is another senior trip when it is much cheaper. The HVAC projects The Police Department continues to recruit new for Summer Playground will begin April 1. and this will be a Tour of the Hill. The Flert Bus will take about 15 years to payback in energy members for our Neighborhood Watch Program. The City of Florissant is currently seeking will leave JJE at 8:45am and return around and maintenance savings. We continue our recruiting efforts to get the applicants for seasonal positions with the 2:45pm. Lunch will be served at LoRusso’s. For Your Public Works Department will be doing maximum participation from our residents. This Parks and Recreation and Public Works more information on this trip and other special about 1.3 million dollars worth of street main - program has proven to be a success and we feel Departments. Applications and a listing of the upcoming events contact Peggy Hogan in the tenance work in 2012 which will be completed with you becoming active in this program we can positions available may be obtained at the Senior Office at 314-839-7604. in all nine wards according to a street invento - make the community safer. The Chief and I Human Resources Department in the Amy Davis from the “Long Term Care ry rating guide. The guide is updated on an encourage everyone to continue to call the police Florissant Government Building. Ombudsman Program of St. Louis’, will give a ongoing basis from observations and investiga - department to report any suspicious activity in Look forward to the Florissant Fine Arts talk on how to choose and how to pay for long tions by our Street Department Superintendent your neighborhood. The next Neighborhood Council’s spring season, we have on tap for term care. Get answers to your questions about Gary Meyer, City Engineer Tim Barrett and Watch meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March Saturday, March 31 at 8pm, the fantastic Medicare/Medicaid and veterans benefits. The Public Works Director Lou Jearls and input 22 at 6:30 PM at the Florissant Police “Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette event will be held on Thursday, Match the 29th from you the public. Our goal is to maintain Department. For more information on this pro - Story!” This musical chronicles the life of this at the James J. Eagan Center downstairs in the and improve upon the overall mean street gram and to start one in your neighborhood, con - country star. Arts and Crafts Room at 1pm. The event is free maintenance rating for all of our streets com - tact Sgt. Kevin Boschert at 314-830-6042. The Alpha Players present: You Can’t Take It and there is no need to register. Educate your - bined. More details will follow in the next issue Parks & Recreation maintenance With You playing on March the 16 at 8pm, March self now so that you are prepared for the future. of the Focus. news… We will be installing new fitness equip - 17 at 8pm, March 23 at 8pm, March 24 at 8pm The 2011 fiscal year came to a close on The Public Works Department on the ground ment in April at both the JJE and JFK Centers. and March 25 at 2pm. The Hawthorne Players November 30, 2011. 2011 was a good year in floor of City Hall handles all the building We are in the process of putting new roofs on the present: Little Women which starts on April 13 at terms of overall finances and the budget. inspections, permit applications, occupancy restrooms at Manion and Duchesne Parks. The 8pm, April 14 at 8pm, April 20 at 8pm, and April Revenues exceeded budget estimates in all permits and minimum housing code enforce - playground complex at St. Ferdinand Lake will be 21 at 8pm and April 22 at 2pm. For more infor - funds. For the first time since 2008 sales tax ment. The Public Works Department hours of renovated. We are discussion the merits of natu - mation on these wonderful shows please contact receipts actually increased over the previous operations are 7 AM to 6PM Monday through ral grass areas in some parks and common areas our Florissant Theatre at 314-921-5678. year. All City accounts returned money that Friday, to accommodate our residents that may with Environmental Quality Commission. Then on Saturday April 28 at 8pm to round was budgeted but not spent. These positive have schedules that would conflict with the tra - You may know about the television show out their season a journey through the history results should put the city in a good position as ditional hours of 8 AM to 5 PM. Storage Wars, let the Garage Sale Wars begin! of the American Musical with the area’s top we move into the 2012 fiscal year despite the The City Engineer and his staff handle a lot of On April 28, 2012, the Parks Department will be theatre musicians! St. Louis Theatre uncertainties that the our current economic the street, bridges and infrastructure projects, hosting 3rd Annual Florissant Garage Sale . Musicians Orchestra performs the Best of climate brings. The 2011 fiscal year is current - administer the flood plain, sewer lateral pro - Florissant residents are encouraged to haul Broadway. This unique orchestra joins our ly undergoing the annual audit performed by gram and the underground storage tanks. The down the clutter from their attics and treasures series in cooperation with the American an independent certified public accounting Missouri Department of Transportation has from their garages for the Florissant Garage Federation of Musicians Local 2-197 to bring firm. I expect the results of this audit to con - completed their bridge inspections in the City Sale, to be held at the James J. Eagan ice rink audiences the brightest moments in Broadway firm the city’s sound fiscal position and to and we should be receiving the results of their area 9:00AM—1:00PM. The Garage Sale is history from the inception of musicals to the affirm the professionalism and precision with findings in the coming weeks. The City FREE to attend! To reserve your spot to sell current day. It will be a delightful evening of which the city’s finances are handled. Engineer feels confident that there will be no in the Florissant Garage Sale — Florissant music and memories. We hope you’ll join us! Sincerely Yours, major issues identified because Florissant has residents only fill out an application by April Thursday, March the 15th is the Florissant Thomas P. Schneider been proactive in systemically replacing 23rd. Applications will be available February Senior’s St. Patrick’s Party and bingo at the Mayor of the City of Florissant bridges since the Mayor was City Engineer in 23rd at JJE, JFK, and at www.florissantmo.com James J. Eagan Center. Doors open at 10:15am Charter Amendments Annexation On April 3rd Ballot Voters Will Decide On April 3 The St. Louis County Boundary review commission last year approved a request by the City of Florissant to annex an area roughly bounded by N Hwy 67 on the north, Old Halls Ferry on the Mayor Schneider has emulated both Mayor Eagan and Mayor Remember east and by Cold Water Creek on south and west. This area includes about 350 homes housing Lowery with his strong support of the Florissant City Charter and about 720 residents and we feel it is logical that this area and the existing City of Florissant has defended its integrity with zeal. He recognizes that the To VOTE would be well served if this area was a part of our city. A majority of the voters in both the city Charter is a living document and that from time to time modifica - and the area to be annexed must vote for this proposal to make it effective. tions and adjustments to the charter are prudent. In fact in 1989 On April 3 then Councilman Schneider led the initiative to place several changes to the Charter before the voters. The 1989 changes included giving the Council President the right to call a special meeting and changed the appointment of Personnel Commission Members from the Mayor to the Council. In keeping with a tradition of reviewing the Charter as needed, Mayor Schneider made a note of specific adjustments to the Charter that would be prudent and fair to consider. He did some research and asked Senior Council Member Mark Schmidt to suggest that the City Council con - sider correcting two flaws that were discovered in the Charter in 2011. The Mayor was pleased when the City Council voted unanimously to place these suggested Charter Amendments before the voters for their consideration on April 3. One obvious flaw came to light last year when it was necessary to call two special elections. The special election needed last August was necessary to break a tie vote in Ward 6 and to fill the unexpired term for Council Representative for Ward 3 when Councilman Schneider was elected to become Mayor Schneider. The special election last November was necessary to fill the unexpired term of Judge created by the untimely death of Judge Timothy Kelly. Our charter currently calls for a special election to be held within so many days of a tie or vacan - cy but State law supersedes by limiting the dates each year that elections can be held. There is a Charter amendment on the ballot this April 3, which allows our voters to amend the Charter to make it officially in compliance with State Election Laws. Another flaw in our Charter was discovered when the Mayor asked for clarification from the City Attorney in regards to eligibility of citizens who live in areas of the city where their ward has been changed as a result of redrawing ward boundaries. Ward boundaries are adjusted after Ameren-UE and Missouri American Water each 10 year census and because of the magnitude of successful annexations recently there Seeking Rate Increase were more significant changes than ever before to several ward boundaries. This resulted in many long time residents being ineligible to run for city council. For your information Ameren Union Electric is seeking a 14.6% rate increase and Missouri The second Florissant Charter amendment on the ballot April 3 gives Florissant voters the abil - American Water is seeking a 24 % rate increase from the Missouri PSC. Mayor Schneider has a ity to approve an exception to the provision in the Charter that requires a candidate for City a view similar to the previous administration. He feels that consideration of these increases Council be a registered voter residing in the ward they want to represent for at least one year. should be postponed until there is enough improvement in the economy so as not to cause fur - That exception would state that if a person lived in their residence for at least one year but their ther financial distress on area consumers. The website for Ameren UE is www.ameren.com and ward was changed inadvertently due to the redistricting that takes place very ten years, then for MO American Water is www.amwater.com. If you would like to contact the Missouri Public they would be eligible to run for Council in their new ward. Service Commission to express your opinion please call the PSC at 1-800-392-4211. 4 Florissant Police News The Florissant Focus St. Ferdinand School Participates in Florissant Overall Crime Rate Decreases Statewide “ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill Chief Karabas is pleased to In 2011 there were 1,222 Part I announce a 15% decrease in the Crimes and 636 Part II Crimes for a crime rate for the City of Florissant combined total of 1,858 reported during 2011. This marks the third incidents. This was a decrease of 328 year in a row Florissant has experi - crimes when compared to the 2,186 enced a decrease in its’ yearly crime total crimes reported in 2010. The rate totals. most significant reductions were in Reported crimes are broken down the categories of Stealing, down by into two categories, Part I and Part II 197 reported incidents, and Motor Crimes. Part I Crimes include; Vehicle Thefts which saw a reduc - Homicide, Rape/Attempted Rape, tion of 56 reported incidents. Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary totals were up slightly from Burglary, Stealing, Motor Vehicle 2010 by 15 incidents, or just over one Theft and Arson. Part II crimes a month on average. include; Simple Assault, Property For more information or to review Damage and Sex Offenses (other monthly crime reports visit our than Rape). web site at: www.florissantmo.com/police. D.E.A. “Drug Take Back Program” The City of Florissant will have three col - Mayor Schneider shown speaking to students from St. Ferdinand Elementary lection sites for people to drop off their School during the Missouri statewide “ShakeOut” Drill. expired, unused and unwanted prescription Several local media outlets were on Mayor Schneider pointed out to stu - drugs for destruction on Saturday, April 28, hand as students at St. Ferdinand dents the fact that St. Ferdinand 2012 (10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.). The service is School participated in the recent Church had been established and in free and anonymous, no questions asked. statewide “ShakeOut” earthquake existence for 22 years prior to the Tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage drill. State earthquake officials con - 1812 Great New Madrid Quake. forms will be collected. Intravenous solu - ducted presentations for the stu - More than 350,000 Missourians par - tions, injectibles, and syringes will not be dents on Missouri earthquake sci - ticipated in the recent statewide accepted. ence, history and preparedness, fol - “ShakeOut” earthquake drill on Florissant will provide three collection sites. lowed by a highly visible “Drop, February 7th. Missouri was one of They are; The City of Florissant will again join - J. J. Eagan Civic Center, #1 James J. Cover, Hold On” earthquake drill. nine states in the New Madrid Seismic forces with the Drug Enforcement Mr. Steve Besemer, the Missouri Zone that participated in the drill on Eagan Dr., Florissant, MO 63033 Administration (DEA) along with other - JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell, State Emergency Agency Earthquake the 200th anniversary of the largest government, community, public health and Program Manager, Geophysicist earthquake in state history. The Great Florissant, MO 63031 law enforcement partners to participate in - Florissant Police Dept., 1700 North Gregory Hempen, and Florissant New Madrid quake that occurred on a nationwide prescription drug "Take- Mayor Thomas P. Schneider spoke February 7, 1812 devastated much of Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63033 Back" initiative that seeks to prevent Visit www.dea.gov for more information with the students about earthquake southeast Missouri and was felt as far increased pill abuse and theft. science, history and preparedness. away as the East Coast. and for additional collection sites. Police Officer’s Recognized for The Florissant Law Enforcement Explorers Exceptional Performance of Duty To Co-Host a Trivia Night

The Florissant and Overland Law For more information or to reserve Enforcement Explorer Posts will be your spot contact either: hosting a Trivia Night on Saturday, Florissant Law Enforcement April 14, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the JFK Explorer Post Community Center at 315 Howdershell 1700 North Highway 67 Road in Florissant, MO 63031. Florissant, MO 63033 The cost will be $160.00 per (314) 831-7000 At the City Council Meeting on for capturing suspects who were team/table with a maximum of 8 per - Attn: Officer Andy Haarmann Monday, February 13, 2012, Chief stealing from vehicles and recover - sons per table. 0r William Karabas and Mayor Thomas ing the stolen property. This event has sold out in the past Overland Law Enforcement Schneider awarded commendations Officer Joseph Monahan and Officer so we recommend you reserve your Explorer Post to 21 Police Officer's. Alexander Nilson were recognized spot early to guarantee your table. 2410 Goodale Det. Andy Hale was recognized for for their quick response which pre - There will also be a silent auction Overland, MO 63114 his part, as a member of the FBI Task vented a burglary and arresting the during the event. Beer, soda, wine (314) 428-1212 Force, in a two year investigation suspect on additional drug charges. and snacks are included with your Sgt. Scott Barthelmass that led to the arrest of 16 suspects Officer Stan Arnold, Officer Shaun registration fee. for narcotics, weapons, and money Kummer, Officer Steven Michael, and laundering charges. Sgt. Michael Layton were recognized Officer Andre Reece, Officer for their diligent efforts in capturing Richard Kohnen and Officer Steven a suspect charged with felony steal - AARP “Driver Safety Program” for 2012 Michael were recognized for taking ing and recovering the stolen prop - can help you learn the effects of into custody eight suspects charged erty. aging on driving and how you can with unlawful use of a weapon and Officer Jarrod Coder, Officer Joel adjust one’s driving habits to remain seizing the weapon. Zwick and Officer Jeffrey Seerey were safe on the road. This program is Officer Edward Sharp and Officer recognized for their efforts in locat - The Florissant Police Department sponsored and presented by AARP Michael Arthur were awarded commen - ing a stolen vehicle and apprehend - will be hosting another series of the and targets drivers 50 years of age dations for arresting a burglary suspect ed two suspects. AARP “Driver Safety Program” dur - and older. AARP provides a certified and clearing two burglary cases. Officer Nicholas Osmer, Officer ing 2012. The dates are: instructor to teach the program. Officer Michael Kiefer was com - Jarrod Coder, and Officer Jeffrey Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Many insurance companies offer mended for his actions in locating a Seerey were recognized for their dili - Tuesday, May 15, 2012 reduced insurance rates for those burglary suspects and recovering gent efforts in arresting a suspect Tuesday, August 14, 2012 who successfully complete the stolen property. who was later charged with Felony Tuesday, November 13, 2012 course. Check with your insurance Officer Joseph Monahan was com - Possession of Controlled Substances LOCATION: Florissant Police company to see if you qualify. mended for locating suspects from a with the intent to distribute. Department, 1700 N. Highway 67, To register contact Sgt. Kevin stealing incident while he was off-duty Officer Matthew Thompson, Officer Florissant, MO 63033 Boschert at the Florissant Police and detaining the suspects until on- Patrick O'Fallon, Officer Steven TIME: 9:00am – 1:00pm Department’s Public Information Unit duty officers arrived to arrest the sus - Beekman, and Officer Matthew FEE: $12 for AARP Members, $14 at (314) 830-6042. Seating is limited pects. As a result of his actions part of Stringer were commended for their for Non-AARP Members so drivers are encouraged to register the stolen money was recovered. team work in arresting three sus - The AARP “Driver Safety Program” early to reserve a spot in the class. Officer Jeffrey Seerey and Officer pects for burglary and recovering is a 4-hour classroom refresher that REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Steven Neuhauser were commended the stolen property. March 2012 Public Works 5 SEWER LATERAL FEE REDUCED $22 IN 2012! STREET WORK Mayor Schneider listened to the sug - ducing and passing Ordinance #7855. This spring, City crews will begin the Sewer Lateral Insurance Program gestion that the Florissant Sewer The City has until September to this season's maintenance of replac - (SLIP). Lateral Fee be reduced from $50 per notify St. Louis County Tax ing deteriorating concrete slabs and When work is being done in your household to $28. Among those who Collection of a rate change, but patching other areas that need area, keep safety in mind. Drive slow expressed a desire to study reducing Mayor Schneider felt that there was repair with hot asphalt mix. and use caution. At times, there will the fee in the past were former Mayor no reason to wait. He felt it would be Several concrete streets will have be detours and weather related Lowery and Council Representative good to start the New Year with good major repairs done to concrete slabs delays that cannot be avoided. Lee. Mayor Schneider and Public news for our residents of a lower tax and then an asphalt overlay to pro - Please be patient and be courteous Works Director Jearls had more discus - for the valuable and much appreciat - tect the concrete underneath. This to the workers. Everyone's safety is sions with new Council ed sewer lateral program. Mayor work will also begin this spring. our main concern. Representatives Eagan and Stinnett Schneider commends the City The Street Department continues to For more information, you can con - late last year which led to the conclu - Council for this action and adds that do the excavation work on all sewer tact the Florissant Street sion that we were now in a position to there are no plans to reduce the high lateral repairs for residents under Department at 314-839-7652. lower the flat Sewer lateral tax which level of service offered by our excel - resulted in the entire City Council intro - lent Sewer Lateral Program. In Case of Emergency – Electronics Recycling Drive Mayor Thomas P. Schneider Don’t Forget the Pets! announced today that the City of Florissant will again be hosting a It’s a typical summer day when you determine where you will take major electronics recycling drive you start to notice changes in the your pets ahead of time. for City of Florissant residents. sky. Clouds begin to gather. Soon 3. Keep important pet papers at Residents will need to provide the sky darkens and begins to look hand. Put together a kit containing proof of residency by providing threatening. Ask yourself, am I pre - all vaccinations records, veterinary staff a current resident card, elec - pared for what lies ahead? contacts, micro-chip/tag informa - tric/utility bill or driver’s license. Emergencies come in many forms. tion, emergency contact informa - The Mayor has reached an agree - The best thing you can do for you tion for someone outside the area ment with Meridian Waste servic - and your pets is to be prepared for and also include a picture of your es to provide additional equip - one. Have a disaster plan for your pet(s), preferably with you in the ment and manpower the city will family but don’t forget to include picture. Keep all information in a need to hold this event benefiting your pets. To help you plan ahead water- tight container or bag. all of our residents and the envi - drained prior to the event. we have listed a few things for you MAKE SURE EVERY MEMBER OF ronment. The recycling event is to be held on to keep in mind. YOUR FAMILY KNOWS WHERE Acceptable items to be collected Saturday April 28, 2012 between the 1. During storms, bring your pets are computers and all of their hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will be THIS INFORMATION IS KEPT! accessories, networking and held in St. Ferdinand Park. The Mayor inside and make sure they have 4. Bring along enough food/water telecommunications equipment, encourages all of our residents to par - plenty of food and water. If you are for 7 days. Extra collars, leashes, phones (home and cell), clocks, ticipate. Recycling conserves our natu - not home when the weather turns pet first aid supplies and portable TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, ral resources, saves money, creates bad, plan ahead and ask a neigh - bowls may be needed as well. A/V equipment including cable jobs, eliminates waste in landfills and bor to help, just remember to keep 5. MAKE SURE YOUR PET(S) HAS and satellite boxes, home elec - reduces harm to the environment. those phone numbers handy. IDENTIFICATION ON AT ALL TIMES! tronics and appliances and any If you need additional information feel 2. Arrange a safe place to Planning ahead will improve item with a gasoline engine pro - free to contact the Florissant Health take your pets in the event the animal outcome of an emer - vided the engine has been Department at 314-839-7655. you have to evacuate, DO gency as well as enhance NOT leave pets behind. human response to evacuations Keep in mind that during and other disaster a disaster many emer - relief efforts. FREE RECYCLE TOTE gency shelters will not The City of Florissant has 65 gallon accept animals because recycle totes available for Florissant of health and safety reg - residents. If you would like to receive ulations, because of this one of these totes, call the Florissant it is very Health Department at 314-839-7655 important Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm. The recycle totes are to be used for recycling only and are not to be used for trash pick up or yard waste. Thank you!

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Florissant Valley Men of Harmony Present: Lobby Box Office Hours: Mon. and Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues., Wed., Thur., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Box Office will close each day from 12:30 REMEMBER RADIO to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Arrangements to purchase tickets can be made by Mar. 30 – 7:30 p.m. phone at (314) 921-5678, by e-mail at [email protected], online at The barbershoppers wend their way through a radio www.FlorissantMO.com, or by mail addressed to: FCC Theatre, #1 James mystery entitled “The Rotten Spice Caper” with an array of old and new songs in the rich harmony of a J. Eagan Dr., Florissant, MO 63033. Call 314-921-5678 for additional infor - cappella barbershop sounds. The show is a behind- mation 24 hours a day. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. the-scenes display of a radio broadcast complete Individual tickets go on sale 45 days prior to the opening of any with sound effects that bring back memories of production. radio magic. A great evening of entertainment will be capped by a guest quartet! This show is a fan - tastic entertainment value; you will be glad to be a part of it. MARCH ADMISSION: $10.00 in advance; $12.00 at the door The Chicago Children’s Theatre has cancelled their tour of The Hundred Dresses, which The St. Phone info and reservations: 314-921-5678 Louis Family Theatre had scheduled to appear at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre March 4 at 7:30 PM, and March 9 and 10 at 2 PM. Though rare, such changes in live theatre bookings regret - tably do occur. In its place (same times and dates) we have scheduled the exciting, award-win - ning new production of If You Give a Moose a Muffin from San Antonio, Texas’ acclaimed Magik Theatre Company, which brought the St. Louis Family Theatre Series the classic Pocahontas in *Florissant Fine Arts Council Presents: 2010. This high- energy show, based on the popular series by Laura Numeroff, provides a hilari - STAND BY YOUR MAN The Tammy Wynette Story ous sequel to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, but this time a very hungry house guest with antlers runs his young host ragged with his constant demands. After all, if you give a moose a muffin, he’ll Mar. 31 – 8:00 p.m. just want some jam to go with it! Complete with an unforgettable dance sequence that is sure to TAMMY WYNETTE - the woman behind the legend and get the audience moving, this adventure in story telling is fun for both children and adults and the incredible songs that made her the first lady of coun - provides a wonderful conclusion for a great Family Theatre season. All “Hundred Dresses” sub - try music – leaps off the stage and into your heart. scriber tickets will be honored for this same date replacement production. Through her eyes, the audience relives her journey from the cotton fields of Mississippi to international super - stardom. With comic flair and dramatic impact STAND BY **St. Louis Family Theatre Series Presents: YOUR MAN recounts her triumphs and tragedies while exploring Tammy's relationship with the five husbands IF YOU GIVE A MOOSE A MUFFIN she stood by, her beloved daughters, her strong-willed Mar. 4 – 2:00 p.m. Mar. 9 – 7:30 p.m. Mar. 10 - 2:00 p.m. mother and two of her dearest friends. If a big, hungry moose comes to visit, you ADMISSION: $27.00 Adults; might give him a muffin to make him feel at $25.00 Seniors/Students home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want Phone info and reservations: 314-921-5678 some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he'll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix. In this hilarious sequel to the award-winning Magik Theatre's 2009 runaway hit If You Give a Mouse a APRIL Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Complete with an unforget - St. Louis Brass Band Presents: table dance sequence that is sure to get the audience moving, If You Give a Moose a ON WITH THE SHOW Muffin is an adventure in storytelling that is Apr. 1 – 2:30 p.m. fun for both children and adults. (Please note: If You Give a Moose a Muffin replaces the can - Some music is so closely related with the movie it was written for that listening to it allows celled touring production of The 100 Dresses, originally scheduled at these dates and times) the listener to recall the emotions felt while watching the movie. From An American in Paris by ADMISSION: $7.00 to all. Group rates available. George Gershwin and Show Boat by Jerome Kern to Batman by Danny Elfman and Star Wars by Phone info and reservations: 314-921-5678 John Williams, this St. Louis Brass Band concert will feature music from movies and stage musi - cals. The St. Louis Brass Band consists of twenty-eight professional brass and percussion per - Alpha Players Present: formers whose mission is to spread the literature of the traditional English brass band through many high quality performances in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU ADMISSION: $7.00 Adults; $5.00 Seniors/Students Mar. 16 – 8:00 p.m. Mar. 17 – 8:00 p.m. Mar. 23 – 8:00 p.m. Phone info and reservations: 314-921-5678 Mar. 24 – 8:00 p.m. Mar. 25 – 2:00 p.m. An all-time classic comedy, "You Can't Take It With You" is full Hawthorne Players Present: of big characters and bigger laughs! At first the Sycamore fam - LITTLE WOMEN ily may seem crazy, but it is not long before we realize that if they are crazy, the rest of the world is crazier. Visit the eccentric world Apr. 13 – 8:00 p.m. Apr. 14 – 8:00 p.m. Apr. 20 – 8:00 p.m. of the Sycamore family where everyday routines include setting off Apr. 21 – 8:00 p.m. Apr. 22 – 2:00 p.m. fireworks - inside the house, collecting snakes, distributing Marxist The play begins that memorable Christmas when Marmee leaves to visit her sick husband and Jo flyers and holding ballet lessons in the living room. When Alice (the sells her beautiful hair to help finance the trip. We live, love, laugh and cry with Jo and her sisters "normal" daughter) announces her boyfriend's wealthy, conservative Meg, Amy and Beth as they go through the many trials and tribulations that have made this story parents are coming for dinner, the family promises to behave, but a classic. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, this play is sure to be a family favorite. when the guests show up on the wrong night, all bets are off! ADMISSION: $16.00 Adults; $14.00 Seniors/Students; Group rates available. ADMISSION: $14.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors/Students; $8.00 Children under 12; Phone info and reservations: 314-921-5678 Group rates available. Phone info and reservations: 314-921-5678

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*Florissant Fine Arts Council Presents: *Florissant Fine Arts Council Presents: St. Louis Theatre Musicians Orchestra BIG BAND PATRIOTIC SALUTE BEST OF BROADWAY May 28 – 7:00 p.m. Apr. 28 – 8:00 p.m. The Florissant Fine Arts Council and the City of Florissant continue the series of Big Band Once again we will journey through the history of the American musical with the area’s top the - Concerts featuring Gary Dammer on trumpet and seventeen of the St. Louis area’s finest musi - atre musicians! This unique orchestra brings audiences the brightest moments in Broadway cians in their annual Memorial Day Patriotic Salute. history from the inception of musicals to the current day. A delightful evening of music and ADMISSION: $8.00 Adults; $6.00 Seniors/Students memories! This twenty-two piece Theatre Orchestra performs with live strings, woodwinds, Phone information and reservations 314-921-5678 brass, percussion and three of St. Louis’ finest singers Patricia Scanlon, Rich Pisarkiewicz and Dean Christopher. With 30 years of experience as an actor, singer, comedian and impressionist, Dean has also developed a tribute show to the classic Las Vegas Rat Pack era that he will sing selections from as well. *The Florissant Fine Arts Council presents the Applause/Applause ADMISSION: $27.00 Adults; $25.00 Seniors/Students 2011/2012 series with financial support from our members, the Phone information and reservations 314-921-5678 Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, Arts and Education Council, the Employees Community Fund of MAY Boeing St. Louis and the City of Florissant. Northwinds Concert Band Presents: **The St. Louis Family Theatre Series gratefully acknowledges A MUSICAL CELEBRATION financial support from the Arts and Education Council, City of Florissant, Junior League of St. Louis, Missouri Arts Council, a May 5 – 7:30 p.m. The 60-piece Northwinds Band, under the direction of Larry Marsh, will present a stirring con - state agency, and the Regional Arts Commission. cert featuring an exciting mix of spirited music including big band tunes, works from stage and screen, bright marches and light classics. Northwinds is thrilled to present the American pre - miere of a new piece by noted composer David Shaffer entitled “At the Red Creek.” This thrilling music portrays the history of the small German town Roethenbach, whose location on a small brook north of the Alps made it a part of over 1000 years of history. Oskar Bihler, director of the town’s Musikkaelle Roethenbach wind ensemble, will travel from Germany to conduct this new music, which was commissioned this year to commemorate the 1150th anniversary of the founding of the town and the 170th anniversary of the founding of the band. Northwinds Concert Band is a program of Ferguson Florissant’s Community Education Department. ADMISSION: $8.00 Adults; $6.00 Seniors/Students Phone information and reservations 314-921-5678

Alpha Players Present: GOD’S FAVORITE May 18 – 8:00 p.m. May 19 – 8:00 p.m. May 25 – 8:00 p.m. May 26 – 8:00 p.m. May 27 – 2:00 p.m. Successful and respected Long Island business man Joe Benjamin is a modern-day “Job” with a mansion, a high-maintenance wife, a couple of ungrateful children and wise-cracking house - hold help. Just when it seems things could not get worse, he is visited by Sidney Lipton (aka “A Messenger from God”). Sidney has a mission: test Joe’s faith and report back to the “Boss.” It seems God and Satan have made a bet and God has put his trust in one of his favorites, Joe, to keep his faith. The jokes and “Tests of Faith” fly fast and furious as Neil Simon spins a con - temporary tale like no other. The Good Book was never like this! ADMISSION: $14.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors/Students; $8.00 Children 12 and under; Group rates available. Phone information and reservations 314-921-5678 8 Seniors News The Florissant Focus SENIOR TRIPS FOR SPRING 2012 Below are pictures from the Annual Senior Citizen New Year’s Eve Party held at the Eagan Center on For Information on trips call 595-3636. New Year’s Eve at 10:00am – 2:00pm. Tuesday, April 17th – TOUR OF THE HILL. Joe DeGregorio will take you on a wonderful tour of St. Louis’s Legendary Italian Neighborhood. Cost: $32.00 (Covers transportation, tour and lunch) . The Florissant Bus will leave the Eagan Center at 8:45am and return at around 2:45pm. Lunch will be served at Lorusso’s Restaurant. Tickets will be available on Thursday, March 1st at the Florissant Senior Dining Center from 9:00am - 11:00am for residents ONLY with a current resident card. The second registration will be Thursday, March 8th from 9:00am – 11:00am for senior residents AND non-residents. Cost for a non-resident is $34.00.

Sunday, June 3rd – BISSELL MANSION RESTAURANT & MURDER MYS - TERY DINNER THEATRE. St. Louis’s Oldest “Hysterical Landmark!” See the production “PHANTOM OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY” . Cost: $40.00 (Covers show, transportation and dinner). The Florissant Bus will leave the Eagan Center at 1:00pm and return at apr. 4:45pm. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 24th from 9:00am - 11:00am at the Florissant Senior Dining Center for Senior Residents with a current resident card. The second registration will be Tuesday, May 1st at the Senior Dining Center Councilmen Pat Stinnett, Keith Schildroth, John Grib and Joseph Eagan serving from 9:00am – 11:00am for residents AND non-residents. Cost for a non- beverages to the Senior Citizens. resident is $42.00.

Sunday, July 15th – “CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL” AT THE MIS - SOURI BOTANICAL GARDENS. See America’s first large-scale Chinese Lantern Festival that will feature 26 large-scale glowing sculptures of undulating dragons, lotus flowers, cherry blossoms, and a three-story replica of the 15th Century Beijing Heavenly Temple. COST: $25.00 (cov - ers transportation and entry fees – dinner is NOT included – cafeteria will be open) . The Florissant Bus will leave the Eagan Center at 5:00pm and return at apr. 10:00pm. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 5th at the Florissant Senior Dining Center from 9:00am – 11:00am for senior resi - dents with a current resident card. The second registration will be Tuesday, June 12th at the Senior Dining Center from 9:00am – 11:00am for residents AND non-residents. Cost for a non-resident is $27.00. DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! The City of Florissant sponsors Senior Citizen Dances for residents and non-residents. Dances are held at the Eagan Center from 7:00-10:00pm. Light snacks are provided. Beer, wine and soda are available for pur - chase. Admission is just $6.00 if purchased ahead of time in the Senior Office in City Hall and $8.00 if purchased at the door. The upcoming dances are: Mayor Thomas P. Schneider and his wife Rachel were ringing in the New Year Saturday, March 10th - The Music Men with the Senior Citizens of Florissant! Saturday, May 12th - The Michael Lacey Band Friday, June 29th - RhythmAires HOW DO I CHOOSE A LONG TERM CARE FACILITY FOR MY LOVED ONE? FEELING LUCKY? HOW WILL I PAY FOR IT? Win your Pot of Gold at the SENIOR CIT - IZEN ST. PATRICK’S PARTY on Thursday, Amy Daniels from the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of St. March 15th at 10:15 am. Watch students Louis will offer information on how to CHOOSE and how to PAY for a from Clarkson School of Irish long term care facility. Get the answers to your questions about Dance kick up their heels! Enjoy Medicare/ Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits. Don’t wait! Educate your - the traditional Corned Beef and self now so that you are prepared for the future! There’s no need to Cabbage Lunch. Attendance Prizes register. This is a free event on Thursday, March 29th at 1:00pm in the and Pot of Gold will be raffled. We’ll A/B Room in the James J. Eagan Center. Call the Senior Office at 839- top off the day by playing Bingo. Party 7604 for more information. will be at the Eagan Center. Doors open at 10:15 am. Cost is $7.00. Ticket sales begin on February 6th in the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall. THIS NEW YEAR WHY NOT GIVE YOUR HEART Call the Senior Office for more infor - mation – 839-7604. Wear your green AND BRING COMFORT INTO SOMEONE’S LIFE and join us! Everyday people say “I would like to be a part of helping someone, but I just don’t know how to go about it”. Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sen - sitivity and support for our patients. Heartland Hospice’s goal is to provide pallia - Directly Across From tive and supportive services to meet physical, psychological, social and spiritual Fischers needs of patients and their families in the home, health care facilities or other res - idential settings. Volunteers can provide one-on-one attention to residents who are lonely or cut off from their families, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and contributing to their sense of belonging. The benefits are endless when one can make a “DIFFERENCE”. Volunteers Are the Heart of the Hospice Team. We depend on our Hospice volunteers to help us provide the extra love and care our clients and their families need at this time in their life. Heartland volunteers offer support, companionship and practical, caring help. Staying with the patient so fam - ily members can take a break, reading scripture to patients, or holding their hand. The help and support our volunteers give is returned to them in countless ways. You can make a DIFFERENCE. All assignments are in close proximity to your home, work or school. You can donate as little or as much of your time as you desire . Please contact Virginia at 314-453-0990 if you would like to 750 S. New Florissant Rd. • Florissant, MO bring something special into some - one’s life. Be sure to inquire about Open Mon-Sat 8-9 & Sun 9-7 our next Training Class. March 2012 Seniors News 9 Do Not Throw Your Bank Statements and SENIOR CITIZEN EVENTS SCHEDULE Other Documents in the Trash! MARCH Help Prevent Identity Theft. The City of Florissant is holding our first 1st - Tickets go on sale for the Tour of the Hill Senior Trip (April 17th) “FLORISSANT DOCUMENT SHREDDING DAY”! Bring all of your docu - ments with private information on them and watch them be shredded – Call 595-3636 for more information right before your eyes! “The Bridge at Florissant”, the new Senior Living 2nd - Incarnate Word Academy Senior Prom - $5.00 admission fee at the door! Community in Florissant on Parker Road, is sponsoring this event. CIN - TAS, a Document Management Company, will provide the shred trucks 8th - Silver Words – Eagan Center - 1:30 - Florissant K-9 Demonstration and security representatives to securely destroy all material. 10th - Senior Dance Eagan Center – Saturday – 7pm -10 pm The Music Men So clean out your files and bring all your old documents to this event! 15th - St. Patrick’s Party – Clarkson School of Irish Dance, Saturday, May 19th, 2012 from 9:00am – 12:00noon in St. Ferdinand Park down by St. Ferdinand Lake. You must have a Florissant Resident Card. Corned Beef & Cabbage, Prizes, Bingo 10:15 – 2:00pm There will be a 5-box or 5-bag limit for each car. 29th - Speaker Series – 1:00pm Eagan Center Room A/B – “How to Choose Long Types of boxes include: copy paper boxes, banker boxes & shoe boxes. Term Care” by Amy Daniels (Long Term Care Ombudsman) Types of bags include: shopping bags, grocery bags and trash bags. There is no need to remove paper clips or staples however you can not APRIL bring 3-ring binders, hanging file folders, CD’s, DVD’s or hard bound books. 6th - CITY OFFICES CLOSED – GOOD FRIDAY Thanks to our Florissant Trash Hauler, MERIDIAN WASTE SERVICES, for 9th - Tickets go on sale for the Memorial Celebration Party & Bingo (May 24th) the donation of a recycle dumpster for the event. Call the Senior Office at 839-7604 for more information. 12th - Silver Words Trip to Black Madonna Shrine & Tea Room in the Valley 17th - Senior Trip – Tour of the Hill Inviting All Florissant Senior Citizens to Join 24th - Tickets go on sale for Bissell Mansion Senior Trip (June 3) – Call 595-3636 for more information One of Our Specialty Clubs MAY For further information regarding the clubs listed below, please 10th - Silver Words Club Meeting – Board Games – JFK Center – 1:30-3:30pm call the Senior Office at 839-7604. 12th - Senior Dance – Eagan Center – Saturday 7pm-10pm Michael Lacey Band BINGO CLUBS 24th - Memorial Celebration Party & Bingo - Patriotic songs by the Florissant Monday Club: Meets every Monday for Bingo from 11:30am -2:30pm in the Eagan Center. Bingo and interesting day trips planned. Barbershop Group “Men of Harmony,” Lunch, Prizes & Bingo 10:15am - 2:00pm Tuesday Club: Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00am– 1:30pm in the Eagan Center. Bingo, Trips, Speakers & Special Events. Wednesday Club: Meets every Wednesday from 11:30am-2:30pm in the Senior Joke Eagan Center. Bingo and interesting day trips planned, We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the SENIOR SPECIAL was CARD CLUBS two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $4.99. “Sounds Good,” my Pinochle Club: Meets every Tuesday at JFK Center in Koch Park from wife said, “But I don’t want the eggs.” “Then I’ll have to charge you $5.49 7:00pm – 9:00pm because you’re ordering a la carte,” the waitress warned her. ”You mean Bridge Club: Meets every Friday at the Eagan Center at 10:30am. I’d have to pay for NOT taking the eggs?” My wife asked incredulously. “YES!” stated the waitress. “I’ll take the special then,” my wife said. SILVER WORDS CLUB “How do you want your eggs?” the waitress asked. “Raw and in the Widows and Widowers or Divorced/Single Seniors. Meets once a month, shell,” my wife replied. She took the two eggs home and baked a cake. every second Thursday of the month at 1:30 with a meeting, trip or a DON’T MESS WITH SENIORS!! speaker at the JFK Center in Koch Park. We’ve been around the block more than once! MINNIE’S LINE DANCE CLUB Free Line Dance Class – meets every Wednesday at 12:30 at the Eagan Center. Great exercise while learning to line dance! FINANCIAL FOCUS St. Louis County Older Residents Program provides services to St. Louis County Seniors 60 years of age and older. For The Florissant Senior Office, in cooperation with St. Louis County, would Reported by like to extend an invitation to Florissant Residents to take advantage of Gary Meyer - Investment Representative the variety of services St. Louis County offers to senior citizens. Some of 1080 rue St. Francois these services include: legal assistance, transportation, computer train - Florissant, Mo 63031 ing, tax preparation, and information & referral services. St. Louis 314-839-9385 County offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities with flexible hours, days, time, commitment and location. Many volunteer opportu - What does investment landscape look like in 2012? nities are available close to home in their North County Offices. Contact As an investor, you know that 2011 was a S&P 500 index has shown negative returns Linda Willis at 314-615-7430 for more information. somewhat “choppy” year, with the financial in only three of the last 21 presidential markets going through many ups and election years. Coincidence? No one can downs. So what can you expect in 2012? say for sure — and at this point, no one can As baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra is quot - say if this pattern of positive returns will Boyle Law Firm, LLC ed as saying: “It’s hard to make predictions continue during this election year. Still, it’s — especially about the future.” And these an interesting phenomenon. So there you Patrick O. Boyle & Daniel P. Boyle words are certainly applicable for anyone have it: the good, the bad and the quirky. Attorneys At Law who would like an accurate forecast of the Take them all together, and you still may investment climate. not be able to foresee what will happen Concentrations in Trust & Estates, Estate Planning, Yet we do know of some factors that may with the markets this year, but you’ll have a Education Law, affect your portfolio in the months ahead. lot to think about. Here are a few of them: But instead of trying to predict what will Small Business Representation & Real Estate Law. Strong business fundamentals — This past happen in 2012, you may be better off fol - year, all the noise about the debt ceiling lowing these tried-and-true investment debate, the size of the U.S. deficit and the strategies: 314-838-4500 European financial situation tended to Diversify your holdings. By spreading your 755 Rue St. Francois drown out some fairly good news: U.S. busi - money among a wide range of investments, nesses’ balance sheets were strong for the you can reduce the effects of volatility on Florissant, Missouri 63031 most part, borrowing costs remained low, your portfolio. Keep in mind, though, that and corporate profits were good — and cor - diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee porate profitability remains a key driver of profits or protect against loss. stock prices. Heading into 2012, these fun - Don’t ignore your risk tolerance. If you St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Open to ALL damentals continue to look positive, which worry excessively about market fluctua - may bode well for investors. tions, you may have too much risk in your You don't need to be Irish to be lucky at only $7. Sandwiches are $3 and chil - Europe’s debt crisis — Greece’s economic portfolio, which means you may need to the Shrine this St. Patrick's Day! dren eat for $4. Take-out available. problems made a lot of news in 2011, but make some changes. Annual St. Patrick's Day Meal will be Tours of the Shrine will be offered at they weren’t the end of the story in Europe, Always look at the “big picture.” Financial held at the St. Ferdinand Shrine, #1 rue discount prices during the event as as major financial difficulties also face Italy, markets will always fluctuate. But if you can St. Francois in Florissant on Saturday, well as special book fair pricing of $4 Spain, Portugal and Ireland. It’s by no keep your focus on your long-term objec - March 17, 2012 from 11:00am to per bag. means clear how these problems will be tives, and make decisions accordingly, you can avoid overreacting to short-term events. 6:00pm. (Or until the food runs out!) The Gift Shop will also be open. resolved, so don’t be surprised to see them Feed your mind and stomach! lead to intermittent, if short-lived, shocks to Like other years, 2012 will bring with it peri - Home-cooked corned beef, potatoes, ods of both turbulence and smooth sailing. For more information contact the Shrine the markets. cabbage and cornbread prepared by Election-year patterns — As you’re well But by making the right investment moves, Irish shrine members. at 314-837-2110 or on the web at aware, we’re voting for president in 2012. you can still chart a course that can allow Dinner plus drink and dessert costs www.oldstferdinandshrine.com But you might be surprised to learn that the you to move ever closer to your future goals. 10 Community Development & Valley of Flowers The Florissant Focus FLORISSANT HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CALLING ALL FORMER The City of Florissant’s Community Development Office will have applica - tions available for the Home Improvement Program beginning Monday, April 2, 2012. Applications can be found by visiting VALLEY OF FLOWERS QUEENS www.florissantmo.com/cd/blockgrant.shtml or the Community Development The Valley of Flowers is celebrating 50 years of Festivals in 2012. The com - Office located in the Government Building at 1055 rue St. Francois. mittee wishes to invite all of our Former queens to participate in this Sorry, no applications will be made available BEFORE April 2nd. momentous occasion by riding on a float designed especially for our COMPLETED applications will be accepted Tuesday, May 1, 2012 thru Thursday, Queens, be a guest at the Pre-parade Party and attend the crowning on May 31, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6th, 2012. For more information please call 314-837-0033. Applications are NOT selected on a “First-Come-First Serve” basis. The Home Improvement Program offers forgivable loans to income eligible Florissant homeowners. Applicants must be Florissant homeowners and they must have owned and occupied the house for at least two years prior to application. Homeowners accepted into the program must remain in their home five years from the date of completion of the program requirements. A seminar explaining the 2012 Home Improvement Program will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 6:00pm in the Government Building. For additional information contact the Community Development Office at 839-7622 or 839-7679. Down Payment Assistance The City of Florissant is offering Down Payment Assistance to income eligible, first-time home buyers. The Down Payment Assistance Program provides inter - est-free forgivable loans of $3,500 to be used towards the down payment and closing costs for the purchase of a home within Florissant city limits. Please contact the Housing and Community Development Office for more information. 314.839.7680 Make It a New Year’s Resolution! VOLUNTEER WITH CORP! Did you know that the Saint Louis County Department of Human Services pro - vides a wide array of volunteer opportunities through the County Older Resident Programs (CORP)? Many positions offer flexibility, regarding hours, days, time commitment and location. Some examples include: driving older Mood-Boosting Strategies to Beat adults to doctor appointments and grocery stores; picking up and delivering prescriptions, groceries and household items; and visiting homebound seniors. Other volunteer options involve administrative or professional skills, such as the Post-Holiday Blues phone receptionist, data entry, paralegal and computer coach. There also are The holiday season is a festive time of year, when family and friends get together, gifts are opportunities for individuals or groups to share specific talents and skills (e.g., exchanged, delicious treats are shared, and music and laughter fill the air. However, following music, arts, storytelling, etc.) for special events that bring seniors together to New Year’s Day, the cheerful mood may turn into the doldrums. Loved ones return to their socialize. How about “resolving” to give a little of your time for a very worthy homes thousands of miles away, the credit card bill arrives, decorations are back in boxes and endeavor. You will likely obtain a lot of satisfaction knowing you are helping out the scale reveals that too many treats were eaten. seniors in your own community! Please contact Linda Willis at (314) 615-7430; So how can you fight the post-holiday blues? Enlist Right at Home of Right at Home of St. [email protected] and let her know that 2012 is the year for you to partici - Charles to help boost your spirit in the following ways: pate as a CORP volunteer! • Exercise: When you exercise, the brain’s executive functions (planning, organizing and mul - Individuals with hearing impairments may call (314)615-4425. titasking, among others) can improve and dementia is less likely to occur, so take an exercise class or join a walking group to add spark to your step. “Right at Home of St. Charles can pro - vide assistance with a light exercise program,” said Kirsten Pahde co-owner. “It is one of the many services we provide our clients.” • Eat healthy foods: You feel better when you eat a healthy diet; therefore, substitute junk food Advertise in the Florissant Focus! with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like fish, nuts and seeds. “Right at Home can plan and prepare healthy meals for you if you find cooking difficult,” Pahde said. Your Ad • Get out of the house: Don’t stay cooped up at home all day; engage in an outdoor activity that will make you feel alive and happy. Go to the park or take a trip to the hairdresser. “If you can - not drive or a bus stop or subway station isn’t near your home, Right at Home can transport you Will Be In the to where you want to go, so you are not homebound,”Pahde said.” • Socialize: The human touch releases uplifting endorphins like serotonin, and reduces blood Mailboxes of pressure and heart rate, making you more relaxed and content. “Participate in social activities as often as you can,” Pahde said. “Have lunch or go to a movie with a friend. By getting out and 38,000 Homes meeting people, you will keep your mind sharp and give yourself something to look forward to Call for regularly. If you can’t leave the house, Right at Home caregivers can provide companionship by playing games, helping with a craft project or simply engaging in conversation – all in the com - and Businesses Great Rates in fort of the senior’s home.” the Upcoming Valley of There are many other ways you can enhance your mood. For example: in the City of • Volunteer: Taking time to help others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and Flowers regain perspective. Issue • Listen to music: Music entertains, distracts you from negative thoughts and encourages daydream - Florissant! ing. It can soothe patients with dementia, treat anxiety and insomnia, and lower blood pressure. • Start a hobby or learn a skill: Take up painting, scrapbooking or chess. Challenge yourself by A wide variety of ad sizes and pricing plans available. trying something you’ve always wanted to learn or that stimulates your creativity. Call today to reserve your space in the upcoming issue. • Get a pet: Petting a dog or playing with a cat enhances your mood and lowers stress, so keep yourself company with a furry friend. Call Goldmark Enterprises at 314-921-2323 Ext. 30 • Laugh: Follow the adage “laughter is the best medicine”; watch a comedy movie or TV show, read a funny book or swap humorous jokes and stories with a loved one. By following one of more of these methods, you’ll chase those blues away in no time. And remember, Right at Home is always available to provide assistance. However, if you cannot shake your gloomy feeling after trying some of these suggestions, you may be suffering from depression. Contact a professional therapist for help. About Right at Home Founded in 1995, Right at Home, Inc. is an international franchise organization based in Omaha, Neb. Independently owned and operated franchise units offer in-home care and assis - tance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home offices directly employ all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, bond - ed and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by the more than 200 local franchise offices located across 40 states nationwide and throughout the world. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home or read the Right at Home caregiving blog. Sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home.

About Right at Home of St. Charles The St. Charles office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and North Counties. For more information, contact Right at Home of St. Charles at 636-379-9955or by email at [email protected]. www.stcharles.rightathome.net March 2012 Parks & Recreation 11

Daddy/Daughter Summer Playground Days: Monday-Friday Sunset Greenway and Riverfront Trail Sweetheart Dance Dates: June 11-July 20 Friday, May 18, 2012 Sunset Greenway Park. After passing under the Route 67 Time: 9:00am-3:00pm Sunset Greenway extends from the Missouri 6:30pm-8:30pm Ages: 6-12 Bridge over Coldwater Creek, the trail ends Create memories to last a lifetime at this Sites: James J. Eagan Center River Greenway at Sunset Park to Old Town in Old Town at the St. Ferdinand Shrine. event for young ladies with their dads, grand - & JFK Community Center Florissant. From Sunset Park the greenway Sunset Greenway will serve as a connector pas, uncles, or special escorts. Grownups can Resident Fees: 1st Child - $80, follows Sunset Park Drive and then along to the Missouri River Greenway. treat their special little girl to a lovely Additional Children - $60 Humes Lane to Patterson Road. It then con - Route Miles evening filled with fun, music, and dancing, Non-Resident Fees: $200 - child tinues parallel to Patterson Road to Sunset Park to St. Ferdinand - 2.5 Registration: Res.– 4/2, Non-Res 6/6 along with cookies and punch. Formal dress Mullanphy Road where the trail leaves St. Ferdinand to Old Town - 0.5 Registration is held at the James J. Eagan is required. Tickets will be available now Ameren property and links to St. Ferdinand Sunset Park to Old Town - 3.0 Center and the JFK Community Center. through May 11, or when dance is full, Applications are available online at whichever comes first. Be sure to register www.florissantmo.com as well as at the early to avoid disappointment Tickets must Community Centers, starting March 15. be purchased in advance. For ages 12 and under with an adult. No camp July 4 or 5. Call 921-4466 for more information. Child must be 6 years old by July 31, 2012 to register. American Red Cross This is an outdoor program that may have 1 hour scheduled inside. On hot days you are Lifeguarding Course welcome to keep children at home. For those individuals 15 years and older who wish to become lifeguards. Before and After Care Students must pass prerequisites the first New this year, we will offer Before & After class day. Care. You can register for one or both. This Location: J.J. Eagan Ctr. is designed for those working parents. Only Session I - 3/16 –3/25 - Day & Time 40 spots will be available for each location - First Friday - 5:00-9:00pm site, so sign up early. - Saturdays & Sundays - 8:00am-5:00pm Before Care Times: 7:30-9:00am Session II - 4/6-4/28 - Day & Time After Care Times: 3:00-5:30pm - First Friday - 5:00-9:00pm Before Care Fees (6 weeks): - Saturdays - 8:00am-5:00pm Resident - $45, Non-Resident - $50 Session III - 5/4-5/13 - Day & Time After Care Fees (6 weeks): - First Friday - 5:00-9:00pm Resident - $75, Non Resident - $85 - Saturdays & Sundays - 8:00am-5:00pm Before & After Fees: Fee: Res. $125, Non-Res. $130 Resident - $100, Non Resident - $110 Florissant Garage Sale throughout the sale as well as some unusual items. There is sure to be a treasure with On April 28, 2012, Florissant residents will your name on it! haul down the clutter from their attics, and The Garage Sale is FREE to attend! treasures from their garages and organize To reserve your spot to sell in the Florissant accumulations from their barns for the Garage Sale - Florissant residents only fill Florissant Garage Sale. out an application by April 23rd. Applications The Garage Sale will be held at the James J. will be available February 23rd at JJE, JFK, Sunset Riverfront Trail Eagan ice rink area 9:00am - 1:00pm. All of and at www.florissantmo.com. Great Rivers Greenway funded construction of a one mile trail along the Missouri Riverfront in the usual garage sale items can be found Spot Reservation Fee - $15 Sunset Park and the next property to the southwest. This trail connects with the existing Great Rivers Greenway trail beginning in the park near the Nature Center. some baseball the way it was meant to be played. Who Plays Where? For adults, the sand volleyball courts at St. Many people would like to know what teams are Ferdinand Park host a wide variety of teams on playing on what fields on what nights. Maybe it is a Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You can find retired couple looking to watch a kid’s baseball team the teams that come strictly for a good time and to play on a Friday night or maybe a ball player looking have a beverage and some camaraderie. You to find a potential team for whom to play. Whatever might also find the teams who forget that it’s not the need, this should help you find out where and the summer Olympics and just an intermediate when various City sports teams are playing. level coed league. The youth teams that use the City of Florissant In addition to sand volleyball at St. Ferdinand fields belong to the CYC. These youngsters are on Park, we have over 120 softball teams playing our fields every summer playing ball and hoping to every night but Saturday. Whether you’re into become the next Albert Pujols. Most CYC games Coed, Women, or Men’s softball, we have it for you are held at Koch Park on fields # 1, 3, or 5. to participate or just to sit back and enjoy. However, they also hold games on field # 1 at St. So the next time you’re looking for something to do Ferdinand Park on many nights. So grab your lawn and get out of the house, come on up to one of our chair and go out to our beautiful parks and enjoy parks and check out the action! GREAT CONDITIONS GREAT GOLF GREAT VALUE GROUP SAVER’S DISCOUNT Weekends: $99 per foursome SENIOR GOLF DISCOUNT After 10:00 am Sat-Sun $20 per person anytime Weekdays: $80 per foursome Monday & Tuesday After 10:00 am Mon-Fri 18 Holes With Cart Must present coupon. Offer expires October 31st, 2012. Not valid with any other offers. Not valid for group events or leagues or on holidays . 314.741.7444 golfclubofflorissant.com

Best Fish Fry in Florissant! Delicious St. Rose Deep Fried Cod Dine In or FISH Carry Out FRY Fridays* During Lent 3500 St. Catherine *Except Good Friday March 2012 Florissant Focus PRESRT STD City Hall U.S. POSTAGE 955 S. Francois PAID Florissant, MO 63031 PERMIT NO. 65 (314) 921-5700 FLORISSANT, MO

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Dated Material Please Deliver By March 8th, 2012