November 14, 2013

www.stjoemo.info Channel 19 (816) 279-4YOU St. Joseph,City Missouri City news Weekly & information....

Online Versus Traditional Education by Dustin Smith, City Planner Not a lot of people know, but, I am currently in my tenth term of teaching online courses at Park University. So I thought I would provide some thoughts on the online environment compared to the traditional method of higher education. If you are considering an online (also known as distance learning) degree or just taking a course or two, here is what you may be able to expect, keeping in mind the procedures may vary by institution.

I developed an online undergraduate land use planning course that is offered in accelerated eight- week terms, which means the course can be offered twice per semester and once in the summer. The course is structured much like a traditional course with weekly assignments, mid-term, final exams, and a final project, known as course assessments. The average number of students has been relatively low with my largest class having eight students and the smallest class having one student. Since instructors are paid by the student, the University will often let the course continue with only one student. This makes it a bit more difficult for the in- structor, due to the minimum requirements for participation and interaction within the course. So, with one student, it can often seem as if the instructor is just talking to themselves (much like a face-to-face course).

Probably the biggest advantage from the student’s perspective is the flexibility provided by the online environment. This particular course is asynchronous, meaning that the student can log into the course at any time of day (or night) and post within the threads provided for weekly discussions.

The discussion threads are an important part of the course because they provide an opportunity for interaction among the students and the instructor that is conducive to the learning process. Within these threads, the students are expected to discuss their experiences, ask questions, and get feedback from others that will help to better familiarize them with the course material. This is similar to the traditional daily journey into an on-campus classroom to listen to a lecture prepared by the instructor, except the lecture is provided as a PowerPoint, within some type of video clip or other means. Of course, the other students are not sitting in the same room, but could be thousands of miles away on another continent. In fact, many of Park’s online students are active-duty military, and I have had students from all over the United States and as far away as the Netherlands.

Because of the lack of personal, face-to-face interaction, it is important to maintain a certain level of social awareness. In the online classroom, we don’t have the advantage of seeing body language or hearing someone’s tone of voice, which can cause a completely innocent remark seem offensive. We’ve all sent that one email that said something we shouldn’t have or was taken out of context, so the best advice is to refrain from language that could even be perceived to be offensive to anyone. However, I also advise my students to assume the best possible intent with any remark in an online discussion.

Grading is slightly different for an online class than face-to-face. Whereas, the instruc- tor may add or remove a few points for participation in face-to-face setting or may have no concern about the student even attending class, participation and attendance are absolutely critical with an online course. A grading rubric is devel- oped by the instructor for each assignment/exam that provides a system of assigning points that, for example, in a discussion thread could equate to one post equals one point. The rubrics are used as a guideline where the instructor then needs to objective- ly determine whether the student gets the full points based on quality of the content, frequency, and consistency of student’s posts or that they are interacting appropriately with the other students.

The online alternative is a viable one, especially for the non-traditional student. I have mixed opinions of obtaining an entire degree online, but online courses are a great option to supplement a traditional education. Combining the two still provides the on-campus experience that will allow the personal interaction with other students and a personal connection to the institution. World Aids Day 2013 - What’s It All About? by Mitzi Teliczan, Health Educator June of 1981, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia issued a landmark report about five young men in Los Angeles who had died from a mysterious condition that had destroyed their immune systems. Within two years, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was changing the world. The advent of AIDS would forever change the way we think and talk about sex and sexuality; it would also bring previously taboo subjects out into the open. HIV/AIDS touches all of us no matter our race, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, wealth, education, or sexual orientation. It truly does NOT discriminate!

World AIDS Day was first conceived in August of 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. They took their idea to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and this organiza- tion approved it and agreed that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be December 1, 1988. This day, December 1, is now recognized annually and is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV. Since 1995, the president of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. The red ribbon started in 1991 as a grassroots effort and later became a symbol of care and concern about HIV/AIDS and of the need for support and commitment to ending the pandemic.

Today, it is estimated that over 75 million people worldwide are or have been infected with a virus that 30 years ago no one had even heard of. It is estimated that one in five people living with HIV is unaware of their infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since 1981. In Missouri, it is estimated that we have had over 18,000 total cases of HIV/AIDS reported.

In recognition of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community, activities have been planned throughout the week beginning on December 1:

• Sunday, December 1, beginning at 6pm, there will be a memorial service at Zion United Church of Christ, 816 Faraon Street, to remember those who are living with HIV/AIDS and also honor those who lost their personal battle with the disease. Refreshments will follow.

• Monday, December 2, there will be free, walk-in HIV testing at the St. Joseph Health Department, 904 South 10th Street. Staff will be available for information and questions.

• Tuesday, December 3, the community is encouraged to wear a red ribbon today and through- out the week as a symbol of support for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and hope for those affect- ed by the disease. Ribbons will be available at various locations or you can make one yourself by making a loop out of 2 - 3 inches of red ribbon and securing with a safety pin.

• Wednesday, December 4, the community is invited to attend a free movie event to be held at the East Hills Public Library, beginning at 12:30pm. Movies to be shown include Philadel- phia, starring Tom Hanks (show time 12:30pm); The Cure, starring Joseph Mazzello (show time 3pm); and An Early Frost, starring Aidan Quinn (show time 5pm). There will also be a display of “Chairs of Hope” in the theater that represent individuals who are affected or are living with HIV/AIDS in our community.

• Thursday, December 5, a fundraising event to benefit those in our community living with HIV/ AIDS will be held at the Zion United Church of Christ, beginning at 5pm. A $10 ticket entitles you to all-you-can-eat pizza and Pepsi. There will be a raffle, a live auction of decorated Christmas trees, and other items. The drawing for the quilt raffle will be held at 7pm.

For more information regarding this year’s World AIDS Day events, please contact Mitzi Teliczan at (816) 271-4659, or Bernice Clymer at (816) 271-4684. Cold Weather Preparations by Mike Dalsing, Fire Chief As the holiday season fast approaches, it is a good idea to remember some simple safety tips. When travel- ing, carry an emergency travel kit including the following items: • Jumper cables. • Cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice. • Shovel to scrape snow away from tires. • Ice scraper to clear windshield. • Warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, and a warm jacket. • Blankets to keep warm inside the vehicle. • Flashlights and extra batteries for increased visibility. • First aid kit and pack necessary medications in case you are stuck on the road. • Pack food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars, canned fruit, and a portable can opener. • Bring enough water for each person in your car and any pets. • AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages.

When staying at hotels or motels remember to check for smoke alarms and exits. If you are staying with family or friends know how to get out of the house. Remember everything looks different at night in the dark.

Live Christmas trees require water to keep them safe. Trees that have been watered properly, and maintain pliable, green needles are harder to ignite than dry trees with needles that break easily when bent and fall from the tree when the branches are shaken.

Candles come in a variety of colors and smells, however, they are an open flame and a fire hazard. • Never leave a burning candle unattended. • Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire. • Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Take a moment to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries if you haven’t already done so this year. Get Connected... To Your City of St. Joseph! Check out the city’s new website at www.stjoemo.info. We have spent the past several months redesigning our website to allow our users better access to updated information, easier navigation, and a more convenient way of doing business. Residents can sign up to receive email and text notifications when agendas or publications are posted, news releases are posted or events occur or are announced, or when winter weather occurs impacting our Emergency Snow Ordinance. Sign up by clicking on Notify Me on our home page. Users can also report concerns online by using the Report A Concern tab. We hope you like the new website! What’s Happening? City departments at a glance...

City Manager’s Office... St. Joseph Transit celebrated the completion of a series of Fire Department... technology upgrades that further improve services to users The fire department would like to thank the of The Ride bus service. An arrival/departure time informa- South Side Progressive Association for their tion screen was added to the two major transfer stations, contribution to help promote fire safety pro- one at Hy-Vee and another at the downtown station. These grams for grade school children. screens are tied to the dispatch facility and information is re- layed in real time so patrons can know the estimated time of arrival of the next bus. Route deviation rides now can also be scheduled over the internet, or through an automated tele- phone system (IVR) for maximum convenience. Police Department... The police department is continuing enforcement Administrative Services... efforts by participating in DWI checkpoints locally and regionally. • Staff is putting the finishing touches on the annual TIF reports, due to the state Department of Revenue by Friday. • A workshop was recently held for those employees with supervisory responsibilities. • Check out the city’s new and improved website at Planning & Community Development... www.stjoemo.info! • City Council approved an amendment to the boundary of the East Hills TIF Plan. • Last week, crews abated thirty-seven weed, twelve trash, ten rank growth, and six brush abatements. They also secured one dangerous building. Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities... • The department welcomes Beth Carlson as the new permit clerk. The Remington Nature Center is a place where history and nature collide, and exhibits detail both the natural and cultural history of Missouri. In tune with this mot- to, the Remington Nature Center is currently featuring a display dedicated to the Chase Candy Company of St. Joseph. Cherry Mash candy will also be available at the Legal Department... front desk, for anyone who would like a taste of St. Jo- Happy Birthday to assistant city attorney, seph history. Bryan Carter, who celebrates today!

Public Works & Transportation... Health Department... Tunneling on the Whitehead Stormwater Separation Replacement of the electrical and some mechani- Project continues. The tunnel boring machine has cal components of the elevator at Patee Market hit the weathered shale zone which just proceeds will begin on Monday, November 18. During this the soil zone on Seymour Street. Monday, the con- time, the elevator will be out of service. Project tractor removed the ripper teeth and cutter teeth to completion time is estimated at three weeks. prevent large overcut in the softer weathered shale/ soil zones. The overall footage/percentage complete is 1,792 feet or 74%. Money, Money, Money Did You Know? • In 2009, over 5.5 million students were enrolled in at least one online course. Chicago Flyhouse was awarded a contract for demolition • December 1 is World AIDS Day. Today, 70 million people of the existing, and installation of a new, stage fly system worldwide have been or are currently infected with HIV. in the Missouri Theater in the amount of $213,022. The fly system is the equipment on the stage that lifts scen- • According to the National Fire Protection Association ery, lighting, curtains, and sometimes people, for perfor- and the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 240 mances. This funding for this project is from the half-cent home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. home fires involving holiday lights and other decora- tive lighting occur each year.

CIP Your Tax CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Dollars At Work Creature Feature Boris is a young, adult male Planning and design work has begun on the City Hall domestic shorthair. He is a fountain renovation. This project is scheduled for com- little reserved, but is sure to pletion August 2014. come out of his shell in the right home. The cost asso- ciated with making Boris a part of your family is $67.50 (adoption, neuter, vaccines, fecal test, microchip, and city license).

For information call 271-4877 Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 - 5:30pm Wednesday 1:00 - 6:30pm Friday & Saturday 1:00 - 4:30pm

Property Maintenance Update 1001 North 13th Street

The owner of 1001 North 13th Street was sent a notice request- ing the removal of all trash and debris from the property. Upon re-inspection, the owner had complied with the notice.

BEFORE AFTER To Your Health Parks, Recreation Healthy Pumpkin Treats & Civic Facilities Pumpkins are a sure sign of fall, but they’re good for more Featured Activities... than carving on Halloween. Pumpkins add flavor to foods, and they are a good source of potassium and vitamins C Missouri Theater and A. Try these pumpkin recipes, courtesy of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Pam Tillis Trio • Blend fat-free milk, pumpkin, frozen vanilla yogurt, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to create a healthy pumpkin smoothie. • Make pumpkin pancakes by adding canned pumpkin or fresh-cooked pumpkin to your favorite pancake recipe. • Bake healthier muffins and breads by substituting 1/4 cup canned pumpkin in place of egg. • Make pumpkin soup by combining mashed, cooked pumpkin with fat free low-sodium chicken broth, evap- orated fat-free milk, onion, and nutmeg. • Make homemade pumpkin ravioli by stuffing shells with canned pumpkin and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Date: November 16 Time: 8pm Phone: 816-279-1225 Website: www.paastjo.org

Grammy Award winner, Pam Tillis brings her acoustic trio Public Safety Corner to the Missouri Theater for an intimate evening of country music. Tillis has been a formidable force in country music since her first single hit the charts in 1990. A member of the Turkey Fryers Grand Ole Opry since 2000, she has had numerous top ten Turkey fryers are very dangerous. They can result in devas- hits including Maybe it was Memphis, Spilled Perfume, and tating injuries and the destruction of property. If you prefer Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life). fried turkey, look for grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants that sell deep fried turkeys, or consider a new type of oil-less turkey fryer. JRP Senior Center... When deep frying, the oil is heated to temperatures of 350° Fahrenheit or more, and cooking oil is combustible. The oil may splash or spill during cooking. Contact between hot Weekly Cafeteria Menu Located at 100 South 10th Street - St. Joseph, MO oil and skin could result in serious injury. If the oil is heat- CAFETERIA HOURS: ed above its cooking temperature, its vapors can ignite. Tuesdays - Fridays from 11am - 12:30pm Propane-fired turkey fryers must be used outdoors. Many CAFETERIA OPEN TO ALL AGES parts of the country may have rain or snow at this time of Meal is $4.00 and includes entree, two side dishes, year, and if rain or snow hits the hot cooking oil, the oil may bread, and coffee or tea. splatter or turn to steam, leading to burns. Turkeys must be completely thawed before placing in the fryer. A partially thawed turkey will cause the oil to splatter causing serious MENU November 19 - 22 burns. Tuesday Sausage & Kraut The St. Joseph Fire Department urges those who prefer Wednesday Chicken Dressing Casserole fried turkey to consider a safer, less dangerous manner to Thursday Cafeteria Closed obtain a fried turkey. If you insist on doing it yourself, please Friday Sloppy Joes use caution! Menu Subject to Change Groups of 7 or more, call for reservations. Get Connected City of St. Joseph public meeting information ... DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION November 19 3pm Senior Citizens Foundation Inc. Board JRP Senior Center, 100 South 10th Street 4pm Zoning Board of Adjustment Council Chamber, City Hall November 20 4pm Police Pension Board 1st Floor Conference Room, City Hall November 21 4pm Parks and Recreation Board 1920 Grand Avenue

Full-Time City Job Opportunities Visit www.stjoemo.info for more information ... POSITION WAGE DEPARTMENT DEADLINE TO APPLY Firefighter $31,233 - Annually Fire Applications taken year-round Police Officer $14.51 - Hourly Police Applications taken year-round

Seasonal City Job Opportunities Visit www.stjoemo.info for more information ... POSITION WAGE DEPARTMENT DEADLINE TO APPLY Gym Supervisor $10 - Hourly Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities January 31, 2014 Referee, Youth Basketball - REC Center $8 - $14 - Hourly Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities March 3, 2014 Scorekeeper, Youth Basketball - REC Center $7.75 - Hourly Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities March 3, 2014 Concession Attendant - REC Center $7.35 - Hourly Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities May 1, 2014 Referee, Adult Volleyball- REC Center $10 - $12 - Hourly Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities May 31, 2014

Informational Segments Current video segments running on Channel 19 ... TOPIC DEPARTMENT/ORIGINATOR Combined Sewer Overflow Public Works & Transportation Get Connected • Channel 19 • General Winterize Your Home Planning & Community Development Neighborhood Watch Police Department Around Town... Take advantage of what our community has to offer... DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION November 16 8pm PAA presents the Pam Tillis Trio Missouri Theater November 24 1 - 3pm Saturday Craft - Holiday Table Decor Remington Nature Center November 23 6pm Mayors’ Thanksgiving Dinner Civic Arena November 24 6pm Prophecy Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra Missouri Theater November 26 4pm City High School Jamboree Civic Arena November 29 6pm Holiday Park Opening Ceremony Krug Park November 29 7pm South Pole Opening Ceremony Hyde Park December 13 - 15 varies RRT presents A Christmas Story Missouri Theater December 14 10am Mayor’s Children’s Christmas Party Bode Ice Arena December 21 1 - 3pm Saturday Craft - Holiday Ornaments Remington Nature Center December 21 7pm St. Joseph Symphony presents Holiday Pops Missouri Theater January 4, 2014 9am Midwest Showdown Wrestling Tournament Civic Arena January 11 6:30pm Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Civic Arena January 17 - 19 varies St. Joseph Sport and Gun Show Civic Arena January 24 - 25 varies Ag and Rural Lifestyle Show Civic Arena www.stjoemo.info Same address, but all new! City Directory St. Joseph 2010 - 2014 City Council Mayor’s Office 271-4640 City Council 271-4730 City Manager’s Office 271-4610 City Attorney 271-4680 City Clerk 271-4730 Administrative Services 271-5526 Finance & Revenue 271-5526 Human Resources 271-4670 Municipal Court 271-4686 Purchasing 271-4696 Utility Billing 271-4773 Fire Department 271-4603 Health Department 271-4636 Mayor Bill Falkner Animal Control & Rescue 271-4877 (816) 271-4640 • [email protected] Birth/Death Certificates 271-4636 Deputy Mayor Byron Myers Sr. Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities 271-5500 (816) 273-3108 • [email protected] Bode Sports Complex 271-5352 Civic Arena 271-4717 Donna Jean Boyer, Councilmember-At-Large Fairview Golf Course 271-5350 (816) 279-5259 • [email protected] JRP Senior Center 271-4666 Jeff Penland, Councilmember-At-Large REC Center 271-5512 (816) 341-4502 • [email protected] Remington Nature Center 271-5499 Sports Information Line 271-5503 Pat Jones, District I Planning and Community Development 271-4827 (816) 244-6229 • [email protected] Planning & Zoning 271-4827 Joyce Starr, District II Property Maintenance 271-5342 (816) 244-3906 • [email protected] Police Department 271-4702 Public Works & Transportation 271-4653 PJ Kovac, District III Landfill 253-1120 (816) 261-2934 • [email protected] Recycling Center 232-4401 Gary Roach, District IV Rosecrans Memorial Airport 271-4886 (816) 341-4506 • [email protected] Street Information Line 271-4699 Street & Sewer Maintenance 271-4848 Barbara LaBass, District V Transit 233-6700 (816) 233-9838 • [email protected] Water Protection 271-4693 Department Directors Get Connected...

Phone... 279-4YOU 24-Hour Message Line www.stjoemo.info

Front (L-R) Bill McKinney-Parks, Recreation & Civic Facili- TV... Search ties; Chris Connally-Police Channel Middle (L-R) Carolyn Harrison-Administrative Services; “City of St. Joseph MO” Debra Bradley-Health; Lisa Robertson-Legal Back (L-R) Mike Dalsing-Fire; Bruce Woody-City Manager; Online streaming of live and archived City Council and Planning Jody Carlson-Public Works and Transportation; Clint Commission meetings available at www.stjoemo.info/media Thompson-Planning and Community Development