SJSD Levy, Bond Issues

The News-Press has posted a section online where readers can catch up on all archived material related to the school tax.

Click Here to catch up on the latest

Hy-Vee Online Shopping

Our local Hy-vee offers yet another convenience service that many folks either don't know about or don't take advantage of. Online Shopping. As a former regular user of the service, I would like to inform the public about the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online.

ADVANTAGES
Convenience; one can do it in their pj's and never have to leave the house.

Better Produce: anyone who has shopped Hy-Vee's produce department knows that it is lacking in offering any viable fruits and vegetables. However, when you shop online, your shopper must have a magic "fresh produce" area hiding in the back where they select your produce. You are most certainly guaranteed the best fruit available. I used to shop online for this reason alone!

Easy: No. The online shopping experience is not totally easy, but it's great that someone else has to maneuver through the store, fighting the crowds, lines, and they know where everything in the store is! No more searching! Plus, it seems there are more products online than in the store. I'm sure it's just because I don't know where everything is.

Delivery and Pick Up Options Available: You're choice if you want to pick up your order (less $$) or have Hy-Vee deliver it direct to your door stop (great when you're sick!)

DISADVANTAGES
Price: I would say that Hy-Vee's prices are relatively higher than any other supermarket in the area. When you add a online shopping fee to your order, your bill just goes higher. Here are the convenience surcharges: $6 if you pick up your order, $4 more if they deliver in St Joe city limits $15 for areas out of city limits.

Browser: This may or may not matter to you, but to fully use the system, you must use Internet Explorer. A backup available is FireFox, but it doesn't always display everything (like the Checkout button). This cannot be used with Safari. Sorry Mac users.

Navigation: The site is relatively difficult to navigate. The builders of the site created a "Quick Order" section where you are to be able to type in bread, milk, eggs, yogurt, and a list should populate, allowing you to select your items. This functionality does not work.

Login: You cannot choose your password, so be prepared to notate your login somewhere. You will never remember it!

Unreliable: Their website specifies certain hours in which you can place your order and it will be ready for pick up. The website is WRONG. I have been told, rudely, that it is wrong. My fellow readers, here are the correct hours:
Orders must be placed between 8a-12p, with pickup & delivery available between 4p-6p. Orders placed on the weekends will not be filled until Tuesday.
The staff regularly forgets to give me bags when I pick up my items. Almost every time I've ordered, I've had to make a return trip to get my additional bags. I've received items I haven't ordered (and been charged for them), and many things I've ordered have not been delivered. The staff is never apologetic, and is actually fairly rude to deal with.

Pictures: There aren't pictures of every item they carry, so it can be difficult to ensure you are purchasing the correct item.

I don't use this service any more, but would surely recommend it for bad-weather/road days, when you are ill, when the kids just won't cooperate, or around the holidays.

Either way... Happy Shopping!

Rep. Graves 'disgusted' with economic stimulus bill

Rep. Graves obviously has the best interest of Americans at heart when he says he saw "the worst in government" when the House passed the stimulus bill. The bill is filled with pork and at a recent inquiry no official could guarantee a single job with the passing of this bill. What a waste of money. And, to top it off, there was little accountability in the first stimulus - how can we be sure the government is going to hold recipients accountable for these funds? The American people deserve to know where the money is going and how it is going to be spent.

I'm not a die-hard Limbaugh fan, but I've gotta say, his recent proposal sounds more encouraging than any other proposal. Read the full text here... In his "bipartisan stimulus" he offers this amazing idea:

"Fifty-three percent of American voters voted for Barack Obama; 46% voted for John McCain, and 1% voted for wackos. Give that 1% to President Obama. Let's say the vote was 54% to 46%. As a way to bring the country together and at the same time determine the most effective way to deal with recessions, under the Obama-Limbaugh Stimulus Plan of 2009: 54% of the $900 billion -- $486 billion -- will be spent on infrastructure and pork as defined by Mr. Obama and the Democrats; 46% -- $414 billion -- will be directed toward tax cuts, as determined by me.

Then we compare. We see which stimulus actually works. This is bipartisanship! It would satisfy the American people's wishes, as polls currently note; and it would also serve as a measurable test as to which approach best stimulates job growth."

Whaddya think, folks? Sound like a plan? Yeppers. But alas, we know that this will never happen. Oh, but what a dream to dream.....

SJSD Levy, Bond Issues

Let's establish something up front, before the rhetoric. I am totally, unequivocally AGAINST giving our school district any more money. I am appalled at how much of my annual tax money the school gets from me, and how little I see being put back into the schools. St Joseph has not been the first town I have lived in, but I have never given so much money to a school district before.

I have followed with great interest the school superintendent, Dr. Melody Smith, in her requests for the residents to give and give. I have seen her presume, no wait, assume that the fine citizens of St Joe can be bamboozled into approving both a bond and levy tax to satisfy an urge that Dr. Smith has to demolish and rebuild anew. She has assumed that both measures on the upcoming ballot will easy pass, and has even coerced the Board into purchasing land for a new school site based upon the ASSUMPTION that she will get her funds. I want to deny her every last penny based on her attitude alone.

But I do realize that the children are our future. Great line... thank you Whitney Houston. In all reality, I believe that the operating levy may be a good investment. A little high, but an investment nonetheless. The Board should learn to live within the confines of an actual budget and provide "proof" that they can exercise fiscal responsibility and sound investments. They should not make rash decisions to purchase land without prior approval from the people. This levy may be vital to their success, but I will not know for certain until I can obtain a copy of the budget, which thus far has been nearly impossible to obtain (Once I do, I will post for public viewing).

The bond should be knocked down 100%. The citizens should stand and have their voices heard. Stand up. Our children WILL survive. The solid structures will continue to benefit them. The bond will not provide your student with books or computers. It is wasteful.

A recent quote from Dr Smith notes that now she is against the building initiative. After she pushed it and pushed it. Why the backpedaling now?

Perhaps the people really are strong enough to get their voices heard. Perhaps the politicians don't really have the upper hand. Let's show this woman that she can't get everything she wants. Demand fiscal responsibility. Vote NO in April. Vote.

Positive Quote of the Day

Principle -- particularly moral principle -- can never be a weathervane, spinning around this way and that with the shifting winds of expediency. Moral principle is a compass forever fixed and forever true.

-- Edward R. Lyman

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I would hope that each of our Presidents would abide by this quote. Moral principle should be fixed, and would guide our leaders in a positive direction.

Obama

1. If you didn't know there was an inauguration, I gotta ask: ARE YOU LIVING UNDER A ROCK?
2. If you didn't watch it, live or via a rerun, why?

So, sum it up, whaddya think? I think there was a lot of pomp and circumstance, but nothing overly exciting. I am so proud to be a citizen of a country that has such a peaceful, classy transfer of power. I am looking forward to a successful presidency, and hoping that Obama makes decisions in the best interest of our country's people.

Restaurant Review

Almost immediately after I moved to this fine town, I found myself asking nearly everyone I ran into where a good restaurant was. Mexican, italian, american... you name it, I wanted to find the best. Sometimes word-of-mouth can be the best referral, you know? I had tried restaurant after restaurant looking for a place that I would visit more than once. My family got tired of being "guinea pigs". We just wanted a place we could go to that we knew would be good.

During the course of my "experimentation period", I volunteered to write a weekly "Letter to the Editor" article for the News-Press outlining cleanliness, value of food, taste of food, and more. I had several goals:

1) To encourage other people to patronize restaurants they might not otherwise think of.

2) To encourage restaurant owners and managers to put their best foot forward. Not knowing who this "random" food critic might be just might encourage them to be on top of their game ALL the time. Not just when the health inspector shows up.

Alas, the newspaper felt that this subject would be too controversial, and they rejected the idea of an anonymous reviewer. Recently, the NP decided to publish results from the county health inspectors office, which outlines both minor and major violations that restaurants have been written up for. I guess the goal was to either sway patrons one way or the other. But, however clean the kitchen might be, the reports still failed to tell me if the food would be good, if the restrooms would be clean, or if it would be kid-friendly. Personally, I'm looking for a great date restaurant where I can spend special time with my love.

Being a solution solver, I decided to start a new blog: http://stjoerestaurants.blogspot.com/

I can't write about every experience that I have, but I'd like to think that I can add some insight as to what to expect at various restaurants. There will be no "regular" updating per se, but as often as I can I'm going to publish my findings. I'm going to continue the guinea pig approach and try new places, but I'm sure you'll see lots of familiar names of restaurants.

Bookmark it. Visit it. Write back. Post a comment with a suggestion of where you'd like me to go. I'll go anywhere and visit anything. Fast food is not exempt from my review, either. Let me know your thoughts. Talk back!

They Grow Up So Fast

Any parent who loves their child(ren) will likely tell you that his/her child(ren) grow up so fast. You'll hear stories about how their child(ren) learned to sit, talk, walk, read, drive, and finally, leave, all in too short a time. Every parent dreams of success for their child, and any parent who says they don't want their child to be more successful than they are fooling themselves. A "good" parent will likely dream that their child will progress through the K-12 years with acceptable grades, attend college, get a good career, marry, buy a house, and have children. In that order. But so often recently, I have been reading alarming statistics demonstrating how many teens are getting pregnant, and choosing to raise their child. This "phenomenon" of teenage pregnancy is certainly not isolated to our region, yet is so prevalent here.

I am appalled at how many parents are accepting of their teenage daughters "circumstances", and are electing to raise both the child and grandchild. Many years ago, teenage pregnancy was simply unacceptable. Perhaps it was certain lack of knowledge that prevented youth from unprotected sex, one could blame it on the media, society's sexual acceptability... whatever the excuse, it is simply unacceptable that parents are so willing to continue to provide for their children.

My rant today isn't about the number of pregnancies, though loads of statistics are available (start here: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/state-data/state-profile.aspx?state=missouri).

Rather, I just cannot understand why parents coddle their children. Do they believe that by "softening" the blow of birth, that children will magically become more responsible? I have heard all too often about the grandparents waking in the middle of the night to feed the baby since mom is tired. Wait a minute... who's kid is this? Many of these teenage parents are high school dropouts, unemployed, and totally dependent on their parents.

At what point will the grandparents expect their child to grow up? When will they demand responsibility?

How do these grandparents envision their grandchild growing up?

Why is it acceptable for the state to pay for medical care for these irresponsible parents and their children? WIC?

If these teens want to play house, let them. Make them make an important decision. A REAL decision for once in their lives. Decide between (a) keeping baby, getting a job, a house, a spouse, and learning to support all of that financially, or (b) give baby up for adoption.

There are so many willing, financially able, stable, loving, married adults who are patiently waiting for the opportunity to have a baby in their home. The lists at adoption agencies are long - - many responsible adults want a baby to raise from the beginning. These adults would provide much better homes for these babies than most teenagers. Mostly because of their age and experience. Teens simply are inept at providing quality care for their child.

Parents of pregnant teens - - you want to be supportive? Encourage your child to own up to their decision to have unprotected sex, and make them carry baby full term, attending each scheduled doctor visit, eating healthy, and having a safe and healthy pregnancy. Abortion is not an option. And make them decide. Not you. Them. Make it important, and real, and serious. There have to be consequences. Children are not toys, not a fad, and they deserve our best. Society relies on parents' raising adept children.

Positive Quote of the Day

To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.

-- Donald A. Adams

You can subscribe and unsubscribe at: http://www.positivepress.com/saying/subscription.php3

Side note from me: I wish every business owner and employee would read and heed this quote. Every individual on the receiving end would gladly be the recipient of sincerity & integrity.

It's Official Folks... We've Made Nat'l Headlines

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479782,00.html

Ok, so it's not St Joe, but it's close enough to hit home. It just reiterates my earlier discussion about obesity.....

Safe Spot

Saint Joseph offers a really cool program for kids called "Safe Spot". Promoted by the Fire Administration, the SAFE SPOT program is designed to provide a safe haven for children whenever they feel threatened. Any business that would be interested in helping to provide a safe environment for children is encouraged to get involved. All that is required is to provide the child with temporary shelter and call the Police Department for emergency assistance.

The SAFE SPOT logo is easily recognizable by children so they can seek help quickly. Contact Fire Administration for further information (816) 271-4603.

Safe Spot locations are designed for children who feel threatened by bullies, adults or even family members. This program is also useful for children who are being abused at home who need a safe haven. Most businesses are relatively close to residential homes and are scattered throughout the city, so children should not feel that they need to go only to the police station. Also, going into a business may seem less "scary" for the child, and may also hide what the child is really entering for, reducing the risk from further harassment.

My only question is: how are we marketing this program to our children? The businesses have done their part and have posted the signs in their windows, making themselves available. But how are our children being alerted to this service? The signs do not specify what exactly SAFE SPOT is, and I had a hard time learning about it! I found a small paragraph in the city's 2006 annual fire report! Perhaps principals should take an opportunity at an assembly to advise students of this service. Or even better, maybe the signs themselves could be a little more explicit. Any ideas, folks?

Positive Quote of the Day

So, then, to every man his chance -- to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining golden opportunity -- to every man his right to live, to work, to be himself, to become whatever his manhood and his vision can combine to make him -- this, seeker, is the promise of America.

-- Thomas Wolfe

Parents as Teachers

What is the "Parents as Teachers" (PAT) program offered by the SJSD? According to the PAT's national website: Parents as Teachers is the overarching program philosophy of providing parents with child development knowledge and parenting support. The organizational vehicle for delivering that knowledge and support is Parents as Teachers National Center.

Huh? Okay, so after dissecting all of the propaganda presented on their website, I have ascertained that PAT is a network comprised of parents who are certified in the PAT theories.

1. These individuals then con new parents into signing up for their program in which a PAT representative will visit new parents in their home on a regular basis to provide insight about the expected growth and development of their child.
2. PAT representatives are supposed to identify potential health and developmental problems with children in their visits.
3. These visits are targeted to prevent child abuse and neglect.
4. Somehow, these short visits are supposed to increase school readiness and success.

The PAT website has reports and evaluations that tout the success of the program. My question is how accurate or successful can this program truly be if it is voluntary? My first thought is that those parents who elect to participate are already looking out for the best interest of their child and are parents who are unlikely to beat or ignore their children. Following this argument, it is the parents who choose not to enroll that we should be the most wary of.

I have spoken with parents who are enrolled in the program, and they have said time and again that the PAT representative provides no real insight into the development of their child. Many times, PAT representatives are telling parents about what to expect, while the child has already achieved the milestones! What a waste of time. What a waste of resources.

The program also touts it's ability to provide new parents with community resources. Hmmm... wonder what those community resources are? Literature? The parents that I have talked to are unaware of any benefits of enrollment. They simply have the "PAT lady" coming to visit.

Most of the parents enrolled are working parents who spend very little time with their children anyway. Daycare providers should be the ones educated. So many parents drop their kids off in the morning, pick them up in time for dinner, bath, and bed. In the midwest, it seems many parents spend their weekends at extended family's home, so are unlikely to have direct, uninterrupted interaction with their anyway.

Promoting a solid pre-school program would be more likely to lead to success of our children.

PAT's... pshaw...

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! While I'm not typically one for resolutions, I thought that this could be a year that I can actually set a goal and stick to it.

This year I resolve to blog about something every day. I'm always thinking of something! So right, wrong, or otherwise, I'm going to publish something corny, cooky, wacky, observant, defiant, critical, interesting or just plain old boring. My goal is to get people talking. Whether it is to criticize my thought process or agree, just talk. Get your kids involved. Get involved in improving our city. Write back. Anything.

Take action.