JMO4Rep Update - Autumn Edition
Friends, Constituents, and Allies,
Now Is the Time for Healthcare Insurance Reform
I spent the first twenty years of my work life without health insurance. Uninsured people in my family have died prematurely because of delaying care over worries about how to pay for healthcare. I have constituents who have been unable to obtain coverage for an adopted child due to a loophole in state law. I have constituents with children with a chronic condition who are worried that the child will no longer have Medicaid once he or she turns 19. The painful stories I have heard repeatedly for years leave me baffled about why some are trying to preserve the system we have now. The United States ranks 37th in the world, despite spending more than anyone else, a state of affairs skewered musically in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVgOl3cETb4
Personal stories – as individuals struggling under our current health care systems, health care providers, community leaders, or faith leaders – are one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate the need for comprehensive health care reform. Please share your story as part of the “Voices for Health Care Reform” campaign, and Missouri Health Care for All (of which I am a member) will share it with Missouri media and elected officials. Go to this link to share your story:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ATUl0gg2nX0WanqyWtYqbg_3d_3d
Even if you have already called your member of the U.S. House and Senate, do it again. You can use this toll free number to call: 1-800-828-0498. Now is the time for healthcare that:
- covers everyone, regardless of income
- is affordable, including for small businesses
- reduces outrageous out-of-pocket expenses
- bans denying coverage for pre-existing conditions
- reduces or significantly eliminates the "donut hole" for Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors
If you want to add your name to an e-mail list of folks who support healthcare insurance reform, here's one of many places to do that:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=443&utm_source=4&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100k_healthcare&JServSessionIdr002=imi1ptexv5.app333a
That's a really long link, so if it breaks in transmission, you'll have to cut and paste on the part that drops off.
Surrounding Our Schools With Care Update
The Roosevelt High School Community Counsel is looking for volunteers to tutor high school students in mathematics, specifically Algebra 150. Volunteer tutors will receive materials and lesson support. The tutoring program operates during school hours at the school at 3230 Hartford St. Volunteers will be screened through the St. Louis Public Schools volunteer screening process. For more information, please contact Sarah Chilenski at sarah.chilenski AT gmail.com or Norah Ryan at norah.ryan AT att.net or 314-727-3386 x 14 (daytime).
The Roosevelt Community Council is looking for volunteers to serve breakfast to the Roosevelt High School football players at the Homecoming game on Oct. 31. The breakfasts really are a great way to interact with the students, and your presence and support is really appreciated by the teams, coaches, and staff at Roosevelt. If you'd like to volunteer for, please email Jenni George at georgejennifer@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers usually need to arrive around 9:00am.
Here's the schedule for the remaining games. Come out and cheer!
Friday. Oct. 16
7pm
vs. Webster G.
at Webster G.
Friday, Oct. 23
7pm
vs. Chaminade
at Chaminade
Saturday Oct. 31
1:30pm
vs. Vianney
at Roosevelt
Several after-school programs are starting at Roosevelt including: reading, gardening, cooking, Explore St. Louis, and possibly French, track, and/or "rap, rhythm and rhyme." If you are interested in helping with any of these after school groups, contact Sarah Chilenski, Sarah.Chilenski AT mimh.edu.
Supplies are needed for the cooking and gardening groups. If you are able to donate any of the following, contact Sarah Natwick, sarah.natwick AT slps.org: measuring cups, spoons, aprons, fabric, thread, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks.
Another exciting new program at Roosevelt High School is "Conscious Choice" which gives young women support in delaying motherhood and completing a college degree. Shirley Harvey and Karessa Morrow report that 198 Roosevelt students have joined! Mentors are needed for these young women, and activities that are currently planned include career shadowing, visiting college campuses together, and assisting with the college application process. Let's throw a "college shower" for these 198 young women, instead of a baby shower! To volunteer, e-mail Gwendolyn Meyers, gwendolyn.meyers AT slps.org.
Principal Sonya Wayne says things are off to a great start at Shenandoah Elementary School. To volunteer at Shenandoah, call her at 314-772-7544.
Several excellent principals retired from 59th district schools in 2009: Dr. Alice Roach from Carnahan High School of the Future, Dr. Gerald Arbini from Monroe Elementary, and Dr. Carol Hall-Whittier from Shepard E-Mints. Thanks for your many years of service, and happy retirement to all.
Awards Recently Received
I am thankful to have been recognized this year by the following groups:
Progressive Legislator of the Year, MO Progressive Vote Coalition
Human Rights Award, Church Women United, St. Louis Region
SAGE Visionary Award
Faith Aloud Award
Certificates of Appreciation, MO Immigrant and Refugee Advocates & Interfaith Legal Service for Immigrants
Serving in the minority party makes it very difficult for me to move legislation forward. It's always appreciated when ally groups notice that I am trying hard to win progress on our shared agenda for justice.
Note: To reserve tickets for the Nov. 14 Pro-Vote Annual Awards dinner, go to: http://www.missouriprovote.org/ProgressiveAwardsDinner.asp
Opportunities to Do Good Things
Repower America has asked me to share this announcement. Repower America is a campaign in support of transitioning to a clean energy economy to create millions of jobs, break our dependence on dirty fossil fuels, reduce the threat of harmful pollution and leave a healthy Earth for our families. Right now, landmark clean energy and climate legislation is moving through the U.S. Congress and our Senators may cast the deciding vote. If you support clean energy and comprehensive climate legislation, please call 877.9.Repower to leave a message for Senator McCaskill and Senator Bond and let them know. To learn more about Repower America and sign up to get involved, you can check out this website, www.repoweramerica.org.
-----
"Come Cruise Down the River" on the historic Becky Thatcher Riverboat and sing Happy Birthday to Ollie Stewart of Southside Senior Citizens Center, 3017 Park Avenue. Boarding starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at 50 N. Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd. on the Riverfront. Tickets are $60 for the two-and-one-half hour voyage which includes a brunch, Dixieland music, and a chance to mingle with a fun crowd including radio legend (and all-around-great-guy) Bernie Hayes. For more information, call Ollie Stewart or Ruth Rowan at 314-664-5024.
------
"Are you smarter than a Youth?" - A Trivia Night event supporting the youth group (grades 6-12) at Lafayette Park United Methodist Church in missions, service, and fun activities. It's at 2300 Lafayette on Oct. 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; play starts at 7 p.m. Popcorn and refreshements will be provided as long as the supply lasts. Feel free to bring your own foods and beverages - No alcohol allowed. Mulligans, raffles, 50/50 will be available. Also, a silent auction will offer items for sale.
-----
Congratulations to the Chippewa-Broadway Business Association for receiving a substantial Neighbors Naturescaping grant from Operation Brightside! Get your Halloween groove on by attending their special networking membership social, Thursday, October 29, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue Bistro. Holloween costumes are optional. Refreshments will be served. Door prizes. Guests are welcome.
-----
Metro Transit Planning Workshops
Moving Transit Forward
Beginning October 13, Metro will launch a series of transit planning community workshops where the public will be asked to help create the long-range vision of transit in the St. Louis region, and share their ideas for improving transit service and expanding the system.
You are invited to participate in one of more of these important discussions throughout the region:
Thursday, October 15
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club
Sportsman’s Park Unit
2910 N. Grand Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63107
Metro Access: #70 Grand
Saturday, October 17
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Southwestern Illinois College
Main Complex, Room 1410
2500 Carlyle Ave.
Belleville, IL 62221
Metro Access: College
MetroLink Station
Monday, October 19
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
St. Louis Community College
Florissant Valley
Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room
3400 Pershall Ave.
Ferguson, MO 63135
Metro Access: #36 Spanish Lake
Tuesday, October 20
11:00am – 1:00pm
City of St. Louis City Hall
1200 Market Street, Rotunda
St. Louis, MO 63103
Metro Access: Civic Center MetroLink Station, #99 Downtown Circulator
Thursday, October 22
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Eric P. Newman Center
Washington University
Medical Center
320 S. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Metro Access: Central West End
MetroLink Station
Monday, October 26
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Carpenter Branch,
St. Louis Public Library
3309 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118
Metro Access: #70 Grand
Tuesday, October 27
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Mehlville High School Library
3200 Lemay Ferry Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63125
Metro Access: #73 Carondelet
If you cannot participate at the above public forum in your area, please considering attending one of our workshops in other districts. Up-to-date information on the transit planning community workshops can be found at the new Metro blog, Nextstopstl.org.
If you have questions, please email ajones AT metrostlouis.org. Thank you for supporting public transit in St. Louis.
-----
Looking for a little Halloween fun? Then attend the Democratic Central Committee Party:
Friday, Oct. 23
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Glaizers Union Hall
5916 Wilson Ave, St. Louis City
Costume Contest, Prizes, Games, Live Music, Food and Drinks!
$100 Tables (includes 10 tickets)
$15 tickets in advance
$20 at the door
Please make checks payable to: St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee, PO Box 1233, St. Louis, MO 63188. For more info, Jack Coatar, (314) 374-0691.
Correction to District Directory
For those who received a district directory through the mail, please make this correction. On page 11, delete the American Red Cross Adult Day Care. This facility is no longer open.
JMO
Now Is the Time for Healthcare Insurance Reform
I spent the first twenty years of my work life without health insurance. Uninsured people in my family have died prematurely because of delaying care over worries about how to pay for healthcare. I have constituents who have been unable to obtain coverage for an adopted child due to a loophole in state law. I have constituents with children with a chronic condition who are worried that the child will no longer have Medicaid once he or she turns 19. The painful stories I have heard repeatedly for years leave me baffled about why some are trying to preserve the system we have now. The United States ranks 37th in the world, despite spending more than anyone else, a state of affairs skewered musically in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVgOl3cETb4
Personal stories – as individuals struggling under our current health care systems, health care providers, community leaders, or faith leaders – are one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate the need for comprehensive health care reform. Please share your story as part of the “Voices for Health Care Reform” campaign, and Missouri Health Care for All (of which I am a member) will share it with Missouri media and elected officials. Go to this link to share your story:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ATUl0gg2nX0WanqyWtYqbg_3d_3d
Even if you have already called your member of the U.S. House and Senate, do it again. You can use this toll free number to call: 1-800-828-0498. Now is the time for healthcare that:
- covers everyone, regardless of income
- is affordable, including for small businesses
- reduces outrageous out-of-pocket expenses
- bans denying coverage for pre-existing conditions
- reduces or significantly eliminates the "donut hole" for Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors
If you want to add your name to an e-mail list of folks who support healthcare insurance reform, here's one of many places to do that:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=443&utm_source=4&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100k_healthcare&JServSessionIdr002=imi1ptexv5.app333a
That's a really long link, so if it breaks in transmission, you'll have to cut and paste on the part that drops off.
Surrounding Our Schools With Care Update
The Roosevelt High School Community Counsel is looking for volunteers to tutor high school students in mathematics, specifically Algebra 150. Volunteer tutors will receive materials and lesson support. The tutoring program operates during school hours at the school at 3230 Hartford St. Volunteers will be screened through the St. Louis Public Schools volunteer screening process. For more information, please contact Sarah Chilenski at sarah.chilenski AT gmail.com or Norah Ryan at norah.ryan AT att.net or 314-727-3386 x 14 (daytime).
The Roosevelt Community Council is looking for volunteers to serve breakfast to the Roosevelt High School football players at the Homecoming game on Oct. 31. The breakfasts really are a great way to interact with the students, and your presence and support is really appreciated by the teams, coaches, and staff at Roosevelt. If you'd like to volunteer for, please email Jenni George at georgejennifer@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers usually need to arrive around 9:00am.
Here's the schedule for the remaining games. Come out and cheer!
Friday. Oct. 16
7pm
vs. Webster G.
at Webster G.
Friday, Oct. 23
7pm
vs. Chaminade
at Chaminade
Saturday Oct. 31
1:30pm
vs. Vianney
at Roosevelt
Several after-school programs are starting at Roosevelt including: reading, gardening, cooking, Explore St. Louis, and possibly French, track, and/or "rap, rhythm and rhyme." If you are interested in helping with any of these after school groups, contact Sarah Chilenski, Sarah.Chilenski AT mimh.edu.
Supplies are needed for the cooking and gardening groups. If you are able to donate any of the following, contact Sarah Natwick, sarah.natwick AT slps.org: measuring cups, spoons, aprons, fabric, thread, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks.
Another exciting new program at Roosevelt High School is "Conscious Choice" which gives young women support in delaying motherhood and completing a college degree. Shirley Harvey and Karessa Morrow report that 198 Roosevelt students have joined! Mentors are needed for these young women, and activities that are currently planned include career shadowing, visiting college campuses together, and assisting with the college application process. Let's throw a "college shower" for these 198 young women, instead of a baby shower! To volunteer, e-mail Gwendolyn Meyers, gwendolyn.meyers AT slps.org.
Principal Sonya Wayne says things are off to a great start at Shenandoah Elementary School. To volunteer at Shenandoah, call her at 314-772-7544.
Several excellent principals retired from 59th district schools in 2009: Dr. Alice Roach from Carnahan High School of the Future, Dr. Gerald Arbini from Monroe Elementary, and Dr. Carol Hall-Whittier from Shepard E-Mints. Thanks for your many years of service, and happy retirement to all.
Awards Recently Received
I am thankful to have been recognized this year by the following groups:
Progressive Legislator of the Year, MO Progressive Vote Coalition
Human Rights Award, Church Women United, St. Louis Region
SAGE Visionary Award
Faith Aloud Award
Certificates of Appreciation, MO Immigrant and Refugee Advocates & Interfaith Legal Service for Immigrants
Serving in the minority party makes it very difficult for me to move legislation forward. It's always appreciated when ally groups notice that I am trying hard to win progress on our shared agenda for justice.
Note: To reserve tickets for the Nov. 14 Pro-Vote Annual Awards dinner, go to: http://www.missouriprovote.org/ProgressiveAwardsDinner.asp
Opportunities to Do Good Things
Repower America has asked me to share this announcement. Repower America is a campaign in support of transitioning to a clean energy economy to create millions of jobs, break our dependence on dirty fossil fuels, reduce the threat of harmful pollution and leave a healthy Earth for our families. Right now, landmark clean energy and climate legislation is moving through the U.S. Congress and our Senators may cast the deciding vote. If you support clean energy and comprehensive climate legislation, please call 877.9.Repower to leave a message for Senator McCaskill and Senator Bond and let them know. To learn more about Repower America and sign up to get involved, you can check out this website, www.repoweramerica.org.
-----
"Come Cruise Down the River" on the historic Becky Thatcher Riverboat and sing Happy Birthday to Ollie Stewart of Southside Senior Citizens Center, 3017 Park Avenue. Boarding starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at 50 N. Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd. on the Riverfront. Tickets are $60 for the two-and-one-half hour voyage which includes a brunch, Dixieland music, and a chance to mingle with a fun crowd including radio legend (and all-around-great-guy) Bernie Hayes. For more information, call Ollie Stewart or Ruth Rowan at 314-664-5024.
------
"Are you smarter than a Youth?" - A Trivia Night event supporting the youth group (grades 6-12) at Lafayette Park United Methodist Church in missions, service, and fun activities. It's at 2300 Lafayette on Oct. 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; play starts at 7 p.m. Popcorn and refreshements will be provided as long as the supply lasts. Feel free to bring your own foods and beverages - No alcohol allowed. Mulligans, raffles, 50/50 will be available. Also, a silent auction will offer items for sale.
-----
Congratulations to the Chippewa-Broadway Business Association for receiving a substantial Neighbors Naturescaping grant from Operation Brightside! Get your Halloween groove on by attending their special networking membership social, Thursday, October 29, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue Bistro. Holloween costumes are optional. Refreshments will be served. Door prizes. Guests are welcome.
-----
Metro Transit Planning Workshops
Moving Transit Forward
Beginning October 13, Metro will launch a series of transit planning community workshops where the public will be asked to help create the long-range vision of transit in the St. Louis region, and share their ideas for improving transit service and expanding the system.
You are invited to participate in one of more of these important discussions throughout the region:
Thursday, October 15
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club
Sportsman’s Park Unit
2910 N. Grand Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63107
Metro Access: #70 Grand
Saturday, October 17
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Southwestern Illinois College
Main Complex, Room 1410
2500 Carlyle Ave.
Belleville, IL 62221
Metro Access: College
MetroLink Station
Monday, October 19
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
St. Louis Community College
Florissant Valley
Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room
3400 Pershall Ave.
Ferguson, MO 63135
Metro Access: #36 Spanish Lake
Tuesday, October 20
11:00am – 1:00pm
City of St. Louis City Hall
1200 Market Street, Rotunda
St. Louis, MO 63103
Metro Access: Civic Center MetroLink Station, #99 Downtown Circulator
Thursday, October 22
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Eric P. Newman Center
Washington University
Medical Center
320 S. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Metro Access: Central West End
MetroLink Station
Monday, October 26
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Carpenter Branch,
St. Louis Public Library
3309 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118
Metro Access: #70 Grand
Tuesday, October 27
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Mehlville High School Library
3200 Lemay Ferry Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63125
Metro Access: #73 Carondelet
If you cannot participate at the above public forum in your area, please considering attending one of our workshops in other districts. Up-to-date information on the transit planning community workshops can be found at the new Metro blog, Nextstopstl.org.
If you have questions, please email ajones AT metrostlouis.org. Thank you for supporting public transit in St. Louis.
-----
Looking for a little Halloween fun? Then attend the Democratic Central Committee Party:
Friday, Oct. 23
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Glaizers Union Hall
5916 Wilson Ave, St. Louis City
Costume Contest, Prizes, Games, Live Music, Food and Drinks!
$100 Tables (includes 10 tickets)
$15 tickets in advance
$20 at the door
Please make checks payable to: St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee, PO Box 1233, St. Louis, MO 63188. For more info, Jack Coatar, (314) 374-0691.
Correction to District Directory
For those who received a district directory through the mail, please make this correction. On page 11, delete the American Red Cross Adult Day Care. This facility is no longer open.
JMO
posted by Joe at
9:11 PM
