Hospital Strengthens "Storm Ready" Status

    

Kelly Pearce, vice president of operations at SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton. photo by Diana Linsley

Kelly Pearce, vice president of operations at SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton. photo by Diana Linsley

    

By Holly Shanks

Published in "South County Times"

November 8, 2013

     Come blizzard, ice storm, hail or high water, SSM St. Clare Health Center has been declared a Storm Ready supporter by the St. Louis National Weather Service (NWS).

     The Storm Ready program is a collaboration between the St. Louis NWS and local city, county and business emergency management teams. The designation helps ensure hospital preparedness procedures are in place for weather hazards ranging from mild to severe.

     Kelly Pearce, vice president of operations at SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton, said the Storm Ready program offers a chance to validate systems the center already has in place. He said the on-site evaluation required for certification also offers new perspectives and suggestions to assist in St. Clare's quality control efforts.

     "We thought that it would be a great opportunity to try to improve ourselves. That was really the driving force behind it," Pearce said. "To bring additional experts in and make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our patients safe."

After Amateur MMA, Jefferies Returns to Cross Country

Published in Webster University's "The Journal"

By Holly Shanks

 

   Inside a combination of Tae Kwon Do, Mixed Martial Arts cage fighting (MMA) and long-distance cross-country, senior philosophy major Ethan Jeffries discovered self-calmness, respect for adults and how to deal with aggressive people.

     Ethan Jeffries transferred to Webster University in 2010 from Illinois Central College and will graduate  with a degree in philosophy and ethics certificate in May 2014.

     At age four, Jeffries’ father, John Jeffries, entered his son into a Tae Kwon Do class- a type of martial arts that combines combat and self-defense techniques.  John Jeffries said he wanted his son to take the classes to teach him restraint and ensure he would always be able to take care of himself. 

     Jeffries said the training he received from Tae Kwon Do  instilled the ability to stay calm and not take anger out on other people, self-discipline and how to be respectful to adults.

     During the latter part of high school Jeffries found the sport of MMA.

     “I needed something more competitive and at that time MMA was still on the rise to the public, so it was just something I was curious about,” Jeffries said. “It seemed very difficult, very challenging, so I thought I would give it a try.”

American Cancer Society Turns 100 as Flo Valley Host First “Relay for Life”

Published in The Forum August 2013 Issue

By Holly Shanks

     It is estimated that 1.6 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, according to The American Cancer Society. Missouri’s part in that analysis is nearly 34,000 family members, loved ones and friends finding out for the first time they have some form of cancer. 

     A cancer diagnosis in 1913 usually meant a person was doomed to an inescapable death sentence. That same year a small group of New York physicians and business leaders decided to start a crusade for the control of cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) was born as a direct result of those early efforts and this year the society celebrates 100 years of hope, research and awareness.

     Throughout the last century, thousands of ACS volunteers have dedicated an incalculable number of hours to change the course of cancer and educate the public about the devastating disease.

Webster Alumnus Dave Dyer Brings Horror and Pop Culture to St. Louis

Published in The Journal August 2013

(Webster University's Student Newspaper)

By Holly Shanks

In a house filled with music and the smell of paint and turpentine, Dave Dyer grew up valuing art and developed an artistic eye through the support of a multi-generational, artistic family.

In 2009, the Webster Groves native and Webster University alumnus opened an entertainment-based company, Dyer Straits Productions (DSP). He and his business partner, Susan Koerkenmeier, developed CON-TAMINATION, a yearly horror and pop culture convention, the only one of its kind in the St. Louis area.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic arts and illustration from Webster University in 1991, Dyer’s first job was as a graphic designer at a printing company. He then worked as a tattoo artist for over two decades. As an artist with a love of horror and science fiction, he was a natural at designing artwork for the genre.

The youngest of three brothers, Dyer doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t want to be an artist. In grade school, he created his own comics and comic book characters, which he printed on his father’s Xerox machine. He laughs as he recalls using up the toner ink to create copies, which he sold for five cents at school.

“I always drew. That’s just what I did because it comes from my family,” Dyer said. “My two older brothers were artists and my mom was the queen artist…and it just was natural that I would be an artist.”

Dyer’s oldest brother, Wilson Dyer, is a Hollywood sound editor that has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and currently is a sound editor for the CBS television drama “NCIS: Los Angles.”

CONTAMINATION DEFCON 4 - South County Times

CONTAMINATION DEFCON 4:
Pop culture fans flock to South County Holiday Inn for weekend of horror, sci-fi

by Holly Shanks

South County Times - August 09, 2013

From left: Jamie Lamman, zombie; Trizia Schaefer, a character from "Motel Hell;" Josh Buechler as Melting Man; Steven Hanna wields a chainsaw; and Lauren Halvorson as Harley Quinn from the Batman series. photos by Diana Linsley

Michelle Benz as super villain Harley Quinn, from the animated and movie Batman series, and Michael Harbin as Batman's nemesis, the Joker.

From left: Chris McQuillen as a character from the "Zod" video game series; Lauren Nix from the "Halo" video game series; and Michael Walker of South County as Hunk from the video game series "Resident Evil."

Jurassic Park raptor Jef Miller takes time out from terrorizing convention attendees to pose for the camera.

The South County Holiday Inn was the hot spot this past weekend for horror movie and pop culture fans. Contamination Defcon 4, a sci-fi, horror genre convention featuring celebrities and merchandise vendors, drew a diverse crowd during the three-day event.

The convention rooms were jam-packed with cult classic enthusiast of all ages. Some attendees passionately mimicked their favorite characters by dressing up. The costume-clad fans mingled, splattered with fake blood, drooping rotted zombie skin, chainsaws in place of hands and faces - all creatively concealed behind a mayhem of make-up.

An array of items including artwork, scale character models, books, posters and T-shirts were only a sampling of things available for the novice to the avid collector. One of the main attractions for fans was the chance to meet actors, directors, writers or special effects people who brought their beloved creatures, slashers and monsters to life.

Among the many featured celebrities in attendance were names such as David Naughton, the actor who turned from man to beast in "An American Werewolf in London;" Kane Hodder, the man behind the mask as "Jason" in several installments of the "Friday the 13th" movie series; and Theodus Crane, a cast member from AMC's current award-winning popular zombie-laden TV series "The Walking Dead."

Crane traveled from New Orleans to meet local fans and offered some thoughts about genre conventions.

"I think it's part escapism. If you really enjoy watching a show ... and you find out (the actors) are coming to town it's like a treat for yourself," Crane said. "You get to experience something you wouldn't normally get to do."



Article link to the South County Times:
http://www.southcountytimes.com/Articles-Features-i-2013-08-09-188206.114137-CONTAMINATION-DEFCON-4.html#print 

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters - A Movie Review

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

A Movie Review

By Holly Shanks

KCFV- Social Media Post

August 2013

   

Image: Pixabay

Percy is entertaining, but he is no Harry Potter. I know, I know, it may not be fair to compare the two, but there are so many similarities it is almost impossible to ignore.

     The next installment of the Percy movies, based on the popular Rick Riordan’s, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” youth book series, finds the heroes knocked off the mountain top by a new set of I’m-better-than-you demigods.

     Life has changed for Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) at camp Half-Blood. He has taken a backseat to Clarisse (Leven Rambin), the daughter of Aries, god of war. Clarisse is better at everything it seems and she makes sure everyone knows it. Her sassy dogging and sharp spearheaded Percy put-downs send him to the empathetic underdog position in a mighty hurry.

     The source of the magical shield around camp Half-Blood has been poisoned and the camp comes under attack from an old enemy back from the grave. Luke (Jake Abel) has survived from the first movie and has decided to rid the world of the father gods that have abandoned their children.

     How does he expect to do that? What better way to defeat Zeus, Poseidon and Hades than to bring back their own father, Kronos, whom they imprisoned centuries before.

     The legendary Golden Fleece has healing powers that will heal and restore the magical shield, but, unfortunately, the fleece is also the same thing that will bring Kronos back to life.

Mary Luebke Takes A New Role - Flo Valley's Dean of the Liberal Arts

KCFV 89.5 "The Wave" News  - July 2013

 

Photo by Bradley J. Rayford

Flo Valley has a new Dean of the Liberal Arts Division.

Mary Luebke is a 30 year veteran of Flo and is the former chairperson of the Communications department. Dean Luebke looks forward to her new challenges and feels she has a strong team in the Liberal Arts Division.

“The instructors are amazing and the individuals who work throughout Liberal Arts are fine professionals,” Luebke said. “My job is just to be sure I can promote their fine work.”


 Click below to hear Dean Luebke talk about her new role.

http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/56919277789/flo-valley-has-a-new-dean-of-the-liberal-arts

Flo Valley Theatre Coordinator Dan Betzler Interview



Photo provided by Flo Valley Theatre Department

KCFV 89.5 "The Wave" August 2013

 

Holly Shanks recently spoke with Flo Valley Theatre Coordinator Daniel Betzler about his new play and how he got his start in theatre. Flo Valley has a rich past with deaf communications that mixes with the theatre program and Betzler shares some of that interesting history, as well as, insight into his new production, “Master Harold… and the Boys,” a period piece set at the beginning of Apartheid in South Africa .

 Click on the audio to hear the interview with Professor Daniel Betzler. (Interview: 15 Minutes)http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/57080767118/kcfv-news-recently-spoke-with-flo-valley-theatre

"An American Werewolf In London" Star David Naughton Interview

Broadcast interview for KCFV 89.5 "The Wave" radio station, August, 2013.

 

Photo by Paul Huddleston

 

Holly Shanks interviews David Naughton at CONTAMINATION: DEFCON 4, St. Louis horror and pop culture convention for KCFV 89.5 "The Wave" radio station.

 Naughton talks about his role in “An American Werewolf In London" and what it was like to work in the heavy make-up used that transformed him into the wolf. He also shares his thoughts on what it takes to make a good horror film. 

 Click on the audio link below to hear the interview

on KCFV's Tumblr page.

http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/57302426473/kcfvs-holly-shanks-interviews-david-naughton-at

Photo by Paul Huddleston

KCFV News - Relay For Life Event

The North County Relay for Life was recently held on the Florissant Valley campus. Click below for more pictures and to hear audio from the event.



Above: Anne Frese at the Flo Valley Relay For Life Walk
Photo by Holly Shanks



 Audio from KCFV News on Tumblr
http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/54517898858/the-north-county-relay-for-life-was-recently-held

More Pictures from KCFV News on Tumblr (Photos by Holly Shanks)
http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/54518108945/north-county-relay-for-life-held-at-flo-valley

KCFV News - Tips For Attending A Job Fair

Antoinette Boyd from the Career and Employment Services Center has some tips for students attending any job fair. STLCC is teaming up with the Community Action Agency of St. Louis to host a job fair at Flo Valley July 25. 



 Click the link to KCFV's Tumblr page to hear Antoinette Boyd's advice.
http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/54045170059/stlcc-is-teaming-up-with-the-community-action

Recorded On-Air Interview With Trak Bill For KCFV Radio July 2013

Recorded On-Air Interview With Trak Bill
For KCFV Radio July 2013

Interview  with Sam and Steve from Trakbill.com about what their company does, their interest in legislation, and the difficulties and rewards of starting a new company here in St. Louis. You can see what they are doing by visiting www.trakbill.com. Be sure to listen to the Communication Breakdown on Tuesdays from 3-5pm with Holly and Paul on 89.5 the Wave.

http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/54678076221/interview-with-sam-and-steve-from-trakbill-com

On-Air Live Interview Flo Valley Health and Wellness Center- KCFV Radio

June 2013 KCFV Live On-Air Interview

Photo by Paul Huddleston

Glenna Wentworth, Associate Professor, Flo Valley Counselor and Chair of the Flo Valley Health and Wellness Committee and Cindy Campbell, Chair of Physical Education and Health and Wellness Committee member talked to the KCFV Tuesdays “Comm...unication Breakdown” with Paul Huddleston and Holly Shanks about the healthy opportunities offered to the students, faculty and staff at Flo Valley.
Click link for the KCFV Tumblr page to hear the on-air interview with Cindy Campbell and Glenna Wentworth.

http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/54521737200/glenna-wentworth-associate-professor-flo-valley

KCFV News - Flo Summer and Fall Registration

Flo Valley 2013 Fall Semester registration is open. Go to the KCFV Tumblr page to hear Dee Brandy from the campus life department explain why being pro-active could be a good decision.

http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/52945732415/flo-valley-2013-fall-semester-registration-is

Flo Valley Summer registration is drawing to a close, but June 17 is the next deadline with payment at time of registration. Click the link below and visit KCFV's Tumblr page to hear the Registration Department describe the best time to visit the office and register.

http://895thewavestl.tumblr.com/post/52865819139/flo-valley-summer-registration-is-drawing-to-a

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Opening Ceremony Report

By Holly Shanks

Published on the AVTT Traveling Wall Website June 2013

 The Vietnam War is etched deeply in the memory of a generation that saw a nation divided and left painfully scarred with regret.

 The history of the Vietnam War is tangled in murky politics and fiercely differing public opinions. A person can read about it and watch hours of war footage, but the true meaning of what did to the American societal landscape is hard to comprehend for someone who did not live through that era.   

After attending The AVTT Traveling Wall opening event it became apparent that healing and closure may forever be intertwined with lingering pain and anger. The difference between the Vietnam War and other wars finally became clear. was simply not a war waged solely on foreign soil.

 The keynote speaker Joseph Frank eloquently phrased what could be observed by watching the veterans and visitors at The Wall.

 “ was a life-defining experience for every American who lived during that particular era and it continues to impact us all...we were unable to separate the politics from the people,” Frank said. “We must never allow to become disconnected from her military and never again allow a wall to stand between citizens and those who wear the cloth of our nation.”

Creative Flair Targets Great Cause - South County Times

By Holly Shanks

Published in The South County Times June 7, 2013

A local project honoring Vietnam Veterans is demonstrating there is no age, race, background or ideology that can not be bridged for a common cause.

In the fall of last year, the Sunset Hills Historical Society spearheaded the effort to make Louis one of the stops for the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT). The historical society sprang to life when different local organizations, businesses, and citizens joined together in an effort that coalesced into the Show-Me Hero Salute (SMHS).

Some of the major items on the agenda for the included creation of a website, promotional materials, a logo and graphic design elements.

Enter Professor Chuck Groth of at Meramec in. He attended one of the early Show-Me meetings and said that both he and his students in the graphic arts design program would be happy to assist.  

KCFV 2013 Grogg Award Announced



Mike Cave 2013 Grogg Award Winner
All Photos by Bradley J. Rayford

By Holly Shanks 

Published June 2013 in The Forum Student Newspaper and on KCFV Facebook 

Recently, the student radio station, KCFV 89.5 The Wave, announced the 2013 winner of The Phillip H. Grogg Award at a ceremony held at the Terry M. Fischer Theatre.

KCFV annually recognizes one individual for outstanding leadership and dedication. Students involved with the radio program nominate a fellow station member they feel embodies what the Grogg Award is all about.

This year’s winner is , a STLCC Mass Communications student, who joins the 31 previous Grogg winners by receiving a golden microphone trophy, $500 scholarship and his name immortalized on a permanent wall plaque displayed at KCFV. 

Rock Block - Music Genre Haters: Not Cool

By Holly Shanks

Published June 2013 in The Forum student newspaper at Flo Valley

Birds of a feather flock together. That vintage old saying maybe a cliché, but, for the most part, stands as a true statement. It goes along with the idea that people who like the same things will gather together and enjoy each others company. That old bird cliché is usually true of music fans as well. Favorite Genres in music, let's take rock and roll, for example, because this is the Rock Block after all, have loyal fans and sometimes those fans can find it hard to like other types of music. This is nothing new, but the internet has provided a powerful and easy outlet for opinions and hateful degrading statements.

This blog-filled society has no shortage of music genre “haters” that fill cyberspace with rants. There are people who say they hate country music and label country music fans and singers as rednecks or hillbillies and those stereotypes are usually not at all used as an endearment. Rap music haters, pop music haters, gospel haters, the list of haters could go on for miles.  

Is this really something new or is ever-advancing communications technology simply amplifying what has always existed?

Let’s look at the rift between rock and roll fans and disco fans in the 1970s. Much has been made of this, shall we say, difference of opinions between fans of two wildly different and distinctive music personalities.

Crestwood Chamber Top Citizen and Businessperson Honored

By Holly Shanks

South County Times

April 2013

The Crestwood Sunset Hills Area Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes community members for outstanding and dedicated service at an Awards Banquet held in March.

The 2013 Awards ceremony was held at ’s Event and the honorees included:

Mike Raeber, Citizen of the Year; Brian Kohlbert, Rotarian of the Year; Bonnie Butterfield, Kiwanian of the Year; Bill and Marie Puricelli, Community Improvement Award; Cindy Sykes, New Chamber Member of the Year, and Richard W. Bayers, Member and Businessperson of the Year.

Each year Chamber members are asked to submit names of people they feel have demonstrated outstanding service or dedication to the community in several different categories. A committee then chooses the award winners.

Realtors See Shift In Consumer Confidence

By Holly Shanks

Webster-Kirkwood Times March 2013

    

KCFV Has A New Manager

By Holly Shanks

STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper March 2013

Photo by Holly Shanks
Above: New KCFV General Manager Paul Huddleston

   “You have to have a sense of humor because you have to be able to laugh off your critics,” Paul Huddleston said as he tossed his hands in the air. “If you start to believe them – that’s when bad things happen.”

   In the office of KCFV, St. Louis Community College's only FCC licensed student radio station, Huddleston talked about his hopes, goals, and new responsibilities. In January, the former FV student accepted the position of general manager at KCFV. He is looking forward to continuing the station’s long tradition of supporting students and offering a welcoming place to experience hands-on broadcasting and communications study.

   In high school, Huddleston’s friends noticed his love of music and continuous talking to anyone and everyone within hearing distance of his voice. They suggested that a radio career could be a perfect fit for him. Shortly after enrolling in Florissant Valley's broadcasting program he realized he had found a new place to call home.   

Why Join the Honors Program at STLCC-FV

By Holly Shanks

STLCC-FV Honors Program with Professor Regina Popper.

Click below for the interview
http://hollyconvergenceclass.blogspot.com/2012/11/why-college-honors-program.html

For more information visit STLCC Honors webpage: http://www.stlcc.edu/Programs/Honors_Program/Florissant_Valley_Honors/Index.html

Pokemon Competitors Gather In St. Charles

By Holly Shanks

South County Times - Feburary 1, 2013

 Webster-Kirkwood Times - January 25, 2013

  

 

     Local Pokemon players competed in the largest regional competition in Pokemon history ­– a gathering where Pokemon is not just a kid’s game, but a community and culture of friendship for all ages.

St. Charles Ice Carving Competition

By Holly Shanks

STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper - February 2013

Photo By Holly Shanks



"Castle Fight"
 Ice Carving Winner
Photo by Holly Shanks

A frozen castle, scuba diver, and three chilly pigs emerged on the street in historic downtown St. Charles last month.   

The St. Charles Historic Downtown Association started the yearly ice festival in 1998 and the “Fete de Glace” Ice Carving Competition has been a hit ever since. The competition consists of two categories, the single block and the two-man Monster Carver Class. The attending crowd pick the winners by casting votes for their favorite sculptures. The competitors compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.  

According to Vice President of the St. Charles Historic Association Mike Maurer, the competition has seen Olympic ice carvers compete, as well as many local ice artists over the years.

The Monster Carvers Class begins with five blocks of ice weighing 260 pounds each, three and a half feet tall, twenty inches across and ten inches wide. The blocks can be stacked on top of each other giving the artist a large canvas to work with depending on the design being carved.

“When the ice first starts taking shape, people really gather around to watch the carvers with their electric chain saws and all their tools,” Maurer said. “Its fun and some of them are really spectacular looking.”

Valentine's Day Memories Shared

By Holly Shanks

Webster-Kirkwood Times February 8, 2013

    The arrival of heart shaped boxes of chocolates and an abundance of roses in retail stores signifies that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Romance is in the heart of the beholder, but a lifetime of love and friendship can create many wonderful memories.

     A few seniors attending the Shepherd’s Center of Webster-Kirkwood’s Saturday morning activities for older adults graciously shared their Valentine’s memories.

     They have a combined total of 185 years of matrimony between them and they know thing or two about relationships, marriage and Valentine’s Day. 

Curry Receives Underwood Award

   By Holly Shanks
STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper

  Allieze Ruby Curry, dean of Business and Human Development, stepped onto the stage and into the spotlight during the David L. Underwood lecture earlier this month. She revealed through self-reflections, the lessons learned from her 35-year career, the struggles and rewards of becoming a guardian of her nephew, and her thoughts of the ever changing highway of education.

  Florissant Valley (FV) Music Professor Paul Higdon performed piano pieces by Sergei Rachmaninov. Professor Chris Stephens introduced Curry by sharing with the audience her many encompassing accomplishments. Stephens also shared his memory of Curry being the very first person to welcome him aboard in 2000 as a newly hired full-time professor at FV.      

A Ghostly Adventure

By Holly Shanks

STLCC- FV The Forum Student Newspaper - October, 2011





Photo Provided by St. Charles Ghost Tours

The Odd Fellows, a fraternal society, formally

 used and built the historic building in 1878.

   “St. Charles Ghost Tours” is not a haunted hoax.  There are no mirrored parlor tricks or visual illusions along Main Street. Michael Henry has been researching ghosts for nearly 40 years. He started St. Charles Ghost Tours in 2006. 

He was a ghost hunter before it was called ghost hunting.

  He approaches ghost hunting scientifically not recreationally, Henery says. Ninety percent of all incidents can be explained. It’s the other unexplainable 10 percent that keeps Henry coming back. “What we see is something we have not yet identified.”

  Older places seem to be hotspots for paranormal activity and the St. Louis area is no exception. The Lemp Mansion has been featured on paranormal television shows and the 1949 exorcism story that inspired "The Exorcist" movie from 1973 that partially took place in St. Louis.  

Alton, IL, has the reportedly haunted McPike Mansion and the Enos Sanatorium known to have been an underground railroad station for escaped slaves, and later a tuberculosis sanatorium.  St. Charles is the second oldest city in Missouri, rich in history, and possible fertile ground for the paranormal. 

Rock Block- A Rock and Roll Conversation With B.A.

By Holly Shanks

STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper

Design by Holly Shanks



A Rock and Roll Conversation With B.A.

   If all you have to do is care in order to make a difference in someone’s life, then Barry Yoakum cares a lot. He tries to make that difference by giving his radio listeners an entertaining rock and roll fueled distraction from whatever it is they might need it from.

 Since 2008, Yoakum, a.k.a. B.A. has hosted, “The Rock Show,” a high octane, boring not allowed, old school, Friday night rock and roll show. It is the longest running rock based program currently on air at STLCC-FV student radio station, KCFV 89.5, The Wave. 

The hard rock and metal music genre appeals to Yoakum because the “music makes you feel like your kicking ass, having fun and doing what you want to do,” he says. “It calms me down and pumps me up all at the same time.”

Rock Block- Fear Not the Crossover

By Holly Shanks
STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper

Design by Holly Shanks

    Life without music is simply unthinkable. For some, it would be like stealing the breath from their bodies and dooming them to a life of gloomy agony if suddenly their music was taken away. Their music simply is part of them and can help define part of who they are. 

  Generally, music fans are loyal, dedicated people who upon hearing their favorite songs can feel rhythm wrap around them and set their senses ablaze till every nerve ending pulsates along with the beat. Not only do just the fans experience that feeling, but some musicians drip with sheer music ecstasy while they play.

  If one pays close enough attention, for instance, to a guitarist like Zakk Wylde as he rips through a solo, the onlookers are usually in awe of the amazing force and commanding presence exhibited through the guitar. Wylde’s consciousness looks as if it is absorbed into the instrument as it sends ripples of sound out to touch the audience. It is moments like those that keep fans coming back and packing arenas around the globe to see their favorite artist.

Rock Block - Shattered Barriers

By Holly Shanks
STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper

Shattered Barriers

In 1984, Rick Allen became a one-armed drummer. The Def Leppard member suffered a car accident that took his arm, but not his desire to play rock and roll.

With encouragement and support from his band mates and assistance from custom made foot peddles, Allen relearned to play the drums. “I’m really trying to play everything I used to play with my left arm with my left leg, sometimes not as successfully as I would like, but it’s a constant sort of learning curve…” Allen says smiling “You can’t really consult the book of one-armed drummers, you know.”

Rock Block - Flashback from Monsters of Rock

By Holly Shanks
STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper

Flashback to Monsters of Rock 1991

 

Every now and then a story comes along that binds people together in surprising and incredible ways. In August of 1991, an astonishing moment in history happened, the fall of the Russian communist government.

After facing food and housing shortages and military troops and tanks in the streets, the people of prevailed and the last of the Communists leaders clinging to power backed down.

  An amazing one month later in September, a free Monsters of Rock concert was held at Tushino Airfield near. The night before the concert Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett from the band Metallica spoke to a few of the Russian people. When Ulrich and Hammett asked why they had stayed during the coup and faced the KGB troops one young man said, “Mostly people came here to die, they want freedom, they crave it, they were ready to meet their death.”

  ACDC guitarist, Angus Young while attending the coup memorial said, “You have to admire anyone who puts up a battle for what they want…it allows things like this to go on, where they get to see rock music, and they're entitled to that freedom as much as anyone else in the world, to the youth, you have to take your cap off to them for making a stand, it shows in them great courage that they stood up.”

  A young Russian man also at the memorial service explained in his native tongue, “During the coup the youth fought to live the way they want, not the way their masters ordered them.”

  Unofficial concert crowd estimates range from 500 thousand to over one million. The following link is for the live performance of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” given at the 1991 Monsters of Rock concert in.

Watched in its entirety the visuals of the crowds are stunning, and it shows the many faces of those who had been living under the veil of communism a few weeks earlier. The universal expressionism of Rock and Roll knows no boundaries and is truly a common bond shared by rockers around the world.  

ROCK ON, OUR FELLOW ROCKERS IN, ROCK ON!!

  

March Block Video: Metallica “Enter Sandman”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QP-SIW6iKY  

Whitney Houston Dies at 48

  Six-time Grammy Award winner, Whitney Houston, was found dead in her Beverly Hills Hilton hotel room’s funeral was held Saturday, February 18, where friends and family, including Kevin Costner and Stevie Wonder, paid tribute to the late musical icon by sharing memories and music. The official cause of death has not been released due to an on-going investigation.

  The legendary singer was the first artist to have seven consecutive number one singles and gave many incredible contributions to the music world, such as “I Will Always Love You” from the 1992 film, “The Bodyguard.”  

Former front man of Skid Row, Sebastian Bach said of Houston, "This is hitting me hard. I used to sing all of Whitney Houston's songs all the time. I absolutely loved her voice. I practiced along to her songs countless times and her music affects me deeply. I cannot believe how temporary life is. How fragile music is. Everything you hold dear can be ripped away at a moments notice and you won't even see it coming...RIP Whitney Houston."

2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee’s Announced

 In April, the newest members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be inducted. The 2012 inductee’s include, Guns and Roses, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beastie Boys, Donovan, Laura Nyro, The Small Faces/The Faces, Freddie King, Don Kirshner, Conimo Matassa, Tom Dowd, Glyn Johns, The Crickets, The Famous Flames, The Midnighters, The Comets, The Blue Caps, and The Miracles.

  According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s website, for an artist to be eligible for induction they must have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence, made contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll and released a record at least 25 years prior to the year of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A committee made up of Rock and Roll historians nominate artist and then more than 500 rock experts vote on who will be inducted each year.

  The sold-out induction ceremony will be held April 14^th in  and any further public broadcast of the show have yet to be announced. For more information visit www.rockhall.com . 

Missouri Poet Laureate Coming to Flo Valley

By Holly Shanks
STLCC- FV The Forum Student Newspaper 2011

   Prisons, nursing homes, schools, colleges, rural areas and the Missouri Arts Council all have something in common. A gentleman who writes poetry named David Clewell.

  Clewell has been an English Professor at Webster University since 1981 and has published seven distinguished and award winning collections of poems. He was named Missouri Poet Laureate in 2010 by Governor Jay Nixon.

  Clewell has an insightful perception that allows him a glimpse inside the sometimes gritty charms of life and  the many earthy soulful characteristic’s that allow people to find different ways of surviving. What people believe or need to believe to get by and make it from one day to the next, in many cases, is what gives Clewell’s pen its purpose.

  Conducting poetry readings, workshops and discussions gives Clewell the chance to reach out to audiences that may not be poetically inclined and invite them into the idea that poetry can be about real people and the world they live in. Giving someone a chance to think about what is around them in a new way they have not thought of or looked at in a particular way before. 

  Not a fussy man over titles or the thought of being a distinguished poet, Clewell wants to be remembered as a person who lives life to the fullest and not as a poet, but simply a man who writes poetry.

  Sponsored by the Library and English Department, Clewell will discuss his approach to writing poetry and read from some of his favorite poems. Event will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at 11a.m., on the third floor of the library located in the Instructional Resources building. For more information call 314-513-4505.

Global Classroom

Article and Graphic Design by Holly Shanks



   Stepping onto a college campus for the first time can be a traumatic and exhilarating feeling for the young and not so young alike. If someone that is not a perpetual lone wolf comes to campus without any connections or acquaintances, one good idea would be to investigate what clubs or organizations are offered for student participation.

"The Raven" Movie Review

Movie Review of
"The Raven"

By Holly Shanks
STLCC FV Forum Student Newspaper

The Raven brings Edgar Allen Poe’s

dark gothic catacomb of imagination to life

on the big screen and puts a new twist

on the last few days of Poe's life.



Larry Horricks © 2011 Amontillado Productions, LLC. All rights reserved.

Larry Horricks © 2011 Amontillado Productions, LLC. All rights reserved.

     
     The character of Edgar Allen Poe is played by John Cusack and is loosely based on real life events surrounding the penniless poet who helped father the gruesome genre of horror in the 1800s.   
Poe's death has been debated since he took his last breath at the age of 40 on October 7, 1849. He died under mysterious circumstances that have never been explained.

The Plot

   A black raven, one of Poe’s calling cards, clings to a branch overlooking a man sitting on a park bench. Suddenly a woman’s chilling scream, sends the film to it's whirling murderous start. The viewers are treated with a broke, and often drunken literary critic (Poe) who bounces from eccentric to troubled and soulfully tortured. 

   Poe’s love interest is the beautiful Emily Hamilton (Alice Eve), who is guarded from Poe by her protective father (Brendan Gleeson). The lovers secretly find happiness in each others arms, and are about to live happily ever after, until Emily gets kidnapped by a dark poetic figure that has seemingly sprang to life from Poe’s ink pot and quill.   

    Poe finds himself trapped inside his own nightmarish macabre stories. Dead bodies keep turning up in the same circumstances Poe's characters met their deaths inside his imaginatively written plots. Searching for clues with Detective Fields (Luke Evans), Poe must identity the killer before time runs out for Emily and she becomes another one the author's tragic endings. Unfortunately, Poe discovers the murderer just in time to trade his life for hers. 

     The visual feel of the film is dramatic and authentic looking right down to Poe’s corked liquor bottles and rich period inspired costumes. The sometimes gory and bloody crime scenes are reproduced straight out of Poe’s classics such as, “The Pit and the Pendulum” with the recognizable large heavy pendulum that swings back and forth, just as in Poe’s writing, agonizingly escalating the suspense of terror until it comes to a sudden stop as it hits the wooden table beneath the back of the victim with a sickening heavy thud.

     Poe fans will not be disappointed by the rhythmic lyrical lines encompassing Poe’s trademark style that spill easily from Cusack’s lips. However, dark poetic lines mixed with lighter humanistic ones convey a touch of humor sprinkled throughout keeping the tenseness of the dreadful near-death and corpse viewing sequences from engulfing the film. That mixture could be a plus or minus for the movie-goer depending on their Poe-like expectations.   

STLCC Receives #3.7 Million Education Grant

By Holly Shanks
(from 2011 November STLCC Forum Student Newspaper)

  St. Louis Community College recently won a $3.7 million grant to help create and implement new training systems for education of healthcare informatics and therapeutic services.  As part of a larger $500 million community college career training grant announced by U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis and Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter.  

  The college expects to serve more than 1100 St. Louis area residents including a range of unemployed and under-employed workers, “We are absolutely excited about being on the cutting edge to help students get their healthcare credentials and get good jobs,” said Steve Long, Director of Workforce and Community Development.    

Redevelopment Underway At Deer Creek

By Holly Shanks Webster-Kirkwood Times - February 1, 2013

      The horizon for the Deer Creek Center in Maplewood looks a little brighter this year. The deteriorating shopping mall is getting a facelift and big name retailers as new tenants.

     Originally built in the 1970s with an edition added in the mid 1980s, the strip mall has been mostly vacant since 2001. The complex is currently undergoing a redevelopment initiative with several retailers signed-on to occupy the updated spaces.

     The current construction to the exterior of the structure is expected to be complete in the next couple of weeks. The interior will take 90 to 120 days with the first new retail store anticipated to open in March of this year.

     According to Summit Development Group, owner of the property, the redevelopment of Deer Creek Center will cost around $27 million in all. The new retail businesses are expected to generate approximately 135 full-time jobs and 265 part-time jobs.

     “In the mid-county trade area it is very difficult for retailers to find available space at this time,” said Scott Reese, president of Summit Development Group. “We are thrilled about the tenant line-up and anxious for the spring openings.”

"Plan For Extension of Grant's Trail Unveiled"

"Plan For Extension of Grant's Trail Unveiled"

By Holly Shanks

South County Times
November 30 Edition

   The Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) district unveiled plans for the Gravois Greenway, a two-mile extension to Grant’s Trail, at an open house held for the public November 26. The extension will begin at the end of Grant’s Trail near I-55 and Union Road, and connect to the River Des Peres Greenway at Lemay Park, and provide more than 16 miles of through connectivity for the 650,000 annual trail users.

   The long term vision of the GRG is an encompassing 600-mile interconnected system of trails, greenways, bicycle routes and parks that follow the rivers surrounding the St. Louis area called The River Ring Project. The idea took shape within a citizen-driven planning process in 2003. Once completed, the GRG says that the entire project will “link three counties, join two states, and cover an area of 1,216 square miles.”

Flo Valley Career Center Offers Opportunity

By Holly Shanks
STLCC-FV The Forum Student Newspaper

  Rome was not built in a day and neither is a career. Setting out on the road to a rewarding and successful career is exciting and challenging. Competition for jobs is an inescapable condition especially in a recession. Expectations can be hard to manage and some disappointments will be inevitable. Learning to cope and adjust to the environment will play a crucial role for job seekers.

  A solid support system in career development and employment services can make a difference, maybe even help give a job applicant the winning edge.

  The Career and Employment Services (CES) department is an excellent resource for the current student, graduate, or alumni of St. Louis Community College. Those looking for their first career opportunity or making a career transition will benefit by taking advantage of the services offered.

  All current and former students of St. Louis Community College that have completed three or more academic credit hours are eligible for lifetime access to the Career and Employment Services department.