By Myra Lopez

“I don’t think University City wants to be known as the only city to legislate sin in the United States, said Joan Schneider of Ballwin, at Monday night’s city council meeting.

Holding a bible in her hand, Schneider urged councilmembers to vote against an ordinance that would create a Domestic Partnership Registry in U City.

More than a dozen people spoke out for and against the ordinance. The council ended up passing the bill with all but Councilmember Sharpe voting in favor of it. Earlier in the evening, his wife gave an impassioned speech against the ordinance.

“This bill should never have been introduced,” said Marian Sharpe. “Please, don’t ask me to support that which God says is wrong.”

Ms. Sharpe said that she was disappointed in Councilmember Terry Crow and Mayor Shelley Welsch, who worked jointly on the ordinance. Ms. Sharpe said that while her husband knew she was going to speak at the meeting he did not know what she was going to say.

After the meeting, Councilmember Sharpe commented on his wife’s speech, telling University City Patch “I’m a Christian also. Her beliefs are mine.” Sharpe expressed support for Councilmember Crow, and for his wife.

“Where as I am very supportive of Councilmember Crow. I feel very strongly about what he’s doing. I am in love with and married to Marian Sharpe. So, I will vote no on this bill.”

The majority of the vocal opposition came from non-U City residents.

Stephanie Rubach, who lives in St. Peters and is a conservative community organizer said the bill had the potential to lead to the destruction of family. She said the ordinance erodes traditional marriage in America, especially in the African American community. She was adamant that gay unions were not a civil rights issue. “My skin color has nothing to do with personal behavior.”

However, her comments did not sit well with Councilmember Byron Price. “Homosexual behavior has nothing to do with a lack of success of black folk,” he said.

He said people who pay taxes in U City should have the same rights that he (Price) has.

Former State Representative Cynthia Davis, who represents St. Charles County and lives in O’Fallon argued against the ordinance, saying people should not be given preferential treatment because of their private habits and practices.

She told U City Patch that the state clearly defines marriage as being between a man and a woman and that the actions by the U City council, “are clearly an effort by the City to try and come up with a way around the law.”

Two lesbian couples who spoke in support of the ordinance, said it was a step in the right direction.

“I am here this evening with my partner of 25 years. I am delighted to have the council vote on this tonight. It makes me feel proud to be a citizen of University City,” said Margaret Johnson.

U City resident Arlene Zarembka balked at comments from people who said the ordinance gives gay people preferential treatment. She said the ordinance was merely a small step toward gays and lesbians achieving equal rights in society. Zarembka was joined at the podium by her partner of more than 28 years. “Do not tell us that we do not have family values,” she said, after explaining the two women had cared for all four of their elderly and ailing parents.

Zarembka also hit back at claims made by some people at Monday night’s meeting that gay relationships erode heterosexual marriages.

“Don’t blame us for problems you might have. Anybody here who thinks that somehow our relationship creates problems in your marriage, that is a non sequitur.”

“We can’t treat people differently,” said Councilmember Lynn Ricci, who supported the ordinance. Councilmember Stephen Kraft, said he was deeply moved by the hearing. He acknowledged the council was limited in what it could do, but he hoped U City would lead by example. He specifically hoped the St. Louis County Council would enact its own ordinance.

Dozens of people in the audience stood up and clapped after council approved the bill.

Monday night’s action means University City is now the first municipality in St. Louis County to adopt a Domestic Partnership Ordinance. It gives same-sex partners and other couples who live together the same rights as spouses in many situations, including visitation rights at health facilities and correctional institutions. Domestic partners would also be granted decision making power on  health care issue.

Mayor Shelley Welsch and  Councilmember Terry Crow both worked on the ordinance and brought it jointly to the the City Council.

Councilmember Crow, who has two children with his longtime partner, called it “a great night.”

“The number of our University City residents who spoke in favor, I thought was absolutely incredible and I thought the comments from my colleagues on the council were truly heartwarming.”

Crow’s partner, Tom Peters attended Monday’s council meeting said “I’m proud for our family. I’m proud of Terry, and the rest of the council for making a very important decision.”

Mayor Welsh was pleased that the ordinance was approved by council. She hoped that it would spur other local governments to act. “I think we have a bill that other municipalities and St. Louis County could use as a model. That’s what we’re hoping will happen,” she said.

To register a domestic partnership, two adults must share a common residence; consider each other immediate family; affirm that they share responsibility for each other’s common welfare; not be married to a third party; not be part of an existing Domestic Partnership with any third party; and be eighteen (18) years of age or older. The cost to register a partnership will be $45.00 dollars.

St. Louis City, Kansas City and Columbia also have Domestic Partnership registries.

However, U City’s ordinance is essentially a symbolic gesture as it would not be legally binding outside of U City.

Councilmember Crow said the true importance of the ordinance is that it allows U City to reaffirm its beliefs abut shoeing respect for people who are in a committed relationship, particularly for same sex couples.

Under Missouri law same sex marriages are prohibited. The state recognizes marriage only between a man and a woman. The state statute on marriage and marriage contracts says that “A marriage between persons of the same sex will not be recognized for any purpose in this state even when valid where contracted.”

St. Louis, Wednesday, April 27, 2011 – Based on diminishing needs, the Red Cross will close its shelter in Maryland Heights. Red Cross workers are meeting with any storm victims to help evaluate their current needs and provide casework. The shelter will provide meals and snacks until 8 p.m. this evening.

Shelter Will Close at 8 p.m.:     Maryland Heights Community Center

2344 McKelvey Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043

The Red Cross will continue to provide supplies to storm victims at the Dellwood Recreation Center. The Red Cross is handing out tarps, duct tape, coolers, shovels, clean-up kits, work gloves, trash bags, small flashlights and hand sanitizer. Residents must bring proof of identification and residency in one of the affected neighborhoods (i.e. a driver’s license, utility bill, etc.). This distribution will continue in the days to come as needed.

            Clean-up Supplies Available:   Dellwood Recreation Center (parking lot)

                                                            10266 West Florissant Avenue, Dellwood, Missouri 63136

                                                            11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (while supplies last)

The American Red Cross is responding to disasters across more than half of the country as severe weather continues to devastate communities all over the United States. More than 400 people in Missouri and Illinois spent Tuesday night in Red Cross shelters as flooding forced them from their homes. In the last 5 days, the Red Cross has:

• Provided more than 10,000 meals and snacks
• Distributed more than 3,300 bulk items, such as cleaning supplies
• Assessed more than 1,200 homes for damage

How to Get Help:

Red Cross encourages anyone who needs help, or knows of anyone who needs help, to call 314.516.2700. Red Cross provides immediate assistance with food, clothing, shelter and other critical needs in the wake of disasters and emergencies. For other emergency and long-term needs, local residents are encouraged to call the United Way’s 2-1-1 resource center, where a trained specialist is available 24/7/365. Those with cell phones only should call 800-427-4626.

How to Give Help:

All Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge to those in need. The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster. Those who want to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes and flooding, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

St Louis residents are assessing damage done by a massive storm that moved through the area on Good Friday.

For More Information Contact:
Trooper Mike Link

COLLINSVILLE, IL - Illinois State Police, District 11, reports that the overnight hours have been relatively quiet. As this release is being drafted calls are starting to come in for vehicles sliding into ditches. Motorists are reminded to drive safely and slowdown. The public is also reminded to reserve 911 calls for emergencies only. For nonemergency assistance the Illinois State Police, District 11, can be reached at 618.346.3990 or *477 from your cell phone.

Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol! Wipe the wipers with a
cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol (or ammonia). This one trick can
make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence &
clarity.

Ice-proof your windows with vinegar! Frost on it’s way? Just fill a
spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on
all your windows at night. In the morning, they’ll be clear of icy mess.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water
thus preventing water from freezing!

Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking
oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel.
The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber

Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream
on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels.
Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial
defoggers.

De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand
sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems will be solved!

For Immediate Release

Date: December 22, 2010 Phone: (314) 612-1462
Contact: Robin Boyce Boycer@stlouiscity.com

Inc Yourself in the New Year!

ST. LOUIS, December 22, 2010 – Turn your dream or passion into a business is the call Comptroller Darlene Green is directing to the community for 2011. The four-termed, city-wide office holder sees so many areas where constituents could be making themselves valuable to the city of St. Louis.

“The new employee is the new entrepreneur of the 21st Century,” says Comptroller Green. “There is no time like the present to start realizing your dream.”

Thursday, January 20, 2011, Comptroller Green will present “INC Yourself in the New Year: Doing Business in the City of St. Louis.” This seminar will be held at the new William J. Harrison Center located at 3140 Cass Ave. starting at 5 p.m. The event will also feature Sandra Marks of Marks and Associates. Marks will reveal products and services in the city of St. Louis that are in demand. She will also share strategies for starting or acquiring businesses that can supply these products and services with high demand and limited competition.

“As you prepare for a new year, also consider preparing for a new career,” says Marks. “Positioning yourself to take advantage of many entrepreneurial opportunities in St. Louis can increase your earning potential and the earning potential of those in your family and community.”

“INC Yourself in the New Year” is a 45 minute free workshop. Whether you are currently happily employed, unemployed, underemployed, attending school, or just curious to learn more, you don’t want to miss it. Seating is limited. R.S.V.P. your space today by calling (314) 612-1462 or emailing boycer@stlouiscity.com.

This business seminar is sponsored by St. Louis Community College and PNC Bank.

When: November 27, 2010

Where: Hodiamont & Page

Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm

Donations could also be dropped off at the church, and for further information please contact St. Augustine Church
at 314-385-1934
or Michael Butler
314-306-5722