The Community Information Guide provides the latest news, upcoming events and local city directories.
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www.slfp.com
How To Reach Us:
St. Louis Front Page
P. O. Box 1354
St. Louis, MO 63188
www.slfp.com
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Fax: 314-771-0300
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St. Louis Community Info, Sunday, April 17, 2005
Spotlight on St. Louis Neighborhood Activities
Earth Day at Missouri Botanical Garden
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), March 24, 2005 - An episode of National Geographic's award-winning "Strange Days on Planet Earth" series will be shown at the Missouri Botanical Garden's Earth Day celebration on Saturday, Apr. 23. Enjoy the Garden in beautiful springtime bloom and become more environmentally aware through a variety of special Earth Day exhibits and entertainment.
For details on other activities, see Community Events
VA Awards Grant to Missouri Veterans Home
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), April 10, 2005 - Making sure the Missouri Veterans Home at St. Louis remains a comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is targeting nearly $830,000 in grant money for improvements to the facility.
"This grant reflects the federal-state partnership that is honoring our commitment to care for the men and women who have served in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "The partnership provides a comfortable home for veterans in a time of great personal need."
The grant will pay up to 65 percent of the cost of a new roof on at the 200-bed facility. The overall cost of the project is approximately $1.3 million.
In fiscal year 2004, the Department of Veterans Affairs spent nearly $1.6 billion in Missouri to serve over 553,000 state veterans. VA operates major medical centers in Columbia, Kansas City, Poplar Bluff and St. Louis, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers in many locations.
More Seniors Use Technology to Stay Connected
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) March 6, 2005 - Technology has become a critical means for older adults to stay connected and find the information they need. A February 2005 National Survey of Seniors' Attitudes on Technology found that seniors are embracing technology in growing numbers. The survey of 750 adults age 50 and older was conducted by Public Strategies Inc., a national public affairs consulting firm.
The survey found that 64 percent of adults age 50-64 and 31 percent of adults 65+ are using the Internet, a significant increase over previously reported figures. A February 2004 survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that 58 percent of adults age 50-64 and 22 percent of adults 65+ were online.
"We are seeing significant growth in the number of people seeking help to get online," said Marcia Kerz, president of The OASIS Institute, a St. Louis- based national non-profit education organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people age 50 and older. Last year OASIS provided technology training to more than 6,400 mature adults through its education centers in 25 U.S. cities.
"Isolation and loneliness are major factors affecting the aging population and can lead to serious health problems. The use of technology to communicate can help alleviate this. As seniors gain access and the skills to use e-mail and the Internet, they are better equipped to stay connected with family, friends and essential information," said Kerz.
A June 2003 survey of participants completing OASIS computer classes showed that 81 percent felt more connected to others while 87 percent felt up- to-date and in step with the world.
"It's wonderful to be able to communicate with the computer," says Mitzi McCrary of San Diego, Calif. She has taken several computer courses at OASIS and recently had a DSL line installed at home. "I correspond with out-of-state relatives and friends. And I've met some wonderful people in the computer classes. It helps to know that we're all in the same boat."
Kerz underscored seniors' need for affordable access to the Internet. The National Survey of Seniors' Attitudes on Technology also asked older adults about their options. Regarding their choices for communications providers, 89 percent of adults age 50+ surveyed were satisfied with their options for local telephone service. In addition, 66 percent felt the cost of their phone service was reasonable, compared to 62 percent of the general public.
The survey also explored seniors' attitudes about changes in the telecommunications industry. Since 2000, 33 telecommunications mergers have occurred. Regarding the recent announcement of the merger of SBC and AT&T, 78 percent of the adults 50+ said the merger "doesn't matter" to them, compared to 64 percent of the general public. "The growth in alternative communications services, including wireless, cable, broadband and long distance companies, has increased the choices available to consumers," said Kerz.
The aging population trend also will contribute to an aging workforce. As life expectancy increases, people are working longer or returning to the workforce after retirement. By 2015, 20 percent of the U.S. work force will be over age 55, up from 13 percent in 2000, according to estimates by the National Council on the Aging.
Archived St. Louis Community Information:
 New Home Construction in January Sets Monthly Record
St. Louis Launches Project Heartbeat PAD Program
City Library to Open Facility in Old Post Office
The Community Information Guide is presented in conjunction with the St. Louis Front Page and Southwest Illinois News. The sites are owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan St. Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2008 Moore Design Group .
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