Viewfinder

Gone But Not Forgotten

The 49th Valley of Flowers had few incidents and great weather for its festival weekend.

This past weekend brought tons of people, warm weather and sunshine and another great year of fun to the 49th annual Valley of Flowers.  During Tuesday night's City Council meeting, several councilors praised how well the festival went as well as the few number of incidents that occurred throughout the weekend.  Although, Florissant residents' thoughts have begun to turn toward the 50th Valley of Flowers Festival in 2012, we look back at this year's festivities.

• Photos (16)

Video: Florissant Residents Love Valley of the Flowers

We spoke to 10 people at Valley of the Flowers about what they're looking forward to most this weekend.

People at the Knights of Columbus and the James J. Eagan Center were equally excited about this year's Valley of Flowers.  Look for the French and Indian War re-enactors who will be baking bread in an authentic period oven on Saturday. The Beer Garden and barbecue are big hits among the adults, while kids of all ages love the rides. Watch the video to see what your neighbors love best about Florissant's favorite festival.

•  2 Comments
• Videos (1)

From The Playbook

Get It Together, Kids

Keep your attitude in check, and focus on the bigger picture - good grades and heading to college.

McCluer North star forward B.J. Young was suspended for two games last week, causing him to miss a pair of huge Suburban North Conference basketball games against Hazelwood West and Hazelwood Central. As part of one of the top teams in the state, this isn’t good at all. The suspension was a result of Young being ejected from a game for the second time this season, and it’s not the first time he’s been suspended this year. But this article isn’t about B.J. Young, it was just inspired by his suspension. It’s actually about your kids. And mine. What’s the deal, guys? Parents always have and always will struggle to make sure their kids “get it” when it comes to instilling in them the importance of learning, college, sportsmanship, respect, the…

• Photos (1)

Mapping Out a Workout

Combs Elementary School teacher uses marathon experiences and geography to promote fitness and knowledge.

Who says you can't teach geography in gym class? Seasoned runner and Combs Elementary School physical education teacher Barb Wnek, who has participated in marathons across the country, understands the compatibility between fitness and geography. She reinforces the lessons children learn in social studies classes by coordinating physical activities such as the puzzle relay, which tests students on fitness and on their knowledge of the locations of American states.   "It's not your traditional gym class," Wnek said. "You're having fun while you're stretching." The class begins with two recordings from Wnek's stereo that accompany stretch routines.  She plays Ray Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful" to go with the students' floor …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (5)
• Videos (1)

Nate Birt

12:37 pm on Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Love this story, the photos and video, Jeff and Aja!   more ›

An Electric Holiday Gift Guide

We track down 10 must-have gadgets and toys for kids of all ages.

Whether you love dressing up dolls, challenging your family to an epic board game tournament or kicking back with some music or movies in your free time, Florissant-area businesses have gift items that provide for endless hours of entertainment and fun. 1. What little girl doesn't dream of growing up and becoming a princess? Macy's at Jamestown Mall is selling a Disney Princess Favorite Moments set for $29.99 that allows girls to play with Cinderella, Belle, Ariel and Sleeping Beauty and dress them up. 2. The JCPenney Outlet at Jamestown Mall has the boys covered with one of the Nerf guns from the popular "N-Strike" line of toys. The N-Strike "Maverick Rev-6" is being sold there for $14.99. 3. Board games are always a great way for …

• Photos (6)