Be There Now

Big Brothers Big Sisters Named No. 1 Nonprofit for At-Risk Youth by Philanthropedia

Local agency renews call for more volunteer Bigs.

The nation’s continuing economic uncertainty is challenging for most, but it is especially challenging for the nation’s at-risk youth. These youth - many of whom live in our St Louis community- are already facing multiple obstacles. But there is good news – some programs are making a difference. According to Philanthropedia, Big Brothers Big Sisters is not just making a difference but has been ranked best of the best on a list of most recommended, high-impact national nonprofits serving at-risk youth.  The nation's leader in quality, youth mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters received praise for its effective mentoring model that leads to positive and measurable youth outcomes for children who face adversity, as well as for its …

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PatchCast

Daily PatchCast: Wentzville Council Approves Preliminary Tax Levy, Clayton Aldermen Approve Using Funds for Wydown Work and More

A roundup of St. Louis news headlines for Thursday.

Here are the top stories from Patch sites in your area:  

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UPDATE: Amber Alert Canceled

Two children believed to have been abducted in Kentucky have been located.

Patch has received the following Amber Alert: UPDATE: The Amber Alert has been canceled. The juveniles were located. We have just received this important information regarding abducted children in Edmonton, KY Metcalfe County.  Kentucky State Police Headquarters is looking for a child who was last seen at 248 Jimmy Hubbard Road Edmonton, KY and is believed to be in danger. The children's names are : Authorities say that the children may be traveling in a 1997 White CHEVROLET LUMINA vehicle, with license plate: KY #843GMM . If you have any information on the whereabouts of these children please contact 18002623717 immediately.

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The Mommy Tales: Helena Hewlett

As Children Grow They Need Mommy Less

Letting go is the hardest part.

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." ~ Elizabeth Stone Oh, how true this is. And I am certain now, as the mother of two boys, that my heart will be wandering around for years and years to come. I'll be there as they jump into puddles, catch frogs, fall and scrape their knees—all the things that two little boys will do. I wonder if I will ever really have my heart completely back, and furthermore, I wonder if I will ever want it back. Because truly, pieces of me are forever invested in these two boys. One who is a tiny newborn, and the other, who is—despite my occasional denial—growing up. Yesterday, my sweet Caleb, 2, learned to use a …

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The Mommy Tales: Helena Hewlett

When Bullies Attack

How will you react when it happens to your child?

Bullying has been a hot topic in the news lately, and sadly it seems that children and teens are growing less and less tolerant of others who are different. With resources like cell phones and the Internet available to bullies, public humiliation is just a mouse click or text message away. Unable to cope with this kind of judgment, children as young as 12 are taking their own lives.  As a mommy of two (Caleb, 2, and Jacob, 5 months), I cannot help but wonder how to teach my boys to be kind to others, while also training them to stick up for themselves so they will grow into strong young men. Although I've admittedly worried since they were born that they will be bullied someday, naively, I don't think I realized how early it would start. …

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Helena Hewlett

7:02 pm on Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ladies, I could not agree more. Debra, it is indeed bad parenting - or in some cases, the lack of parenting all together - which causes things like bullying. It is such a tough thing to see your child bullied, but I know that to hear about it later in life will be very difficult as well. I only hope that my sons will feel comfortable sharing about these experiences with me so that we can talk it …   more ›

Patchy Photo Contest

Hazelwood's Best Holiday Outfits

Show Us Your Stuff! Hazelwood Patch is seeking submissions for the best holiday outfits.

We all love to look good, and the holidays are certainly no exception. So guess what? Hazelwood Patch wants to see your holiday style in all it's glory and the winners get some patchy gifts. The best holiday outfit can be yours, your pet's, your child's or all of the above. Submit your photos and brief explanation of the outfit, like where you got it or who gave it to you to me, Hazelwood Patch Editor Candace Jarrett, candace.jarrett@patch.com. You can also post a picture in the comments section. We're also planning a similar feature on best holiday homes with lights and decorations, so you can send us those pictures as well.   This contest will occur until  Dec. 10 - 24, 2010. Photo submission are unlimited, however the first, fourth …

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The Mommy Tales: Candice Macko

Don't Forget the Fun to be had in the Colder Months

Some of my fondest memories are from the winter so here's my take on how to get children to have fun in the colder seasons.

It seems like during spring and summer the only thing you hear in the neighborhood are kids outside playing and running around. Yesterday I was outside not too long after the neighborhood children arrived home from school and I noticed the lack of sound: There was complete silence outside. That got me thinking and really as the weather began to cool, the children seem to be around less.  It's almost as though children today don't know the good time to be had in the winter, and people have forgotten how much fun fall and winter can be inside and outside.  Or maybe they don't want to deal with sick kids, but either way my memories of the cold are fond. Where are the children making leaf piles and jumping in to them? Where are the snowmen and…

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