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December 19, 2012
Local family tries to adopt from Ukraine
St. Joseph couple hopes to bring 14-year-old orphan home from halfway around the world By JENNIFER GORDON
B St. Joseph News-Press
orys’ photo made up the Pierce family’s mind. Of all the orphans the St. Joseph family could host, Borys seemed like the best fit. In his photo on the New Horizons for Children Web page, he had posed with his sunglasses upside down. The 14-year-old had just the kind of goofi ness Rawne (pronounced Renee) and Fred Pierce and their children Breesa, Nataly and Michael and their niece Macie could relate to. Last summer, he came from his orphanage in Ukraine to spend five weeks with the Pierces through the New Horizons program, a Christian organization that connects Eastern European orphans with host families in the United States. The hosting started as a mission project, Rawne says, to teach their kids about a world bigger than themselves. Borys ended up enlarging their family. “We didn’t have plans to adopt him, but as the summer unfolded, that tugged at our heartstrings,” Rawne says. Their family is already a little unusual. Macie, 16, has lived with the couple for more than seven years. Borys fit right into the mix, both Rawne and Fred say. He played hide-and-seek with Breesa, 7, and Nataly, 4. He helped out with chores around the house and enthusiastically assisted Rawne at the grocery store. The Pierces celebrated Fourth of July with Borys and took him to Branson, Mo. Language proved not to be a big issue. They learned basic Russian phrases to prepare for Borys’ visit. Rawne also downloaded the Google Translate app on her phone. With the app, pantomiming and the English Borys already knew, they communicated well. When the subject of adoption fi rst came up, Rawne and Fred met with a social worker to test if that was a rational decision, not an emotional response to the visit. They couldn’t see that Borys showed any signs of reactive attachment disorder, a condition that is common among children raised in foreign orphanages. With the age range, too, of their children, he fit into the family.
Jessica Stewar t | St. Joseph News- Press
Rawne Pierce with her youngest child, Michael, 9 months.
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Borys is a 14-year-old boy from Ukraine who is waiting to be adopted by the Pierce family.
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The Pierce family, front row from left to right, Nataly, 4, Breesa, 7, Michael, 9 months and Macie, 16. In the back are Borys, Rawne and Fred. Rawne says they worried about Borys’ chances for a future life in Ukraine. They were told his orphan status would make fi nding a job difficult. Fred says they want to give Borys the opportunities the family thinks everyone should have. They asked Borys if he wanted to be adopted toward the end of the stay, in a card Rawne had translated into Russian. “He’s reading it, sitting right there on the couch, and we’re all on the edge of our seats waiting, like, ‘What’s he going to say?’” Fred says. “And he fi nally gets done, and he says, ‘OK. Yeah.’” The family embraced him. They were glad he wanted to be part of the family, too, Fred says. They started the adoption process as soon as they dropped Borys off at the airport. They gathered up the paperwork they needed and went through the background screening. Expense also proved an issue. Fred and Rawne have dipped into their savings to help move the adoption process along and hope to raise the additional $17,000 they need. The family recently volunteered through the Both Hands Foundation to help meet the goal. The nonprofit coordinates service projects for widows while raising money to cover adoption costs. The Pierces took donations for their work on a local woman’s house. (Their video is up on bothhandsfoundation.org/fred-andrawne-pierce). They’ve also fi led for adoption grants. In the meantime, Rawne and Fred wake the girls up early every other Monday to call Borys on Skype. This downtime between Borys’ stay and his adoption has proved to be the hardest part. “He keeps hearing that we’re coming for him, but we’re not there yet,” Fred says. Fred and Rawne plan to go to Ukraine in January. Fred will return after two weeks, and Rawne will stay in country until the adoption is complete. They hope to have Borys home by March. Jennifer Gordon can be reached at jennifer.gordon@newspressnow.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SJNPGordon.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Turning up the heat These space heaters are reliable and powerful By SHEA CONNER St. Joseph News-Press
Now that December and Old Man Frost are here, sales of space heaters are sizzling as millions of homeowners buy into the promise of lower-cost heating in an era of soaring utility bills. If you’re one of the
folks who would like to reduce his or her heating bill and invest in a space heater, read on. We’ve checked professional and customer reviews to determine the three best models on the market.
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Best budget space heater: Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater (est. $30)
Best space heater with a fan: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Heater (est. $75)
Convection heaters with fans are popular because they heat a small space quickly and efficiently. The Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Heater is particularly well-reviewed because it is quieter than most fan-based heaters, which have a tendency to be noisy. The Lasko space heater has two power levels (900 and 1,500 watts) and an adjustable thermostat. Its oscillating fan does a good job of distributing warm air throughout a room, according to reviewers. Users also are impressed with the space heater’s many features, including a digital display, eight-hour timer, overheat protection and a remote control.
Quietest space heater: DeLonghi TRD0715T OilFilled Radiator (est. $75) Lasko 755320
radiator runs quietly and has a convenient programmable timer. Like most radiators, it does take some time to heat a room.
Oil-filled radiators are much quieter than
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DeLonghi TRD0715T space heaters with fans, but they take longer to heat a room. If that’s not a big deal, the DeLonghi TRD0715T Oil-Filled Radiator is right for you. This heater has earned the best rankings in its class from Consumer Reports. It received those excellent reviews because of its consistent heat output and quiet operation. The DeLonghi heater performs reasonably well in comparative tests, scoring excellent ratings for temperature control and noise. Users agree, saying the DeLonghi
This ceramic heater by Lasko is an inexpensive, compact, ceramic convection heater with a fan, an adjustable thermostat and two power settings. It doesn’t include extra features like a remote control or a digital display, and this type of heater uses more power than a radiant heater. However, owners who gave their comments at Amazon.com say it is very effective for heating a bedroom or other
small space, and there are far fewer complaints about safety issues for this space heater than for most. Shea Conner can be reached at shea. conner@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @stjoelivedotcom.
By ERIN WISDOM St. Joseph News-Press
Anyone who’s ever had a hankering for a horror story set in pre-Civil-War St. Joseph is in luck. A Ventura, Calif., man is in the process of putting just such a story into a graphic novel he’s titled “Pariah.” The story is set in the fictional town of Pariah, Mo., which author Andres Salazar says is based on historical St. Joseph. Mr. Salazar, who is originally from Little Rock, Ark., became familiar with St. Joseph through trips he made here while visiting family in Kansas City, as well as through business trips he made while working for an agriculture company. “I loved the little town,” he says. “You don’t see many towns like it in mainstream media, and I wanted to show how a little town like St. Joe is born.” But “Pariah” isn’t purely historical. It also has elements of fantasy fiction, blending the supernatural and paranormal with the Western genre. It’s a combination Mr. Salazar describes as “Deadwood meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with less camp.” He’s launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project and has already surpassed his initial goal of $2,000, so all additional donations that come in before the Dec. 29 deadline will go toward “stretch goals,” such as bringing the comic to life in a radio drama. But in the meantime, he’s hard at work on the graphic novel with Jose Pescador, a professional artist he recruited to do the book’s artwork. Samples from the book — including a 20-page preview that can be downloaded for free — as well as more information about the project are available on
its Kickstarter page; go to www.kickstarter.com and search for “Pariah, Missouri.” Visitors to the site also have the option to back the project financially, in exchange for various “Pariah”-themed merchandise. Mr. Salazar notes that details specific to St. Joseph won’t necessarily jump out at readers early in the story but that, as it goes on, he plans to drop “little Easter eggs” pertaining to the history here and to elements of it that inspired him, such as Jesse James and commerce along the Missouri River. He also has plans to put the story into a TV
pilot — although starting out in graphic-novel form was an obvious choice for him. “Comics are a way you can easily digest a story,” he says. Also, “It’s much cheaper, of course, to generate a comic, and this is a good way to build a fan base.” And Mr. Salazar hopes to have some of St. Joseph among those fans. “I am excited to bring the story and hope it’s a fun thing for people there,” he says. Erin Wisdom can be reached at erin.wisdom@newspressnow.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SJNPWisdom.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
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Lasko 754200
CROSSWORD
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, sad situations may come up, but you have a way of deflecting the situation and showcasing the bright side of things. You may find you are a person providing support this week. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, many opportunities to entertain family and friends are on the horizon. Honor all of your commitments and enjoy all of the festivities. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, while you aspire to have many friends, you just may find that there are only a few special people who hold the strings to your heart. It is okay to keep them close.
CLUES ACROSS 1. 1st Hall of Famer Ty 5. Coat with plaster 9. Reciprocal of a sine (abbr.) 12. Jai __, sport 13. Straight muscles 14. 10 = 1 dong 15. Peru’s capital 16. Of a main artery 17. Latin for hail 18. Give birth to a horse 19. Colors material 20. Triglyceride is one 22. Take a plane hostage 24. Margarines 25. A tributary of the Missouri River 26. Bring up children 27. 3rd tone of the scale 28. Light boat (French) 31. Relating to geometry 33. Cursed, obstinate 34. Aluminum 35. Sec. of State 1981-82 36. Barn towers 39. Bonito genus 40. Deep ravines 42. Spirit in “The Tempest” 43. Small restaurant 44. Bambi for example 46. Actor DeCaprio 47. Ambled or strolled 49. Cleanse with soap and water 50. Atomic mass unit 51. Var. of emir 52. Supplemented with difficulty 53. Manuscripts (abbr.) 54. Frambesia 55. Auld lang __, good old days
CLUES DOWN 1. A young cow 2. Collection of miscellaneous pieces 3. Mali capital 4. Onion rolls 5. “10”actress Bo 6. Performs in a play 7. Iguana genus 8. Fox’s Factor host 9. French hat 10. One who rescues 11. Female students 13. Rolls-__, luxury car 16. Slow tempos 21. Relating to the ileum 23. Irish flautist 28. Sleeping place 29. Indicates position 30. Prepared for competition 31. One who shows the way 32. Of I 33. Decayed teeth 35. Seraglios 36. More free from danger 37. Great amounts 38. Surreptitious 39. Arabian greeting 40. Angel food and carrot 41. # of ancient wonders 43. Ball of thread or yarn 45. To interpret: explain 48. Doctors’group
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TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, there is bound to be a learning curve when you begin a new job or a new task. Do not be hard on yourself if it takes you a little longer. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, thoughtful reflection certainly may provide some of the answers you seek. But another way is to simply get out there and ask other people what they think.
History in the making St. Joseph inspires historical fiction graphic novel
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you may need to take a leap of faith when someone close to you asks for your assistance. Act first and ask questions later. It will be worth it.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, sit down and enjoy some peace and quiet. You may enjoy the break from the frenetic pace you have been keeping the last few months. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Ever an ideas person, Scorpio, now you have to put some follow-through into those plans. You can likely find a few friends to join you on your next adventure. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, things certainly go on when you’re not around, but others may notice they just may not be as fun. You often lend joviality to anything you attend so spread your cheer. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, bide your time and you just may end the year on a bang. Don’t be afraid to add other things to your lastminute wish list because your goals just may be met. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you enjoy social situations but that doesn’t mean you have to be the life of the party. Keep this in mind as you attend holiday gatherings. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, while others are thinking about what presents they want under the tree, you may be thinking of how to give back to others. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 16 Hallee Hirsh, Actress (25) DECEMBER 17 Bill Pullman, Actor (59) DECEMBER 18 Christina Aguilera, Singer (32) DECEMBER 19 Alyssa Milano, Actress (40) DECEMBER 20 Jonah Hill, Actor (29) DECEMBER 21 Ray Romano, Comic Actor (55) DECEMBER 22 Diane Sawyer, News Anchor (67)
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Jennifer Morris shows how to lay out the paper after it’s been cut and folded. Jessica Stewar t | St. Joseph News- Press
April Schweizer and Jennifer Morris both have home-based craft businesses. They make a variety of items, including candles, jewelry and Christmas ornaments.
Jump on the crafting wave Make your own vintage Christmas ornament
By SYLVIA ANDERSON St. Joseph News-Press
Crafts have always been a popular outlet for creative people, but in recent years they’ve morphed into a life of their own. It’s hard to say what has fueled this creative wave, whether it’s Pinterest, the need for something that’s unique and not imported or just a desire to make a gift that’s personal. One thing is for sure: Crafting is spawning friendships, home businesses and a number of creative retreats called “gatherings.” “Most creative retreats are found in the big cities on the coast, so we thought we would start our own,” says Jennifer Morris, who came up with the idea of a gathering last September in St. Joseph with fellow crafter and sister-in-law April Schweizer. “We wanted it to be a beautiful venue full of inspiration with lots of great shopping, inspirational speakers, delicious food and amazing workshops to participate in.” More than 100 women attended the event, clearly proving the need for such camaraderie and sharing of ideas. Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Schweizer are now referred to as “The Gathering Girls” and are planning
another one next September. “I have long been a fan of anything handmade,” Mrs. Morris says. “Snippets of lace, glorious glitter and fine papers make me swoon.” Both women have families — three boys for Mrs. Morris and three girls for Mrs. Schewizer — but they always make time to create and inspire others to do the same. On Mrs. Morris’s blog, amusingprovincial.com, she keeps readers updated on her home business, La Ferme (French for the Farm), making hand-poured soy candles, and Mrs. Schweizer’s home business, Blue Luna Designs, making jewelry from things like flattened spoons and vintage finds. She also shares creative inspirations, such as one she wrote about attending the “Shine” workshop in Kansas City for creative entrepreneurs. “I came away encouraged and ready to tackle the next part of my creative business,” she wrote, “and my No. 1 goal is to inspire others like you.” One of the crafters she met at Shine was Karla Nathan, an artist who offers online tutorials on her blog, http://karlascottage.typepad. com. Mrs. Nathan shared with the group how to make a vintage-look-
ing Christmas ornament. And then the idea spread, as creativity does, from blogs to Pinterest to more small gatherings, and now to the News-Press through Mrs. Morris. The ornament starts with sheets of music or scrapbook paper and is folded together and personalized to make a one-of-a-kind gift, ornament, topper for a tree or an accent for a wreath. You can buy a kit on Karla’s blog or make one from materials you have on hand or buy from a craft store. Get more detailed information Add details to the center of the ornament. and links on amusingprovincial. com. Inspired to do more? Jan. 4 through 6, check out Bocante Bliss, the West Bottoms Vintage Market located at 12th and Mulberry streets in Kansas City. That’s where La Ferme and Blue Luna will be making their first appearance. You also can see crafts from a large number of other creative people. “There is such empowerment when you’ve created something with your own two hands,” Mrs. Morris says. “And with the amazing inspiration from blogs and Pinterest, it’s almost impossible to not partake in the creative/do-ityourself wave that’s hit.” The finished ornament.
Ornament instructions ❯ Print two favorite Christmas music sheets onto vellum paper. You also can use purchased paper from a hobby store like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. Fold the papers like a fan and adhere with strong glue. ❯ Attach the strip of paper together forming a circle. Turn circle together/inside and lay flat. ❯ Adhere two previously punched large circles to each side of the paper circle. Hold in place until glue settles. Glue on star image and postcard image including any stickers, glitter or ribbon that you might have. Snip the edges of the main circle all around. Hole punch and attach ribbon to hang. ❯ To hang on a tree, punch a hole in the top and slip in an ornament hook or attach a ribbon to hang. To use as a tree topper, cover an empty toilet paper roll in paper and glue to the back of your ornament.
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