A message from NCI President/CEO, Rebecca Zoll

Dear NCI members and friends,

The North County Incorporated Board of Directors recently voted to support two important propositions that will be on the November 3rd ballot and the Board also encourages residents to support both issues as well. The first, Proposition E-911, will implement a one-tenth of one cent sales tax to fund the improvement of emergency communications systems throughout the area. North County Incorporated recognizes the need for these upgrades to our emergency communications systems, which would include providing up-to-date 911 technologies, the replacement of outdated radio systems that would enable first responders to communicate through a shared set of frequencies, and improvements to the emergency siren system. The second issue, Proposition R, is a $15 million bond issue that would address critical upgrades needed in the Riverview Gardens School District (RGSD). This bond issue, which would not raise the debt service tax, will cover improvements in all nine elementary schools, both middle schools, Riverview Gardens High School and the Central Office. Improvements include: adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improving restrooms, replacing outdated electrical panels and dangerous outdoor walkways, improving the security camera system, securing the perimeter of some campuses, improving lighting, replacing asbestos flooring and some HVAC systems, and painting classrooms. NCI urges everyone to become knowledgeable about these issues and cast their vote on November 3rd.

With the summer months behind us and the cold weather coming in, that means it's that time of year again for NCI to start invoicing members for their 2010 membership contributions. We will be sending out invoices primarily via e-mail this year, so be sure to keep your eyes on your inboxes in the next few weeks. As you all know, your membership contributions are so important to us as they make it possible for NCI to keep doing work in the community for the betterment of the North County area. It's also important to us that our members utilize all the opportunities available to them, so make sure you're taking advantage of these membership benefits:

• Update your organization's listing on our membership directory (http://www.northstlouiscounty.com/directory/index.shtml) with a logo, short description and correct contact information.
• Provide us with information about your organization so that we may distribute it at our kiosks, located at Jamestown Mall and St. Louis Mills.
• Send us information about your monthly events, news and any other items that you'd like to be included in our eNewsletter.
• Sign up to participate on some of our committees and taskforces.
• Be sure to attend NCI’s Legislative Reception, which will be held early next year.
• Look for information and opportunities available at NCI's 2010 Annual Breakfast, which will be held on May 21st, and our 2010 30 Leaders in their Thirties Campaign, date TBD.

Welcome to NCI's newest members:

In this edition:

• St. Louis Mills invites guests to donate to children in need over the holiday season by using their Salvation Army Tree.
• The City of Florissant's annual Holiday Craft Show will be held later this month.
• Hazelwood School District educators honored with Apple for the Teacher Awards.
• Normandy School District students win Seat Belt Safety competition.
• Christian Hospital now offers digital mammography to patients.
• The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce introduces new Greater North County Prescription Card.