Mike Polino's

Mike Polinocompliments of

Office: 417-863-1122

1429 N. CedarbrookSpringfield, MO 65802

www.lorenzphac.comchuckmantia@lorenzphac.com

Strike up the band and set off the fireworks! July in all it's glory is bursting across the sky.

The sound of the band playing America the Beautiful, the sizzle and pop of fireworks and a

snow cone slowly melting in your hand, life does not get any better!

This month in Welcome Home magazine rediscover your heritage and remember all the

brave explorers, patriots, pioneers and military heroes that make this country possible today.

Follow America's fascinating history of it's national anthem. Learn how to create your own

fireworks show, without losing a hand, and wow the children and grandchildren in your family

with easy and tasty party pleasers that are sure to become annual favorites.

Please enjoy this issue of the magazine!

Have a spectacular July, and as always, Welcome Home!

compliments of

Mike Polino

Visit My Site

Email Me

417-863-1122 ·

1429 N. CedarbrookSpringfield, MO 65802

Table of Contents

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not

intended to solicit other brokers’ listings. If you are currently working

with another broker, please disregard this information.

The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any part icular purpose l ies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu or bing.com unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for

Random Fact information and aid.

Welcome Home!

4 Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.

5 Facts About The 4th A bit of July 4th trivia everyone can enjoy!

6 The story of The Star Spangled Banner Who wrote America’s National Anthem anyway?

8 In The Kitchen July 4th Treats: Stained Glass Jello

9 Health and Wellness. Kettlebells, the latest trend in strength training.

10 Play It Safe Firework safety for the 4th of July.

12 Celebrating With Fireworks What the best categories and options are for you.

14 Products To Love! Hot trends, technological wonders of tomorrow and so much more!

15 DYI Project - July Have a star spangled 4th! - Starry Night Decorations

16 The Joy of an Outdoor Kitchen Bringing the family all together in the great outdoors.

Sparkling Cherry Limeade

Recipe and Design

Preparation:1. Rub rims of 8 chilled glasses with lime wedges, and dip rims in salt to coat, if desired.2. Stir together limeade concentrate and 3 1/2 cups cold water; add liquid from maraschino cherries.3. Fill prepared glasses with ice. Pour limeade mixture into glasses, filling each two-thirds full; add sparkling water to fill.Note: We tested with San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.

Southern Living JULY 2012

Ingredients

• 1 lime, cut into wedges • Margarita salt • 1 (12-oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed• 3 1/2 cups cold water• 1/2 cup liquid from jarred red maraschino cherries• 2 cups sparkling water • Garnishes: lime slices, maraschino cherries

Instructions:1. Fold a 40-inch piece of wire in half. Starting at one point of the star, bend the wire around the cookie cutter to form the star outline. When the wire meets, twist to secure.

2. Straighten the ends of the wire and trim them with wire cutters to make them an even length.

3. Insert the trimmed ends into the chuck on an electric drill and tighten the chuck. Hold the wire taut and rotate the drill until the wire is twisted to the desired tightness.

4. Loosen the chuck and remove the wire. Trim the ends again.

5. Carefully remove the star from the cookie cutter. Spray-paint the star. Let the paint dry.

• Star-shape cookie cutter• 40-inch piece of 20-gauge wire• Wire cutters• Electric drill• Spray paint in desired color

Star Bubble Wands

Courtesy of Better Homes and gardens.com

What You Need:

When people think Fourth of July, they think flags, burgers, dogs and fireworks! We celebrate our independence when an upstart gathering of colonies defeated one of the oldest and most established empires in the history of the world. England's power has stretched all over the world, reaching as far west as India. This was a nation built on imperialism which is one of the reasons the US has tried during several of the world wars to stay out of them. These are a just a couple interesting facts that tie in with our day of independence. This article will focus on more facts you may or may not know about this patriotic holiday.

We'll lead off with the history behind this holiday. The average age of then signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The youngest was Thomas Lynch Jr at 27 while the oldest was Ben Franklin at the ripe old age of 70. Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the bulk of this document. John Hancock is actually the only person who signed on the 4th of July. All others signed on August 2nd. While Jefferson, who was considered the most persuasive, wrote most of the document, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston all over saw it. While Americans have been celebrating the fourth since 1777, Congress didn't make it an official recognized holiday until nearly a century later in 1870. Ben Franklin also petitioned to have the turkey be the national bird instead of the eagle thinking that a turkey is a more “moral” bird while an eagle is lazy. Finally, two founding fathers died on the fourth. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the fourth of July.

Another large part of the fourth is the food. It's statistically the highest grilling holiday. 90% of Americans grill on the fourth, followed by Labor Day and their own birthdays which both stand in the 70s. As for what the founding fathers ate on the fourth? It wasn't hamburgers and hotdogs! They would have a meal consisting of turtle soup, poached salmon, green peas and boiled potatoes. For dessert? An Apple Pandowdy which is basically an old timey version of the apple pie. As for what modern day Americans eat? No surprise here, it's hot dogs! We eat so many hotdogs on the fourth you could call it National Hot Dog day. This is also why the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place on the fourth. Contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many dogs, buns included, they possibly can. The record holder is Joey Chestnut who sits at a whopping 69 hot dogs! This record he just set in 2013, beating his own record of 68.

There are many other fun and interesting facts associated with Independence Day. For example, July second would be the real day, as that's when Congress voted to approve independence. However it wasn't until two days later that they approved Jefferson's document declaring it. No matter which day we decide to celebrate our independence, it's a great day to remember those that sacrificed so we could be the land of the free and home of the brave!

Facts About The 4th

Written by Sophia Butler. Courtesy of isnare.com

“Oh say can you see” . . .Those famous words mark the opening line of our nation’s favorite song, but where did the come from and who wrote them?

The Star Spangled Banner

The Story Of

Written by Daniel Goevert. Courtesy of isnare.com

The future of the young United States looked bleak as the summer of 1814 entered its final weeks. The “Second War for American Independence”, often called the “War of 1812”, had taken a perilous turn for the upstart Americans. On August 19, British warships sailed up Chesapeake Bay and captured Washington D.C. in only five days. President Madison and other government officials barely escaped the city before the Redcoats set fire to the US Capitol, the White House, and numerous public buildings. As if by divine intervention, a torrential rainstorm struck just in time to save the city from total destruction.

From Washington, the British planned a massive attack on Baltimore. Incidental to the events leading up to the assault, American physician William Beanes was taken prisoner by a British scout party. Fearing for his wellbeing, a few of the good doctor’s friends sent a respected Georgetown lawyer named Francis Scott Key to negotiate his release. Once on board the British flagship, Key amiably persuaded the commanding officer to free Dr. Beanes, but because both Americans had observed preparations for the military operation against Baltimore, they were temporarily detained behind the British fleet.

At the mouth of Baltimore’s harbor sat Fort McHenry. No invasion force could take the city without passing by the imposing fortification. Knowing full well the British were coming, the determined Fort McHenry defenders unfurled an exceptionally large American flag, to proudly demonstrate their resolve. Sewn from the finest wools, the 30 foot by 42 foot banner was visible for miles.

At 7 o’clock on the morning of September 13, 1814, the British naval bombardment of Fort McHenry commenced. The American garrison, personified by their enormous flag, stood ready to face the enemy. The fierce bombing continued all day, and into the night.

From a distance, Key anxiously witnessed the battle as the evening wore on. As long as the roar of cannons filled the air, he knew Fort McHenry had not surrendered. Occasionally, the red glare of deadly rockets illuminated the night, giving visual assurance the Stars and Stripes were still flying. A few hours after midnight, the shelling suddenly stopped, followed by an eerie, uncertain silence. Key nervously paced the ship deck, agonizing over who had won the battle. Visions of defeat dampened his spirit. If Fort McHenry had fallen, would this spell doom for the United States? Did this mean the end of the republic’s grand experiment in ordered liberty?

Peering into the darkness for what seemed like an eternity, Key searched in vain for a sign to relieve his anxiety. Finally, the first glimmer of dawn’s early light revealed a joyous sight… the great Star-Spangled Banner gently blowing in the breeze… proof that Fort McHenry remained secure in American hands!

Moved by the dramatic outcome, Key quickly composed a few lines of poetry on the back of an old letter. Later, in his Baltimore hotel room, he added several more stanzas under the title “Defence of Fort M’Henry”. Within a week, the poem appeared in print, and soon, newspapers from Georgia to New Hampshire were running with the verses. Eventually, the poem was accompanied by music and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The song enjoyed patriotic popularity for many years, but it wasn’t until March 3, 1931, that Key’s inspiration was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States.

Courtesy of The Brown Eyed Baker

In The Kitchen

Stained Glass Jello

Instructions:

1. For each flavor, dissolve one box of Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Pour into a square container that is about 6 to 8" square and chill at least 3 hours, or overnight. (Try to use the same size for all four so that the blocks will come out the same. In this case the smaller the better - I used 8" pans and felt my "blocks" were a little too flat.)

2. After chilling the flavors, cut them into small blocks.3. Carefully mix the blocks in a 9x13-inch pan.4. In a separate bowl, sprinkle 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin into ½ cup cold water. After the gelatin blooms, add 1½ cups boiling water and dissolve. Add the can of condensed milk. Stir and let cool. Pour cooled milk mixture over Jello blocks in 9x13 pan. Skim off any small bubbles that are created when you pour the condensed milk on the Jello pieces. Chill overnight or at least 3 hours until firm.5. Cut into blocks or shapes and serve.

Ingredients:

• 4 boxes (3-ounces each) Jello (or store brand gelatin dessert) in different colors

• 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (Knox)

• Water

Health & Wellness

KettlebellsA kettlebell as we know it today is a round weight with a handle on the top, they are usually made from cast iron. Kettlebells come in various sizes for both men and women, the most common sizes available on the market range from 4-62kg. Kettlebells are equally suitable for those that are either just getting back into exercise or seasoned gym goers, it is probably advisable to start off with a lighter weight so as to prevent injury and damage to surrounding objects. Kettlebells have started to become very popular of late hailed for the fat loss and body conditioning benefits they offer, despite their virtual anonymity until the last couple of years kettlebells are not a new phenomenon.

Kettlebell History Kettlebells have been around in Russia for a very long time, so popular were they that Russian strongmen and weightlifters were referred to as “kettlebell men.” In Russia kettlebells are know as Gyria, Russia probably did not invent the kettlebell though. There is strong evidence to suggest kettlebells where used 1000's of years ago in ancient Greek civilization by the Athletes and Gladiators of the time. Even the legendary fighting monks of the famed Shaolin Temple used granite padlocks known called “Chinese kettlebells” as a training tool to enhance their kung fu fighting skills.

What Benefits does the Kettlebell offer? Kettlebells offer an excellent way to burn fat, a few high rep sets of kettlebell swings or snatches will work your body as one complete unit and burn a great deal of calories. To

increase the fat burning effects of a kettlebell workout you could try adding some skipping or jogging in a circuit training style, for example 10 swings on each arm followed by skipping for 1 minute and repeat with snatches etc. Because many kettlebell exercises are compound movements using your major muscle groups they not only increase your calorie expenditure during exercise. Kettlebells utilize your major muscle groups in these compound movements the muscle groups include your hamstrings, upper and lower back. Building and toning these muscle groups not only improves your posture and strength, the more muscular tissue you have the more calories you burn, your metabolic rate will increase so you burn more calories even when your resting.

What benefit does the Kettlebell offer over Dumbbells? The benefit offered over a dumbbell which is used mostly in isolation movements like the dumbbell curl is that kettlebells enable you to get your whole body working together, strengthening your supporting muscles as well as your major ones this means you become stronger as well as leaner. These compound movements will improve the way your muscles work together, increasing your explosive power delivering vast improvements in nearly all sports (maybe even ping pong and darts). The compound movements and short bursts of high intensity exertion that kettlebell training requires will see your cardiovascular fitness improve, if time is of the essence for you the average time of your training sessions will be reduced down to about 30 minutes.

Written by Mark Stubbles, Courtesy of Isnare.com

How to be safe with fireworks on July 4th

PLAY IT SAFE

We can hardly find an American who hasn't celebrated Independence Day in his lifetime. Along with the tempting smell of delicious hot dogs and burgers, fireworks have always played a very significant role on Independence Day celebration. 2007 will be of no exception to this tradition – no controversy about it. But how many of us are aware of the legal and safety rules while playing with these dangerous things? Have we ever wondered that these attractive fireworks can snatch all our fun with a flick of the finger and can expose us to the risk of serious injuries and even death if not used safely?

Your safety measures do not start while setting fire to the crackers, rather it starts while planning to Celebrate 4th of July with fireworks. If you are planning for a firework celebration on this Independence Day, you should gather all the necessary information regarding the related safety rules and also where to buy those fireworks and what type of things are legal.

In the USA, the fireworks have been classified into two categories -- “consumers” and “displays”. Each state of America has different legal bindings regarding each category of fireworks. A genuine trader is expected to know his state's firework laws and what is the right one for you. While the consumer fireworks requires no license for use, the display fireworks are not allowed if your are not a firework professional.

Knowing The Basic Safety Rules: Independence Day is a day to celebrate the birth anniversary of our nation with fun. No one wants to spoil the day, ending up with visiting a doctor or going to hospital. Knowing and abiding by some of the basic safety rules will ensure an exceptional enjoyment while celebrating nation's birthday.

Keeping the Important Phone numbers: The first thing that you must do is to take all the contact numbers of the local fire brigades and police stations. This will let you to take immediate and effective action if anything goes wrong in coarse of your 4th of July celebration.

Use Legal fireworks: The consumers fireworks, which includes general firecrackers, smokers, sparklers etc. are also referred to as DOT 1.4 G fireworks and are legal as per the federal law.

Making fireworks: Making fireworks are both illegal and unwise even if you know how to make it. The fireworks have to be tasted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet every single

requirement regarding composition, quantity of pyrotechnic components and stability of the products under heat and stress. It is only after the CPSC has classified the product as "consumer fireworks" that it becomes legal and allowed to be used.

Consuming Alcohol: Remember that if you have consumed alcohol, it may impair your ability of judgment. It is naturally not safe to play with fireworks when you are drunk.

Sparklers: These are one of the safest form of fireworks we have ever seen. But studies have still shown that more than 50% of firework injuries in children occurs due to improper use of the sparklers. Even after the sparklers are burnt off the heat remains for a long span of time which can cause accidents at any point.

Unused fireworks: Always keep the unused fireworks away from the place you are lighting them from. Keep those in the hand of a responsible adult.

Relighting a dud: Relighting a dud is one of the most dangerous attempt that may claim our lives at any point of time by exploding at even after minutes. So the basic norm is to wait for 20-25 minutes and then soak the dud n the bucket of water and throw it away.

Fireworks With children: Fireworks often find their way into the hands of children. Remember that the fireworks are gunpowder explosives which can bring harm to the children by making them blind, burning or injured otherwise.

Keeping Children Away: Fireworks have always been a fun for people of all age -- especially the children. Parents should look after their kids and must maintain safe distance with them.

These are all very simple yet most significant points to be kept in the forefront of your mind while celebrating Independence Day this year. As per a report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention two-third of the overall firework accidents occur in the days surrounding Independence Day each year. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) reported that in 2003 an estimated 9300 people had to be treated in Emergency Departments and four were reported to be died due to firework accidents. May you all have a safe and a happy Independence Day.

Written by Julia Hayes, courtesy of Isnare.com.

Safely light up the sky this year

Celebrating With Fireworks!

Fireworks are a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, but where you can buy fireworks and whether they are legal depends on where you live, what you are buying, and what sort of experience you have. It is important to know what you're allowed to buy and detonate, as getting it wrong can land you a hefty fine or at worst, jail time. Here, we'll go over some of the basic information you'll need to know if you plan on purchasing fireworks, as well as some of the different types that may be available to you.

While you can't buy fireworks just anywhere because of the differences from place to place concerning their legality, there are lots available online. However, while buying them online might not be difficult, you need to know whether you are legally allowed to use them. Different areas have different laws concerning pyrotechnics, and you should always know whether or not you're allowed to blow something up before doing so.

Most areas do not allow just anyone to detonate commercial grade fireworks, and some places do not allow them at all. Be sure you are familiar with local regulations as well as the classifications of the type of firework you are purchasing. Most places will allow you to buy fireworks that fall into a low explosive category, such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, and other personal grade models. Some areas allow more powerful versions. There are several grades of fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are those that can be safely used indoors or in small areas, such as sparklers, and pose little to no risk of injury or fire. Category 2 fireworks are commonly referred to as 'garden fireworks' because they can be used in a back yard or the street. They can be safely viewed from a distance of five meters, and do not scatter debris more than three. Category 3 fireworks, also known as "display" fireworks, are safely viewed from twenty-five meters and do not scatter debris more than fifty. Category 4 are professional grade fireworks, which require training, storage, and insurance to purchase and use.

Depending on what regulations there are, you can buy fireworks and use them in your own home in a number of ways. There are a multitude of different types available, in various colors, styles, and strengths. Knowing what you want and

balancing that with what regulations there are will ensure you are happy and safe.

Fireworks are a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, but where you can buy fireworks and whether they are legal depends on where you live, what you are buying, and what sort of experience you have. It is important to know what you're allowed to buy and detonate, as getting it wrong can land you a hefty fine or at worst, jail time. Here, we'll go over some of the basic information you'll need to know if you plan on purchasing fireworks, as well as some of the different types that may be available to you.

While you can't buy fireworks just anywhere because of the differences from place to place concerning their legality, there are lots available online. However, while buying them online might not be difficult, you need to know whether you are legally allowed to use them. Different areas have different laws concerning pyrotechnics, and you should always know whether or not you're allowed to blow something up before doing so.

Most areas do not allow just anyone to detonate commercial grade fireworks, and some places do not allow them at all. Be sure you are familiar with local regulations as well as the classifications of the type of firework you are purchasing. Most places will allow you to buy fireworks that fall into a low explosive category, such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, and other personal grade models. Some areas allow more powerful versions.

There are several grades of fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are those that can be safely used indoors or in small areas, such as sparklers, and pose little to no risk of injury or fire. Category 2 fireworks are commonly referred to as 'garden fireworks' because they can be used in a back yard or the street. They can be safely viewed from a distance of five meters, and do not scatter debris more than three. Category 3 fireworks, also known as "display" fireworks, are safely viewed from twenty-five meters and do not scatter debris more than fifty. Category 4 are professional grade fireworks, which require training, storage, and insurance to purchase and use.

Written by Josephes Madeleline, Courtesy of Isnare.com.

Products To Love In July

As well as sprinkling their magical dust and stealing teeth, fairies have become known for being electricians - Nights come to life with Solar Brite!Dreams of harnessing the light of a million fairies are made much easier with Solar Brite fairy lights. The powerful and long-lasting LED bulbs gleam using solar power, making them friend to the environment and negating the need for mains electricity. Light sensor technology is another luminous addition, allowing lights to turn on automatically at dusk. Please click here for more information.

One of the biggest box office hits of all time delivers the ultimate encounter when mysterious and powerful aliens launch an all-out invasion against the human race. The spectacle begins when massive spaceships appear in Earth's skies. But wonder turns to terror as the ships blast destructive beams of fire down on cities all over the planet. Now the world's only hope lies with a determined band of survivors, uniting for one last strike against the invaders - before it's the end of all mankind. Please visit www.amazon.com for more information.

Show your patriotism with Fly Right Flags American Flag! This polyester flag is long lasting, weather resistant, and perfect for inside or outside usage. This flag may fade in sunlight but won't change color! Show your American pride with this Flag pole and bracket not included. Please visit www.amazon.com for more information.

DYI Project - July

Supplies:

• Spray Bottle• Water• Flour• Flour Sifter• Cardboard• Scissors

Instructions:

1. To make, cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard. 2. Lay the stencil on the lawn and spray the grass lightly

with water. 3. Leave the stencil in place, and use a flour sifter to fill the

shape with flour. 4. Remove the stencil and repeat.

Courtesy of BHG.com

Starry Night Decorations

The Joy Of An Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can be a simple thing with just a grill and dorm fridge, or it can be a full blown second kitchen where a family can cook, entertain, and enjoy the time with all the features of the indoor room.

No matter what or where the items will be placed, it is a good idea to consider some of the following when preparing the great outdoors for that next family barbecue.

There is something to be said for simplicity, certainly, but if the family is one that likes to entertain a lot or merely likes to spend a lot of their time together in the yard, this is definitely something to consider expanding.

If choosing a more elaborate outdoor kitchen, the homeowner is going to want to consider four zones: wet, dry, cold, and hot. If the labels are given just a little bit of thought, it may be easy enough to discern which goes in what category.

The wet zone would include things like sinks and basins, and in order to use something with running water, there is, of course, going to have to be water available to the exterior. The dry zone would include areas for storage or preparation.

A homeowner might want to think twice before creating a complete exterior pantry, but some storage of airtight items or tools and small appliances could be warranted. If the bar supplies are kept in a locked cabinet in the exterior, it might help with efficiency when it comes to hosting a party.

Likewise, anything that can be kept in this new room, instead of inside, can be used right away when needed as opposed to having to find it and haul it. The cold zone of the outdoor kitchen includes those things that help keep other things cold.

Refrigerators are things which belong in this zone as well as freezers and chillers. Having exterior storage for those cold sodas can make it easier for the kids to grab a drink for their snack. The hot zone, of course, is for cooking.

This could include, as mentioned above, just a grill, or a family could go all out and include additional hot zone appliances to the grill. They may include things like pizza ovens and other sorts of cooking surfaces.

Each family is going to need to determine its own needs and wants when it comes to these zones. Then they may choose to work with a professional regarding the actual building.

In the planning stages, the homeowners are going to need to decide about location and design for a number of different things. Heights of tables and counter tops might be an issue in this outdoor kitchen, and if there are any specific needs, it is wise to discuss them with the designer. This way they can be factored into the design early on and be less costly to the homeowners than later changes might be.

In certain climates, these extra rooms will only get seasonal use. In a number of locales, however, an outdoor kitchen could get year round usage, even when it gets cold.

Written by Eliz Guide. Courtesy of isnare.com

Search My Listings

Search The MLS

Share With Friends

Ask Me A Question

Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last

gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we

watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner

yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread

silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half

conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory

reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave O'er the

land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's

confusion, A home and a country, should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their

foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or

the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the

free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's

desolation. Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath

made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be

our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the

land of the free and the home of the brave!

Mike Polino

417-863-1122

visit us onlineemail us