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January 18, 2017

Heat Up St. Louis keeps area warm

Around Town MDC and MoDOT invite schools to fight litter through ‘No MOre Trash!’ annual can contest. P.3 Check out this month’s Community Toon. P.4 Free dental care available to eligible kids and more. P.6

Community Voices By Morgan A. McKenzie. P.2

Business First Bank, EnergyCare provide warmth to St. Louisans and more. P.9

Photo courtesy of Heatupstlouis.org

Learn & PLay

City residents who were pre-registered for the Fourth Annual Heat-up/Ameren Winterizing forum recently held in October, 2016 seek help from Heat Up St. Louis to reduce their heating or cooling bills before going into the deep winter months. In October, more than $700,000 was donated in one day to help clients with their bills.

Local nonprofit works to find heating solutions for at-risk residents in the region By Nicholas Elmes Think of the last time you were outside for any length of time this winter. Remember how your fingers and toes slowly grew numb and eventually started to hurt? Remember how your face and any other exposed skin chilled and grew sensitive to the touch? Think about how you longed to get inside and warm up, to feel comfortable and safe again. Now imagine that when you go into your house, your house is as cold or even colder than it is outside. Imagine that there is no relief to the reality that is cold weather in St. Louis. The way you feel right now is, literally, the cold reality for many of the poor, elderly and disabled every winter in the St. Louis area. Thankfully, if you find yourself in this reality, there is help. For the past 16 years, Heat Up St. Louis has been helping to find heating solutions for the poor, senior and disabled residents of St. Louis and 13 surrounding counties. Heat Up St. Louis Board Chair Melanie DiLeo said the organization worked closely with social services, other nonprofits and utility companies to find the best solutions for those in need. “We all work together to help someone get their bills in line and turn the heat on,” she

said. “There are seniors who are freezing and they don’t know whether to pay the utility bill or get medicine. We don’t want people to have to make these life-or-death choices. We are all in this together. It is not to anyone’s advantage to have someone die because they are afraid to turn the heat on. At the end of the day, you want a community that is healthy where nobody is dying because they are cold. “If you are having problems with heat then chances are you are having problems with a lot of other stuff,” she added. “If we can keep the heat on and the keep them warm then there is a good chance we can help get the other things fixed as well.” “You have to have warmth to keep people alive and give them a quality of life,” said founder and Acting Executive Director Gentry Trotter, explaining that the organization was formed to address a variety of needs including heating and cooling assistance. “We really work as a consortium,” he said, noting that Heat Up St. Louis is run by a 57-member, all-volunteer board, which includes local leaders like the city mayor and county leaders as well as representatives from local power companies and media organizations. “We focus on public education, safety advocacy, collecting and distributing funding, networking with different organizations and fostering responsibility.”

He said the organization was initially formed to fill a void in services. “The first thing we did was to make sure we had a hotline where people could immediately get help,” said Trotter. “The second concept was to act as a funding source. The next thing was advocacy, to make sure that we had voiced to let people know that being without heating is a health and safety issue.” He said that aspect allowed the organization to work with electric and fuel companies to find solutions for those who cannot pay their bill during cold months. “We also deal with public education, working with the Fire Chiefs Association to talk about unsafe heating practices,” he said. “Many people rely on unsafe ways of heating in their homes and a lot of those result in tragedy.” But while Heat Up St. Louis provides heating assistance, Trotter was eager to point out that they also encouraged responsibility among those they help. “Our policy is that we only help people once a year,” he said. “That gives them an opportunity to get on a budget plan. We insist that all of our partners tell people that they still have to pay something on their bill each month. We are a charity with a heart, but we See ‘HEAT UP’ page 2

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Find better balance for family meals this year. P.11

Movie

‘Hidden Figures’ will put you in orbit. P.16

Weather FRIDAY Chance of Rain 57/45 SATURDAY Some Sun; Rain Late 61/47 SUNDAY Rain Likely 56/43 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES A legacy of service is a matter of the heart By Morgan A. McKenzie Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question asked is what are you doing for others?” According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, persistence may be defined as the count of something beyond its expected or normal time. The word urgent is defined as immediate or important. In other words, this means that life’s most continued and important question asked is what is your legacy, or how will you give back? The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a Baptist minister and a civil rights leader. He fought for freedom along with his Christian non-violent beliefs. He is best known for his speech “I Have a Dream” which was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. This speech primarily pointed out the desperate need for equality in America. Dr. King spent his entire life helping African Americans to obtain their God-given rights. He touched lives in many ways – through his words, thoughts and acts of service. He believed in problem solving without conflict or war. He created the Civil Rights Movement after a protest for Rosa Parks, a woman who was arrested for not giving up her seat and moving to the back of the bus. His involvement Get your event or good news published in Community News:

in local organizations included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Poor People’s Campaign and the Voting Rights Act. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was established to pay respect to a great world leader. In Dr. King’s honor, the day was set aside for individuals to get to know and improve their communities nationwide in an attempt to carry on his legacy of serving others. As an answer to the question, “What are you doing for others?” at school, I am a member of the student council where we research the needs of different organizations and ways that we can help others. I am also a member of the National Junior Honor Society where we donate our time or supplies to local charities. In my church, Christ the King United Church of Christ, I teach girls between ages of fiveto-14 liturgical dance. I also teach Bible lessons in Children’s Church for ages four-to-seven. I have served as a Girl Scout for seven years where we collect items for different charities and organizations including April Showers where we collect and sort toiletries for those who are in need. As humans, we have the three basic rights: to life,

liberty and happiness. We must pay respect to those who have paved the way for all of us to succeed. The smallest debt we can pay to society or to others is through service, taking time from your day and giving to someone who truly needs it. Dr. King once wrote, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve, you don’t need a college degree to serve, you don’t need to make your subject and verb agree to serve, all you need is a heart generated with grace and a soul generated with love.” To me, a legacy to serve means you need a heart to serve. Morgan A. McKenzie is an eighth grader at Hazelwood North Middle School, member of Christ the King United Church of Christ, and winner in North County Churches United for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU)’s Dr. MLK Jr., Oratory Contest-Middle School Category The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

‘HEAT-UP’ from cover

Make sure you are heating safely

email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

By Nicholas Elmes

Photo courtesy of Heatupstlouis.org Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., chair emeritus Heatupstlouis.org (right) helps a needy client during the Fourth Annual Heatup/Ameren Winterizing forum, where many city and county residents are not only helped with their utility bills, but they attend mini-classes on knowing their utility rights; energy efficiency and financial literacy. This annual outreach includes consortium members Missouri Public Commission, Ameren Missouri, Laclede Gas, St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Health Department and eight social service agencies.

also have a mind to realize that the more that these payments go south the more likely it is that there will be a rate increase which will hurt the people who can’t afford it.” But even with those restrictions, the organization has been able to help over 320,000 people since it started, according to DiLeo. “We have raised about $15 million over the past 16 years,” she said. “All of that has gone directly to help those in need. There are no paid salaries, so every dollar we raise goes to help those in need.” She said that fundraising efforts took a variety of forms, including direct donations online, by mail, or at UMB Banks. “We are also getting ready to do one of our biggest fundraisers, Hardees Rise and Shine, on Feb. 11,” she said, noting that that fundraiser has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day in previous years. “We have hundreds of people who help with it, from the Mayor of St. Louis to county executives to lots of amazing volunteers who go out and stand in the cold taking donations as people drive up to Hardees.” She said Hardees sells a special $1 egg biscuit for the fundraiser, with all proceeds going to help Heat Up St. Louis. “This happens at all the Hardees in St. Louis and surrounding counties,” she said. “A lot of people will buy biscuits for their entire office.” She said Heat Up Saint Louis was a very unique nonprofit, both for the work it did and for its ability to convert all donations into direct aid. “I don’t know of another organization like ours anywhere in the country,” she said. “It just works. There is someone answering our phone all the time, there is someone monitoring our website all the time. We have this incredible resource that is dedicated to helping people have heat in the winter and it really does help.” To get heating assistance from Heat Up St. Louis, call 314-241-7668, or visit http:// heatupstlouis.org.

One of Heat Up St. Louis’s main missions is to make sure that residents are heating their homes safely, in a way that insures that they do not accidently cause a fire. St. Louis Fire Chief, and Heat Up St. Louis Board Member, Dennis Jenkerson said that space heaters were a major issue for safe home heating. “We try to emphasize safe heating methods,” he said. “Using a space heater or opening your oven up to heat your home is very dangerous. Every year we see deaths throughout the region from this.” He said resorting to these heating methods, while dangerous, was an easy solution for many people faced with the inability to pay for safer primary heating methods. “People get behind on their heating bills and buy a space heater thinking it will heat a room,” he said. “But they get it too close to a couch or chair, or a little kid drops a blanket on it and then we have a fire.” He said that since Heat Up St. Louis had been helping people to pay heating bills he had seen a reduction in fire calls stemming from secondary heating sources. “Absolutely,” said Jenkerson. “We have gotten the word out about how dangerous these devices are and we have seen less fires.” When asked what he recommend as a supplemental heat source, Jenkerson had a simple answer. “The only secondary heating source that is safe is the one you are standing right next to,” he said. “Once you leave them alone anything can happen; kids can hit them, dogs can hit them. When you leave a room turn it off and unplug it.” He said that while fire deaths had decreased, down to only three in St. Louis last year, fire calls had remained steady. “Last year we had one of our busiest years in the past 10 years,” he said. “Don’t use these space heaters as a primary heating source. Call Heat Up St. Louis for assistance as soon as you can.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017

Around Town

MDC and MoDOT invite schools to fight litter through ‘No MOre Trash!’ annual can contest

Books can make winter ‘read’ hot

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) invite Missouri public, private and home-school students in grades K-8 to help fight litter in the Show-Me State – and to have creative and educational fun – by participating in the 2017 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-candecorating contest. The annual contest is sponsored by MDC and MoDOT as part of the state’s “No MOre Trash!” Submitted photo statewide litter campaign. Teacher Gail Forsyth and her students in the Second Grade Recycle Club at East Elementary in The contest encourages Waynesville won the 2016 “No MOre Trash!” trash-can contest with their winning entry, “Box-up school classes and groups to your recyclables, Missouri’s State Reptile: Three-toed Box Turtle.” They won the K-2 Grade Category join in the fight against litter and also the grand prize. by decorating and displaying a large trash can with tional information can also be found at nomorethe “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention trash.org. According to the Environmental Protection message using a variety of creative media. Schools may submit one entry in each competition catego- Agency, the average American generates about ry: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Entries are judged based on four pounds of trash each day. “Missouri’s six million residents produce nearly creativity, adherence to contest rules, and effective 26 million pounds of garbage in one day. That’s use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition cat- more than nine billion pounds of trash per year!” egory receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring said MDC NMT Coordinator Joe Jerek. “Much of schools. All first-place winners are then eligible that trash shows up on our streets and roadsides, for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to natural areas, and waterways. Litter harms our fish and water quality, plants, and hurts wildlife. Litter the sponsoring school. There is no entry fee for the contest. Participat- also hurts property values, landscape appearance, ing school groups must submit a completed entry and our overall quality of life.” Jerek added that littering is illegal in Missouri form online with up to three photos to nomoretrash.org by March 17. Contest rules, entry forms, and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and one logo, past contest entries and winners, and educa- year in jail.

With temperatures plummeting, now is the perfect time to stay inside and enjoy some warm winter reads while waiting for spring and the Greater St. Louis Book Fair (May 4-7, 2017) which will be held at Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park. “Reading is a great activity during any season but particularly in winter,” said Marilyn Brown, Director of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair. “There’s nothing like staying inside, sipping on some hot chocolate and settling in with a good book.” To help readers warm up and escape Old Man Winter’s grasp, the Greater St. Louis Book Fair offers this wintery mix of books. Mysteries - “The Guilty,” The Escape,” “The Last Mile” by David Baldacci; “Fool Me Once,” “The Stranger” by Harlan Coben; “Killer Look” by Linda Fairstrein; and “The Black Widow” by Daniel Silva. Pulitzer Prize Winning Authors - “The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks. Light Reading - “The Apartment,” Property of a Noblewoman” by Danielle Steele. Fun Reading - “Tricky Twenty-two,” “Wicked Charms” by Janet Evanovich. Biography - “His Final Battle, The Last Months of Franklin Roosevelt” by Joseph Lelyveld; “Alexander Hamilton American” by Richard Brookhiser; and “I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai. Non-Fiction – “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Classics - “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley; “Vanity Fair” by William M. Thackeray World War II Fiction - “The Nightengale” by Kristen Hannah; “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. Science Fiction - “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King. History - “Bandits at Sea: A Pirates Reader” by C.R. Pennell. Sports - “Alex Rodriguez, Biogenesis, and the Quest to End Baseball’s Steroid Era” by Tim Elfrink and Gus Garcia-Roberts. Travel - “Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain” by Michael Paterniti.

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January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Community Toons

John Hanna

John Hanna is a part time, amateur cartoonist taking his first step into the world of print and online comic media. When he isn’t drawing or working at his second job, he can be seen in and around the St Charles area. If you like his work, that is good. If you don’t like it, that is good too.

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The Scholarship Foundation receives $50,000 grant to support interest-free loan program The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation to support its interest-free loan program. Newman’s Own Foundation made this grant as part of its commitment to the empowerment of individuals. Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman has generously supported The Scholarship Foundation’s interest-free loan program for 28 years. The Scholarship Foundation began its relationship with Newman’s Own Foundation through A.E. Hotchner, a long-time friend and business partner of Paul Newman, who received an interest-free loan from The Scholarship Foundation to attend college nearly 80 years ago. Hotchner

graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in history and law and went on to become a renowned writer and playwright with dozens of books, plays and movies to his credit. The $50,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation will be used to provide financial assistance to students who lack the finances to pursue postsecondary education. In 2016 The Scholarship Foundation awarded approximately 500 students with $4.1 million in direct financial support in the form of interest-free loans and grants. The foundation’s core interest-free loan program, along with support services offered through its student advising program, helps students successfully make it to and through college.

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

www.MasterGCR.com

A welcome to my world of weather Welcome to the inside view of weather! I am excited to be able to share with you through my new column the internal elements of weather, weather forecasting and weather phenomena. Throughout my columns we will journey into the world of weather and hopefully provide insight, education and those “ah-ha” moments that explain the whys and wonders of weather. Weather is one thing that impacts every single person and is often the forefront of our conversations, so I am hopeful this column will allow you to look into the “window” of weather and leave with a new appreciation and knowledge of the wonders of weather and meteorology. As a meteorologist, I love weather and the thrills of daily forecasting. In Missouri it is often quoted, “If you don’t like the weather now, wait 24 hours and it will be different” and this is what makes my passion for weather so exciting. Here in Missouri we can often go from spring to winter within 24 hours. From having tornadoes in January to snow in May – our weather constantly changes. Our weather is always changing and I am excited to be a part of the Community News to help bring you the weekly

forecast and a bit of weather 101 on everything from: what are the computer models, to snow snakes and why and how does hail get so big. I want to give you the view into the window of a meteorologist and answer the questions that cause many to wonder about the whys of weather. Welcome to my window on weather. Look in, learn, explore, and understand the whys and phenomena of weather. You can also find my daily weather forecast by liking FirstWarn Weather on Facebook, and of course you can get your weekend planner right her in the Community News. Until next time enjoy the weather! Nick Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands the weather here in our area. He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@sbcglobal. net and you can always get the most upto-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www.facebook.com/nickswx The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017

St. Louis Teen Talent Competition kicks off its seventh year The Seventh Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition will begin Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 with 169 performers taking the stage in the preliminary round of competition. “We are thrilled with the ongoing response to this event from students, parents, arts organizations and the community. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is happy to be able to provide the opportunity for students to perform at the Fox and on other stages around St. Louis. We’re delighted that we are able to put talented young people in the spotlight,” said Mary Strauss, President of the FPACF Board of Directors. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation reintroduced the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition in 2011 to showcase the St. Louis region’s most talented teens in the performing arts. The 2016 winner was Royce Martin, a pianist from Grand Center Arts Academy. Student acts may enter as soloists or in groups up to six people. This year’s entries represent 63 schools in the bi-state metropolitan area (52 MO/11 IL) plus homeschoolers and include acts showcasing a variety of talents including a barbershop quartet, baton twirlers, improv comedian, contortionist, juggler, aerialist, color guard performer, dancers, and singers. Each round and location will have a panel of at least three judges who will adjudicate and advance acts to the next round of competition. Judges for the first two rounds of competition will again in-

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clude an impressive cross section of professionals from the St. Louis performing arts community. The two days of preliminary competition, at Ritenour High School and Logan University, will narrow the field from 130 to 36 acts. These acts will then compete in the semi-finals on March 4 at Missouri Baptist University where the final 12 acts will be chosen to compete on The Fabulous Fox stage as part of a professionally produced show on April 8. This final event at The Fabulous Fox is free and open to the public. A total of more than $30,000 in scholarships and prizes will be distributed among the top competitors. Additionally, students are eligible for scholarships from Lindenwood University, Webster University, UMSL and Southeast Missouri State University. Students can also win gift certificates, special awards and other prizes. Finalists will also have unique performance opportunities within the St. Louis area arranged by FPACF and by request. Finalists from prior years have showcased their talents at The Muny, with the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, Winter Opera, at the Sheldon Concert Hall, Shakespeare Festival Green Show in Forest Park, Six Flags – St. Louis, Taste of Maplewood, Let Them Eat Art, and Fair St. Louis. Registration for this competition was free and open to all high school students in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

By Cindy Moore

Flu: Part II It’s week two of my flu struggle and the battle against the super bug. I have made it over the hump and there are hints that I just may have avoided being lowered six feet under and forced to take a bite of that big dirt sandwich. I owe it to the fact that I still have Kohl’s Cash to spend, which gave me the will to go on. Hey, twenty bucks is twenty bucks and if I can’t take it with me, I’m not budging! I am seeing some improvement. My eyelashes have quit throbbing and my toenails don’t hurt as much. I can also actually swallow if I hang my head over the edge of the couch and let liquid trickle down my throat. It’s been a rough road; although we should always look for the positive in any situation. There have been a few advantages to hanging out with the Grim Reaper for the past few weeks. For one thing, I didn’t accumulate any laundry. My fashion choices were easy – I wore the same bedspread each day. I’d wrap it around my body burrito-style and drag it with me to the bathroom and throughout the house. As a bonus, I managed to sweep the floors and dust those hard to reach corners. I didn’t have to cook. My throat felt like I had been drinking lava smoothies all week and everything tasted like clay. My husband understood and

managed like a boss. Always the gourmet, he had a 12-meal plan laid out before him – a dozen eggs and a frying pan would keep him satisfied for days. Bonus! After all this misery, I may have even lost a pound or two, thus getting a leap on my New Year’s resolution. Although, I wouldn’t normally recommend the Raging Flu Diet; there’s no better way to shed a few of those unsightly holiday pounds than to have a destructive virus pulsing through your body. And finally, thank goodness for medicine. I owe my survival in part to the giant blue bottle of Vap’O’Rub that I kept handy. It was an inheritance from my grandmother’s estate and given to her by a long-dead ancestor. It still has a full inch deep of goo left in it. If and when I do journey on to the other side, my grandkids will inherit it and if they’re especially deserving, maybe a little Kohl’s Cash! Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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Free dental care available to eligible kids Give Kids A Smile announced registration is now open for the next free dental health care clinic for kids set for Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education. The event is designed to meet the needs of toddlers and school-aged children through eighth grade, who are Medicaid-eligible, qualify for a school lunch program or need dental assistance due to other circumstances. Over this two-day period the organization has the capacity and resources to provide comprehensive dental services, completely free of charge, for up to 600 kids. Care is provided by appointment only and timeslots fill quickly. To register, call Give Kids A Smile at 636-397-6453. “We are all supposed to be brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash and visiting the dentist twice annually,” commented Joan Allen, executive director of Give Kids A Smile. “These dental health basics are essential to not only our dental health, but also our overall health. Yet, for a variety of circumstances, some families simply cannot afford it. In fact, over the years we’ve seen an alarming number of children who have never been to the dentist. Many patients don’t even have their own toothbrush and either aren’t brushing or are being forced to share a toothbrush with family members. Give Kids A Smile is here to help.”

Each child registered to attend the upcoming clinic will receive X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as fillings, root canals and oral surgery, as needed. Organizers also work hard to create a non-intimidating, fun-filled environment for the kids. Founding sponsor Delta Dental of Missouri provides an entertainment area for children after they receive services. The space features face painters, balloon artists, games and more. Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard strolls the clinic floor, along with a Spanish-speaking Tooth Fairy who helps communicate to non-English speaking children. At the conclusion of the event, each child goes home with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, as well as a free book courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Foundation. To date, Give Kids A Smile has provided $8.2 million worth of comprehensive dental care services completely free of charge to 15,096 local underserved children through over 30 consecutive clinics. To learn more about the work of Give Kids A Smile, or to register for the upcoming clinic, call 636-397-6453 or log on to www.gkas.org and click on “patient information.” The registration process includes the completion of health history and consent forms. Appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

St. Louis Bridge Center moving to new, larger site

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The St. Louis Bridge Center board of directors are (from left) Sharon Sweet, Ann Lemp (president) and Linda Powers.

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The St. Louis Bridge Center moved to a new, larger facility at 1270 North Price, Suite D in St. Louis on Dec. 27, and was open for games beginning Dec. 30. “We’re committed to our mission of growing the game of duplicate bridge in St. Louis by offering classes and playing opportunities for students and players of all levels,” said Ann Lemp, President of the Board of Directors for the Bridge Center. “With only four years since inception, the St. Louis Bridge Center ranked 10th in the country last year in number of games held. In addition, we ranked No. 1 in the St. Louis area for the Alzheimer’s Longest Day event, generously raising more than $43,000 for the cause. “Our new facility will be able to handle continued growth, with room for 100 tables, compared with 75 in our former facility. We’re taking advantage of the new space immediately by adding a few games in January – including a beginners chat game on Mondays at 10 a.m. (which allows inexperienced players with fewer than 20 master points to get immediate advice from a director during the game) and a Friday game for players with up to 200 master points. You do not need to be a member to play in any

Submitted photo

of our games, and, if you don’t have a partner, we’ll find you one.” Lemp continued: “We now have a dedicated training room, which will help us expand our teaching program because it allows us to teach while games are being played. Our goal is to introduce duplicate bridge to as many adults and students as possible. It is mentally stimulating, challenging, and competitive; requires teamwork; and provides an opportunity to meet friends, build social networks, and have several hours of solid entertainment – all for about the price of a movie. No one who has learned the game regrets it. No one.” The St. Louis Bridge Center, established as a non-profit in 2012, is the premier place in St. Louis to enjoy the game of duplicate bridge. Regular classes include the ACBL Bridge Series, Adult Beginner’s Bridge, and Learn Bridge in a Day. The Center also hosts seminars by nationally recognized teachers and authors, including Barbara Seagram, Audrey Grant, Jerry Helms, Larry Cohen, and Phillip Alder, who is scheduled to teach June 9-10. More information and the game schedule can be found at www.stlouisbridge.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017

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January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Two Hazelwood teachers selected as finalist for state presidential awards program www.stlchristian.edu

Stephanie Knight and Lisa McPherson, science teachers at Cold Water Elementary, in the Hazelwood School District (HSD), were selected as state-level finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program. This program recognizes K-6 grade teachers of science in Missouri. Knight and McPherson are two of the three teachers selected to represent Missouri. As state-level finalists, Knight and McPherson are also candidates for the National Presidential Award. If selected for the award, which is determined by a distinguished panel from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the state presidential awardee will be notified officially by the White

House, receive $10,000 and an all-expense-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., where presidential awardees will be honored in a variety of recognition events. “I am so proud of Stephanie and Lisa,” said Dr. Christa Warner, HSD assistant superintendent. “They give their very best when serving our students. They deserve to be selected as finalists for the National Presidential Awards Program.” The NSF administers the PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Since the program’s inception in 1983, there have been more than 4,000 teachers awarded.

Hazelwood School District administrators meet with local law enforcement partners

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On Jan. 10 Hazelwood School District Administrators met with local law enforcement partners, school resource officers (SROs), the Florissant Police Department, the Hazelwood Police Department and the St. Louis County

Police to discuss the potential impact that new Missouri legislative changes will have on students and to further strengthen the relationship between the Hazelwood School District and local law enforcement partners.

Quiet Village Landscaping purchases new headquarters Quiet Village Landscaping recently purchased property at 9810 Page in Overland for $545,000. The 4,000-square-foot office building, along with a 5,600-square-foot warehouse with a fenced in contractor yard, is situated on 1.8 acres. Quiet Village Landscaping is a full-service custom landscape design, installation and maintenance company. Founded in 2001 by Dennis Evans, the company has 40 full-time employees and focuses on native plants to promote conservation. Quiet Village Landscaping currently leases

space at 11135 Olive Blvd. and will move into its new headquarters by the end of February. According to Evans, the new office location “answers our need for more space for our landscape design team, as well as storage space for heavy machinery and lawn equipment.” Hilliker Corporation’s agent Scott Martin represented the seller, E.R. Belt L.P. and Savoy Properties’ Brian Kelley represented the buyer, Current Investments LLC.

Maryland Heights Names new director of the parks and recreation department Tracey Anderson, CPRP has Grove (Illinois) Park District, where she managed a full time been named the new Director of staff of 25 full time and 300 part the Maryland Heights Parks and time employees and a $5.4 milRecreation Department. She will lead all operations of the departlion budget. Prior to that, she was Superintendent of Recrement and its staff as they develop and administer a wide variety of ation for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. parks and recreation programming in the city’s seven parks, Anderson holds a Master of one current recreational facility Science – Recreation and Park and the new community center Administration from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, opening soon on behalf of the 27,000-plus Maryland Heights and a Bachelor of Arts – Soresidents. Anderson is relocatciology from Quincy UniverPhoto courtesy city of Maryland Heights ing to Maryland Heights from sity in Quincy, Illinois. She is a Tracey Anderson, CPRP has been named the Certified Parks and Recreation the suburban Chicago area. new Director of the Maryland Heights Parks Professional (CPRP) with the Anderson has 15 years of man- and Recreation Department. agement level experience in the National Parks and Recreation municipal parks and recreation field. She previ- Association and a member of the Illinois Parks ously served as Executive Director of the Morton and Recreation Association.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017

Printing company offers free consultation program Thomson Printing, Creative & Graphics, a St. Charles-based, fourth-generation family owned business, has launched the $0 for 60 campaign, a new service that provides business owners, executives and entrepreneurs 60 minutes of free unin-

terrupted access to an experienced web developer who will provide a review, diagnosis and offer programming solutions to a company’s website. To learn more about $0 for 60, call 636-2195492 or visit http://0for60.com.

First Bank, EnergyCare provide warmth to St. Louisans

Submitted photo Marking First Bank’s donations of 188 new electric blankets worth $5,617 to EnergyCare were (from left) Jana Ngugi (EnergyCare), Tim O’Dea (EnergyCare), Ed Furman (First Bank) and Justine Collum (EnergyCare).

With temperatures plummeting, First Bank employees recently donated 188 new electric blankets worth $5,617 to EnergyCare, a nonprofit organization located in St. Louis. “I want to extend a big thank you to our employees for their generous donations,” said Ed Furman, First Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer who organized the employee effort with First Bank. “Their outstanding efforts will help more St. Louisans stay warm and safe this winter.” Since 1999, First Bank employees have donated a total of 2,295 blankets valued at $62,818. In the summer, First Bank employees also donated new air conditioners to EnergyCare. Combined, First Bank has raised a total of $138,813 for the nonprofit during the past 17 years.

Helping Furman load the blankets onto the EnergyCare vehicles were First Bank employees Cherie Leahy; Amanda Roedl; Angie Arndt; Xavier Koenig; Daymion Haggard; and Andrew Harrison along with Tim O’Dea, Executive Director, EnergyCare; Justine Collum, Director of Development, EnergyCare; and Jana Ngugi, Services Supervisor, EnergyCare. EnergyCare relies on generous donations to help to keep low-income, homebound and medically-at-risk people safe. EnergyCare provides energy-related services and information for the low-income elderly, ill, disabled and families with young children in St. Louis City and County. Donations are tax deductible. For information, please visit www.energycare.org or call 314-773-5900.

www.VillaAtRiverwood.com

www.sherwin-willams.com

Business

Sports

January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Check out our

Home & Garden Section

in Classifieds page 15

I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com

Sports you see with Gary B... 117 days left until Rascal Baseball The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the independent Frontier League in O’Fallon. The team’s mascot Ruffy, is looking for many youngsters to be a part of the 2017 Kid’s Club. Here are some of the paw-some benefits you will receive this year: • One complimentary ticket from Ruffy to every Sunday Kids’ Club game. -One sno-cone treat for each Sunday Kids’ Club game. • 1 percent off all Rascals’ kids’ gear in the team store. • Exclusive access to Kids’ Club Sunday activities and events. • Priority line-up for Kids Run the Bases after every game. • Attendance prizes and more. The best part about Ruffy’s Rookies is that it is free to join. As long as you are under 13, you can join Ruffy’s Rookies this year. Be sure to confirm your membership if you are already a member. Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for all the details. * A PAW-fect way to enjoy baseball UMSL swims by Lindenwood The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s and women’s swim team opened day one of competition against Lindenwood by combining to win eight events. The women won three, with freshman Merel Visser winning the 500-yard freestyle and swimming the third leg of the winning 200yard medley relay team. The men’s team won four events with sophomore Radoslaw Chupka and freshman Gabriel Jimenez each winning an individual event, while also swimming on the winning 200-yard medley relay team. The meet will continue in coming days in the UMSL swimming pool. * Swimming sounds good

www.stangelawfirm.com

Lindenwood gymnastics add to the history books A new era of Lindenwood gymnastics started on Sunday afternoon in DeKalb, Illinois as the program took the floor for the first time without members of its inaugural class. The Lady Lions scored a 192.075 at the quad meet, their secondbest season-opening score in team history. The Lady Lions had six gymnasts making their collegiate debuts in the meet hosted by Northern Illinois, and those six gymnasts competed in nine events. Among the top performances from that group were Breanna Franklin and Maya Davis on the vault, Taylor Colwell on the bream and on the floor. Highlighting the meet though for the Lady Lions on the vault, bars and beam was the return on Kierstin Sokolowski who missed most of the last season with an injury. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information RESCHEDULED: former players of the Bud Sports Leagues If you were part of the Budweiser league years ago, you need to attend this group of players that were part of the league in yesteryears that was cancelled last weekend because of weather. Saturday Jan. 21 from noon to four, you will reminisce with so called “studs” of their era and chat on the past years. Hot Shots restaurant on highway 94 in St. Charles will be the place to be to share a few memories. Thanks to Harpo, Rich Reeves and you can contact Mark Allen Lynch on Facebook to get more details. Come see me, Gary B, as I share some stories. * Renew old friendships and make a few new ones. Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, has hosted many radio shows from Health to Sports to Baby Boomer news. He was the EMCEE of the River City Rascals and St. Louis Swarm basketball team inaugural seasons and broadcasting for the indoor football teams over a decade. Has been writing sports since 1999 for the paper.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017

Recipe: Find better balance for family meals this year

Learn & Play

SUDOKU: Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

This New Year, set a realistic resolution to take time to sit down with your family and eat balanced meals together. A few simple solutions and a dash of inspiration are all you need to set the tone for a year of health and wellness. Last year, Americans were only meeting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate recommendations for vegetables, fruit, protein, dairy and grain consumption one week out of the entire year. While many families try to cook nutritious meals at home, a balanced plate can be hard to achieve. Educational programs, such as Nestlé’s Balance Your Plate, make it simple to create delicious and balanced meals by pairing frozen prepared meals and pizzas with made-fromscratch side dishes, which makes meeting the dietary guidelines a more attainable goal. Frozen entrees are a convenient starting point for a well-rounded meal. “It’s so important to me that we sit down as a family and have a nutritious meal,” said Kim Stoegbauer, creative director and founder of The TomKat Studio, who created a few easy ways to add some special touches to your next family dinner. By pairing Stouffer’s Lasagna with Meat & Sauce, made with ingredients you would find in your own kitchen cupboard, with a homemade Panzanella Salad and Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes and Balsamic, Stoegbauer demonstrates how easy it is to create a family-friendly meal without the hassle. “It’s a frozen entree that you can feel good about feeding your family, especially paired with some delicious and easy-to-prepare sides,” Stoegbauer said. Find more simple, delicious and well-balanced meal ideas to share with your family at nestleusa.com/nutrition/balance.

See solution on page 13

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Contemporary Authors

Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes and Balsamic Recipe courtesy of The TomKat Studio blog on behalf of Stouffer’s | Serves: 6

I ngredients: 2 pounds asparagus, ends trimmed 1 pint cherry tomatoes 4 garlic cloves, minced salt, to taste black pepper, to taste reduced balsamic vinegar Directions: Heat oven to 375 F.

On baking sheet, toss together all ingredients, except balsamic vinegar. Roast 15 minutes, or until asparagus is tender. Transfer asparagus and tomatoes to platter. Drizzle with reduced balsamic vinegar to taste and serve. Tip: Add some leftover fresh basil to the top of your lasagna for a pretty and flavorful garnish that complements your sides.

Panzanella Salad Recipe courtesy of The TomKat Studio blog on behalf of Stouffer’s | Serves: 8-10

Ingredients: 1 whole wheat baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 1 hothouse cucumber, diced 3 assorted bell peppers, diced 1/2 red onion, diced 10 sprigs basil leaves, julienned

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. On baking sheet, spread bread in single layer and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside. In bowl, whisk together garlic, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper with remaining olive oil to make vinaigrette. In large bowl, toss ingredients together, making sure to coat all ingredients with vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

ACROSS 1. Hang around for 6. Is no longer 9. *”____ Come Undone” by Wally Lamb 13. Food from heaven 14. Not square 15. Annoy a bedfellow 16. Mountaineer’s tool 17. Anger 18. Length of a forearm 19. *Author of best-selling book series ever 21. *”The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” Pulitzer-winning author 23. Mele Kalikimaka wreath 24. ____-friendly 25. Stout relative 28. Small town or hamlet 30. *Many of his novels were made into romantic drama movies 35. Long John Silver’s walk 37. Designer Hugo 39. A way to sell tickets 40. “Ali ____ and the 40 Thieves” 41. Community spirit 43. Hip bones 44. Euphoric way to walk 46. Oscar De La ____ 47. Bad impression 48. Bone filler 50. Locker room supply 52. “Get the picture?” 53. Conclusion starter 55. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 57. *Speculative fiction Booker Prize winner 60. *”One Hundred Years of Solitude” Nobel Prize-winning author 64. One of “12 Angry Men,” e.g. 65. Placeholder surname 67. Prevention measure? 68. Black and white cookies 69. Opposite of WSW 70. Like a gymnast 71. Gamecock’s spur 72. Expose to moisture 73. Leopard marks DOWN 1. Gulf V.I.P. 2. TV’s “Fixer Upper” location 3. All over again 4. Completely 5. What airplane did after landing 6. Patriot, a.k.a. American ____ 7. “____” Jordan 8. Four-eyes’ gear 9. Give the cold shoulder 10. Great Depression drifter

11. Sportscaster Andrews 12. Group of something 15. Escarpments, for short 20. She was turned into Weeping Rock, Greek mythology 22. “For ____ a jolly...” 24. Final results 25. *Sports columnist turned inspiration novel writer 26. Tarzan’s swing 27. Bar 29. *”American Pastoral” Pulitzer-winning author 31. Battery fluid 32. Pneumonia symptom, pl. 33. *”Orphan Train” by Christina Baker ____ 34. Great deal 36. Lucy and Ricky, e.g. 38. Miso bean

42. Pico de gallo, e.g. 45. Rotating parts 49. One of the five W’s 51. Wassailing compositions 54. Bovine milk dispenser 56. Outfit 57. Mystique 58. Not kosher 59. Kennel sound 60. Swim or track contest 61. “Do ____ others as you would do...” 62. Genuine 63. Last letter, pl. 64. Run for exercise 66. *Ken Kesey’s “____ Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” See answers on page 13

What’s Happening

January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Jan. 18: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 18: Free blood pressure check

Free blood pressure check at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) Call 8313752 for more information.

Jan. 20: Bingo

Bingo from 2 – 3 p.m. at Life Care Center of Florissant at1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant. Call 314-831-3752 for more information.

Jan. 20: Pork steaks

Pork steak dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 22: Annual bouillon party

You are invited to a bouillon party from 2 to 4 p.m. at Taille de Noyer at 1896 S. New Florissant, Rd., located on the McCluer High School campus. This traditional French event is held at this historic home every January. The Buckhanon Brothers will entertain with old time “fiddling” playing the good old French tunes. Enjoy the delicious bouillon prepared in the old French way along with a variety of tasty snacks. Tours of the home will also be offered. Tickets are $10 per person. Reservations are necessary call Vicky, 314-496-2319 or Mary Kay, 314-409-9478 or send a check to the Florissant Valley Historical Society, P. O. Box 298, Florissant, MO 63032.

Jan. 25: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 27: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 3 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 28: Health fair

V4A Health Fair takes place at Christ

Covenant Church at 3465 Shackelford from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free screenings, Mercy StL Mammography, diabetes, cholesterol, dental, vision and more.

Jan. 31: Heath insurance enrollment help

The open enrollment period for the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace began on Nov. 1, 2016 and lasts until Jan. 31, 2017. Vitendo4africa in Partnership with Bilingual International Assistant Services are helping people to sign up for the Affordable Care Act. Call 314-645-7800 or 314252-0488 to schedule an appointment today. To help bilingual Missourians understand their options for affordable health care and successfully enroll in the marketplace, make an appointment with a trained bilingual assister (navigator) who is fluent in the following languages: Bosnian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Albanian, Dari/ Farsi, Arabic, French, etc. You can also come into the office on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 7220 N. Lindbergh Blvd. in Hazelwood.

Jan. 31: Scholarship application deadline

The Florissant Rotary Club and Rotary District 6060 are seeking Ambassadorial Scholars for the 2017-2018 academic year. The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Program is to further international understanding and peaceful relations among people of different races, nationalities, ethnicities and religions while pursuing a program of higher education either here or abroad. Two different kinds of Rotary District Scholarships are available: The District Scholarship is available in any field, but preference is given to study in a humanitarian field. Applicants must have earned their bachelor degree prior to applying and $25,000 is available to pay for tuition, fees, room and board and transportation. Global Scholarships are available only to applicants whose field of study is in one of six focus areas: peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health care, basic education and literacy, economic and community development. These scholarships provide $30,000 for tuition, fees, room and board and transportation. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31 and must be submitted to Richard Dorsey, President, Florissant Rotary Club, 1650 Shackelford Rd. #1188, Florissant, MO 63031. Applications and additional informa-

Business Spotlight A place to find out a little more about your local businesses!

tion may be found at www.rotary6060. org and then by clicking on Foundation Programs, then Educational Programs, then Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships. Normally, no more than one District Scholarship Award and/ or one Global Scholarship are awarded each year.

Jan. 31: Choral rehearsals

Love to sing? New singers are welcome to join. Auditions are not required. Choral Arts Singers begin weekly rehearsals on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Please stop by rehearsal and consider joining. Rehearsal is located at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. Concerts are being planned with local high schools to be presented in late April or early May.

Feb. 9: Fundraising event

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery invites you to Eat. Shop. Love. from 5 to 7 p.m. at Plaza Frontenac’s North Court outside of Saks Fifth Avenue. Kicking off the event will be Honorary Chair, Y98’s Sherry Farmer. The event is free and benefits Crisis Nursery mothers. Guests are invited to donate new or gently used handbags, and guests are asked to fill them with lotions, sanitizers, toiletries, gas cards and other items our mothers may not be able to afford. New this year, they will be collecting jewelry and accessories… necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses and scarves. Last year over 300 purses were collected, all of which were shared throughout the year with moms who are working so hard to create long-term stability for their children. As a bonus, each purse donated enters you to win a new Kate Spade bag (valued at over $200). You must be present to win raffle items. There will be discounts at several stores that evening and raffle drawings every 30 minutes and complimentary appetizers by BRIO. For more information and to RSVP, please visit www. crisisnurserykids.org.

Feb. 13: Bake sale

Bridgeton seniors are having a bake sale from 9 a.m. till sold out at 4201 Fee Fee Rd. For more information call 314-739-5572.

Feb. 20: Free skate session

The city of Florissant is hosting a free skate session for its residents from 2 – 4 p.m. If you have always wanted to skate or if you are a regular, this is the perfect opportunity to get out on the ice. Come with your friends or family. Non-residents are welcome to

participate by paying the non-resident rate. Remember to bring your current Florissant resident card to get in for free. There will be free popcorn and soda for all in attendance.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org. Weekdays: Volunteer drivers The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314-615-4516. Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment ). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: Lung cancer support group

The Lung Cancer Networking Group is open to anyone affected by lung can-

cer and meets at Christian Hospital at 11133 Dunn Rd. every second Tuesday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 2100. No RSVP required. Christian Hospital has partnered with the Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis to provide this group meeting. Drop-in to the monthly meetings to discuss, ask questions and learn how others manager side effects, symptoms and the day-to-day of cancer. Connect with other care partners who are learning about cancer and how it impacts their friends and family members. Share and hear stories from others who “get it.” Discover the power of group support when you meet with a licensed facilitator, other people (family, friends, patients) affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

(Take

off

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting

6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017 Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo

6:45pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

Fridays: Celebrate Recovery

For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This Christcentered, 12-step program is based on the Beatitudes. We meet every Friday at 6:15 p.m. for dinner ($5); 7 p.m. large group meeting; 8 p.m. Small groups sharing; 9 p.m. dessert at First Christian Church of Florissant at 2890 Patterson Rd. in Florissant. For more information call 314-837-2269 or visit http://www.fccf.org/ or Facebook page Celebrate Recovery-FCCF.

Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between

Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded. Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Every Sunday: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www. jenningsdodads.org.

Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal.net.

Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting

Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401, 6:30 – 8pm, 314.839.3171, free and open to the public.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

HEALTH

Center for Senior Renewal:

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1.877.477.6954.

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed 4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314.653.5032.

2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional

What’s Happening

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314.344.6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636.947.5617

Speaker’s Bureau:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421.

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866. SSM.DOCS to register or for more information.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

SUDOKU answers from page 11

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477.

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157.

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314822-2066 or visit WWW.NicotineAnonymous.org.

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January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 18, 2017

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January 18, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

“Hidden Figures”

By Steve Bryan

‘Hidden Figures’ will put you in orbit “Hidden Figures” does something that “The Right Stuff ” and “Apollo 13” neglected to do, even with great directors and high-profile casts. With Margot Lee Shetterly’s book as the source material, director Theodore Melfi looks at the women who made invaluable contributions to NASA and the Space Race. It took decades for these brilliant minds to get properly recognized, though. Taraji P. Henson stars as Kathryn Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who becomes a “computer” at NASA. At a time when IBM mainframe computers were just being introduced into the space program, Johnson and her colleagues crunched numbers with paper, pencils and adding machines, figuring out ways to get astronauts up into space and back home safely. As “Hidden Figures” shows; however, a beautiful mind could not overcome the racial divide of the 1960s. With “separate but equal” bathrooms for different races, Johnson must run to another building to use the restroom (the one closest to her office was designated for “whites only”). Johnson also has the double-whammy of being a woman working in a male-dominated field. A Golden Globe nominee for her work in this film, Octavia Spencer plays Dorothy Vaughn, a working mother trying to move up through the ranks. When faced with career roadblocks, Vaughn takes matters into her own hands, creating opportunities in computer programming for herself that no one at NASA saw fit to offer her. Of all the women portrayed in “Hidden Figures,” Mary Jackson is the one person with the most determination and grit. As

2016 WINNER

portrayed by Janelle Monae, Jackson wants to become a full-fledged engineer, but she needs additional classes to make that happen. Once again, the “separate but equal” issue comes into play, but Jackson refuses to step away from this fight. A true feel-good film with a powerful punch, “Hidden Figures” even highlights the gender and racial divides in movies about the space program. Ron Howard’s brilliant “Apollo 13,” for instance, featured virtually nothing but men in white shirts and thin black ties looking at trajectories on computer screens. In truth, women such as Johnson, Vaughn and Jackson were behind the scenes programming computers and doing the math that made America fly. This is a brilliant piece, punctuated by outstanding performances by the three female leads and great direction from Theodore Melfi. It’s also impossible to go wrong when the fantastic Octavia Spencer is front and center. “La La Land” may be the critical darling of the awards season, but “Hidden Figures” will put audiences into orbit. “Hidden Figures,” rated PG for thematic elements and some language, currently is playing in theaters. “Hidden Figures’ photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Winner of Six Awards

Missouri Press Foundation Better Newspaper Contest

Best Columnist – Humorous First Place – Joe Morice

Honorable Mention – Cindy Moore

Best Education Story First Place – Sara Hardin

Best Magazine/Alternative Publication Second Place – CrossRoads Magazine

Best News/Feature Obituary Third Place – Robert Huneke for Joe Morice Obituary

Best Military Story

Honorable Mention – Sara Hardin