CN: February 4, 2015 by Community News

February 4, 2015

Friendly competition builds bridges

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Taking the Plunge Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Hazelwood East basketball players and St. Louis County police officers after a scrimmage at Hazelwood East High School.

Hazelwood East basketball players scrimmage St. Louis County police officers as a part of a community outreach program By Sara Hardin The members of Hazelwood East’s basketball team recently participated in a scrimmage against a very different opponent than they’re used to - a team made up of members of the St. Louis County Police Department. Captain Norman Mann of the St. Louis County Police Department North County Precinct developed the idea for the scrimmage with East High Activities Director Corey Johnson. “Activities Director Johnson and I had previously talked about the police competing against students and staff prior to the events in Ferguson,” explained Mann. “However, due to the civil unrest we were unable to schedule the scrimmage prior to the Christmas break. Luckily, things have calmed down in our region, which allowed us to have the scrimmage.” “Captain Mann and I wanted to help bridge the gap and we started with a small group of students,” said Corey Johnson, activities director for East High. “Our students get to see police officers in a different setting and it helps the police officers get to know our students.” Mann described the experience as being fulfilling and eye-opening, and that playing basketball with the students offered him and the other officers a perspective that they don’t often get the chance to see, especially following the unrest in Ferguson. “The experience was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I am not very young and in great shape like the

East basketball players, so it was tough to keep up with them. It was challenging emotionally for me as well because I couldn’t help but imagine what was going through the players’ minds following the unfortunate sequence of events in our region. I was born and raised in North County and still reside here to this day, so I wanted to engage them on a personal level to let them know that I care about them and their futures.” Mann said that both the students and officers benefitted from getting a chance to see each other in a more casual environment. “The scrimmage allowed both the students and the officers to see each other for what they really are. The students saw us in a relaxed environment without the badges and uniforms, which we understand can be intimidating, but the bottom line is we are just people just like them. The officers witnessed positive, dedicated, and hardworking student athletes who can work together towards a common goal, while displaying good sportsmanship. It truly was a great learning experience for everyone.” Similar events are planned for the future according to Mann, including another basketball scrimmage for Hazelwood East and one for Hazelwood Central. He said that the police department and Hazelwood School District are also attempting to get a bowling event scheduled with the Central Bowling Club, as well as a student/teacher volleyball scrimmage at East High. Mann said that on top of the events planned for the

Hazelwood Schools, that the police department will be busy with an array of community outreach events and programs throughout the year. “This is going to be a very busy year for community outreach for the North County Precinct. We recently started a Citizens’ Police Academy in the Spanish Lake area, as well as Walk-n-Talks throughout North County. We are partnering with our Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Associations to sponsor a Boy Scout troop at the Hazelwood Middle Schools. We are engaging youth leadership groups within our local churches in an effort to start a Teen Police Academy and recruit for our Police Explorer See FRIENDLY COMPETITION page 2

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Vol. 17 No. 5

In This Issue...

Around Town Greenway Network hosts monthly clean up events and more.

Special Section Best of North County.

Feature Section Wedding Guide

School Mayors go back to class at McCluer High School and more.

Learn and Play Discover a new book, check in with Cindy Moore and more.

9 10 11 12 14 16

Movie Competition heats up for Best Song at the Academy Awards. Sports Local sports with Gary B. Recipes Sweet potatoes: the versatile vegetable What’s Happening Classifieds Over the Fence Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

February 4, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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FRIENDLY COMPETITION from cover Program. There are just a few of the things we have planned to engage our community and the list keeps growing.” Overall, Mann said that events like the basketball scrimmage are critical for building positive relationships between the officers and young people in the community. “These students are the future of this community, so it is extremely important to interact with them to build lasting relationships for generations to come. We have to build a culture in which the younger generation understands that the police are here to protect, not harm them. Also, despite all the bad we as police officers experience in today’s society, we need to understand that there are young individuals out here who want to lead productive lives. We can only get to these understandings by engaging the younger generation under positive circumstances.”

TEDxGatewayArch announces date for Confluence II event

Free tax preparation available for low income households on page 13

St. Louis resident celebrates 104th birthday It was a very exciting day at Village North Retirement Community on Jan. 18, as Johnnie Rivere celebrated her 104th birthday! Johnnie, a resident at Village North since 2005, lives independently in her own apartment. She loves to smile, sing and talk with people about a variety of subjects. She plays cards and enjoys eating out at restaurants. She says there’s no secret to being 104, but she does say that she has lived her life treating Photo courtesy Bethesda Health Group Johnnie Rivere celebrated her 104th birthday people the way that she would on Jan. 18. want to be treated. Village North threw a birthday celebration for Johnnie, complete with friends, a piano player playing her favorite songs, balloons, a champagne toast and plenty of cake! Happy birthday, Johnnie!

Hundreds of innovators and TED enthusiasts will come together on Feb. 21 for a day full of networking and thoughtful discussions around the theme Confluence II. Hosted by TEDxGatewayArch, the flagship event will once again take place at the Sheldon Concert Hall. In its second year, the event will feature a line-up of local speakers who will discuss topics ranging from innovations in science, education to health, social justice, technology and arts. Confluence II is sponsored by Maryville University. Organized by a team of community volunteers, Confluence II provides a forum for people from all walks of life to share their passions, ideas and experiences. Local author presents check to “The 2014 event was such a hit that we decided to keep the theme of Confluence,” said Steve Sommers, TEDxGatewayArch Curator. BackStoppers “This year’s speakers are people who again represent a wide range of disciplines and who are making a difference in St. Louis. Add in all the exhibitors and we expect to have a robust crowd of TED enthusiasts.” The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will feature local voices and TED Talks videos. Speakers and performers for the 2015 event will include: • Lu Alleruzzo, Co-founder of Immunophotonics • Carol Davit, Executive Director, Missouri Prairie Foundation • Lola van Ella, Producer and Performing Artist, Van Ella Studios • Mike Konzen, Chairman, PGAV Destinations • Dr. Joe Steensma, Professor, Washington University • Kyra Krakos, Assistant Professor of Biology, Maryville University • Andrew Winship, Founder, CEO of Juristat, Founder, Director of GlobalHack • Sean Morris, CEO, Pulse Therapeutics • Amy Hunter, Director of Racial Justice, YWCA Metro St. Louis Photo courtesy Meet Me St. Louis • Walter Metcalfe, Chairman, CityArchRiver 2015 (From left) The BackStoppers Executive Director Chief Ron Battelle stands with author Howard • Henry Evans, Robotics Activist J. Levinson. • Dr. E. Lance McCarthy, Economist, Consultant and Author • Shanti Parikh, Anthropologist Over $400 was raised for The BackStoppers at the recent book • The Pernikoff Brothers, Indie Rock Band launch party for Florissant author Howard J. Levinson’s new forenFor more information about TEDxGatewayArch and Confluence sic crime thriller, “The Tapping.” II, please visit www.tedxgatewayarch.org or on Facebook at www. Levinson is a twenty-five year law enforcement veteran with facebook.com/TEDxGatewayArch. career assignments to Homicide; Federal Organized Crime; Undercover Narcotics; and AntiTerrorism Task Forces.

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Greenway Network’s Great Rivers Confluence monthly clean up events Greenway Network in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is organizing a monthly river clean up and nature walk. On the second Sunday of the month in 2015, these “get outdoors” events will take place at Cora Island unit of the Big Muddy Wildlife Refuge, Jones Confluence State Park and Riverlands Bird Sanctuary located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in West Alton, MO.

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The trash pickup or other service projects will start at 12 p.m. and the nature walk will start at 1 p.m. and finish at 2 p.m. Volunteers will meet at 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Riverlands Headquarters at 301 Riverlands in West Alton and then go the work site after registration and work instructions. Please bring work gloves and water. For more information and to register for this event please go to www.greenwaynetwork.org.

Time for taking a plunge for Special Olympics Missouri athletes

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Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood Teams from various law enforcement agencies, high schools, businesses and sports organizations will be participating in the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge at Creve Coeur Lake on Feb. 28. The Polar Bear Plunge is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri.

It’s time again to make like a polar bear and plunge into the frigid water of Creve Coeur Lake for a good cause. The 2015 Polar Bear Plunge at Creve Coeur Lake is set for Feb. 28, starting at 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 17,000 Special Olympic athletes participate in 21 competitive sporting events throughout the state. The Polar Bear Plunge is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). Various police departments, highway patrol units, correctional centers and other law enforcement agencies host 13 such events throughout the state where bodies of water are located. The Polar Bear Plunge in St. Louis, which takes place at Creve Coeur Lake, has evolved into one of the largest fund-raisers for Special Olympics. It is co-hosted by the Hazelwood Police Department and the Maryland Heights Police Department with assistance from the Pattonville Fire Department. Last year, this event raised over $128,000 for SOMO involving 721 participants. In recognition of its efforts in making the St. Louis event a big success, the Hazelwood Police Department was recently presented with SOMO’s 2014 Outstanding Agency of the Year – Region 8 award. One of the main event organizers, Lt. Andy Eagan, travelled to Jefferson City to accept this distinct honor on behalf of the department. “We get a great response from local high schools, companies, and sports organizations that are willing to put together a team of 10 individuals for this ‘unbearable’ event. Many of them dress up in creative ‘team-themed’ costumes or swim suit attire and show their brav-

ery and support for Special Olympics athletes by walking, running or crawling into the frigid waters,” said Lt. Andy Eagan of the Hazelwood Police Department. “Some people wimp out by only getting in the water ankle-deep while others go all the way underwater like a polar bear.” For those putting together teams, please keep in mind that this event is family-oriented and there will be young children watching. Please use common sense in selecting costumes and team names in order to make the event appropriate for people of all ages. Participants must be age 10 or older and raise a minimum of $75 in pledges from their relatives, friends and co-workers by the event date. Everyone who signs up will receive an official commemorative shirt and be eligible to win prizes for reaching the following fund-raising goals: $300; $500; $1,000; and $2,000. They can pre-register online at www.somo.org/plunge. Event organizers are trying something new this year called Super Plunges. Those who think swimming just once in a semi-frozen body of water is no big deal should sign-up for the Super Plunge. The event takes place on Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. Participants who register for the Super Plunge must raise a minimum of $2,500. These individuals will be taking a plunge in the frigid water 24 times on the hour, every hour, for 24 straight hours. The last plunge of the Super Plunge will be the start of the regular Polar Bear Plunge event on Feb. 28. Two Hazelwood police officers, P.O. Dan Bridges and P. O. Scott Lloyd, have already committed to taking the Super Plunge Challenge. For more information, go to www.somo.org/ plunge or contact Lt. Andy Eagan at 314-5135251 (aveagan@hazelwoodmo.org) or Tracy Davis at 314-961-7755 (davis@somo.org).

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February 4, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Best of North County

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h t C r o o . Ballot N f o t s e B Vote for your favorite Greater North County Chamber member or any other business in 63031, 63033, 63042, 63135, 63136, 63137, 63138, 63032 or 63034 in the categories listed below. All entries due no later than March 1, 2015. Vote as often as you wish. There will be two winners in each category. Accounting

Catering

Fitness Center

Hotels/Lodging

Bakery/Donuts

Apartment Complex

Chiropractor

Florist

Insurance Agent

Printing

Attorney

Computer Services

Medical Doctor

Jeweler

Real Estate Co./Agent

Auto Repair

Childcare

Hair Salon

Landscaping/Lawncare

Restaurant/Dining

Bank/Credit Union

Dentist

Heating & Cooling

Mortgage Company

Roofing

Bar/Grill

Financial/Investments

Home Remodeling

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You can vote online at www.mycnews.com as often as you want to... or you can email your vote to bestof1@mycnews.com... or you can clip this and mail to: Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 4, 2015

Around Town

City of Black Girl Scouts get in gear Jack enters into “Girl Scouts, start your engines!” shouts a man standing on the side of a track. Teenage girls sit in high-powered electric go karts contract mere inches off the ground and grip the steering wheels of their veAs the city of Black Jack enters into its 45th year as an incorporated municipality, city officials are taking the necessary steps to maintain the momentum that it has have been able to build over the past several decades. As 2015 starts, the city has entered into a contract with Streiler Planning, LLC to develop a master plan for the future development of the city. The previous master plan was produced in 1997. The development process will start in March and take about a year to complete and will include a review of the potential development for the city. It will look into previous and current projects and attempt to develop a plan for the future. The plan will be developed from data defined by the residents of the city. Residents will be asked to participate in the process and to define what they would like the city to look like in the next 10-20 years.

hicles. In their minds, the girls are preparing to compete against one another, zooming and zipping around the track. What they might not realize, however, is how the race they’re about to begin will help guide their future. The Girls Academy of Racing Science is one of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s most popular programs in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas, and invites girls to join Pole Position Raceway and Lindenwood University in learning about cutting-edge racing technology. Scientists and engineers, who also happen to be racecar drivers, teach Girl Scouts about acceleration and deceleration, speed, mathematic formulas, engineering and, of course, racing. Girls go through four educational and handson stations before progressing to the raceway, where they don helmets and buckle up to put their newly learned STEM skills to the test. The girls then test their new skills in high-performance go karts on a quarter-mile racetrack, competing for the fastest lap time. Dustin Gilliland, a mechanic at Pole Position Raceway, said the company was surprised to hear Girl Scouts were interested in participating in such a program, as most of its clientele are men. “So far we’ve had nothing but extremely attentive Girl Scouts,” he said. “We were even surprised to see that the Girl Scouts can be very competitive and aggressive out on the track, which is great. [Learning about STEM] just makes for better, more-well-rounded people. Girls who participate in the Girls Academy of Racing Science have a better understanding of their own car, and so many other aspects of day-today life.” Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has identified STEM as one of three main focus areas that girls will need to succeed in the future. Fostering a love of the STEM subject areas in young girls is crucial

Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Easter Missouri Girl Scouts participate in The Girls Academy of Racing Science at Pole Position Raceway.

to creating a diverse population of future leaders. While women represent half of all college-educated American workers, they make up only 28 percent of the science and engineering fields. Recent studies have shown that when it comes to their success in math, men typically attribute it to their own ability, while women attribute it to luck or effort. Abbey Keller, a junior at Lutheran South High School and Girl Scout Ambassador who is planning to pursue a career in prosthetic engineering, said programs like the Girls Academy of Raceway Science offer a chance for young women to do something they may not have been able to do before. “Fifty years ago, women couldn’t have jobs in STEM because they had to do work around the house,” she said. “Now that has really changed. Girls should be pushed to look at math and science more, because they’ll have fresh ideas and have more fun with it.” Girl Scouts who are interested in participating in the next Girls Academy of Racing Science on Feb. 16 can register at girlscoutsem. org and click ‘Register Now,’ or call the Help Desk at 314-400-4600.

Important questions to ask before hiring your wedding photographer Some moments are simply too important to trust to a camera phone Your wedding will be one of the most memorable times of your life and no one can capture it better than a professional photographer. So how do you find the right one? As you begin the interview process, here are some questions to help you determine if you’ve found the best photographer for your wedding. 1. Does the photographer have a gallery of wedding images you can review? Reviewing sample work allows you to see the photographer’s strengths and weaknesses - don’t fool yourself, every photographer has them. You’ll also be able to get an idea of their style. Are they formal with an eye for the perfect picture or do they love to capture the hidden moments when no one is looking? Look for images that you can see yourself in. Think of three words that describe you and share those with your photographer. Every photographer has a style and reviewing their gallery can help you determine if theirs is right for you. 2. What is the photographer’s working style? Some photographers are orderly and operate like wedding planners. Others prefer to sit back and let the events of the wedding unfold. It’s important that you find someone who can understand and meet your expectations. Discuss this ahead of time and ask away, so that you understand how well the photographer’s working style matches your own. 3. Is the photographer available for an engagement session? An engagement session does more than provide you with priceless images together before you get married. It’s also your first opportunity to work with your photographer and develop a relationship that will allow you to be completely at ease on your big day. Use this session to confirm if the photographer is indeed the right person to capture your wedding. 4. Will the photographer create a detailed shot list? This list will ensure no important photo is missed during the commotion and excitement of the big day. You should be able to create that list together, add to the list leading up to the day and have a copy of that list the day

of. Take an honest look at what images really matter and fill your photographer in on situations he or she might need to be aware of in order to prevent awkward moments, and to ensure that he or she can get the shots that matter most. 5. What kind of lighting will be used? Whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding, you’ll want to make sure your photographer has professional grade lighting equipment to deliver the images your wedding deserves. 6. Does the photographer have backup equipment? You’ve prepared contingency plans for every other aspect of your wedding; your photographer should as well. A true professional photographer won’t miss your perfect shot because of a technology issue. He or she will always bring one or two backup cameras, lenses, flashes, additional lighting equipment, extra memory cards, and batteries. 7. Does the photographer have liability insurance? Accidents happen at weddings and if one of your guests trips over your photographer’s light stand, it’s good to know you both are protected. Your reception venue may even ask the photographer to submit a certificate of liability ahead of time. 8. Will there be one photographer or two? A second shooter increases the probability that no shot will be missed, especially if you are having a large wedding. If there will be two photographers, ask to meet them both to get a feel for their personalities and how well they might blend in on your big day. 9. What will happen to the images after your wedding? Will your images be backed up to a hard drive or the cloud once processed? How long will your photographer keep the images afterward? Will they be kept for a couple of years or dumped immediately? If you have any concerns about losing your photos, knowing what the photographer plans to do

Courtesy photo

with your images after your wedding is important. 10. When will you get your photos? No, you won’t get your pictures the day after; no photographer can deliver that quickly. It’s a good idea, though, to get a general idea of the timeline ahead of time. You might even be able to agree on getting a couple of images ready for social media use very quickly. But obtaining your photos will likely take several weeks. To help with the wait, some photographers will send you a sneak peak with a few images. Just ask ahead of time! You won’t be able to see everything that happens during your wedding day. The right photographer will capture moments you never knew existed.

School

February 4, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Mayors goes back to class at McCluer High School Florissant Mayor Tom Schneider, Normandy Mayor Pat Green along with Judo 2020 Olympic Committee Member, champion and instructor Eiko Shepard visited the American Studies Honors History class of McCluer faculty member Amanda Meer on Jan. 13. The topic of the presentation was “The Progress of expanding opportunity of mankind in our 5,000 years of recorded history.” Schneider fast-forwarded while explaining to the class that of the 5,000 years of recorded history there has only been a republic or democratic model used in governance in about 750 of those years (500 in Greece and Rome and 239 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776). Green discussed progress made after the Civil Rights Movement during the Vietnam War era and Shepard talked about how Japan was an ancient culture favoring men but that she and others like her demanded more equality for women after World War 2. Schneider closed the program by commending the students for their interest in history and encouraging them to become as eloquent as possible to enhance their success in life. The bell rang as the students were listening to a recording of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” and they left class in a reverent respectful manner. Schneider will be visiting McCluer High School in the near future for a similar presentation featuring Shepard, Greendale Mayor Monica Huddleston and Cool Valley Mayor Viola Murphy and has notified the Hazelwood School District that he would welcome an opportunity to visit them as well.

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STLCC to offer drinking water operator training Individuals who are mechanically inclined or like working with their hands may be eligible for St. Louis Community College’s drinking water operator training program. With funding assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency, St. Louis Community College has developed an accelerated job training program that is offered free of charge to those who meet the eligibility requirements. Water operators work in water treatment plants. Fresh water is pumped from wells, rivers, streams and reservoirs to water treatment plants, where it is treated and distributed to customers. Water operators run the equipment, control the processes, and monitor the plants that treat water to make it safe to drink. Upon successful completion, students take two certification exams by the Missouri Department

of Natural Resources to become a licensed water operator. Classes are scheduled 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays from April 16 to May 29 at the college’s Center for Workforce Innovation, 3344 Pershall Road. Those currently seeking a certificate or degree in an engineering-related field, and/or those with some mechanical or electrical experience are encouraged to apply for this free training. For eligibility requirements, contact Rene Dulle at 314-539-5296, or email her at rdulle4@ stlcc.edu. More information about the course can be found at http://www.stlcc.edu/Workforce-Solutions/Accelerated-Job-Training/Drinking-Water-Operator.html.

Pattonville students participate in Student Summit on Race Pattonville High School was one of 14 schools in the St. Louis region to participate in the STL Student Summit on Race 2015, sponsored by EducationPlus. Teams comprised of up to eight students and two sponsors from each school were asked to help create forward-thinking solutions that can help guide the community in a positive direction. The goals of the summit were to empower students with access to a forum where they could be heard and to establish a forPhoto courtesy Pattonville School District mat where student ideas are Pattonville High School students are shown discussing their ideas during the inaugural STL Stutranslated into actions that dent Summit on Race sponsored by EducationPlus. will benefit the St. Louis region. sion on Feb. 25 to reflect on the event's success, More than 100 students from the following share updates on what they've done since the schools participated in this inaugural collab- event and plan for further success. orative forum on race: Confluence Prep AcadAttending from Pattonville High School were emy, Francis Howell North, Grand Center Arts Christine Hamil, Jayveon Harris, Austin Huls, Academy, Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood Mariah Taylor, Shaina Weaver, Katie Wildberger East, Hazelwood West, Maplewood-Richmond and Carter Yarnell. Their staff sponsors are AlyHeights, McCluer, Parkway North, Pattonville, sia Harris, counselor, and Rick Lehman, Special Ritenour, Seckman, Soldan and University City. School District teacher. They have chosen to Students participated in ice-breakers and dia- work with Hazelwood West as their sister school. logues on race with other schools and within EducationPlus is a non-profit educational sertheir own groups. They then worked to develop vice agency that brings school districts together solutions for change that they could lead. As a to share resources, information and ideas through group, the students in the summit chose to de- services in educational technology, cooperative velop partnerships with other high schools in a purchasing, staff development and more. Educasister-school program so they could learn more tionPlus is a voluntary, membership-driven orabout each other and build bridges of under- ganization owned and governed by public school standing. Students will attend a follow-up ses- districts in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 4, 2015

Pattonville incumbents to remain on school board The Pattonville School District has completed candidate filing for the district’s Board of Education. Because the number of candidates filing for office was equal to the number of open positions, an election will not be held in April. Incumbents

Jeanne Schottmueller and Ralph Stahlhut, both of whom filed for office by the Jan. 20 deadline, will be sworn into office at the school board's reorganization meeting in April.

School

Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls to open in St. Louis

PHS student athletes participate in leadership summit

Submitted photo The future home of the Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls at 1901 N. Kingshighway.

Photo courtesy Pattonville School District Shown are Pattonville High School students who participated in the recent sportsmanship/leadership summit with schools in their new Suburban XII South Division academic and athletic conference.

Pattonville High School student athletes participated in the first sportsmanship/leadership summit for schools in their new academic and athletic conference, the Suburban XII South Division. Each of the six high schools in the division (Kirkwood, Parkway North, Pattonville, Ritenour, Rockwood Summit and Webster Groves) sent 30 student athletes to participate. Students were selected based on their involvement in sports and

activities and their leadership ability. Most students attending were sophomores and juniors, but several seniors were also invited. The day consisted of breakout sessions on leadership that were facilitated by coaches at each school. Randy Karraker, a talk show host at 101.1 ESPN radio, and former St. Louis Ram D’Marco Farr were the guest speakers. Sponsors plan on making the summit a yearly event due to the success of the day’s activities.

Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls recently purchased a nearly 57,000-square-foot building located at 1901 N. Kingshighway for $1.75 million. The new charter school, which is Missouri’s first all-girls public school, offers families from diverse backgrounds an opportunity for single-sex education. The school plans to open in the fall of 2015. Hawthorn is a college preparatory middle and high school with a focus on science, technology engineering and math (STEM). Hawthorn is currently enrolling sixth and seventh grade students living in the city of St. Louis for fall 2015. For more information, visit www.hawthornschool.org. Hilliker Corporation agent Peter Newton represented the seller, Imagine Schools, and Summit Development agent John Ross represented the buyer, Hawthorn School. Hawthorn affiliates with the Young Women’s Leadership Network, which supports five all-girls public schools in New York City and 11 affiliate schools around the country. The St. Louis school will serve sixth grade through high school by 2020.

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Learn & Play

February 4, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

By Cindy Moore

Youngest Pick:

“The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade”

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

Meet Sally McCabe “The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade.” Sally has a big heart and notices tiny details in this new book by Justin Roberts, his first and a delightful winner based on a song he wrote and performs. Sally is observant, sees all that is happening around her, from the “wildflowers tipped toward the light” to “the howl of a hound dog late one night.” This bitty child, barely big enough to see over the top of her desk, also observes her classmates’ indiscretions, how hateful they are to one another, on the playground and in the classroom. Enough, she thinks. Taking matters in her own hands, Sally calls a halt, but doesn’t merely say, “stop.” Instead she offers a suggestion, a signal of sorts, to help her classmates learn to be co-hearts. Illustrator Christian Robinson gives each classmate a unique look, adding to the charm of this Golden Rule-themed book.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: President’s Day ACROSS 1. Cookie amount 6. “You betcha!” 9. Bartenders typically split these 13. Ancient Greeks’ assembly area 14. Snake-like reef dweller 15. Gent or guy 16. Salad dressing vessel 17. African grazer 18. *Truman’s “State of the _____” was first one on TV 19. *”Return to Normalcy” President 21. *Uniform ______ Holiday Act 23. A Beatle bride 24. Cowboy’s prod 25. Egg cells 28. Wisecrack 30. Old fashioned expression of disapproval 35. Bruce Wayne in “The Dark Night” 37. Chinese dynasty from 960 to 1279 39. High-strung 40. Jessica ____ of “Dark Angel” 41. Kind of test 43. Stake driver 44. *The nation did this in Nov. ‘63 with Jackie 46. Saintly glow 47. Stack 48. Bracelet for the arm 50. “Scene one, ____ one” 52. Feather glue? 53. Cleanse 55. Bird-to-be 57. *”He Kept Us Out of War” was his slogan 60. *He hailed from Hope 64. BBQ spot 65. Building addition 67. Dry white Italian wine from Verona 68. Tim or Woody 69. *George H. W. Bush led it in the ‘70s 70. “The Lego Movie” hero 71. Join together by heating 72. Barbie’s beau 73. Nostradamus and Tiresias, e.g. DOWN 1. “Cello Suite No. 1” composer 2. Site of Taj Mahal 3. ____ of duty 4. Belief 5. Detesting 6. Safecracker 7. Even, to a poet 8. Like Raphael’s cherubs

Super Brawl There is a certain sadness that has fallen upon our home. No, I have not misplaced my credit card or discovered a 25-percent-off coupon in my purse which expired the day before. Come now, that would be profound misery instead. I’m only talking about a few boo-hoos and they are coming somewhere from within the overstuffed chair in the living room. It is my husband. He is in the fetal position moaning gloomily deep down in the cushions. The chair has taken on the impression of his body because he has been planted in it since early September – the official time the football season began. For the past four months he has been burrowed in his footballviewing chair to watch every game—because each one is of the utmost vital importance! One game is between two opponents of supreme rivalry; other games will determine who plays who at what bowl; another team is sporting new outfits for the first time; still another is exploring a new brand of hot dog to serve at its concession stand and that will undoubtedly have a crucial impact on the outcome of the game. I typically have no real interest in the sport; however, the new outfit one did intrigue me long enough to snatch a view of the uniforms and determine the colors were all wrong. Also, I will watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. I feel if I am forced to watch grown men in tights fight over a stupid ball only to have the one who started the brawl run away with it, then my time is being somewhat compensated by watching four million dollar commercials. Now the season nears an end. But my husband is not quivering in sadness because it is concluding or even because his team did not make it. It’s worse. His undershorts are in a wad because there is scandal afoot in his beloved sport. There is another fight—again, over the ball. This time, it seems someone forgot to pump them up with enough air. My husband says the integrity of the game is in question. I say the sport was always full of hot air and long overdue to release some of it. Touchdown!

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent 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.

SUDOKU:

9. Be inclined 10. Hipbones 11. Clever tactic 12. ___ Gabriel 15. Non-competitive race 20. White _____ 22. Not safe in baseball 24. Having physical sensation 25. *”Change We Can Believe In” President 26. Courage in the face of danger 27. Vinyl collectible 29. *”No Child Left Behind” President 31. Impermanent employee 32. Characteristic 33. Throat dangler 34. *”Tippecanoe and _____ Too” 36. Anglo-Saxon nobility title 38. Apple variety

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.

42. Bumpkin 45. *President Ford’s VP 49. Chinese “way” 51. Knights’ breastplates 54. T-shirt style 56. Fairytale garden dweller 57. Whip lash mark 58. It shall, for short 59. Behaved like Pinocchio 60. Family or kin 61. Like a broken horse 62. Last word in radio transmission 63. They now play in Brooklyn 64. “Hand” with claws 66. *George Washington couldn’t tell one?

See answers on page 13

See solution on page 13

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 4, 2015

Movie

Oscar Watch 2015: A graceful farewell from the Rhinestone Cowboy

In the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards, movie fans typically expect the acting categories to generate the most controversy. There are times, though, when the nominees for Best Original Song stir the pot more than the other categories. (Anyone remember Robin Williams performing the original song “Blame Canada” from “South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut” at the Oscars?) This year’s crop of original song nominees goes for the heart instead of the funny. James Keach’s wonderful “Glen Campbell...I’ll Be Me” looks at the beloved singer/songwriter’s last road tour. Suffering from Alzheimer’s, Campbell handles a grueling road schedule that some younger performers might not want to tackle. He may forget a name, but his talent remains blessedly untouched. In the film, Campbell also sings “I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” a nominee for Best Original Song. Cowritten with Julian Raymond, the music and lyrics speak to Campbell’s illness and acceptance of what is

“Glen Campbell...I’ll Be Me” photo courtesy of PCH Films

coming down the road. It’s a graceful farewell from the Rhinestone Cowboy to his fans, children and his beloved wife. “Begin Again,” a critically-acclaimed drama, serves up another nominee: “Lost Stars” by Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois (She played Archie Bunker’s cute little niece on TV years ago). The movie is a funny, touching story featuring Mark Ruffalo as a disgraced music producer who stumbles into a second chance. Played over the closing credits in “Selma,” “Glory” speaks to Martin Luther King’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement, both then and now. (One line says “That’s why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up.”) With music and lyrics by John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn, “Glory” has a good chance at taking the gold this year. While a fun romp, “The Lego Movie” is, at its core, the story of a boy desperately trying to bond with his dad. In his mind, there’s a vibrant world inside the Lego cityscapes his dad has constructed in the basement. Shawn Patterson’s “Everything is Awesome”

“Begin Again” photo courtesy of Exclusive Media Group

“Selma” photo courtesy of Cloud Eight Films

Knowing the families in our community, we understand quality service and cost are both important. We also know people are more comfortable when they have

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.

“The Lego Movie” photo courtesy of Warner Bros

“Beyond the Lights” photo courtesy of Relativity Media

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theme song is so cheerful and infectious that it had to get an Oscar nomination. “Beyond the Lights,” a 2014 love story, focuses on the relationship between a young singer and the police officer assigned to be her bodyguard. The film also yielded “Grateful,” another Best Original Song nominee. With music and lyrics by Diane Warren, the song’s chances may suffer due to lack of exposure for the film. ABC will broadcast the 87th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 22 at 7 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. Central

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Sports St. Charles Community College announces softball player additions SCC softball head coach Michelle Patrico is very proud of placing six players on the roster for the upcoming season. “We are very excited about this group of fine student-athletes. As well as being enthusiastic about the game, these players are very talented,” said the coach. “There is a good combination of speed and power that will add depth to the already solid team.” Students who signed letters of intent with SCC included Maggie Groshong, pitcher from Cape Central High School; Niki Swafford, shortstop and third baseman from Fort Zumwalt North High School; Tanner Cotner, outfielder from Warrenton High School; Olivia Boyer, third baseman from Francis Howell High School; Brianna Schatz, catcher and outfielder from Webster Groves High School; and Lindsey Lewis, outfielder and catcher from Francis Howell Central High School. The Lady Cougars play in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and feel confident they will be impressive in the Midwest Community College Athletic Association’s (MCCAC) Region 16 District. Since its inception as a NJCAA-certified sport, the St. Charles Community College softball team has won multiple MCCAC championships. For more information visit www.stchas.edu. * Not far away to hear the ball hit the bat Defensive tackle from Rams gets another award The St. Louis Rams player Aaron Donald was honored once again Saturday evening as he was named Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. “I’m thrilled to congratulate Aaron on this tremendous achievement,” Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. “From the moment he arrived in St. Louis last spring, Aaron worked extremely hard to prepare himself for a great rookie season, and he certainly delivered. His production on the field speaks for itself. As an entire organization, we’re very proud of Aaron and we celebrate with him.” Donald was named to the Pro Bowl after lead-

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ing all NFL rookies with 9.0 sacks this season. A few weeks ago the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) voted him as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. * Not a bad way to start your football career Success in the pool at Lindenwood The Lindenwood men’s swimming and diving team swept the RMAC weekly awards this week. Jakub Jonczyk was the men’s swimmer of the week, while David Cochran was the men’s diver of the week. Jonczyk won two individual at Lindenwood’s tri-meet last Friday. He captured first in the 200 free (1:41.81) and 100 free (46.02) events. He was also a member of Lindenwood’s “B” 400 medley relay team which place second. Jonczyk won the fastest split in that event with a 45.26 final leg. Cochran swept the one-meter and three-meter diving events. He had a mark of 269.17 in the onemeter dive and a 285.83 in the three-meter dive. * Thanks to Lindenwood’s Tyler Scheller-Sports Information Graduate Assistant Mixed martial arts offers free tickets at Family Arena Saturday The Fight Hard Nation will pack the St. Charles facility for another tremendous night of Fight Hard MMA action just as they did in October. The event will take place this Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. They will be offering thousands of free tickets to fans through several area marketing and retail partners as well its Facebook page. There is a charge for parking. Go to www.FamilyArena.com for more details. * Always at the edge of your seat Tune into Your Health Plus Radio Show, Every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KSLQ 104.5 FM For more information go to www.YourHealthPlus.info. One-hundred percent natural products to help focus, reduce stress, more energy, curb your appetite, healthiest coffee, anti-aging serum and more… Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 4, 2015

Recipe:

Sweet Potatoes: the versatile vegetable

If you’re looking for a little variety to spice up your life, cooking with a versatile veggie such as the sweet potato may give your menu the satisfying kick you crave, along with a healthy dose of the nutrients your body needs. Unlike many vegetables with a peak season that comes and goes, sweet potatoes can be found at your local grocery store year round with a consistent quality and freshness. Because they are available fresh, canned or frozen, sweet potatoes offer the ultimate flexibility for healthy and delicious menu options at any meal. With virtually no fat and low in sodium, sweet potatoes, or yams, fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, with major nutritional bonuses to boot. In addition to being a source of vitamin B-6, iron, potassium and fiber, the sweet potato provides twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and more than one-third of the requirements for vitamin C. Sweet potatoes also rank significantly lower than white potatoes in the glycemic index, which explains why many carb-counting diets encour-

age substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes. Tips for perfect sweet potatoes These prize-winning recipes show you how easy it is to create unique dishes with versatile, nutritious sweet potatoes. Before you get started, remember these tips from the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission: • Fresh sweet potatoes can be stored for up to a month at 55°F to 65°F, but should not be refrigerated until after they are cooked. • Always use a stainless steel knife when cutting a sweet potato; using a carbon blade will cause the yam to darken. • One 15-ounce can of sweet potatoes equals one cup of fresh sweet potatoes. • Canned sweet potatoes are precooked, so add them at the end of a recipe. For more prize-winning free recipes, or to enter your recipe in the national Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission’s 2015 Sweet Rewards Recipe Contest, visit www.sweetpotato.org.

Creamy Smoked Sweet Potato Soup Winner in the “Fresh” Category Servings: 6–8 | Courtesy of Samantha Foglesong, New Orleans, LA Ingredients: 4 extra-large sweet potatoes (about 5 pounds) 4 cups seafood stock 2 cups heavy whipping cream 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 pound fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, picked free of shells 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives

In large Dutch oven, combine sweet potatoes, stock and cream. Blend on high speed with an immersion blender until smooth.

Winner in the “Canned” Category Servings: 6 | Courtesy of Michele Carl, Masonville, CO

Ingredients: 1 cup pecans 1 cup almonds 3/4 cup honey, divided 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 12 dried pitted dates 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 cans (15 ounces each) sweet potato puree 1/2 cup apple cider 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup minced crystallized ginger 2 cups miniature marshmallows Dark chocolate shavings for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 170°F. In food processor, pulse pecans and almonds until chopped. Add 1/4 cup honey, vanilla, dates, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and butter, and process until finely chopped.

Directions: Prepare smoker to 200°F. Smoke sweet potatoes 2 1/2–3 hours. Let cool, and peel.

Sweet Potato S’mores

Heat over medium heat, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt, then cinnamon and nutmeg. Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve into large bowl; discard solids.

Spread in thin layer on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until crispy, about 3 hours. Let cool, and cut into 3-inch squares. Reduce oven to 250°F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In food processor, combine sweet potato, apple cider, remaining honey, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and remaining cinnamon; process until smooth. Stir in crystallized ginger. Transfer to prepared baking dish, and cook 1 hour. Stir well, and cook 30 minutes more. Let cool to room temperature. Increase oven to 300°F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1⁄2-inch layer of sweet potato butter on each cracker. Top with marshmallows, and place on prepared baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and serve.

In medium bowl, combine crab, lemon juice, red pepper, remaining salt, butter and chives. Divide soup among bowls and top with crab mixture.

Piquant Sweet Potato Quiche Winner in the “Frozen” Category Servings: 6 | Courtesy of Karen McGowan, Houston, TX Ingredients: 1 bag (15-ounces) frozen sweet potato fries, thawed 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups shredded Havarti or Monterey Jack cheese 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 2 cups chopped cooked ham 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup half-and-half 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F.

Add Havarti cheese, jalapeno, Swiss cheese, ham and chives to crust in one layer.

Spray 10-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, salt, paprika, pepper and cayenne. Pour evenly over cheese mixture and cover with aluminum foil.

Pulse sweet potato in food processor until shredded. Transfer sweet potato to sieve and press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Press potato into bottom and up sides of prepared pie dish. Brush with melted butter and cover with aluminum foil. Bake until edges of crust are golden brown, 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Reduce oven to 350°F.

Bake until knife inserted into center comes out clean, 30–40 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

www.PayneFamily-

What’s Happening

February 4, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events Feb. 6: Steak fry Steak fry at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5- 8 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314831-6121 for more information. Feb. 7: Boy Scout Troop #884 trivia party fundraiser Trivia night will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene at 3515 Shackelford Rd. in Florissant. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $120 per table of 8 people, $15 per person. Snacks and drinks provided. Your own snacks and drinks may also be brought in. No alcohol permitted. There will be a $120 first prize payout along with silent auction baskets, attendance prizes, 50/50 drawings and more. Contact the trivia committee, Julie Sontag: 314-422-1804 or Tina Thomas: 314-837-7394/314-740-7607 to sign up or for any questions. All proceeds will fund future scouting activities for Florissant troop #884. Feb. 8: BB gun meat shoot BB gun meat shoot at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois starts at 1 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314-831-6121 for more information. Feb. 9: Free makeover for cancer patients Anyone currently undergoing or

just finishing cancer treatment is invited to experience a free makeover from certified cosmetologists that includes demonstrations on the use of wigs, turbans and scarves, nail care and cosmetics use from 10 a.m. – noon at Christian Hospital Cancer Resource Center Building 2 located at11125 Dunn Rd. Registration is required: call 314.747.WELL (9355) to register. Complimentary cosmetics and skin care products provided. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Feb. 10: Introduction to Square Dancing Free introduction to Modern Western Square Dancing for couples and singles of all ages begins Feb 3 and 10, 2015, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Rd., southeast corner of Clayton Rd and Hwy 141. Following the free introduction, the program continues on Tuesdays for $5 per person. Children ages 8-18 are free with paying adult. No experience necessary. Wear casual clothes. Good fellowship and great fun. Contact Jack and Mary Ann Marincel at 314-894-2567, momarincel@gmail.com or visit www. westcountyspinners.com. Feb. 11: Comprehensive Plan Public Forum Comprehensive Plan Public Forum on the future of Maryland Heights from 5 – 8 p.m. at Maryland Heights Centre at 2344 McK-

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elvey Road in Maryland Heights. Feb. 11: Karaoke Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314-831-6121 for more information. Feb. 13: Chicken fried steak dinner Dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314831-6121 for more information. Feb. 13: Valentine dance The City of Florissant Senior Office will hold its Valentine Dance at the James J. Eagan Center from 7 – 10 p.m. All residents and nonresidents are invited. Tickets are just $8 in advance in the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall or $10 at the door. Light snacks (cheese & crackers, potato chips & candy) are included with admission. Beer, wine and soda are available for purchase. Get a table of friends together or come and make new friends! Call the Florissant Senior Office, 839-7604, for more information! Feb 13-14: Valentine’s Day Dinner Theatre Gateway Church of the Nazarene at 11703 Old St. Charles Road is presenting two nights of Mystery Dinner Theatre. A fun, affordable date night or bring the family! Show times are Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple and includes the show and a three-course meal. Tickets are available through the church office 314-291-1763 or at the door. Feb. 14: St. Valentine’s feast The Friends of Old St. Ferdinand will host a luncheon on Valentine’s Day at noon at the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. Reservations are currently being accepted. Meal price of $15 includes drinks, lunch and dessert and will be served in the 125 year-old schoolhouse. St. Ferdinand Shrine is home to a lifesized wax figure and relic of St. Valentine, who was martyred in the year 270 A.D. Whether or not you join the lunch, please attend mass at 11 a.m. and learn more about this beloved saint. Rev. Fa-

ther Keller will be the celebrant. After the luncheon, docents will provide free tours of the shrine complex which includes the 1819 convent, 1821 church building and 1840 rectory. The book sale will also be open. Please contact Mrs. Mary Ann Daub at 314-479-1749 for questions or to make a reservation and payment. Feb. 14: Silent auction A fundraiser to support The Megan Foundation, which in the past has raised money for research on Usher syndrome, will be held at Lumen, a private event space located at 2201 Locust Street. Tickets for the event, titled Sights and Sounds of Love, are $60 per person. Festivities will take place from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. and feature a silent auction, cocktail hour and dancing to the Rhythm Rockers. Included in the cost of a ticket are three drinks, passed hors d’oeuvres and valet parking. Feb. 14: Flea market Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Richard at 314-837-7057. Feb. 14: Breakfast Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 – 10 a.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314-831-6121 for more information.

Feb. 16-17: Shoe Roads Production The Christian Hospital Auxiliary is teaming up with Laurie’s Shoes to provide a fine selection of better footwear on Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Feb. 17 from 7 a.m.– 3 p.m. in Christian Hospital Lobby at 11133 Dunn Rd. Feb 18: Tips for improving your posture Learn from a physical therapist how to check your own posture along with techniques to instantly improve your posture from 12:30 -2 p.m. at Northwest HealthCare – Entrance A Lower Level Community Room at 1225 Graham Rd. You will also learn important posture exercises and about devices you can use to make you stand tall. To register for this free class, call 314-747-WELL (9355).

Feb. 15: Chili cook-off The Episcopal Church Women of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church is sponsoring their annual chili cook-off at a cost of $5 for tastings of all entries the event is located at 2900 St. Catherine, Florissant across from McCluer North High School and begins at noon.

Feb 19: NCCS open house North County Christian School (NCCS) invites you to attend an open house on Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. There will be a short welcome and introductory time in the library and then we will break into agelevel groups for a tour and time to meet several of the teachers and staff. NCCS offers preschool (age 3) through high school, extended care, reading in preschool, college preparatory curriculum, 95 percent matriculation into college, 23 ACT average, AP and dual enrollment classes and much more. NCCS is located at 845 Dunn Rd in Florissant. For more information on open house or fall enrollment, please call 314-972-6227 or visit www.nccsedu.org.

Feb. 16: Program presentation Author and educator Dr. John Wright will present the program for Black History Month at the February Ferguson-Florissant (North County) AAUW meeting.

Feb. 20: Fish fry Fish fry at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314831-6121 for more information.

Feb. 14: Texas hold ‘em Texas hold ‘em tournament with $10 buy in and great prizes at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois. Event starts at 5 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314-8316121 for more information.

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His presentation is entitled “Noted African American Women from Missouri.” Copies of his latest book will be available for purchase. The American Association of University Women meeting will be at 10:00 am, in the Educational Building of Immanuel UCC Church at 211 Church Street in Ferguson. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-517-8973, 314-831-5359 or 314-831-6884.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 4, 2015 Feb. 19: OASIS peer led discussion groups Laugh, reminisce and learn with OASIS during this discussion group program at Village North Retirement Community at 11160 Village North Dr. Enjoy fellowship and conversation on a variety of topics while making new friends or reconnecting with old ones. Attend one or attend every month. Light refreshments provided. Dates and topics listed below. To register, call 314-747-WELL (9355) or 1-877747-WELL (9355).

Feb. 27: Fish fry Fish fry at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support Veterans. Call 314831-6121 for more information.

Feb. 21: Organizing panels The St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers is sponsoring Keep Calm and Ask a Professional Organizer, an educational event for the public. The event will feature two panels: one panel of professional organizers and another of organizing related industry members. The event will be held from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at The Lodge Des Peres at 1050 Des Peres Rd. Due to limited space, early registration is encouraged. Admission is $10. Register online at www.napostl. com/keep-calm.

March 7: Snack with Spiderman Join the Florissant Parks & Recreation Department at the John F. Kennedy Community Center from 2 – 3 p.m. for a snack with your favorite neighborhood superhero, Spiderman! Kids will enjoy a snack with Spiderman and he will be here to teach kids the Superhero Oath, play games, and take pictures. Cost for residents is $10 and for non-residents $15. Registration begins for Florissant residents Feb. 2 and for non-residents Feb. 9 at both community centers. Preregistration is required. The event will be cancelled if minimum participation is not met so please register early. Only children need to register and pay. This event is for children ages 10 and under and their parents or adult guests. For additional information contact the JFK center 314-921-4250 or JJE center 314-921-4466.

Feb. 21: 2015 Christian Hospital Heart Fair Registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 11 a.m. Screenings and Informational Booths: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lectures: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Space is limited, please call 314747-WELL and register today! Event will be held at Christian Hospital Detrick Building – Atrium 11133 Dunn Road at I-270 & Hwy. 367 Feb. 22: Cocoa with the Ice Queen Join the Florissant Parks & Recreation Department at the John F. Kennedy Community Center from 2 – 3 p.m. for a special visit from the Ice Queen and her sister! Kids will enjoy crafts, songs and an interactive story while sipping on cocoa and eating cookies. Cost for residents is $10 and $15 for nonresidents. Registration begins for Florissant residents Jan. 12 and for non-residents Jan. 20 at both community centers. Preregistration is required. The event will be cancelled if minimum participation is not met so please register early. Only children need to register and pay. This event is for children ages 10 and under and their parents or adult guests. For additional information contact the JFK center 314-921-4250 or JJE center 314921-4466. Feb. 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. Call 314-831-6121 for more information.

SUDOKU answers from page 8

March 7: Book signing Thistle and Clover invites you to come meet Frank Muhm, author of “Passage to 2838.” Frank will read from his book and sign copies from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thistle and Clover is located at 407 South Main Street, in Saint Charles.

March 8: Movie screening “Wings,” winner of the first Academy Award for Best Picture, will be screened at 2 p.m. at The Scottish Rite Auditorium at 3633 Lindell Blvd. in St. Louis. The silent movie will be accompanied Dr. Marvin Faulwell on the recently restored 1924, 56 rank Kimball Pipe Organ. Donations accepted for the benefit of St. Louis Theatre Organ Society (501c3) and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Children (501c3). (http://www.srclinic.org/) This is an exclusive one time only showing. Parking garage located at the rear of the building off Olive Street (available for $10/car). Please contact the Saint Louis Theatre Organ Society (http://sltos.org) for additional information. March 28: Fight for Air Climb The 2015 Fight for Air Climb is a unique fundraising event for the American Lung Association in Missouri. It’s a stair climb of the tallest building in St. Louis at Metropolitan Square; 211 North Broadway at 8 a.m. Almost ninety cents of every dollar raised goes directly to education, research and advocacy. There are four ways to participate; by starting a team, joining a team, joining as an individual or volunteering. Registration is open online at www.FightForAirClimb.org or by calling 314-645-5505. CROSSWORD answers from page 8

What’s Happening

Free tax preparation available for low income households United Way 2-1-1 in partnership with four local tax coalitions are offering free tax preparation to St. Louis area families. The program, which began on Jan. 24 for families who had a household income of less than $53,000 in 2014, helped nearly 19,000 people last year. Interested individuals may contact United Way 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626 to get additional information on qualifications for free help, locations, dates and the related documents (listed below) clients should bring to the sites. The sites operate by appointment or on a walk-in basis. “The partnership between United Way 2-11 and our local tax coalitions is extremely valuable to our region,” said Debbie Irwin,

community economic development director, United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Working families often pay unnecessary fees for tax preparation, including rapid refund, electronic filing fees and check cashing fees. It’s our hope that we will be able to alleviate a financial burden for a number of families this tax season and ensure they get all of the tax credits they qualify for.” Locations, dates and times for Saturday walk-in sites are listed below for the free tax preparation services for those with a 2014 household income of less than $53,000. For all other locations and times, call United Way 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626.

Super Saturdays no appointment necessary at these locations City of St. Louis Cardinal Ritter College Prep 701 Spring Ave, St. Louis 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Saturdays: Jan.31 – Feb. 21

Mission St. Louis 4366 Manchester Ave., St. Louis 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31, Feb. 14, 28, March 14, 28

Etzel Place Community Center 5888 Plymouth, St. Louis 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – March 28

New City Fellowship 1142 Hodiamont Ave., St. Louis 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, Feb. 28, March 14, March 28-April 11

Five Star Senior Center 2832 Arsenal St., St. Louis 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – April 4 (closed Feb. 21) Friendly Temple MB Church 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – April 11 Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Center 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jan.31 – April 11

Schlafly Library – with UM-St. Louis 225 North Euclid, St. Louis 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays: Feb. 7 – April 11 St. Mary’s High School 4701 S. Grand Ave., St. Louis 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – Feb. 28 Westside Missionary Baptist Church 4675 Page Blvd., St. Louis 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – April 4 (closed March 21 and 28)

St. Louis County Believers Word Temple 2115 Chambers Rd., St. Louis 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – Feb. 28

Lincoln University 9041 Riverview Dr., St. Louis 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – March 28

Daybreak-Trinity Mount Carmel MB Church 11575 Old Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – April 11 (closed April 4)

Lucas Crossing Elementary School 7837 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – Feb. 28

Ferguson Municipal Library – with UM-St. Louis 35 North Florissant Rd., Ferguson 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays: Feb.7 – April 11

RTR/DCC (Deaf Community Center) – Sign language interpreters available 8764 Manchester Rd., Ste 201, St. Louis 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays: Jan. 31 – Feb. 28

Please bring the following documents with you to the preparation: All W-2’s and 1099’s Social Security Card(s) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number(s) - ITIN - for all family members Valid picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (driver’s license or state ID or passport) Copy of your 2013 tax return 1098 or real estate tax receipt Proof of unemployment compensation

Copy of a voided check or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit Proof of child care expenses If married and filing jointly then both spouses must be present to sign paperwork Parcel number (Illinois homeowners only) Form 1095-A: proof of health insurance from the Marketplace.

February 4, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

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Vol 9 No 28

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months. Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs. While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es d isea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to ers escalatin animal owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

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Schneider

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Over the Fence

By Joe Morice Oral anti-cancer drugs The recent news coverage of the state legislature’s bill to limit the cost of anti-cancer chemotherapy tablets beginning Jan. 1 seems to have left something out unless I missed it. Probably not their fault since they were hearing the current batch of Missouri legislators of dubious plunder. They did indeed pass this law to make the tablets affordable. According to many experts, they have less side effects and better results. However, it seems they didn’t make them affordable for Medicare patients, which purportedly consists of the majority of cancer victims. In other words, it was, “Let the federal government pay the outrageous prices” as heard from those same state legislators that hate taxes, to add a little irony. In this case, since the majority of cancer patients are insured by Medicare, this means the taxpayers are paying big while private medical insurers are billed at $75

per pill minus co-pays for less than half the patients. Since I’m one of those Medicare patients that have suffered through three different infusion cures over the years that produce some very unsettling side effects, I thought I’d try the chemo tablets since they were now affordable. Little did I know. My first offering of Revlimid had a co-pay of just under $3,000. I had read three different news articles that raved passage of this new law to cap the outrageous prices of these tablets at $75 each. It was one of the few bills passed in years that would help middle and low income folks instead of whichever billionaires were throwing money around the state capital at the time. Until then, Revlimid was offered locally at just under $14,000 for 28 tablets. That’s four weeks worth at almost $500 per tabelt. I wonder if the producer of Revlimid’s CEO at Celgene can get along okay with his puny salary and benefits totaling $45,370,554? On a fixed income, there is no way I can pay for these tablets but then, I intensely dislike making pharmaceutical CEO’s richer at the expense of the sick and wounded. Some other pharmaceutical CEO’s are paid even more, the top being, $168,858,557 according to Paul Hodgson of Fortune’s website. Remember when the federal legislature passed a bill making it illegal for Americans to buy much cheaper prescription drugs from Canada? Remember when pharmaceuticals started changing the names and shapes of their tablets to forestall letting them become generic? To be fair, their alleged 800 percent average profit margins are for research and development. I remain unsure if it includes limo service and private jets for the researchers, FDA officials, off-shore bankers and etc.

If I seem sarcastic in this diatribe, I apologize. However, American pharmaceuticals, with all their expertise in creating great drugs, seem to have even greater expertise in creating huge profits by preying on U.S. citizens in need of prescription medicines. Of course, it’s the same expertise enjoyed by many other large corporations that have tentacles inside state and U.S. legislatures. Robert Hugin, the CEO of Celgene, who‘s also on boards of several other corporations for even more salary and benefits, allegedly has an MBA from the University of Virginia and an AB degree from Princeton. I couldn’t find any degrees relating to pharmaceuticals. This is often the case of giant corporations in these days of corporate plundering. The CEO’s with huge salaries and benefits sit on the boards of other corporations with CEO’s enjoying the same. Seldom do we find hands-on expertise in the actual products or services they render. We almost always find expertise in awarding each other with huge salaries and benefits. Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating heavy equipment. He has no formal training as a writer, unless a lifetime of writing about any and everything counts. The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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