Issuu

March 30, 2016

Just a song before you go Recipes

A new star ingredient

Community Voices

By Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Photo by Ray Rockwell The local musician Johnny Chase (right) performs in Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert Airport on March 25.

School

Students donate water

Local musicians perform for arrivals and departures at Lambert Airport By Sara Hardin Some of the best names in the St. Louis music scene are making appearances at Lambert Airport as part of its Live Spring Music Series. The series was launched Feb. 18 and will run through May 20, with performances taking place in the concourses on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Jeff Lea, Lambert Public Information Manager, says that providing travelers to the entertaining performances is an ideal way to expose them to St. Louis’ rich music culture. “We know from experiences in our own airport and traveling in other airports that music is a great way to both welcome and send off passengers,” said Lea. “It’s a way to introduce folks to a taste of the St. Louis culture through music. The airport can be kind of a stressful place, and to have live music is a way to sort of offset that. It’s also a way of introducing music as an art in an unexpected place.” Jeremy Segel-Moss, guitar player for The Bottoms Up Blues Gang, is scheduled to make two appearances in the series alongside the group’s singer Kari

Liston. Through their soulful renditions of both original and cover songs in styles ranging from blues, folk, rock and jazz, Segel-Moss hopes that passengers will observe what the city has to offer in music and performance. “St. Louis is one of the greatest music cities in the world, and I think it’s really important to have music at the airport because it’s a great reminder of how great we have it here,” said SegelMoss. “There’s an incredible music scene here. Being visible to people coming in from out of town might turn them onto what’s going on at clubs and venues throughout the city.” Although the program is only scheduled to run through May, Lea says that the series’ excellent reception from airport passengers and staff will likely mean similar, more extended programs at Lambert in the near future. “We’re going to see if there’s way we can extend it or do a larger campaign this year,” said Lea. “We’ve gotten a tremendous response from our passengers, many that have time before

their flight and will hang out and listen. We have varying acts from blues to jazz, soft to rock and pop, to covers. We’re getting a taste of a little bit of everything. So far everyone exposed has been very pleased with the series.”

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Around Town

Vol. 95 No. 13

In This Issue...

Around Town Martha Washington and Abigail Adams to visit local genealogy conference and more.

Business Life Care Center of Florissant earns Medicare’s five-star rating and more.

School Ritenour names new assistant principal to Marion Elementary and more.

Learn & Play Cindy Moore’s take on life.

10 11 12 14 16

March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Operation Food Search ‘Cheers to 35 Years’ wine sales campaign is extended through May 31 Non-profit organization Operation Food Search (OFS), a regional leader in hunger relief, nutrition education and advocacy, is pleased to announce that its ‘Cheers to 35 Years’ wine sales campaign, a partnership with Pinnacle Imports LLC, has extended through May 31. The campaign features 23 select “OFS” wines available for purchase, with a portion of the sales going to OFS through May 31. The OFS-designated wines are featured on wine lists and in wine shops and grocery stores and are available for purchase by the glass, bottle or case. For more information and a complete list of participating restaurants and retailers, visit www.OperationFoodSearch.org or call 314-726-5355,

extension 24. The campaign was developed by Pinnacle Imports LLC to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Operation Food Search. “Being born and raised in a community as wonderful as St. Louis, we are proud to partner with Operation Food Search, a local leader in hunger relief 35 years strong to give back and support our neighbors in need,” said Liz Kniep Engelsmann and Bill Kniep, co-owners of Pinnacle Imports LLC. “As part of St. Louis’ thriving food and beverage industry, it is important to join forces and leverage our resources in the fight against hunger. By engaging restaurants, retailers and the community at large as part of ‘Cheers to 35 Years,’ we have

Sports Local sports with Gary B. Recipe A new star ingredient. What’s Happening Classifieds Movie It’s all “Greek” to Nia Vardalos.

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an amazing opportunity to majorly impact the nutrition services of Operation Food Search and raise awareness about the issue of hunger in our community.” “We remain steadfast in our dedication to provide education about food and nutrition for as long as our services are needed,” said Sunny L. Schaefer, executive director of Operation Food Search. “Partnerships with Pinnacle Imports LLC, Sauce Magazine and local restaurants and retailers are important to our ability to heal the hurt of hunger. With their help, we passionately forge ahead in our 35th year of nourishing and providing strategies to ensure that everyone has a place at the table.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 30, 2016

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Martha Washington and Abigail Adams will visit local genealogy conference Martha Washington and Abigail Adams will visit the St. Louis Genealogy Conference April 2. The one-day conference is being held at Maryland Heights Center at 2344 McKelvey Road in Maryland Heights. Members of the MidEast District Daughters of the American Revolution will be present to discuss the work of the DAR with anyone in attendance who wishes to be a part of the DAR. Visitors to the event may view the vendors if they chose not to attend the lectures. Chapter members from the Caroline Close Stuart

Chapter and the Saint Charles Chapter will be in colonial dresses as a part of their presentation during the conference. Creating the dresses and wearing them at special events is just one of the ways members connect with patriots from the American Revolution. Mary Jo Anderson, Chapter Registrar and Field Genealogist said, “If people enjoy history and want to help perpetuate our beginning roots this is the place you should be. Tracing your family roots back further than two or three generations can be a daunt-

ing challenge. However, if you manage to connect your ancestral line directly to a patriot of the American Revolutionary War, you could be eligible to join the DAR.” The DAR is the premier national organization for women interested in historic preservation, education and patriotism. It was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation’s children.

COMMUNITY VOICES The importance of an effective school board By Dr. Tiffany Anderson School boards and innovative school-based leadership can become the catalyst for change or the dysfunction of such can be a barrier to change and school improvement. Innovative leaders can only improve schools to the degree in which the school board will allow them to lead. Often individuals analyze how school districts have turned around systems. It takes the school board, teachers and leadership along with the entire school community working together. In sports, it is fascinating to see how high performing teams can move from being troubled teams to excelling. A common characteristic is how they come together with a new coach, inspired players and a strong support system that allows the players the freedom to take risks, try new approaches and improve. School boards serve as one of the greatest support systems ensuring high expectations with support are a constant. Continuous improvement is the product of an entire system working in harmony together, constantly reflecting on ways to get better. The journey of transformation in Jennings four years ago began with finding ways the board, school staff and the entire school community would work hand in hand, making dreams become reality. In Jennings, as an example, the relationships in the district four years ago between the board, educators and the community looked very different than they do now. New initiatives targeting community needs, such as the food pantry which opened in 2012, the new homeless shelter, the athletic complex which opened in 2013, the school-based health clinic which opened in 2014 and ongoing college initiatives were quickly embraced by the board. Additionally, as a result of the academic initiatives supporting students and teachers, support was given to uplifting current district talent and a positive image was created that led to recruiting new talent such as Dello Thedford, who is one of the district’s 2016 fine arts Teachers of the Year. Recruiting Mr. Thedford led to further community supports for kids that included implementing dance, drama and expanding music. The district’s April 1 6 p.m. 2016 Gala production of “Dreamgirls,” which is open to the community, would not be possible without him. Without the support of all in Jennings, we would not have been able to recruit or retain the talent we have that’s made improvement in Jennings a reality. While it is true that without great teachers and effective leadership schools cannot improve at high levels; it is important to point out that the school board is a key support that must work together to remove barriers for schools so the innovative ideas can truly become a reality. In St. Louis, districts that have improved significantly more than likely have a unified committed board working together in the background as part of their volunteer service to the community. School boards are truly to be commended! In Jennings, we recognize the importance of

this, which is why, in addition to celebrating and highlights students and teachers, we began celebrating our school board four years ago through pictures on our web page, through the placement of plaques with their names listed in areas with new initiatives, through our districtwide yearbook, and by celebrating the board at events and through during school board appreciation week, which the district only began formally recognizing three years ago. School improvement takes a joint effort between teachers, school district leaders, the community and a school board working together to provide the best possible opportunities for the community. When any one of those groups are ineffective, schools struggle to succeed at high levels. In examining districts that are high performing across the nation, commonly viewed are the following: 1. A supportive, stabile school board 2. Committed, innovative educators and educational leaders 3. A community prepared to partner provide wrap-around support for students Jennings has continued to demonstrate gains because of the collaborative effort and collective energy from all three groups working together, rather than against each other. There will always be challenges facing a district, which may include a shortage of resources or a crisis impacting the community, but the strength in getting through the challenges effectively is determined by the strength of the board, educators and community working together. While in some schools, improvements are seen despite one of the areas being ineffective, overall systematic district improvement is most commonly viewed when all three areas are working in concert with each other. Great music can only occur, when everyone does their part well. Congratulations to the Jennings School Board who took the bold step to allow many educators and community members to partner in Jennings to work collectively to support districtwide school improvement. Schools are the center of the community. We are all interconnected and when we work together for the betterment of our communities, anything is possible! Dr. Tiffany Anderson has been a public school educator for 22 years, 18 of those years have been as an administrator in the various roles that include being a principal, assistant superintendent, chief academic officer and she has been a superintendent for 11 years. She is currently the superintendent of Jennings School District. Dr. Anderson is from St. Louis, her husband is an OBGYN and she has two children in college. She has been a lifetime member of the NAACP for 12 years. 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.

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March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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‘Valley Of Flowers Spring Cleaning’ Drive in Florissant runs until May 6 The ‘Valley of Flowers Spring Cleaning’ effort will run until May 6, which will be the start of the city’s annual Valley of Flowers festival. “We encourage our residents to join the city administration to recapture the spirit of the original Valley of Flowers festival,” said Florissant Mayor Thomas P. Schneider. “That first festival in 1963 had as one of its goals to clean up, spruce up and fix up Florissant, culminating in what has become the Valley of Flowers festival.” All city employees not involved in law enforcement are on the lookout for code enforcement problems as well as checking around the city for any accumulated trash. Additionally, Florissant Police Chief Timothy Lowery has approved the temporary involvement of Florissant law enforcement personnel during April to report any unsightly situations they observe.

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Organizations throughout the city as well as individual residents are urged to join in this effort to participate in Florissant’s ‘spring cleaning’ initiative. “We hope that this effort will take a page from our past to help us now and into the future,” said Schneider. “Our goal is to generate positive momentum for the rest of the year, resulting in better property maintenance overall and improved property values for residents and businesses alike.” Other spring time clean up events coming up include the electronic recycling event on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Ferdinand Park and the Fifth Annual “Free Document Shredding Day” on April 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Ferdinand Park and the 6th Annual Garage Sell Event on April 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center.

FSC becomes first fatherhood-focused agency with COA accreditation Fathers’ Support Center (FSC) learned this month that it has achieved prestigious national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). The nonprofit FSC provides educational programs, training and services for men wishing to improve their family and child relationships. It is the only fatherhood-centric agency in the U.S. to earn COA accreditation. COA’s program is an objective, independent validation of a social service agency’s performance and value. Accreditation results from an in-depth analysis of an agency’s administration, management, and service delivery, which are measured against international best-practice standards. Achieving accreditation signifies that an agency is managing its resources effectively and providing the best possible services to clients and stakeholders. FSC is joining an impressive slate of highquality Missouri service delivery organizations, including the Annie Malone Children and Family Center and the Family Resource Center. Only 50 of the state’s more than 54,000 nonprofits have achieved COA accreditation. FSC’s process of ap-

plying for and attaining accreditation took about a year and a half. “This is an extremely important moment for FSC’s clients, board and staff,” said Halbert Sullivan, chief executive officer. “It’s definitive recognition that our fatherhood and family programs are what the community needs – and our methods line up well with the strongest practices in the field.” St. Louis-based Fathers’ Support Center provides a comprehensive program of services for men who want to learn to be responsible fathers committed to strong family relationships. Since its founding, FSC has reached over 13,000 fathers and made a difference for more than 32,500 children. The organization has experienced continued success, including in 2014 alone, a 78 percent job placement rate resulting in $3,098,257 into the local economy. Statistics also show 80 percent of fathers completing the program increased interaction with their children. Additionally, a 2014 conservative estimate by the Saint Wall Street Foundation shows FSC returned $7,100,560 to the St. Louis community on a $3,695,353 budget.

Ferguson Twilight Run awarded Best Neighborhood Support for fourth year

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For the fourth year in a row, the Ferguson Twilight Run has received the Best Neighborhood Support Award from Big River Race Management. The race has also received awards for Best Post-Race Atmosphere and Most Growth at a Large Event. The Ferguson Twilight Run has consistently been awarded Best Neighborhood Support because of the overwhelming amount of support from local businesses as sponsors and vendors, extremely high turnout of local residents to participate, tremendous encouragement along the route from local residents, and great community atmosphere before, during and after the event. Each year at the Ferguson Twilight Run, the party continues long after the final pair of shoes has crossed the finish line. Over the years, runners changed from their running shoes into their dancing shoes and partied at the finish line with bands such as Dirty Muggs, Dr. Zhivegas, Smash Band and Javier Mendoza. This year, they’ll be funking out to the tunes of the brass band with attitude, the Funky

Butt Brass Band. Stick around after the race and enjoy the brass funk until 10 p.m. Sponsoring the Ferguson Twilight Run is a way for you to share your commitment to the people in our community who are achieving their active lifestyle goals while advertising your name throughout the region. Sponsorship applications are due by April 27 to have your business or organizations name included in promotional materials for the race. Visit www. FergTwilightRun.com to learn more about the 2016 Ferguson Twilight Run sponsorship opportunities. Registration for the Seventh Annual Ferguson Twilight Run on May 14 is available online at www. FergTwilightRun.com. When you register ten or more people as a team for the 5K or 10K, everyone receives a $2 discount. Teams of four or more registering for the one mile fun run receive one free entry. Email RaceDirector@FergTwilightRun.com to receive your unique team code to enter.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 30, 2016

Volunteers needed at Greater St. Louis Book Fair With the 2016 Greater St. Louis Book set for April 28-May 1 at West County Center, volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles throughout the four-day event. “Whether you can give a few hours or a few days, we need your help,” said Marilyn Brown, Director of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair. “We are once again expecting big crowds so this is a great opportunity to share your love of books and reading by assisting our staff. Your volunteer efforts can make this fair our best ever.” Greater St. Louis Book Fair volunteer opportunities include cashier assistants, baggers, greeters, information desk, re-stockers; cart wranglers and setup/cleanup.

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Volunteer shifts available: • April 28 – 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. • April 29 – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. • April 30 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; noon to 4 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. • May 1 – 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; 2:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. One of the oldest and most popular charity book sales in the Midwest, all proceeds from the Greater St. Louis Book Fair will go to area literacy and education programs. For more information about volunteering, please email Barbara at barbarabookfair@hotmail.com.

Trucking company volunteers to transport bottled water students collected for Flint, Michigan

www.manorcare.com/Florissant Photo courtesy Normandy School District Barack Obama sixth grader Daniel Martin (left) and Artur Express mechanic Kevin Harvey prepare to take a flat of bottled water to the truck. The school has collected more than 11,000 bottles of water which they are donating to residents in Flint, Mich.

They started with a goal that matched the numbers in their address – 3883 – and exceeded it more than three-fold. Thanks to Artur Express trucking company, the water collected by students will make it to its new address – in Flint, Michigan. Students at Barack Obama Elementary School in the Normandy Schools Collaborative have collected close to 21,000 bottles of water to help residents facing the environmental crisis in Flint. The school has received donations from school and district staff, area residents, businesses and churches nearby, and as far as St. Charles. On March 15 staff with Artur Express trucking company arrived and helped load its 18-wheeler, with the next stop being Flint, Michigan. Artur’s involvement is a prime example of the community working together for a positive result. An ask went out to North County Inc., a business networking group, who in turn, forwarded the request to their connections. A staffer at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, which has a truck driver training program, received the request and sent it to their partners. Kristi Randall, director of corporate administration with Artur, says the company is happy to lend its wheels to such a great cause. “When we learned of the students’ hard work, we wanted to be a part of it,” said Randall. “We’re a local company but our trucks travel all over the country. We’re happy to support students here in St. Louis doing great things.” The students have collected the water, and the teachers have also used the opportunity to teach lessons in health, geography, math and science. Lynn Kenny, a reading specialist at the school, says teachers have expanded the project beyond service learning and are using techniques like graphing to illustrate the amount of water collected. Like many in the country, the staff and students were concerned when they learned of the crisis affecting clean water in Flint, a predominantly African-American community near Detroit, Michigan. For two of the staffers, the crisis is a little more personal. Laverne Ferguson, a school counselor,

has family in the Flint area. According to Ferguson, her niece and husband use 15 bottles of water per person daily. “Some of the water is boiled in order to wash up and used to cook with,” Ferguson explained. “The rest of the water is used to brush their teeth and drink. Once a week, they drive to Flint Township or Burtron (Michigan), which is about 15 to 30 minutes away from Genesee County, to take a shower and stay overnight.” Ferguson is truly moved by the students’ and community’s efforts. “The students’ hearts were feeling the devastation of the people of Flint and wanted to do something to say ‘we care’,” she continued. “It has been awesome to see the outpouring of the students, community, and the parents to make their vision, a reality.” Third-grade teacher Morgan Mead is from Flint, and also taught school there. “I wanted to show my students where Flint was, what it looks like, and that the community where I’m from is very much connected to them,” Mead explained. “It’s just devastating. Before, there was no recognition of what was going on. It’s just recently that the people are able to get water from the National Guard.” Mead says she is overwhelmed by and incredibly proud of the students’ response. Jabori Dumas, a third grader, brought in 26 cases of water. He said he felt bad after Mead went online to show her class how the contaminated water looked. The school originally planned for assistant principal Christopher Young-El to drive the water to Flint. However, unexpected surgery prevented him from making the drive. Principal Netra Taylor-Nichols is grateful to everyone who has donated water – and wheels. “I’m so proud of our students! They worked extremely hard, and I’m thankful that Artur was able to provide the transportation for us,” Taylor-Nichols said. “We are truly grateful for all of the support we have received from the students, their families, Normandy staff and the community.”

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March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Hazelwood announces closing of South Fee Fee Road for industrial park development South Fee Fee Road, off Logistics Drive, will be permanently closed soon. Construction is slated to begin on or immediately after April 7 as part of the continued development of the Hazelwood Logistics Center industrial park, announced Hazelwood City Manager Matthew

Zimmerman. Access to businesses off Missouri Bottom Road, including St. Mary’s Cemetery, will be maintained by building a cul-de-sac at the end of south Fee Fee Road. It will be large enough to allow semi-trucks to turn around.

The 28th Anniversary of The Greater North County Chamber Business Showcase wraps up

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Pictured are some of the vendors and visitors that came to the 28th Annual GNCC Business Showcase on March 19.

The Greater North County Chamber held its 28th Anniversary Business Showcase on March 19 at the James J. Eagan Community Center. The chamber again partnered with the city of Florissant.

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

Greater North County Chamber President Carolyn Marty would like to thank all the vendors that supported the event and everyone that attended.

Hundreds attend benefit concert at Sheldon Concert Hall

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Leonard Slatkin, Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Conductor Laureate of the Saint Louis Symphony, entertained hundreds of patrons with his wit and personality as well as the musical talents of a quartet of brilliant musicians at the 2016 gala benefit for the Radio Arts Foundation. The benefit concert was held March 8 at the Sheldon Concert Hall. William C. Rusnack, president of the RAF Board of Directors, noted the many individuals and organizations, including Centene Corporation, World Wide Technologies, Steward Family Foundation and Mercy, who have helped RAF return classical music and news about artistic and cultural activities in the greater St. Louis area to the airwaves. RAF general manager Jim Connett thanked Rusnack for his commitment to the station and its mission. Fans such as Murray and Becky McGrady

Mccluer South-Berkeley educator chosen as UMSL EDprenuer in Residence

Visit Forrest Keeling’s all-new Habitat Headquarters in Elsberry.

in the back yard to the back forty! Forrest Keeling Nursery

were in attendance to enjoy the festivities. “I love Leonard Slatkin,” said Becky, who said she arrived in St. Louis in 1979 as a nursing student at Saint Louis University. “When SLU would offer tickets to the Symphony I was right there.” The McGradys’ three daughters play the violin, oboe and cello to carry on the family’s musical tradition that was fed by Slatkin’s tenure as conductor of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Radio Arts Foundation was founded in 2013 with a mission “to support and advocate for the growth of a classical music station broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.” Broadcasting at 107.3 FM and 96.3 KNOU HD2, RAF-STL is a one-of-a-kind radio station committed to offering outstanding programming in support of the arts for the benefit of the St. Louis community.

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Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Raghib Muhammad, a marketing instructor at McCluer South-Berkeley High School.

Raghib Muhammad, a marketing instructor at McCluer South-Berkeley High School, is one of two educators who has been chosen to become a University of Missouri-St. Louis EDprenuer in Residence. The EDprenuer in Residence program seeks educators who have ideas to innovate education. Muhammad will use his residency to further develop his Systems Teaching Framework, of which he received a trademark in September 2015. The Systems Teaching Framework revolves around five key principles or laws with the goal of helping teachers become better educators. “We accomplish this goal by introducing teachers to the eight Systems Teaching archetypes, which is a way for them to identify their teaching styles,” said Muhammad. The EDpreneur in Residence Program is a joint effort by MasterCard and UMSL’s College of Education. Muhammad will join a cohort and interact with MasterCard mentors and UMSL College of Education researchers who will support him, as his idea becomes a testable prototype.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 30, 2016

Business

Life Care Center of Florissant earns Medicare’s five-star rating

Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce hosts ribbon cutting ceremonies

Life Care Center of Florissant recently earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The CMS ratings system is designed to assist the public in choosing care for their loved ones. It calculates the ratings based on results of health inspections, staffing and quality measures (including pain management, pressure ulcers, weight loss and falls). “It felt really great to achieve this,” said Valerie Warters, executive director. “Our associates are very proud, and they recognize they work in a community that believes in serving others and that what they do for the residents will come back to them in a positive way. Our associates all have a can-do attitude.” The center received the rating in January. “I am impressed with the consistency the new leadership has demonstrated in keeping their focus on quality care and operational success,” said Larry Howdeshell, vice president of parent company Life Care Centers of America’s Missouri Region. Life Care Center of Florissant, located at 1201 Garden Plaza Drive, is one of 11 rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities in Missouri operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America.

The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce was honored to celebrate new members and businesses with ribbon cutting ceremonies held on March 1, 2 and 3. City officials, community members and local businesses joined together to celebrate these new businesses. Companion Bakery, located at 2331 Schuetz Road in St. Louis County, provided an amazing look into their business, with both café and baking. Companion Bakery is now open for business 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Their new 41,000 square foot location also provides space for a baking school, providing a hands-on aspect to baking. For more information call 314-352-4770 or visit www.companionbaking.com. Gateway Residential Remodeling is a new family-owned company in the Maryland Heights business community. Samantha Townzen, President, is so excited to share her knowledge of remodeling with the rest of the community. Gateway Residential Remodeling can handle all of your remodeling needs and participated in the HBA St. Louis Home and Garden Show at America’s Center from March 3 to 6. For more information call 314-731-6999 or visit www.grrstl.com. The Rice House III provided an excellent atmosphere for attendees to connect and enjoy great food in Maryland Heights. Kenny Truong provided a sampling of his Asian fusion cuisine including the cheeseburger egg rolls, special fried rice, and crab rangoon. The Rice House is home to the original Philly Cheesesteak Wontons and provides unique opportunity for dine in, carryout and catering services for corporate and special events. For more information call 314-733-5301 or arch is basketball tourvisit www.ricehousestl.com.

Welsch Heating and Cooling of St. Louis named ACCA 2016 Residential Contractor of the Year Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), a national organization representing more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses across America, has named St. Louis HVAC contractor Welsch Heating & Cooling Co., its 2016 Residential Contractor of the Year. “Each year many of the best residential contractors in the industry apply for this award, and share the unique business practices that make them so successful,” said ACCA president and CEO, Paul T. Stalknecht, “This year’s winner, Welsch Heating & Cooling Co., is an extremely deserving company that truly exemplifies the qualities that all of the best companies in the industry share.” Welsch Heating & Cooling Co. was presented the Residential Contractor of the Year Award on March 10 at the opening MainStage of the ACCA 2016 conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Our family of employees work extremely hard to do the very best for every one of our customers and this award goes to our employees for all of that hard work,” said Welsch’s President and CEO, Butch Welsch. Welsch is the only contractor ever to win the SMACNA (Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning National Association); Contractor of the Year Award, the Contracting Business Magazine; Contractor of the Year Award, and the ACCA Residential Contractor of the Year Award. So, this triple honor is unprecedented. “This is to honor the entire Welsch Heating and Cooling family, our entire team of dedicated men and women,” said Welsch.

Survive and Advance

nament time with the motto, ‘Survive and Advance.’ In order to continue playing and prevent the season from being over, you have to win to move on to the next round. In today’s ever changing and volatile

Submitted photos Celebrating a new chamber member and business with a ribbon cutting ceremony held for Companion Bakery.

Celebrating Gateway Residential Remodeling with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Celebrating the grand opening of The Rice House III with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

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financial world, your retirement plan has to be set up to survive and advance as well. During the regular season of basketball, most teams go through high and low periods, getting some wins and taking some losses. Losses during the season can hurt, but they are not the end of the season. Your working years are very similar to the regular season in basketball. While saving for retirement, you may be able to aﬀord some up and down years as you have time to recover and to continue to build your nest egg. However, in your pre-retirement and retirement years, the theme changes as your retirement plan has to survive and advance. The first objective is to survive. Your retirement plan has to be able to survive the volatility and severe downturns in the market. It also has to survive congressional law changes, tax law changes, economic changes and many other threats to your nest egg that can have major impacts on your overall plan. You have to continue to advance your retirement plan as well. You need to continue growing your money to battle longevity, inflation and the increasing cost of living. You need to make sure your income will last a lifetime and become more tax efficient to protect yourself from increasing tax rates. Your retirement plan is not something that can take a loss. So contact us now to show you how your retirement plan can survive and advance. 360 Investment & Retirement Advisory, 2225 Bluestone Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303 636-896-4052 www.360ira.com www.360ira.com info@360ira.com Investment Advisory Services oﬀered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Investments and/ or investment strategies involve risk including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided by third parties for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned. Paid Advertisement

School

March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Check out our

Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

Ritenour names new assistant principal to Marion Elementary The Ritenour School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Thurman as assistant principal at Marion Elementary School, effective July 1. Thurman will replace longtime assistant principal Sue Houston, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Thurman has been an English language arts teacher at Ritenour Middle School since 2012. Prior to his experience in Ritenour, he was a teacher in Poplar Bluff. Thurman earned his bachelor’s in middle school education and master’s in secondary administration and supervision from Southeast Missouri State University. He also earned his principal’s certificate, grades 7-12, and is currently completing his K-6 principal’s certificate.

Photo courtesy Ritneour School District

Hazelwood East students donate water to Flint, Michigan residents Students at Hazelwood East High School recently reached out to help residents affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Students collected 35 cases of water in one week from faculty members and fellow students. The cases of water will be combined with other water donations and transported to Flint by Milano Warehouse Company. This event was sponsored by radio station HOT 104.1 and Milano Warehouse Company. The idea to donate water to Flint residents began in Lauren Edison’s classroom. Edison, who Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, said this was Students at Hazelwood East High School recently reached out to help residents affected by originally a problem discussed the water crisis in Flint, Michigan included (from left): Lauren Edison, Tiona Bramlett-Turner, Tysheonna Smith-Parrow, Dru White, Jazzma Dean, Dalia Harris and (front) Tia Brown. in class. “My students and I were talking about the Flint, and 35 cases of water. Students then dropped off Michigan water crisis in class and were trying to the water at a collection drive sponsored by HOT solve it by using the decision making process,” said 104.1 and Milano Warehouse Company. Milano Edison. “We were trying to find a way to support transported the collected water to Flint. “I am so proud of these students for what they the residents of Flint, and once we saw that the water donation was something we could do, we are doing in our community,” said Hazelwood East Principal Yolander Pitman. “Not only are they exjumped on the idea.” Students held a pep rally to drum up support for celling in the classroom, but they are taking time their project. That week, students collected money from their busy schedules to help those in need.”

Students throughout Hazelwood celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday

www.stladhd.com

In celebration of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, elementary school students in the Hazelwood School District (HSD) welcomed special visitors to their schools. The volunteers visited 10 elementary schools to read Dr. Seuss books to second and third grade students. Volunteers included members of the Rotary Club of Florissant, a representative from the St. Louis County Executive’s Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Office and an HSD employee. More than 1,300 students in In celebration of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, elementary school students in the Hazelwood School District welcomed volunteer readers to their schools. the district participated in assemblies in association with this awareness program that calls • Paul Detrick Read Across America event. for every child in every com• Gerry Ferguson At Lawson Elementary, stu- munity to celebrate reading on • Derek Craig dents celebrated in style. Activi- Mar. 2, the birthday of beloved • Jim Guyre ties for the day included a guest children’s author Dr. Seuss. • Matt Zimmerman reader and a special visit from Read Across America also pro• Mary Reilly the Cat-in-the-Hat. vides NEA members, parents, • Sister Karl Mary “WOW! It’s Cat in the Hat,” caregivers, and children the re• Dr. Adam Powell students at Lawson screamed. sources and activities they need • Barb Fraser- Education LiaiStudents ran up to the cat and to keep reading on the calendar son to the St. Louis County Exhugged him. 365 days a year. ecutive’s Office The NEA website explains Rotary Club of Florissant Vol• Christopher Erbs- commuthat Read Across America is an unteers: nications specialist for HSD in annual reading motivation and • Joann Donovan place of Steve Vogt

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 30, 2016

Moore On Life

March sadness

Have you ever wondered why they call the college basketball championship games, March Madness? It may be because women all over are pitching a fit. I too am getting my panties in a knot because my husband is once again missing in action. It seems like football season no sooner ended then, like the groundhog, he temporarily surfaced from his man cave downstairs blinking his eyes because of the brightness. He sniffed the air a few times, checked the sports guide then saw his shadow and immediately burrowed back down into his den. I discovered I’m not the only one whose man has disappeared during the month of March. I first suspected something was afoul when I discovered the refrigerator door wide open. An opened bag of bread sat on the counter; the lunch meat was left out to assume room temperature and quickly becoming a breeding ground for Ecoli; paper plates were scattered about like flattened snowmen heads and an opened jar of pickles sat beside a butter knife lying in a pool of ketchup. I could see no sign of my husband. It looked like some sort of lunchtime crime scene.

By Cindy Moore I called my neighbor to ask if she had seen him. “No,” she said. “Mine’s missing too. I went out to the garage only to find the hood up on the car and him nowhere to be found. He was supposed to fill my windshield wiper fluid.” We discussed the possibility of an alien abduction. Perhaps beings on a distant planet were in need of men, but for what purpose? Possibly to barbeque something or just maybe it could be their planet was completely covered in grass and they were taken captive as lawn slaves to fertilize, mow and trim for all eternity. We ran out of realistic ideas and were resigned to put their names and faces on milk cartons. I then looked beyond the kitchen counter and followed a trail of chips leading to the man cave below where he sat eating a sandwich and watching a basketball game. “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! I cannot wait until March is over.” “Me neither! Next month is baseball’s opening day, the NCAA championship, the Masters, the end of the NBA and NHL and the NFL draft!” Can you say, April Anguish? 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.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: American Authors ACROSS 1. *Science fiction author Asimov 6. Baby’s apron 9. Arctic floater 13. Mexican revolutionary 14. Victorian, e.g. 15. Teeny-_____ 16. Worry or cause anxiety 17. *Bradbury of “The Martian Chronicles” fame 18. Perform on a dais 19. *”The Call of the Wild” author 21. *”A Good Man Is Hard to Find” author 23. Andrew Cuomo’s title, for short 24. Angler’s decoy 25. Refuse to comply 28. Late Scalia’s garb 30. Type of coat 35. Dwarf buffalo 37. Vietnam’s neighbor 39. Rosetta Stone, e.g. 40. Negatively charged particle 41. External 43. Skater’s jump 44. Bert’s best friend 46. “____ Mia!” 47. Confident answer 48. Old time playground staple 50. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 52. Limit, to some 53. *”Ten Days That Shook the World” author 55. Café alternative 57. *”Go Tell It on the Mountain” author 61. *”The Executioner’s Song” author 64. Greeting from Don Ho 65. Give it a go 67. Gigantic wrestlers 69. Kick back 70. Longest division of time 71. *Wharton of “The Age of Innocence” fame 72. Auction off 73. DNA transmitter 74. River in Hades DOWN 1. I have 2. Outer layer of Earth’s crust 3. Kind of sax 4. *James Patterson’s “____ Came a Spider” 5. Open book? 6. Capital of Switzerland 7. Retirement investment 8. Louisiana swamp

9. *Woodrow Wilson Rawls’“Where the Red ____ Grows” 10. Meat quality 11. Upon 12. Observer 15. Woman’s suitors 20. Convex molding 22. Tube in old TV 24. Jane Fonda’s 1980s garb 25. *”The Turn of the Screw” author 26. Habituate 27. Trailblazer Daniel 29. *Oz Creator 31. Greek H’s 32. Connection in a series 33. Court employee 34. *”Roots: The Saga of an American Family” author 36. Short for Anisette

38. Big rig 42. Haile Selassie’s disciple 45. Canal junk 49. Yellow river tributary 51. Michelangelo’s tool 54. Come in 56. Dodge 57. Criminal’s barrier 58. Away from wind 59. Bum around 60. Lentil soup 61. Tropical Asian starlings 62. Do like exhaust pipe 63. *”Portnoy’s Complaint” author 66. Weasley of “Harry Potter” 68. Pronoun for George Eliot

See answers on page 12

SUDOKU:

Learn & Play 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.

See solution on page 12

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March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Sports you see with Gary B... Men and women part of the UMSL ITA The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s and women’s tennis teams are both represented in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) latest regional rankings released recently. The men are ranked seventh as a team in the Midwest Region, while individually freshman Fabian Frank is 11th in singles. Frank owns an 11-2 record in singles play, including a 6-1 mark at No. 1. He has won five straight matches. The women, previously ranked 10th in the Midwest Region, have jumped to No. 7 behind an 8-2 record. The doubles team of freshman Salome Bleuler and sophomore Patricia Maya is ranked sixth in the region. The duo is 9-1 overall, including 7-1 at No. 1 and has won six straight matches. * Moving up the ranks

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Women’s soccer player finishing college at Lindenwood St. Charles Community College’s starting goal keeper for the 2015 season, Mary McGilvray, will continue her soccer career at Lindenwood University for the fall 2016 season.

Photo courtesy St. Charles Community College St. Charles Community College’s Mary McGilvray.

McGilvray graduated from Washington High School in 2014 and played her first collegiate season at Coffeyville Community College, where she earned Second Team All-Region honors. She transferred to SCC in the spring of 2015 to be closer to home. “Mary is an extremely athletic goalkeeper. She is able to make saves that most keepers cannot make,” said Josh Tyler, SCC women’s soccer head coach. “Lindenwood’s head women’s soccer coach, Laurie Kaminski, has a really good program, and I think Mary will do very well there. It always makes me proud to see our players continue playing after SCC.” McGilvray started all 18 games for the Cougars in 2015 – only allowing 16 goals, recording seven shutouts and earning First Team All-Region. “We are very excited to add Mary to our soccer program for the next two years,” said Kaminski. “She is athletic, a fierce competitor and has gained

valuable experience at SCC. She is someone who we look forward to making an impact on our program.” For more details go to www.Lindenwood.edu. * Drew Morris / Graduate Assistant for Sports Information Lacrosse team continues with perfect record The No. 3 ranked Lindenwood women’s lacrosse team defeated the No. 20 ranked Florida Tech Panthers 17-8 on Saturday evening from Hunter Stadium in St. Charles. With that victory, the Lady Lions improve to 10-0 on the season, as they will return to action from Winter Park, Florida for a match up with the No. 5 ranked Rollins Tars. * Drew Morris / Graduate Assistant for Sports Information Football at The Family Arena this Sunday The River City Raiders professional indoor football team plays in the Northern Division of the American Indoor Football league with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The team will take on the Cincinnati Bulldogs Sunday, April 3 for a 3:05 p.m. contest. The Raiders are presently tied for first place with the Lehigh Valley Steelhaks from Allenton, Pennsylvania. For more details go to www.IndoorRaiders.com. You can listen to the game with Todd Blackstock and David Solomon on 590 AM or www.590TheFan.com. * Great price to watch football Awards given to Raiders In the recent game played by the River City Team against the Ironmen at the St. Charles Family Arena, the league handed out some hardware. Tarean Austin, the quarterback from the team was unanimously voted as The Offensive Player of the Week. On the other side of the ball, the Defensive Player of the Week was Gary Henderson playing at the defensive end position. * Quality players sited for great play I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com 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 • March 30, 2016

Recipe

A new star ingredient Versatile soy adds variety, boosts nutrition Whether you’re looking to scale back on animal products or simply want to add some variety to your cooking repertoire, soy may be your solution. Soy is the only plant with protein comparable to meat, eggs and dairy, and it provides health benefits, including heart, muscle and bone strength. It is also the only protein recognized by the FDA for its role in reducing cholesterol and risk of heart disease. If you’re uncertain how to cook with soy, you may be surprised by the diverse ways you can incorporate this nutrient-rich food into your meals and snacks. As these recipes show, it’s easy to cook with soy throughout the day, from fluffy breakfast pancakes to a fresh take on hummus or a delicious tofu dinner loaded with flavor. In addition to the nutrition benefits and versatility, soy uses fewer natural resources, such as water and land, than any other protein source, so you can feel good about making it a star ingredient in your kitchen. Find more recipes and inspiring ideas for cooking with soy at soyfoods.org. Surprising Uses for Soy

Looking for creative ways to incorporate more soy into your diet? You may be surprised by all the ways you can build delicious snacks and meals around this plant protein: Tofu: extra-firm replaces meat protein in recipes such as grilled kabobs and sandwiches, or use soft or silken in place of mayonnaise and sour cream in creamy dishes, such as soups and dips. Edamame: serve these green soybeans in the pod for an appetizer or add to dishes, such as chili or stir-fry, for protein-packed flavor and texture. Soymilk: ideal for beverages such as smoothies and lattes, over cereal and in cooked dishes, such as puddings or custards. Dairy alternatives: a wide range of dairy-free products are available, including soy-based “yogurt,” “cheese” and frozen desserts. Soy crumbles: perfect for chili, spaghetti sauce and tacos, this “veggie ground” contains 75 percent less fat than ground beef. Soy flour: improves taste and texture and elevates the nutrition profile when mixed with wheat flour.

Edamame Hummus Makes: 14 2-tablespoon servings | Recipe courtesy of United Soybean Board Ingredients: 2 cups shelled edamame, cooked according to package directions 1/4 cup soybean oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped 3/4 teaspoon cumin, ground 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions: In food processor, puree edamame, oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and salt for 30 seconds, scraping sides twice, until almost smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grilled Balsamic Tofu with Cauliflower Cilantro Rice and Avocado Serves: 4 | Recipe courtesy of House Foods

Ingredients: 1 package firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed well 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil salt and pepper, to taste 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped 1 avocado, sliced Sriracha Mayo: 2 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic paste Directions: Slice tofu into 1/2-inch slices and set aside. In bowl,

whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over tofu and marinate for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together all ingredients for Sriracha Mayo. Grill marinated tofu 3 minutes on each side. In large bowl, combine cauliflower and cilantro. Separate mixture into four serving bowls. Top with grilled tofu and sliced avocado. Serve with Sriracha Mayo. Nutrition information per serving: 290 calories; 12 g protein; 18 g carbohydrate; 7 g dietary fiber; 15 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 160 mg sodium.

Serving tips: Serve with pita triangles, crackers, baguette or raw vegetables. Nutrition information per serving: 60 calories; 2 g protein; 3 g carbohydrate; 1 g dietary fiber; 5 g fat (0 g saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 90 mg sodium.

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes Serves: 6 | Recipe courtesy of Silk

Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon egg replacer 1/4 teaspoon salt pinch of ground nutmeg 1 1/2 cups plain soy yogurt alternative 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups blueberries, divided maple syrup

combined (batter will be lumpy). Let stand for 15 minutes.

Directions: Whisk together flour, baking powder, egg replacer, salt and nutmeg; set aside.

Serve pancakes with remaining blueberries and maple syrup.

In separate bowl, whisk together yogurt alternative, 2 tablespoons oil, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla; stir into flour mixture until just

Heat large, non-stick skillet over medium heat; brush with remaining oil. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake into skillet, leaving space between each pancake. Add 1 tablespoon blueberries to each pancake. Cook in batches for about 2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface; flip and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Wipe skillet between batches. Store prepared pancakes in warm oven until ready to serve.

Nutrition information per serving: 260 calories; 6 g protein; 34 g carbohydrate; 2 g dietary fiber; 11 g fat (1 g saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 230 mg sodium.

What’s Happening

March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events March 30: 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.

April 1: Steak dinner

Steak dinner served at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 to 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

April 1: Musical fundraiser

It’ll be “Back to the Prom,” with or without a DeLorean automobile, when the Center for Hearing & Speech holds its annual musical fund-raiser from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino St. Louis at 777 Casino Center Drive in Maryland Heights. Guests are invited to dress to the nines, 1980s style, as the evening’s theme will play off the popular movie, “Back to the Future.” Ticket prices range from $40 for “young friends” ages 21 to 36 to $140 for “Prom Court” seating. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hearing-speechstlouis.org. Tuxedos and gowns from all decades, for those who wish to dress in clothing of their high school era, can be obtained by contacting The Vintage Haberdashery at www.vintagehab.com. All proceeds will benefit the Center for Hearing & Speech, a non-profit organization that has served the St. Louis area since 1920.

April 2: Rummage sale

Large indoor sale will take place from 7-11 a.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd in Florissant. Housewares, tools, toys, seasonal decorations, shoes, clothing and more are available. Parking can be found at the rear of the church.

April 2: Bunco tournament

Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce its annual “Ladies Night Out” Bunco Tournament at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Florissant. Proceeds from the bunco tournament will benefit charities located in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Sponsorships are available and include many benefits. Sponsorship levels are $1,000 “Headline Bunco”, $500 “Feeling Lucky”, $250 “Snake Eyes” and $75 Table sponsor. More information and sponsorship forms are available by visiting their website www.sorpoptimiststlouis.com. For more information please contact Lisa Schroeder 314-9716913 or lisas988@aol.com.

April 2: Trivia night

Florissant Valley Kiwanis will host its sixth annual trivia night at Hazelwood Community Center-White Birch Park at 1186 Teson Road in Hazelwood. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 per person (eight per table maximum). Popcorn, soda and beer included. You may bring your own food and beverages. Net proceeds support children and children’s charities. Mail check payable to Kiwanis Club of Florissant Valley with table leader’s name to Randy McDaniel, Director of Finance, City of Florissant, 955 rue Saint Francois, Florissant, MO 63031. For more information, contact Myra at 314-921-5120 or e-mail mytalk3015@att.net.

April 6: Women’s interfaith conference

You are cordially invited to attend the 36th Annual Women’s Interfaith Conference, “Women of Faith: Explore the Miracle of Birth and the Mystery of Death.” We will gather from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Cardinal Regali Center at 20 Archbishop May Drive in St. Louis. The conference costs $12 per person, including lunch. When you register please indicate your preference for either the tuna or the vegetarian meal provided (upon request you can

receive a strictly kosher meal). This year the conference is pleased to announce again that registration can be completed online by going to www.womeninterfaithstl.org, click registration and simply enter the necessary information. If registration fee is being paid online the cost is $14 because a $2 service fee applies. For those not applying online please contact Jerri Livingston at 314469-3553. To guarantee your reservation your payment must accompany your completed registration form. Your reservation must be postmarked by March 28.

April 7: Gala fundraiser

United 4 Children announces their annual gala event, “Lighting The Way.” This important event raises over $100,000 to help children who are atrisk develop and thrive regardless of their fragile environments. The event will be held at Marriott’s St. Louis Grand Hotel, Crystal Ballroom, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a seated dinner, awards, auction and cocktail reception. Individual tickets for the event are $125 and may be purchased at United4Children.org.

April 9: Tea with princesses

Come have Tea with the Princesses at the Enchanted Sunset Park Nature Lodge. We will make a craft, play and enjoy tea and a snack with the princesses. Princesses will entertain us with an interactive story. Photos with our special guests will be taken, so they can cherish this memory forever. Event is for children ages three-to-seven years old from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost for residents is $11, non-residents is $15.50. For more information contact the JFK center at 314-921-4250 or JJE center at 314-921-4466.

April 10: Meat shoot

Jennings Do-Dads Spring Meat Shoot takes place from 1 p.m. until ??? at Sievers Park Pavilion at Jennings Sta. Rd. and Hord Ave. in Jennings rain or shine. Guns and ammo furnished by the Jennings Do-Dads. Cost is $3 per shot per round. Food and refreshments are available for purchase at the park. If you would like more information about our organization, please visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

April 12: Aging My Way Resource Fair

The 2016 Aging My Way Resource Fair will be from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center at #1 James Eagan Drive in Florissant. The city of Florissant has partnered with Memory Care Home Solutions, St. Catherine Retirement Community, Bent-Wood Nursing & Rehabilitation and Life Care Center of Florissant to provide this free event for all North County senior citizens. Gift cards will be raffled, there will be give-a-ways at the booths, free donuts and coffee will be served, and there will be over 75 booths of senior citizen information. The goal of this fair is to provide information and resources to senior citizens who are “aging in place” in their homes and senior citizens who are considering senior living options such as retirement communities, assisted living and long-term care facilities. This is a free event for all North County residents. Call the city of Florissant Senior Office at 839-7604 for more information.

April 16: Women’s empowerment gala

Imagery International will be hosting its 10th Annual Women’s Empowerment Gala. This year the host, gospel recording artist Lady Eneazer Layne and The Ladies of Imagery, will be celebrating with a theatrical production “Dear God” inspired by Alice walker’s novel “The Color Purple.” “Dear God”, explores some of Imagery’s members’ journey to empowerment with an allstar cast. Join Imagery International for a night of food, laughter, music, dancing and empowerment at Norwood

Hills Country Club at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $75. For more information or tickets visit Imagery International online at www.imageryintl.org.

April 16: Legacy fundraising dinner and silent auction

North County Christian School (NCCS) will host their annual Legacy Dinner and Silent Auction at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The fundraising dinner will celebrate the ongoing legacy of excellence in Christian education established by the school in its year history. Current families, alumni, friends and business partners are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $25 per person, or $200 for a table of eight and must be purchased by April 8. Call 314-9726227 for more information or to purchase tickets. NCCS is located at 845 Dunn Rd. in Florissant.

April 16: Electronics recycling event

The city of Florissant along with Midwest Recycling Center will be hosting an electronics recycling collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Ferdinand Park at the rear parking lot … rain or shine. Signs will be posted at park entrances to direct the people on where to go. The event is open to the public. Acceptable items to be collected are computers and all of their accessories, networking and telecommunications equipment, phones (home and cell), clocks, TVs (one per vehicle), VCRs, DVD players, stereos, A/V equipment including cable and satellite boxes, home electronics, rechargeable batteries, fax machines, adapters/chargers and household appliances. Midwest Recycling Center will have equipment and employees on hand to assist in the drop off process. If you need additional information feel free to contact the Florissant Health Department at 314839-7655 or visit Midwest Recycling Center’s website at www.midwrc.net

April 16: Service day

Maryland Heights is hosting its third service day from 8:30 a.m. to noon to assist elderly and disabled residents with leaf clean-up and related yard work. No special skills are necessary and all willing volunteers are encouraged to sign-up. Boy and Girl Scout groups, civic organizations, businesses, church groups and students looking to fulfill volunteer hours are encouraged to get involved. Registration closes on April 8. Volunteers will meet at the Community Center at 8:30 a.m. for sign-in, breakfast and orientation. All work will be wrapped up by noon.

April 19: Wine, olives and cheese pairings

Wine, olives and cheese pairings at 6:30 p.m. at 1970 Trotterway in Florissant. Cost is $20 and RSVP’s are required. For more information contact 314-5501641 or thevinoexperience@att.net

April 23: Trivia night

The annual Trivia Night Fundraiser for TEAM will be held in the parish hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 751 N. Jefferson St. The trivia night is being sponsored by the Florissant License Office – Florissant Rotary Club. Entry fee is $200 per table with a maximum of eight people per team. Entry fee includes drinks, popcorn and attendance prizes. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Checks should be made payable to TEAM and mailed to Pat Piotrowicz, TEAM Trivia Night, 9 Beaujolais, Florissant, MO 63031. To register, volunteer, sponsor, or make a donation, please contact Pat Piotrowicz at p.piotrowicz1@yahoo. com. All proceeds benefit TEAM – The Emergency Assistance Ministry, a 501c3 organization. The mission of TEAM is to serve the poor and the hungry in the Florissant and Hazelwood areas. To learn more about how to donate or receive assistance, please visit our website teamfoodpantry.com.

April 23: Free document shredding

The Fifth Annual Florissant Resident “Free Document Shredding Day” will be held at St. Ferdinand Park- rear parking lot from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Bring your sensitive tax, bank or financial records from home to be shredded right in front of you. Cintas Document Management Company will professionally shred your information. All information will be destroyed in a manner to which it cannot be recognized or recreated. All paper will then be recycled. What to bring to be shredded: bank statements, tax records, credit card statements, invoices, anything with your name and address on it and no need to remove paper clips, binder clips or staples. You may bring up to five bags or boxes. Types of boxes include copy paper boxes, banker boxes and shoe boxes. Types of bags include shopping bags, grocery bags and trash bags. No three ring binders, hanging file folders, CD’s, DVD’s or hard bound books. Open to the public.

April 26: Card and game party

Annual card and game party will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 3400 St Gregory Lane in St Ann. Doors open at 11 a.m., games start at noon. The cost is $7 which includes cake and coffee or tea. Other food items will be available for purchase. Many great attendance prizes will be awarded. Also Pot of Gold and raffle prizes, including a quilt raffle. For reservations call Mary Cornwall at 314-428-3236 to reserve your table.

April 30: Trivia night

St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church Trivia Night takes place at 2900 St. Catherine Street in Florissant. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $160 per table, maximum eight people per table with a 16 table limit. To reserve a table call Marlene at 314-8377113.

April 30: Florissant Garage Sale

Florissant residents can haul down the clutter from their attics and treasures from their garages and organize accumulations from their barns for the 6th Annual Florissant Garage Sale. The garage sale will be held at the James J Eagan Ice Rink area from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Each applicant will only receive one space. Only Florissant residents receive a space to sell. The selling of craft items will not be approved. Fill out an application and return it by April 22.. Applications will be available at the JJE and JFK Center and at www.florissantmo.com. Space is limited. The fee is $20 per table. The Florissant Garage sale is free to attend. For additional information call 314-921-4250 or 314921-4466.

April 30: Florissant Garage Sale

Florissant residents can haul down the clutter from their attics and treasures from their garages and organize accumulations from their barns for the Sixth Annual Florissant Garage Sale. The Garage Sale will be held at the James J Eagan Ice Rink area from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Each applicant will only receive one space. Only Florissant residents receive a space to sell. The selling of craft items will not be approved. Fill out an application and return it by April 22. Applications are available at the JJE and

SUDOKU answers from page 9

JFK Center and on our website www. florissantmo.com. Space is limited. The fee is $20 Per table. The Florissant Garage sale is free to attend! For additional information call 314-921-4250 or 314921-4466.

May 14: Washers tournament

Florissant Eagles at 15245 New Halls Ferry Rd. will be holding the 5th Annual Washers tournament. There will be five lanes to choose from with a payout of first place 50 percent, second place 30 percent and third place 20 percent payout. Event starts at 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per two-person team. Come enjoy our beer garden and have some fun. Get there early to register your team.

May 14: “Shoot for a Cure” event

TE! Make plans now to join the Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center for the Eighth Annual “Shoot for a Cure” fundraising event at the beautiful Strathalbyn Farms Club. Located on 140 pristine acres in the Weldon Spring area of St. Charles County, Strathalbyn Farms Club offers a unique private club environment for this benefit shooting event. The event is geared towards intermediate and experienced shooters. Event registration begins at 8 a.m. with a required safety meeting at 9:15 a.m. and shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.m. Sponsorships are available at various investment levels – for more information, contact the Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center at 314-576-3078. Teams may register for the event at a cost of $1,250 for a four member team, 100-shot course with 14-stations. Included in the team price is breakfast, clays and shells and beer and pretzels after the shoot. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center. For more information about the “Shoot for a Cure” event and associated sponsorship opportunities, or to register a team, please contact the Friends organization at 314-576-3078 or via email at lduff@ friendsoftheslulc.org.

May 20: Charity golf tournament

Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce its 18th annual All Women’s Charity Golf Tournament at the Golf Club of Florissant. Individual entry fee is $65 and includes nine holes with cart, dinner, attendance prizes and awards for longest drive and closest to the pin. Registration begins at 1 p.m., shotgun start scramble at 2 p.m. with dinner and awards at 5 p.m. The Golf Club of Florissant is located at 50 Country Club Lane in Florissant. This year’s theme is Tropical. Proceeds from the golf tournament benefit women and children’s charities. For more information please contact Margie Heppermann at 314-839-0565, Grace Zykan at 314-837-4881 or visit their website at http://www.soroptimiststlouis.com/.

June 11-12: Beaumont School Reunion

High

Beaumont High Schools graduating class of January and June 1946 will be holding their 50th reunion this June. This will be the final reunion for the Beaumont graduating classes of 1946. The reunion will consist of dinner at Clayton Plaza on June 11, followed by a lunch at the DoubleTree Hotel in Chesterfield on June 12. For more information contact 314-869-4307. CROSSWORD answers from page 9

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 30, 2016

Letter to the Residents of Ferguson: The City of Ferguson faces a $2.9 million structural deficit in its General Fund. The City Council has held several town hall and neighborhood meetings to discuss strategies to overcome these financial difficulties. At the January 12th City Council Meeting, city staff presented several scenarios that could be explored in order to tackle this budgetary shortfall. In order to face these fiscal difficulties, the City will try to utilize a combination of revenue enhancements and expenditure cuts; the overall goal is for the proposed changes to equal $2.9 million. While the City explores expenditure cuts, it should be noted that 75% of our budgetary expenses are personnel-related; of those personnel costs, 75% is directed toward public safety (police and fire). It is impossible to make measurable expenditure cuts that do not affect personnel in some way. The City Council had previously voted to move Ferguson from a point of sale city to a pool city. This change will allow Ferguson to share sales tax proceeds with other pool cities. Sales tax revenue is shared based on population. This action will increase the city’s revenues by about $425,000. On the April 5th Election, the city will be deciding on two revenue

enhancements, an Economic Development Sales Tax of 1/2 cent and a Property Tax increase of 40 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. This has the potential to impact the city’s budget with $1.4 million in new revenues. Proposition E is a ½ cent Economic Development Sales Tax. It could be used for business recruitment and retention, maintaining some city infrastructure (roads and buildings) and can be used to provide police patrols in business districts. Proposition E is estimated to generate around $1,225,000 per year; of which $800,000 would be designated for general fund purposes and $425,000 for capital improvement purposes. Proposition P is a property tax increase of $0.40 cents per $100 assessed valuation. It could be used for any general municipal purposes; police, fire, streets and general government. Proposition P is estimated to generate around $600,000 per year. The city will also incorporate the following employee related benefit/ wage changes; reduce the employee healthcare subsidy by 15%, implement an across the board 3% salary and wage reduction, and implement an overall staffing cut of 5% (7 full time employees). Through these personnel changes along with other minor expenditure reductions the City has the potential of creating a $1,000,000 reduction in expenditures.

Budget Impact If all revenues are realized and the expenditure cuts implemented, we have the potential of erasing the $2.9 million budget shortfall. However, if both tax levies are unsuccessful the city will have to institute a 23% across the board reduction in force which equals 32 full time employees; 15 from the police department, 6 from the fire department, 5 from public works and 6 from all other departments. With such a large reduction in employee force there would have to be a comparable reduction in services. Through the passage of the two taxes Ferguson will continue to provide a high level of service to its residents. The Ferguson Police Department will be able to enact all aspects of the Consent Decree ensuring the highest standards possible for local law enforcement. The Community policing model will be fully implemented - Ferguson officers will be assigned to neighborhoods, officers will fully participate in neighborhood meetings, and officers will interact with residents on a daily basis. Ferguson will be one of the best trained departments in the Country versed in all aspects of constitutional policing and will become the model of policing for St. Louis County. With the proposed new revenues Ferguson will continue be able to provide 24 hour/7 days a week fire and ambulance service throughout the city. Ferguson Fire Department will reach its goal of having a response time of 4 minutes or less. Ferguson Fire Department will have the manpower to perform wellness checks and be able to install fire alarms in residential homes of our most vulnerable citizens. Ferguson Fire Department will continue to provide annual inspections to Ferguson businesses and twice annually inspections of churches, schools and day cares. Ferguson will be able to start reinvesting in its infrastructure (i.e. streets, sidewalks and lighting). Ferguson will be able to place larger

De’Carlon Seewood Ferguson City Manager

priority on park maintenance. A higher priority will also be placed on street maintenance and repair. Neighborhood stabilization will be a focus for city staff. Code Enforcement Officers will embark on proactive property maintenance inspections throughout Ferguson. Property maintenance efforts will begin in our most distressed neighborhoods.

March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Consignment

help wanted NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H.

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Community Health and ment states the Environit is only the female mosquito that “bites” and she does so to obtain blood meal the needed While mosquito to lay viable eggs. more than drive es usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dang es may contract erous diseases. Hum ans malaria, yellow gue, and encephal fever, denitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exception diseases, with of canine heartwor human encephalitis and m, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbreak to borne encephal s of mosquiitis have periodica occurred in lly Missouri “Canine heartwor . m is an problem, with endemic ers escalating costs to animal owneach warned. “Effective year,” health officials measures including mosquito control the eliminati swamp areas, on of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission. ” toes: floodwat er and permane If you believe mosquitoes. nt water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosquitoes their eggs on on your property, lay sure, damp soil where but are not please call will occur flooding the Departm or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspectio other small n and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomme fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. nd a - National St. Charles in the larval County residents Friendship stages, broods greatest can upload have the prevention of mosquito Day is Aumethods right es fingertips a two-mintoes are mainly at their . gust 5 and - property Proper maintenance of the pest variety, ute video the first to and are preventio is the first step toward of the in light of emerge in the describi ng mosquito spring months. Many of these n. All trash a recent and refuse that mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to property should friend lights ten miles or be adequate more drained, i n d i c ate s ly graded and up their life a blood meal to prevent any women ................3 to lay eggs. pools or puddles water that may to www.rastory.................. of last ten days place high Cover .6 or County diancer longer. their eggs directly mosquito control ibv a l u e er....................... McCauley lists bons.com. officer Barry Shelly Schneid on the water surface, several things 9 on their may do to cies in this Florissant ..........8, keep mosquito homeowners friendships, group do es from ruining test closes Old Olay is offering venture0,far theirTown 11from their summer: breeding sites. not...........1 a chance to Aug. treat themselv women Charles 31, trip to New es with a Explore St. York City. in October. ...............12 See MOSQUIT No Olay is hosting City . . . . .............. O page 3 Town sary. For official purchase is neces........ a summer On the . .......414 called “Light School . . Up Your Life. contest www.radianceribbcontest rules, visit Chamber. . . . . .Baute... ...... ........ ” Women s with Gary ons.com. Religion. 5 ... Sport

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March 30, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2”

By Steve Bryan

It’s all ‘Greek’ to Nia Vardalos Decades ago, popular movies such as “Rocky” and “Jaws” settled into theaters for long runs, building their audiences from week-to-week. After “Star Wars,” this business model shifted dramatically. Current films have to hit the ground running because audiences will decrease in the second week. A 50 percent drop in attendance actually is fairly good these days; an increase in ticket sales is next-to-impossible. 2002’s “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” defied that logic in a big way. Actress/ writer Nia Vardalos wrote the film based on her one-woman show about growing up Greek. Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson also helped produce the film under their “Playtone” label. Vardalos and co-star John Corbett did a press tour in the spring before the film opened, but the movie opened quietly. Word of mouth built an audience over the summer; sell-out screenings were quite common in the ensuing months. Vardalos, Corbett and the Windex jokes are back in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” a sequel which revisits that funny Greek family. Vardalos and Corbett’s characters, Toula and Ian, have hit a rough patch in their marriage as their daughter prepares to go to college. A big revelation, however, leads to yet another wedding for this Greek family. After the original film became a hit, Vardalos was a critical darling in 2002, earning accolades and major

award nominations for her work. CBS even took a chance on “My Big Fat Greek Life,” a television series based on the film. Even though most cast members returned for the sitcom, the show never caught on with audiences. There also were rumors of behindthe-scenes arguments between Vardalos, producers and writers. In the years following the show’s cancellation, the actress/writer has appeared in other projects, even starring opposite Toni Collette in “Connie and Carla.” The duo played singers who gained immense popularity while posing as drag queens. In 2009, “My Life

in Ruins” saw Vardalos playing a tour guide who finds love on a trip to Greece. But that Greek magic couldn’t help this particular romantic comedy. Vardalos teamed up with Hanks again for “Larry Crowne,” a comedy set in the aftermath of the mortgage bubble. Hanks played a dedicated and downsized big box store employee. With an underwater mortgage and no job, Larry takes college classes in order to reinvent himself. Hanks is charming as always, but Vardalos’ script didn’t quite connect with audiences. It’s good to see Nia Vardalos revisiting the role that put her on the map. Here’s hoping that audiences come back for another visit with an incredibly endearing family and the woman who brought them to life “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, currently is playing in theaters. Photo courtesy Gold Circle Films 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.