Issuu

October 21, 2015

For the love of bagpipes Maryland Heights teen places third at national piping competition

Recipes

Make-and-Take Dishes

By Erica Van Buren You may not think there is much of a link between the music of Scotland and St. Louis County, but don’ tell that to Christian Rhoads, a 16-year-old piper from Maryland Heights. He’s participated in multiple competitions including the Midwest Pipe Band Association’s Championship Supreme in Grade 1 for 2015. He’s also been invited to two prestigious competitions both limited to the 10 best performers across North America. Rhoads attended the Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational in Albany, New York on Oct. 10. Even though he was nervous he went on to do his best, placing third. The Nicol-Brown competition is modeled after Scotland’s Oban and Inverness competitions, the Olympics of Piping, the Nicol-Brown invitational provides enthusiastic top amateur pipers with a prestigious competition which sets a standard by which to judge their piping and a goal to direct their hours of practice. Rhoads then received an invitation to attend the George Sheriff Memorial Invitational Competition which is difficult to get into as an American. The competition will be held in Hamilton, Ontario on Nov. 21. Rhoads was always interested in playing the bagpipes. He remembers being four years old and being told that he was too young to be taught. The Rhoads family encouraged music as a hobby, as Rhoads two older brothers both played the drums growing up. When Rhoads reached the age of 11 it was finally time to learn starting with the fife, a small, high pitched, transverse flute that is similar to the piccolo, but louder and shriller. Learning the fife helped with learning to read music which then helped make learning the bagpipes easier. Rhoads also plays the penny whistle, a six holed wood wind instrument but prefers the bagpipes over anything else. Rhoads says that he wants to eventually learn to play the keyboard. When it comes to inspiring him to play he says he admires Stuart Liddell, a Scottish bagpipe player, known as the world’s most exciting piper and is noted for his excellent solo performances and recordings at numerous Simon Fraser University Pipe Band Concerts. Rhoads dedicates about two to three hours a day for practicing his bagpipes. When he’s preparing for a competition he

Community Voices

By Rev. Larry A. Brown

School

Students Expand Garden Photo by Erica Van Buren Christian Rhoads, a 16-year-old piper from Maryland Heights, finished in third place at the Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational in Albany, New York.

dedicates four to six hours a day. When it comes to being dedicated his parents are extremely supportive, allowing him to practice for such long hours. They’re very apologetic to the neighbors, often joking saying that they’ve probably lost more than a handful of neighbors due to the loudness of the instrument. When it comes to bagpipe bands the options are limited in the St. Louis area. The St. Louis Caledonian, the Highlanders-Fire Fighters band, St. Louis County Police band and the John Ford which covers performances at parades are pretty much it when it comes to bands. The St. Louis Caledonia gives free lessons for those interested in learning but are unable to purchase the instrument. Rhoads works with instructor Matthew Pantaleoni who regularly competes in bagpipe competitions in Scotland. “After competing I get to relax and hang out with friends. Everyone is so supportive, even though it’s a competition,” said Rhoads. Rhoads considers his bagpipes his most prized possession. His grandpar-

ents purchased his first bagpipes and after saving up from working weddings and funeral gigs he was able to purchase his current bagpipes. When asked to describe himself in one word, Rhoads answered, “Dedication.”

Learn & Play

Bear-ly there

Movie: “Goosebumps” FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

Around Town

Vol. 94 No. 42

In This Issue...

Around Town A look inside the Ferguson Commission Report and more.

School Hazelwood East students attend law boot camp and more.

8 9

Learn & Play Cindy Moore’s take on life; also, check out the Local Author Spotlight. Movie The very tenacious Jack Black.

Sports Local sports with Gary B.

Recipe Quick and easy make-andtake dishes.

12 14 16

What’s Happening Classifieds Over the Fence Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Volunteers needed to assist in TREE House of Greater St. Louis programs TREE House of Greater St. Louis, formerly known as Therapeutic Horsemanship, relies heavily on the support of over 250 volunteers from throughout the Greater St. Louis Area to keep our therapy, recreation, education and exploration programs for individuals with disabilities running. Most program volunteers start in our adaptive therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy program as sidewalkers, but other positions, including leader, horse handler, of-

fice, facility, and special event volunteers, are available. Volunteers are one of the most critical elements in the successful implementation of our programs – we need you! Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. No horse experience is necessary. Orientation and training occur at least twice a month. Email volunteer@thstl.org or call 636-332-4940 to get more information, or visit www.thstl.org to download our volunteer application.

Great Rivers Greenway invites residents to participate in River Des Peres Trash Bash The Great Rivers Greenway District, in partnership with the River des Peres Watershed Coalition, Missouri Stream Team, the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and the city of St. Louis, is inviting area residents to join them in their fight to clean up the rivers and creeks within the River des Peres watershed. On Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the five organizations are sponsoring the 13th annual River des Peres Trash Bash, a familyfriendly event with the goal of improving area neighborhoods and water quality in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Volunteers of all ages are needed to clear litter and trash from several sites, including Gravois Creek, Shady Grove Creek, Deer Creek, Engelholm Creek, MacKenzie Creek, River des Peres and the Mississippi River. Registration will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. at three locations – Fultz Field, located along the River des Peres Greenway on River des Peres Boulevard between Morgan Ford Rd. and Gravois Ave. in St. Louis City; the Heman Park Community Center located at 975 Pennsylvania in University City; and the University

of Missouri-St. Louis Urban Ecology Trailer, located at the South Campus on East Drive. The clean-up will last from 8:30 a.m. to noon with a celebration and appreciation BBQ lunch at Fultz Field from noon to 2 p.m. Volunteers will also enjoy musical entertainment and can receive prizes for the “best” trash finds in three categories—most expensive, largest, and “weirdest” trash. “Volunteers at the 2014 Trash Bash cleared five tons of debris from rivers and creeks within the River des Peres Watershed in less than four hours!” said Mike Sorth, Director of Conservation & Community for Great Rivers Greenway. “The final tally included 100 tires, 1.5 tons of scrap metal and 3.5 tons of trash. We look forward to seeing long-time volunteers, as well as new faces from across the region, at this year’s Trash Bash as we work together to improve the River des Peres watershed.” For more information or to register in advance, visit www. riverdesperes.org or call the River des Peres Watershed Coalition at 314-503-1919 or 314-603-8834.

Get your event or good news published in Community News:

COMMUNITY VOICES

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

Employers should hire qualified people with disabilities By Rev. Larry A. Brown October is National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month and this is an excellent time for employers to increase their commitment to hire qualified persons with disabilities for part time and full time positions. Persons who have disabilities but who are able, interested, and qualified to work in the normal business environment often prove to be more dedicated and reliable employees than many others. They are usually thankful for being given the opportunity to enter the workforce, and through the Social Security Administration’s “Ticket To Work Program,” they are able to retain certain additional benefits while making this transition. Employers also receive special benefits for hiring people with disabilities through this program. They may receive a first year tax credit of at least $2,400 for each person hired and all persons in the “Ticket To Work Program” have their own insurance. Worknet, Inc., a local firm has a ten year contract with the Social Security Administration to assist persons with disabilities who are enrolled in the “Ticket to Work Program,” find satisfactory jobs. Worknet has hundreds of clients whose qualifications, desires, and abilities have been assessed and who are ready to

work. Worknet also provides retention services for each working client for five years. By contacting Worknet, Inc., whose services are completely free, employers can get real professional help in fulfilling their desire to hire more people from the disability community in further compliance with the American Disabilitites Act. Worknet, Inc. may be contacted at 314-621-6300. Larry Brown is Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Worknet, Inc., which has a national ten year contract with the Social Security Administration to find jobs for people with disabilities who are interested and qualified to enter the traditional workforce. He is also co-founder and president of Grace Chapel Ministries, former president of National Cable Training Centers, and president of Woodstock Industrial Products Group. He is a member of the Sumner High School Alumni and the Harris Stowe State University Alumni. Larry is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 21, 2015

Inside the Ferguson Commission Report

Around Town

www.mycnews.com

Working to ensure justice for all Report looks to ensure fairness in court systems and police forces By Sara Hardin Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series looking deeper into the Ferguson Commission Report and how area leaders are responding to these challenges. This section will focus on the issue of policing and the court system. Concerns revolving around fairness in the St. Louis area’s court systems and police forces were raised under the section titled “Justice for All” in the Ferguson Commission Report. The section states the importance of pushing for a police force that acts without bias, moving away from the practices which led the U.S. Department of Justice to issue the statement “The overwhelming majority of force – almost 90 percent – is used against African Americans” in its March 4 report on the practices of the Ferguson Police Department. In an effort to eradicate improper use of force and bring a degree of fairness to the area’s police forces and court systems, the report recommends calls to action which includes improving police force training, clarifying legislature defining appropriate use of force, conducting annual audits on municipal courts, and creating a municipal courts “bill of rights.” The report also calls attention to the “Protecting Communities and Police Act” proposed by Senator Claire McCaskill in May of 2015, which would “reform the processes by which local law enforcement agencies receive weapons and equipment from the federal government, increase training requirements for police departments, and improve data collection on the uses of weapons and equipment by local police departments.” “Much work needs to be done to rebuild trust and the perception of integrity between many communities and their local law enforcement, and this legislation is a great leap forward,” said Hilary Shelton, Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and the Senior VP of Police and Advocacy. “Folks need reason to believe that their police departments are working to protect public safety, but also to respect the rights of citizens, and the Protecting Communities and Police Act would install the right mix of accountability and oversight to bring us closer to that goal. This bill moves us steps ahead in the right direction away from the paradigm of military style policing and towards civilian based community law enforcement.” Recommendations for reforming the quality of police training were put forth by Ferguson Commission subcommittee, Citizen-Law Enforcement Relations in April. The changes were suggested in an effort to combat racial bias and provide alternatives to deadly use of force by police forces. The subcommittee was headed by Dan Isom, retired city of St. Louis Chief of Police and Brittany Packnett, Executive Director of Teach for America – St. Louis. The proposed changes

Community News’ four-part coverage of the Ferguson Commission Report Opportunity to Thrive Racial Equity

Justice for All Youth at the Center reflect the calls to action listed in the Ferguson Commission Report, including increased training hours for officers and training in various situations, such as handling the mentally ill. The changes also deal with handling police wellness and reflecting anti-bias in the hiring processes of the police force. Governor Jay Nixon, during the Ferguson Commission meeting at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley on Sept. 14, mentioned the passing of “sweeping municipal court reforms – historic legislation that will ensure that municipal courts fulfill their original and intended purpose: protecting and serving the public.” A review of the municipal court system in Ferguson and other St. Louis County municipalities has been put in place in the interest of building consistency in equity and fairness in the St. Louis region municipal court systems. On July 9, Governor Nixon signed a court reform bill that went into effect on Aug. 28 to cap court revenue by traffic fines. The bill was passed in an effort to rebuild trust between court systems and those under their jurisdiction, and most importantly in an attempt to stifle the criminalization of poverty. Nixon stated that under the bill, which calls for higher standards for police department accreditation and requires cities to provide the state auditor with annual financial reports, “cops will stop being revenue agents and go back to being cops.” “This is absolutely a step forward,” said Reverend Starsky Wilson, Co-Chair of the Ferguson Commission. “It gives teeth to previous legislation, it helps to let folks know that the state is serious about service of its citizens through the courts and through the police, and it offers and opportunity for us to be thoughtful again about how we frame the work around what ticketing looks like, what we should be giving tickets for, and how we should offer people an opportunity to state their case in a timely manner before the court. I’m absolutely pleased that this will have long-term impact. It’s a historic day, a historic piece of legislation, and we’re pleased that our government has listened to the citizens and begun to move in reform in this direction.” “[The bill] reflects the resolve of everyday hardworking Missourians from all walks of life – Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, black and white, rural and urban – to bend the arc of history towards justice,” said Nixon.

St. Louis - 636-294-3012

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

St. Charles - 636-333-9788

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stcharles www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

WANTED HOMES THAT NEED ROOFING

A select number of homeowners in St. Louis and the surrounding areas will be given the opportunity to have a lifetime Erie Metal Roofing System installed on their home at a reasonable cost. Call today to see if you qualify. Not only will you receive the best price possible, but we will give you access to no money down bank financing with very attractive rates and terms. Ask how an Erie Metal Roof will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

An Erie Metal Roofing System will provide your home with unsurpassed “Beauty and Lasting Protection”! DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE.

Call Now!

1-877-460-4050 License# 104.015121 License# 105.005225

Around Town

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

pinterest.com/mycnews

Florissant hosts Second Annual Horseshoe Tournament

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

The city of Florissant partnered with the Florissant Ringers Horseshoe Club to host a horseshoe tournament at Bangert Park on Sept. 27. The tournament raised funds for the American Cancer Society in memory of Phil Roth. Phil was a member of the Florissant Ringers for many years. The event randomly pared partners by drawing cards for the round robin format

Experience Five-Star excellence Redeem this coupon for 2 FREE lunches and a tour of our skilled care and rehabilitation campus!

2015

Joint Commission accredited

314.298.7444 | 12145 Bridgeton Square Dr. lifecarecenterofbridgeton.com www.lifecarecenterofbridgeton.com

followed by several elimination rounds. Most participants in the tournament play regularly together at the Bangert facility. Listed below are the 2015 winners: 1st Place – Rick Williams and Jerry Payne 2nd Place – Ben Ervin and Paul Harmann 3rd Place – Ivory Martin and Don Hendrix

Girl Scouts receives $1 million investment

61856

An organization that has supported Girl Scouts for decades has further demonstrated its commitment to impacting the landscape of our communities by investing $1 million to develop today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders. The generous gift to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will advance its mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. $750,000 will be invested in Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s permanently restricted endowment, while $250,000 will fund the new Community Troop Program, allowing more girls to receive the traditional Girl Scout troop experience. “Our homes, communities and businesses need strong leaders,” said Bonnie Barczykowski,

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO. “Investing in girls is an investment in the future. This gift will make an immense difference in the lives of today’s girls and for generations to come. We are so grateful for this support. More girls will now have the opportunity to develop the skills to achieve their dreams.” The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “Helping the young people in our region is so important, and our investment illustrates our confidence in the work and efficacy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Today’s girls will determine the future of St. Louis and the surrounding areas, and through the work of Girl Scouts, we expect a bright one.”

City of Hazelwood launches open budget data portal offering more transparency

www.rvsupport.net

The city of Hazelwood has partnered with Socrata, the world leader in cloud solutions for open data and data-driven government, in launching an Open Budget Data Portal which will help improve transparency by providing residents with a guided view through the city’s 201516 Budget. This financial database software, hyper-linked to the city’s website at www.hazelwwodmo.org, is designed for quick deployment and empowerment. “Our goal with using Socrata’s open data platform is to make it easier for citizens to access and use public information. We also want to give them a more transparent look at how we allocate public funds,” Hazelwood Director of Finance Lori Helle said. “The charts, graphs and tables are all highly interactive, allowing residents to explore and engage with their local government.” With Socrata’s financial transparency suite of applications, governments large and small are now able, for the first time ever, to publish budget and spending data quickly, economically, and in a consumer-friendly way. Rather than wading through hundreds of pages of scanned spreadsheets of financial information, citizens and staff see budget and spending data in vivid color and in real time. The charts, graphs, and images are attractive, navigable, and easy to understand. Residents will be able to locate the hyper-link button labeled “Budget Dashboard” on the home page of the city’s website, as well as on the Finance Department web page. The city of Hazelwood

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood

operates on a July 1 – June 30 Fiscal Year. The Open Budget Hazelwood contains the actual budgeted amount, as well as YTD transactions. Socrata’s financial software makes it easy to quickly find relevant and useful data. Residents can search the data portal using keywords to find relevant datasets. Socrata’s mapping and charting capabilities make it easy for them to access charts, graphs and other visuals to better understand and analyze the data. “Socrata now has more than 200 of the most innovative, top-tier public-sector customers around the world deploying its Open Data, Performance Management and Financial Transparency Technology Solutions,” Socrata Strategic Account Manager Ryan Mannion said. “Open data adoption and usage is exploding exponentially at all levels of government globally. Eighty percent in a recent survey said they plan to maintain or increase their open data spending.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 21, 2015

Around Town

The Walk Through History program unveils plaque in honor of the late John H. Londoff, Sr. Family and friends gathered in front of 855 rue St. Francois on Sept. 30 to unveil the 24th Walk Through History plaque in honor of the late John H. Londoff, Sr. before the Wednesday Night Out festivities which was held at Hendels Cafe. John “Johnny” Londoff, Sr. was a family businessman, veteran, philanthropist and celebrity. In 1940, John Londoff, Sr. founded Londoff Motors with his father Harry. Mr. Londoff later joined the United States Marines and was in World War Photo courtesy city of Florissant II. Mr. Londoff was a huge supPictured is Mayor Thomas Schneider addressing the crowd after the unveiling of the 24th porter of the Variety Club Tele- Walk Through History plaque in honor of late John Londoff, Sr. Also pictured is John Londoff, thon and was named Man of Jr., the Londoff family, friends and members of Florissant Old Town Partners. the Year for raising millions for children with the help of his celebrity friends. His newspaper column promoted citizenship, philanthropy and community. In 1999, John Londoff, Jr. became President of Johnny Londoff Chevrolet and with his sons continues his father’s legacy of customer satisfaction and community service.

Pattonville School District leader named Missouri Superintendent of the Year Dr. Mike Fulton, superintendent of the Pattonville School District, has been named the 2015 Missouri Superintendent Photo courtesy Pattonville School District of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Admin- Dr. Mike Fulton, second from left, front row, is shown with his family and members of the Patistrators (MASA). The an- tonville Board of Education after accepting his award as Missouri Superintendent of the Year. nouncement of the award was made at the joint Annual Fall Conference of MASA and the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) in Osage Beach. As the recipient of the award, Fulton will represent Missouri in the National Superintendent of the Year program conducted by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). As the winner of this recognition, Fulton received an award acknowledging his selection, a $500 scholarship for a student in the Pattonville School District and a commemorative ring. The award is sponsored by PFM Asset Management, LLC, which is the program administrator for the Missouri Securities Investment Program. Fulton has served as the Pattonville superintendent since 2007; prior to his current post, he served as a director and assistant superintendent in Pattonville from 1995-2007 and as an assessment coordinator for the School District of Clayton from 1993 to 1995. A firm believer in professionalism, Fulton has overseen a new administrator evaluation system that promotes student proficiency on curriculum, continuous use of ongoing assessment data to monitor student progress and policies to promote students as responsible citizens. The district also provides staff ongoing, job-embedded, research-based professional development. These endeavors are part of the reason the Pattonville School District, one of the most diverse school districts in Missouri, has received national and statewide recognition for academic excellence. Dr. Tom Williams, superintendent of the Kirkwood School District, said, “Dr. Fulton is a true advocate for all children. His focus never waivers from doing what’s best for the students. His leadership skills, collaborative nature and passion for helping all children achieve are what is needed most in school systems throughout our nation.” Fulton serves on the AASA Governing Board, the Show Me Accreditation and Assessment Task Force, MASA’s Executive Board, the Kansas/Missouri Leadership Forum and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Fulton has served on myriad task forces, boards, projects and committees as part of his service to education and his community.

www.delmargardens.com

Around Town

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Red Cross Launches #FireSafeSelfie launches Halloween coloring page Each day in the United States seven people #FireSafeSelfie, you will be part of a strong team die in home fires and thousands more suffer of St. Louis businesses, personalities and institucontest for kids life changing injuries. The American Red Cross tions in a movement to raise awareness and save With the celebration of Halloween just around the corner, Hazelwood Parks and Recreation has launched its annual Halloween Coloring Page Contest for children in two age groups: kindergarten through second grade; and third grade through fifth grade. All entries must be turned in no later than Oct 31. Copies of the coloring page for each age group can be picked up at either the Hazelwood Community Center at 1186 Teson Road, or Civic Center East at 8969 Dunn Road. Parents can also help their kids download and print the coloring pages off the city’s website at www.hazelwoodmo.org or its Facebook page. Please submit one entry per child. Also, the coloring page needs to be completed by the child without assistance from parents or other siblings. Once the coloring pages are finished, they can be turned in at the Hazelwood Community Center or Civic Center East. The coloring pages will be judged and the winners notified on Nov 2. The entries will be judged according to grade utumn is the time of level divisions. Those who year many pre-retirees win prizes can redeem them start giving serious at Civic Center East at 8969 thought about retirement. Of Dunn Road.

Considering Retirement? Avoid These Big Mistakes

works year round to prevent fires, save lives and educate others on the importance of fire safety. To promote the use of smoke alarms, the Red Cross is asking everyone to help spread the word about fire safety and join the social media campaign #FireSafeSelfie. Starting Oct. 12, simply post a picture of you and a smoke alarm; use the hashtags #FireSafeSelfie and #STL. By taking a

lives. “This is a call to action: Check your smoke alarms and make sure everyone you know has working alarms,” said Cindy Erickson, Regional CEO. “#FireSafeSelfie is a fun way to engage the community through social media. Let’s save lives this winter by making sure everyone we know has a working smoke alarm.”

Florissant holds city-wide town hall meeting to address the progress of the city On Oct. 1, Mayor Thomas Schneider and the Florissant City Council hosted a city-wide town hall meeting at the James J. Eagan Center for all residents to be informed about progress in the city and to get an opportunity to speak with the city administration and other outside organizations. Elizabeth Haynes with Bent-Wood Nursing & Rehabilitation graciously provided the refreshments and cookies. The organizations that came to provide valuable information to the residents which included: Ferguson - Florissant School District, Florissant Valley Fire Protection District, Hazelwood School

District, MODOT and St. Louis County Highway and Traffic Department. Schneider and the city council will be hosting informational meetings for residents on Proposition S with Ward meetings on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at JFK Center and a final presentation on Prop S on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at JJE Center. Florissant City Council Vice President Jackie Pagano with Mayor Thomas Schneider explain why Florissant has placed Proposition S on the Nov. 3 ballot asking for a .25 cent sales tax for street maintenance and safety.

Hazelwood East Middle School principal honored as Missouri Middle School Principal of the Year course, retiring after working all of your life is a great thing, especially if you can have a very successful retirement! Most well positioned retirements share a common thread: a lifetime of hard work, constant sacrifices, countless small decisions, and avoiding some big mistakes. Even though retirement is perceived as a happy date you worked towards achieving your whole life, believe it or not, there are a lot of other emotions and stress factors involved as well. There can be anxiety issues from wondering if you are making the right decision to concerns about how to best structure your retirement income and making sure your money lasts as long as you do. Whether you are newly retired or retiring soon, planning is vital to avoid making some big mistakes, such as underestimating many costs, inflation and longevity, forgetting about taxes, improper wealth management, not knowing all the rules and laws, etc. So, join my syndicated radio podcast show this Friday as we go over many of these mistakes in detail to help make sure you do not make them. You can access the podcast and our prior radio segments through our website www.360ira.com We also at www.360ira.com. offer this information and independent advice by contacting our local 360 IRA office in St. Charles at 844-436-0472 or by email at jnorth@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

Dr. Gary Jansen, principal of Hazelwood East Middle School, attention they deserve,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn was honored as state middle school prinBartoletti. “Our goal is to ensure principals cipal of the year at the NASSP Principal are recognized for their work, but also to inof the Year Institute, a Washington, D.C. clude principals’ voices in the national conevent hosted annually by the National Asversation about education. The participation sociation of Secondary School Principals of the 2015 state principals of the year pro(NASSP). During the Institute, Jansen forvided a set of strong authoritative voices that mally received his award and discussed the were truly heard in the halls of Congress.” needs of local schools with federal policyThe NASSP Principal of the Year Institute makers. annually gathers the state middle level and “Being recognized as Missouri Middle high school principals of the year in WashSchool Principal of the Year was a tremenington, D.C. for several days of professional dous honor for me, my school, my school development, networking, and advocacy acdistrict and my community,” said Jansen. tivities. “But more importantly, it gave me an op“On behalf of the Hazelwood School Disportunity to share the great things about trict (HSD) Board of Education, HSD adour school with our elected officials in ministrators, students, and staff, congratuWashington and to encourage our memlations to Dr. Gary Jansen on receiving the bers of Congress to pass laws that support prestigious Missouri Middle School Principublic education.” pal of the Year award,” said Dr. Ingrid ClarkDuring the September Institute, Jansen Jackson, HSD interim superintendent. “I am Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District proud of the way Dr. Jansen represented the met with Senator McCaskill and Senator Blunt to discuss funding for Title 1 schools Dr. Gary Jansen, principal of Hazelwood East Middle School school district while visiting with members and Missouri Middle School Principal of the Year, is pictured and to request additional support for mid- with Senator McCaskill, during the NASSP Principal of the of Congress and for giving a voice to public dle level education. school education. I am equally proud of the Year Institute in Washington, D.C. “We were honored to have so many exleadership that he provides at East Middle traordinary principals gather in Washington, D.C. to receive the School to help our children to succeed academically.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 21, 2015

Grant allows Halls Ferry students to expand garden

School

Hazelwood East students attend law boot camp

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Halls Ferry Elementary School students assist in the preparation of eight new garden beds which were added to the school’s Falcon Garden.

An extension grant from Gateway Greening is providing for eight new garden beds at Halls Ferry Elementary School to expand its Falcon Garden. A grant was originally received in August 2014 and provided for eight initial garden beds. The garden beds are used to teach students about food growth and its correlation to various subject areas. “We are expanding the Falcon Garden so students can continue to learn about how food grows and be connected to it throughout their time at Halls Ferry,” said Sara Fitzpatrick, a second grade teacher and Falcon Garden leader. Second graders maintain the initial eight garden beds, growing Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard greens, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, carrots, basil, lemon balm, mint, thyme, oregano and radishes. The students study all subject areas through the garden with an emphasis on science and math. The school’s health teacher will use the new beds to teach health. Other uses will include inquiry-based exploration of soil and worms by preschool and kindergarten students, and ties to curriculum areas in fourth through sixth grade. Last school year, students harvested the produce, and with the support of the cafeteria staff, the produce was placed on the school’s salad bar for students to enjoy during lunch. They will again, harvest the produce in October, and lettuce from the garden will be placed on the salad bar. Families were also given samples of herbs to take home. Halls Ferry also has a Green Thumb Garden Club for students in third through sixth grade who want to learn how to grow their own food.

Hazelwood East High School’s Youth in Government students attended a law boot camp at Saint Louis University on Oct. 1. Students learned the art of storytelling and forming effective arguments. Christina Sneed, English I teacher at East High, served as the chaperone for this trip. East High students will also participate in a statewide law conference in November and a citywide conference in December.

Pattonville senior named National Merit semifinalist Pattonville High School senior Megan Tyahla has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program and now has the opportunity to continue in the competition to earn a National Merit Scholarship. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Only about 16,000 out of the initial 1.5 million earned semifinalist status. To become a finalist, the semifinalist must submit a detailed scholarship application, providing information about his or her academic record, participation in school and community activi-

ties, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout Photo courtesy Pattonville School District high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Learn & Play

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Community Toons

John Hanna

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Bear-ly there This past weekend we decided to head for the hills and maybe catch some of the fall colors before they faded into four feet of snow overnight. A friend told us about a beautiful glacial lake located in the mountain tops a couple of hours away. We decided to check it out. On the way, I did a Google search to see what we could expect of this hike and read the list off to my husband. “Only a two-mile walk. Good. Moderate intensity hike. Better. Beautiful scenery. The trail is next to the lake. Best. Possibility of bears. Photo ops of wildlife? Excellent!” He almost choked a little then said, “Did you say, bears? You know what that means?” “Well duh. We’ll need to stop and get a bag of marshmallows to chum them for some nice close-up selfie shots. I’ve needed to update my profile picture on Facebook for some time now.” “Are you crazy? Not even. Bears prefer meat over sweet and they’d grab that marshmallow all the way up to your deltoid. We need to be prepared in case we’re attacked.” So that ended my hopes for an epic selfie. Next, we

SUDOKU:

made our way to the local sporting goods store and began our quest for bear repellent. “Excuse me,” I said to a clerk. “Where might I find bear spray?” “Next store over, in the beauty aisle.” “No, not hair spray, bear spray.” After re-explaining that I did not intend to hair spray a bear, it finally connected. We headed to the back of the store and found some handy single-serving, mace-in-the face containers and were on our way. We arrived at the trailhead and began our trek into the unknown. We held our bear spray expecting around each bend a full on grizFill 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.

zly attack. Soon we heard crackling and the snapping of twigs. Trigger fingers were ready when a burst of children came running by. The urgent need to spray these wild animals passed just in time as their parents appeared. Our hearts regained regular beating only to face another menace further up. Ahead, a burly beast rambled through the brush. It stopped on our path facing us eyeball to eyeball. Whoever made the first move would determine our next plan of action. My finger was on the button. It made a move. I pushed as it said, “moo”. Before long, this threat would be known to all just as soon as I posted my cow selfie to Facebook. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

Local Author Spotlight: Lee Davidson

See solution on page 13

Local author, Lee Davidson, has created a vivid world of wonder and possibility in her young adult series, “The Satellite Trilogy.” Lee takes readers on a journey through the afterlife in this modern day guardian angel tale for young and old alike. “The Satellite Trilogy” mixes humor, drama, unforgettable characters, and a love story filled with plot twists and a fascinating new world. Join Grant Bradley as he ventures through his destiny while trying to maintain a connection with his human life, and most importantly, the girl he left behind. At the age of six, Lee moved with her family from Exeter, New Hampshire to St. Charles to be closer to her father’s family. Lee graduated from Francis Howell High School in 1996 and received a BFA with a Graphic Design emphasis from Lindenwood University in 2000. She now lives in Troy with her husband and their three sons. Satellite, Lee’s first novel in the series, was selected as a quarter-finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest, earning a Publisher’s Weekly review that calls the fantasy “captivating” and “an epic love story.” Elite, the anticipated follow-up to Satellite and part two in the trilogy, is available through Amazon and other retailers, including The Homestead and Cassandra Erin Studio on Main Street in Historic St. Charles. Lee will be selling and signing copies of her novels at the St. Charles City-County Library District’s Local Author Open House on Nov. 19 from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information about Lee, social media links, and where to pick up copies of her novels, visit her website at www.LeeDavidson.net.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 21, 2015

Movie

“Goosebumps”

By Steve Bryan

The very tenacious Jack Black Over the years, Jack Black has established himself as a very versatile performer. In the recently-released “Goosebumps,” for instance, Black plays author R.L. Stine, the real-life author of a horror book series for young adults. Although the cinematic Stine keeps his creations locked inside his manuscripts, an unsuspecting visitor unleashes them on the world. This isn’t the first time the actor took on the literary world. In “Gulliver’s Travels,” he plays Lemuel Gulliver, a travel writer who, after getting caught in a storm, is transported to Lilliput, a land filled with tiny residents. The story doesn’t quite follow Jonathan Swift’s original novel, but it does make for an offbeat film. A different kind of Jack Black showed up in Tim Burton’s star-studded “Mars Attacks!” After Martians arrive on Earth, Black’s Billy Glenn Norris joins the army, but he proves to be no match for the aliens. Black doesn’t get much screen time, but his character is hard to forget. Showcasing his musical talent, “School of Rock” represents some of Jack Black’s best work. He stars as Dewey Finn, a boisterous musician who, after getting kicked out of his band, masquerades as a substitute teacher. Black worked quite well opposite the youthful cast, including future “iCarly’ star Miranda Cosgrove. The versatile performer also does quite well with romantic comedies. In 2001, he co-starred as a member of a Neil Diamond tribute band in the wacky “Saving Silverman.” As J.D., he has to save his buddy from a domineering girlfriend played by Amanda Peet. Though not an award-winning film, the plot showcases Black’s physical comedy talents.

Black is a very convincing romantic lead in Bobby and Peter Farrelly’s “Shallow Hal.” The actor stars as Hal, an eager young executive who has trouble in his relationships with women. After a chance meeting with motivational speaker Tony Robbins, Hal

now sees inner beauty and falls in love with the overweight but good-hearted Rosemary (Gwyneth Paltrow). “Envy,” which frequently pops up on cable television, is one of his odder comedies. His character, Nick Vanderpark, creates a spray that causes dog poo to evaporate. His friend Tim, played by Ben Stiller, becomes increasingly jealous of his buddy’s business and financial success. “Envy” also features another offbeat performance by actor Christopher Walken. Black also did some fine work in “The Big Year,” a gentle 2011 comedy that almost went unnoticed. His character, Brad Harris, is a devoted bird watcher hoping to have a “big year” by spotting the most birds. His devoted mother helps Brad on his journey across the globe and, in his travels, he starts a sweet relationship with Ellie (Rashida Jones). Jack Black also is part of Tenacious D, the duo he formed with Kyle Gass. Between acting and being a dad, Black also keeps fans entertained with his music. With so many talents, Black is one of the most tenacious performers working today. “Goosebumps ” photos courtesy Columbia Pictures 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.

www.facebook.com/mycnews

www.pinterest.com/mycnews

https://twitter.com/@mycnews

www.forrestkeeling.com

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports

www.mycnews.com Women’s Golf Player of the Month from UMSL University of MissouriSt. Louis sophomore Stefaniya Ivanova has been announced the recipient of the GLVC Award for September. She earned the honor following a vote from the league’s women’s golf coaches. The Moscow, Russia native played in four rounds in two tournaments last month and averaged 73.25 strokes. Ivanova earned medalist honors by seven shots at the GVSU Fall Invitational and finished second at the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagle Invitational. The Tritons team also finished first and second in each respective tournament. This monthly honor is the first career selection for the sophomore. * Tearing up the course

www.treesbywoody.net

Upcoming Events November 7-8

November 14-15

saintlouisweaponscollectors.com

stlpetexpo.com

Taste

of Saint Charles Presented by the St. Charles Rotary

November 19 | 6pm-9pm Buy tickets at: tasteofstcharles.com

November 20-22 treasurechestshows.com

636.669.3000

www.StCharlesConventionCenter.com www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com @StCharlesConven Get upcoming events delivered to your inbox every month! Sign up for VIP Mail: bit.ly/VIPMail

Several enter Lindenwood ‘Hall Of Fame’ Lindenwood athletics hosted its Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at the St. Charles Convention Center last Friday. Five individuals were inducted: Nenad Curic (men’s soccer), Jeff Hynes (football), Jamieson Johnson (multi-sport athlete), Erika Kliokmanaite (women’s volleyball), and Devin Shiroma (men’s volleyball). One of the top coaches in Lindenwood athletics history, Joe Parisi (wrestling), was inducted. Rounding out the class were three teams, the 2008 men’s wrestling squad, the 2009 Lion Line dance squad, and the 2009 football team. * Thanks to Drew Morris / Graduate Assistant for Sports Information St. Louis Attack-professional indoor football team gets new owner Officials from Free Tickets Entertainment, LLC announced that they had acquired 100 percent ownership of the St. Louis Attack professional indoor football team. The LLC is also the parent company of Fight Hard MMA, which is widely regarded as the nation’s most popular amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion. “We are thrilled to add the St. Louis Attack to the Free Tickets Entertainment family of companies,” said President and CEO Kenny Nowling.

“We are about to take professional indoor football to a level that this area has never seen before.” The Attack will play in a new league as well. “Our staff worked tirelessly searching for the right league to join,” continued Nowling. “There are several great indoor football leagues across the country. However, after much thought and careful consideration, the AIF (American Indoor Football) really stood out and fits our needs perfectly. We couldn’t be more excited to join them for the 2016 season and beyond.” Additionally, the company announced they will be launching an all professional MMA promotion, Gladiator MMA, with its first event slated for Nov. 21 at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Visit www.STLAttack.com or www.AIFProFootball.com for all the details. * Grid iron action St. Louis Rams play the next two Sunday’s at the Dome The Rams suit up after a bye week to take on the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 25 at noon. The Browns have had a hard time stopping the run so far this year. Rookie running back Todd Gurley may have a field day coming off of two games with more than 100-yards each time. The Browns have won two out of six games. The following Sunday on Nov.1 at noon the San Francisco 49ers visit the Dome. They are in last place in the division also winning two of six played. The Rams have sole possession of second place win two of their five games played in the NFC West. Go to www.StLouisRams.com to get all the information. * This could be the beginning of something good 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.

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.facebook.com/mycnews

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 21, 2015

Recipe:

Quick and easy make-and-take dishes

Between football and the holidays, there are plenty of reasons to gather friends and family around to celebrate this time of year. No matter the occasion, one fact remains true – more time with family and friends and less time in the kitchen is important. Don’t let your busy schedule or a complicated recipe keep you from bringing a delicious dish to your next event. Be everyone’s favorite guest with these perfect party

recipes that are quick and easy to make and transport easily. To keep the focus on the fun, here are some tips to help make transporting treats easier: • To keep casserole lids in place, on a cool dish, crisscross rubber bands over the lid handle. • To keep food warm and minimize mess, place the dish in a cardboard box and wrap towels around it.

• To reduce day of stress, do prep work the night before or choose recipes, such as Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars, that can be made in advance. Find more recipes to make, take and share for any occasion or download a free e-Recipe Book at musselmans.com.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

Party Meatballs

Cook time: 40 minutes | Servings: 16

Recipe courtesy of Sommer of ASpicyPerspective.com | Cook time: 22 minutes | Servings: 40-55 meatballs Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup red onion, grated 1 pound pork sausage 1 pound ground beef 2 cups panko bread crumbs 1 cup apple butter 1/4 cup sour cream 2 eggs

2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon allspice 1/2 cup beef broth 2 tablespoons honey 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper

Directions: Heat oven to 400 F and line large-rimmed baking sheet with foil. In skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add grated onions and saute for 3-4 minutes, until soft.

Ingredients: 1 cup flour 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup apple butter Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Coat 8-by-8-inch baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Line with heavyduty foil, leaving overhang on two sides to facilitate removal of bars from pan. Coat foil with

cooking spray. In medium bowl mix flour, oatmeal, sugar and salt. With fork, stir in butter until well mixed and clumps form, then spread half the oatmeal mixture over foiled pan bottom, pressing to form a thin crust. Spread apple butter over crust, then sprinkle remaining oatmeal mixture on top. Bake until crisp and golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Use foil “handles” to remove bars from pan. Cut into squares and serve.

In large bowl, mix sausage, ground beef, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup apple butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, pepper and allspice. Add onion, once it cools. Use hands to mix well until evenly combined. Measure one-ounce portions. Roll tight balls and place them on baking sheet, close together, but not touching. Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix remaining apple butter with beef broth, honey and 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper. Whisk well. Remove meatballs from oven. Pour sauce over top, making sure to cover each meatball, and place back in oven for 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, shake baking sheet a little to loosen meatballs and serve warm.

www.ssmhealth.com/now

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

What’s Happening

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events Oct. 21: 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. Oct 22-24: Book sale The Fall Book Sale benefiting Friends of Ferguson Library will take place at the Auditorium of Ferguson Library at 35 South Florissant Road on Oct. 22 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Oct 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 23: Taco dinner Taco dinner 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. Oct. 23: Halloween dance and costume party A Halloween dance and costume party for fifth-through-eighth graders is cosponsored by the Florissant Parks and Recreation Department and D.A.R.E. Join us for a night of fun and dancing at the John F. Kennedy Center in Florissant from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Pizza and soda are included along with a DJ, candy, games and prizes. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents. Tickets required upon entry. No tickets available at event. Tickets now on sale at JFK & JJE Centers. For additional information call 921-4250. Oct. 24-25: Trash or treasure sale Trash or Treasure Sale at John Knox Presbyterian Church at 13200 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant on Oct.

24 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Oct. 25 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Parking is at rear of the church Oct 25: Awards dinner North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will be honoring outstanding educators and law enforcement officials during its 2015 Annual Awards Dinner Ceremony in the Paul A. Detrick’s Atrium at Christian Hospital North East. 11133 Dunn Rd. in St. Louis. The public is invited to attend this event and help celebrate the outstanding achievement of some extraordinary individuals within the St. Louis area. Registration will begin at 3:30 p.m. and Program will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 each. For further information, contact Dr. Rance Thomas, at 314 238-6828 or mail check to NCCU, 13200 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO 63033. Oct. 25: 50th anniversary celebration Reverend Dr. Art McCoy, Founder and President of Serving the Achievement Gap in the Education of Students – SAGES – Foundation and Superintendent-in-Residence at the MIND Research Institute at the University of Missouri in St. Louis, will be the featured keynote speaker at the 50th Anniversary celebration of PAKT Community Resource Center, Inc. PAKT is a nonprofit organization that serves the North St. Louis County Community with an emergency food pantry, mortgage, rental and utility assistance, after school and summer day camp programs. The anniversary will be celebrated at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 315 Graham Road in Florissant. Doors open at 3 p.m., with dinner served promptly at 3:30 p.m. For information call the PAKT office at 314-524-2710.

Oct 28: 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. Oct. 30: Chicken dinner All you can eat chicken. Dine in only 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 314-8316121. Oct. 30: Crusaders Serve Crusaders Serve has become an annual event at NCCS at 845 Dunn Road in Florissant. Students and staff will work together with Kids Against Hunger to pack, seal and ship over 10,000 meals to starving families in Haiti. Crusaders Serve will be from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the NCCS Gymnasium. Volunteers are welcome but must register by Oct 28 by calling 314-972-6227. You can also donate to the cause by gong to www.nccsedu.org/idonate and choose your designation as Kids Against Hunger. Oct. 30: Trunk or treat Trunk or Treat at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church at 2900 St. Catherine in Florissant (opposite McCluer North High School) from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. Bring your children for a fun, safe Halloween Eve. Oct. 31: Fashion show Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce its 40th Annual Fashion Show at Orlando’s in Maryland Heights. Tickets are $25 per person. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and a buffet lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available. In addition to the fashion show there will be basket raffles, silent auctions and pot of gold. Orlando’s is located at 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza in Maryland Heights. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds from the Fashion Show benefit women’s and children’s charities. For additional details on the fashion show or to become a sponsor please contact Paula Russell at 314355-1516. Oct. 30: Kids Halloween party Costume contests by age groups, pizza and a drink for the kids, scavenger hunt, games and prizes, and candy! This is a free, safe, indoor trick-ortreating event open to children ages 2

to 12 of Overland Residents, Overland Business Owners, and city of Overland Employees and their families. Parents are required to accompany their children for the entire duration of their stay. Registration will start on Oct. 1 and will end on Oct. 29, or until the maximum number has been registered. This event will be held on Oct. 30 in the gymnasium at the Overland Community Center at 9225 Lackland Road in Overland from 6 - 8:15 p.m., with check in time between 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. only. All participants must be in costume and donate at least one can food item to enter the event. Register on Oct. 1 and be one of the first 175 overland kids entered into this year’s extraordinary Kids Halloween Party. Nov. 1: Quilt bingo St. Ferdinand Ladies Sodality Quilt Bingo, doors open 11a.m., games begin at 1 p.m. in School Gym at 1735 Charbonier Rd in Florissant. Twelve beautiful quilts, cash prizes, pull tabs and refreshments available. Nov. 7: Trivia night Jennings Do-Dads 3rd Annual Trivia Night (Theme: Back to School) will be held at the William D. Tharp Civic Center at 8720 Jennings Station Rd. in Jennings. Doors open at 6 p.m., questions start at 6:30 p.m. Parking will be available onsite at the Civic Center or at the lot next door to the service station. Security provided at both lots. Table of eight for $120 includes can beer, wine, soda and water. No outside alcohol or beer. Prizes for first and second place, 50/50 drawing and raffle prizes. For reservations or more information call Jim Christian 314-341-8417, John Schlereth 314-541-8682 or email jenningsdodads@yahoo.com The Tharp Civic Center is a non-smoking facility. Smoking will be allowed outside. Nov. 7: Rummage sale Calvary United Church of Christ, 2501 Hartland Avenue, is holding our annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. In addition to the bargains and treasures for sale, food will also be available for purchase Nov. 14: Craft fair Sponsored by the Overland Community Center, City of Overland Fall Arts & Craft Fair will be held at the Overland Community Center located at 9225 Lackland Road in St Louis County from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This fall craft fair will feature hand-made items or items of a craft nature. A food con-

cession will be available to customers and all vendors between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Vendor applications are available at the Overland Community Center. The registration deadline is Nov. 12 and the cost for the first table, whether it is one eightfoot rectangular table or one 60” round table with two chairs, is $30. Any additional table after the purchase of the first table is $10 at table or you can save and buy four tables for $50 for the same vendor. For more information or to request an application, contact the Overland Community Center at 314428-0490. Nov 21-22: Unique boutique Celebrating 20 years of exceptional holiday shopping is John Burroughs School’s Unique Boutique. Fine, handcrafted items by more than 45 locally and nationally known artists, plants and baked goods will be available for sale. Open to the public, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 at S. Price Road. All proceeds will go towards scholarships and classroom needs. For a complete listing of exhibitors or to learn more please visit www.jburroughs.org. Recurring Events Mondays: A cappella singers Men of Harmony a cappella singers meet at Salem Evangelical Free Church at New Halls Ferry at Pohlman Road at 7 p.m. Not church affiliated. Group is always looking for new members. Call Al at 314-993-6134 for more information. Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly) From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476. Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • October 14, 2015 Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight? Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Bethel Providence Christian Church located at 14700 New Halls Ferry Rd in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information. Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316. Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs: 3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1. Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331. Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330 Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752. Every Friday: The Bridge at Florissant Hot Diggity Dog

Build your own hot dog. 11:30am, The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. in Florissant. To RSVP, call 314.831.0988. Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400 Sundays: Meat shoot Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded. Every Sunday: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine #1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com Church Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737 Health Nicotine Anonymous Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314822-2066 or visit WWW.NicoteneAnonymous.org Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed 4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at

314.653.5032. Look Good…Feel Better SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314.344.6090. Every Monday, Health Tips With Mary Swip 11am,. The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. Sales Director Mary Swip will have a guest speaker come talk about health and wellness tips All Bridge events are free, but require reservations. Please RSVP by calling 314.831.0988. Now: SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599. 2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd

Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal.net. Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873. Diabetes Basics: 314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll. Crisis Nursery: Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org Nutrition Education: SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157 Group at Christian Hospital To register call 314.747.9355 Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401, 6:30 – 8pm, 314.839.3171, free and open to the public. Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road. Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Center for Senior Renewal: Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123. Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100. Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 SSM DePaul Healthy Happenings Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1.877.477.6954. Diabetes Self-Management Training: Call 314.344.7220 Smoking Cessation Classes: Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866. SSM.DOCS to register or for more information. SUDOKU answers from page 8

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Donate

Garage Sale

NOVENA

help wanted

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. Thank you, St. Jude. K.B.

Real Estate

help wanted

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

Let help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

Statewide Classifieds

BUSINESS FOR SALE BBQ/pizza restaurant business in Van Buren, MO. High traffic area at intersection of two busy roads. Established turnkey operation, and comes with equipment and furniture. Call for price. (573) 323-0020

EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed - Leads, No Cold Calls - Commissions Paid Daily - Lifetime Renewals - Complete Training - Health & Dental Insurance - Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HELP WANTED-DRIVERS

OWN YOUR OWN DOLLAR, Big Box $, Mail/Ship, Party, or Women’s Clothing/Accessory/ Boutique Store, 100% Financing, OAC from $59,900, 100% Turn-key, 1-877-500-7606, www.dollarstoreservices.com/ start/MO HELP WANTED Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497

Waller Truck is looking for Class A, 2 years experience, OTR, or (Regional/Local within KCMO). Great home time, pay, benefits. Call 1-800635-9828 or apply drive. wallertruck.com NEEDED: Class A OTR, Regional, Local End Dump Drivers for Newly Expanded Business. Late Model Equipment, Vacation Pay, Health Ins. 401K. Call (800) 776-5672.

Butler Transport. Your Partner

Check it Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

in Excellence. CDL A Drivers Needed. Sign on bonus! All miles paid. 1-800-528-7825 or www.butlertransport.com INSTRUCTION/TRAINING MISSOURI WELDING INSTITUTE, INC. Nevada, Missouri. Become a Certified Pipe and Structural Welder. Earn top pay in 18 weeks. Many companies seek our graduates. 1-800-667-5885. www.mwi.ws MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes with acreage. Ready to move in. Lots of room, 3 Br, 2 Ba. Quick and easy owner financing (subject to credit approval). No renters. 417-459-4349. 2 Bed/2 Bath Used 16x80. Tile Shower. Full Custom home. Great condition. Needs gone asap. 417-533-5313

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 21, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

www.windowworld.com

www.treesbywoody.net

www.HomeWashersStl.com www.scrubbydutch.com

Published Every Week Since 1921 Family-Owned & Operated www.cleancarpetworkofart.com

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366

St. Charles

Combined

cnews@centurytel.net ofcnews@centurytel.net www.mycnews.com

St. Louis

St. Charles

Combined

Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods. Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique group of readers, because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers. Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

ON C RAZY

Inside...C OUP

y for 86 Years 1921 - Weekl Established & Operated ies Family Owned & St. Charles Count Louis Serving St.

ws.com www.mycne

Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

Women’s By Shelly A.

Fair

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes .

C o o li n g It

July 11, 2007

By Shelly A.

FIT!FUN! U FAB

Schneider

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 doors to the from the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es disea 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 animal ers escalatin 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.”

S LOU

Schneider

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on at the 2007 to questio more and , image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuFair at St. Women’s ay, Nov. 17, Saturd for . lous – set unity College Charles Comm rship in partne the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, prizes, fashion show laxation, eminars, a than 50 ing nine mini-s and more sere speaker, and keynot ts and ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and exhibits and a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

toes: floodwa ter and perman If you believe mosquitoes. ent water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosqui their eggs on damp soil where toes lay sure, please on your property, but will occur are not call the Departm flooding 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 inspecti other small on and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomm fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. end a - National St. Charles in the larval County resident Friendship stages, broods greatest can upload s have the prevention of mosquitoes Day is Aumethod fingertips. a two-mintoes are mainly Proper maintens right at their gust 5 and - propert of the pest variety, ance of the ute video y the first to is the and are first step toward in light of emerge in the describ ing mosquito spring months prevention. All trash Many of these a recent and refuse that . mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to propert friend lights ten miles or more drained y should be adequately i n d i c ate s up their life graded and , to prevent a blood meal ..........3 w any o to m pools lay ........... en water that may to www.ra or puddles r story............. eggs. of last place high Cove County mosqui ten days or longer. diance ribtheir eggs directly ....................6 to control v a l u e ider.... McCauley lists on the water bons.com. officer Barry Shelly Schne several things 9 on , surface, their may do to homeowners cies in this Florissant ..........8 friendships, group do - their summekeep mosquitoes from test closes Old Olay is offering venture ruining theirTown r: breeding sites. not ..10,far11from a chance to Aug. treat themsel women Charles......... 31, ves with a trip to New Explore St. York City. in October. .................12 See MOSQUITO No Olay is hosting City . . . . ............ Town page 3 sary. For official purchase is neces........ a summer On the ......... called “Light . 414 School . . Up Your Life. contest www.radiancer contest rules, visit Chamber. .Gary . . . .Baute. . . . . . . ” .. 5 ........ ibbons.com. Women ts with Religion Spor .

‘Light Up Your invites Wom Life’ Contest en to Honor Friendships

IN THIS ISS

a grand tic entry into al beauty basas well as automa g – a person prize drawin JCPenney. y of ket courtes emiants nine mini-s fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose e, fitness, breast exercis plastic surmation on nence, and inconti ement and urinary personal improv fitting and bra gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, p made easy, hair, makeu

Movie Talk

........ 16 ............ . . . ... 6

St. Peters

.... Cheese . . ........ ...

... Better You 9 ........ It’s About .. 17 ...... 10 2139 Bryan...................... Movie Review Valley Commer cial23Dr. • O’Fallon .22, , MO 63366 eds ...................... P: 636.379.1775

Classifi topics to ercial Dr. the spirit. Valley Comm sessions (threetime frame) 2139 Bryan Seminar MO 63366 during each O’Fallon, a.m., and 1:30 choose from 636-379-1632 s a.m., 10:40 9-1775 • FX: t begin at 9:30 P: 636-37 centurytel.ne 1:15 p.m. E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. page 17 Wonderland at Christmas in the lunTAINMENT Doors open Film Group’s See ENTER feature duringigh-energy Electra in Yari and Carmen h A special a e Kattan b l l Chris lin. year wi cheon this Dan Cough by author 3 presentation FAIR page N’S See WOME

Movie . . . ........ ...... Sports . . . 12 ........ . . . . . . 14 Real Estate/A utomotive . . . . 15

F: 636.379.1632

E: ofcnews@ centurytel.net

Coupon Crazy .... What’s Happen . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ing . . . . . . . . . 18 Classifieds ........ ....... 22

www.mycnew

s.com

2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a

Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with

commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

plus online subscribers.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

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.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the’N fast-growing Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop Save. -

Vol 9 No 28

Mosquito Sea son

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

additional copies available in newsstands, unique business-to-business magazine featuringat chamber of Or, sign up for a FREE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION www.mycnews.com

October 21, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

By Joe Morice

The Generation of “Me” I remember complaining about the “Me Generation” in the early nineties when I suffered lane hogs in rush hour traffic. I’m still complaining. What is the “Me Generation” you ask? There are plenty of examples. For instance, the driver that parks in handicapped spaces and sprints to the mall entrance like a gazelle is a typical example. Another might be that lane hog in the inside passing lane holding up traffic while gabbing on a cell phone...or worse yet; texting! In that category, I may as well include those who park in the middle of two spaces using the excuse of avoiding door dings. The door dingers also qualify. One of my pet peeves from my youth was the people that dumped their trash containers alongside rural roads. It still happens. These are definitely members of the generation of “Me.” In other words, everything is all about them and no one else matters.

Friends offered other examples: • The friend you helped with a problem only to have this so-called friend take credit for doing it all alone. This happens often in the workplace. • The school bully is one of the greatest examples, but a parent added something; the bigger bullies are almost invariably the parents of bullies who refuse to correct their misguided offspring — good point. • The shopper that wheels a basket with 20 or more items to the 10 items-or-less checkout counter. • The millionaires or billionaires that fervently believe their wealth makes them geniuses and entitles them to tell others how to live or even run the government. • It goes without saying the most examples I heard about were the U.S. legislature. I guess we can’t get a better one than our current batch of all-about-me, get-rich-quick power-mongers. • A restaurant employee offered a good one — the person that loudly jabbers on a cell phone in a bar or restaurant instead of politely excusing themselves and going outside. Some included cigar smokers but that has already become politically incorrect. Cigar smokers now have to go outside or be banished to Siberia or an unreasonable facsimile. Some recommend a month in a cage in the middle of a landfill. •The same employee also mentioned the www.byerlyrv.com parents of unruly children who ignore them running up and down the aisles scream-

ing, yelling and disturbing the other customers. Those parents are probably the major cause and effect of what brought on the “Me Generation.” • Blaming others for one’s own mistakes or refusing to admit mistakes also gets dishonorable mention. This is the best way I know of to lose friends and infuriate loved ones faster than a teenager can disappear at lawn mowing time. • $14.9 million-dollara-year CEO Rick Waggoner allegedly added to the downfall of General Motors. He was summarily canned not long after he arrived in Washington, D.C. in one of a fleet of executive jets to beg for financial bailout for his failing corporation. When the legislators became incensed at his silver-spoon audacity and refused, he immediately flew to his mansion on the French Riviera to pout. Waggoner may be the king of the “Me Generation.” • Of course, genuine narcissists qualify two-fold. Narcissist is defined as “self-admiration: excessive selfadmiration and self-centeredness.” There is a good side, however. Despite irritating us, they also make us appreciate those without this syndrome all the more. “There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.” -James K. Polk 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.

Editor’s note: Joe Morice is currently recovering from illness and has taken some time off. Until his return we will run some of Joe’s favorite columns.