CN: October 28, 2015 by Community News

October 28, 2015

Inside the Ferguson Commission Report

Putting children front and center Recipes

Good Holiday Cheer

Community Voices

By Dr. Tiffany Anderson Submitted photo

Jennings Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson helps children cross the street on the first day of classes this year.

Supporting education and ending childhood poverty seen as key in building a better future By Sara Hardin Editor’s Note: This is the fourth 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 children and education. The Ferguson Commission Report addresses the issues surrounding education and child hunger under its section titled “Youth at the Center.” Here, the Commission proposes calls to action in the areas of education infrastructure reform, including the importance of “Investing in Early Childhood Education,” “Supporting Education Innovation,” and “Fixing School Accreditation.” The report suggests implementing a school accreditation system which addresses racial, health and income equity issues, as well as creating an innovative education hub which places focus on employing school leaders who have training in cultural competency and anti-bias. An extraordinary example of measures that are presently being put in place to face these various issues is Jennings School District under Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson, who has tackled the district’s issues due to generational poverty head-on. Jennings currently hosts a food pantry which provides 8,000 pounds of food each month. Each school in the district has washers and dryers, which are made available to parents in exchange for their time volunteering in the schools. The Commission Report, under its section discussing school accreditation reform, outlines the issues surrounding the 1993 Missouri law which allows students in unaccredited districts to

transfer to an accredited district, while requiring the unaccredited school district to foot the cost for the transferring students’ tuition and transportation. School districts such as Riverview Gardens and Normandy School District, once they had become unaccredited in 2006 and 2013, respectively, were left to pay more than $9 million to educate students who had transferred to other school districts. As the report states, “while these accreditation and transfer laws add considerable strain to both the districts that lose accreditation and the districts who receive transferring students, they fail to fix the schools that have lost accreditation or to address the core issues that led to losing accreditation. They simply send motivated students, and money, away.” Anderson, who began her time as Jennings’ Superintendent around the same time the district was close to becoming unaccredited in 2012, talks about the challenge of educating students who come into the schools behind while also maintaining the accreditation standards. Her focus, and therefore the focus of the district, lies in the success of meeting the standards within each student by keeping the goals and expectations for success high. “We really have to look at how to teach students at a higher level who come into our schools behind, standing in a ditch while other people have a running start. While changing standards and testing instruments is a challenge, because it’s just another thing that you have to become familiar with, the constant for us

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

Youth at the Center is focusing on our student standards and we don’t veer from that.” For those in poverty, Anderson explains that much of the challenge lies in a lack of exposure. By providing free lunch and organizing community programs such as Jennings’ monthly food drive, the district combats the issues that poverty creates by doing what it can as a district, before the suggestions of the report start to take their form. See FRONT AND CENTER page 2

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Over the Fence

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Around Town

Vol. 94 No. 43

In This Issue...

Around Town 23 nurses honored at annual awards gala and more.

Business Monsanto Fund awards grant to Girl Scouts and more

School First Book donates over 24,000 books to FFSD and more.

Learn & Play Cindy Moore’s take on life; also, check out this weeks SUDOKU

Movie Steve Jobs: Cultural and technological icon.

Sports Local sports with Gary B.

Recipe Host guests with good holiday cheer.

12 14 16

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

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FRONT AND CENTER from cover “For Jennings, our challenge continues to be the poverty rate. At this point we are 100 percent free lunch, 98 percent of our students are African-American students. The challenges that poverty creates are pretty significant. There is a lack of exposure to what many people who are not in poverty might have. There is a feeling of hopelessness in some cases for families who have jobs, but are part of the working poor. That is a challenge as a school system we have taken upon ourselves to find creative solutions to.” In his speech at the Ferguson Commission meeting at St. Louis

Community College, Florissant Valley on September 14, Governor Jay Nixon touched on the steps toward success that have been taken in Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts. “We provided an additional $1 million to promote literacy for children in the at-rick school districts of Normandy and Riverview Gardens,” said Nixon. “Today, an unprecedented collaboration among more than 20 St. Louis-area school districts is providing resources and support to help these struggling schools and the thousands of children who attend them.”

COMMUNITY VOICES A closer look at how public schools in Missouri are accredited By Dr. Tiffany Anderson Missouri seeks to be ranked as one of the top 10 states in education by 2020. The goal by 2020 is for Missouri to have all students graduating career and college ready. As Missouri strives to offer a competitive, high quality education to all students, examining models of success beyond Missouri are important so we can replicate what will work for Missouri and gain ideas about how to make our educational system better. Therefore, superintendents are working collaboratively to examine what the top 10 states are doing in the area of accreditation, a topic Missouri continues to struggle with. The Missouri superintendents are planning to give recommendations to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for consideration for improvements to the accreditation system. Reviewing Models of Success: Accountability System Research Generally, we all learn the most when we listen and learn from others who are getting the results we want. It’s not necessary to reinvent models that already exist. In fact, successful organizations generally are eager to share so the system they use can be replicated and can impact others. As Missouri continues to learn ways to improve, superintendents are encouraging Missouri to review models of success in other areas and to listen the community being served in order to have a truly competitive system with high standards that serves all students well. Through the support of Education Plus (formerly known as Cooperating School Districts), a study on this topic of accreditation was completed by Hanover Research. The Hanover compendium of research about state accreditation and state accountability systems provides interesting facts about accountability systems in top states across the nation. The Hanover study revealed that Missouri is the only state that fully dismantles school districts in the state’s accreditation system. We have learned that out of the top 10 states in performance in education, only two

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accredit school districts at all. The top ten list that Missouri is compared to includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, Wisconsin, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Montana, and Minnesota. We have also learned that the alternative to dismantling districts that most of the top 10 states use include providing support to build educational capacity in the district, tiered interventions are included, and support to build systematic capacity are included as some of the components of their accountability system. Dismantling districts is a punitive approach and it is not a step taken by the top 10 states. This may be in part because it is not a sustainable model due to the impact that model has on surrounding districts. Using the Hanover study, the superintendents are working collaboratively to gain input across the state and the superintendent of Pattonville, Dr. Mike Fulton, is chairing a task force of superintendents. It’s anticipated that superintendents across the state will make recommendations to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a different approach to accreditation that ensures standards remain high and ensures the state can truly be competitive in reaching the goal of becoming a top 10 state by 2020. 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 28, 2015

23 honored as Nurse of the Year at annual awards gala

Around Town

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Twenty-three Missouri and Metro East nurses representing 12 health care institutions were named Nurse of the Year at the 4th Annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Gala on Oct. 10 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel. Approximately 650 people attended the gala that raised more than $212,000 for the Missouri Chapter. The nurses were recognized for their extraordinary level of patient care, compassion, professionalism, integrity and leadership in the nursing profession. At the gala, Dr. Ruth Murray received the prestigious 2015 Legend in Nursing Award for her decades of service to the profession. The March of Dimes Missouri Chapter received more than 500 nominations for Nurse of the Year.

A selection committee comprised of health care professionals reviewed and scored the confidential nomination forms. Dr. Elizabeth Buck, Assistant Dean for Nursing at Maryville University, chaired the 2015 committee. According to Susan Bushnell, State Director of the Missouri Chapter, “We are so pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions and commitment nurses provide to healthcare across the state of Missouri and Metro East. The March of Dimes has recognized and appreciated the contribution of nurses for more than 75 years. Nurse of the Year is an opportunity for March of Dimes, and the community, to say thank you to these wonderful caregivers who make such a difference in our lives.”

More than 2,000 attended Hazelwood’s Family Fall Festival More than 2,000 individuals, including Board of Education members, Dr. Ingrid Clark-Jackson, interim superintendent, and other HSD administrators, staff, students and their families, as well as members from the community attended the annual Hazelwood School District’s Fall Family Festival and Accountability Plan Reports. The event took place at Hazelwood Central High School on Oct. 14. Some of the highlights from the festival included a complimentary dinner, community resource fair, entertainment performances by HSD student groups, free haircuts for boys and a nail salon for girls. Families also had an opportunity to take family photos and to decorate keepsake frames. There were also health screenings and a healthy family information booth. In addition, there were free book give-a-ways and a fun zone, which created a carnival-like atmosphere for children of all ages. “I am excited about the turnout for this year’s

Fall Family Festival,” said Dr. Audrey Wittenauer, HSD federal programs specialist and event organizer. “Last year our event was a success but this year’s event was even better! It was great to see the increased parent involvement and this is in direct collation with HSD’s number two goal, to increase parent and community involvement. “The Fall Festival is one of HSD’s many events which provide our parents with community resources and educational games that they can do at home with their children,” she said. Following the event, Wittenauer shared her appreciation for the planning team and volunteers who helped to make this year’s event a huge success. “Tonight’s event was great because of the parent involvement committee and volunteers,” said Wittenauer. “I appreciate this team of dedicated professionals. I can’t wait to see what we plan for our families next.”

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Nurse of the Year award winners are (from left) Barbara Sicking, Michele Muraski, Amanda Lankford, Gail Pittroff, Helen Lach, Kristine L’Ecuyer, Helen Jankowski, Karen Heembrock, Linda Newberry, Angela Novak, Diane Watson, Kim White, Jennifer Cordia, DeAnn Wilson, Kara Ranft, Valerie Yancey, Angel Mortensen, Dr. Elizabeth Buck (Chair). Not Pictured: Judith Davidson, Heather Dennis, Glenda Miller, Melissa Schmidt, Kierstin Nowack, Terry Westrip, Legend in Nursing: Dr. Ruth B. Murray.

Around Town

October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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 hosted an informational meeting for residents on Proposition S with Ward meetings on Oct. 19 at JFK Center and a final presentation on Prop S will be held on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at JJE Center.

Florissant to hold Veterans’ Parade

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.

The 2015 Veterans’ Parade will be held Nov. 8 beginning at 1 p.m. This year’s Parade Marshall is Joe Quick, who was last year’s Veteran of the Year winner. The guest speaker this year will be the 2008 Veteran of the Year Carl Hargus. Hargus served in the United States Army for 25 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1980. He completed two short terms and two extended long terms in Vietnam with the Special Forces. He earned Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal among other numerous service medals, citations and badges. The 2.5-mile parade begins at the corner St. Charles and St. Francois, goes east on St. Francois, one block south on New Florissant to East on St. Catherine, North on Waterford Drive, and ending at the James J. Eagan Center. Following the parade there will be refreshments served inside the Eagan Center for parade participants. Over 70 units will be participating, including military vehicles, drum corps, marching bands, elected officials and many others paying tribute to our veterans.

Ritenour Board of Education sets 2015 tax rates The Ritenour Board of Education set the district’s tax rates during a special meeting on Sept. 24. Reassessments of the value of residential, commercial and personal property occur every two years. During the 2015 reassessment cycle, the district’s overall assessed value of residential, commercial and personal property decreased by 3.2 percent ($17.4 million). The largest drop in assessed value occurred with residential property, which decreased by 6.7 percent ($15.8 million). To compensate for the losses in assessed property value, the operating rate was increased according to Missouri statute and calculations established by the Missouri State Auditor. Additionally, due to the decline in assessed valuation from each of the last four reassessment cycles, revenue available for debt service, which pays off outstanding bonds, also has declined. To provide the funds for future payment obligations, the debt service rate was also increased. As a result, the new tax rate for residential property reflects an increase of 22 cents for each $100 of assessed value, while the commercial property rate is increased by 38 cents. The tax rate for personal property reflects an increase of nine cents. “The continued decrease in property values, especially in home values, coupled with this year’s sharp decline in new construction in our area, has resulted in no additional tax revenue to support the district’s day-to-day operations,” said Doug Baum, District Chief Financial Officer. “The tax rates were adjusted so the district

did not lose money due to reassessment. “We know this is not good news for our homeowners or businesses, but can assure the Ritenour community that we will continue to be good stewards of the funds we receive to provide quality education that is expected for every student who attends our schools,” said Baum. The Missouri State Auditor’s Office reviews and monitors all tax rates before they can be set to ensure districts are in compliance with all state laws. The 2015 tax rates, which include the operating rate and the debt service rate, are listed below: 2014 Tax Rate* 2015 Tax Rate* Change Residential Real Estate $5.47 $5.69 + $0.22 Commercial Real Estate $5.26 $5.64 + $0.38 Personal Property $4.92 $5.01 + $0.09 The district continues to receive national awards for its budgeting and financial management practices. For the past 13 years, Ritenour has received the Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in the preparation and management of its annual budget. Less than one percent of the nation’s school districts receive this prestigious award.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 28, 2015

Around Town

260 Boy Scouts invade Sunset Park for their Fall Camporee

Volunteer tax preparers needed in Metro St. Louis

Boy Scouts from all over the area came out to Sunset Park and participated in the annual Fall Camporee that was held on Oct. 9 and ended on Oct. 11. This year’s camporee theme was baseball. Approximately 260 boy scouts from 18 units participated with approximately 75 adults that supervised the annual event. There were 10 locations where some sort of Scout skill was to Photo courtesy city of Florissant be used such as cooking (from left) are Rick Dorsey, North Star District Chair, Matt Gantner Scout Campmaster, Mayor over an open fire, First Pictured Thomas P. Schneider, Zack Brandon, Webelos Campmaster, Claude Bond, North Star District Director Aid, Geo-Caching and etc. and Mike Yarbough, North District Camping Chair.

The Internal Revenue Service and its community partners are looking for volunteers in the St Louis area who want to learn about taxes and help others by preparing federal income tax returns for free in 2016. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Volunteers are needed by many organizations who partner with the IRS to provide free face-to-face tax preparation and electronic filing for qualified taxpayers. “Last filing season, IRS-certified volunteers in Missouri prepared almost 79,000 federal tax returns for almost $69 million in refunds,” said IRS spokesman Michael Devine. “They also prepared more than 88,000 Missouri state tax returns.” In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older. TCE specializes in answering questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. As part of the TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program during the filing season. Accounting experience is not required, but volunteers will need basic computer skills to complete the IRS Volunteer Program e-learning course. Volunteers are asked to give at least four hours per week. More information about the IRS volunteer tax preparation programs is available at www.IRS.gov, keywords Tax Volunteer. For more information about being a volunteer in Metro St. Louis in 2016, contact: St. Louis County: • Desmond Leong with the MCTC-Metro St. Louis Community Tax Coalition AND Friendly Community Tax Coalition at 314-6919500 or desmond.leong@att.net; • Russ Signorino with the Gateway EITC Community Coalition at 314-539-4062 or rsignorino@gatewayeitc.org; • Tom Brockland with the TAP-St. Louis Tax Assistance Coalition at 314-205-2510 or www.stlouistax.org.

Forest Park to host Fair Saint Louis for a third year America’s Biggest Birthday Party will return to Forest Park in 2016 as Art Hill welcomes the 36th annual Fair Saint Louis from July 2 through July 4, uniting fairgoers from near and far for another fun-filled, three-day celebration of our nation’s independence. As preparations for Fair Saint Louis 2016 begin to take shape, representatives of the Fair Saint Louis Foundation and the city of St. Louis are already hard at work to ensure that Fair Saint Louis 2016 will be another rousing success. The fact that those plans have to start so early was the key factor in the decision to return to Forest Park for 2016. While great progress is being made on the transformation of the Gateway Arch Grounds, remaining unknowns related to the status of work that will be continuing on and around the Arch grounds in the summer of 2016

prevent the organizers from considering a return next year. “As we ramp up the planning efforts for 2016, we look forward to the continued support of former and new sponsors as we work to deliver another amazing event at the iconic Forest Park,” noted Steve Pozaric, who is returning as General Chairman of Fair St. Louis 2016. “Thanks to our terrific sponsors – including Anheuser-Busch, Edward Jones, Emerson, Enterprise Holdings, Purina, Ameren, Maritz and many more – Fair Saint Louis 2015 was able to offer an outstanding roster of performers, interactive attractions, and a multitude of other exceptional entertainment options that made year two in Forest Park another unforgettable experience; and we’re excited to do it all over again next year.”

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October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Monsanto Fund awards grant to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Girl Scouts participating in the FIRST robotics program just got a little more help, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has more than 250 girls participating in FIRST this year. Working in teams, the girls complete challenges by designing, building and programming robots that perform simple tasks based on real-world issues. The grant will support this year’s 43 teams by helping with robotics kits, registration fees, team transportation and more. The cost of a team participating for one year can range between $1,000 and $9,000, depending on the level of competition. The Pink Programming Pandas, a team of eight girls in fourth, fifth and sixth grades, is now in its second year participating in FIRST Lego League, a subset of FIRST. Last year, the team received first place in project “Hello Jeremy. My wife and I are presentation. Team co-coach approaching age 65. We know this Leslie Steinmeyer said the team is the age that you are supposed to got financial help from Girl sign up for Medicare, but when do Scouts of Eastern Missouri, we do it? We have been informed which provided them with a of different dates, with possible robot, field kit, and participapenalties if we do not do it correctly. Can you explain the rules and tion and competition fees. options? Thank you.” Jim “The girls have learned so much,” Steinmeyer said. “They’ve learned how to work together and keep trying after they’ve made mistakes. Last year if their program didn’t work, they learned to troubleshoot and try again. At comHello Jim. Thank you for sendpetition, they were up against ing in your question. Essentially, more experienced teams, and there are three different enrollcame out in fourth place out of ment periods for Medicare. If 24 teams—that just made their you do not currently have health confidence skyrocket.” insurance, then you should enThe council’s participation in roll during the ‘Initial Enrollment Period’ which begins 3 FIRST showcases its commitmonths before you turn 65 and ment to STEM (science, techlasts for 7 months. You can sign nology, engineering and math), up for Medicare at any point durone of its three programmatic ing this time without incurring a focus areas. The organization penalty, but try to sign up during also collaborates with top busithe first three months so covernesses and organizations in the age will begin on the first day that area to provide premier STEM you turn 65 and to prevent gaps in coverage. programming for its girls.

Question of the Month

If you are still working and have health coverage through an employer group plan, you can keep your group coverage until you or your spouse retires. At that time, you will need to enroll in Medicare during the ‘Special Enrollment Period’ which is after certain events happen in your life. If you miss either one of these periods, then you will have to sign up during the ‘General Enrollment Period’ which runs annually from January 1 through March 31 with an effective date of July 1 of that year. Try to avoid this option as you will likely have gaps in coverage and possible penalties that can last for your lifetime. Hope this helps Jim. Feel free to reach out to me for help on this and any other retirement concerns by contacting me at our 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

U.S. Bank celebrates Maryland Heights branch anniversary with humane society and prizes To celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of its newest branch in Maryland Heights, U.S. Bank is giving away prizes, donating to the Humane Society of Missouri for new accounts opened, and holding a pet adoption every Friday in October. In honor of the one-year anniversary of the opening of the bank’s newest stand-alone branch in the St. Louis area at 11532 Page Service Drive (at Ball Drive), U.S. Bank has joined with the Humane Society of Missouri to raise

money for its operations and make more pet adoptions happen. “We are excited to share the warm welcome our new branch received in Maryland Heights with our neighbors at the Humane Society by supporting their amazing work,” said Frankie Eichenberger, metropolitan region manager for U.S. Bank in St. Louis. “U.S. Bank believes in being a full community partner and this is just one of the ways we support our neighbors and serve our customers.”

North County Inc. holds first golf outing at Emerald Greens Golf Course North County Inc. (NCI) held its first Golf Outing at Emerald Greens Golf Course on Sept. 25. Eighteen foursomes played 18 holes of golf and enjoyed a box lunch provided by The Bridge at Florissant and a buffet dinner sponsored by Christian Hospital. Major sponsors for the event included SSM Health Center –DePaul Hospital, St. Louis County and St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. U.S. Bank and Favazza

and Associates, LLC sponsored the Outing as well. Mike Favazza of Favazza and Associates, LLC made a hole in one shot on the 15th hole and won a vacation package from Johnny Londoff Chevrolet and American Hole in One. North County Inc. is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County.

Nearly 10,000 Missouri families to receive energy-efficient light bulbs donated by Ameren Nearly 10,000 struggling Missouri families will benefit from Ameren Missouri’s donation of 75,000 Energy Star certified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to Operation Food Search, a local leader in hunger relief. CFL bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer, according to Ameren Missouri. The CFL bulbs will be distributed by Operation Food Search to local food pantries to help lowincome individuals save energy in their homes. Families in the Ameren Missouri service territory will receive the energy-efficient bulbs to help reduce energy use and costs, helping those families use their limited resources for other ne-

cessities. “People who are in need of food typically don’t have the money or resources for other important household essentials,” said Sunny Schaefer, executive director of Operation Food Search. “With many struggling households making a choice between paying for food or paying for utilities, we are thrilled for this partnership with Ameren Missouri to help make life a bit brighter for our neighbors in need who will receive these energyefficient light bulbs.” Ameren Missouri is providing CFL bulbs on behalf of the ActOnEnergy programs so that the most vulnerable customers can reduce their energy usage.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 28, 2015

School

First Book donates over 24,000 new books to FFSD First Book has donated 24,288 new books to the FergusonFlorissant School District. The books will be distributed to schools throughout the district. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Operations Dr. Gwendolyn Diggs, along with Sheila Ward, the district’s Reading and Communications Arts Coordinator, recently traveled to Kansas City, First Book headquarters, to receive the donation. “Getting that book that’s a good fit for individual students Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District has been a challenge to have the resources to buy the books that Ferguson-Florissant School District staff members traveled to First Book headquarters in Kanare needed. But with a donation sas City to receive and bring back to the district over 24,000 new books that were donated. of over 24,000 new books – that’s huge – and it assists in our efforts them, schools and community-based programs to better serve students,” said Dr. Diggs. that serve them, with brand-new, high-quality The books were transported back to St. Louis by books. Since 1992, First Book has distributed members of the district’s Facilities Department. more than 130 million books, a retail value apFirst Book is a non-profit working to end knowl- proaching $1 billion, to children in need from edge poverty for children in need by providing birth through age 18.

McCluer South-Berkeley students network with U.S. ambassador

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

Students from McCluer South-Berkeley High School, along with their instructor Raghib Muhammad, recently had the opportunity to meet and network with the United States Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O’Malley. The meeting took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton where the students attended the Growing Global Lun-

cheon as guests of Peabody Energy and the World Trade Center-St. Louis. The luncheon provided students an opportunity to learn about the real world of international business and trade, as well as meet industry people. Ambassador O’Malley was the keynote speaker for the luncheon.

Grant supplements writing program to encourage student authors

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

Duchesne Elementary School teacher Juanita Phillips House recently received a $500 grant from the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. The grant will be used to supplement a writing

program House uses in her second grade classroom. As part of the program, each student is encouraged to write a book that will be published by the end of the school year.

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Learn & Play SUDOKU:

October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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 13

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Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Dad dance It’s the season to get creeped out and see things that will really make your skin crawl. So if that’s what you’re in to, just put on an old Journey record and watch the beast come out – my husband’s dance moves, enough to make a werewolf howl at the moon. The next thing you know he’s daddancing. It starts out something like this: Shuffle one foot to the left followed by a hip swing in that general direction. Then repeat the move to the right. Left, right, left, right. He does this more than a dozen times. I think it’s to grease up his joints as he gears up for the more advanced moves. After he starts to feel comfortable and is sure that he’s got the coordinates of this move down, he’ll start to funk it up a bit. He’ll snap a finger – slightly off beat – but continues until he’s sure he can maintain his balance. This is followed by a double finger snap using both hands. Now he’s rolling. At mid-song, he’s feeling his morning bran kick in and he’ll put some serious stink on his performance. He does a full 360 turn. At this point, he slows it down to prevent his legs from collapsing underneath. He goes back into the shuffle left-right mode while his equilibrium returns. Suddenly, as if he has run face first into a giant cobweb, he starts flailing his arms in sporadic directions and randomly pawing the air. After all traces of the web have been thoroughly removed from his head, he continues on to the move I refer to as, the attack of the killer bee.

For some unknown reason, he will swat at the air randomly as if an insect with a three-inch needle sharp stinger is zeroing in on him. Swat, turn, swat, clap hands together. Missed! Swat, swat, clap again! By the third swat, it’s apparent he has squashed the annoying bug because he performs a victory finale dance, a strange and embarrassing gyration involving pelvic muscles and hip grinds that are both disturbing and probably illegal in most god-fearing states. The music has stopped and he looks at my dropped jaw and suddenly turns red then bows. And to think, this was the man who hated to dance until I dragged him out on the disco floor and introduced him to the Funky Chicken. At first, he danced like a frozen chicken, but over time he has limbered up, found his groove and now officially dances like Big Bird. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 28, 2015

Movie

“Steve Jobs”

By Steve Bryan

Steve Jobs: Cultural and Technological Icon These days, it’s impossible to walk through a mall, school or office and not see an iPhone, iPad or even a classic iPod in use. The late Steve Jobs was the driving force behind these iconic Apple products. As CEO of the company he started in his parent’s garage, Jobs turned product announcements into events that commanded media attention. Based on the fascinating book by Walter Isaacson, “Steve Jobs,” a new film about the corporate icon, focuses on Jobs’ life through 1998. According to Isaacson, Jobs asked him to write his biography, offering unprecedented access to his life and the events happening at Apple. Michael Fassbender adopts the style and mannerisms of the man who arguably changed the world. The new movie is, however, the second attempt to bring his story to the big screen in recent years. In 2013’s “Jobs,” Ashton Kutcher turned in a solid performance as the creative, often volatile CEO. Josh Gad captured the spirit of technical wizard Steve Wozniak, whose computer designs put the company on the map. The film was entertaining, but critics questioned the accuracy of some events portrayed on screen. In many ways, Jobs was like the Onceler, the entrepreneur in Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax.” After arriving in a beautiful, unspoiled valley, the Once-ler cut down all the trees to make a product that people didn’t know they wanted. The Once-ler was highly successful, but he created a polluted, gutted landscape that forced the animals to leave. Under Jobs’ watch, products such as

the iPod contributed to the demise of Musicland and other companies. When Jobs introduced the portable music device, he called it “a thousand songs in your pocket.” Other companies created portable MP3 play-

www.hollywoodcasinostlouis.com

ers, but designer Jonathan Ive worked with Jobs to make the iPod sleek, simple and intuitive. This device worked all too well. Apple made it easy to buy music and video content through the iTunes Store instead of going to the mall. Brick-and-mortar music shops still exist, but the heyday of the record store ended shortly after the video iPod hit the market. Consumers like convenience of digital downloads instead of handling a DVD or CD. Speaking of shops, the company maintains an incredible presence through the Apple Store. Throughout the business day, consumers are looking, touching and using Apple products. The store incorporates Jobs’ love of clean simple designs and structures and maintains a non-threatening, almost comforting environment. Jobs may be gone, but his influence can be felt in newer gadgets like the Apple Watch. In the hours leading up to a new product release, fans eagerly wait outside the Apple Store. Tim Cook now holds the reins of the company, but the spirit of Steve Jobs is behind every Apple logo. “Steve Jobs” photos courtesy Universal Studios 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 wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports

twitter.com/mycnews Rams end October on winning streak The St. Louis football Rams had last week off and turned it up a notch to defeat the Cleveland Browns 24-6 to stay in second place and improve to three wins and losses this week. The major highlight was rookie running back Todd Gurley rushing for over 100-yards for the third week of the season.

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For more information go to www.STLSlamFootball.com * Take your play to the next level

Lady Lions undefeated on the hockey field The Lindenwood women’s field hockey team won over rival Bellarmine for the second time this season as it improves its ECAC record to 4-0. After trailing early in the game by two goals and allowing five penalty shots within the first ten minutes, the Lady Lions scored its own goal off the post. Before halftime, Greta Banholzer scored her seventh goal of the season off of Karlie Quinn’s seventh assist. The Lindenwood Lions played great defense during the second half, saving five shots on goal and fending off ten shots without allowing a score. Although Bellarmine controlled the ball on offense, the Lady Lions scored the crucial Photo by Ray Rockwell goal as Maroussia Buysschaert recorded her Quarterback Nick Foles handing off to Todd Gurley. second goal of the season. Highlights include: Bellarmine had the edge in penalty shots with • Gurley scored his first NFL touchdown on 19 while the Lady Lions posted nine. Victoria a 1-yard rush and second score on a 16-yard Gil saved seven shots while allowing two goals dash. and facing 20 shots. Gil now has 75 saves on the • Eric Dickerson matched Gurley’s perfor- season. mance in 1983. In commemoration of Breast Cancer aware• Safety Rodney McLeod picked up a fumble ness the Lady Lions showed their support for by at Cleveland’s 20-yard line and returned it for wearing pink socks on Pink day. a score. * Thanks to Drew Morris / Graduate Assistant • Safety Mark Barron led the team in tackles for Sports Information with 16 (10 solo). • The Rams defense has 23 sacks on the seaNew sports restaurant coming to Westport son that is tied for second in the league behind Check my article next week to see what all the the leader who has 26. excitement is all about. • Quarterback Nick Foles completed 15-of-23 This national restaurant is known for its, “… passes for 163 yards. eats, drinks, scenic views…”. • Kicker Greg Zuerlein converted at 39-yard * Things that make you go ….hmmmmmmm field goal and three extra points. Next home game is Sunday, Nov. 1 at 12 p.m. against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. Go to www.StLouisRams.com to get all the information. * Keep up the momentum Halloween set for women’s football tryouts The St Louis SLAM Women’s Football team 2014 Division Champions will be looking to improve their team with an open tryout for the upcoming season. Tryouts will be on Saturday, Oct. 31 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Tandy Community Center at 4206 Kennerly Ave in St. Louis. You do not have to have football experience just a desire to play. They will teach you the game.

Tune into Your Health Plus Radio Show, Every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KSLQ 104.5 FM

For more information go to www.YourHealthPlus.info. One-hundred percent natural products to help focus, reduce stress, more energy, curb your appetite, healthiest coffee, anti-aging serum and more… Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 28, 2015

Recipe:

Host guests with good holiday cheer

When guests drop by unexpectedly this holiday season, keep your good cheer intact with a kitchen well-stocked for easy impromptu entertaining. Appetizers you can prepare with minimal hands-on time and simple enhancements to easy leftovers will make you a gracious, if not gourmet, host. To whip up special dishes on the fly, you’ll need a few key ingredients on hand. Most dropin guests aren’t expecting a full meal, so plan instead for lighter fare, such as appetizers and desserts. Use these tips to get started: • Get creative with the leftovers you have on hand. Turkey can be mixed with vegetables and hummus to create a salad, sandwich or wrap to instantly transform leftover turkey into a treat so tasty your guests won’t even know they’re helping clean out the fridge. • Rely on versatile ingredients that can pull

their weight in many ways. Hummus is perfect for easy entertaining because you can use it in countless ways, from dipping with chips or veggies to easy appetizers and side dishes. Sabra’s line of refrigerated hummus, with 13 flavor combinations to match any recipe, is perfect for a wide variety of uses, and it provides a healthier alternative to traditional snack foods and spreads. In fact, eating two tablespoons of hummus a day helps fulfill your bean requirement for the week. • Find an easy dessert or two that you can make ahead of time and keep fresh for surprise visitors. Cookies, candies and brownies are all good choices because they store easily. If you’re looking for something more, bread puddings keep up to a week in the fridge for easy reheating, and many pies can be made and frozen ahead of time to simply pop in the oven when guests arrive.

Twice Baked Potato Jackets with Rosemary

www.SantasNorthPoleDash.com

Servings: 16

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Ingredients: 8 small potatoes 1 cup hummus 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling) salt and pepper sea salt

allow steam to escape while baking. Place whole potatoes on rimmed sheet pan and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes (depending on size of potatoes) or until potatoes are soft; cool for 10 minutes.

Directions: Heat oven to 425 F.

Carefully slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop inside into bowl, leaving about 1/4-inch ring of potato around edges.

Scrub potatoes and poke with fork 2-3 times to

Lightly mash potato chunks in bowl; add hum-

Turkey Salad

Ingredients: 8 small potatoes 1 cup turkey breast, cubed 1 tablespoon finely diced scallions 2 tablespoons diced celery 2 tablespoons diced red pepper

1 tablespoon water 1/2 cup hummus salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Combine all ingredients and stir well.

mus and stir until combined. Season mixture with salt and pepper, taste and adjust if necessary. Using spoon, divide potato-hummus filling evenly among potato jackets and broil for 5-7 minutes or until tops are golden and crispy; watch carefully as they burn quickly. Remove from broiler and sprinkle with rosemary and a pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately.

Servings: 2

www.VillaatRiverwood.com Serve in bowl of radicchio as salad, on sandwiches, wraps or as an appetizer with veggies, chips or pita bread.

What’s Happening

October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events 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 314-355-1516. 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. Oct. 31: Halloween party Come join us on Halloween for a spooky, fun-filled evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center in Florissant. Children ages 12 and under will get to show off their costumes while having fun playing games and winning prizes. This event is co-sponsored by the Florissant Parks and Recreation

Department and the Florissant Police Explorers Unit. Free admission to Florissant residents, refreshments are provided along with games and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. Florissant residents only, Resident Cards will be checked. For additional information call 921-4466 or 921-4250. Nov. 1: Country Sausage Supper Country Sausage Supper, carry out only, will take place from 12:30 – 6 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church at 5180 Parker Rd. Cost for adults is $10.50, children $7. For more information call 741-6781. Nov. 1: Meat shoot BB gun meat shoot at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 1 to 4 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Nov. 1: Chili cook-off Chili cook-off with prizes and bragging rights will be held at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 1 to 4 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Nov. 1: Celebrating German holiday traditions Join us to learn more about the German holiday traditions of the past and present at the Lutheran Hour Ministries at 660 Mason Ridge Center in St. Louis. There will be a panel of GGSIG Steering Committee members who will be discussing a few of the traditions that your ancestors might have celebrated. Doors will open at 1 p.m. so you can talk among friends and explore the exhibits presented. Presentation will be at 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. After the presentation, gather back in the all-purpose room for more conversation and refreshments. All are welcome. 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. 4: 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.

Nov. 6: Steak dinner Steak 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. Nov. 7: Health fair Health Fair from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. in Bellefontaine Neighbors (next to City Hall). Free to all. A $10 Sav-A-Lot Grocery gift certificate will go to the first 200 adults. 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. 8: Veterans Day Parade Come watch the parade with your local Veterans at the Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois at 1 p.m. There is plenty of room for seating. Nov. 11: 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. Nov. 13: Chicken fried steak dinner Chicken fried steak 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.

Nov. 14: Flea market Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Richard at 314-837-7057. Nov. 14: Breakfast Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. 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 concession 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • October 28, 2015 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. 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.

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 314-822-2066 or visit WWW.Nicotene-Anonymous.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.

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

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 314291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare. com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal.net.

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.

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.

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

Diabetes Basics: 314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

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.

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

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 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

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 Infor-

mation 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. SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

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

Group Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

SSM St. Joseph Hospital Healthy Happenings

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034

Free Mammogram Screenings: SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636.947.5617 Speaker’s Bureau: SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159 Ongoing Support Groups Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421. First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477. Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900 Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765 Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com. Wednesdays: New Choices Nar-Anon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church 12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.Nar-Anon. org Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/for people with pulmonary disease Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314953-6090 SUDOKU answers from page 8

October 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

aUCTION

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. A.L.

Consignment

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“Stuff ” Piling Up? Donate

Let

SERVICES

help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

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

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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 HELP WANTED-DRIVERS L A or B to transfer vehicles from and to various locations throughout U.S. - No forced dispatch - Run as much as you want!! Safety Incentives. Apply online at www.mamotransportation.com under Careers or call 1-800-501-3783. 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.

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Butler Transport. Your Partner 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. Seller Financing (subject to credit approval). Lots of room for the price, 3 Br, 2 Ba. No renters. 417-459-4349.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 28, 2015

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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

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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.”

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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

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... 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

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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 28, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

By Joe Morice

Over the Fence

Gentrification gen·tri·fi·ca·tion [jen-truh-fi-key-shuhn]1. The buying and renovation of houses and stores in deteriorated urban neighborhoods by upper- or middle-income families or individuals, thus improving property values but often displacing low-income families and small businesses. Alleged Origin: Circa 1975–80 by…um…by who knows. Digdough Developiggy? Just guessing here. Apparently someone coined a word to make urban renewal seem something other than booting out indigents, tearing down their houses and building new ones they can’t afford. I’m curious as to what happens to the indigents after they’re chased out. Do they end up living in cardboard boxes in dark alleys? Do they join the tent camps that St. Louis’s city fathers and mothers have been chasing to different locations whenever the homeless clouded their rose-colored contact lenses? Or do they migrate to suburbia and go door to door begging, “Please let me stay with you because I got gentrified?” Perhaps the gentrified projects included putting what’s left of the residents in temporary housing until it’s finished and then welcoming them back at the same rates they paid before they left. Right? I’m also confident the city also helped with tax dollars…no wait! I forgot about Tax Increment Financing. Oh well. I’m sure developers are benevolent souls. They’ll probably donate some loot they didn’t pay in taxes to nearby soup kitchens so these folks won’t starve. After all, it’s tax deductible and it’s gentrifiable. That’s a variation of the original not to be confused with certifiable, the term used by political lackeys to describe those who don’t

support making wealthy developers wealthier at taxpayer expense. Of course, some poor neighborhoods have high crime rates. Some harsher folks might even say that gentrification is a blessing; the ones who conveniently claim all poor people sell drugs, steal cars, rob stores and banks when they should be working at high paying jobs instead of all that criminal stuff. So boot them out, raze their homes and build new houses where middle income earners will rejoice and move right in. The poor folks disappeared. Poof! No worries. Gone where, is still the question. Did they suddenly learn skills and find jobs so they can afford to move back to their gentrified neighborhoods? Or did they disappear into the many miles of dark tunnels that run beneath the city and only come out at night to forage in dumpsters? Or did they find more old buildings or houses to live in that haven’t been gentrified yet? I’m really curious. And no, despite many years of rumors of threats by hate group bigots, they won’t march in with automatic weapons and shoot everybody. After all, there are poor white folks living in poor neighborhoods, too. Besides, armed criminal action is still illegal for one thing and from what I’ve seen of hate groups, they’d probably end up shooting each other in an argument about who leads the marching hyenas or who buys the beer. I admit to being cynical, but I was raised in an old farm house not unlike a slum building; although it wasn’t surrounded by others. I experienced being poor as others of my generation. Had someone gentrified our old house and sent us packing, I might have eventually become an embittered welfare recipient with a stolen gun and no job skills. Perhaps I’ll coin another new word: “Resentificaton”. 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.