CN: November 25, 2015 by Community News

November 25, 2015

Giving hope a home Recipes

Spice up your holidays

Community Voices

By Daniel Isom

Jennings School District Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson stands with foster family leaders Scott and Shelley Croft inside Hope House.

Photo by Sara Hardin

Jennings School District’s Hope House gives homeless students a place to live By Sara Hardin From the outside, the house at 8450 Old Lucas Hunt Road looks like any other home in its Jennings neighborhood. Once walking up the porch steps and across the threshold, however, it becomes clear that there is something quite remarkable about this particular home. The arch in the foyer is appropriately adorned with the words “Faith, Love, Hope,” and as one walks the halls of the century-old house the words match its spirit impeccably. Hope House is the product of 30 days of renovations and the continued community growth fostered by the Jennings School District superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson and her team. Since her time in Jennings began in 2012, Dr. Anderson has implemented a food pantry which many parents in the district depend on for their grocery supply. Washers and dryers have been placed in every Jennings school, and steps were taken in order to provide free clothes, tutoring services and dinner to those in need in the district. When some may have slowed down after so much positive change, Dr. Anderson was looking for the next possibility. “For the last three years our commitment has continued to be focused on providing the best possible education by removing barriers that poverty often creates,” said Dr. Anderson. “We have put food in place, which is one of the largest barriers, and made that accessible. We’ve made clothing accessible and clean

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clothes with our washers and dryers at our schools. We also provide uniforms and supply bus passes. The natural next step is to see if there are any other barriers. Well, one barrier is knowing where you’re going to sleep at night and having a place to actually go. Our logical next step is to fill that void of some kids not having shelter.” After the idea to attack homelessness in the district, Dr. Anderson and her team studied the homeless data in the community. They found that some children were in dire need of an appropriate means of shelter. After touring another community’s foster home and forming an idea of what exactly they wanted Hope House to be, Dr. Anderson gave her team 30 days to get it up and running. Renovations started on a century-old former priest rectory that the district already owned, and 30 days later Hope House was standing in its place, ready for its new family to have a chance at a new beginning. “One of the main things that Hope House really brings to the community is a sense of hope. It signifies a new beginning not only for the family but for us as a community to really see ourselves as individuals who can collectively work together to give new opportunities to other people,” said Dr. Anderson. “It signifies stability because we have kids who live really unstable lives, and we have this house that was dilapidated and unused.

We’ve now restored a home in the middle of a community to become a really beautiful home that all of the neighbors are proud of. It’s really a community working together to bring hope and revitalize a community. It’s really amazing.” By partnering with Missouri Baptist on this project, therapeutic services will be available to the children living in the home. A clinical social worker will visit the house every week to work with kids who have suffered traumatic experiences. “We’re studying poverty from many angles this year, and this year we started our work with becoming a trauma-informed school district,” explained Dr. Anderson. “This caused us to look at the traumatic experiences that kids go through when they’re in extreme poverty and understand how those experiences can change behaviors. Not knowing where you’re going to sleep is a traumatic experience for people. It certainly can change your behaviors and your academic abilities will look different than what they really are. All of that has caused us to say this is just yet another barrier to be removed. Every day we wait kids are sleeping somewhere they shouldn’t be sleeping and their needs are not met. Our only barrier is our mindset.” The foster family is headed by Shelley and Scott Croft, a couple found through Missouri Baptist. Shelley Croft, on top of See GIVING HOPE A HOME page 2

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Around Town

Vol. 94 No. 47

In This Issue...

Around Town Veterans’ parade and presentation in Florissant and more.

Feature Section Holiday Shopping Guide

Business Garden Villas North announces new director.

School Ferguson-Florissant state assessment scores announced and more.

Learn & Play Cindy Moore’s take on life; also, check out the Local Author Spotlight.

Movie Saying goodbye to “The Hunger Games.”

Sports Local sports with Gary B.

Recipe Spice up your holidays.

12 14 16

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

November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

GIVING HOPE A HOME

from cover

her previous fostering experience, has extensive experience working with people with and without special needs. She speaks about her motivations for coming to Hope House while sitting at the home’s dining room table with Scott Croft and Dr. Anderson. “I’ve always had a call to be in the human services aspect of things,” said Shelley Croft. “Scott and I both feel called here. Because of the area and because of the light that is in place in this dark area and time right now, we definitely feel a call to make an impact anywhere we can.” It is no surprise that a certain amount of inspiration was found in Dr. Anderson herself, whose spirit Shelley Croft fondly speaks of. “I said I would do this just to hang around the ball of energy that Dr. Anderson is. I feel inspiration from your energy and your drive and your ability to have a vision and give it feet and make it walk,” Shelley Croft tells Dr. Anderson. “I’m looking forward to learning and hanging around you and talking with you and picking your brain.” Scott Croft saw the same motivation found in his wife in his own self, and with experience working with kids and the drive to help others, he couldn’t help but follow her to Hope House. “It’s always been a passion of mine to help people in whatever ways they can be helped. What better way to help kids who don’t have a home by giving them a home?” said Scott Croft. “When I saw the excitement and the passion in Shelly when she was talking about fostering and mentoring kids, I couldn’t say no to that. But it didn’t feel like I should. I wanted to be here to provide this. This is

an opportunity to minister to people hope, love — in whatever way that looks like — in this situation and be a model and help out. It’s a horrible time and we need to bring people together. People can see that and maybe it inspires others” While many supplies and amenities have already been donated to Hope House to help prepare it for the kids who will soon be moving in, donations are continually needed. Things as small as canned goods and toiletries to things as large as kitchen appliances and dressers are needed to tie the home together and provide the most holistic experience possible for the foster family. Restaurants that are willing to sponsor dinner for the home for about one night a month to serve eight-to-10 people are being sought out as well. Phone inquiries about donating items can be made to Yolanda Elkins at 314653-8162. An online cash donation site can also be found at www. jenningsk12.org. “A lot of what we’re doing demonstrates possibilities,” said Dr. Anderson. “This is much larger than Jennings. This is about how we serve kids in ways that give them a new beginning and give them hope for the future. By opening Hope House we now have the ability to really wrap services around these kids and ensure that they go off to college and get scholarships. All of those other pieces that currently are in their way of being successful people in life will now be addressed. My hope is that current Jennings students will recognize that their role in this world is much broader, and that it’s really about helping their fellow man or woman and helping them be successful in life. We’re a living example of how that’s possible.”

COMMUNITY VOICES Leadership offers a promise the police can’t keep. By Daniel Isom From the 70s to the 80s, the 90s, early 2000 and now in 2015, St. Louis and the U.S. have experienced fluctuations in crime trends. With each wave of crime the community and law enforcement point to similar factors responsible for the increases. In the 70s, it was heroin. The 80s saw the increased use of cocaine. By the 90s, the crack epidemic was in full swing. In 2000, meth was the latest drug that explained increases in crime. And now, society has come full circle with heroin as the latest epidemic that explains the increase in crime. The second factor often cited as explanation for increases in crime is increases in gangs or groups engaging in criminal activity. The final explanation suggests that the easy access to guns provides the means for lethal confrontations. Undoubtedly, these factors significantly contribute to the violence in community that struggle with violence far too often. However, it’s also true that drugs are a consistent presence not only in disadvantaged neighborhoods, but we find that drug use among middle and upper class groups are similar if not more than citizens in areas of poverty Despite the reoccurring trends and the evidence, which points to root behaviors and availability of contraband being similar across social and racial groups, leadership continues to offer a promise that the police can’t keep. Each wave of crime seems to produce the same response. In the 90s, the president was asked and delivered 100,000 more officers. Today, there is a call for more officers. In addition to more officers, stricter crime control measures are championed today as in the past. Broken windows, stop and frisk, hot spot policing and focus deterrence have been promoted as so-

lutions to successive crime waves. While each approach has been proven to make difference in the short run, none have produced sustained crime reductions or substantial changes in the underling conditions in any way that produces true crime reduction. We need police and evidence-based community centered strategies. However, more police and better crime control strategies do not heal the health of a community. They do not lead to reductions in crime that are meaningful and sustainable. It is actually the absence of the need for police that points to progress. As we experience the current wave of crime, the real distinction between low and high crime communities are not drugs, group behavior, guns, or how effective is our policing. It’s universal health care including mental health, education, employment and embracing diversity in every aspect of our society. It’s actions, policy and programs in which equality is not only the goal but equity is as well. Equity is investing what is necessary to lift individuals out of the social and personal conditions that produce crime and is a sincere promise that will lead to sustainable change where crime is primarily the outgrowth of conditions. Daniel Isom II Ph.D. is a University of Missouri-St. Louis Professor of Policing and the Community and former city of St. Louis Chief of Police. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 25, 2015

Hazelwood Police Department to step up impaired driving enforcement The Hazelwood Police Department will again be conducting numerous high-visibility sobriety checkpoints during the upcoming holiday season. The first checkpoint is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 27 and the checkpoints will be supplemented with saturation patrols. Hazelwood Police Chief Gregg Hall said Hazelwood police officers will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the campaign and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk. “Each year, over 10,000 people are killed in drunk driving crashes – one every 52 minutes – and over 290,000 people are injured. “We want to remind everyone that driving

drunk is a terrible idea. Not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgement and good sense about whether you can, or should, drive. We want to encourage drivers to make a simple, smart choice. Drive sober, or designate a driver,” Chief Hall said. During the upcoming holiday season, the Hazelwood Police Department wants all motorists to buckle up, drive sober and arrive alive. For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com. Funding for this effort is provided through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division.

Veterans’ parade and presentation in Florissant A spectacular Veterans’ Parade followed by a presentation of the Veteran of the Year award was held on Nov. 8 in Florissant. Great weather provided an enthusiastic turn out to pay tribute to our veterans. This year’s parade marshal was Joe Quick, who was last year’s Veteran of the Year winner. The Veteran of the Year award went to former Florissant City Councilman Patrick Stinnett for his dedicated service to our nation in the United States Air Photo courtesy city of Florissant Force during the Vietnam War and 2015 VOF Queen Courtney Neisler and some members of the Queen’s Court appeared in his continuing service to veterans the Veterans’ Parade in Florissant on Nov. 8. and to the community. Master Sgt. Carl Hargus was the master of cer- otic vocal selections and Florissant Police Chapemony. Mayor Thomas Schneider (U.S. Navy Sea- lain Dr. Kevin McGhee from the United Methodbee Vet) and Councilman Jeff Caputa (US Marines ist Church gave the invocation and benediction. Vet) addressed the assembly. The award’s ceremony can be viewed on the Sara Schuller and Sarah Miloshewski sang patri- government access channel or on-line.

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Around Town

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November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Winners announced in Just Lose It weight-loss challenge Christian Hospital’s latest round in the Just Lose It weightloss challenge ended on Nov. 19 with the last weigh-in showing 260 participants losing a total of more than 1,500 pounds. Congratulations to the top three winners based on weightloss percentage: 1. Del Stahl lost 18.519 percent of her body weight, shedding 32 pounds during the 12week challenge. 2. Idella Hibbler lost 17.063 Photo courtesy Christian Hospital percent of his body weight after Pictured from left Del Stahl, Idella Hibbler and Nannette Penn. losing 43 pounds. 3. Nannette Penn lost 15.677 percent of her sistently moved up the list throughout the competition. In the end she pushed it to take third body weight losing 33.8 pounds. Del Stahl originally joined Just Lose It for the place, losing 15.677 percent of the body weight T-shirt, but quickly realized that she enjoyed and 33.8 pounds. Others to recognize who made the Top 10 are being around other people who were trying to listed in the ad below. change their lifestyle and be healthier. Over the last six years this competition has She knew she ate out too much and wanted to helped community members lose over 20,000 make a change of eating healthier and making healthy food. Mindless eating was a real prob- pounds and continues on with the next kick-off lem, so she would write everything down she scheduled for Jan. 23, 2016. You must register by ate so she knew exactly what she was putting in calling 314-747-WELL (9355). Registration will her body, which she said really helped. She never begin on or after Dec. 1. No walk-ins will be althought she would be in the Top 10 and here he lowed. There is a $15 entry fee per person. For more information, go to www.ChristianHospital. is at number one. Idella Hibbler had been in the competition for org/events then to Just Lose It! Here is your chance to make lifestyle changes a few rounds. The last round she was in ninth place losing 33.5 pound that round and impres- and improve your health with help from your sively she kept it off and continued losing. She friends at Christian Hospital, City of Bellefonlost an additional 43 pounds this round for a to- taine Neighbors, City of Florissant, BJC Medital of 76.5 pounds this year and to become sec- cal Group in Edwardsville, Illinois, Community News, Lincoln University, Rehab at Graham ond in the competition. Nannette Penn kicked it up a notch and con- Medical Center and the YMCA.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 25, 2015

‘Shop North County Day’ encourages residents to shop local As the movement to shop local continues to grow, the North County Inc., Regional Development Association (NCI) and the Regional Business Council (RBC) are encouraging consumers to shop small and support the local businesses this holiday season in Dellwood, Ferguson and Jennings. With the support of American Express, a founding partner of Small Business Saturday, NCI and RBC will be acknowledged as Neighborhood Champions for Shop North County Day, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28. The all-day event will highlight products and services from small North County business owners located in those communities and will promote the importance of shopping local. On Nov. 28 from 8:30 - 11 a.m. there will be kick-off event at Plaza at 501 on S. Florissant Road in Ferguson to encourage the St. Louis region to come out bright and early and Shop Small and support local businesses throughout the North County community. “Shop North County Day celebrates small businesses that offer local character and prosperity and enrich the whole region. By choosing local and independent businesses for your services, shopping, dining and other needs, you not only get real value and personal service; you’re helping build the community,” said Rebecca Zoll, president and CEO of North County Inc. Information about the type of businesses that shoppers and diners can support can be found at www.ShopNorthCounty.com. Shoppers will also enjoy a diverse list of discount offers in the free “Shop Local” coupon book that supports NCI’s new marketing initiative “North County Now, North County Proud”. The coupon book can be picked up at the kick-off event on Nov. 28 from 8:30-11 a.m. or downloaded from the www.ShopNorthCounty.com website. “Our new marketing initiative has a fundamental goal of growing the reach and reputation of the area businesses throughout North County, while increasing sales and achieving a sustainable competitive advantage,” said Zoll. “The ‘Shop Local’ coupon book highlights our diverse shopping opportunities, encourages consumers to visit participating businesses, while saving them a little money. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this event and see what our great community has to offer.” Additionally, those who shop that day will be able to enter a special drawing which will feature numerous prizes such as a flat screen television, a Day Spa certificate, dinner for two to an area restaurant, and gift cards from local stores throughout the area. More than $1,000 worth of prizes will be given out, but you must shop first, then enter your receipt and entry form to be eligible to win. More information on how to participate along with entry form and rules can be found at www.ShopNorthCounty.com. “This is truly an innovative way to bring customers back to the community,” said Kathy Osborn, executive director for the Regional Business Council. “We need these business owners to succeed. The RBC and the Reinvest North County Fund are happy to participate and support this effort. So let’s shop North County!” For more information on the Shop North County Day event and how you can win big this holiday season, visit www.ShopNorthCounty.com.

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BJC Hospice in need of volunteers As the holiday season approaches, you may be reflecting on the many blessings you have had in your life. Many of the highlighted blessings will probably not involve physical things, but were rather small moments of time that meant a lot to you because someone listened and expressed understanding during a stressful time of your life. Maybe someone did an errand for you when your day was too full or your body was too weak. These are probably the moments that stand out as the best blessings as you look around the Thanksgiving table or send out your holiday cards. There is an opportunity for you to become someone who gives a blessing to a person in need. BJC Hospice needs volunteers to help those individuals and their families who are faced with a non-curable illness and have a prognosis of about one year. This program is offered at no cost due to generous donations to BJC Hospice. An integral part of the program requires volunteers to be successful. We need more volunteers in your area. Volunteers may offer: companionship, errands, spiritual support and re-

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spite for the caregiver. You can be that person who provides the blessing of helping this neighbor and his or her caregiver who is going through an unbelievably stressful life change. Volunteers are completely trained by BJC Hospice and volunteering requires no medical care. Merely by listening, running errands, perhaps staying in the home while the caregiver takes a much needed break, the volunteer provides an interaction that is one of those kept forever as a blessing in that person’s heart. If you think you would be able to give some of your time to these families and their loved one and become part of their blessings during this holiday season and beyond, please give the BJC Hospice office in call at 314-872-5050. Reading Becky Lewellen Povich’s memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs, is like sitting at the kitchen table with your best friend, reminiscing about the good times and the bad. It’s humorous, nostalgic, hilarious, and heartbreaking. It can be purchased at Thistle & Clover, 407 South Main Street in St. Charles or online at www.beckypovich.com

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Business

November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Emerson donates $5,000 to Ferguson Middle School library

Garden Villas North announces new director

Emerson recently announced its donation of $5,000 to the Ferguson Middle School library. The funds will be used to support the diversification of books to engage more students in the love of reading and to purchase production resources for the studentrun broadcasting studio, Echo Live. Holly James, library/media specialist at Ferguson Middle, advocated Emerson’s support after the global corporation announced an initiative to support the growth of the community of Ferguson in the areas of education and youth development. James, who was hired this school year, took inventory of the school’s library collection and determined the majority of the collection was over 10 years old. The collection is missing books for students reading at lower literacy levels, high-interest books highlighting AfricanAmerican characters, and fiction to appeal to youth culture. “Mrs. James is going to do a survey of students’ interests for the selection of books and align the purchases to the needs of students based on he world of retirement and estate planning is reading data,” said Dr. Katy extremely complex. Chambers, principal of Ferguson Middle School. According to Chambers, there will be a revolving account set up that will be dedicated to the monitoring and tracking of funds from the donation. The Echo Live student There are literally thousands of news crew will do a feature different tools, designs, strategies, story about the donation and products and concepts available. use of funds. The video will And every year there are tax law be sent to Emerson as a thank changes, interest rate changes, you for their generous donarule and law changes, and changtion and support of developing es in the economy. Because of this, many people, unfortunately, the education and leadership are simply not aware of some very of Ferguson youth. beneficial tools and strategies “We are excited about the that are available now. So are you growth of the literacy climate aware of these valuable options? at Ferguson Middle School,” • There is now a way to avoid Resaid Chambers. quired Minimum Distributions

Are You Aware of these Valuable Options?

(RMDs) on a portion of your money up to the age of 85? • There are two ways to get money into a tax free Roth IRA even if you do not qualify based on income requirements? • There is a way to get taxable money out of a non-qualified annuity contract tax free to pay for long term care expenses? • There is specialized tax treatment available for company stock held inside of a 401k plan? • You can provide asset protection for your heirs upon inheriting your IRA money, and also control the spending and distribution of this money from the grave? It is often said that the most valuable commodity available is proper knowledge and information. A successful retirement plan often comes down to having this proper knowledge and information. For help on this or other financial and retirement areas, give us a call at our 360 IRA oﬃce in St. Charles at 636-896-4052 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

Patty O’Leary was named the new Director/Administrator of Garden Villas North. She has extensive long-term care experience and achievements. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she began her career caring, entertaining, and energizing seniors as an Activity Director in West County. Her love for the seniors mixed with her enthusiasm to learn guided her to receive her Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators license in 1993. She was quickly promoted to Administrator of the West County facility where she began as the Activity Director. Patty continued to grow in the healthcare arena becoming the Executive Director of an Independent Retirement community in Florissant. After much success there, she found herself continuing to get deeper into the care of seniors. Fortunately, she was chosen Submitted photo to facilitate the opening of a new Webster Groves AsPatty O’Leary is named the new Director/Administrator of sisted Living community. Garden Villas North.

First Banks, Inc. enters fourth generation of family leadership Continuing a legacy of four generations of erberg, who will remain on the board. In 1966, family ownership, Michael J. Dierberg has been Jim succeeded his father and was named Presielected Chairman of the dent of the small, community bank, initially known Board of Directors of First Banks, Inc. (the parent as Creve Coeur Farmer’s Bank (later to become company of First Bank). First Missouri Bank and He was elected during the First Banks, Inc. Board ultimately First Bank). “Our long history of meeting on Oct. 29 and will succeed his father, family ownership has provided us with the staJames F. Dierberg, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Michael bility to build deep, longterm relationships with Dierberg currently serves our clients,” said Michael. as Vice Chairman of First “The strength of these reBanks, Inc. and First lationships is at the heart Bank. “I am honored to be of First Bank’s success and I look forward to helpelected Chairman,” said Submitted photo ing the bank achieve even Dierberg. “First Bank has a rich and proud heritage Michael J. Dierberg has been elected Chairman of the Board greater success through of Directors of First Banks, Inc. and I am grateful for the deeper connections to the markets and communities we serve in the years opportunity to carry the torch forward.” Michael succeeds his father James (Jim) F. Di- to come.”

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 25, 2015

Maritz Arts and Education Council awards Brown Elementary School with a $3,742 grant Brown Elementary School, in the Hazelwood School District was awarded a $3,742 grant from Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers Foundation. This grant will be used to fund the “Totem Sculpture Garden” project. Students in grades K-5 will design and create individual parts of the totem with members of the local faith-based communities representing diversity, love, peace and acceptance. These totems will be boldly displayed in front of the school and local churches in “Totem Sculpture Gardens.” “The Totem Sculpture Garden project will give our Brown School family another opportunity to use art as a means for pulling our community together and be a constant reminder to celebrate peace, love, acceptance and diversity,” said Principal Matt Phillips.

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The grant was submitted by Brittany Hoffman, Brown Elementary art teacher. “The sculpture garden was the dream child of our principal, Matt Phillips. Matt had spent some time in Alaska, and was particularly struck by the Native American totems that are so prevalently displayed there. When Matt told me of his totem idea, I immediately jumped on board and began to have dreams about this project,” said Hoffman. “On behalf of Brown Elementary staff and students, we thank the Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers, a grant program administered by the Arts and Education Council for their generosity and for selecting our project,” said Phillips. The Totem Sculpture Garden will be completed and installed in spring of 2016.

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Ferguson-Florissant School District’s 2015 state assessment scores announced Results from the 2015 Missouri Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Ferguson-Florissant School District show an increase in the district’s overall score. Ferguson-Florissant received 97.5 points out of a possible 140 points on the state’s annual assessment, or 69.6 percent. Ferguson-Florissant remains fully accredited. This year’s score of 69.6 percent is a 3.9 percent increase from last year’s score of 65.7 percent. Among the five standards measured in the Annual Performance Report (APR), FergusonFlorissant saw a 20 percent increase in College & Career Readiness, a slight decline in Subgroup Achievement, and flat scores for Academic Achievement, Attendance, and Graduation Rate. “We are not satisfied with these results, and we have taken action to increase our performance,” said Ferguson-Florissant’s new Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis. “Our community experienced

unprecedented turmoil over the last school year, and we understand that it is difficult for students to perform well in school in the midst of such distress. Education will empower students to move forward from these difficulties, and we are committed to providing a world-class education in the Ferguson-Florissant District. Since my start as Superintendent July 1, we have begun evaluating all facets of the work we do for students. Using the strategic plan created by our stakeholders we are focusing our efforts on those practices that are proven to provide the greatest results for students.” Working closely with the Board of Education and Dr. Davis, the district leadership team is implementing a framework for powerful results. This framework will narrow the focus of district efforts to those proven practices which yield the greatest results for students.

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Chief meteorologist at KMOV, visits with Garrett Elementary third graders KMOV-TV Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton visited Garrett Elementary, where he talked to third grade students about weather. As the students gathered in the classroom and sat on the floor in front of the Promethean Board, Templeton showed different weather photos, which generated a lot of reaction from the students. “How many snow days are we going to have?” a student wanted to know. “Only one,” he replied. This question led Templeton to talk about the Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District impact of El Nino and how it’s used to make predictions KMOV-TV Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton with Garret Elementary students. about the coming winter. Templeton went on to explain how hurricanes eral smaller stones that formed a conglomerate, are formed, and how hurricane Katrina was as making it look lumpy. He showed a video of a big as the entire city of New Orleans. “What car window being smashed by golf ball sized hail. does Katrina mean?” a student asked. He fur- “Their insurance is not going to pay for that,” a ther explained the process of name selection for student said. hurricanes, and because of the devastation, the He also talked about how lightning heats the name Katrina had been retired from use in the surrounding air, which excites molecules and future. forces them to move violently, creating thunder. His photos included images from the April He told them lightning seeks an easy “path” from 2011 tornado that struck parts of North St. Louis the clouds to the ground sometimes and that County. He reminded them about taking cover path includes a person who might be outside in a basement or an interior room with no win- during a storm. dows, like a bathroom during tornado warnings. He reminded the students that metal and waTempleton talked about the process that ter conduct lightning and to stay away from winforms hail and how the stone was actually sev- dows during storms.

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November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life Local Author Spotlight: William J. “Doc” Anderson Thankful for a tank full “War is hell!” That’s what Korean War veteran William J. “Doc” Anderson and many other combat veterans say. Doc Anderson’s wartime memoir has been published in time for the 65th anniversary of the Korean War and Veterans Day. “Battlefield Doc: Memoirs of a Korean War Combat Medic” is based on journal notes Doc took during his time as a medic with the 25th Infantry Division on the front lines of the war. Returning soldiers took pages of his notes back to the States and mailed them to Doc’s home address. After the war, when Doc had recovered from frostbitten fingers, he rewrote his notes the best he could — some were faded from rain or snow. Although Doc meant his notes to be private, his friends read some of the stories and encouraged him to think about getting them published. A friend generously volunteered her time to type his handwritten notes. Sixty-three years after he returned home from his tour of duty, the notes have been edited and published as a series of short stories documenting life in the trenches as a medic, the dangers encountered on patrols and commando missions, and the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. His editor was astonished by some of the stories. She asked Doc, “How do you sleep at night?” Doc answered, “I don’t.” Doc Anderson, known also as “Coach” for his many years of coaching young tennis players in the St. Louis area. Doc hopes his stories will live on not just for history’s archives, but as a way to inform and enlighten people to the realities of combat duty, to understand why combat veterans say, “War is hell,” and as a warning as North Korea continues its threats. The Korean War has never formally ended.

Finally, the undead have taken their loot and left the area after their plunder and destruction. Yes, the trick-or-treaters have long gone. Now what have we got to look forward to – pilgrims and Plymouth Rock and misshapen turkeys traced from little hands to be hung on the refrigerator along with blasphemous amounts of overeating. Ya! High five! Let the eating begin. But first, move the belt buckle over a few notches, unsnap the pants button and wear an extralarge t-shirt to keep the unmentionables hidden away because those pants could drop at any minute. At last, the one day gluttony cannot be counted sinful is upon us. Fortunately, St. Peter issues everyone a “Get Out Of Purgatory Free” card this time of year. Thanksgiving is when families gather around the dinner table to fight over politics or the best method for cooking and stuffing a turkey, but peace returns as they finally all agree on the best way to cook and stuff a politician. Once again, everyone is pressing Aunt Fiona for her special cranberry recipe. Of course, she’ll never reveal its secrets. But suspiciously, it’s always presented the very same way – in one gelatinous, wobbling lump in the shape of a tin can complete with ridges and all. The young ones are especially quiet and sitting at attention while texting each other underneath the table asking for ideas on how to dispose of the

scoop of burnt marshmallow yams on their plates. Someone suggests they bury it under the clump of green bean casserole. The platter of turkey becomes a point of contention when nothing is left but tiny shreds of brown meat as the juicy breast meat has all been picked over. Aunt Fiona comes to the rescue by passing her quivering concoction around again insisting that somebody be the first to cut into the jellied clot. Afterwards, when the mincemeat pie is left untouched alongside Aunt Fiona’s cranberry lump, the pumpkin pie has started to digest and the turkey meat tryptophan settles in. Everyone is medicated in front of the drone of some repetitive football game; snoring, drooling and sleeping off their gorging, but all thankful more than anything else to be in possession of that, “Get Out Of Purgatory Free” card. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 25, 2015

Movie

“The Hunger Games”

By Steve Bryan

Saying goodbye to “The Hunger Games” Although the Thanksgiving holidays are a time of celebration, this year it also is a time for saying goodbye. After three-and-a-half years, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” closes out its franchise with the most explosive chapter in the story. The sharply-drawn characters made the books difficult to put down, and the performers chosen to play them on screen are equally compelling. Has there ever been a heroine quite like Katniss Everdeen? In the original “Hunger Games” novel, author Suzanne Collins introduced readers to this extraordinary young woman. Living in Panem, a country divided into districts, Katniss hunts and traps animals to feed her family. She’s strong, independent and helps care for her sister Primrose. Katniss and her sister are, unfortunately, eligible for the Hunger Games, an annual televised event in Panem. Each district must send one boy and one girl to battle to the death. Only one contestant can emerge as the victor of the games. After Primrose is selected from their district, Katniss volunteers to take her place. It’s hard to imagine anyone but Jennifer Lawrence playing this iconic role in the movies. In 2010, she captivated audiences as Ree, a girl living in the Ozark Mountains looking for her missing father in “Winter’s Bone.” Lawrence’s performance in this film earned her an Academy Award nomination and put her on the path to stardom.

“The Hunger Games” also made Elizabeth Banks more of a household name. Though she recently hosted a well-received edition of “Saturday Night Live,” she previously had been known for such supporting roles as Betty Brant in the “Spider-Man” movies and the very efficient Charlene in “Fred Claus.” Her “Hunger Games” performance as the style-conscious Effie Trinket, however, gave her a real career boost. A successful TV and movie actor, Woody Harrelson

makes an intriguing Haymitch Abernathy, the former Hunger Games champion turned mentor. Harrelson has played dozens of memorable roles in movies, including a conspiracy theorist in the explosive “2012” and a murderer in “Natural Born Killers.” His upcoming projects include “War for the Planet of the Apes” and the title role in “LBJ.” Before “The Hunger Games” came along, Josh Hutcherson had already established himself as a solid actor. He starred opposite Will Ferrell and Robert Duvall in the soccer comedy “Kicking & Screaming” and played Robin Williams’ son in “RV.” Throughout the “Hunger Games” movies, Hutcherson stood out as Peeta, the young man who would do anything to save Katniss. It’s been a wild cinematic ride for “The Hunger Games.” Though the cast will continue to make great movies, this franchise has really made its mark at the movies. “The Hunger Games” photos courtesy of Lionscape 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.

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November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports River City Rascal player heading to the majors The team’s third baseman and the 2015 Frontier League Most Valuable Player, Taylor Ard, had his contract purchased by the Miami Marlins organization. This is the second time in as many years that Ard has drawn interest from a MLB club after being signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in 2014. Ard played in all 96 of the Rascals games in 2015 and helped lead the club to their second consecutive Frontier League Championship appearance. * Have fun Guns N Hoses benefit set The boxing event taking place Wednesday, Nov. 25 benefits The BackStoppers. There will be 15 three-round bouts of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) matches between police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel from Missouri and Illinois. Both male and female fighters are scheduled. Go to www.ticketmaster.com for tickets. * Super fund raiser Two Lion wrestlers win titles at Joe Parisi open The day-long Joe Parisi Open that hosted 634 total wrestlers came to a close as the Lindenwood Lions stood out with seven wrestlers placing including two winners on Saturday.

Daniel Swan, freshman, claimed the 125-class title while the 165-class belonged to sophomore Kyle Jolas. Both competed in the Black Division that consisted of freshmen and sophomores. Two Lions placed in the Gold Division that was open to anyone. * Thanks to Drew Morris / Graduate Assistant for Sports Information Lindenwood Professional indoor soccer Friday Our hometown St. Louis Ambush takes on the Missouri Comets at the Family Arena this Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:05 p.m. The Ambush is looking to pick up their first victory after two losses early in the 2015/16 campaign where as the Comets have won all four of their games. The next home game is Dec. 12 at 7:05 when the Ambush take on the Tacoma Stars. Go to www.StLouisAmbush.com for all the details. * Kickin’ good time with lots of excitement Rams give game to Baltimore Ravens With first-string quarterback Nick Foles on the bench, backup Case Keenum had an opportunity to shine…. that didn’t happen. At one stretch he threw seven incomplete passes in a row. He hit his head hard on the ground by a sack near the end of the game when the score was tied. A few plays later he was part of a fumble that gave the Ravens the ball and they converted a field goal to win the game 16-13. He probably suffered a concussion, as he looked very groggy. A few highlights: • Running back Todd Gurley led the team in rushing with 25 attempts for 66 yards with one rushing touchdown; he has recorded a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games-last time a Ram’s running back had a rushing touchdown in at least five consecutive games was Marshall Faulk in 2002. • Quarterback Case Keenum completed 12-of-26 passes for 136 yards and one touchdown to tight end Lance Kendricks. • Defensive tackle Aaron Donald led the team in tackles with 10 (four solo). * On to the Cincinnati Bengals’ house Tune into Your Health Plus Radio Show, Every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KSLQ 104.5 FM

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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 • November 25, 2015

Recipe

Spice up your holidays When the house is filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon, it’s a sure sign the holidays have arrived. This signature flavor of the season can add warmth and nostalgia to everything from traditional baked goods to vegetable sides and cocktails. “Everyone loves cinnamon in classic desserts like apple pie, but this spice is so versatile, it can be used in countless sweet and savory dishes,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “For the perfect seasonal side dish, you can toss carrots cooked in a slow cooker with a cinnamon-sugar glaze. Or, add cinnamon sticks to a festive drink, like holiday sangria.” Try these recipes to showcase that pure cinnamon flavor from cocktail hour to dessert. For more recipes and tips, check out McCormick.com.

Spiced Cranberry Sangria Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Finding the Best Cinnamon Before you stock up this holiday season, make sure you’re buying the highest quality cinnamon to bring pure flavor to your dishes. Look for clump-free ground cinnamon that’s a deep brown, mahogany color. It should have a warm aroma and taste with a little “red hot” cinnamon heat.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 16

Directions: Cut orange into 8 wedges. Press 2 cloves into each wedge. Set aside. Mix wine, cranberry juice, cranberries, liqueur, cinnamon sticks and vanilla in large pitcher until well blended. Add orange wedges.

Ingredients: 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts), divided 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 8 cups thinly sliced and peeled Honey Crisp apples (about 8 apples) 1 cup caramel topping, divided Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring crusts to room temperature according to package directions. Unroll pie crusts. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass baking dish with 2 pie crusts. Press seams of overlapping crusts in middle of baking dish together to seal. Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat well. Spoon

Refrigerate 3 hours or until ready to serve. Serve in ice-filled glasses, if desired. Tip: If transporting Spiced Cranberry Sangria to a party, prepare recipe without adding the wine. Take the spiced cranberry juice in a clean, portable tightly covered beverage container leaving enough room for the wine. Then pour the bottle of wine into the container at the party. Serve and enjoy! into pie crust. Drizzle with 3/4 cup caramel topping. Top with remaining 2 crusts. Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping to serve.

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Carrots Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 3-4 hours | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 2 pounds baby carrots 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions: Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Add carrots and melted butter; toss to coat. Cover.

Ingredients: 1 orange 16 whole cloves 1 bottle (750 milliliters) sweet white wine, such as Moscato or Riesling 3 cups cranberry juice 1 cup fresh cranberries 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier 2 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Cook on high 3 to 4 hours or until tender. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and salt in small bowl until well blended. Toss cooked carrots with brown sugar mixture in slow cooker just before serving. Tip: Keep cooked carrots in slow cooker when transporting to a party. Bring brown sugar mixture in small resealable plastic bag. For best results, toss carrots with brown sugar mixture just before serving.

What’s Happening

November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events Nov. 25: Karaoke Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

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Nov. 26: Thanksgiving meal On Thanksgiving Day Wellspring Church in Ferguson is opening its doors for a community meal, partnering with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. For five years, Wellspring and its ecumenical partners have fed and worshiped on Thanksgiving. The two churches will gather at Wellspring for a combined worship service at 10 a.m. followed by a traditional sitdown Thanksgiving meal starting at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. or when the food runs out. Wellspring Church is located at 33 S. Florissant Rd. in Ferguson. All are welcome to attend the service and the meal. A secondary location at Koch Elementary at 1910 Exuma Dr. will also serve food from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers to prepare and contribute are needed, please contact 314-521-4217 to find out how to help. Nov. 27: 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 314831-6121. Nov. 28: Fall barbecue Fall barbecue with ribs, pork steaks, brats, hamburgers and hotdogs at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois starts at 1 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314831-6121. Dec. 5: Christmas with Santa Old Town Florissant Christmas with Santa will take place from 2 – 4:30 p.m. and concludes with Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall with seasonal music. The tree lighting at the end of the activities concludes the day. Santa Claus will arrive at City Hall at 2:15 p.m. and welcomes all children to visit him. (There is a charge to have your picture with Santa). You can also make a craft (sponsored by the St. Louis County Library), decorate a cookie donated by Helfer’s, have your face painted by the Valley of Flowers Queen and her maids, let Cookie the Clown make your very own balloon sculpture, listen to a Christmas story, listen to wonderful seasonal music and of course have cookies and cocoa. There may even be a surprise! Shops will be open along rue St. Francois. Dec. 5: Project Liftoff Project Liftoff is a drug free, alcohol free, tobacco free holiday D.A.R.E party sponsored by the city of Florissant and Florissant Youth Advisory Commission from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Cen-

ter for 5th – 8th grade. There will be DJ music, a game room, ice skating, swimming, contests and door prizes. Refreshments include free pizza and Pepsi products. Admission is $6 in advance, $8 day of event. A Florissant resident card is required to purchase ticket. Tickets required upon entry. Tickets are on sale now at the JFK Center or JJE Center. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For more information call the James J. Eagan Center at 921-4466 or JFK Center at 921-4250. Dec. 6: Christmas tree lighting ceremony Join the city of Overland to celebrate the Sixth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Erickson Plaza (located on the corner of Woodson Road and Midland Blvd). There will be hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, and Christmas carols available following the lighting. This is no admission cost for this event and is open to the public. Dec. 10-12: Christmas Light Trolley It’s that time again for you to be the judge on the “Christmas Light Trolley” ride, scouting for the best Christmas Light display in Overland. Tour dates are set for Dec. 10, 11, and 12 with trolleys leaving at various times each night. Space is limited and tickets will go on sale starting Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Overland Community Center. Tickets are $4.50 per person. (Note: Children 5 years and younger may ride free as long as they sit on a parent’s lap during the entire ride) Please call the Overland Community Center for ticket availability. Tour Times are as follows: Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11 at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17: Christmas house decorating contest Applications for the Christmas House Decorating Contest are free to Florissant residents and will be available beginning Nov. 23 at the James J. Eagan Center, JFK Community Center and Florissant City Hall. Parks and Recreation prizes are awarded to the best decorated homes. Temporary yard signs acknowledging 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be posted. The city will remove the signs within one week. Deadline to apply is Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec 17. Dec. 19: Visit with Santa Visit with Santa at Sunset Park Nature Lodge from 9 - 10:30 a.m. You may obtain tickets by showing your resident card and paying $1 or donating one canned food item per ticket. Only Florissant Residents may purchase tickets. A limited number of tickets will be available. Tickets will be available at the JFK or JJE centers. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring a camera for a photo with Santa at the beautiful Sunset Park Nature Lodge. For more information call 921-4250 or 921-4466.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 25, 2015 Dec. 19: Blood drive The city of Bellefontaine Neighbors with the American Red Cross will be conducting a Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hazelwood Central High School at15875 New Halls Ferry Rd. This event is sponsored by the city of Bellefontaine Neighbors and Sickle Cell Association. The purpose of this drive is to promote registration of minorities with the National Registry for Bone Marrow. Jan. 23: STEM Extravaganza The Hazelwood School District STEM Extravaganza is a showcase of educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The event will take place on from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Hazelwood Central High School at 15875 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. At the STEM Extravaganza, attendees will participate in demonstrations and hands-on activities for all grade levels, exhibits, speakers, college representatives and more. Participants scheduled to attend include: Boeing, Ameren Missouri, and Washington University in St. Louis, BJC Healthcare, U.S. Navy, Danforth Plant Science, St. Louis Community College, FIRST Robotics, Project Lead the Way, and Hazelwood School District math and science departments. This event is free and open to the public. 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.

Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

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

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.

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

What’s Happening

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.

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.

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

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Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months. Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs. While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es 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.” 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 range up to that 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. . . . . . . ” . with . ibbons. Women . ........ ts Religion 5 com. Spor

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

Our publications use a combination of online subscription, Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods. Movie Talk and two news magazines, each Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers covering a unique market segment “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This within St. Louis County and St. method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen Charles County. As a member of and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community the Missouri Press Association, all News has developed a network of over 650 convenient of our publications feature verified locations including every major supermarket chain. Our circulation and an earned credibility voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: among our peers. 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 COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a First published in 1921, Community News is the longest Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of full value for the entire print run. published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan newsstands, home throw, and online subscription. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage group of readers, Community News circulates across a broad geographic region including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, because the majority with newstands, home throw and online subscription. Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, of voluntary readers and Wentzville, plus Troy. are occasional readers. Over time, these unique CROSSROADS MAGAZINE OUR TOWN MAGAZINE This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the fast-growing groups add up are to aavailable Published Our Town islocations, direct mailed toincluding all business every Our FREE publications in over bi-monthly, 500 convenient Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save. Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a readership size about additional copies available in newsstands, unique business-to-business magazine featuring chamber of three times greater plus online subscribers. commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, than the print run. human resources, and marketing. 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 and urinary inconti al improvement person and bra fitting gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, p made easy, hair, makeu

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November 25, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

By Joe Morice

Over the Fence

Mother Nature is a tough lady, redux In view of recent unnaturally natural disasters, I’ll repeat experts’ propitious tips to survive them. For instance, surviving tornados requires one to have a basement. One must grab the babies, scramble down the basement steps and hide under a heavy table or work bench while a tornado blows the house into the Land of Oz. I remain unclear on the rules for being stuck under heavy debris while the broken plumbing turns said basement into a swimming pool. Shelter is seldom available from tornados when you’re out and about, so I assume it means you buy a house with a basement and stay home a lot. If a tornado approaches while you’re driving, I’m told you should abandon the vehicle and dive into a ditch or, if one isn’t available, its the old standard gag of bending over, putting your head between your legs and.... Moving right along, I hesitate to believe mobile homes cause tornados but if you‘re living in one, I’d advise moving it to another country. The list of safety measures for potential disasters varies with the disasters. Many people caught out in a storm seek shelter under a handy tree to stay dry, which seldom works, but if lightening strikes the tree, it won’t matter. Experts advise staying out in the open.

It appears to this skeptic that lightening would have a better chance of using you for a ground rod. But what do I know. The truth is, one is seldom safe if Mother Nature decides to show us mortals what “catastrophe” means. The disaster I fear the most is the earthquake of earthquakes that experts have been predicting ever since someone started paying them to do it. I’m referring to the Midwestern version that would make California quakes seem like good vibrations. The New Madrid fault is surrounded by bed rock in all directions, meaning that the vibrations set off by 8+ on the Richter scale won’t have much in the way of soft places to soak it up. This means the Midwest will be history. Hiding in a basement or diving into a handy ditch won’t help. If we’re at home, the experts tell us to stand in a doorway. I assume they mean this is the sturdier part of a house that’s shaking itself to smithereens. If you’re out in the open, avoid overhead power lines lest they snap and turn you into a pile of soot. If you’re in a car, get out quick before the ground opens up and swallows it. What you do while the earth ripples under your feet is a bit vague. I’d recommend breakdancing lessons to give you an edge if

Mother Earth uses your body for a tennis ball. Stay away from tall buildings to avoid pieces of them falling on you. It isn’t mentioned what to do if you’re on the thirtieth floor. I’d advise avoiding the elevators and praying a lot. The quake I fear the most is the big one that happens at night when it’s ten below zero. Movie earthquakes never happen in bad weather. When all is said and done, there are really not many choices to offset bodily harm when Mother Nature goes ballistic. Floods, lightening, wind, heat, cold, snow, ice, tornadoes and hurricanes are bad enough. But in the case of major earthquakes we may discover what ants feel like when an aardvark digs up their anthill. The only sure way to avoid being a victim is move someplace else. I have no idea where. 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.