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N THIS SSUE Around Town Operation Food Search raises $9,500 at annual Empty Bowls fundraiser and more.
Nonprofit Profile Turning Point provides advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Feature Well worth the wait. In spite of delays, new Maryland Heights Community Center is set to open in the spring. By Nicholas Elmes
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore toughens up on New Year’s resolutions while Avalanche recalls a hair-rasing ski trip down Chair Mountain. The Toyota Corolla turns 50 in 2017 and gets a facelift for its birthday in this month’s Automobile Alley.
Caring Partners Ring in the new year by creating healthier days.
Lifestyle Taking a look back at movies you might have missed in 2016 in Entertainment. Brace yourself against winter weather with some cozy recipes in For the Love of Food.
In Depth St. Louis ArtWorks receives 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Events Calendar Staff Writer - Nicholas Elmes, Cover Photo - Nicholas Elmes
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AuthorBiographies
Our Town Volume 08 | Number 1 January 2017
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PUBLISHER Robert Huneke EDITOR Mathew DeKinder PRODUCTION Lisa Moran Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Brian Guerrero, Cindy Moore PHOTOGRAPHER Erica Avellone STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Nicholas Elmes For advertising information, please contact us at:
info@mycnews.com or
Community News
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
Avalanche
Nicholas Elmes is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience leading the newsrooms of small community newspapers in Virginia and North Carolina. A recent transplant to the St. Louis area, he is excited to get a chance to explore the diverse region while helping to share the stories of all of the good things happing in these communities.
Nicholas Elmes
David Finkelstein
David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufacturers, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.
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.
Cindy Moore
Brian Guerro
Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.
Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette. Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup. Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www. mycnews.com
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632 www.mycnews.com Copyright 2017 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
AroundTown
Empty bowls fight hunger
Operation Food Search (OFS) recently raised $9,500 at its 18th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. The empty bowls signify hunger in our community and bring light to this important issue. All proceeds from the sales of these handcrafted pottery items will benefit OFS’ hunger relief efforts. The fundraiser was held in conjunction with National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is always the week before Thanksgiving. It was created to show compassion to those who are experiencing homelessness, as well as to work toward a world where no one has to experience hunger and homelessness. Many local artists and studios created bowls and other art items for sale at the Empty Bowls event including Bob Allen, Marianne Baer, and Bridget McDermott Flood. Participating St. Louis students and faculty included Chaminade College Preparatory School, Christian Brothers College High School, Lindbergh High School, MICDS, Parkway West High School, St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Louis Community College – Forest Park, St. Louis Community College – Meramec, and Whitfield School.
Submitted Photo
A Trip ofFoodHealing Operation Search raises $9,500 at annual Empty Bowls fundraiser
Operation Food Search recently raised $9,500 at its 18th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser.
A new home Operation Food Search (OFS), a hunger relief organization that provides food to the area’s hungry, opened the doors to its new home just in time for the holidays. OFS recently moved to its new 67,000-square-foot headquarters located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. in Overland. The agency was previously located in a 25,000-square-foot building at 6282 Olive Blvd. in University City. For every dollar donated, OFS provides $21 worth of food and nutrition services to support the area’s hungry. For more information, call 314-726-5355 or visit http://www. OperationFoodSearch.org.
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AroundTown
Citizen of the Year Creve Coeur recognizes its 2016 Citizen of the Year
A National Honor
Photo courtesy Bess McCoy
USGA awards Town and Country resident with service award
Public Information Officer and Management Analyst, City of Creve Coeur Kelly Sullivan (center) accepts the award for Creve Coeur Citizen of the Year 2016 from Council President Dr. Ellen Lawrence (left) and Mayor Barry Glantz (right).
The city of Creve Coeur recognized Kelly Sullivan as Citizen of the Year 2016 for his dedication and service to the community at the annual Holiday Appreciation Event Dec. 6 at the Creve Coeur Government Center. Mayor Barry Glantz, joined by Council President Dr. Ellen Lawrence, presented the award to Sullivan at the event honoring all members of the city’s 14 boards, commissions and committees. Sullivan has served the city for many years in a variety of capacities. In 1997, he began serving on the Creve Coeur Finance Committee and served as chair of that committee from 2000 until 2007 when he reached his term limit. He was appointed to the city’s Pension Board of Trustees in 2009 and has served as chair since 2012. “Serving on the Pension Board is intense and carries a significant responsibility,” said Lawrence. “Kelly is a wonderful example of someone who tries to do the right thing every day and 6 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
has gained the admiration and respect of all those who serve alongside him as well as city staff.” Sullivan has worked as an investment advisor and broker for more than 35 years. During his tenure on the Pension Board of Trustees, Sullivan provided a great deal of guidance to help to stabilize the city’s pension plan following the 2008 recession. Under his leadership, the city lowered the level of its equity portion of investments in the pension plan and the funding status of the plan has greatly improved. He has also provided valuable advice to city staff on investments not related to the pension plan. “His knowledge and expertise concerning investments have been invaluable to the city of Creve Coeur,” said Dan Smith, Director of Finance. “He is always willing to give advice not only on pension investments but on other city investments as well.”
Honoring her more than three decades of service as a volunteer, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced Jayne Watson, of Town and Country, as the recipient of the 2017 Joe Dey Award. The USGA has presented the Joe Dey Award annually since 1996 in recognition of an individual’s meritorious service to the game as a volunteer. It is named for Joseph C. Dey Jr., who served as the USGA’s executive director from 1934 to 1969, before serving as the first commissioner of the PGA Tour. Watson first became involved with the USGA in 1987 and was an early expert in the USGA Course Rating System, the USGA Slope Rating System and the USGA Handicap System. Her course rating knowledge earned her a place on the first USGA Course Rating Committee and she has rated hundreds of courses in Missouri and Illinois. “When I got the call telling me I was chosen for the Joe Dey Award, I thought it was a return call about a course rating question from a few days prior. I went on and on before the caller explained why they were calling and it took a minute for me to process it,” said Watson. “I was in shock, and still am. This award means a lot to me and it is very gratifying that the USGA recognizes my efforts in this way.” A stalwart in the St. Louis amateur golf scene, Watson has rated courses for both the Missouri Women’s Golf Association (MWGA) and Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association (MAGA) since the inception of each in 1992. She served two terms as president of the MWGA and is one of only six
AroundTown honorary lifetime members of the association. The MAGA Women’s Amateur Championship trophy is named the Jayne M. Watson Trophy in her honor. Through her work with the MWGA, MAGA and St. Louis Women’s District Golf Association, she has helped raise money to support college scholarships for female golfers in the area. On a national level, she has served many functions to help conduct USGA championships and USGA championship qualifiers, and currently serves on the USGA Senior Women’s
Championship Committee. “Jayne has devoted an incredible amount of time and energy as an advocate for golf both nationally and in her native St. Louis community,” said Diana M. Murphy, USGA president. “She has inspired everyone who has had the pleasure of working with her in St. Louis and on various USGA committees over three decades of service. Her enthusiasm and determination in furthering the game’s best interests makes her an ideal recipient of the 2017 Joe Dey Award.” Watson will receive the Joe Dey
Award at the USGA’s Annual Meeting and Service Awards in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4. The Service Awards Dinner honors the people whose selfless dedication and outstanding accomplishments have made an important contribution to the USGA and its mission to serve the game. In addition to the Joe Dey Award, the Ike Grainger Award, the USGA Green Section Award and the Herbert Warren Wind Book Award will be presented at the Service Awards Dinner.
Giving the gift of smiles Give Kids A Smile provides over $300,000 in free dental services at its most recent dental clinic a Spanish-speaking The Give Kids A Tooth Fairy. Each child Smile organization also received a dental is celebrating care kit, a nutritious the success of its sack lunch, a book and 30th consecutive other prizes. dental clinic. The “Once again, it organization was incredible to see announced that the how many children event, held Oct. benefitted from the 28 and 29 at Saint numerous dental louis University’s services provided Center for Advanced at our most recent Dental Education, two-day clinic,” said provided $341,163 Joan Allen, executive worth of free dental director of Give Kids care to 386 area A Smile. “Thanks to children in need. the generosity of key The clinic was made Submitted Photo financial contributors possible thanks to a (From left) Brian Patterson, Karim Allahdina, and Lisa Seim pose for a photo with Jorgan, an eight-year-old from like Delta Dental host of supporters St. Charles, during Give Kids A Smile Fall Clinic. of Missouri and the and hundreds of volunteers, which included dentists, dental students, Missouri Foundation for Health, and the countless dental hygienists and hygiene students. The next Give Kids A Smile professionals who donate their time and talents, we are clinic is set for February of next year. Those eligible can truly transforming the smiles, and lives, of local children already begin registering by calling 636-397-6453 or who would otherwise not be able to avail of this type of care. With 30 consecutive clinics now behind us, we look visiting www.gkas.org. The children attending the most recent clinic received X-rays, forward to hosting many, many more.” To register for the February 2017 clinic, call Give Kids professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as fillings, root canals and oral surgery, as needed. A Smile at 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas.org. The There was an entertainment area for children to enjoy after registration process includes the completion of health they received services, which included face painters, balloon history and consent forms. Appointments are given on a artists, games, a visit from Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard and first-come, first-served basis. JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 7
AroundTown Staybridge Suites opens in Expanding public transit Citizens for Modern Transit teams up with Maryland Heights
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Enterprise to introduce Zimride to the St. Louis region
A $16 million Staybridge Suites recently opened at 25 Progress Parkway in Maryland Heights.
A $16 million Staybridge Suites recently opened at 25 Progress Parkway in Maryland Heights. The 122-room all-suites hotel will be managed by Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group. The hotel was built by Midas Hospitality’s sister company MC Hotel Construction, a general contractor specializing in new hotel construction and renovations. Staybridge Suites offers both one and two bedroom suites for its guests. The hotel provides fully equipped kitchens, state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool and plenty of amenities including free laundry facilities and complimentary breakfast. “With the full kitchens and all-suites layout, the Staybridge Suites-Maryland Heights is perfect for the extended stay and transient guest visiting the Maryland Heights/Westport Plaza area,” said Kurt Furlong, Midas Hospitality’s Principal and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The hotel is the epitome of convenience with easy access to Interstates 70 and 270. The hotel’s location sits proximate to the many nearby corporations including the expansive Edward Jones’ North Campus.”
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Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) announced the launch of Zimride by Enterprise, a service of Enterprise RentA-Car, in the St. Louis area. The online ride-matching service easily connects drivers and passengers with similar commutes. CMT will be working in partnership with Enterprise to administer this free program, which can benefit existing public transit users by helping them connect with likeminded commuters to extend transit trips and close the gaps that may exist between transit stations and their point of origin or destination. “The St. Louis region has a very successful, integrated public transportation system that offers access to nearly 95 percent of local jobs and educational facilities within Metro’s service area,” commented Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “However, this doesn’t mean that all users can be picked up at their doorstep and delivered within steps of their final destination. Gaps exist. Some transit users must drive to a MetroLink station, before taking the train directly to the office. Others may only have to walk a block to get to a MetroLink station or MetroBus stop, but once they deboard there is still a bit of a distance before they reach their final destination. Ultimately, when used in tandem with transit, ridesharing can help extend transit trips.” As a sustainable alternative to driving individually, Zimride also helps reduce vehicle emissions, traffic congestion and fuel consumption while splitting transportation costs. It is the largest web-based ridesharing and carpooling network in North America. “In addition, Zimride enables individuals to get to shopping establishments, entertainment venues and other destinations that aren’t accessible by transit alone,” added Cella. “Zimride can be used to find a single ride, as well as to find recurring rides on the same day or every day of the week.” Those interested in joining the free Zimride platform must first visit cmt-stl.org/zimride to register to be part of CMT’s closed network. Users will then receive a verification email directing them to zimride.com/cmt where they are able to log in, create a profile and begin searching for rides or riders. Once a match is identified, users can search Zimride reviews and connect through a Facebook interface, before coordinating logistics and putting plans in place to share rides in their personal vehicles. Those interested in splitting gas costs can even do so securely through the Zimride site. For full program details and registration information, visit cmt-stl.org/zimride.
Launching towards success Vantage Credit Union announces 2016 Ready to Launch Entrepreneurial Contest winner
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Vantage Credit Union announced its Ready to Launch Entrepreneurial Winner, Lorenzo Parks, at a party in his honor Nov. 14 at TRex – St. Louis. Parks received a $1,000 cash prize and a business prize pack from Vantage Credit Union, along with over five hours of mentorship from local partners, co-working space, and a membership to local chambers of commerce. “It still feels surreal,” Parks responded when asked how he felt about winning. “I’m definitely excited. I was hopeful that I’d receive a call.” To participate in the contest, interested applicants had to complete an online entry form at vcu.com/ready-tolaunch, include a link to a current or recent crowd-funding project or an existing business website, and create a video demonstrating their vision for their business and explaining why they thought they should win the contest. PreVue, the company Parks and Michael Kelly are developing, stemmed from watching Periscope and actively using eCommerce activities to make money while still in college. “My dad is a used car salesmen and I wanted to give people in the marketplace an opportunity to view a product through a 360-degree live video experience before making a purchase. We’re still in the developmental stage creating the app and have run across some challenges. But winning this prize will help us get closer to our goal.” “Lorenzo and Michael are young entrepreneurs who have the knowledge, skill set, work ethic and passion to take their company to the next level and beyond,” commented Kenneth DeShields, Social Media Specialist for Vantage Credit Union. “We’re excited for them and will be cheering them on their journey.”
(From left) Business partners Michael Kelly and Lorenzo Parks stand together at an awards night party.
AroundTown Sewer program changed Effective Jan. 1, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Insurance Program reimbursements will be reduced to 50 percent. Sewer Lateral Insurance The city of Creve Coeur insures sewer laterals for homes in the city up to 50%, not to exceed $7,500. A sewer lateral is the pipe that carries household waste to the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) sewer main. This program only covers the portion of pipe that carries household waste from the house connection to the sewer main. A sewer line located under any part of a building or a break inside your home is not covered. For more information, call Public Works at (314) 872-2533. Sewer Lateral Line Breaks When a sewer lateral line breaks, sewage typically backs up into the home or yard and areas in the yard collapse where the damaged section of the pipe is located. If you believe your sewer line is broken, there are a few steps you need to take before filing a claim with the city. What to Do 1. Contact a plumber or sewer cleaning service to have them clean the pipe. This is a home maintenance expense and is not reimbursable by the city. 2. If cleaning does not solve the problem, you should file a claim with the city. 3. To file a claim, you need to submit an applictiona and a video tape from inside the pipe to the PW department. 4. If this video shows the line requires repair or replacement, you must obtain three repair bids and submit to the city. 5. The city will review the bid documents and recommend a contractor to perform the work. 6. It is then the responsibility of the homeowner to enter into the agreement with the contractor. 7. Upon completion of the work, the homeowner must submit copies of the following: 1. Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application 2. A receipt showing payment to the contractor 3. A receipt showing all real estate taxes for the current year are paid in full at the homeowners address 4. Paid real estate tax bill for the current year at the address of the repairs 5. A lien waiver from the contractor 6. A completed permit from St. Louis County Plumbing Department 7. Copies of all the bids received Upon receipt of all required documents, the city will reimburse the property owner 50% of the cost of all repairs, up to a maximum of $7,500. Prior to the reimbursement, any and all city bills, and the current year St. Louis County real estate taxes must be paid in full. JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 9
AroundTown
Book fair finds new home
Advertorial
Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair will be held in Queeny Park With a new location and a millions of great reads, the 2017 Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair will be held May 4-7, 2017 at Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park. “We are excited about the new location for the 2017 Book Fair,” said Marilyn Brown, Director of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair. “The Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park will offer book lovers more space and convenience as they peruse the many unique, fun and interesting reads available to them.” One of the oldest and most popular charity book sales in the Midwest, the Greater St. Louis Book Fair will feature millions of books spanning 150 categories with all proceeds going to area literacy and education programs. Heading into its 68th year, the fair will offer a variety of impressive collections including limited editions, rare books, signed copies, coffee table art books, children’s books, music, cook books as well as CDs, DVDs and ephemera. For more information visit StLouisBookFair.org.
Have good news to share? Get your event or good news published in:
email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com. 10 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
IT’S A NEW WORLD OF CAMPING BY RUSS PATTON, OWNER OF BYERLY RV The magical mystery tours of RV travel continue to attract Americans. 2016 will be a record year for the industry. RVs are big business. Several companies are listed on the NYSE. Dealers who are looking to retire or have suffered during the recession are being consolidated into multi-lot networks. One of them has recently “gone public.” Traditional familyowned, local dealers are now competing with outside entities which mainly focus on the growing number of first-time buyers. Their selling model is quite different from the low key, soft selling of a local business. About 40 years ago, the fathers of several local RV dealers joined in an effort to promote the RV lifestyle. The Midwest Gateway RV Dealers Association sponsors two RV shows each year. This year’s spring show will be held at the downtown St. Louis convention center from Feb. 2-5. The fall show takes place the weekend after Labor Day. It is a free outdoor show which will be at the Premier Outlet Mall in Chesterfield Valley. National consolidators have not been able to buy out any established local dealerships. They must build their own. This is a testament to the dedication of the local, family-owned RV dealerships and their customers. Eastern Missouri cherishes local, independent business as evidenced by the predominance of local grocery companies versus national chains. The “Show Me” attitude is still alive in Missouri. Competitors are welcome, but one may notice a contrast in business models. In our market, families are selling to families. One doesn’t have to submit their driver’s license or wait for an “escort” to browse through the selection of RVs. We don’t run your credit to determine what you qualify for. We don’t insist on your vitals so we can pepper you with emails and solicitations. There are no membership qualifications. Our prices are as low as the chains, although the perception of low prices is the primary selling tool of chains which target first-time buyers. The perception of higher prices at local dealers is nothing more than the local dealer’s commitment to offer a selection of higher-quality products because they want your repeat business. We believe that the price/value balance is the best way to shop for an RV. We believe buying local is best for you and best for Missouri. We are Byerly, the Center of the RV World since 1948. Visit us in Eureka or check our website, www. the h t r byerlyrv.com, and follow us on Facebook. Wo ive r D
Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com
NonProfitProfile
Advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
Turning Point volunteers and staff work to raise awareness at the Montgomery County Fair.
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Turning Point provides emergency shelter as well as non-residential advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to the following counties: Warren, Montgomery, Gasconade, Franklin, St. Charles, St. Louis and St. Louis City. The overarching goal is to increase safety and selfdetermination of those who are especially vulnerable to those who choose to batter, control, abuse and rape. We advocate for access to systems that often have little understanding of the complexities and destructive nature of such violence. We also provide immediate safety, clean beds, and sufficient food to help women and children find breathing room to determine their next move. We operate a 24-hour hotline. Callers do not need to give their name or location, and they do not need to make a commitment to leave if they call the hotline. Instead, it is a free and confidential phone call to talk things over and to do some safety planning or to learn more about community resources. The staff that answers the phones have been trained to respond to those in crisis and to help identify and tackle the problem at hand. The overwhelming majority of victims of domestic and sexual violence do not enter a shelter. Those who do not seek shelter typically access advocacy services for assistance, accompaniment and possibly transportation for specific court or law enforcement appointments and hearings. Because victims face a vast array of challenges, advocacy can help far beyond the court system. In addition to direct services to victims, Turning Point staff is available to speak and trainer on subjects related to domestic violence and sexual assault. Turning Point depends on a variety of funding sources, including the St. Louis area United Way, the Missouri Department of Public Safety and private foundations. But we are especially grateful for the private giving that enables us to keep the doors open, the lights on and the protection in place. Turning Point is a member program of Missouri’s Domestic Violence Tax Credits Program that gives incentive for private giving by providing 50 percent tax credits for donations of $100 or more. This means that qualifying
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BY ELLEN REED
These buntings were first hung by Turning Point for the adults and child who were murdered in 2014 on Valentine’s Day in Jonesburg, Missouri in a domestic violence situation. Currently, there are two for two boys from Washington, Missouri, and another is going to be hung for the baby who was murdered in Wentzville.
donors not only claim a charitable giving deduction, but they claim the tax credit as well. This keeps the giving high and the benefits to the donor also very high. Those who need help can access the hotline 24 hours per day, every day. All services are scheduled through the hotline, and organizations and agencies seeking information are invited to call as well. For information, assistance, crisis intervention, or to talk about donations, please call 636-456-1186. Turning Point’s website is www. turningpointdvs.com, and the FB page is at www.facebook. com/turningpointwmo. Ellen Reed is the executive director of Turning Point. She holds a Master of Public Policy Administration with graduate certificates in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and Women’s and Gender Studies, UMSL. She has worked in the battered women’s and anti-rape movements since the early 90s. JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 11
Well Worth the Wait In spite of delays, new Maryland Heights Community Center is set to open in the spring
BY NICHOLAS ELMES Residents of the Maryland Heights community may have to wait until early spring to enjoy all their new community center has to offer, but Parks and Recreation Director Mary Jo Dessieux promises it will be worth the wait. The new $30 million community center has something for everyone, from unique aquatic experiences to a giant basketball and volleyball space, from brand new exercise equipment to an indoor track with great views, from a multi-room senior center to a selfcontained preschool and play room. “It is an amazing facility,” said Dessieux. “You just don’t find 95,000 square-foot municipal community centers. We want to provide something for everyone.” Dessieux said the city had hoped to have the new community center opened by now, but construction issues, including moister issues with the concrete base for the basketball and volleyball court area, had taken longer 12 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
than expected, forcing them to delay the opening. She said that while the delay was unfortunate, Maryland Heights would rather have the new facility built correctly instead of coming back and fixing issues in the near future. “This city builds things right,” she said. “We are going to make every effort to do that here and that has put us a little behind. We subject ourselves to the same inspections that we require of businesses in the area. I would not want to come back in two to four years and have to replace things. Think of the cost of that and the downtime that you would have to deal with. “The public is excited, but right now some of them are upset because we are behind schedule,” said Dessieux. “We have people who want to work out right now. So what we did in the meantime is to try and find them different places they could use in the interim. We worked out a deal with the city of Bridgeton so they can go to their new facility and pay a resident rate there. We are also doing
some programing at our government center.” But city officials are confident that once the public has a chance to see the beautiful new facility, they will be eager to have a chance to use it. “We can compare this to anyone around and know that we have a great a building to offer,” said Dessieux. “We just want the opportunity to offer it to our residents, non-residents and our business community as well. We are excited about all of the possibilities.” She said she expects for staff to move into the new facility in late February and be able to have the facility open to the public by late March or early April.
Hoops and splashes
When the doors of the new center do finally open to the public they will be greeted an initial view of a bright, spacious two-story foyer backdropped with a glass wall offering views into the center’s 12,800 square-foot basketball and volleyball court area. “We have 12 basketball hoops, three
pickle ball courts, and two volleyball nets,” said Dessieux, noting that any combination of court structure can be deployed by lowering the required equipment from the ceiling with a push of a button. “The court itself is a multipurpose flooring. It will have a wood base but then there will be a rubber flooring on top of that. It plays just like a basketball court, but is higher end. It is supposed to last much longer than a wood floor and the maintenance costs will be much less.” If playing a game on the court is not what members are looking for, Dessieux is sure they will find something else to enjoy at the new community center. One option might be the center’s unique aquatic center, located to the right of the main entranceway, and lit by giant open windows looking out into the parking lot. “The main pool will have three lap lanes,” said Dessieux, noting that the aquatic center was designed to offer the best of both fun and fitness opportunities. “When that potion is closed for laps, then we will have it open for people to ride a zipline and drop into it. “We also have a drop slide that will drop you into a deep pool,” she said. “There is also a climbing wall in that area where you can climb up and then fall back into the water. Near that there will be a spray area for little kids which is walled off form the deeper areas.” For the more fitness oriented, the aquatic center also offers a circular area that will be used for aqua zumba and water aerobic classes. “We will also have a current channel where you can walk with or against the current for exercise,” said Dessieux, noting that they have also made sure the pool area will be accessible for people in wheelchairs. “There is an accessibility ramp and we will have several water wheelchairs that you can use to go into the pool with. We also have a family changing room which is great for the mom who might not want to send her four-year-old son into the men’s room yet, or if you have a spouse who needs assistance.”
Pumping iron and running laps
Above the pool, the center features an open weight room and fitness area with expansive views of both the aquatic JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 13
center and the parking lot. “We will have 5,500 square-feet of fitness equipment,’ said Dessieux. “It will be all new, at a cost of about $414,000.” That equipment will include treadmills, ellipticals, powermills, recumbent bikes, stationary bikes, an interactive strike trainer, various weight machines, free weights, a rope trainer, a power rack, rowing machines, cycling bikes, an upper body ergometer, NuStep, a four stack jungle, and various bands, balls, etc. The fitness center, aquatic center, and court are circled by a second-story indoor track. The one-seventh of a mile track provides great views of all three areas while offering a wide temperature controlled area to walk or run during any season.
A space for the community
While the about two-thirds of the space in the new center is focused on physical fitness, the other third provides space for people of all ages to gather and learn. The first floor provides a new preschool facility for children ages two to five. “We will have them separated by age,” said Dessieux. “We will have space for 30 kids each day. It will be sectioned off in the building so it is not accessible by other members.” The preschool facility also features an outdoor play area with separate playground equipment for different age groups and a soft, bouncy rubber flooring. The downstairs area also features a small dance studio for dance classes and a large event space. “That space can be broken into three sections, but when it is completely open it will hold 425 in theater style seating,” said Dessieux. “It has a catering kitchen attached to it and the driveway will go all the way around the building so caterers can come in form the back.” The event area also features an outdoor patio area with wing walls to buffer noise from the nearby highway. There is also a play center for children of members working out on the first floor. Senior citizens will find their home on the second floor of the left side of the new community center. “We will have senior lounge and a multi-purpose room that will be partially theirs,” said Dessieux. “There will also be a small catering kitchen that goes along with it. We already have a good senior population.” The second floor will also provide space for administrative offices. Dessieux said she can’t wait to get moved in, but more importantly, she can’t wait to be able to welcome the public into the new facility.
Photos by Nicholas Elmes Construction continues both inside and out at the new Maryland Heights community Center. Officials expect the facility to be open to the public by late March or early April. 14 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
OurThoughts
MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
N
ew Year’s resolutions are all about promising things you will never do. So to be a total success this time, I resolve to not do certain things and enjoy my victory. First, I’m tired of trying to keep up on my aging and my appearance. It’s a struggle to even become somewhat presentable: dye the hair, trim the nose hairs, pluck the chin hairs, moisturize the sags, tone up the bags and Botox the buttocks. And I’ve tried every diet, from the meditation diet plan where you lay in bed imagining a full stomach; believe you have eaten an entire meal and you will be satisfied throughout the next day. Surprisingly, it actually worked! The next morning I felt as if my insides were about to explode. I imagined! I believed! I was satisfied I just might be on to something. Until I discovered I had sleepwalked to the kitchen in the middle of the night. I’m still awaiting the test results for eating an entire Butterball turkey…raw. On to the Green Smoothie Diet. This little fat remedy requires a pureed concoction of ice chips with kale, beet tops, avocado peal, melon rind and pine needles. Once the liquid touches the taste buds the desire to eat is permanently removed as well as all lining in the mouth. My personal favorite is the Poison Ivy Diet. You eat a nice tossed salad of these natural greens and the lips, tongue and esophagus swell up so much that chewing and swallowing are shut down for a full five weeks. But it guarantees you’ll lose 50 pounds…as well as all sensation above the neck.
PHOTO COURTESY BIGSTOCK
Resolution demolition
So a big “no” this year to all of the above. I am not going to stress over my youth and looks; I am not going on some psycho diet. Instead I have a better remedy – I am only going to hang out with older, uglier, chunkier people than me. Secondly, I am not going to be a timid saint and say to the kids and my husband, “Oh sweeties, your love is enough. Don’t get me anything for,” fill in the blank: Christmas, Mother’s Day, birthday or National Chocolate Day. Believe me, it got me nowhere. Instead of some nice fuzzy pajamas, a trip to my favorite restaurant or a brick of dark chocolate; I received a Trump Chia Pet, a gift card for a flu shot and a snow shovel with a bag of snowmelt pellets. Of course, they were new and improved pellets that de-ice in half the time because only the best will do from my family. Instead, I will preorder from Amazon and sign their names to the forms then patiently wait for my presents on the front porch. And finally, I resolve to not be such a goody-goody by returning any money I find. Such as, in the washing machine. No more, “Who’s missing a ten?” No, no, NO! This year, it’s all long overdue payment from the housework fairy. In that case, she’s due to leave me big green stacks in the dishwasher, gold nuggets in the cat’s litter box and a roll of quarters in the toilet bowl. So looking forward to this coming year! JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 15
OurThoughts
AVALANCHE
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
Chair Mountain sits in the background, behind the two large pines. Descent was down the chute immediately left of the big pine in the center.
A BOLD DECENT DOWN CHAIR MOUNTAIN “Let’s go skiing tomorrow; Chair Mountain!” Mark enthusiastically said, knowing that I would take the bait. Still a newcomer at that time to backcountry skiing, my skills and gear were not really up to what Mark had in mind. He knew that, but no one else was crazy – or dumb – enough to join him. So, the following morning found me precariously clinging on to the back of his snowmobile as we blasted up a snow-covered road at the top of a highway pass. Several miles into the forest, the sled was parked and we began slowly making our way up the mountainside, via “skinning.” (Skins are long pieces of fabric or flexible plastic attached to the bottom of skis that grip the snow, providing traction and enabling forward, uphill travel.) My skins were some military-surplus items, too long for my skis, and secured with duct tape. Jeans and long underwear had to suffice (rather poorly) for ski pants. My leather boots were quite comfortable for lowangle cross country skiing, but rather inadequate for ski-mountaineering. Mark had the latest in waterproofbreathable bibs, plastic boots and proper mountaineering skis and skins. On this trip I was acquiring not only 16 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
knowledge, but also an appreciation for modern, high-tech gear. We took turns breaking trail, huffing and puffing our way up through the woods next to our planned descent route. The woods were silent, except for the wind through the branches and the sounds of our exertions. Though in reasonably good shape, my lack of skill and proper attire made the ascent a tough one. After a couple of hours of working against gravity, we traversed underneath a large plateau, which looked like the seat of the mountain’s namesake, and prepared to descend down a gully that comprised a “leg” of the chair. Taking a break for lunch, and removing the skins from our skis, I looked around and realized I was way out of my league, but was determined to meet the challenge ahead. At least it was all downhill from here… Mark began the descent, gracefully linking turns through the difficult snow conditions. A breakable slab of crusty snow covered deep, old rotten snow with no stability. The snow that makes for the best skiing tends to be remarkably unstable, being a mixture of tiny ice crystals and air. Over time, with the right conditions,
those ice crystals bond together and become fairly sturdy. Under the wrong conditions, those ice crystals don’t bond well, and turn into shapes like grains of sand, with little or no cohesion. With a brittle layer of well-bonded snow over layers of poorly-bonded snow, the situation is like a plate of glass sitting on a sloped pile of ball bearings. Once the strong layer fails, the light fluffy ice crystals become a raging white torrent of snow crystals and broken slab, moving downhill with incredible force. The conditions this day had the potential for trouble. Not a good place to be, yet that’s where we were. Mark managed to get down a hundred yards or so, and patiently waited for me to catch up. Repeatedly, I would make a turn, my skis would break through the crust and I submerged into the white quicksand. My graceless ballet continued, along with a certain amount of drama. At one point shortly after falling, I heard and felt a deep “whoompff” sound, a blood-curdling noise consistent with a failing snow layer, a precursor to an avalanche. Two more “whoompffs” later, I realized the sound was not that of an impending avalanche, but rather the report of underground blasting from a coal mine located a dozen miles away. Once my heart rate settled down, I continued the descent. The snow conditions and my skills improved as we descended the mountain, making the latter part of the trip rather enjoyable. Having made it through the ugly part of the learning curve, I couldn’t wait to do it again soon, with more skill and better gear. A week later, I read a newspaper report of a lone skier who had arrived at a local emergency room with his clothes mostly torn off, and suffering from hypothermia. He had been caught in an avalanche on the same mountain, though on a steeper, more challenging route. He’d managed to self-rescue and got through the ordeal with only minor injury. As it turns out, he is now my next-door neighbor. Neither one of us has been back up on that particular mountain, except in the summer.
OurThoughts
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
2017 Toyota Corolla marks 50 years by giving an old classic a modern facelift Not that most of us are actually crunching the numbers but Toyota is suggesting that some 43-million (and counting) Corolla’s have been sold since it was first introduced globally back in the fall of 1966. “Fast forward” to the 2017 model year, this sales momentum continues as it demonstrates quite an accomplishment. And with the newest version, Toyota is building Corolla with a reworked outer body design plus numerous enhancements in the direction of improved safety systems. They’re also offering a 50th anniversary special edition Corolla SE model. It will be featured with unique paint and trim color coupled with the fact it will also have a factory-included moon roof and unique badging. Additionally, the anniversary version will also come equipped with 17-inch machined alloy wheels, premium seating fabric, black cherry interior stitching, gear selector paddle shifters and unique 50th anniversary floor mats. This sedan’s outer appearance takes on the general appearance of a smaller version of their Camry. It’s modern design element and timeless footprint is further showcased with the
Toyota branded DNA throughout. It’s distinctive and unmistakable. As we “deep dive” a bit further within the product mix, you’ll notice the car’s sportier looks, brighter LED headlamps (on most trims) and a new front grille. Corolla is manufactured
in their L, LE, LE Eco, SE, XSE and XLE grades. Redesigned 16-inch wheels are standard on the LE and XLE, while the SE and XSE come with 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with all season tires. Worth noting, this five passenger compact car has some of the best interior passenger space in its class. For example, there is 41.4 inches of rear seat legroom. The quietness of its cabin is in part due to the car’s unibody construction. There is an extensive use of high tensile-strength steel
and noise canceling materials. This special steel also provides a rigid platform that casts a foundation for tight handling and improved ride smoothness. Steering is further enhanced due to the electronic power steering system, standard on all trim grades. Two engines are offered – both are a variant of their 1.8-liter four cylinder DOHC power plant. Horsepower output numbers range from 132 to 140, depending on the engine setup. The EPA fuel consumption numbers show 28-mpg city/36-mpg highway (with CVT transmission) to 30-mpg city/40mpg highway with their Eco option package. Two transmissions are also offered. This includes there standard 6-speed manual gear box or their CVT. All versions of Corolla are manufactured on a front-wheel-drive chassis. Corolla is covered by the factory’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, plus their 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain coverage. The MSRP at road-test with the XLE trim level showed $24,086 after a few extra options and factory delivery charges. JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 17
CaringPartners
5
WAYS TO CREATE HEALTHY DAYS
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A RESOLUTION THAT YOU CAN STICK WITH.
Drink more water and plan meals. It’s easy to splurge on food and drink during the holiday season, but the New Year is a good time to swap your candy canes and pumpkin pie for fruits, veggies and water. Planning your meals ahead of time can help you incorporate healthier food options into your diet. Drinking water throughout the day instead of sugary sodas and juices helps your body regulate temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, protects the spinal cord and sensitive tissues, and helps prevent weight gain.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
Contrary to popular belief, overall health is more than just being free of disease or chronic illness. Other factors, such as access to fresh foods, neighborhood walkability and public safety, to name a few, can help cultivate more healthy days. Respondents to an Aetna Foundation survey said local aspects have a large effect on their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also acknowledges that a person’s zip code is a good indicator of an individual’s health and longevity. However, there are small, everyday steps you can make for a fresh, healthy start this year, such as these five easy tips. Incorporate 30 minutes of exercise. Forty-nine percent of Americans say they exercise to improve their overall health, according to the survey. To beat the rush, head to the gym early in the morning. Although it can be difficult to visit your local gym or recreational center before sunrise, getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day can not only start your day off strong, but also help you feel more energized and aid you in maintaining a healthy weight. Other ways to get daily exercise include taking part in sports, riding your bike on a path close to home or walking in your neighborhood park. 18 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
Step away for small breaks. Your overall health also includes your emotional health and well-being. More than eight out of 10 Americans surveyed said their mood and stress level has an equal impact on their health as the food they consume. Life can get busy and overwhelming as you jump back into a postholiday routine, but simple acts like taking a few deep breaths, standing and stretching or taking a walk can help calm the mind and relieve stress. Put your smartphone and body on sleep mode. The amount of sleep you get can have a direct impact on your mood and health. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they need at least eight hours of sleep to have a healthy day. Add reading a few new books to your yearly goals to help you unplug from electronics an hour or more before going to bed, and ensure you’re getting the rest you need. Get involved. More than nine out of 10 Americans said they are willing to take action to create a healthier environment, according to the survey. Using a strong support system of friends and family, you can help each other ensure 2017 is a healthy year. Organize ways to stick with your resolutions as a group, such as scheduling a weekly walk, planning a neighborhood recycling contest, registering for a fitness event or signing up to volunteer. Incorporating these small changes can help you achieve your goals and lead to a healthier and happier 2017. To learn more about ways cities and counties near you are making a difference, visit HealthiestCities.org.
OurLifestyle
BY BRIAN GUERRO
The movie gems of 2016 you may have missed “The Nice Guys” A buddy-action/comedy ... sounds like an over-run formula, right? Maybe that’s true; however, it’s written and directed by Shane Black, the formerly sought-after screenwriter of the late 80’s-early 90’s, and he’s been making a comeback for the last decade. The dialogue he writes is currently among the snappiest in the business and it’s always fun and games when he has his main characters correcting each other’s use of grammar. The most unique part about his credited movies (like “Lethal Weapon,” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “Iron Man 3” and many more), is that Black loves having his action/comedies take place during Christmas. “The Nice Guys” is no exception and you get to see the likes of Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling banter up the screen together in 1970’s Hollywood. A hired enforcer (Crowe) and a private eye (Gosling) investigate the kidnapping of a girl and the death of a porn star in which all could be linked to a government conspiracy. As ridiculous as it sounds, it’s the journey this film takes you on that is glorious. With great chemistry by the two leads and action/violence that is both shocking and funny at the same time, “The Nice Guys” is that good, old-fashioned – ahem – Black-comedy that we’ve been missing for a long time. This is the summer flick you’ll wish you didn’t miss in theaters. “Hell or High Water” This western heist flick carries a good amount of robbery action, but puts the story and its characters first. This is one of those carefully-crafted thrillers that make every scene count for an expected payoff – and you may not even be aware of it at first. This simple – but highly effective – movie begins with a bank robbery, yet we don’t know who or what the thieves’ intentions really are just yet. We find out they’re brothers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster) and the story begins to shed light on their risky – and flawed – occupation. This is smart plot and character development, thanks to director David Mackenzie and writer Taylor Sheridan (who previously wrote “Sicario”). We also have a
Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges - brilliantly in full character mode) on the brink of retirement and he’s hot on the two brothers’ trail. The movie has a unique modern-western way in its pacing from scene to scene – even leaving a bit of room for natural comedy you can only find in this environment. This recent summer movie means business and it’s now become good enough to be a major contender coming this awards season. “Hacksaw Ridge” This well-reviewed film surprised critics and is becoming a huge awards contender. This includes Andrew Garfield’s lead performance as Private Desmond T. Doss. He’s the real-life medic who refused to use a gun to protect himself so he could just save lives on the battlefield. This World War II drama has not been on the public’s priority list as a “must see.” Thankfully, word of mouth eventually turned it into a sleeper hit. You can say what you want about director Mel Gibson, but no one knows how to effectively execute horrifically violent sequences like he can. “Crazy” and “mad” are words that have been used against him off set, but it’s also one of his greatest assets on set and only a sane person in complete control is able to channel that kind of knowledge through the lens. Don’t be surprised if his name turns up as a nominee for any of the award ceremonies coming up. “The Edge of Seventeen” This James L. Brooks produced comedy/drama perfectly captures teen angst and is the best film of its kind so far this decade. The brilliance lies within Kelly Fremon Craig’s wellwritten characters (and her direction). You’ll identify these characters right away, but then you get to know them on a deeper level. This is Hailee Steinfeld’s breakout performance – much like Emma Stone’s “Easy A.” Other films worth mentioning: “Moonlight,” “Green Room” and “The Witch.” JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 19
OurLifestyle
Winter Weather Warm-Up S
Chicken and Salsa Verde
weaters and scarves aren’t the only ways to brace yourself against blustery weather. There’s no time like winter to putter in the kitchen, where the cozy heat from the stove and the aromas of mouthwatering dishes can warm you from the inside out. Rich, hearty stews and creamy casseroles are perfect for winter dinners, but when you’re craving something other than traditional comfort food, there are plenty of other options that will chase away the chill, such as a glass of Pinot Noir. These three dishes feature common proteins – chicken, beef and fish – in preparations that make it easy to reimagine your winter weather menu. Find more recipes and ideas for warming up this winter at culinary.net.
Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman
Ingredients:
CHICKEN: 1 fresh free-range organic
chicken (4 pounds) sea salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 lemon
SALSA VERDE: 1/4 cup capers in salt
A Cold-Weather Solution While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather. A warm, comforting dish, like Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve. For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.
20 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
4 3 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/4 1/4 1/4 1 1/4
anchovy filets cloves garlic cup chopped fresh parsley cup chopped arugula cup chopped fresh basil cup chopped fresh cilantro cup chopped tarragon cup chopped fresh chives cup chopped fresh sage cup extra-virgin olive oil teaspoon sea salt
Directions: To make chicken: Heat oven to 450 F.
leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.
Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.
To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.
Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.
Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.
Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter. Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the
Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl. Add all herbs and olive oil. Season with sea salt. Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.
OurLifestyle Whole and Hearty
GETTY IMAGES
A hearty meat-and-potatoes meal is a sure way to warm up on a cold winter night. This heart-healthy, one-dish meal is made with lean top round beef, lots of vegetables and a spicy herb mixture. Find more healthy main dish ideas at health.gov.
Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes Recipe courtesy of the USDA Ingredients: 1 pound top round beef 1 tablespoon paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon red pepper 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard nonstick spray 8 red-skinned potatoes, halved Directions: Partially freeze beef. Thinly slice across grain into strips 1/8inch thick and 3 inches wide. Trim away visible fat. Combine paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper and dry mustard. Coat strips of meat with spice mixture. Spray large, heavy skillet with nonstick spray. Heat pan over high heat.
3 2 2 2 2
cups onion, finely chopped cups beef broth large garlic cloves, minced large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch strips bunches (1/2 pound each) mustard, kale or turnip greens, stems removed, coarsely torn
Fruit Juice and Fish Fillets The temperatures may be falling, but you can still fire up the grill and fill up your plate with a tasty recipe like this Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish, which combines sweet juices for a citrus sauce that coats grilled catfish. Find more main dish recipes including catfish at uscatfish.com.
Add meat; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes. Add potatoes, onion, broth and garlic. Cook over medium heat, covered, 20 minutes. Stir in carrots; lay greens over top and cook, covered, until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. Serve in large serving bowl with crusty bread for dunking.
Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish Recipe courtesy of The Catfish Institute Servings: 4 Ingredients:
Citrus Sauce: 1
lime, juice and zest only 1 lemon, zest only 1 orange, zest only 6 ounces pineapple juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt
Catfish: 4 2
U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets lemons salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions: Heat grill. To make citrus sauce: In small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. To make catfish: Place catfish in shallow dish and squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon over each fillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes. Grill catfish fillets, skin-side-up, 3-4 minutes. Flip over and grill 2-3 more minutes. Transfer catfish to serving plates and spoon warmed citrus sauce over fillets. JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 21
InDepth
St. Louis ArtWorks honored by nation
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Organization receives 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama
St. Louis ArtWorks Executive Director Priscilla Block (left) holds the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award while standing next to AnnaLise Cason, a St. Louis ArtWorks apprentice and First Lady Michelle Obama.
BY NICHOLAS ELMES
S
ince it first opened in 1995 supporters and participants in St. Louis ArtWorks have known the importance and impact of the program, but on Nov. 12 that knowledge was shared with the world as First Lady Michelle Obama named the organization as one of only 12 groups to receive the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. The award recognizes the country’s best after-school and out-of-schooltime creative youth development programs for using engagement in the arts and the humanities to increase academic achievement, graduation rates and college enrollment. The 12 awardees – chosen from a pool of 251 nominees and 50 finalists – were also recognized for improving literacy and language abilities, communication and performance skills and cultural awareness “To realize that we were now 22 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2017
designated as one of the top youth programs in the nation was extremely rewarding,” said St. Louis ArtWorks Executive Director Priscilla Block. “We have worked so hard over the years to continue to improve the quality of our program and to serve more and more kids. It has taken a lot of investment from people from around the community to do this and it is sort of a validation of their investment in us.” St. Louis ArtWorks is an apprenticeship and job training program for area youth aged 14 to 19. “We use art as the vehicle to provide that job training and life skill development,” said Block. “We have youth from over 50 different high schools and 33 different zip codes.” The organization uses two dedicated professional artists to guide the youth through completing commissioned artwork for area industries, businesses and governments. “I go out and solicit the commissions and then we know if it will require skills
of painting and drawing or photography and graphics or maybe someone who is good at sculpture,” said Block. “Once we know the skills that are needed, we teach those skills to our youth. We also very much teach the business side of it. “Our primary goal is to strengthen our apprentices’ core skills in science, technology, engineering, art and math; exposing them to a variety of careers. Our youth also gain professional work experience while earning a stipend and learning the importance of teamwork, social skills, life skills and financial management – all essential qualities our future workforce needs to succeed,” said Block. Ninety percent of St. Louis ArtWorks’ youth graduate high school and plan to attend college, which is a significantly higher rate than their classmates. Block made sure to bring a shining example of what the program could accomplish when she visited the White House to receive the award earlier this month, inviting current apprentice AnnaLise Cason to come with her. “She was recommended by several of our teaching artists and my program manager because of her dedication to the program,” said Block. “AnnaLise has been an apprentice with us since 2014. She has been involved with projects that have created large murals and she is currently working in a group that is creating screen-printed textiles.” Cason, a junior at Confluence Academy, did not always have the extra money for art supplies and was often too busy to do what she loved most – make time for her art. Being an apprentice at St. Louis ArtWorks gave her the motivation she needed not only to help paint her dreams, but also to turn those dreams into reality. “I like to use my art to capture my dreams, music I hear or something I have read in a book,” said Cason. “I
InDepth want to be an illustrator, and what I’ve learned with St. Louis ArtWorks will help me in the future. I have learned to speak with more confidence and to be more of a leader.” The award was celebrated by a number of its long-time partners and supporters, including the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission and Emerson. “By engaging and inspiring young people, St. Louis ArtWorks is giving them
not just the vision but the skills to build a new and better life for themselves and their families, and for our community,” said Narcisa Symank, Board Chair for St. Louis ArtWorks. “These young people are learning how to use creative thinking to work as a team, to solve problems and to express themselves constructively. These are exactly the kinds of skills we want them to have to be able to succeed in school, in work and in life.”
Adopting ‘grandparents’ UMSL women’s basketball team forge bonds with local senior citizens Members of the University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s basketball team have one more “family” member to be thinking about when making their Christmas lists this year. The entire team, including both coaches, have been adopted by seniors living at the Villa at Riverwood, creating a unique program to build relationships between the school and older residents in the area. “It is a great way for our players to be out in the community,” said Assistant Coach Emily Geary. “A lot of our players are from far away and it is a good way for them to feel like they have family in the area and to connect with them. “A lot of the ‘grandparents’ don’t have family in the area either, some don’t even have any family anymore, so it is a win-win for both of us,” she added. “It gives the ‘grandparents’ an opportunity to be connected with UMSL.” Senior player Jordan Boyce, who is from the Houston, Texas area, said she wished they had had the program in place when she was a freshman. “I really think I could have developed a relationship that could be going on four years now,” she said. “It would have been something that would have been truly beneficial to my experience here and the feeling of being so far
SUBMITTED PHOTO
BY NICHOLAS ELMES
Villa at Riverwood resident Gisela “GiGi” Paasch sits with her “granddaughter,” UMSL women’s basketball assistant coach Emily Geary.
away from family and home.” But Boyce says she is making the most of the opportunity in her final year on the team. “I think it is extremely important to build relationships in the community,” she said. “It feels good to feel like I have family when I truly don’t have any blood relatives anywhere close to me.” Geary developed the Adopt-aGrandparent program this year after enjoying a similar program at another school. “I was at Franklin College in Indiana,” she said, “and we did this with grandparents there. It was just such a great experience for both our players and the ‘grandparents.’ I thought it would be a great thing to start here. Our head coach, Katie Vaughn, lives very close to Villa at Riverwood and mentioned it to me. I contacted their
In addition to the national recognition, St. Louis ArtWorks will also receive $10,000 to support its programming and engage more young people from the community. “I would like to thank everybody that supports us and encourage those that have not yet or don’t know about us to consider supporting us,” said Block. For more information about St. Louis ArtWorks, please visit stlartworks.org.
community relations person and asked if they would be interested.” They were, and Geary quickly started getting her players and coaching staff to put together brief bios to send to the seniors. “They wrote about where they were from and their backgrounds,” she said. “Then their coordinator reached out their residents and found some seniors that wanted to participate. We were matched up with little connections, like we have a player from Quincy who was matched with a ‘grandparent’ from Quincy. I played professional basketball in Germany, and got matched with a ‘grandparent’ from Germany.” Boyce said she felt her pairing was perfect. “My ‘grandmother’ is named Betty and she is quite similar to me,” she said. “She is outgoing and has a great personality and is fun to be around. I want to stay in touch with her after I graduate. I feel like we have a really strong connection and I really enjoy her friendship and would like to keep that connection for as long as I can.” After the initial pairings were made, the team visited their new “grandparents.” “We were there for about an hour and a half sitting down and getting to know each other, just talking,” she said. “Then we came back for a game day. We played Wii Bowling with them and bunch of card games and dominos. The girls had a really good time. When we get back from Christmas break we are going to do a Christmas party with them.” JANUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 23
January
1
New Year’s Day
2
New Year’s Day observed
13
Stephen Foster Memorial Day
16
Martin Luther King Day
20
Inauguration Day
28
Chinese New Year