March/April 2015
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March/April 2015
Contents 4 COUNTY BUSINESS NEWS
Greater North County Chamber of Commerce
8 AROUND TOWN
Hazelwood employees raise awareness about women’s heart disease and more.
9 FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD
Pantry essentials for nutritious homemade meals
10 FEATURE
At home in Hazelwood Small businesses intertwined with local community By Sara Hardin
13 ADVERTISER PROFILE Show’s over, back to school By Russ Patton
14 ENTERTAINMENT
The five Oscar-nominated films 20 years ago…
15 THE MEDICAL MEMO
Influenza insight: Prevention is the best medicine
16 ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE June-uary
17 MOORE ON LIFE Flight Gripe
18 NONPROFIT PROFILE
Crider Health Center provides healthcare services for those in need
19 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
VOL 6 / NO 2
Our Town is a Community News publication. It is published every other month and directmailed to 7,150 business executives in North and Northwest St. Louis county, plus online circulation. Online subscriptions are FREE and available at www.mycnews.com For advertising information please contact: Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive | O’Fallon, MO 63366 | 636.379.1775 | www.mycnews.com Publisher - Robert Huneke Editor - Mathew DeKinder Staff Writer - Sara Hardin Contributing Writers -Russ Patton Photographer - Ray Rockwell Art Director - Chris Oth Cover Photo - Ray Rockwell Copyright 2014 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the publisher.
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County Business NEWS Greater North County Chamber and city of Florissant to host business fair, ‘Taste of North County’ The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Florissant will co-sponsor the 27th Anniversary of the Chamber’s Business Showcase, featuring a “Taste of North County.” The event will be on March 21 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the James J. Eagan Community Center in Florissant.
The public is invited to attend the event to learn more about local businesses and organizations and the products and services they offer to the community. Special attractions will include health screenings and activities for children. There is no charge to attend the Business Showcase. The event will also feature a “Taste of North County,” showcasing local restaurants. An area of the community center will be roped off for this event. For a nominal fee of $5 for adults, $2 for children 4-10 years while children 3-and-under are free, the public will be able to sample some of the great cuisine available in North County. The chamber is seeking vendors for both the Business Showcase and the “Taste of North County.” The event is open to both chamber members and non-members. For more information on exhibitor fees, call the chamber office at 314-831-3500 or visit www.greaternorthcountychamber.com.
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AROUND TOWN Crisis Nursery thanks community at ‘Eat. Shop. Love.’ Over 250 new and gently used purses, filled with women’s care items and other fun treats were collected at Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s third annual “Eat. Shop. Love.” community celebration. The purses were gifted to Crisis Nursery Moms enrolled in the agency’s Family Empowerment Program, which offers families follow-up support and other critical resources. Each guest that donated a purse was entered into a random drawing for a brand new COACH tote filled with special surprises. Crisis Nursery Board Member Janet Conners was this year’s winner. Other guests won mall gift cards valued at $250 and $50. “Eat. Shop. Love.” was presented by Plaza Frontenac, with support from BrickTop’s, BRIO Tuscan Grille, Canyon Café, St. Louis Bread Company, Thomas Coffee, and other mall stores. Special kudos to our celebrity guests: Cary O’Brien & Tameka Green of “Gazelle West Magazine,” KMOV-TV’s Brittany Noble, Jean Ashmuhs of Plaza Frontenac, and Sherry Farmer!
Photo courtesy Crisis Nursery Over 250 new and gently used purses, filled with women’s care items and other fun treats were collected at Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s third annual “Eat. Shop. Love.” community celebration.
New children’s book tells story of Ferguson community coming together through art “They drew pictures of Peace, Of Hope and of Light, That show Love’s even stronger, Than the darkest of nights” are two of the child-friendly verses in the 48-page children’s book “Painting for Peace in Ferguson.”
peacebook.com. The hardback edition will be available in early
Written by author Carol Swartout Klein, the vivid images and artwork in the book tell the true story of hundreds of artists and residents of all ages who came together to create colorful images of hope and healing using the simplest of all tools — a paintbrush — with the plywood on windows on block after block of boarded up businesses as their canvases. The dozens of damaged businesses were located across several miles in Ferguson, Dellwood and South Grand in St. Louis City. The book, written in verse shows 140 images of art and mentions more than 300 artists and volunteers who participated in the Paint for Peace St. Louis effort.
back to her childhood neighborhood just days after destructive
Designed and published using all local suppliers in St. Louis by Layla Dog Press, all proceeds after printing costs will benefit St. Louis, Missouri north county-area youth and art programs as well as small businesses and employees affected by damage or loss of business. The book will be available at local St. Louis book retailers and will also be available nationally to order online at: www.paintingfor5
March. The book will retail for $15.95 for paperback editions and $25.95 for hardback editions. Klein, who grew up in Ferguson and still resides in St. Louis went fires and riots to see how she could help. “It occurred to me,” said Klein of watching the news of the destruction, “that if adults were having a hard time processing and talking about the events in Ferguson, then how are children coping?” “The real essence of the book is empowerment,” noted Klein, “and that if we all do what we can to make our community a better place, amazing things, like hundreds of pieces of art springing up in a matter of days — which changed the outlook and spirit of an entire town — can be the result.” Funds from the sale of the book will be deposited with the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations made to that fund above and beyond the price of the book are tax-deductible.
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AROUND TOWN Reinvest North County Fund issues fourth round of funding The St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC) organized the Reinvest North County Fund as an immediate business response when civil unrest began in Ferguson. In partnership with North County Inc., the fund was created and to date has raised more than $540,000 to help numerous small businesses and four school districts. Donations continue to be processed, and allocation of funds continues.
“The Reinvest North County Fund has truly become an important community vehicle for so many caring and generous businesses, organizations and individuals to demonstrate how much we all care about their communities,” said Kathy Osborn, Executive Director of the RBC. “The RBC and North County Inc. share a commitment to address the challenges that both businesses and schools have faced during this difficult time.”
Today the RBC is announcing a fourth round of funding to 22 businesses that have been impacted by the civic unrest. A total of 55 businesses have received funding to date. The community is encouraged to frequent these businesses, as many have been hurt by a decline in customers. The businesses receiving funding in the fourth round are:
Through the generosity of the Monsanto Company Fund and other donors, help and support for school children and their families is being provided for the Parents as Teachers program in the Normandy Schools Collaborative; transportation and security in the Ferguson-Florissant School District; transportation and security in the Riverview Gardens School District; and parenting classes, family engagement activities outside of school hours, staff and community wellness room creation in the Jennings School District. Additionally, funding is provided for tutoring requested by all four districts.
African Depot; Aim to Tees Custom T-Shirts; Andy’s Auto Care; Best Beauty Corporation; Complete Auto Body and Repair; Creative Designs Gift Shop; Elite Supermarket & Grill; Exotic Trenz Salon; Hana Communication; Hand and Physical Therapy of Ferguson-Florissant; Hidden Treasures; Knodel’s Bakery; London’s Wing House; Mimi’s Beauty Supply; My Events Coordinator LLC; N The Mood Fashions; Nephew’s On the Run; Savoy Banquet Center; Top of the Line Hair Designs; Vive la Shear Salon; VP Nails; and Zisser Tire.
Further donations are encouraged. Checks can be made payable to the Reinvest North County Fund at the 501(c)3 non-profit North County Regional Development Association (NCI), 350B Village Square Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042. Visit the website www. NorthStLouisCounty.com for additional ways to give.
Hazelwood employees raise awareness about women’s heart disease Employees of the city of Hazelwood carried on a tradition they began three years ago by wearing red on the first Friday in February and sending out a message to the community to “Go Red, Hazelwood.” They joined hundreds of thousands of other Americans across the country to celebrate the 12th Annual National Wear Red Day, which helps to raise awareness for women’s heart health. The American Heart Association (AHA), launched its Go Red for Women movement more than 11 years ago for the purpose of encouraging women to take their cardiovascular health more seriously. According to AHA statistics, one in three women die of either heart disease or stroke every year. They account for 61 percent of all stroke deaths annually. Heart disease is now the number-one killer of women, age 25 and older, and stroke
Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood In an attempt to raise public awareness about the problems of heart disease and stroke among women, many of Hazelwood’s employees wore red for National Wear Red Day, Feb. 6, and gathered to send a message of “Go Red, Hazelwood” to local citizens.
is ranked as the number-four killer. Hazelwood’s administrative secretary for the Public Works Department, Kathy Baker, has spearheaded the city’s efforts to get involved in this worthy cause. She 6
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has created an online fund-raising page for the city of Hazelwood which accepts donations from city employees, council members and local residents.
AROUND TOWN Hawthorne Players’ ‘The Wiz’ receives 16 Arts for Life Best Performance nominations On Feb. 6, Arts for life and the Theatre Recognition Guild announced the Best Performance Award Nominees for 2014 Metro-St. Louis Community Musical Theatre, and Florissant’s own Hawthorne Players received sixteen nominations for its production of “The Wiz,” winning the most nominations of any of the 42 eligible shows. Award winners will be announced on June 7 at the 16th Annual Best Performance Awards held at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade High School. “The Wiz” was nominated for Best Large Ensemble Musical Production. Other nominees are Marc Strathman: Best Music Direction; Jamell Jacobs: Best Choreography:
Nancy Crouse: Best Set Design; Dominic Laury: Best Lighting Design; Jean Heckmann and Tracy Newcomb: Best Costume Design; Emara Neymour: Best Lead Actress (Dorothy); Kevin Chris Minor: Best Featured Actor (The Scarecrow); Paul Herbert Pitts: Best Featured Actor (Tin Man); Kimmie Kidd: Best Featured Actress (Aunt Em/Glinda); Renee L. Fenner: Best Comic Actress (Addaperle/Masked Priestess); John Leggett: Best Cameo Actor (The Wiz); Selena Steed: Best Cameo Actress (Evililene); Rennell J. Parker, Sr.: Best non-singing Actor (Uncle Henry/ Lord High Underling); Robert Doyle: Best non-singing Actor (Soldier Messenger); and Darren R. Wilson, Sr.: Best non-singing Actor (Royal Gatekeeper/Head Winged Monkey).
Photo by Jim Wolfe (From left) Emara Neymour (Dorothy), nominated as Best Lead Actress and Kimmie Kidd, nominated as Best Featured Actress (Aunt Em and Glenda).
Become a sponsor of Room’s 2015 Annual Breakfast with the INN Crowd Today is your opportunity to strengthen and empower the homeless families in our community by supporting our upcoming 2015 Breakfast with the INN Crowd. Room at the Inn, a temporary emergency shelter for women and families in St. Louis County, will host its seventh annual Breakfast with the INN Crowd from 7 - 9 a.m. April 24 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. Tickets are $35 per person in advance and $40 per person after April 17. All proceeds will benefit the homeless in the St. Louis area who find shelter at Room at the Inn. In addition to breakfast, the event will include silent and oral auctions, as well as other creative activities that lend support. The Master of Ceremonies will be Randy Karraker, veteran St. Louis broadcaster, 101 ESPN Radio. For more information, please contact Colleen Price at 314.209.9181, or via e-mail at cprice@lpp-room.org.
www.byerlyrv.com 7
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around town WGU Announces Partnership with SSM Health About 30,000 employees of SSM Health are now eligible for a five-percent discount on tuition under a new partnership between WGU Missouri and the St. Louisbased health system. The agreement provides greater access to high-quality, affordable bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health care, business, education, and IT. The tuition discount reduces WGU Missouri’s tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs. Employees are also eligi-
ble to apply for exclusive scholarships, valued at up to $2,000. “SSM Health is excited to partner with Western Governors University to provide an additional educational option for our employees to assist them in achieving their professional goals at SSM,” said Elizabeth Noonan, SSM System Vice President for Innovation and Learning. “WGU’s format is an innovative alternative for many of our employees whose busy lives don’t pair
New board member elected at Starkloff Disability Institute Allison Bruns has been elected a member of the Board of Directors at Starkloff Disability Institute (SDI), a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities participate fully and equally in all aspects of society. Allison brings more than 12 years of accomplishment in corporate and political communications to her role as SDI’s newest board member. For more than three years, Allison has worked in corporate public relations at Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, in St. Louis. Among her other job responsibilAllison Bruns ities, Allison develops and implements media relations plans, and tracks regulatory changes that impact Wells Fargo Advisors’ lines of business. Allison was inspired to become involved with SDI by a close friend whom she describes as “an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly at her job and for causes in the community. She has a college education, an impressive skill set and a charming personality. This woman also has a disability,” Allison said. “It would upset me beyond words to think that this impressive woman would be limited in her professional career due to her disability and, more specifically, how an assumption about her disability by a hiring manager or human resources official could limit her career. “SDI is committed to creating a culture and world where people who have disabilities are not treated differently than anyone else and not limited in any way,” Allison said. “The organization is particularly focused on bridging the gap between skilled job candidates who are people with disabilities and employers in the region. I am proud to be an SDI board member.” 8
well with traditional educational programs.” “We’re delighted to be partnering with SSM Health, helping to make quality, competency-based higher education more accessible to its employees,” said Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “We believe that WGU Missouri’s flexible, self-paced model can benefit SSM employees at all levels and continue a tradition of excellence common to both of our institutions.”
Xinrong ‘Frank’ Lu, MD, Ph.D. joins SSM Neurosciences Institute Xinrong “Frank” Lu, MD, Ph.D. has joined the SSM Neurosciences Institute at DePaul Health Center in St. Louis. A board-certified neurologist, Lu treats patients with a variety of neurological conditions such as headache, seizure, MS, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Following medical school, he completed his neurology residency at St. Louis University and a post-doctoral fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin. Lu has published more than a dozen peerreviewed papers in international journals and presented his research at numerous national and international meetings.
Submitted photo Xinrong “Frank” Lu, MD, Ph.D. has joined the SSM Neurosciences Institute at DePaul Health Center in St. Louis.
His office is located at 12255 DePaul Drive, Suite 200, on the SSM DePaul Health Center campus. He is welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 314-355-355.
Our Town
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for the love of FOOD Pantry essentials for nutritious homemade meals Every parent has been there. It’s Thursday afternoon and the kids
ripeness and canned in just hours, making the can one of the best
are asking, “What’s for dinner?” Searching for inspiration, you head
ways to get food from its source to my family’s table. I just open up
to the refrigerator, only to realize that the groceries you bought on
a can, unlock that flavor and goodness and make it a ‘Cantry’ Thurs-
Sunday have run out or spoiled. But before the panic sets in and
day night!”
you reach for the takeout menus, remember that the solution for a
With canned food staples like canned beans, chicken, green beans
wholesome, homemade meal is right in your pantry — or “Cantry.”
and broth on hand, you’ll be well on your way to savory meals like
“With a well-stocked pantry full of canned ingredients, I know I al-
Quinoa Chicken Vegetable Salad and Nixon’s Pasta e Fagioli Soup.
ways have the makings of a nutritious and flavorful meal,” said
For more information about the canning process, delicious recipes
Kelsey Nixon, host of “Kelsey’s Essentials” on Cooking Channel and
and to learn how you can get cooking with canned foods, visit Cans-
Food Network. “Fruits and vegetables are harvested at their peak of
GetYouCooking.com.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Mediterranean Chicken Pitas Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients: 1 (10-ounce) can chicken breast, drained and flaked 1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper 1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill 2 whole wheat pitas 4 lettuce leaves Directions: In large bowl combine chicken, cucumber, red bell pepper, green chilies, yogurt and dill; toss to mix well.
Cut each pita in half horizontally; carefully open each pita half. Fill each with 2 lettuce leaves and half of chicken mixture.
Pea and Corn Risotto Recipe created by Kelsey Nixon Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 ounces chopped pancetta (about 1/2 cup) 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes 3 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta (short tubular pasta) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Servings: 4 Ingredients: 4 cups canned low sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 cup Arborio rice 1 (11-ounce) can no salt added wholekernel corn, drained 1 (8.5-ounce) can low sodium peas, drained 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon butter Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Barbara
Add canned beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring soup to rapid boil before adding pasta. Reduce to simmer and cook soup covered, stirring occasionally for 8–10 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.
Note: You can substitute bacon for pancetta.
Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, in hot olive oil, cook onion until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes until coated with oil. Gradually add chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until absorbed, stirring frequently. Continue adding remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring occasionally, cooking rice
Take it from
Directions: In large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over mediumhigh heat. Brown pancetta bits just until they start to crisp before adding onion, garlic and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and saute until fragrant and golden brown.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread.
Directions: In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat chicken broth to simmering; keep warm.
until al dente, about 25 minutes. Stir in corn, peas, Parmesan cheese and butter to heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
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Hazelwood Small businesses intertwined with local community By Sara Hardin
Whether it be getting your musical instrument in tip-top shape, finding someone to treat your under-the-weather furry best friend, or starting a new path to self-improvement, Hazelwood is home to a multitude of reputable and reliable small businesses who want to help you reach your goal.
Community Animal Hospital has been serving Hazelwood since 1994.
Photo by Ray Rockwell
Photo by Ray Rockwell
“You need to support the local government, support the local school districts, and get involved in the chamber of commerce. Because we are all in this together.”
Students attend a class at World Martial Arts which has been in Hazelwood for 25 years.
Submitted photos
Serving a four-legged clientele
Community awareness with a kick
Looking for a friendly face to help you bring your pet back to good health? Look no further than Community Animal Hospital, where you’ll find owner Dr. Barb Eichler meeting clients and treating her patients.
At World Martial Arts, you can find owner and head instructor Greg Dickerson training people of all ages to follow a path to self-improvement and awareness through the practice of taekwondo. World Martial Arts is made up of several schools, each with an individual owner, and Hazelwood has been home to one of them for 25 years.
Dr. Eichler has been in the veterinary field for 32 years, and has been with Community Animal Hospital since its opening in July of 1994. She explains that although the actual process of treating her furry patients is definitely a perk of her practice, getting to know the clients is what makes her job truly special.
Dr. Barbara Eichler (right) works on a patient with Windy Toettcher at Community Animal Hospital.
the community help out in its own way as well.
Dickerson oversees a student base of about 300 kids and adults. Classes are separated by age, but all specialize in taekwondo, of which Dickerson has been training for over 16 years.
“You have to interview the client and examine the pet because they don’t speak to us and say ‘this is wrong,’ so you really have to get to know the client and kind of bond with them. When you’ve been doing this for 32 years, it’s the ability to communicate with the pet and the person that makes this a unique profession.”
“The goal of the school is to train adults and kids to gain confidence, discipline, respect, and focus,” explained Dickerson. “We are teaching some people how to overcome bullying and how to be safe when they’re in public. That all kind of comes around with learning self-defense. It’s about promoting community awareness and togetherness.”
Pet-owners loyally return to Dr. Eichler, whose dedication sets her apart in the minds of her clients.
Along with an emphasis of community awareness in his classes, Dickerson also makes a point to get the school involved with various community outreach opportunities.
“Customer service in our world today is really rare,” explained Dr. Eichler. “When you walk in, we should know who you are and we should know who your pet is. We’ll carry food out to a client’s car, and if there’s a senior adult that is home and can’t get here, we will make arrangements to do house calls. We offer that service. If there’s an issue bringing the pet in, we’ll pick up the pet, take care of them, and take them back. We don’t want to say no. If there’s a way for us to do it legally and correctly then we will. Customer service is really important.” Hazelwood’s support of its small businesses is crucial in the process of being able to provide the quality care that Dr. Eichler strives for. “Hazelwood is very business-friendly. They are concerned about how things are going here. Whenever we have any kind of issue, we call down to city hall and we’re always met with a friendly person. They’re always helpful. It’s very user-friendly. It’s very neighborly and they’re very supportive of business.” Dr. Eichler stresses that in order for businesses like Community Animal Hospital to offer high-quality services, it is critical that 11
“Something that we do different as a school is instead of just teaching kicking and punching and all of the stuff that most martial arts schools do, is that we do a lot of community outreach. We do a lot of things as a whole in the community. We do a lot with St. Louis Food Bank. We work with Hazelwood School District, Ferguson-Florissant School District and a lot of private elementary, daycare and middle schools in the area, too.”
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Dickerson commends Hazelwood and the rest of North County for being a strong community and a good place for a small business such as World Martial Arts to find a reliable customer base. “I think North County is a really great, really tight-knit community. It’s really neat to be part of a community that’s always trying to pull itself back up and is constantly growing. It seems like a lot of businesses tend to battle the odds out here versus a lot of communities where it might be a little bit easier.” If you’re considering looking for a new way to improve your confidence, self-defense and feeling of belonging, Dickerson explains why World Martial Arts might be the right place for you to be. “We’re a really family-oriented school. Coming here, everybody is so connected and such a huge part of the school. Everyone has their place where they have some kind of influence in the school. There’s a lot of really great things going in terms of building peoples’ confidence. We get a lot of kids in who have been bullied or picked on and some adults that are looking for a place to belong. We’re, in that aspect, a big community center where people get together and they have something common that they can bond over outside of all the stress of daily life.”
“We offer lessons on many things - of course guitars, bass guitars, drums, and piano. We also do clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe, and most brass. We also do have an instructor here from COCA who’s doing Latin dance classes here for kids on Saturday mornings and adults on Monday evenings.” The store also houses an auditorium that can comfortably seat about 50-60 people, and is mostly used for seasonal student concerts and jam sessions hosted by the lesson instructors. Smith explained that one of the biggest perks of being a longstanding business in Hazelwood is the opportunity to get involved with the community. “We really try to support our local municipality. We usually donate things for the city, and we’ve helped with events such as the MLK Day celebrations, Easter egg hunts and concerts in the park. We donate to Hazelwood police force, our fire department, and we just try to support our local community. We’re always trying to do what we can as a small business.” In Hazelwood, there is no shortage of proactive, dedicated business owners to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re on the search for quality customer service, you’re in good hands.
Trumpeting long-term success in Hazelwood Open 45 years this October, Dale’s Music is a one-stop-shop for repairs, lessons, music retail, and more, explained owner Greg Smith. “We do a lot of stuff here,” said Smith. “We have a huge educational division, so we do lots of lessons. We also have a pretty large repair department, so we fix pretty much anything with strings on it. We also have a full woodwind and brass repair shop. And then summer of last year, we moved in another business that’s kind of cohabitating with us called LS Electronics, and they do electronics repairs – anything from keyboards to amplifiers to vintage radios and all of that kind of stuff. We also sell quite a bit of merchandise.” Smith said that the business sees hundreds of lesson students every week.
Dale’s music has been a Hazelwood institution for 45 years this October. 12
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Ray Rockwell photos
Promotion
Show’s over, back to school By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV
The 2015 Midwest Gateway RV Show at Cervantes Center was another great success. On display were hundreds of RVs and dozens of booths representing products and service of interest to RV owners and prospects. The following Thursday evening, Byerly RV in Eureka hosted our monthly RV School for owners and prospects. This month’s theme was the “Motorhome School.” Tech and parts people were present to discuss the operation and maintenance of motorized RVs. The schools are held the first Thursday of the month and more information can be found on our website: www.byerlyrv.com. The non-selling seminars are informative for owners and prospects who want to learn about RVs without the sales pitch. Meanwhile, our RV techs have been participating in online training over the winter and new hires have joined us in anticipation of another record year in 2015. Over a dozen brands of travel trailers, folding trailers, truck campers, 5th wheels and motorhomes are represented from Tiffin/Allegro, Thor and Forest River companies.
Photo courtesy Byerly RV
Checkout special offers on line at www.byerlyrv.com and see what’s going on at our new Facebook site. Byerly RV, ‘The Center of the RV World’ in Eureka, Missouri….since 1948.
Want to make a difference? Be a teacher! Teacher Certification program available at Columbia College-St. Louis
(314) 429-5500 GoForGreater.org/STLTCP
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entertainment The five Oscar-nominated films 20 years ago… It’s unbelievable how time flies when we realize how long it has been since we’ve experienced some of our favorite movies in theaters. The same can be said about the Academy Awards ceremony that took place on March 27, 1995 (for the films of 1994). Which of these five Best Picture nominees do you think stood the test of time? “Forrest Gump” (Winner for Best Picture) It’s not often that we get to witness a handful of historical moments of American history through the eyes of a simple man. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) may not have a good I.Q. but he does have a heart of gold. The film served us quite an infectious story full of wonderful characters, laughter, quotable lines, some war action and, yes, some well-earned moments of tears. The summer blockbuster ended up winning six Academy Awards (out of 13 nominations) including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), Best Actor (Hanks’ second consecutive win) among others. It’s one of the few popular movies to win the top honors. However, “Forrest Gump” may have competition within the other four nominated films in terms of standing the test of time… “Four Weddings and a Funeral” It’s a comedy, a genre that is too easily ignored by the Academy in the Best Picture category. It has cunning grade-a humor, a well-grounded main story, side stories and its full-fledged characters may have something to do with it. Experienced best man, Charles (Hugh Grant), and his friends wonder if they’ll ever find true love and be married as they attend five ceremonies – as the title suggests - throughout a short period of time in the UK. Ultimately, he may have found his Miss Right in an American (Andie
MacDowell). Completely effortless and all the more funny and touching, “Four Weddings and a Funeral” made a superstar out of Grant and a long career for Academy-Award-nominated writer Richard Curtis. “Pulp Fiction” Could this film be the one to surpass “Forrest Gump?” Many people think so. The second directorial effort by Quentin Tarantino put Miramax on the map. This controversial film about multiple tales of redemption and murder in Los Angeles features Bruce Willis (the biggest star at the time), Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson in star-making turns and John Travolta in a revival performance. He received an Oscar nomination for his work – alongside Thurman and Jackson. Working from the Oscar-winning script by Tarantino and Roger Avary, the entire cast brought their a-game. Mixed with black comedy, randomly shocking violence and a storyline told in non-chronological pieces, “Pulp Fiction” paved a way for a new kind of filmmaking that can only be described as, well, the Tarantino way. “Quiz Show” Of the five films that year, “Quiz Show,” seems to be the one that was nearly forgotten. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t good. I prefer to think the public (myself included) seemed to have judged this Robert Redford directed film only by its cover – mainly, by what is possibly, its off-putting title. As it turns out, that ‘front’ is just the 14
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background of a historical investigation about a popular 1950’s quiz show that was supposedly rigged for ratings. Now we’re talking! This investigative drama features Ralph Fiennes, Rob Morrow and John Turturro among many others. Deemed a box office disaster, the factbased “Quiz Show” is definitely worth a look as it won well-deserved critical praise across the boards including four Academy Award nominations. “The Shawshank Redemption” This film may be the ultimate definition of “redemption” on this list – both on and off the screen. This box-office flop, based on a Stephen King adaptation, had no interest from the public. Nobody wanted to see a prison movie… period. Those that did see this prison movie, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, were genuinely surprised by this directorial debut by Frank Darabont. After non-stop critical praise and seven Oscar nominations (it won none), this 1994 film became the most rented movie of 1995 becoming a longterm beloved classic that, like “Pulp Fiction,” may have ultimately stood the test of time over “Forrest Gump.” What do you think? The same question can be asked for this year’s nominated films too. By Brian GuerRero
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.
Dr. Mano Patri
Influenza insight: Prevention is the best medicine Influenza. It’s one nasty virus that no one ever wants. Hitting hard with a fever, body aches, chills, coughs and a nasty headache, the influenza virus is serious. In fact, every year approximately 36,000 people in the United States die from influenza. Another estimated 200,000 end up hospitalized with the virus. Prevention is important. “The influenza vaccination is a valuable tool against preventing the illness and it can potentially minimize symptoms if you get the illness,” said Mano Patri, MD, SSM DePaul Health Center infectious disease specialist. “The data shows that the influenza vaccine, good hand hygiene and minimizing exposure to others are the most important factors in avoiding the flu.” When it comes to scheduling your vaccination each year, many doctors’ offices and pharmacies start offering the vaccine as soon as it is ready from manufacturers, usually in September. Health care providers keep vaccine supplies stocked through the peak of the influenza season, which is generally from December to February. However, while seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, activity can last as late as May. Bottom line – it’s not too late to get a flu shot. “It is important that you receive a vaccine every year because the influenza virus can notoriously change from year to year, and this year’s most common strain is slightly different than last year’s,” said Patri. “So to ensure you have the best protection possible, you want to get the vaccine every year.” One popular myth surrounding the flu shot is that it can actually cause the flu. This is, in fact, not true and flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are currently made in two ways and neither can be infectious. However, aches, swelling and fever can be seen with the shot. “If you get the flu after the vaccine, it can be a coincidence,” said Patri. “A person can be exposed to the virus before receiving the vaccine because the incubation period is from
one to four days, so you can actually contract the virus and not experience any symptoms for a few days.”
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces at home, work and school like doorknobs, remote controls, counter tops and desks.
Another reason you could contract the virus despite receiving the vaccine is that no vaccine is 100 percent effective and many strains circulate throughout the year. You might contract a strain that is not included in this year’s vaccine or variations of the strains in the vaccine can be circulating as was the case this year. While this means you could still catch this form of the virus, it doesn’t mean you should skip getting your flu shot. The vaccine can be protective as it can also help lessen the severity of your symptoms if you do catch the flu and prevent a stay in the hospital.
• Get plenty of sleep and remember to be physically active. Even just a 30-minute walk every day can help keep you healthy.
As mentioned above, methods of prevention of the flu can also help prevent other common winter viruses that can cause respiratory infections.
If you do catch the flu or have flu-like symptoms, contact your physician as medical treatment may be needed and antiviral medications may be indicated if diagnosed early. An antiviral medication is different for an antibiotic and antibiotics do not treat influenza.
“As the weather gets cold more people are confined inside their homes and other buildings. This makes it easier to spread respiratory illness,” said Patri. “That’s why it’s especially important to cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly and drink lots of fluids this time of year. And if you do become ill, make sure to stay home.” While it can be tough to stay home when you’re sick, it is important. Germs can spread quite quickly in office and school settings. Additionally, the extra rest and care you provide yourself at home will help you recover from symptoms of the influenza more quickly. To summarize: There are ways to prevent the spread of influenza or other respiratory illnesses: • Avoid close contact with those you know who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. • Good hand hygiene • Try to cough or sneeze into your arm rather than your hand.
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• Eat nutritious foods including lots of fruits and vegetables. • Manage your stress with healthy habits like meditation. Most of the recommended care for influenza is considered supportive. That means the care is to help minimize your symptoms. This can include extra rest, fever reducing medications like Tylenol or Advil and extra fluids to keep you hydrated.
Another benefit to anti-viral medications is that they can reduce the length of time of your symptoms and reduce your risk for serious influenza complications like pneumonia. People who are at higher risk for serious complications can be those people who have high-risk medical conditions such as asthma or COPD and the elderly. If at any time you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, a prolonged or severe fever, vomiting or pain while swallowing, you should seek immediate medical care.
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE June-uary The first motorcycle ride of the year is always a nice treat; feeling the wind, watching the scenery rush by and experiencing the world as a participant, rather than an observer safely ensconced in a motorized box commuting through winter. Only a little bit of ice on the road shoulders to contend with, even riding up to a 9,000 feet pass. The snow has mostly melted out of the yard and the grass is greening up. The first bears of spring are already out and have tried to break into to some neighbors’ homes, providing a reminder that the perception of cute and cuddly is dependent upon proximity; what might be adorable from a distance or on TV, becomes threatening up close and personal. Temps are in the mid 50s, and even into the low 70s just a few miles down the river valley. Spring is in full swing. Which seems great, but as of this writing it is the first week of February at 7,000 feet elevation in the central Rockies, a time when we are supposed to be locked in winter’s icy grip with a couple of feet of snow on the ground and snow-packed highways. While the residents of the northeastern portion of the country are getting repeatedly bombarded with thick blankets of snow and living under a sort of meteorological martial law, we are stripping down to t-shirts. Some friends live out of town, up a 4-wheel-drive-only road in the forest, the second-to-last home connected to the electrical grid. Their home is located at about 9,000 feet in elevation. Their daily winter commute usually involves a snowmobile ride – or a tracked snow cat ride if the snow is too deep for the recreationally oriented snowmobile -down the mountainside to where their vehicle is parked at the end of the pavement. They drove their SUV up to the house the other day, something that shouldn’t occur for another two months, though their teenaged daughters aren’t complaining.
est and driest January on record, now locally known as June-uary. Local wildlife managers are on record stating that the incredibly mild winter we’re having could help the deer and elk herds reverse some of their recent population decline. Their motto is if there is “brown ground” at Christmas, then the ungulates will have an easy winter. While early December snows promised a big winter, the rains in January and the green grass in February are pointing to some healthy herds. Much of this early warmth seems to be quite nice, if framed solely upon the easy conditions of today. However, the conditions next August and September Photo courtesy Bigstock are quite dependent upon an ample snowpack accumulating right now. A couple of years ago the local river was down to a slow trickle by late summer, and ran 90 percent lower than average. It was ugly. Ranchers, rafting guides and those tasked with managing domestic and irrigation water systems are looking at the extended forecast with a rising sense of dread. Our local fire chief hasn’t made any public statements yet, but he is no doubt already planning on a big wildfire season this summer. A wet spring and summer could partially change the outlook for the rest of the year. It’s already too late for a snowpack that is 70 percent of average to increase to just plain average, but lots of heavy wet glop falling in March and April and frequent rains throughout the summer could make conditions reasonable. So maybe by the time this column is published this unusually hot and dry time will have passed and we’ll be experiencing winter again. We’d be happy to be dealing with a huge amount of snow, even if it means shoveling in May.
By Avalanche
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.
A friend who works at a local ski area told me that while there is still a good covering of snow on the mountain, the conditions are better suited for ice skating than skiing. If one falls and the initial impact doesn’t hurt, the 500 yard slide that follows probably will. A scheduled ice climbing festival and instruction clinic was cancelled, as it is hard to climb ice if there is none. This was the second warm16
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moore on life Flight Gripe How I long for the good ol’ days. Muzzle my mouth I’m starting to sound like my mother! Next thing you know, I’ll start reminiscing about walking to school barefoot in a blizzard. But seriously, back to the good ol’ days, has anyone been on a plane lately? There was a time when you were gladly welcomed on board. Heck, the pilot would even assign someone in coach to take the cockpit controls while he stretched his legs and cavorted with the passengers. Since then, the entire world’s gone crazy and with it the goodies we used to take for granted.
gers were offered a warm blankie, a cushy pillow and a variety of magazines. Today, you must pack them along or suffer in silence. I was bold and asked for something to read. The stewardess handed me an air sickness bag and told me to scan the instructions on it. After memorizing that fine piece of literature, I resorted to perusing the what-to-do-in-case-a-giant-pelican-gets-sucked-into-theengine-and-the-wings-fall-off-the-plane pamphlet tucked in the seat pocket. I got as far as the evacuation directives for a “water
Nowadays, anyone within a yardstick of the pilot’s doorway gets tazed by secret air marshals who are disguised like nuns. I suppose that’s for our own safety, but that doesn’t make up for the lack of basic amenities on board--such as food. I recall a time when we freely complained about the inadequacy of airline meals. The pot roast was warm to the touch instead of hot; the chicken cordon pink was not bleu; the chocolate fondue was fon-don’t. Now, a three course meal includes a pack of dry kibble and a drink served in a cup the size most fast food restaurants squirt ketchup into. The napkin counts as course number three. Long ago, you could actually view a free in-flight movie. Those days are gone. Heaven forbid you should request a little bit of entertainment to pass the monotonous hours away or relieve the stress should the plane enter a patch of rough, fuselage-splitting turbulence. Today, the only entertainment provided is the safety spiel given at the beginning of takeoff. Nothing of real importance is imparted. Seriously, do we really need to see a live demonstration of how to buckle a seatbelt? If so, I wonder how those people who need such instructions avoid getting sucked into the airport escalators. Instead, what needs to be clearly communicated is how to tell when the bathroom is available. The particular airline I was recently on forbid a line formation to the restroom. Above the facilities was a teeny light that shown red when the bathroom was being used and green when empty. Naturally, this helpful bit of info was not relayed to any of the passengers (who were secretly playing on their phones during instruction time anyway). Because of this, those heading to the toi toi found the door locked. They sadly returned with crossed legs to their places only to try and fail again later. However, once seated, they were able to secure their belts properly and without assistance thanks to the vital seatbelt teaching moment earlier.
Photo courtesy Bigstock
landing” code words meaning, “wet pile of plane splinters”. I went back to re-reading the gag bag. Once we were allowed to take multiple pieces of luggage for free. Now, we are charged ghastly amounts for the check-ins and must cram all of our other worldly belongings underneath our seats to ensure the least amount of leg room possible. Only when all appendages are knotted up like the stale pretzel snacks earmarked for dinner, and the passengers have passed out from poor circulation and blood clot formation is the plane ready for liftoff. All I can say to the airlines is, “Shame on you. Do you think money grows on trees?” Yep, sounding just like my mother and proud of it.
Seat space is getting smaller. Once wedged into that undersized gap, it requires the Jaws of Life for extraction, which, of course, is an additional cost. I recently heard of a lady who spent three days on a plane before somebody finally wrenched her out of her chair. Afterwards, she was charged multiple round-trip ticket fares plus a hefty seat-extraction fee. Comforts have been outlawed. I fondly remember when passen-
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by Cindy Moore
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.
nonprofit profile Crider Health Center provides healthcare services for those in need Since 1979, Crider Health Center has been serving the behavioral health needs of Franklin, Lincoln, Warren, and St. Charles Counties. By providing a health care home for Crider Health Center clients, Crider is better able to focus on the collaborative care of the whole person and their needs. From preventive programs for at-risk youth to family dental care, Crider is a one-stop healthcare resource. Crider Health Center is committed to continue expanding and growing in order to meet the diverse needs of the community. Crider Health Center currently serves more than 70,000 residents in a four-county service area, and have most recently expanded school-
Volunteers from Citi sit in the newly donated library that they installed in the pediatric waiting room at Crider Health Center.
based mental health services into St. Louis County in the Ferguson-Florissant and Normandy school districts. Services include primary care, pediatrics, ob/gyn, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, and schoolbased services. The support of our partners is vital to continue to provide services to the most vulnerable within our community. Throughout the year, the Crider Health Center Foundation Board & Young Professionals Board of Directors host a number of fundraising events focused on uniting community awareness and providing muchneeded funding to support the programs and services of Crider Health Center.
Crider Health Center staff and volunteers participate in the monthly mobile market at the Crider Warrenton location. In partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank shelf-stable food items and fresh produce are provided to clients in need. Photos courtesy Crider Health Center
March 6, 2015 5th Annual “Great Gatsby” Mouse Race
May 2, 2015 The Battlegrounds
Community members participated in the Cruisin’ 4 Crider Awareness motorcycle ride and community festival.
May 30, 2015 3rd Annual “Cruisin’ 4 Crider” Awareness Ride & Festival
Stegton Regency Center • St. Charles
Cedar Lake Cellars • Wright City • 8 a.m.
Crider Health Center • Wentzville
7 – 10 p.m.
Crider Health Center has partnered with The Battlegrounds, who feature the only permanent obstacle course in Missouri, and for this event, an Eliminator worthy, post-event festival with perks you won’t find anywhere else! With a 5K and fivemile race, there is an option for every fitness level! Register with Crider Health Center and receive a five percent discount off your registration, with 10 percent of registration fees donated back to the Crider Health Center Foundation.
9 a.m. ride start; 12 p.m. festival begins
Join us for a roarin’ good time at the 5th Annual “Great Gatsby” Mouse Race Event hosted by Crider Health Center Young Professionals Board of Directors. The glittering affair requests you come decked out in your best “Gatsby” inspired attire. Tickets are $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight. Ticket includes set up, beer and beverages, photo booth, music, free raffle ticket, and much more! Event registration and information can be found at www.mouseraces.kintera.org
Event registration and information can be found at www.cridermudrun.kintera.org
Join Crider Health Center for this community event that features an awareness ride for motorcycle enthusiasts from novice to experienced. The beautiful ride signifies supporters helping to ‘stop stigma in its tracks.’ Our Wentzville location will feature a full-scale festival atmosphere complete with vendors, children’s games and activities, food trucks, live music, raffle items, and more! Bring your bike, bring your family, bring your friends! Event registration and information can be found at www.c4c.kintera.org
Please visit www.cridercenter.org for a full listing of locations and more information 18
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CALENDAR of Events
March:
6 - Trivia night
The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce will host their 3rd Annual Trivia Night. A portion of the proceeds go toward the Shriners Hospital for Children. The event will take place at the Moolah Temple at 12545 Fee Fee Road in St. Louis County, doors open at 6 p.m., with games starting at 7 p.m. The cost for a table of 8 is only $160 and seating is limited. Call the chamber office for more information or to reserve your space at 314-576-6603 or www.mhcc.com.
7- Snack with Spiderman Join the Florissant Parks & Recreation Department at the John F. Kennedy Community Center from 2 – 3 p.m. for a snack with your favorite neighborhood superhero, Spiderman! Kids will enjoy a snack with Spiderman and he will be here to teach kids the Superhero Oath, play games, and take pictures. Cost for residents is $10 and for non-residents $15. Registration begins for Florissant residents Feb. 2 and for non-residents Feb. 9 at both community centers. Preregistration is required. The event will be cancelled if minimum participation is not met so please register early. Only children need to register and pay. This event is for children ages 10 and under and their parents or adult guests. For additional information contact the JFK center 314-921-4250 or JJE center 314-921-4466.
7 - ‘Purses for Pantries’ Designer handbags, vintage pocketbooks, evening clutches and other accessories will be up for ‘grabs’ when Operation Food Search’s third annual ‘Purses for Pantries’ event is held at River City Casino & Hotel Event Center. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for the silent auction, followed by a noon luncheon and a live auction that begins at 1 p.m. Prices start at $35 for a single ticket. Reserved tables and other opportunities with sponsorship recognition are also available. To learn more about sponsorships or to inquire about tickets, please contact 314-726-5355, extension 24 or Derek.May@OperationFoodSearch.org
8 - Pancake breakfast The annual Florissant Old Town Partners all you can eat pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. – noon, on the lower level of the Wedding Chapel located at 646 rue St. Francois. Cost for adults $6, for children $3. Price includes pancakes, sausage, and beverages, and a chance to win one of four $25.00 attendance prizes. For more information call 837-0033
es they offer to the community. Special attractions will include health screenings and activities for children. There is no charge to attend the Business Showcase. The event will also feature a “Taste of North County,” showcasing local restaurants. An area of the community center will be roped off for this event. For a nominal fee of $5 for adults, $2 Children 4-10 yrs, Children 3 and under are free. The chamber is seeking vendors for both the Business Showcase and the “Taste of North County.” The event is open to both chamber members and non-members. For more information on exhibitor fees, call the chamber office at 314-831-3500 or visit www.greaternorthcountychamber.com.
21 - Arts and crafts fair Sponsored by the Overland Community Center, this event will be held at the Overland Community Center located at 9225 Lackland Road in St Louis from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. This spring craft fair will feature hand-made items or items of a craft nature. A food concession will be available to customers and all vendors between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The registration deadline for all vendor applicants is March 19 and the cost for the first table, whether it is one eight-foot rectangular table or one 60” round table with twochairs, is $25. Any additional table after the purchase of the first table is $5 at table. For more information or to request an application, contact the Overland Community Center at 314-428-0490.
APRIL:
18 - Legacy Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction North County Christian School (NCCS) will host their annual Legacy Dinner and Silent Auction at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The fundraising dinner will celebrate the ongoing legacy of excellence in Christian education established by the school in its 50+ year history. Dr. Glen Schultz, founder of Kingdom Education Ministries, will be the featured speaker for the event. Current families, alumni, and friends of Christian schools are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $25 per person, or $200 for a table of eight and must be purchased by April 10. Call 314-972-6227 for more information or to purchase tickets. NCCS is located at 845 Dunn Rd in Florissant.
18 - Trivia night Trinity Catholic High School Spring Trivia Night sponsored by the Trinity Parent Organization doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Tables of eight $120, beer and soda provided - players are welcome to bring in anything they wish to eat or drink. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. For reservations e-mail Mary Pat Grumich at marypatgrumich@att.net or call 314-740-2356.
20 - Trivia night Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) Midwest Chapter and the St. Louis Support Group are hosting the Second Annual St. Louis Trivia Night in support of pulmonary hypertension (PH) from 6 – 11:30 p.m. at Orlando’s Banquet Center at 2050 Dorsett Village in Maryland Heights. Individual registration cost is $25 while teams of eight players are $200; Registration includes trivia, beer, wine, well-drinks, and soda. www.events.org/PHATrivia15
21 - Taste of North County
18 - Trivia night In addition to trivia there will be a silent auction, games and raffles. Three beer tickets, light snacks and soda provided; no BYOB, please. Cash prize for first and second place. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church at 2900 St. Catherine Street in Florissant (opposite McCluer North High School). Cost is $20 per person/$160 per table. For tickets or for more information call 314-837-7113.
The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Florissant will co-sponsor the 27th Anniversary of the Chamber’s Business Showcase, featuring a “Taste of North County.” from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the James J. Eagan Community Center in Florissant. The public is invited to attend the event to learn more about local businesses and organizations and the products and servic-
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