CN: January 4, 2017

January 4, 2017

Loop Trolley still on track

Around Town

Hazelwood installs new workout equipment in time for making New Year’s resolutions a reality. P.3 Museum takes aim at hunting heritage. P.6

Community Voices

By Angela Clabon. P.2

School

Submitted Photo

In addition to the new track and overhead wire along Delmar, new striping for parking spaces have also been placed along the route.

New trolley service running from The Loop to Forest Park to open for public in late spring

By Nicholas Elmes If everything goes as planned, by the time summer heat rolls into St. Louis, residents exploring The Loop and Forest Park area will have a new, and old, way of getting around.

“Construction on the Loop Trolley is almost done,” said Loop Trolley Company President Les Sterman. “We are hoping to have it open for the public by late spring, early summer at the latest.”

Once completed, the trolley, which has taken decades to become a reality, will run a 2.2-mile loop connecting the Delmar Loop district with the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park.

“The Loop trolley will be a big contributor to creating a cohesive neighborhood,” said Sterman. “This area is growing and prospering and we want to contribute to that.”

He said the new transportation system was designed to travel along existing streets and augment the existing MetroLink stations.

The new system will feature restored vintage trolleys that have been a success in other cities with trolley systems.

“It is seen as an experience that will contribute to the overall ambiance of The Loop,” said Sterman. “The experience for a rider to be able to ride in a vintage trolley in a historic neighborhood has real appeal. People will want to take their children and grandchildren. I think it will be the kind of system that people will really want to enjoy.”

But before riders can enjoy the new system, Sterman said his company would have to go through extensive testing of the system, something that will take time.

“Please be patient,” he said. “This is a very highly regulated service. There are a lot of layers of oversight. We have not been able to pin down an opening date yet because a lot of it is dependent on when the state and federal agencies will allow it.”

But, even if residents and visitors to The Loop have to wait to ride them, they will soon see trolleys being tested on the transportation system “Hopefully they will be delivered in midJanuary,” said Sterman. “Then there is a period of testing that will probably last a couple of months, so we can be sure the trolleys will operate efficiently and safely along the route.

For the first bit, they will probably be towed by truck to make sure all of the clearances work.”

That testing period will also give people in the area time to get used to new traffic and parking patterns.

“They have to learn where to park so they are not blocking the track,” Sterman said, noting that new transportation system would actually result in a net gain in parking spaces along its route. “We have a safety brochure that will be going out to merchants along the loop and parking spaces will be

clearly marked. Just be aware that the trolley is out there and be careful about how you cross the tracks.”

Of course, older residents of St. Louis may remember a time when trolleys shared the road with traffic in the city. In fact, The Loop derived its nickname from the streetcar system that serviced the area until 1966.

Sterman said he doubted fares for the new system would be as cheap as they were in the 60s but said that while an exact fare structure for the new trolley had not yet been finalized, he estimated it would be similar to MetroLink fares.

“We will be installing fare collection kiosks on each of the platforms,” said Sterman.

“They will operate like the multi-space parking kiosks in the city. We are also developing a mobile app, so people will be able to buy tickets on their cell phones.”

He said the kiosks would also be able to offer vend tickets for area attractions and also offer coupons from local merchants.”

Construction of the trolley route has also resulted in over $10 million in additional improvements in the Delmar Loop area including reconstructing the 80-year-old DeBaliviere bridge that runs over MetroLink; building a roundabout at Trinity Ave. in University City; repaving Delmar, from the roundabout to DeBaliviere; repaving See LOOP TROLLY page 2

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January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Women work hard to make advances in the workplace

By Angela Clabon Since the dawn of Greek civilization, women have always been held in low esteem and not given the same rights as men. While many things have changed for women during the course of the last 2,000 years, there is still more work to be done. As one of the few African-American female executives of a multimillion-dollar not-for-profit organization, I have experienced firsthand these changes.

A few interesting statistics are worth noting. According to Forbes magazine, almost four out of 10 businesses in the wealthiest countries in the world have no women in senior management positions.

Globally, the proportion of senior business roles held by women stand at 24 percent, up slightly from 22 percent in 2015. However, this minor uplift has coincided with an increase in the percentage of firms with no women in senior management, at 33 percent in 2016 compared with 32 percent last year.

If you think the numbers globally are shocking wait until you learn about what’s going on here in the state of Missouri.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, just two short years ago, Missouri women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median

weekly earnings of $707 or 77.9 percent of the $908 median weekly earnings for their male counterparts.

This is ridiculous. Regional Commissioner Stanley W. Suchman pointed out that the women-to-men earnings ratio in Missouri decreased .6 percent from its peak of 78.5 percent in 2012. But what does the global picture for women and the picture here in the state of Missouri mean for St. Louis?

According to the Saint Louis-based Professional Women’s Alliance or PWA, there are nine rules that women must follow to get ahead.

1. Work hard.

2. Do the work no one else wants to do.

3. Cultivate the people in charge.

4. Know what you want and go for it.

5. Promote yourself legitimately.

6. Network with your peers.

7. Mark your own course.

8. Leave to get ahead.

9. Dress well and play hard.

While there are many other attributes and characteristics one could look to in advancing a career, these nine rules serve as a good first start.

My point is really very simple, while women have

made significant gains, there is still an awful lot of work to be done. As a mentor of young women in the healthcare industry, I believe it’s vitally important for women to trust their instincts, not be afraid to fail, ignore the naysayers and give something back to the community in which they’re part of. These principles, coupled with one’s faith, can lead to success regardless of your racial, ethnic, religious or social economic background.

Angela Clabon is the Chief Executive Officer of Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center located in north St. Louis city.

A native of St. Louis, Clabon obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri, and later obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. She has dedicated over 33 years to the health care movement in the city of St. Louis.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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

LOOP TROLLY from cover DeBaliviere, from Delmar to Forest Park; partnering with Great Rivers Greenway to extend the St. Vincent Greenway from Ruth Porter Park to Forest Park; adding extensive landscaping in the roundabout along DeBaliviere Ave.; adding pedestrian lighting along DeBaliviere and new LED street lighting along a portion of Delmar; replacing nearly all traffic signals located along the route and adding crosswalk buttons, where required, to meet newer ADA regulations; upgrading several intersec-

tion ramps to meet ADA requirements; installing communication conduit for future fiber to connect traffic signals within University City; and adding more drainage structures to alleviate existing ponding at some intersections.

Sterman said that while no official opening celebration had been planned for the new trolley yet, he hoped it would be a big celebration.

“This thing has been in planning since 2001,” he said. “We would like to have

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some very special celebrations when it opens. In the end, we are going to look back and say it has all been worth it and will be one of the great places to be in St. Louis.”

Submitted photos. From Left: This trolley track and overhead catenary wire have been installed near the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park at one end of the new Loop Trolley route; One of the restored vintage trolleys that will soon be carrying passengers along the Loop Trolley route; A new platform station sits along the Loop Trolley route that runs between The Loop and Forest Park.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 4, 2017

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Hazelwood installs new workout equipment in time for making New Year’s resolutions a reality Hazelwood residents now have a way to make their New Year’s resolution of losing weight a reality in 2017. The city of Hazelwood recently installed over 16 new pieces of workout equipment at Civic Center East at 8969 Dunn Road, giving residents access to the same quality of workout machines found at other fitness facilities. This now meets the standard that most people expect to make their workout sessions more effective.

Before the new equipment was installed, Civic Center East still had some of the original workout machines that were used when the building first opened 26 years ago. Residents expressed their frustration by asking, “Why can’t we have the same kind of state-of-the-art workout equipment like many of the area community centers and fitness clubs?”

When funding became available, the facility management staff made the investment to upgrade their weight room and satisfy their regular patrons.

“Now, our residents are really pumped up. They’ve been waiting a long time for this new equipment,” Civic Center East facility manager Jill Arnold said.

Civic Center East attracts a variety of weight room users, both young and old alike.

In the morning, the room is full of seniors who sometimes wait in line when the facility opens at 8 a.m. During the afternoon hours, a lot of high school students and millenials show up. At night, there’s a good mixture of adults from every age group.

One factor which has contributed to the increase in usage of the weight room is the fact that non-residents can now come in without being a guest of a resident.

Anyone age 14 and older can use the weight room. But those who are 18 and under must have a permission slip signed by a parent before they can workout. The city’s parks and recreation division offers affordable rates for both residents and non-residents. An annual facility usage fee, Premier Pass, is required for access to Civic Center East and the Hazelwood Community Center. The Premier Pass fees for residents are $60 for individuals and $150 for families for up to six people. The senior rate for residents is $30 per individual. For non-residents, Premier Pass fees are $90 for individuals and $225 for families. The senior rate for non-residents is $90.

Many of the new workout machines feature a video touch screen which monitors the speed, distance, time and body’s pulse/heart rate. There’s one called the DAP (Dual Action Pulley) machine which allows an individual to do up to 27 different exercises.

The video touch screen illustrates how to do each exercise and gives instructions on how to customize the machine to fit a person’s height and arm/leg length. Most of the machines allow the user to adjust the weights from the inside instead of getting up and going around to change them.

According to Arnold, “Both of our recreation facilities provide similar workout

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood Civic Center East facility manager Jill Arnold demonstrates the SCIFIT PRO2 Total Body Exerciser, which is one of the new workout machines added to the Civic Center East weight room. It’s an upper body exerciser and lower body recumbent bike in one for a total body solution. Dependent motion allows stronger extremities to assist weaker ones.

equipment that you would find in all the top-ranked fitness clubs, but at a significantly reduced rate. We believe we offer our residents better value for their recreational dollars spent.”

To keep residents on track in losing weight, the Parks and Recreation Division is offering the Hazelwood’s Biggest Loser Program. This is a 12-week weight loss challenge which helps participants adopt a healthier lifestyle. The fees are $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Participants in this program receive the following: • Unlimited use of the weight rooms at both recreation centers from Feb. 1 to April 25.

• A 20 percent discount off any fitness program which begins February through April.

• Current Premier Pass members receive a three-month extension on their current membership.

All participants must attend a kick-off meeting scheduled for Jan. 31, at the Hazelwood Community Center which is located at 1186 Teson Road in White Birch Park. Starting time is 7 p.m. Weigh-in results are tracked by the Parks and Recreation Office. One male and one female winner will be determined by who loses the most weight. The prize for each includes an Individual Premier Pass and a 2017 White Birch Bay Aquatic Center Individual Season Pass. Everyone who loses 20 pounds will receive $5 in Recreation Bucks.

For more information on Hazelwood’s weight rooms, Premier Passes, or the Biggest Loser Program, please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 314-731-0980.

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January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Simple steps for downsizing For one reason or another, you’ve determined the house you’re living in has become too much to handle. Seniors, empty nesters or those moving from a suburban home into a loft or apartment in the city all face similar challenges when it comes to downsizing.

For example, after Judy Raphael’s husband was diagnosed with dementia and moved to a nursing home, it became difficult for her to take care of her large house the couple had lived in for 23 years. At first, Raphael tried to maintain the house by herself, but things started to pile up and soon the house was in need of serious repairs.

“There were a lot of unknowns on what was wrong in the house – from mildew and mold to the driveway that needed to be replaced, the list goes on,” Raphael said.

When it comes to downsizing your living space, you can start preparing with these steps.

1. Determine what’s next. Think about what type of lifestyle you want to live moving forward, but take into account how much space you’ll actually need to accommodate that life. Whether it’s a smaller house or alternate option like an apartment or townhome, the first step is to decide what you’re looking for in your next living space. This can also help you figure out what items will move with you and what will need to be sold, donated, thrown away or left behind.

2. Assess what you actually need. Now that you’ve determined that downsizing is your best option, you’ll need to figure out what size, space and things you need. Maybe there’s a pile of stuff collecting dust in your attic or basement that can be sold or donated, or maybe you believe you can move all of your belongings into a more

compact area. Either way, a downsize means going through storage spaces, closets and room in your home to determine what stays behind and what goes with you.

3. Sell your home. Raphael knew she needed to fix the house before it would be considered sellable, but knew she could not manage it alone.

After seeing a television commercial for HomeVestors, she decided to give them a call to schedule a free consultation with a local independently owned and operated franchise.

Over the course of the seven-month sales process, Raphael not only accepted an offer on her home from Aaron Katz of WinWin Properties, but the unexpected happened: Raphael’s mother passed away. Katz not only promised to let Raphael and her daughter tour the home after it was renovated, but he was also the first to stop by with flowers after her mother’s passing.

An option such as HomeVestors, the largest professional house buying franchise in the nation with more than 65,000 houses bought since 1996, offers cash payments and quick closing, which can be helpful in the downsizing process.

In many cases, homes can also be sold as-is with no repairs and with unwanted contents still inside.

4. Stay organized during the move. You’ve now spent a ton of time and energy going through old things and boxing up possessions for the big move – don’t let that time go to waste by allowing your organization to fall apart on move-in day. Make sure you store items in places that make sense, going room-by-room in an organized fashion.

Learn more about the resources available when downsizing at homevestors.com.

Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles raises $19,600 for Walk to End Alzheimer’s

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www.treesbywoody.net Submitted photo Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles employees helped raised more than $19,648 to fund Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs.

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Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles employees joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Participants raised more than $19,648 to fund Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs.

“I was inspired by Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles participants joining in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Stacy Tew-Lovasz, President of the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter. “With the funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed education, support services and care to families affected by this devastating disease, as well as fund critically-needed Alzheimer’s research.”

Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles provides non-medical in-home living assistance to seniors in St. Charles and surrounding communities. The company has been involved in the Walk to End

Alzheimer’s since it opened in late fall of 2007.

Several staff members volunteer their time on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee to help plan the event.

“We have seen the impact it has on our clients and on their adult children in particular. It’s counter intuitive, but that is one segment of our business that we would like to see no longer needed,” said Roy L. Snyder, owner of Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate.

The dedication of Visiting Angels of Greater St. Charles will help the Alzheimer’s Association continue to move forward with its vision of a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 4, 2017

A New Year’s resolution to rid holiday debt Gifts, food and parties… you’re full of the holidays and so is your credit card! This is the perfect time to resolve to end credit card debt right away. To get your financial house in order heading into the New Year, the following are some tips from First Bank: • Put all of your credit cards on “ice.” Take every credit card out of your wallet until you have retired the total dollar amount of the debt. This may mean keeping your cards “cooling” through the spring and beyond.

• Begin now to set a 2017 holiday budget.

Add up your holiday expenses from 2016 and divide the total by the number of pay periods you have each year. Set up a payroll deduction for this amount and put the funds into a special savings account.

• Don’t carry holiday debt from one year to the next. Resolve to spend only what you can

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afford and don’t go overboard.

• Always pay the monthly minimums. If possible, pay extra on the card that has the highest interest rate.

• Consider consolidating debt to one credit card with a low interest rate and pay as much as possible each month.

Banks often offer special balance transfer rates to encourage consolidation.

• If you’re slipping behind, seek assistance from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). This not-for-profit service operates offices in every city and phone numbers can be found in local white pages.

• If you don’t feel comfortable contacting the CCCS, contact your creditors. Talk with them to negotiate an acceptable payment schedule.

Most creditors are willing to work with you and appreciate your honesty and integrity.

By Cindy Moore

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Off to a great start It’s a new year and as the saying goes, “Out with the old and in with the new!”

It sounds like permission to go shopping to me! And just in time, because we really got bamboozled this year. In selecting our gifts, our family members must have dashed straight to Petey Procrastinator’s Last Minute Gift Gallery at midnight on the eve of Christmas only to find it closed for the season. I imagine they panicked and then sped on over to Big Ed’s Gas ‘n’ Goodies which never closes and rummaged through their clearance table located between the bathroom stalls, to select our personalized presents.

I say this because our loot consisted of five pair of gaudy earrings and four ugly sweaters while my husband received three sets of ratchet wrenches; two boxing gloves and gift cards for an ink cartridge and a peach smoothie.

Some heavy duty exchanges needed to be made. We jumped in the car and headed for the mall only to be faced with bumper to bumper traffic.

“Oh snap!” I slapped my head after realizing it was the day after Christmas. The perfect storm in which the crazed 50-percent-off, after-Christmas sales grabbers collide with the maniac gift exchangers; otherwise known as Shopping Armageddon.

There was not a parking spot on our continent.

We then naively followed a trail of motorists

hoping to find an escape route and were unwittingly sucked into an ever-circling stream of cars which would never find a parking place let alone an exit; otherwise known as the seventh circle of Dante’s Inferno. It was the vortex of doom!

We needed to get out fast or we would be revolving until next May. Fortunately, on the way I had cashed in one gift card for that peach smoothie, but it would not last us for the months we would be trapped. I then spied an outlet. It was blocked, but our only hope. I opened the window and motioned to the driver blocking our passage.

He was about to expire from dehydration. I offered my smoothie if he would back up and clear the opening. He readily snatched the drink then I tipped him with a set of ratchet wrenches as we made our getaway.

So even though we didn’t make our exchanges, we now have a good leap on next year’s shopping with some heavy duty re-gifting at hand.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Life-saving volunteer donors needed to boost local blood supplies To help local blood banks maintain adequate supplies this winter, the city of O’Fallon is hosting the National Volunteer Donor Month Blood Drive on Jan. 13, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. The drive is cosponsored by Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Donors must be in good health, have a photo I.D., and be at least age 17, or 16 with parental consent.

“Winter can be challenging for health-care facilities when it comes to maintaining blood inventories, especially with an increase in cold weather-related injuries,” said Kathy Halstead, O’Fallon’s Manager of Volunteer Services. “Blood

supplies are always in demand, but icy weather often keeps donors away, creating critical needs with the potential to delay scheduled surgeries and other treatments. We’re encouraging every healthy adult to take a few moments to help save local lives by donating blood this month.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments for whole blood or double-red cell donations can help reduce waiting times and ensure sufficient staffing. To schedule a convenient time, contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services Department at 636379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us, or visit www.ofallon.mo.us for more details. Donors also can schedule appointments online at www.bloodcenterimpact.org using sponsor code 9339.

Museum takes aim at hunting heritage

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Submitted photo The Marksman Training Simulator - which is the cornerstone of the new Our Sporting Heritage exhibit that opened in early December at The St. Charles County Heritage Museum – arrived via Sweden and has the largest video shooting surface in the world and is one of only three of its kind in the United States.

New Our Sporting Heritage exhibit the St. Charles County Heritage Museum celebrates recreation

By Brett Auten

www.stonebridgeseniorliving.com

Think of it as “Duck Hunt” at Mach speed.

The St. Charles County Heritage Museum unveiled a new exhibit that takes digital hunting to the next level.

The Marksman Training Simulator - which is the cornerstone of the new Our Sporting Heritage exhibit that opened in early December – arrived via Sweden and has the largest video shooting surface in the world and is one of only three of its kind in the United States.

“It has been fun watching people who have hunted all of their lives and are really good shots come in and really enjoy it,” Ryan Graham, St. Charles County Parks Superintendent of Historic Sites said. “At the time, there have been people who have never picked up a gun or fired a shot and by the time they are done they are hitting the target with frequency.”

The interactive digital hunting simulator allows visitors to experience the thrill of hunting duck, deer, bear, and boar, as well as clay targets. It was donated to the parks department by hunting enthusiast August A. Busch III. “When you aim and fire the computerized gun at the images on the giant screen, it’s as if you are actually there hunting in the woods,” Bettie YahnKramer, St. Charles County Parks Director, said.

“This life-like hunting experience at the museum is fun for skilled, as well as new and non-hunters.”

The Marksman Training Simulator is free of charge and is available to rent, even outside of regular business days, for $75 an hour and $200 for two hours. Its realism to actual shooting is a bonus to the most seasoned of shooters.

“A gentleman was here the other day talking about some of the bad habits he had picked up,” Graham said. “With its ability to track and move you can really see what you’re doing. I think it will be a valuable tool and an appreciated asset in St. Charles County.”

The Our Sporting Heritage exhibit celebrates recreation by showcasing the history of hunting and fishing in St. Charles County and Missouri.

The main exhibit, which includes the simulator, showcases the history of hunting and fishing in St. Charles County and throughout Missouri, from prehistoric times to modern era. Special artifacts include Native American projectile points, antique fishing equipment, historic punt gun and an interactive display to practice turkey calling.

Also a welcome addition is a refurbished St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame exhibit featuring amateur sports in the county.

Bowling balls, shirts, baseball gloves and dartball from days of old are on display.

“The collection used to be at TR Hughes ballpark and they brought their collection to the museum,” Graham said. “We have taken theirs and supplemented it with items from other historical societies and individuals.”

The High School Athletics exhibit is being finalized and will open early 2017.

The County Heritage Museum at Heritage Park is located at 1630 Heritage Landing, is open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday - Saturday, and 12 -5 p.m., Sundays. For more information about the museum, call 636-255-6000 or visit the parks department online at www.stccparks.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 4, 2017

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Normandy community, sorority heed call to support honor students, cheerleaders

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Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Two recent fundraising campaigns netted almost $3,000 to purchase Viking green honors blazers and new uniforms for the Normandy High School cheerleading team.

Students at Normandy High School received some early Christmas presents thanks to the generosity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., caring alumni and other members of the community.

Two recent fundraising campaigns netted almost $3,000 to purchase Viking green honors blazers and new uniforms for the cheerleading team. The effort was spearheaded by Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, a Normandy High alumna and school board member. Westbrooks-Hodge, who is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, made the call to her chapter and to fellow alumni

and community members.

The donations were presented to NHS Principal Dr. Derrick Mitchell at the Dec. 15 Joint Executive Governing Board meeting. The Omicron Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha presented a check for $765 to the high school to purchase blazers for honor students. The Viking cheerleaders received a check of $2,000 from a combined effort of Normandy alumni, AKA Sorority, St. Louis County Chapter of the NAACP, Normandy High School Alumni Association, Beyond Housing, Major League Construction, Normandy staff and other supporters.

Making the world a better place with STEM

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During this time of year, many families are looking for ways to give back to their communities. Collecting donations for a food drive or donating warm clothes are great ways to serve the community, but giving back through innovation is another impactful way to help others. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education plays a significant role in giving innovators the skills they need to create tools that help solve some of the world’s largest problems.

Here are some STEM innovations that have helped make a difference in the lives of others around the world.

MadiDrop Tablets: According to the United Nations, 783 million people do not have access to clean water. In order to help solve this problem, a group of scientists from the University of Virginia invented MadiDrop Tablets. One tablet can disinfect liters of water for up to six months using silver ions that remove toxic pathogens from the water.

Project Loon: The United Nations Broadband Commission’s report stated that a total of 4.2 billion people do not have regular access to the internet, which can impede economic growth and development. To help solve this problem, Google launched Project Loon, which has developed a number of balloons that provide a wireless 3G network to rural areas around the world.

ShareTheMeal App: In order to help the fight against global hunger, the World Food Programme developed the ShareTheMeal app. With a click of

a button and a 50 cent donation, users can provide a hungry child with an entire day’s worth of food.

Solar Ovens: Cooking in developing nations requires not only a great deal of labor, but also exposes people to large amounts of harmful smoke.

More than 4 million people per year die prematurely from illnesses attributed to air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels, according to the World Health Organization. Solar ovens concentrate the sun’s rays to produce power for cooking, saving large amounts of energy because no fuel or firewood is required. With no open flame, solar ovens drastically reduce exposure to deadly smoke, and in turn, the diseases caused by smoke exposure.

This giving season, encourage your children to think like scientists to help save the world.

One way to get started is to talk to your child’s teacher(s) about entering a science competition, such as the 25th Annual Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision program, the only STEM-related competition of its kind that allows kids to create ideas for new technological innovations in response to real-world issues. Past projects include a removable prosthetic retina to help those with poor vision and amphipathic films, a water collection method that provides people around the world with access to potable water. To learn more about past projects, and for more information about how to enter this year’s competition, visit exploravision.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 4, 2017

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BBB’s 10 resolutions to avoid scams, fraud in 2017 As thoughts turn to the new year, Better Business Bureau (BBB) has developed 10 resolutions that can help you fight scammers, prevent identity theft and find trustworthy businesses and charities in 2017.

“Consumers can protect themselves from fraud by knowing the red flags of common scams, researching businesses before they buy and getting every contract in writing,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB President and CEO. “BBB Business Profiles and BBB Charity Reviews offer verified information that is available 24/7 on the BBB website. The website also has tips to help consumers with many common transactions.”

BBB Scam Tracker is a great tool for reporting scams or finding out whether that email, text or phone call you got claiming to be from the IRS or trying to collect a debt was legitimate or a scam. More than 43,000 scam reports have been filed nationwide since BBB Scam Tracker came online with losses totaling more than $2 billion. BBB uses the tool to track scams and to report fraudulent activity to the National CyberForensics and Training Alliance for analysis and collaboration with law enforcement.

The following resolutions can help consumers avoid becoming victims of fraud in 2017: 1. Check a business out with BBB before you buy.

Nearly 400,000 businesses meet BBB Standards of Trust and are qualified to use an Accredited Business seal on their websites and at business locations. Visit

bbb.org to find BBB Business Profiles for 5.3 million businesses across North America.

2. Be skeptical if you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS doesn’t call people or email them to inform them of taxes or penalties due nor does it threaten to arrest or sue taxpayers. Their initial contact always is by letter.

3. Always read the fine print—especially with “free” trial offers. Thousands of consumers have complained to BBB after signing up for a “free” trial offer online that resulted in repeated charges to their credit or debit cards, sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars every month. Read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before handing over credit or debit card numbers.

4. Keep your computer safe. Install anti-virus software on your computer and check regularly for software and operating system updates and patches.

Don’t open attachments or click on links in emails unless you can confirm the email came from someone you trust.

5. Never wire money to someone you don’t know.

Many scams require that the victim wire money back to the scammers. Scammers know tracking money sent via MoneyGram, Western Union or Green Dot MoneyPak is extremely difficult. Once you’ve wired money, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.

6. Fight identity theft. Shred paper documents

that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely. BBB offers tips and checklists on what to shred and hosts annual Secure Your ID events nationwide to help you stay safe.

7. Ask BBB for help. File a complaint with BBB if you have a dispute with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.

8. Create a budget and stick to it. Setting a budget can help you stay afloat in 2017. BBB has advice on how to create a budget to help you get out of debt and stay out of debt at bbb.org.

9. Fight fake check fraud. Thanks to advances in printing technology, scammers have the ability to create professional-looking phony checks. Be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won a lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper. These are almost always scams.

10. Get it in writing. Don’t just take a company’s word for it. Get verbal agreements in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between what you expect and what the business delivers.

Consumers can learn how to protect themselves at www.bbb.org/protectyourself. Find BBB Business Profiles or BBB Charity Reviews by calling 314-6453300 or by going online to www.bbb.org.

First Bank brings holiday cheer for local families in need

Submitted photo (From left) First Bank’s Val Lewis, Lisa Kampeter, Lisa Neth, Janice Harrison, Tiffanni Oliver and Monique Dattilo at the Hazelwood Operations Center with the gifts for the St. Patrick Center.

Forty-five St. Louis area families were adopted and many gifts and new items were delivered during First Bank’s Adopt-A-Family campaign on behalf families in need this holiday season. The initiative was part of a holiday outreach campaign that stretched from St. Louis to the Metro East, rural Missouri to Southern Illinois, and California.

“For the 2016 holiday season, our branches throughout Missouri, Illinois and California worked with several organizations to adopt families in need,” said Tim Lathe, President, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank. “I am thrilled to say that thanks to the efforts of our First Bank teams across the footprint, we were able to provide holiday gifts, food, clothing and monetary donations to over 130 families in the markets we serve.”

First Bank, St Patrick Center On Dec. 9, employees from First Bank’s Hazelwood Operations Center (600 James S. McDonnell Blvd.) delivered gifts and items to the St. Patrick Center, one of Missouri’s largest providers of housing, employment and health opportunities for people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

“As a longtime partner and friend of the St. Pat-

rick Center, we know the important, often lifechanging work this great organization does for individuals and families,” said Monique Dattilo, Senior Vice President, Director of Operations, First Bank. “We just wanted to do our part to bring some holiday cheer to people who are facing or experiencing homelessness.”

Beginning in November, First Bank’s Hazelwood staff collected a variety of new items ranging from cookware to clothing. As well as items, First Bank employees in Hazelwood donated $500.

First Bank, United Way’s 100 Neediest In addition, First Bank staff from St. Louis area branches along with teams from the Four Seasons, Clayton and Creve Coeur locations adopted seven of the United Way’s 100 Neediest Cases in St. Louis. Those gifts and new items were picked up Dec. 16 at First Bank’s Creve Coeur office at 11901 Olive Blvd.

First Bank employees also made financial contributions to help pay their rent and utility bills, ensuring the families have shelter and heat now that winter has arrived.

The 100 Neediest Cases is an annual charitable campaign jointly sponsored by the St. Louis PostDispatch and the local chapter of the United Way.

www.dschuster.com

10

Sports

Why do you read the Community News?

January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

“A good amount of coverage on a multitude of issues.” ~Reader Survey, 2016

Pick up one of our four publications at a newsstand near you, or visit us online. www.mycnews.com

www.byerlyrv.com

I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com

www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Basketball team at UMSL wins fourth straight In a recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee the University of MissouriSt. Louis men’s basketball team held Trevecca Nazarene scoreless the final three minutes and 16 seconds claiming a 72-64 victory the day after Christmas.

UMSL improves to 8-4 with its fourth straight win while winning its second game against the Trojans that included a win 11 days ago at home.

Senior Hunter Reine dropped in a careerhigh 28 points and also recorded his fourth double-double of the year by adding 12 rebounds. He scored 18 of those points in the second half, while junior Steven Davis added all 14 of his points in the final 20 minutes.

Go to www.UMSLTritons.com for more information. * Nice end to year Lindenwood football player earns another award Recently Lindenwood University’s Connor Harris became a three-time All-American when he was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American first team at the linebacker position. His achievements were also in the classroom as he is a five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

To end 2016, the Little Rock Touchdown Club announced that he was the recipient of the Cliff Harris Award as the nation’s top defensive player among NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA programs.

This is the fourth year that the Cliff Harris

Award has been given out, and the second time that a Lion has been named the Small College National Defensive Player of the Year.

In the inaugural year of the award, former Lion Pierre Desir received the honor.

Conner Harris will now look for a shot in the NFL when he competes in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 21 in Carson, California.

Cliff Harris was a former defensive back for the NFL Dallas Cowboys.

For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information MMA starts the year Officials from Fight Hard MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) will present Midwest’s most popular all professional MMA promotion 2017 tour on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The event will be headlined by a four man, Fight Hard MMA Heavyweight Tournament featuring bouts between Max McNeely and Mike Wright and Steve Rustemeyer vs. Kyle Noblitt. The winners will square off this spring for the vacant Fight Hard MMA title belt.

For the first time, Fight Hard MMA fans will be able print free general admission tickets by visiting www.FightHardMMA.EventBrite.com.

Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. with the first fight of the evening starting at 7 p.m.

For more information about the event visit www.fighthardmma.com or call 636-515-9161.

The card will include these fighters as well: Christopher Gideon vs. Galen Livingston, Fazlo Mulabitinovic vs. Travis Draper, Chris Petty vs.

Montuelle Prater, Lucas Clay vs. Anthony Livingston, Mike Carwile vs. Frank Cortez, Charles Johnson vs. Ray Allard, McNeely vs. Wright (Co Main Event), Rustemeyer vs. Noblitt (Main Event). * Start the year off with your best shot Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, has hosted many radio shows from Health to Sports to Baby Boomer news. He was the EMCEE of the River City Rascals and St. Louis Swarm basketball team inaugural seasons and broadcasting for the indoor football teams over a decade. Has been writing sports since 1999 for the paper.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 4, 2017

Recipe: Bold boosts for holiday leftovers

Learn & Play

11

SUDOKU: Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Turkey and Caramelized Onion Jam Stuffed Empanadas Servings: 15 | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup turkey, diced into 1/2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons dried figs, diced into 1/2-inch cubes 1 cup button mushrooms, minced 3 tablespoons caramelized onions 2 tablespoons Marsala cooking wine salt, to taste pepper, to taste Empanada Dough (recipe below) 1 egg, beaten Cranberry Dipping Sauce (recipe below) Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In pan, heat butter; add turkey, figs, mushrooms and caramelized onions.

Deglaze pan with cooking wine; season with salt and pepper, and cool.

Roll out dough 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick and cut into 15 3-inch circles.

Brush egg on entire disc of dough, eliminating any air bubbles, and place 1 tablespoon filling in center of each circle.

Fold dough in half and crimp with fork; prick top

with toothpick to let steam out.

brown.

Place empanada on greased sheet tray and brush with remaining egg; bake 15 minutes until golden

Place on plate and serve with Cranberry Dipping Sauce.

See solution on page 13

Empanada Dough Servings: 15 | Cook time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 4 ounces butter 1 egg 1/3 cup ice water 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cut butter into small cubes and blend into flour.

Whisk together egg, ice water and vinegar.

Add egg mixture to flour and mix until just incorporated.

Directions: Sift flour and salt.

On table, knead dough; wrap and chill 1 hour.

Cranberry Orange Marsala Dipping Sauce Servings: 15 | Cook time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole cranberry sauce 2 tablespoons whole unpeeled orange, finely chopped

3 tablespoons Marsala cooking wine Directions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Family Barbecue Turkey Mini Flatbread Servings: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes

I ngredients: 2 cups Marsala cooking wine 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 1 1/2 cups roasted turkey, large diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons yellow onion, small diced 1 cup zucchini, large diced 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded 2 flatbreads (approximately 8 inches each) 2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. In small saucepan, reduce cooking wine to about 1/2 cup. Mix with barbecue sauce. Toss diced tur-

key with about 1 tablespoon of sauce and set the entire mixture aside.

Heat oil and saute onion and zucchini about 3 minutes over high heat. Season with garlic salt and remove from heat; mix in Parmesan cheese.

Set aside.

In small bowl, mix Gouda and fontina cheeses together and set aside.

Spread each flatbread with an even layer of barbecue sauce. Top each with 1 cup cheese and half the zucchini and turkey mixtures.

Bake 10 minutes.

Garnish with chopped cilantro then cut flatbreads in half to serve.

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Primetime TV ACROSS 1. *Fate of many “Game of Thrones” characters 6. “Death ____ for Cutie” 9. Back talk 13. *America’s funniest?

14. Spermatozoa counterparts 15. Salk’s conquest 16. 1/16 ounce, pl.

17. For every 18. Donor’s bequest 19. *Cookie’s drama 21. *”The ____ ____ Theory” 23. “High” drink 24. “Back in the ____,” The Beatles 25. Not square 28. *____ Grimes of “The Walking Dead” 30. Web connectors 35. Bagnold or Blyton 37. Urban myth 39. ____ Mara, Kenya 40. Stalactite site 41. *Celebrity dancers 43. River of Hades 44. Door openers 46. Sad sound 47. Owl’s cry 48. English or Irish canine 50. Type of word 52. Be nosy 53. Bridge site 55. Do this with hot drink 57. *Gordon Ramsay’s turf 61. *Investors on “Shark Tank” 64. Gem State 65. East Coast time 67. Lumps of fuel 69. Andrea Bocelli, e.g.

70. Day before 71. Small island 72. Door fastener 73. Cuba Libre ingredient 74. Down and out DOWN 1. Blu-ray precursor 2. De Valera’s Ireland 3. *”The Goldbergs” narrator 4. Do like sirens 5. Legwear monger 6. Deal with it 7. Park or Fifth, e.g.

8. Wire prickles 9. Acid gritty-textured fruit 10. One algae representative

11. a.k.a. Xi’an 12. *Frequently belted out in “The Voice” 15. Organized persecution of ethnic group 20. Train tracks 22. Any doctrine 24. Russia’s neighbor 25. *Family in “The Middle” 26. Foolish 27. Basketball foot maneuver 29. Army beds 31. 100-meter race 32. Impede 33. Bill de Blasio, e.g.

34. *Leslie Stahl’s minutes 36. Collection agency’s target 38. “Cogito ____ sum” 42. “Be quiet!”

45. Señor in Portugal

49. Fish eggs 51. One of B-vitamins 54. Unkind look 56. Nonpoetic writing 57. ____ and kin 58. Creative spark 59. Sunbathing results 60. Karate blow 61. Kind of cell 62. Leafy supergreen 63. Downhill racer 66. *”Law & Order” acronym 68. Pig’s digs

See answers on page 13

12

What’s Happening

January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!

EVENTS

314-831-6121.

Jan. 4: Karaoke

Jan. 27: Chicken dinner

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 6: Steak fry

Steak fry at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314831-6121.

Jan. 11: Karaoke.

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 13: Chicken fried steak or meatloaf Chicken fried steak or meatloaf dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans.

For more information call 314-8316121.

Jan. 14: Flea market

Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact Richard at 314-8377057.

Jan. 14: Breakfast

Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 18: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 20: Pork steaks

Pork steak dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 25: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call

Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 3 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 31: Heath insurance enrollment help

The open enrollment period for the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace began on Nov. 1, 2016 and lasts until Jan. 31, 2017. Vitendo4africa in Partnership with Bilingual International Assistant Services are helping people to sign up for the Affordable Care Act. Call 314-645-7800 or 314252-0488 to schedule an appointment today. To help bilingual Missourians understand their options for affordable health care and successfully enroll in the marketplace, make an appointment with a trained bilingual assister (navigator) who is fluent in the following languages: Bosnian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Albanian, Dari/Farsi, Arabic, French, etc. You can also come into the office on Tuesdays from 9 a.m.

– 4 p.m. at 7220 N. Lindbergh Blvd. in Hazelwood.

Jan. 31: Scholarship application deadline

The Florissant Rotary Club and Rotary District 6060 are seeking Ambassadorial Scholars for the 2017-2018 academic year. The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Program is to further international understanding and peaceful relations among people of different races, nationalities, ethnicities and religions while pursuing a program of higher education either here or abroad.

Two different kinds of Rotary District Scholarships are available: The District Scholarship is available in any field, but preference is given to study in a humanitarian field. Applicants must have earned their bachelor degree prior to applying and $25,000 is available to pay for tuition, fees, room and board and transportation. Global Scholarships are available only to applicants whose field of study is in one of six focus areas: peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health care, basic education and literacy, economic and community development.

These scholarships provide $30,000 for tuition, fees, room and board and transportation. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31 and must be submitted to Richard Dorsey, President,

Business Spotlight A place to find out a little more about your local businesses!

Florissant Rotary Club, 1650 Shackelford Rd. #1188, Florissant, MO 63031.

Applications and additional information may be found at www.rotary6060. org and then by clicking on Foundation Programs, then Educational Programs, then Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships. Normally, no more than one District Scholarship Award and/or one Global Scholarship are awarded each year.

Jan. 31: Choral rehearsals

Love to sing? New singers are welcome to join. Auditions are not required.

Choral Arts Singers begin weekly rehearsals on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Please stop by rehearsal and consider joining. Rehearsal is located at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. Concerts are being planned with local high schools to be presented in late April or early May.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Twoto-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314-6154516.

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment ). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various

functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center).

For more information call Linda at 314839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: Lung cancer support group

The Lung Cancer Networking Group is open to anyone affected by lung cancer and meets at Christian Hospital at 11133 Dunn Rd. every second Tuesday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 2100. No RSVP required. Christian Hospital has partnered with the Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis to provide this group meeting. Drop-in to the monthly meetings to discuss, ask questions and learn how others manager side effects, symptoms and the day-to-day of cancer. Connect with other care partners who are learning about cancer and how it impacts their friends and family members.

Share and hear stories from others who “get it.” Discover the power of group support when you meet with a licensed facilitator, other people (family, friends, patients) affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting

6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors.

Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant

group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs.

Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

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

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

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 4, 2017 Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop:

10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Every Sunday: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157.

Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit WWW.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

HEALTH

Look Good…Feel Better

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center.

Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1.877.477.6954.

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed 4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314.653.5032.

2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare. com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal.net.

Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401, 6:30 – 8pm, 314.839.3171, free and open to the public.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314.344.6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866.

SSM.DOCS to register or for more information.

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

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

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636.947.5617

Speaker’s Bureau:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support

Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477.

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group

H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church

12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.Nar-Anon.org

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group

Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net

What’s Happening

qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or www.gthstl.org.

Every Wednesday Take Pounds Sensibly Group

Off

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 414 S. Church St., St. Peters. Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m. Business mtg at 10 a.m. Call 636.397.1727 or 636.272.4995 for more info.

Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Mtg. Christian Hospital. 314.839.3171.

Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS Meetings Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families

Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.921.9920.

4th Tuesday of each month: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group

Hear from experts on how to better manage diabetes & enjoy a healthier life. Located at the H.W. Koenig Medical Bldg., St. Joseph Hospital West. Call 636.625.5447 for more info.

Cntr., Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital conference rm. Info. 314-575-3983.

Every Sun.: 6:30 p.m. Every Mon.: 9:30 a.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Meetings Women only. Sundays at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, U. City. 314.993.5421 or 636.561.1407. Mondays in Wentzville, call 636.561.1407.

1st Thur.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer: A Support Group for Adults with Cancer Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp, 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.916.9920.

1st Thur.: 7 p.m. Parents W/O Partners, North County Chapter General Mtg, 2435 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. 314.739.0880.

2nd Wed. 6–7:30 p.m. Talking Man to Man about Prostate Cancer Support group for men diagnosed w/ prostate cancer at any stage. Barnes St. Peters. 636.916.9947.

3rd Tues.: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Grief & Loss Support Group—DePaul Hospital Share experiences of grief & loss w/ those who share similar feelings. Led by trained coordinators & Pastor David Boyle. Bridgeton Trails Library, Rm 2.

314.344.7356. Nurses & company. Flu shots avail. for small cost. 115 Piper Hill Dr., St. Peters.

First Thurs. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Caregiver Class from BJC Home Care Services, free to public, Topics: care, stress relief, legal issues, Siteman Cancer

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.921.9920.

SUDOKU answers from page 11

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314953-6090

Wednesdays: STEPS phrenia Support Group

Schizo-

6:30-7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits.

This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314.344.6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636.947.5466.

The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members If you would like to become a member please call 636.916.9664.

Gateway to Hope Program

The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/ breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not

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Pick up your copy at a newsstand today or check us out online, www.mycnews.com

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January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

AUCTION

HELP WANTED

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H.

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January 4, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

Carrie Fisher: always a princess to me For many of us who came of age in the 1970’s, Carrie Fisher was our first real celebrity crush. The daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, she was a fresh face on the scene, appearing in the 1975 comedy, “Shampoo,” opposite Warren Beatty, Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. In later years, she became a prolific writer and one of the best “script doctors” in Hollywood.

“Star Wars,” of course, was the one that catapulted her to stardom. No one, not even director George Lucas himself, could foresee exactly what they were creating. Though “Star Wars” merchandise and costumes dominate the San Diego Comic-Con each year, the film’s first convention “booth” in 1976 was a simple card table with two guys on folding chairs handing out flyers about the film.

It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the iconic role of Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” universe, though reportedly Jodie Foster and Eve Plumb from “The Brady Bunch” were considered for the role. Fisher gave the character the right attitude and passion the daughter of Darth Vader needed, although we didn’t know her true heritage during the first two films.

That’s why news of Fisher’s death sent shockwaves across the globe. Some people are not familiar with Jimmy Stewart, Lana Turner, John Wayne and other big screen icons, but just about everybody loved Fisher and her work. In 2015, the actress returned to the character that made her famous in “The Force Awakens,” giving Han Solo some much overdue grief.

The actress also made an indelible impression during “The Blues Brothers,” a comedy adventure based on characters created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Fisher played the spurned fiancée

2016 WINNER

6

of Belushi’s Jake Blues, trying to kill him at various points in the story.

Aykroyd and Fisher, who met on the set, also were engaged for a time before breaking up.

Outside of “Star Wars,” she costarred in the Tom Hanks vehicle “The Man with One Red Shoe” before nailing her role as Marie, Sally’s best friend, in 1989’s “When Harry Met Sally.”

In one classic moment, Sally, played by Meg Ryan, tried to fix Marie up with Harry (Billy Crystal), but she ran off with Harry’s pal Jess (Bruno Kirby).

Fisher’s work always had honesty and she was very open with her personal issues in “Postcards from the Edge,” a semi-autobiographical novel, and “Wishful Drinking.” Her talents at fixing dialogue helped make classic 1990’s films such as “Sister Act” and “The Wedding Singer” so popular. She had the ability to make it in front of the camera or behind the scenes.

The pain of her passing is still very fresh, but there are some bright spots. “Rogue One” has a beautiful segment featuring Leia and the next episode of “Star Wars” is due out next year. But this scruffylooking nerf herder is going to miss her forever.

Submitted photos Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Winner of Six Awards

Missouri Press Foundation Better Newspaper Contest

Best Columnist – Humorous First Place – Joe Morice

Honorable Mention – Cindy Moore

Best Education Story First Place – Sara Hardin

Best Magazine/Alternative Publication Second Place – CrossRoads Magazine

Best News/Feature Obituary Third Place – Robert Huneke for Joe Morice Obituary

Best Military Story

Honorable Mention – Sara Hardin

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