Issuu

January 14, 2015

Investing in North County Recipes

‘Program Friendly’ Chili

Feature Section

Healtthy Living

Photo courtesy SLEHCRA

SLEHCRA members announce an agreement with Midland States Bank at a vacant lot in North St. Louis City on Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., in a community that is severely under-banked. SLEHCRA’s work, including the agreement with Midland States Bank, is focused on increasing the bank branches and bank services available in these communities.

Community coalition has encouraged banks to commit millions of dollars to region By Sara Hardin There is a group of people working to help more equally distribute financial aid within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, and are currently leaps and bounds ahead in their mission in North County. St. Louis Equal Housing and Community Reinvestment Alliance (SLEHCRA) is a coalition of non-profit and community organizations that works with banks to encourage them to invest more financial aid into low and moderate income areas. SLEHCRA does this by conducting analysis of banks’ Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities, writing public comment letters to be considered by federal regulators in CRA evaluations and applications, and engaging in dialogues with banks about their performance in providing services to all parts of the community. SLEHCRA has evaluated 42 banks operating in the St. Louis region since 2009, and has written 38 public comment letters. Elisabeth Risch, who serves as convener for SLEHCRA, explains in depth the alliance’s mission and the steps necessary to force banks to take action. “Our mission is to increase investment in low-income communities, regardless of race, and in minority communities, regardless of income,” explained Risch. “We do this by ensuring that banks are meeting their obligations under the Community Reinvestment

Act and fair lending laws. Banks have an obligation to serve lower income communities and communities of color under federal laws and regulations. The fair lending laws, including the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, ensure that banks are not discriminating in credit transactions, including mortgages, on the basis of race or the racial composition of the neighborhood.” The effects of the alliance’s influence has been significantly positive, and Risch says that the changes seen in lowincome communities has been especially influential. “The work of our coalition has contributed to a significant increase in the availability of financial services throughout the St. Louis area, but particularly in low-income neighborhoods and predominately minority areas,” said Risch. “Five new full-service bank branches have opened, including the First National Bank of St. Louis branch in Ferguson. Banks have committed millions of dollars in community development loans, provided grants and donations to non-profit organizations like NCCU, and developed new products that increase access for families previously under-served by mainstream financial services.” Dr. Rance Thomas serves as president for North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU),

which is a member of SLEHCRA. Thomas is incredibly optimistic about the mission and the success that the alliance has seen thus far. “It has been very rewarding to be able to contribute to improving financial services for low and moderate income individuals within the St. Louis Metropolitan area,” said Thomas. “It is in accordance with NCCU’s mission and principle of ‘If God loves each person unconditionally, how can we not do the same?’ NCCU has been working since 1998 to promote understanding between the races and social justice.”

Business

Alpha Packaging Facility

Over the Fence

Trees & Paperwork 101

“Big Eyes” photo courtesy of Silverwood Films

Movie FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

Around Town

Vol. 17 No. 2

In This Issue...

Around Town Free vision screening for children and more.

Special Section Best of North County.

Feature Section Healthy Living

Business BJC HealthCare and Bethesda Health Group join forces and more.

School Jennings students meet with U.S. Secretary of Education and more.

Learn and Play Discover a new book with this week’s Novel Ideas and more.

Movie Amy Adams breathes life into an unappreciated artist in “Big Eyes.”

Sports Local sports with Gary B.

Recipes Coletta’s ‘Program Friendly’ Chili and Dark ChocolatePeanut Butter Cookies

12 14 16

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

January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Start a lifesaving habit by giving blood with the American Red Cross The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to start a lifesaving habit by becoming a regular blood donor this year, starting with National Blood Donor Month in January. January is a challenging time for blood donations. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and cold and flu season may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Saint Louis County: Florissant • 1/22/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., STL County Library - Jamestown Bluffs, 4153 North US Highway 67 • 1/23/2015: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., St Andrew UMC, 3975 N Hwy 67 Hazelwood • 1/26/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Convergys, 41 Village Square Shop Ctr Saint Louis • 1/18/2015: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh • 1/19/2015: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., St Catherine Laboure Parish, 9750 Sappington Road • 1/20/2015: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Mary Mother of the Church, 5901 Kerth Rd. • 1/21/2015: 2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Heights, 8001 Dale Avenue • 1/26/2015: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kenrick Seminary, 5200 Glennon Dr • 1/28/2015: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., St Anthony’s Medical Center,

10010 Kennerly • 1/31/2015: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Texas Roadhouse Kirkwood, 1220 South Kirkwood Road Saint Louis City Saint Louis 1/19/2015: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Locust Building, 1015 Locust Street 1/21/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., DuPont, 4300 Duncan Avenue 1/21/2015: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5515 Martin Luther King Drive 1/24/2015: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saint, 6740 Loughborough 1/26/2015: 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Mullanphy Investigative Learning Center, 4221 Shaw Boulevard 1/27/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Louis University Hospital, 3635 Vista Avenue 1/28/2015: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Barnes-Jewish Hospital, One Barnes Hospital Plaza 1/28/2015: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., St Louis University, 20 N Grand 1/28/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Barnes-Jewish Hospital, One Barnes Hospital Plaza

Florissant seniors welcome in the New Year Senior citizens, with their hats and tiaras, raised their glasses of champagne and said goodbye to 2014 and welcomed another fantastic year in the city of Florissant. 400 Florissant Senior Citizens, Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, and Florissant Council Representatives Tim Lee, Gerard Henke, Jackie Pagano and Jeff Caputa all joined together to enjoy a wonderful celebration at the James J. Eagan Center on New Year’s Eve. Attendance prizes were donated by Florissant businesses, a delicious dinner was prepared by Tornatore’s Catering and entertainment was provided by Fanfare Band. Senior Coordinator Peggy Hogan, the Florissant Senior Office Staff – Carol Henke, Carol Loftus, and Mary Anne Branca, and the Florissant Senior Commission, all hosted this senior citizen event of the year – The City of Florissant Senior Citizen New Year’s Eve Party.

Submitted photos

www.stlcc.edu

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 14, 2015

FFSD Parents as Teachers collaborates with Ferguson The Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Parents as Teachers program has joined with the city of Ferguson to offer free story times for families with children birth to 5 years. Story times will offer fun activities and songs related to featured stories of the day. Parents will be able to walk away with learning ideas that they can use at home. Story time will be held on Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24

as well as March 3 at the Ferguson Community Center located at 1050 Smith Ave., from 10 - 11 a.m. Story time will be held at the Ferguson Library located at 35 North Florissant Road from 6 - 7 p.m. on Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3. Reservations are not required. Drop in and enjoy time with your child.

Around Town

Pedal the Cause announces new cancer-research projects

Free vision screening for children, 6 months to 6 years KidSight in conjunction with the FergusonFlorissant School District’s Parents as Teachers program will offer free vision screenings on Feb. 23 from 6:30 –7:30 p.m.at the James J Eagan Center located at #1 James J. Eagan Drive in Florissant. The screening takes just seconds and requires nothing of the child except his attention. Using a Plusoptix photo-screening device the technician quickly and noninvasively takes a picture of each

child’s eyes and the device produces an immediate “pass” or “fail.” The screening will detect a variety of vision problems including: nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia, astigmatism, anisometropia, anisocoria, misalignmentand possible cataract. For additional information call the FergusonFlorissant School District’s Early Education Department, 314-506-9066.

Dr. MLK Jr. Essay Contest winners announced North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) will be making presentations of awards and certificates to its 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest winners at the annual Dr. King Celebration in the Terry E. Fisher Theatre on the Campus of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. NCCU will be cosponsoring this celebration for the 14th year. Winners this year will be as follows: Grades 1-5: Shadonna Fowler, Fairview Elementary School, Jennings School District Grades 6-8: Carlissa Hinton, Central Middle School, Riverview Gardens School District Jordon M. Ryan, Hazelwood North Middle

School, Hazelwood School District Grades 9-12: Kenyatta Turner, Trinity Catholic High School Adult: Tracy Hinds, Instructional Specialist, Twillman Elementary School, Hazelwood School District Rance Thomas, NCCU President, will present each winner with a check for $100 and a certificate of excellence. Music will be furnished by NCCU member church, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, and keynote speaker will be former Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Art McCoy. This celebration is free and opened to the public and will be followed by a reception.

Pedal the Cause is pleased to announce the awarding of eight cancer research grants. These grant awards were made possible by the tremendous support of the thousands of Pedal the Cause participants who raised $2.76 million in 2014 to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Pedal the Cause has now funded more than 50 cancer research projects in St. Louis. Pedal the Cause has donated $9.36 million in merely five years. With an ultimate goal of generating enough funds to cure cancer by hosting the region’s premier cycling event, Pedal the Cause is excited to announce that the Chesterfield Amphitheater will be the new host site for Pedal the Cause 2015, set to take place on Sept. 26 and 27. Pedal the Cause has seen extraordinary growth in the number of cyclists who are determined to end cancer. This new host site will allow the organization to responsibly accommodate the growing number of cyclists who are hitting the road in celebration of their year-round fundraising efforts. “What’s most important is that 100 percent of participant donations will continue to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital,” said Sara Krenski, director of marketing and communications for Pedal the Cause. “However, we are excited about the new starting line and think our cyclists will really enjoy having new courses.” An outline of Pedal the Cause-funded research, including the eight newly-funded projects, is available at stlouis.pedalthecause.org. Maps of the new courses will be revealed by the opening of Pedal the Cause 2015 registration, on March 1.

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Around Town

January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Best of North County

www.CompleteAB.com

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www.villagenorthretirement.org

h t C r o o . Ballot N f o t s e B Vote for your favorite Greater North County Chamber member or any other business in 63031, 63033, 63042, 63135, 63136, 63137, 63138, 63032 or 63034 in the categories listed below. All entries due no later than March 1, 2015. Vote as often as you wish. There will be two winners in each category. Accounting

Catering

Fitness Center

Hotels/Lodging

Bakery/Donuts

Apartment Complex

Chiropractor

Florist

Insurance Agent

Printing

Attorney

Computer Services

Medical Doctor

Jeweler

Real Estate Co./Agent

Auto Repair

Childcare

Hair Salon

Landscaping/Lawncare

Restaurant/Dining

Bank/Credit Union

Dentist

Heating & Cooling

Mortgage Company

Roofing

Bar/Grill

Financial/Investments

Home Remodeling

Optometrist/Eye Care

Senior Living

You can vote online at www.mycnews.com as often as you want to... or you can email your vote to bestof1@mycnews.com... or you can clip this and mail to: Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 14, 2015

Around Town

Keep up the good work this winter While the winter may make for a tempting time to curl up on stuck inside a hotel room, fight the urge to skip your workout by the couch, adapting your routine is essential for year-round well- keeping it quick and simple. Great abs don’t need a gym, just a being, whether you’re a professional athlete or an average person little bit of floor space. One of Diggins’ favorite ways to keep a looking to stay on top of your game. toned stomach is alternating reps of sit-ups with bicycle crunches “As an athlete I am just like everyone else – when it’s dark and and side planks. You can also incorporate jumping rope and doing cold outside it can be harder for me to stay motivated to keep up an “indoor run” by walking up and down the stairs. with my workouts,” said women’s professional basketball star SkyDon’t make excuses. This time of year is busy for everyone. lar Diggins. “But hibernating in the off season isn’t an option for Maximize your time by doing little things when you can, like calf me, nor should it be for anyone who wants to stay in shape year- raises in the shower, choosing the stairs, or repeating lunges unround.” til you get to the other side of a room. Keep a light set of hand As the days grow colder, follow this advice from Diggins to weights under the couch for a quick arm workout during your Photo courtesy of Getty Images stay fit: favorite TV show. Power up with protein. It’s important to give your body the For more tips to keep your rouproper protein to fuel your workout – both before and after exer- tine fresh and fun while indoors cise. Protein drinks are one way to reward your muscles and power this winter, check out Rockin’ your body for intense exercise. Made with real milk, Rockin’ Refuel Refuel on Facebook at www.faceLean Builder, available in chocolate and vanilla varieties, is the pro- book.com/rockinrefuel. tein drink Diggins prefers. It’s a delicious low carb, low sugar Doctors Serving at option that has 20 grams of Progress West Hospital high quality protein and only 150 calories. Hawk Ridge Medical Associates Banish boredom. A great We know your life is busy, and injuries way to change it up is signand illness don’t always happen during ing up for new gym classes or standard business hours. That’s why bringing a buddy for motivawe’re pleased to offer 24-hour online tion. Add variety by doing appointment scheduling, extended office short reps of different circuit hours and secure messaging so you can exercises to make workouts consult with your doctor when and where more efficient and fun. By alit is convenient for you. Our primary care ternating reps of speed ropes doctors provide compassionate care to www.medicallysupervisedweightloss.com with walking lunges with patients of all ages, including pediatrics. weights overhead and high knees, you can incorporate cardio and strength training Hawk Ridge Medical Associates Book online now! into one rewarding, un-boring bjcmedicalgroup.org/hawkridge gym session. Call: 1-855-747-5400 Keep it close to home. Whether you’re snowed in or “BJC Medical Group” generally refers to BJC Medical Group of Missouri, BJC Medical Group of Illinois and BJC Medical Group of Sullivan, all of which are well-established physician organizations.

BJC20221 10/14

Business

January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

BJC HealthCare and Bethesda Health Group join forces BJC HealthCare and Bethesda Health Group have entered a management agreement to strengthen services to independent living and long-term care residents at BJC’s Village North Retirement Community in north St. Louis County and Eunice Smith Home in Alton, Ill. Bethesda assumed management of operations at these two facilities on Jan. 1. Operational management includes all aspects of residential care, staffing and business functions. “BJC strives to provide the highest quality of care to our communities in all aspects of our services,” says Sandra Van Trease, BJC group president. “Our long-term care residents receive the best of care, and we believe working with Bethesda presents an opportunity to further improve how our services are delivered, including in the area of electronic records technology and operating efficiencies.” “We recognize BJC’s focus on excellence and quality outcomes across the continuum of postacute care,” said Joe Brinker, president and chief executive officer of Bethesda. “Bethesda’s 125-

year legacy of providing care and services to the elderly fits perfectly with BJC’s focus.” To manage the facilities in a manner that best serves the residents, Bethesda will assume employment of all Village North and Eunice Smith staff. BJC and Bethesda are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for residents and staff at both facilities. “We believe Bethesda will help enhance our long-term care services,” adds Van Trease. “We are confident this management agreement can bring delivery of care to an even higher level that will benefit residents and staff, and strengthen these communities for the future.” Village North Retirement Community and Skilled Nursing Facility is located adjacent to the Christian Hospital campus in north St. Louis County. The retirement community offers 153 apartments for home-style, independent living with a variety of living and dining choices, services and conveniences including transportation, social and spiritual activities, laundry and security. The adjoining 60-bed skilled nursing facility provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation and other advanced therapy and support services.

Rainbow Village receives $100,000 grant from the Bellwether Foundation A $100,000 grant from the Bellwether Foundation to Rainbow Village will provide the down payment for eight new homes for St. Louisans with developmental disabilities. The purchases were made at the end of 2014, bringing the total number of Rainbow Village homes to 68. “Thanks to the generosity of the Bellwether Foundation, we are experiencing the most significant single year of growth in the organization’s 40-year history,” said Michael Rea, RBV Executive Director. “We are so grateful to the Bellwether Foundation Board of Trustees for making this very special gift. It will directly benefit 26 individuals and their loved ones, who will soon have safe, comfortable homes of their own.” This represents a 13 percent increase in the number of Rainbow Village homes and a 10 percent increase in the number of residents being served. While the advance is significant, according to Rea, there is still a great deal of work to be done to meet the needs of the large and growing population of St. Louis area citizens with developmental disabilities. “There is still an urgent need for more neighborhood homes for people with developmental disabilities, and that need grows daily as the lifespan of persons in this vulnerable population increases. These are people who need safe, affordable homes, and older residents in particular have specific accessibility needs that require a customized home. The eight homes, which have a total value of $1.1 million, are located throughout the metro area.

Coldwell Banker Gundaker raises $105,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Coldwell Banker Gundaker has made giving back to the community a priority. The company’s independent sales associates, managers and employees recently raised $105,000 to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of St. Louis at Coldwell Banker Gundaker’s Annual Auction and Fundraising Celebration. Over the past 29 years, associates have donated $1.9 million to RMHC. “’As The House that Love Built,’ RMHC of St. Louis is a natural partnership for us,” said Jim Dohr, president of Coldwell Banker Gundaker. “We help clients fulfill the American Dream and

then can also help families have a place to call home while their children are in the hospital. We are proud to give back to our communities and are thrilled to have had such a successful year.” “Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis is incredibly proud to partner with Coldwell Banker Gundaker,” said Dan Harbaugh, president of RMHC St. Louis. “The company has gone above and beyond in their donations for the past 29 years. The dedication of the countless agents and corporate employees truly make the Ronald McDonald House a home. We are so grateful for the company’s generosity.”

BSR Services purchases new liquid salt application machinery www.byerlyrv.com

www.VillaAtRiverwood.com

BSR Services, St. Louis’ largest locally-owned-andoperated snow and ice management provider, recently purchased new liquid salt application machinery plus two tanker trucks that will enable faster and more environmentally-friendly winter treatment methods. BSR Services purchased the BrineXtreme, one of Henderson Product’s top liquid salt machines, to help handle the upcoming winter season. The BrineXtreme makes nearly 6,000 gallons of liquid salt per hour, and the Submitted photo company purchased several 3,000 gallon tanks for storing BSR Services recently purchased new liquid salt application machinery plus two tanker trucks. the liquid deicers. cess and causes the salt to react more quickly. The product is spread using the company’s new 4,000 gallon tanker trucks This method also enables BSR Services to use less that can spray 40 feet wide for time-saving ser- salt and stay more cost-efficient. “By adding this new product to our snow fightvice. Liquid salt can be applied two to three days prior to a storm while still maintaining its effec- ing arsenal, it better prepares our crews since it can be sprayed even before winter weather tiveness. Liquid salt pre-treatment is beneficial dur- hits our area,” said BSR Services’ president Carl ing extremely cold conditions. Since salt reacts Bolm. “We particularly like the fact that it’s betslowly when temperatures are below 10 degrees, ter for our environment plus allows us to be more spraying liquid salt jump starts the melting pro- proactive when battling wintertime weather.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 14, 2015

Business

School

Scouts invade UMSL for third annual STEM University

Schnucks introduces ovarian cancer awareness shopping bags St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) and St. Louis area Schnucks locations will be introducing limitededition reusable shopping bags to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The vinyl reusable bags will be introduced to all St. Louis metro-area Schnucks locations this month. The bags feature an attractive photo of the Gateway Arch, along with an infographic detailing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The Schnucks shopping bag program, the vision of former SLOCA board member and ovarian cancer survivor Jan Paul, was created to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Each year 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, approximately 200 women in the St. Louis area alone. Highlighting the symptoms is crucial to survivorship, as there is no diagnostic test for the disease, and the symptoms – bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, urinary urgency or frequency and difficulty eating – are often overlooked or attributed to other more benign diseases. The reusable shopping bags will sell for $1.00 each, and will be available in St. Louis area Schnucks locations through the month of January. The goal of the program is for women to purchase a bag for themselves – as well as bags to share with family members, friends and co-workers – to share the symptoms with women they love. The tagline for the bag program is “Use One, Share One – Save a Life”, and the bag tag contains a link to a risk assessment quiz on SLOCA’s website. For more information about the Schnucks reusable shopping bag program, as well as the St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness organization, visit SLOCA’s website at www.sloca.org.

Gramercy Property Trust purchases Alpha Packaging facility

School may have been out for winter break, but the campus at University of Missouri-St. Louis was bustling with activity when it hosted the third annual STEM University for local Boy Scouts on Dec. 27. STEM University is a full day of classes and activities involving subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. During the event, Scouts chose sessions to attend about energy, astronomy, Submitted photo medicine, architecture, Boy Scouts work together during a class at STEM University held at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. electronics, oceanography, Under the direction of John Sondag, Council weather and more. They participate in hands-on activities and experiments STEM president and AT&T Missouri President, the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of to broaden their knowledge in STEM subjects. “This is the third time we’ve done this and I’m America has become a leader in STEM education, really proud to be able to do it a third time,” said catching the attention and support of many busiDr. Thomas George, Chancellor at the University ness and community leaders in the region. “For the long run, it’s important for our busiof Missouri-St. Louis. “Certainly STEM fields are good fields to get into. There are jobs and there is ness, it’s important for the economy, to be able to a lot of excitement in STEM and I applaud the Boy get more engineers and more scientists so that we Scouts for stepping up and having a full STEM can compete globally with other countries,” said Sondag. program.”

HSD STEM Extravaganza to showcase science, technology, engineering and math opportunities The Hazelwood School District invites students, families and members of the community to the STEM Extravaganza on Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hazelwood Central High School located at15875 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. The event is free and open to the community. The STEM Extravaganza is a showcase of educational opportunities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). “The STEM Extravaganza provides an opportunity for students and parents to learn more about the STEM disciplines offered by the district,” said Dr. Grayling Tobias, HSD superintendent. “Businesses are hungry for candidates with strong skills in the STEM areas. The STEM Extravaganza is

an excellent opportunity for our families to talk with representatives from higher education institutions, businesses and other organizations and learn what it takes to be successful in these areas and how our offerings can help get students in these high demand career fields.” At the STEM Extravaganza, attendees will participate in demonstrations and hands-on activities for all grade levels, exhibits, speakers, college representatives and more. Participants scheduled to attend include: Pfizer, Ameren Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis, BJC Healthcare, U.S. Navy, Danforth Plant Science, St. Louis Community College, FIRST Robotics, Project Lead the Way, HSD Math and Science, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

WAREHOUSE PRICES Submitted photo Alpha Packaging’s manufacturing facility was recently sold for $11 million.

Gramercy Property Trust closed on Alpha Packaging’s 211,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located at 1555 Page Industrial Dr. for $11 million. The property is under a long-term triple-net lease to Alpha Plastics Company until the year 2029 and serves as the headquarters for Alpha Packaging’s eight plants located throughout the country. Alpha Packaging handles production of plastic bottles and containers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The plant, which manufactures more than one million plastic bottles per day, has been the home of Alpha Packaging since 1999. In 2002, the company spent more than $4 million to renovate the facility which allowed Alpha Packaging to expand to 33 production lines. Hilliker Corporation, in conjunction with affiliate company Westwood Net Lease Advisors, represented the seller, Big Sky Properties, and coordinated the sale with New York-based Gramercy Property Trust, which has acquired more than 130 industrial and office net lease properties totaling over $700 million and seven million square feet. “This is a large net lease industrial investment for the St. Louis marketplace,” said Westwood Net Lease Advisors vice president Vince Vatterott. “It shows there is an interest by national investors in our community, which is truly beneficial for our area and its businesses.”

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Learn & Play SUDOKU:

January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

Middle Pick:

“Unce Upon an Alphabet”

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

See solution on page 13

By Cindy Moore

Santa Pause Oh joy, it’s after Christmas. I can finally slow down and take a breather. All that hustling and bustling has caused me to migraine. Don’t get me wrong…I love all the celebrating with lights, and music, and singing, and baking, and snacking, and parties, and families, and tree trimming, and wrapping, and shopping, and parking, and…see why I’m migraining?! Thank goodness for January. It’s too cold and miserable to go anywhere. All we can do is hunker down and grow another layer of fat as we hibernate though the next frigid months awaiting spring. This will give me some reprieve. Nothing much to do. My husband has been solidified in front of the TV on his chair in the very same position for the last month watching college football playoffs. He can now un-cramp his body and roll over into a completely new position as he watches the NFL playoffs before the Super Bowl. As for me, I look forward to some rest. All I need to do is untrim the tree; take down the decorations; remove the lights; pawn off mountains of Christmas goodies from neighbors, friends and co-workers (which if we ate would elevate our sugar levels to the point our heads would explode); try and find a place to cram the extra wrapping and bows and bells and tags and bags and boxes and tissue; visit fifteen stores to return unwanted merchandise including: five golden somethings, four ugly sweaters, three French toast makers, two turtle rugs, and some catnip for the kitty (makes him crazy and climb pear trees!). Afterwards, I’ll need to exchange gifts including one from my husband. I specifically told him to pick me up something yummy smelling, hinting towards some fancy perfume. Instead, I get a six-pack of leather-scented car fresheners. I dread standing in those lines that wrap around the store and cross the intersection—and that’s just to get into their restroom. When all is completed, I definitely will sit down and relax. Maybe read the mail and catch up on all those catalogs for: afterChristmas-sales, end-of-year-sales, white sales, clearance sales, buy-one-get-free-one sales, close-out sales…I gotta get going! 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.

From A to Z and back again, there’s plenty to please in “Once Upon an Alphabet, Short Stories for All the Letters,” by upbeat, original Oliver Jeffers, one of Newsbee’s favorite author/illustrators. This oversize volume dressed in red weds tale to letter, from A to Z. You’ll “B” intrigued by the story of a man who burns his bridge, only to realize he doesn’t have any way to get back to the other side of the chasm, after he sets the structure on fire. “C” what happens when a cup meets her untimely fate on a slab of concrete, and be entertained to a “T” by the tale of a terrified typist whose end turns tragic. Every character has its red-letter day in this clever book that introduces a letter and then follows up with a story using words that start with that letter. “Ingenious” serves “I” well, relating the tale of “…an ingenious inventor who invented many ingenious things . . . like “iguanas in their natural habitat . . . incognito.” No one writes quirky better than Jeffers.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Famous Trios ACROSS 1. “_____ End,” retailer 6. Down Under bird 9. Obscenity 13. Hang around for 14. Bamboozle 15. Worn by some British soldiers on ceremonial occasions 16. Gang 17. Skirt’s edge 18. Gung-ho 19. *_______, José and Luciano 21. *Athos, Porthos and ______ 23. Bit of binary code 24. Again 25. Public health approver 28. To give approval in writing 30. African tree 35. Hurts 37. Kind of bean 39. *Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin meeting spot 40. Genealogist’s work 41. Sign of cancer? 43. Unit of pressure named after Torricelli 44. Wife of Abraham 46. Muscle quality 47. ____-fry 48. Type of tax 50. *They officiated LeBron, Wade and Bosh’s games 52. “I ___ with my naked eye” 53. Test choice 55. Denouement 57. *The Good, ___ ___ and the Ugly 60. *Chico, Harpo and _______ 64. Skyward 65. Female forest ruminant 67. Continental divide 68. Recorded 69. “... ___ he drove out of sight” 70. Piquant 71. “Joannie Loves Chachi” actress 72. *___, blue and yellow 73. Earl of _____ DOWN 1. Nordic native 2. Military no-show 3. *Employer of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins 4. *The Bee Gees’ most popular genre 5. Beer garden mugs 6. Reverberated sound 7. *___, Curly and Larry

8. Unnerve 9. One who makes deceitful pretenses 10. *Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior 11. Luau strings, pl. 12. Craggy peak 15. Marine trade route 20. Of or relating to deism 22. Johnny ___, nickname for a Confederate 24. Twisted Sister: “We’re not gonna take it _______” 25. *_____, Stinky and Stretch 26. English physicist who studied quantum mechanics 27. Make aware 29. Caused by defects in uric acid metabolism 31. Cereals or grains 32. Ink stains 33. A vacation or _ ____ 34. *Robin, Maurice and _____ Gibb

36. Scorch 38. Steak condiment 42. Send to a specialist, e.g. 45. Situation that is ideal for rapid development 49. ___ Gershwin 51. Alarm button 54. Bovine milk dispenser 56. Italian title, pl. 57. Ski lift 58. Arizona Indian 59. Level 60. Turned to the right, like a horse 61. British tax 62. Passionate dislike 63. December stone 64. Downed a sub, e.g. 66. Miner’s bounty

See answers on page 13

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 14, 2015

Movie

“Big Eyes”

Born Peggy Doris Hawkins, Margaret Keane made an indelible impression on the art world with her paintings of doe-eyed children. Keane’s work became quite popular in the 1960’s, inspiring other artists to follow suit. As “Big Eyes” points out, though, there was real-life sadness behind those large, expressive eyes. As the film opens, Margaret (Amy Adams) leaves a suffocating marriage for a new life on the West Coast. She struggles to make a good life for her daughter, earning a few extra dollars by doing portraits. After a whirlwind courtship, Margaret marries Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), a smooth-talking artist who promises to care for her and her little girl. Walter’s art doesn’t sell very well, but people take an interest in Margaret’s haunting work. A master salesman, Walter creates a demand for “big eyed” paintings, posters, and reproductions. Convincing his wife that the art will sell better, Walter tells everyone that he is the artist responsible for them. Margaret continues to paint in private, but the lie she tells to everyone, including her daughter, torments her. Tackling a real-life legal battle, director Tim Burton adds a degree of whimsy to “Big Eyes.” After years of silence, Margaret Keane got her day in court received proper credit for her popular works. As the film shows, however, it took years for the artist to regain her dignity and self-esteem. Amy Adams does an exceptionally fine job as the beleaguered Margaret Keane. As a single mother in the 1950’s, Keane had limited job prospects. She agreed to marry Walter because it seemed like the right thing to do. Adams shows the

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13 emotional rollercoaster that Keane was forced to ride through her marriage. As Walter Keane, Christoph Waltz is as slimy and slippery as his Hans Landa character in “Inglorious Basterds.” It’s hard to tell if the real-life Walter loved the fame or the money more. Waltz also brings Keane’s extreme personality to life on screen. The would-be painter could be charming one moment and hostile the next. Charming and engaging, “Big Eyes” is an emotional look back at what has been called one of art’s biggest frauds. With Adams and Waltz leading the way, Tim Burton does a fine job exploring this real-life art caper. It’s not the typical Burton movie, but it’s fun just the same. “Big Eyes,” rated PG13 for thematic elements and brief strong language, currently is playing in theaters. 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.

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“Big Eyes” photos courtesy of Silverwood Films

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January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Sports Motorcycle racing on ice The Family Arena will sponsor a unique event that is one of the most exciting and fastest sports. XIIR is a professional racing tour stopping in St, Charles. The motorcycles go from 0-60 in under three seconds as they circle the course on the ice. Each bike’s tires have over 2000 metal studs and the most impressive thing is they have no brakes. This sport is one of the fastest sports on ice and in the world. Check out the Family Arena’s website to get all the details of the event on Jan. 31. * Fast and wild www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.thistleandclover.com

Lindenwood hard court team takes a win The men’s basketball team used their strong shooting to upend the Pittsburg State Gorillas 69-65 in a recent away game. The lead in the game went back and forth most of the contest with neither team having an advantage bigger than five points. The Lions had a slim lead 3330 heading into the locker room at halftime. The last half saw the Lindenwood team maintain their slim lead and eventually a hard fought MIAA conference win 69-65. Three Lions scored in double figures led by Cory Arentsen who scored 16 with LJ McIntosh and Darris Smith each chipping in 13. Sam Mader led the way on boards grabbing rebounds. After the win Lindenwood improved to 7-6 overall and 3-2 in MIAA play. * Moving on up Fundraiser Guns N Hoses at Scottrade Center The annual event that raises funds for the Backstoppers will be held at Scottrade Center. The families of fallen police, fire fighters and first responders are assisted through this annual fundraiser. There will be 15 boxing matches

pitting like size and weight of men and women first responders. Included in the event will be mixed martial arts display as well to entertain the typically sold-out crowd. Go to www.ticketmaster.com to get more information on the program. * A great event effecting many deserving individuals Ambush search for playoff spot The St. Louis soccer club is trying to capture one of the three-playoff spots in the Central Division of the MASL. Recently the team faced the first place, undefeated soccer juggernaut Missouri Comets at the Family Arena. The Ambush played hard the first half and was able to match the scoring of visitors 3-3. However the last part of the contest saw the Ambush only score twice opposed to five notches for the Comets. Players of the Ambush that provided tallies included Manny Forbes, Jeff DiMaria, Elvir Kafedzic, Kory Dowell and Stefan St. Louis. The St. Louis club returns home to the Family Arena on Friday, Jan. 23 when they host the Tulsa Revolution and the next night when the B-52s visit St. Charles. * Still a chance for post season Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.sttlrv.net

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 14, 2015

Recipe:

Coletta’s ‘Program Friendly’ Chili By Coletta Hakenewerth | Lake Sherwood This recipe is a great example of a simple “program friendly” chili that is easy, filling and has my secret ingredient of pumpkin in it. I can assure everyone (the cook), no one will know you added it. It becomes so nutritious.

Coletta’s ‘Program Friendly’ Chili

Photo courtesy Coletta Hakenewerth

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, browned 1 large can of chili beans, undrained 1 can black beans, drained 32 oz can of tomatoes, undrained 1 small can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) Directions: Place all ingredients in a Crockpot, cook on low for eight-10 hours or high for three-to-four hours.

Recipe:

Give up gluten, but not all grains

Whether for medical reasons or by choice, consumer interest in gluten-free foods is on the rise. The U.S. market for gluten-free foods is expected to exceed $6.6 billion by 2017, signaling the practice of cutting consumption of wheat, barley and rye has gone mainstream. According to research conducted at Texas A&M University, sorghum, a cereal grain grown throughout the world, offers slow digestibility and a lower glycemic index. Foods with a lower glycemic index are believed to increase satiety, which means people feel fuller longer, which can assist with weight management. Thus, the growth of the gluten-free market has led to a renewed interest in sorghum. Globally, sorghum is used primarily as a human food product, often in the form of thick

porridges, popped sorghum, fermented and unfermented flat breads, cooked and served as a whole grain, malted into both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, hard cookies, tortillas and more. Domestically, sorghum is proving to be a strong substitute for other grains. White, foodgrade sorghum can be milled directly into whole grain flour to produce a wide range of baked goods and flour-based foods such as pizza dough, pastas and cereals. Giving up gluten doesn’t have to mean giving up the treats you love. The recipe below for Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies proves using sorghum is the smart choice for its many benefits. For more recipes using sorghum, visit www.HealthySorghum.com.

Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies Servings: 48 cookies | Recipe provided by Carol Fenster Ingredients: 20 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips (at least 60 percent cocoa), divided 3 tablespoons butter or buttery spread 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup sorghum flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup finely chopped walnuts Directions: In medium microwave-safe bowl, heat 8 ounces (1 heaping cup) of chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter on low power in microwave oven 1-2 minutes, or until melted. Stir; set aside to cool. In large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking soda, xanthan gum and salt with electric mixer on low speed until very

well blended. Beat in melted chocolate mixture until no flour streaks remain. Stir in walnuts and remaining chocolate chips. Dough will be soft. Refrigerate, covered, 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 15-by10-inch baking sheet (not nonstick) with parchment paper. Shape dough into 48 walnutsized balls and place 12 balls, at least 1 1/2 inches apart, on sheet. Bake just until cookies are shiny and crust starts to crack, about 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool cookies 2 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough. Or, freeze balls up to 1 month and bake later. Adapted from “1,000 Gluten Free Recipes,” written by Carol Fenster; reprinted with permission from the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

What’s Happening

January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

veterans. 314-831-6121.

Jan. 14: Karaoke Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. 314-831-6121.

Jan. 16: Heart Healthy Cooking “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m.

Jan. 16: Pork Steak Dinner Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support

Jan. 17: Texas hold ‘em $10.00 buy in with great prizes. Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105,

located at 410 St. Francois starts at 5 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. 314-831-6121. Jan. 23: Hamburger and fries Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. 314-831-6121. Jan. 23: Healthy Substitutions for Cooking and Baking “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan. 25: Open house and book fair Sacred Heart Kindergarten will hold an open house from 1 - 4 p.m. Present and prospective students and their parents are invited to visit during this time to meet the teachers and learn about the program at Sacred Heart. Those attending will have an opportunity to purchase books from the Scholastic Book Fair and possibly win an attendance prize. Thefair will be held in the Art Room. Registration for Sacred Heart Kindergarten, Prekindergarten and the 3-year-old program will begin on Jan. 25. Application, tuition information and guide lines for registration will be available beginning Jan. 20 on the door of the lower level of the kindergarten Monday thru Friday (on regular school days)from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. or on the web site. For additional information call 837-6939 and leave a message or you may call Mrs. Gladbach, 314-409-9478. Jan. 26: Exercise at Any Age “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m.

Jan. 28: Karaoke Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. 314-831-6121.

ship and great fun. Contact Jack and Mary Ann Marincel at 314894-2567, momarincel@gmail. com or visit www.westcountyspinners.com.

Jan. 30: All you can eat chicken dinner Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. 314-831-6121.

Feb. 7: Boy Scout Troop #884 trivia party fundraiser Trivia night will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene at 3515 Shackelford Rd. in Florissant. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $120 per table of 8 people, $15 per person. Snacks and drinks provided. Your own snacks and drinks may also be brought in. No alcohol permitted. There will be a $120 first prize payout along with silent auction baskets, attendance prizes, 50/50 drawings and more. Contact the trivia committee, Julie Sontag: 314-422-1804 or Tina Thomas: 314-837-7394/314-740-7607 to sign up or for any questions. All proceeds will fund future scouting activities for Florissant troop #884.

Jan. 30: Medication Safety, Storage and Management “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan 30-31: Ballet performance Missouri Ballet Theatre (MBT) is proud to present “Breaking Boundaries,” in honor of Black History Month at the Florissant Civic Center Theater, located at 1 James J. Eagan Drive in Florissant. Tickets are on sale now. Adult tickets are $28 each, and Senior and/or Child/Student tickets are available for $26. Tickets can be purchased online at www.florissantmo.com, by phone at 314921-5678, and in person at the Florissant Civic Center Theater Box Office. Performances will take place on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 10: Introduction to Square Dancing Free introduction to Modern Western Square Dancing for couples and singles of all ages begins Feb 3 and 10, 2015, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Rd., southeast corner of Clayton Rd and Hwy 141. Following the free introduction, the program continues on Tuesdays for $5 per person. Children ages 8-18 are free with paying adult. No experience necessary. Wear casual clothes. Good fellow-

Feb. 22: Cocoa with the Ice Queen Join the Florissant Parks & Recreation Department at the John F. Kennedy Community Center from 2 – 3 p.m. for a special visit from the Ice Queen and her sister! Kids will enjoy crafts, songs and an interactive story while sipping on cocoa and eating cookies. Cost for residents is $10 and $15 for non-residents. Registration begins for Florissant residents Jan. 12 and for non-residents Jan. 20 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 14, 2015 March 8: Movie screening “Wings,” winner of the first Academy Award for Best Picture, will be screened at 2 p.m. at The Scottish Rite Auditorium at 3633 Lindell Blvd. in St. Louis. The silent movie will be accompanied Dr. Marvin Faulwell on the recently restored 1924, 56 rank Kimball Pipe Organ. Donations accepted for the benefit of St. Louis Theatre Organ Society (501c3) and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Children (501c3). (http://www.srclinic.org/) This is an exclusive one time only showing. Parking garage located at the rear of the building off Olive Street (available for $10/car). Please contact the Saint Louis Theatre Organ Society (http://sltos.org) for additional information. March 28: Razzle Dazzle Ball “Fire & Ice” Razzle Dazzle Ball, presented by Saint Louis Crisis Nursery will take place from 6 11 p.m. at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet located at191 Westport Plaza in St. Louis County.Admission is $150 per person; Call (314)292.5770 for more information or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org. Enjoy mouthwatering food and desserts, live entertainment and the presentation of the Nursery’s highest honor, the coveted H.U.G.S. & K.I.S.S.E.S. Awards. Festivities include the ultimate Champagne and Diamond Extravaganza and an exciting silent and live auction. The Razzle Dazzle Ball helps Crisis Nursery fund programs to protect children from abuse and neglect. April 18: Support Dogs Tacky Ball 2015 Event runs from 6 - 11 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront (at the Arch) located at 315 Chestnut Street. Evening includes dinner, open bar, and entertainment, live and silent auction. Cost is $150 per person. Special Hyatt reservation rates available. For more information or to make a reservation, call 314-997-2325.

Recurring Events Mondays: Karaoke at DeLeo’s Cafe & Deli 2782 North Hwy 67, Florissant, 8 10:30pm, 314.839.3880. 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. 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 Lisa Erlinger at 314.653.5331. 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. Every Friday: The Bridge at Florissant Hot Diggity Dog Build your own hot dog. 11:30am, The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. in Florissant. To RSVP, call 314.831.0988. Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400

What’s Happening

tions accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

Info: 314.344.6090. Every Monday, Health Tips With Mary Swip 11am,. The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. Sales Director Mary Swip will have a guest speaker come talk about health and wellness tips All Bridge events are free, but require reservations. Please RSVP by calling 314.831.0988.

Church Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737 Health

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

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed 4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314.653.5032. Look Good…Feel Better SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. SUDOKU answers from page 8

CROSSWORD answers from page 8

Every Sunday beginning Sept. 28: Meat Shoots Noon until Dusk. Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316 Every Sundays: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine #1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Dona-

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Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods. Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique group of readers, because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers. Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

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Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

Fair Women’s By Shelly A.

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July 11, 2007

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IN THIS ISS

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Movie Talk

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www.mycnew

s.com

2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a

Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with

commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

plus online subscribers.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the’N fast-growing Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop Save. -

Vol 9 No 28

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months. Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs. While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es d isea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to ers escalatin animal owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

S LOU

Schneider

C o o li n g It

Shelly A. Schneid

FIT!FUN!

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on the 2007 at to questio , and more image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuSt. Fair Nov. 17, at Women’s ay, for Saturd . lous – set unity College Charles Comm in partnership the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show than 50 ing nine mini-s r, and more speake e ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and and s exhibit a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes . Mosquito Sea son By

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

additional copies available in newsstands, unique business-to-business magazine featuringat chamber of Or, sign up for a FREE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION www.mycnews.com

January 14, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

By Joe Morice Trees & Paperwork 101 I admit being a tree lover in spite of sarcasm from anti-environmentalists with chainsaws and lumber-company stock. I was raised in the country and appreciated the shady woods where the noise of civilization didn’t penetrate. It makes me wonder how many trees are sacrificed for paperwork, newspapers and advertisements. These days I keep a lawn and leaf bag in my office for incoming ad mail-outs and paperwork. They fill the bag enough to make it almost too heavy to carry within a few months. I’m not complaining about newspapers and ad mailouts because those are legitimate businesses and I’m

all for business. Of course that doesn’t include corporations that pay CEO’s tens of millions of dollars for fleecing America to increase profits. I don’t consider that free enterprise much like organized crime isn’t free enterprise. Now that I think of it there seems to be similarities, but this is about paperwork. I once worked for a large contractor that hired a specialist to cut down the paperwork that was frustrating the office help. After less than six months, the paperwork tripled. He was summarily fired. The office help celebrated. The unemployed specialist bought a yacht. The last few years of excessive medical treatment for diseases unbecoming a retired curmudgeon brought on a biweekly flow of paper via the U.S. mail. It included yay-for-us ads, preventative health brochures and bills for what insurance companies didn’t cover after receiving tens of thousands from them. Was somebody over there buying a small country? I kept all that paperwork in a tray on a shelf and in the last ten years I’ve filled it with medical mail at least six times. I began to wonder how many people it took to create so much paperwork. The insurance companies demand all sorts of information (or should I say excuses for not paying) that produces truckloads of paperwork for their employees and those of the medical industry. I remember going to a doctor’s office in a strip mall years ago that employed five doctors, as many nurses and more paperwork people than the large strip mall had clerks. That was in the days before medical records were computerized. Now they use a few less paperwork employees and the computer industry makes up the difference…usually in foreign countries. But why am I still receiving so much paperwork? I think I know.

At the local cancer treatment facility, I watched the staff who seldom get a free moment away from computer screens in between treating patients. They’re very good at this and I salute them. I also cheer the fact they can’t be replaced by foreigners unless the foreigners move here and get medical degrees. That’s putting aside the foreigners already here along with others who excelled in Computer-Generated Medical Paperwork 101. ‘Nuff said. In comparison, I remember my doctor in the small town where I was raised who employed one or two nurses who doubled as office help. His waiting room was always full. He stayed as long as it took to treat each case. I doubt he got much sleep. Much of the paperwork from medical facilities is created to protect against scam artists who would cheat the insurance companies at any given opportunity. I once felt sorry for the insurance wallahs until they invented HMO’s and guffawed all the way to their offshore banks. I’m still concerned about the number of trees sacrificed for paperwork, newspapers and ad mail-outs. I drove past the rural area I was raised in and my favorite woods were gone. Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating heavy equipment. He has no formal training as a writer, unless a lifetime of writing about any and everything counts. The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.