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February 21, 2018

A focus on crime prevention

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Florissant Police Department’s Resident Camera Program enlists the help of citizens, and their security cameras, to help fight crime By Charlotte Beard The city of Florissant continues to see a yearly decline in reported crime as its law enforcement seeks ways to involve citizens. In addition to having the city’s Neighborhood Watch Program, late summer 2017 the police department began development of the Resident Camera Program. Steve Michael, Public Information Officer for the Florissant Police Department, is responsible for helping create the city’s latest crime prevention program. “Our Neighborhood Watch is a really big program—an active part of the community in Florissant,” stated Michael. “In those meetings we heard feedback from our residents [stating], ‘I have cameras on my house, would that be able to help anything?’” People often offered police [the opportunity] to stop by to look at their camera activity if there was crime discovered in their area. I did a little research…I found that some other police departments around that time had a similar idea or [were] just starting [a program]. Right about the time we implemented ours, Hazelwood was doing something along the [same] lines, too. It was coincidental…we were able to give each other feedback, see what kind of benefits they were having, see the pros and cons that were working for them, and [determine] how to mold and

shape what we were doing.” Michael expounded on the logistics of the program. “Everything is completely voluntary for the resident. When someone signs up on the [Florissant Government] website [there is] a form that describes how [the program] works, the terms and conditions, and a spot to register.” When a resident registers their camera, it requests the resident’s or business’ identifying information including name, address, phone number, e-mail address, the number of cameras on the property and a description of what the camera views (the street(s) it views or location of camera for residential property). “The form is submitted to our police department. It goes to our detective sergeant—Shawn Reiland who manages it. He’s in charge of the detective bureau. Using the [camera information] that people have submitted, if a crime occurs in a certain area he can [research] the database [of registrations]. We don’t have access to anyone’s cameras.” Michael explained that the police department will contact a registered resident if their camera is in the vicinity of the crime to ask permission to view the footage at the resident’s home at a prescheduled time. If a resident wants to check

independently and confirm that there is nothing to be found on the camera, law enforcement will not persist. Michael stressed that participation in the program is completely voluntary and the Florissant Police Department wants residents to not feel under pressure in the program. “We put this program in place and our residents of Florissant want to help; they just sign up for it,” stressed Michael. Though there is no listing for public consumption to identify residents who have registered in the program, Michael did address concerns that may arise in an investigation where a resident’s camera may capture a crime. “If evidence is collected [from] a camera it could be used in a criminal proceeding. When the criminal is caught in the act of committing the crime the video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch a suspect and actually convict them. That’s the whole purpose behind this [program], going through the video footage for the criminal proceedings.” Approximately 40 residents are registered in the program as of the time of this interview. The Florissant Police Department is hoping for a lot more participation with See ‘CRIME PREVENTION’ page 2

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Around Town

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES ‘Why Me?’ Karen’s Story By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson “Why me, Lord, why? I try to forget but it haunts me. I can’t forget it. I want to leave this life – I want to die. Why doesn’t somebody help me? I’m sinking. The weight is too much. I can’t hold myself up any longer. It’s too much. Oh, God, why? Why me?” These are the words of Karen (name change) when she first came to Life Source Consultants as a survivor of child sexual abuse. One of the most hidden and well-kept secrets in families is incest. This is a very sensitive subject and few people want to talk about it. Many victims and survivors of incest suffer after-effects serious enough to require therapy. Despite public reporting, most cases of child sexual abuse still goes unreported. Exactly what is incest? Incest is sexual activity – ranging from fondling to intercourse – between family members who are not married to one another. Children may be sexually abused by fathers, stepfathers, mothers, stepmothers, brothers, sisters, or members of their extended family such as grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins.

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Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistants Lisa Moran, Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staff Writers Brett Auten, Charlotte Beard, Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore, Nick Palisch Cartoonist John Hanna Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Social Media Lori North Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Dominick Gagliardi, Bob Huneke, David McFarland, Norm Merchant, Christy Parks, Christy Weber Circulation: Distributech, Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2017 Huneke Publications, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted.

In Karen’s life, her uncle was her abuser. At ten years of age, her aunt and uncle obtained legal custody of her because her parents were incarcerated for drug possession. As her uncle tucks her in bed one night, she feels him rubbing her body and wishing her sweet dreams. Later she awakens and finds him back in her bedroom, touching her again. This time he informs her that this is their little secret. If she tells anyone she’ll get him and herself into some big trouble and that no one would believe her story anyway. In most cases, he’s right. He also told her that if anyone found out, she would have to leave her aunt and go live with strangers. Karen’s story continues: “The next morning, when we gathered as a family for breakfast, I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. He was acting as though what he did to me the night before had not happened. It made me wonder if I had dreamed the whole experience, that is, until it happened again and again, and again!” The staff at Life Source Consultants offers restored

hope and healing from abuse. Free support and confidential services are provided for women, their children, and teens who are victims of physical, mental, emotional, verbal, financial or sexual abuse. “Love Doesn’t Hurt.” Call us at 314-524-0686. Dr. Gloria J. Johnson is the Founder/CEO of Life Source Consultants, the first non-residential African American domestic and sexual violence organization in the State of Missouri. Motivated by a deep love and commitment to abused women and to forever change images and perceptions toward domestic violence, family violence and abuse, Johnson shares true life stories of victims in her book “I Cried Alone.” Johnson received a Master’s in Biblical Counseling and a Ph.D. in marriage and family counseling from Biblical Life College and Seminary. 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.

City of Florissant will hold a public hearing for the report for the Community Development Block Grant Program The city of Florissant will conduct a public hearing beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Florissant City Hall Council Chambers, 955 rue St. Francois in Florissant, concerning the Fiscal Year 2017 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Florissant Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. For more information, contact Community Development Director, Carol O’Mara at 314-8397680, or comara@florissantmo.com. A draft of the CAPER will be available for review. Interested

persons may review this report by contacting the Community Development Office at 314-839-7680 or TDD 314- 839-5142. Written comments concerning this report may be submitted to the Community Development Office at the above referenced address. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 14. Those who need assistance or auxiliary aids for the meeting should contact the Community Development Office in the Government Building at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 314-839-7680.

‘CRIME PREVENTION’ from cover the growth of awareness about the program. The hope is that with the increase of participation in the Resident Camera Program there will continue to be a decline of reported crime in Florissant. Florissant has again decreased for the year 2017. Index crime statistics comparing 2016 to 2017 in Florissant show an overall reduction of four percent. The reported crimes are broken down in to two categories, Part I and Part II Crimes. Part I Crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, stealing, motor vehicle theft and arson. Part II Crimes include simple assault, property damage, and sex offenses (other than rape). Florissant Chief of Police Timothy Lowery attributed the drop in crime to the officers who diligently patrol the streets of Florissant and the investigators who are identifying and getting charges on repeat offenders. Lowery said that a key component to the decrease was the close partnership the police department has with the citizens of Florissant. “Crime prevention through community involvement is how the residents of Florissant continue to help the police department. It’s their eyes and ears within the neighborhoods that help continue to make the neighborhoods of Florissant safe.” said Lowery. “I encourage the residents to keep calling the police to report any suspicious activity as it is

occurring.” Michael addressed the Florissant community’s response to this newest crime prevention program. “Feedback [on the program] has been incredible. I think more people would join the Resident Camera Program if they had the cameras. I hear that quite a bit. They call the police department and they ask what we recommend or if we’re selling cameras. No, we’re not in that business. But you can get cameras anywhere. [There are] are wireless [options], you can watch them on your phone. You can spend anywhere from $200 or more…they are

pretty elaborate. I think we’re going to see more people registering…going out getting cameras. I think because it’s so new, people are just not budgeted for them yet.” Florissant residents who own cameras may register for the program by visiting www.florissantmo.com online, click on Action Center to the right, and select Resident Camera Program in the list of Action Items. For further assistance, contact the Florissant Bureau of Investigation at 314-831-7000.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

Around Town

FYI hosts annual banquet Continue to #SupportYoungPeople at FYI’s Annual Banquet. Each annual banquet creates an opportunity to showcase youth’s involvement, and to share their ideas with the broader community. This year’s theme is “All Hands In”, and emphasizes the importance of all members of the community working together to support our young people throughout their journeys. This year’s All Hands In banquet will be hosted at the Norwood Hills Country Club (at 1 Norwood Hills Country Club Dr. in St. Louis) on April. The cost to attend is $50 per adult, or $30 per teen and college student. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this event can visit www.fyifergyouth.org for an information packet

and registration. Anyone needing more information can contact FYI’s executive director, Aaron M. Harris, at 314.749.5379, or e-mail him at aaron@fyifergyouth.org. The Ferguson Youth Initiative (FYI) is a 501c3 not for profit organization which was started in 2010 and began serving the youth of the Ferguson community by encouraging them and engaging them as active members of the community, developing programs as needed, and further communicating and partnering with existing community youth programs. FYI’s Annual Banquet is one of the many ways through which FYI carries out it work.

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CORRECTION In the Feb. 14 edition of the St. Louis County Community News in the story titled the “The Poetry Out Loud Regional Final Warm Ups were recently held at the Gary R. Gaydos Auditorium at JJE,” the caption under the photo should read “contestants with their school coordinators” not “family members.” The Community News regrets the error.

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Around Town

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

MDC and partners present native landscaping workshop in Maryland Heights Homeowners can contribute significantly to making their neighborhoods and communities greener by planting native plants. To help them get started, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and partners are once again presenting Partners for Native Landscaping Workshop. The workshop will take place March 31, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Maryland Heights Community Center at 2300 McKelvey Road. The workshop will provide information and resources that will enable homeowners to landscape their property with native plants to help create greener communities. The event features a series of breakout sessions that will explore topics in greater depth. Check-in and networking for the workshop begins at 8 a.m. and the general workshop session starts at 9 a.m. Following the general presentations, the breakout sessions will cover: • Gardening for wildlife • Designing native gardens • Maintaining native gardens • Developing rainscaping features

Participants will also learn about native plant organizations, discover related upcoming events, meet other native gardeners and purchase Missouri native plants and wildflowers for their landscaping needs. Space is limited for the workshop and advanced registration is required. A $20 fee covers the entire workshop, which includes a buffet lunch. Registration is available online at https://goo.gl/VftKMz. For questions about the event, call 314-599-7390. The workshop is sponsored jointly by MDC, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Shaw Nature Reserve, St. Louis Audubon Society’s Bring Conservation Home Program, St. Louis Community College, the St. Louis Chapter of Wild Ones, and Grow Native!. Native plants have evolved in Missouri’s landscape. They are better acclimated to our climate conditions than exotic plants and resistant to local pests and diseases. This translates into less time, effort and costs consumed by watering, fertilizing and insecticide use. Likewise, native Missouri wildlife has evolved to coexist and use native plants for cover, food and

Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Missouri native plants like blue star are excellent for use in home flower gardens and landscaping.

habitat. So increasing native plants also tends to increase desirable wildlife, like birds, butterflies and pollinators. The Partners for Native Landscaping Workshop is part of MDC’s commitment to work with homeowners to sustain healthy and greener communities for both people and wildlife.

While heart health and how to prevent heart disease are important topics, many people in the United States remain at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 23 percent of Americans have high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke if untreated, and nearly nine percent have heart disease. However, you can lower your risk for heart disease in a variety of ways, and one of the most important is by becoming physically active. National guidelines recommend at least two hours, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults, like brisk walking where your blood gets pumping and you are a little breathless. If you find yourself short of time, you can incorporate physical activity in small chunks, such as three 10-minute www.alexanderstlouis.com intervals per day, and still achieve some heart health benefits. How Moving More Helps When done regularly, physical activity can give your entire body – not just your heart – a boost. Getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat can: • Strengthen heart muscles • Improve blood flow • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels • Help control weight w w w. s e n i o r s h e l p i n g s e n i o r s . c o m / s t l o u i s c e n t r a l

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Get active for a healthy heart

Ways to Become More Active Every Day In addition to working toward at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, it’s important to avoid being sedentary, when possible. You can do that by making choices that build activity in your day. Some examples include: • Taking the stairs • Printing to the printer farthest away from your desk at work • Getting off the bus or subway one stop early • Parking in the farthest space from the door • Walking around while you are on the phone or having walking meetings • Being active with your children, including playing outdoors • Planning a vacation that includes physical activities • Playing soccer or taking a Zumba class with friends instead of meeting up for drinks or a meal • Putting on some music and dancing Check with Your Doctor Certain physical activities are safe for most people. However, if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis or diabetes, talk with your doctor about the type and amount of activity that is right for your health. Incorporating regular physical activity into your life can help your health in many ways, but it can be especially helpful for your heart. Find more heart-healthy facts and tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at nhlbi.nih.gov.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

Around Town

Tips for winter wellness When cold winds blow, it’s essential to take extra steps to protect your health. There are a number of techniques that can help keep your immunity high and your body in good condition to support wellness all season long so that you can enjoy the chillier months. There’s no magic formula for feeling your best, but consulting your health care provider is always a good idea when you’re contemplating new ideas to promote better health. Get up and moving: Without frequent use, muscles and joints can weaken and grow stiff, limiting your mobility. Exercise is also an important step in balancing your caloric intake, and physical activity gets your blood pumping, which has numerous benefits for heart health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes each week (or 30 minutes per day, at least five days each week) of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk, yoga class or bike ride. Additionally, winter brings fewer hours of sunlight during the day, and per the National Sleep Foundation, darkness naturally causes the brain to release melatonin, a hormone that triggers sleepiness. Exercise can counteract this drowsiness, as the endorphins released through physical activity cause a natural increase in energy levels. Studies show that endorphins can also elicit positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain, which can lower stress levels to help keep you mentally and physically well. Spice up your routine with herbal supplements: Whether to supplement your diet with additional vitamins and nutrients or to give you a specific, targeted boost, herbal supplements can help support overall health. For example, the supplement turmeric, derived from root extracts of the Curcuma longa plant, is widely regarded to have numerous positive health implications. “Since 2013, turmeric has dominated the market as the top-selling ingredient in herbal supplements,” said Chris Oswald, licensed nutritionist at Nature’s Way. “As research on turmeric grows, consumers continue to recognize the health benefits of this amazing botanical.” Get ample rest: Adequate sleep allows the body

to rejuvenate itself naturally, promoting a better mood, improved system function and increased stamina throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends older adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Beyond a good night’s sleep, be sure to take some mental downtime, too, to minimize stress and anxiety, both of which can have a negative impact on your health. Find ways to relax through meditation, reading or listening to soothing music, which can help rest your mind and body. Boost immunity: Fresh fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that can play an important role in immune health. Studies have shown that vitamin C, which is found naturally in several fruits, is essential for stimulating growth and repair in the body. Maintain skin health: As the body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against physical harm, the skin is particularly susceptible to wear and tear. During the winter, frequent exposure to harsh elements, from dry air to biting sleet, can have serious impacts on skin health. You can take steps to minimize painful redness and flakiness or cracking by regularly moisturizing your skin with fragrance-free lotions and herbal oils. They can create a protective barrier between your skin tissue and potential pollutants and irritants, and should be applied generously to areas that are most likely to be exposed, like your hands and face. Also remember to bundle up to prevent the impact of stinging winds, and avoid unnecessary time outdoors when conditions are especially harsh. Find more winter wellness tools at naturesway. com or Facebook.com/NaturesWayBrands.

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Business

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

NCI supports 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force for fuel tax increase Last year, the General Assembly established the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force, a 23-member bipartisan panel comprised of participants from the House of Representatives, Senate, Executive Branch and private sector. The task force was charged to evaluate and make recommendations about Missouri’s transportation system and its funding. It released its report Jan. 2 recommending a 10 cent increase to the state’s gas tax for each gallon and a 12-cent tax increase for diesel fuel to maintain Missouri’s more than 3,000 miles of highway. North County Inc. supports the fuel tax increase. The tax increase is estimated to generate a revenue stream of $50 to $70 million transit and other multi-modal transportation and an additional $430 million a year for roads and bridges. For nearly two decades, gas and diesel taxes haven’t increased from 17 cents. “North County is among Missouri’s aging, deteriorating transportation infrastructure and is in dire need of repair, maintenance and upgrades. This investment in transportation would go a long way to improving travel safety and economic development,” said North County Inc. Board President Dr. Chris Kilbride. “It is critical MoDOT receives a revenue stream that provides the ability to maintain its roads and bridges as well as funds for major capital improvements such as the reconstruction of I-270 in North County.” said Florissant Mayor Tom Schneider. Transit funding in Missouri was cut to $1.7 million for State Fiscal Year 2018. Currently, Missouri ranks 46th in the country with respect to transit funding. The proposed fuel tax hike would have to be passed by the legislature and Missouri voters.

Christian Hospital’s new AMCU opens with private patient rooms Submitted photo

Johanna Crawford, RN, BSN, manager of Christian Hospital’s Acute Care Medical Unit (AMCU) (center with giant scissors) along with hospital and BJC HealthCare staff and leadership, as well as many community leaders, cuts the ribbon at the third-floor open house on Feb. 1 to officially open the doors to Christian Hospital’s new $5 million AMCU.

The celebration, in partnership with the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, drew more than 150 people and included tours of the newly renovated and expanded AMCU that now has 29 new private patient rooms and is the first step in converting the hospital tower to all private rooms. The new AMCU began caring for patients Feb. 5.

Advertiser Profile: 1948 – 2018: seventy years of RV history, and more to come By Russ Patton, owner of Byerly RV

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The merger of the Pattons and the Byerlys occurred in 1967. The Byerly company was a customer of my father’s service station in Des Peres. Our family history was with oil, but my father was quick with numbers and selling gas for 14.9 per gallon was not a fast track to anywhere. He became more interested with what you can do with oil besides just sell it…like travel. About 1959 we started renting and selling primitive tent campers. The first one, a Masco, was a metal trailer which folded out to form a base for mounting a tent on top. Two beds off the ground, that’s all. The Nimrod came along with slideout beds, stove, icebox…wow! Finally, he bought some 16-foot travel trailers and truck campers from a little company in Iowa. They were white with a big bold turquoise W stripe down the side. That is the first time and last time that we represented Winnebago…until now. After 70 years Byerly and Winnebago have reunited. A long time coming and we look forward to a long road together. Another familiar name is making its debut at Byerly, Coachman. We have been very impressed with Coachmen’s Chaparrel Fifth Wheel. We believe it conforms to our strategy of focusing on value and quality rather that just price and superficial glitz. We learned long ago that our customers’ satisfaction comes after the sale, not at the closing table. First-time buyers often shop price through lack of experience. So, we get a lot of trade-ins of late model RVs as the learning

curve matures. We know first-time buyers are excited. But, slow down and don’t be rushed into a decision. If the fast-talkers want to see your driver’s license or run your credit before you even can see a product, slow down. If you can’t look at products unless you’re handcuffed to a salesman who has already been told which ones you can see, slow down. If you feel that the salesperson is just setting you up for the “professional closer,” slow down. If the price quoted for the product seems great, but the bottom line is so much higher, slow down. You may be paying a huge price for paper add-ons which will not show up as value if you want to trade later. There are some important “add-ons” to consider, but it would be smart to compare the quality and price of these additional products or services also. Our lot is open for you to browse freely. Our people are experienced consultants. Compare. Visit www.byerlyrv.com and check us out on Facebook.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

Cool Valley among schools to receive backpacks from Emerson and KidSmart The students at Cool Valley Elementary in the FergusonFlorissant School District had a huge surprise when they arrived at school one day last month. Emerson and KidSmart had donated backpacks to each student at Cool Valley. There were plenty of smiles as students arrived at the school gym to see the rows of backpacks assembled. KidSmart’s is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District children and their classrooms have the basic tools for learning by providing free school supplies to students in continue to work and study hard. Teachers also need. Emerson, with a campus in Ferguson, has had a surprise as well with a supply-filled tote a strong commitment to supporting educational for each homeroom teacher and donuts for each initiatives in neighboring schools in the classroom. Thanks to the generous donations from Emerson, KidSmart, and their partnership surrounding community. The morning started with an assembly where with the Ferguson-Florissant School District. students made a pledge to stay in school and

Hazelwood Central students provide 19,000 meals for the hungry Members of the Hazelwood Central High School, National Honor Society for Musicians (Tri-M), recently volunteered at a food bank in St. Louis. As part of their service project, Tri-M members prepared boxes of meals for senior citizens. Overall the students helped provide 19,608 meals for the hungry. “I am so proud of our students for the positive impact that they are making in our community,” said Hazelwood Central High School Principal Dr. Derrick Mitchell. “Not only are they excelling in the classroom, but they are taking time from their schedules to help others which demonstrates true leadership.” This event was the last of three Tri-M’s service

School

Airport Elementary hosts a fun-filled literacy night

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

Parents and students filled the gym for Literacy Night at Airport Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis issued a two-billion word challenge for the district at the beginning of the school year and many schools in the district have found creative ways to introduce reading to not only students but families as well. The Literacy Night at Airport was designed to help parents learn how to engage their children with reading. Students were able to show their parents how to take the district’s Accelerated Reader quiz, the educational tool that helps gauge reading comprehension, while using the schools Chromebooks. Families finished the night with a pancake and sausage supper by Chris’s Pancakes and a free book for each student to take home.

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

projects. Tri-M’s other two events include volunteering at the Hot Chocolate Run in downtown St. Louis and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.

McCluer theater students score big at state thespians competition Theater students from McCluer High School recently participated in the Missouri State Thespians Individual Event competition and received impressive ratings for their performances. The students received one of the top three ratings of Superior, Excellent or Good for each category in which they participated. The students and their results are as follows: · Group Musical – Diamond Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Bradford, Gabby Watson, Tammy Williams, Maureia Lawrence – McCluer theater students are all smiles after their impressive ratings during the state comExcellent Rating (top 30 percent) petition. Maureia Lawrence – Good Rating for “Dreamgirls” The Improv Olympix team of Kiontae Dean, • Duet Acting – Liyah Starwood, Jasmine Reed Paris Stone, KeShonti Rimmer, Kyra Sanders and – Excellent Rating for “Ruined” • Duet Musical – Tony Merritt and Ebony Nash Demarcion Little, performed in two rounds of the competition to receive feedback only and received – Excellent Rating for Ragtime • Group Acting – Ty”Ree Gary. Alasia Wilkes Excellent and Superior ratings. Additionally, seniors Tony Merritt and Ty’Ree – Good Rating (top 50 percent) for “A Streetcar Gary participated in several university scholarship Named Desire” • Tech Challenge – Demarcion Little. Shavonte auditions. Brogley, Nakira Hatchett, Nia Merriwether,

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School

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood School District seniors accept college athletic scholarships and sign letters of intent Students in the Hazelwood School District took part in National Signing Day on Feb. 7. Seniors from Hazelwood West High School, Hazelwood East High School and Hazelwood Central High School signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities local and across the nation. Hazelwood School

West

High

• Bryan Carroll – Soccer – Fontbonne University • Hannah Friedrich – Soccer – St. Louis University • Andrew Heider – Soccer – University of Missouri Science & Technology • Anthony Lingle – Soccer – St. Charles Community College • Jared Lyeki – Soccer – Fontbonne University • Taylar Damico – Softball – St. Charles – Community College • Anthony Larocca – Softball

– Fontbonne University • Mackenzie Wagner – Softball – Lincoln Land Community College • Michael Grayson – Baseball – Spoon River Community College • Aaron Seward – Baseball – Culver Stockton College • Jonathan Watkins – Football – Quincy University • David Worley – Football – Iowa Central Community College Hazelwood East High School • Jordan Williams – Football – Emporia State University • DiJion Walls – Football – Iowa Western Community College • Jalen Portis – Football – University of Central Missouri • George Williams – Football – Missouri Baptist • Daveon Drayton – Football – Benedictine College • Jaylen Butler – Swimming – Eastern Illinois University

Hazelwood Central High School • Lauryn Ditto – Soccer – Lindenwood University Belleville • Taylor Ramsey – Track – Northern Illinois University • Deja Ingram – Track – University of Nebraska Lincoln • Nathan George – Baseball – Harris Stowe State University • Taylor Sims – Volleyball – Lindenwood University Belleville • Carrah McDaniel – Cross Country – Stephens College • Robert Greco – Football – Truman State University • Javon Kirk – Football – University of Central Missouri • Reggie Certain – Football – Missouri Western State University • Tariq Stewart – Football – Missouri Western State University • Dallas Craddieth – Football – University of Iowa • James Whitfield – Football – University of Nebraska Kearny • Davion Marsaw – Football – Missouri Baptist University

Students from Hazelwood West High School after signing their letters of intent.

Students from Hazelwood East High School after signing their letters of intent.

Photos courtesy Hazelwood School District Students from Hazelwood Central High School after signing their letters of intent.

Normandy hosts Reader Wonderland, distributes free books for first graders’ home libraries

www.byerlyrv.com Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Gwendolyn Shipp, library media specialist with Barack Obama Elementary with the Normandy Schools Collaborative, shares stories with students at the first ever First Grade Reader Wonderland at Lucas Crossing Elementary Complex.

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“I can pick out any of these books….and take them home?” an inquisitive first grader from Jefferson Elementary asked at Normandy Schools Collaborative’s first ever Reader Wonderland Jan. 31 at Lucas Crossing Elementary Complex. The free event brought first graders from Normandy’s four elementary schools to the Lucas Crossing gymnasium to select three books for their home libraries. The books came from a range of genres including science fiction, animals/nature, fairy tales, and sports – something for every interest. Catheline Jones, Normandy English Language Arts curriculum coordinator, said the district distributed over a 1,000 books to an estimated 350 students. The event falls in line with the collaborative’s mission to increase literacy skills of its students.

“It’s about putting books in children’s hands to get them excited about reading,” Jones said. “First grade is a crucial grade level during the early literacy stage in a child’s development. That’s when students solidify foundational skills.” Event highlights included storytelling by Gwen Shipp, library media specialist with Barack Obama Elementary School, and a special guest appearance by Wyatt from PBS Kids’ TV show Super Why. This event was made possible by a generous $2,500 grant from Faith Church and a sizeable book donation from the National Council of Teachers of English and Ready Readers. Additional support came from Beyond Housing, KETC-TV/PBS Kids, St. Louis County Library, Wyman Center, as well as Normandy teachers, staff and students from Normandy High School.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

Recipe:

Food

COMFORT FOOD MADE QUICK AND EASY

steaming bowl of savory soup is the perfect comfort food when the wind is howling, rain is falling or the temperature is dropping. It’s a time to cozy up and enjoy the warmth of being inside while indulging in some of your favorite flavors. The rich, hearty tastes and textures of a soup result from the seasonings, spices and melding of different

ingredients while it slowly simmers to perfection. However, when there’s no time for lots of prep and cooking, there are shortcuts that don’t sacrifice taste. For example, when time is short, a can of READ Southwestern Bean Salad gives you a head start. The robust mixture of black beans, corn, hominy and kidney beans in a slightly spicy, chili-lime accented

tomato sauce is just right in recipes that boast TexMex flavors like this Chicken Enchilada Soup. Just add a few pantry staples and some sauteed chicken for a warming pot of soup in about half an hour. For more quick and easy recipes for the season, visit readsalads.com.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe courtesy of Dinner, Dishes and Desserts on behalf of READ Salads Servings: 6

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilis 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ Southwestern Bean Salad salt, to taste pepper, to taste crispy tortilla strips (optional) shredded cheddar cheese (optional) diced avocado (optional)

Recipe:

Directions: In large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion. Cook 5-6 minutes, or until chicken is browned and onions are soft, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in enchilada sauce, chicken stock, tomatoes and bean salad. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with tortilla strips, cheese and avocado, if desired.

HEART-SMART EATING CAN BE DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS

eeping your heart in good shape starts at mealtime. Fortunately, there’s no reason to skimp on flavor to spread the love to your

heart. For example, homegrown American Pecans are a naturally sweet, heart-smart ingredient you can add to salads, vegetable side dishes, oatmeal and other whole grains – or enjoy on their own as a snack. Their unique mix of “good” unsaturated fats, fiber,

plant sterols and flavonoids add up to make pecans a powerful, heart-healthy food. Each 1-ounce serving provides 18 grams of unsaturated fat with zero cholesterol or sodium. In fact, American Pecans are certified as a heart-healthy food by the American Heart Association’s® HeartCheck Certification Program. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per

Pecan, Pear, Pomegranate Kale Salad Prep time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 1 bunch kale, stems removed 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons, divided 2 small pears, sliced 3/4 cup fresh pecan halves 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons course grain mustard pinch of kosher salt pinch of cracked black pepper

granate seeds; toss with kale.

Directions: Chop or shred kale into small pieces and transfer to large bowl. Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil on kale. Massage kale about 3-5 minutes, or until kale becomes glossy, deep green and begins to tenderize.

Note: Heart-Check certification does not apply to recipes or information unless expressly stated.

Add pear slices, pecan halves and pome-

Add remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper to canning jar and secure lid. Shake for several seconds until dressing comes together. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately, or allow salad to marinate in dressing up to 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories; 21 g fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 75 mg sodium; 11 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 2 g protein.

day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Try adding a colorful, flavorful twist to a simple salad by combining crunchy kale with fresh pecans, pomegranate seeds and pears for a tasty, heart-healthy meal you can feel good about. For more recipes, nutrition information and cooking tips, visit americanpecan.com.

Learn & Play

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Crossword Puzzle Theme: The Oscars

Yeggs

John Hanna

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore On Life

ACROSS 1. Can’t stomach 6. Styling goo 9. Hightailed it 13. Ten million, in India 14. “____ takers?” 15. Like a girl 16. Spanish small plates 17. School of thought suffix 18. Pay hike 19. *Oscar nominated meet-the-parents thriller 21. *He played Getty 23. Right-angle building extension 24. Splints site 25. Mammoth site, e.g. 28. Write on a tombstone 30. Self-centeredness 35. Land measure 37. Crucifix 39. “Sesame Street” regular 40. *In 1992 De Niro was nominated for “Cape ____” 41. *Best category 43. Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex” 44. Desert mirage 46. S-shaped molding 47. Dionysus’ party 48. “____ the unexpected” 50. Celestial bear 52. Rolodex abbr. 53. Purple precipitation 55. Before, old English 57. *Evacuation location 61. *Olympic hopeful’s story 64. Deprive of weapons 65. *Sarandon was nominated for “Lorenzo’s ____” in 1993 67. Unfit 69. Like anchor aweigh 70. Zilch 71. *Cathy Bates’ or Louise Fletcher’s role 72. Google ____ 73. Bro’s sibling 74. Had supper

DOWN 1. *Do this and hope for an Oscar? 2. Toot one’s horn 3. *18-time Oscar host 4. Speak from a podium 5. Fix a shoe 6. Manner of walk 7. Ensign, for short 8. Bodily fluid 9. Thailand, once 10. “____ and proper” 11. Additional 12. Indigo user 15. Nirvana genre 20. Extremist 22. Bald-faced ____ 24. “I call passenger seat!” 25. *”The Florida Project” nominee 26. Mountaineer’s tool 27. Comprehend 29. *Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song nominee 31. Guesstimate phrase 32. Apathetic 33. Lay ____ to a castle 34. *21-time nominee 36. Albany-Buffalo canal 38. Opposite of talker? 42. Button on electrical outlet 45. Economize 49. Feather glue 51. Ray Charles’“Mess ____” 54. Paintings in an Orthodox church 56. Boredom 57. Two of the same 58. “Do ____ others...” 59. Narcotics agent 60. “Me and Bobby McGee” singer-songwriter 61. Ailments 62. Spinner’s product 63. Altar location 66. *J. Paul Getty’s grandson 68. Ideas worth spreading, acr. See answers on page 13

By Cindy Moore

Blue chips So this is happening. A popular snack food company announced (During the Super Bowl no less, so it must be true. Why else would they advertise at a venue that has bajillions of eyes and ears and costs 25 bajillion dollars for a half minute of time?) What was I talking about? Oh ya, snacks. So this certain well-known company decided that we females are too prissy and sissified to have man chips and they’ve decided to come up with a girl chip, a.k.a., wimp chips. I heard through a reputable source (my cat) that after extensive studies done in laboratories with monkeys (chip-eating monkeys no less) scientific marketers discovered that the female chimp was highly disturbed and annoyed at the high-octave sound the chip produced and ran from her ledge and hid in the banana box refusing to come out for hours. Only when the chip was soaked sufficiently in water would it then accept the soggy clump and eat it. Further, the researchers discovered that the yellow powdery stuff left on the fingers after handling the chip, put the she-monk in such a panic-stricken rage that she commenced to flinging doodie wads at the scientists’ clipboards. This made it almost impossible to read the end results. But with a little Windex and some tissues and some intense speculation and falsification they were able to manufacture the following fabricated findings: 1. Females do not like the sound of the crunch of a chip. They find it obnoxious and irritating. 2. Females do not like the yellow, powdery chip spices on their fingertips. They find it obnoxious and irritating.

So because of this, we will now be forced to consume waterlogged chips minus the crunch and snack food devoid of any delicious spices that could potentially rub off on our fingers and thus cause us to what…fling our…oh, come on now?! Really? Since I am a she-person, I feel after a period of intense thinking and consulting (with my cat) I can speak openly for all of ladykind by saying those marketers are: 1. Obnoxious 2. Irritating Women, our voices must be heard. We demand crunching and insist on finger-licking snack food covered in all manner of delicious residue, which we shall afterwards lick with vim and vigor and not be judged by man nor monkey! Take your wimp chips and chimp chips and give us back our crunch and tasty finger tips or we’ll get so mad we just might fling…you do not want to know! 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

Sports you see with Gary B... Guns ‘N Hoses donates record breaking check

Hazelwood High School players Shaun Williams and Kelsie Williams recently scored their 1,000th point. Shaun and Kelsie were both recognized with a short ceremony and were presented

www.westcommunitycy.org

– SUDOKU – with a 1,000th point ball on senior night to commemorate the accomplishment. * Thanks to Christopher Erbs-Digital Communications Specialist II-Master of all Things DigitalCommunications and Marketing Department

Ambush player gets honors The Ambush is your professional soccer team playing in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. St. Louis Ambush defender Dylan Hundelt earned a spot on the Major Arena Soccer League’s Team of the Week for Week 16 of the 2017-18 season. Submitted photo Recently in a 7-6 win over Kansas City, he Pictured are David Stokes, Jack Martorelli, Jesse Finney, Ron Batnotched a goal and an assist. Then, when the Amtelle and Steve Holley. bush narrowly lost 8-7 in overtime to Cedar RapThe event was held on Thanksgiving Eve and ids, he did his part to help keep the game close, the results were overwhelming. posting two more goals. Thus far this season, Organizers of the annual charity boxing/ Hundelt has appeared in 14 games, scored five MMA event donated a record-breaking check for goals, added four assists and blocked 19 shots. $700,000 to The Backstoppers, Inc. during a cerHe is a St. Louis native who went to the U17 Naemony at the Scottrade Center recently. tional Finals while playing with the Scott GallaThe Backstoppers financially supports the fami- gher Soccer Club and playing prep soccer at CBC lies of fallen first responders who have died in the High School. Hundelt spent his collegiate career line of duty. This year’s donation brings the total at the University of Mississippi. The 2017-18 seaamount that the event has raised to about $6.8 son is his third with the Ambush and is the son of million, according to organizers. former Steamers, Storm and Ambush star Kevin This is the second consecutive year that the Hundelt. event has set a record donation. In November The last game of the 2017-18 campaign the Am2016, the 30th annual event raised $653,000. bush host the Monterrey Flash this Sunday, Feb. Organizers estimated that more than 18,000 25 at 3:05 p.m. people attended this year’s event also a record, Go to www.STLAmbush.com for all the details. which pits firefighters against police officers in the * Great foot steps to walk ring. For the fourth year in a row, the blue team deRascal baseball in 72 days in O’Fallon feated the red team, 10 to 6, and there was profesSteve Brook enters his 15th season with the River sional fighting at the event for the first time. City Rascals in 2018 and his ninth as Field Manager * Thanks for all the hard work that goes on behind and Director of Baseball Operations. Brook has an the scenes to make it so successful overall league managing record of 441 - 334 and led the Rascals to its first Frontier League ChampionTwo Hazelwood Central basketball players ship in 2010. score 1,000th point As a Rascals pitcher, Steve finished his career in 2007 with 33 career victories, which ranks first in franchise history and third in Frontier League history. Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for all the details. * Baseball is in the air

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Sports

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.

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.

See solution on page 13

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

www.treesbywoody.net

What’s Happening

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Feb. 21: Heart screening

Free healthy heart screening from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Crystal Creek Rehab Ctr. at 250 S. New Florissant Rd. in Florissant.

Feb. 21: 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.

Feb. 23: Fish dinner

Fish 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.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Boy Scout Troop 884 trivia night takes place at Trinity Church of the Nazarene at 3515 Shackleford Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Cost is $120 a table for eight people or $15 per person. Snacks and drinks are provided, no alcohol permitted. Bring extra cash for special games and mulligans. There will be silent auction gift baskets and attendance prizes. Contact Tina Thomas to reserve your table at 314-740-7607.

Feb. 24: Free concert

Free concert featuring Justin B. Funk & The Funk Session Band takes place at the Blockhouse Saloon at 8124 St. Charles Rock Rd. from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Free food until it’s gone.

Feb. 25: Alumni event

The Sumner High School Alumni Association hosts its 15th Annual Membership Round-Up from 1 – 4 p.m. at Sumner High School with the theme “Showcase Your Talent.” For your entertainment pleasure, a great line-up of students, Sumner alumni, the Sumner A’Cappella Choir and more will showcase their talent at the Round-Up. Activities include a reception from 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Catered by Murray’s Catering, Angelo “Sax” Shaw, displays, souvenir items, vendors and more; new, renewal or upgrade Alumni Association Memberships; Program 2 p.m. Bring canned goods for a Ville’s church food pantry. Vendors are welcome ($50 Fee) contact B. Louis at 314-385-9843 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com. John House, Jr., Chairperson 314-420-3442.

Feb. 28: Wine tasting event

Wine tasting event for $20 per person takes place at 6:30 p.m. at1970 Trotterway in Florissant.Please RSVP to thevinoexperience@att.net or 314-550-1641.

Feb. 28: 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.

Feb. 28: Snowman building contest

If you think you build the best snowman in your neighbourhood, then we have a contest for you. Until Feb. 28, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the JFK Center Office along with an application. Prizes will be awarded. The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter. For ages 15 and younger. Pick up an application, or visit our website, email a digital photo to jsteib@florissantmo. com, or send your picture with your child’s name, address, phone number and age to: Attn: Snowman Contest, JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant, Missouri

63031. For further information, call 314-921-4250.

March 2: Party On the Ice

Annual Party On the Ice youth event takes place at the James J Eagan Center Ice Rink in Florissant for fifth - eighth graders from 6:30 – 9 p.m. There will be DJ music, ice skating, pizza, soda, contests and door prizes. Cost for residents is $5 and for non-residents is $7. Tickets required upon entry. Tickets available at the JJE and JFK Centers. Call 314-921-4466 or 314-921-4250 for more information

March 17: Monthly writing workshop

Writing workshop at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring work to read and share with group. Free event sponsored by Write Sistahs Literary Group. Email writesistahs@yahoo.com or call 314-210-4774 for more info.

March 30: Fish fries

Knights of Columbus Lenten Fry takes place every Friday through March 30 at 50 Rue St Francois in Florissant, next to the Old St Ferdinand Shrine. Doors open from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., dine in or take out. There will also be meat shoots same location on the following Sundays, Feb. 25 and March 4, 11, 18 beginning at noon and ending at dusk. All our proceeds go to charities.

March 31: Suits for soldiers

500 Suits For 500 Soldiers will take place at Greg Mans Farmers Agency at 9335 Gravois Road, Suite C in St. Louis. Since over one million military personnel will be making the transition to the civilian workforce in the next couple of years, Sons of American Legion Post 397 and H.E.R.O.E.S Care have 500 suits, shirts and ties to donate to St Louis veterans and active military to help their transition easier. All veterans and active military can pick up a complimentary suit between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. They will also have free haircuts onsite, donated by Clipper- Mobile Salon and Farmers Insurance. First come, first serve between 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Veterans Affairs representatives will be onsite to answer questions. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact 314-638-8890.

April 28: Poetry and open mic

Poets, storytellers, dancers, singers invited for “Northern Lights,” a community arts program celebrating National Poetry Month and all arts in North St. Louis County. This event will be On Facebook live. Hosted by Write Sistahs Literary Group at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant from 1-3 p.m. Email, call or text to sign up at writesistahs@ yahoo.com or 314-210-4774.

RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.

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. Two-to-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 314615-4516.

Mondays: Choral Art Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See ww.concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

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 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

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, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. 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: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

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.

Fridays: Celebrate Recovery

For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This Christcentered, 12-step program is based on the Beatitudes. We meet every Friday at 6:15 p.m. for dinner ($5); 7 p.m. large group meeting; 8 p.m. Small groups sharing; 9 p.m. dessert at First Christian Church of Florissant at 2890 Patterson Rd. in Florissant. For more information call 314-837-2269 or visit http://www.fccf.org/ or Facebook page Celebrate Recovery-FCCF.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill

your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support group

A Way with Words Grief Support Ministry meets the fourth Saturday each month at Community Christ Fellowship (in the rear) at121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Pat Ryan at 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 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 in February and March in the spring and every Sunday in October through the second-to-last week in November in the fall - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded. Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

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 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 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 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

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

Sundays: Alcoholics mous Group 109

Anony-

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

Diabetes Basics:

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

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 Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 Nicotine Anonymous

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.

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. 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

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 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.

Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

Christian Hospital. 314.839.3171.

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group

Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.

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:

Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS Meetings

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

Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

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

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church

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

12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.NarAnon.org

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

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease

Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314-953-6090

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 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

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.

What’s Happening

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 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

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.

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

Siteman Cancer Center at BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp, 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.916.9920.

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

1st Thur.: 7 p.m. Parents W/O Partners, North County Chapter

Weekly 6:30 p.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Mtg.

General Mtg, 2435 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. 314.739.0880.

2nd Wed. 6–7:30 p.m. Talking Man to Man about Prostate SUDOKU answers from page 11

12 Step Program for Women sexually abused in childhood. At Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, University City. Lower Level. Call 314.993.5421.

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

SITUATION WANTED

NOVENA

SERVICES

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

PET CEMETERY

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.

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

SINGERS WANTED

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, J.L.

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB 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, I.J.

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, J.D.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 21, 2018

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February 21, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

“Game Night” "Game Night" photo courtesy Warner Bros.

‘Game Night’ not competitive enough

M O V I E By Steve Bryan

Even with electronic entertainment options, board games and game nights are still quite popular. Families and friends bond over newer games such as “Apples to Apples” as well as classics like Monopoly and Scrabble. Actor Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation) even co-created “TableTop,” a web series featuring Wheaton playing board games with guests. The dark comedy “Game Night” shows what happens when a fun evening with friends turns deadly and dangerous. Even with a talented cast at their disposal, directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (the “Vacation” movie reboot) created a pedestrian comedy that can’t decide what it wants to be. Watching this flick is like playing a board game that’s missing a few key pieces. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams play Max and Annie, two competitive players who meet at a local trivia night. They become a game night power couple and go for the win every time. The only person Max has trouble competing against is his successful brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler), who has a flashy sports car and a high-profile job. Brooks ups the ante at Max and Annie’s game night by staging a fake kidnapping, complete with actors with costumes and props. One participant will be “abducted” while the others find clues to free them. Unfortunately, real-life kidnappers abduct the wealthy Brooks, but his friends and family think it’s all part of the game.

“Game Night” has an interesting premise, but Mark Perez’s screenplay doesn’t quite deliver the goods. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams have real chemistry, though, as Max and Annie, the couple who lives for a good game night. In many ways, the two of them are almost too competitive and don’t realize the moment when the game turns real and dangerous. Surprisingly, the talented Kyle Chandler turns in a lackluster performance as Brooks. Max’s brother has all the trappings of success, but every compliment he delivers comes across as a put-down. Brooks’ abduction is the catalyst for the story, but he’s so obnoxious that he really deserves to be kidnapped. The character has no depth or complexity, and it’s hard to feel sympathetic towards him. Jesse Plemons (the “Fargo” TV series) is rather disturbing here as Gary, a police officer obsessed with his ex-wife. He lives next door to Max and Annie, who really don’t like having him over for game nights. Gary is often seen holding his dog like Dr. Evil held his cat in the

“Austin Powers” movies. It’s hard to tell if Gary is an intense, deep thinker or just plain crazy. Even with all these pieces on the board, “Game Night” is not quite competitive enough. It’s too dull to be an outrageous comedy and too slow for a thriller. If directors Daley and Goldstein had gone in one direction or the other, a much better movie would have emerged. “Game Night,” rated R for language, sexual references and some violence, opens in theaters on Friday, February 23. 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.