CN: March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017

The power of a cookie

Around Town James J. Eagan Center becomes more energy efficient. P.4 Family reunites with ‘special delivery’ first responders . P.7

Community Voices

By Rick Stevens . P.2

School

Photo by Nicholas Elmes

Boxes of cookies wait to be distributed by local Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout cookies hit the streets in an annual, massive undertaking that results in life lessons and vital funding

North County Christian School names student of the month. P.8

Learn & Play

By Nicholas Elmes They are finally here!

Thin Mints. Samoas. Tagalongs. Trefoils.

Savannah Smiles. Do-si-dos.

Whatever your favorite Girl Scout cookie may be, the long wait for them is over.

Cookie booths are popping up throughout the region and scouts from hundreds of different troops are delivering pre-orders to your door.

The time-honored tradition of buying, and enjoying, Girl Scout cookies is a key Girl Scout program, providing both funding for troops and great life lessons and experiences each year for Girl Scout troops across the region.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an important legacy program,” said CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Bonnie Barczykowski. “It teaches girls integral business skills and instills a lifelong sense of civic responsibility that creates leaders. At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, so many amazing girls within our ranks are doing positive, impactful things with their cookie earnings. Girls are participating in outstanding community service projects, taking fun, educational field trips and participating in programs with focuses in STEM, money management, and health.”

Olivia Fong, a Senior Girl Scout with Troop 2423, sells about 2,700 boxes of cookies each year.

“If you ever get frustrated when selling cookies, you just think about the outcome, what you can do with all the money that you

are raising,” said Fong. “My troop has been able to go to Chicago and we have also been going to camps and other fun things like going into St. Louis to play human foosball.

“We have recently set up a trip to go to China in June of 2019 and are working on raising money for that with our cookie sales,” she added, noting that the trip will be a very special trip for her. “My dad is originally from China, so we will get to see some of my family on the trip. It is so cool that my experience in Girl Scouts is helping me to get to a piece of information about my family that I did not know about. I have never been to China before, so I will be getting to see some of my family members for the very first time.”

Her troop’s trip has been planned in conjunction with EF Tours to create a guided immersive cultural experience for all of the scouts lucky enough to have earned the opportunity.

A large number of troops in the region also use some of their cookie sales proceeds each year to give back to the community by helping to fund a variety of their community service projects ranging from helping homeless people to creating care packages for animal shelters.

All proceeds raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays local, powering thousands of fun and impactful experiences and activities for more than 44,000 girls in eastern Missouri, adding to the already great educational experience provided through the

Girl Scout Cookie Program.

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT COOKIE CENTRAL But do you know how that initial order given to a smiling scout at your door turns into a box of tasty goodness being delivered this week?

“Nobody would ever really understand all that goes into this program if they did not experience themselves,” said Erin Eberhard.

And she should know.

Eberhard serves as the Director of Product Programs for the entire Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri Council. Her behind-thescenes work enabled Girl Scouts of all ages to sell over 2.6 million boxes of cookies throughout the local council area last year.

“All of the people it requires to make it happen, all of the logistics it requires to make it happen, all of the volunteers – it is definitely a team effort to do this,” she said.

“Moving 2.6 million boxes of cookies in a 12 week period is absolutely amazing. It is a true testament to the commitment our volunteers have to the organization and our community and to the girls that are on the front line of the program.”

The path to that cookie success begins in the summer each year as council leaders start planning for orders and training for all of the needed volunteers.

“We have lots of meetings with our baker, Little Brownie Bakers,” said Eberhard. “We look to see what we could do to enhance the See ‘COOKIE’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 96 No. 4 | 636-379-1775

Sweet spring desserts. P.11

Movie

Hugh Jackman takes a final bow as ‘Logan’. P.16

Weather FRIDAY Sunny 49/37 SATURDAY Sunny 65/46 SUNDAY Sunny 71/55 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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Around Town

March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Improving heart health is a community effort

By Rick Stevens February marked American Heart Month, when we’re reminded every year that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States – resulting in a staggering one-in-four deaths each year. That affects every family in some way!

I was shocked to recently learn that in 1990 no state had an obesity rate above 15 percent and today all states have more than 20 percent of their populations considered obese. Three states have populations that are over 35 percent obese, with several almost there. Thirty percent of Missourians are categorized as obese, followed by our Illinois neighbors weighing in at 29 percent. Being overweight or obese does have an impact on heart health.

Although we lack the power to change some risk factors like family history, gender or age, there are some key heart disease prevention steps we can take.

Communities, health professionals and families must work together to improve heart health and create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

People need to hold themselves accountable when it comes to their heart health.

The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manGet your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

age their health conditions like high cholesterol and blood pressure. Did you know that high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both leading causes of heart attack and stroke (the fourth-leading cause of death) affects one-in-three American adults? That’s about 70 million people. And it has been determined that less than half of those people have their blood pressure under control.

Community health fairs that offer free screenings for cholesterol and blood pressure play an important role in helping people identify the need to follow up with health care professionals. Doctors, nurses and other clinicians are encouraged to get out in their communities to educate about ways to prevent heart disease, which includes quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining healthy weight and exercising.

School administrators and teachers can help students start good habits early by making physical activity a top priority and part of the school day. Good nutrition must be emphasized through education on eating healthy and making the right food choices.

Families can make small changes like using spices to season foods instead of salt and eating more fruits and

vegetables. Walks or bike rides together can improve everyone’s health and will serve as good bonding time.

Local group fitness programs are great opportunities to get in shape at low or no cost. You’ll meet your neighbors and make some new friends in your community.

With Valentine’s Day having just been celebrated, I can’t help but also mention that love is good for the heart too – whether it be romantic love, or love for family members, friends or pets. That open-hearted feeling of love simultaneously fills us with vitality and peace. Heartbreak, on the other hand, can create cardiac stressors and lead to depression, making mental health services and support groups important to overall wellbeing.

Make today the day you take charge of your heart health!

Rick Stevens is President of Christian Hospital.

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.

‘COOKIE’ from cover experience for the girls and the volunteers and members. We want to make sure that we initially have the cookies that the girls need based on what has sold in the past. This year we looked at each individual area and really dove deep into the numbers to make sure that what the girls sold last year will be available to them automatically this year.”

But, of course, dealing with 2.6 million boxes of cookies over a wide geographic area is not an easy process logistically – it is a process that takes hundreds and hundreds of volunteers and some pretty exacting planning.

“We have three major volunteer roles,” said Eberhard. “We have cookie managers that help with a large cookie neighborhood. We have cupboard managers who provide a space to store all of the cookies in a geographic area so that if a troop needs more for a booth they can go there to pick them up. Then we have district level volunteers who serve as mentors to the other volunteers.”

Eberhard said every volunteer, from the individual troop leaders and parents to the district level mentors, are integral to a successful cookie season.

She said delivery agents set up a variety of distribution locations and each troop leader then must sign-up for a pick-up time and location.

“I am amazed at how it works. We have it broken down very specifically so we know how many cookies we can load into a car at a given time. We know how many cases you can fit into an SUV and how many cases you can fit into a pick-up truck. That way our volunteers know what to expect at pick up and how many cars to bring.”

THE ART OF COOKIE SALES From there, the success of the cookie sales rests with each individual Girl Scout and their troop.

Fong, who is hoping to sell close to 3,000 boxes of cookies this year (the average Girl Scout in this area sells about 120 boxes each year), said that a good attitude and persistence are both key to being successful selling cookies.

“My whole family usually buys from me and are very supportive of it,” she said. “Then there are people in my neighborhood who have known me since I was around four when I was out selling with my older sisters and they always wait to buy from me.”

Fong sells cookies both by going door-to-door and at cookie booths.

“At a booth, people get to see all of the options and know you are going to be there and they already have money with them,” she said.

“It takes longer to go door-to-door, but you just have to be persistent in getting to see people. The main thing I keep in mind is to stay positive and to give people all of the information so then they know they are buying from someone who knows what they are doing.”

Fong said providing customers with contact information is also key to being successful.

“Sometimes I will give them a way to get in touch with my troop leader,” she said. “It is helpful to know that they have a number to get

Submitted photo The Eastern Missouri Council kicked off cookie season with their Sixth Annual Dessert First event last Thursday by awarding of $5,000 scholarships to Girl Scouts Allison Licavoli (left) of Marquette High School and Sara Ayers of Parkway West High School.

more cookies when they run out.”

HIGH TECH COMES TO COOKIE BOOTHS This year the council is supporting cookie booths through two new tech initiatives which will make it easier for customers to find and buy their favorite cookies.

“We have a new Cookie Locator app, where you can go into the app and enter your zip code or let it track your location and it will tell you where the closest cookie booths around you are at that moment,” said Eberhard, noting that many booths will also be offering credit and debit card purchases using the new Square technology. “Troop leaders can go through training online, and then we set them up with a Square reader they can plug into their phones. Using those can help increase their booth sales by 20 percent.”

The council also helps to manage booth locations, partnering with a variety of area businesses like Dierbergs Markets, H&R Block, and Cricket Wireless to set up regular booth opportunities.

“The troop leaders are very savvy and over the years they have, See ‘COOKIE’ page 3

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 1, 2017

Around Town

‘COOKIE’ from page 2 through trial and error, really figured out the best places and times to set up a booth,” said Eberhard.

“We have set up council scheduled booths where troops can go into our system and sign up. We also have troop leaders who will go out and secure their own booth locations and we just ask them to let us know so we don’t have multiple troops showing up.”

THE VALUE OF A BOX OF COOKIES From planning for orders and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, to the days and weeks spent by every Girl Scout selling cookies in their neighborhoods or at cookie booths, it might be hard to visualize just what each box of cookies is really worth.

Sales each year help fund troop trips, weeks at summer camps and year-long programming from the council, but Eberhard says the true value of all of that work is so much more.

“When you see the girls that are participating in this, they are enjoying it, they are having fun, and they are learning the skills it takes to run a business,” she said. “And many of them are doing at just five-years-old. You can’t beat that. Those are our leaders for tomorrow. We are starting them off at age five learning how to go up to a person and speak to them and explain to them why they would want these cookies.

“It instills so many skills in them as such a young age,” she added. “Then you see what the girls look like at 17 when they are getting on stage at Dessert First and receiving scholarships. That is the real benefit – the leadership they gain from the program. That makes it all worth it.”

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Photo by Nicholas Elmes Boxes of cookies wait to be distributed by local Girl Scouts.

Fong agreed, noting that cookie sales had really helped her with learning how to handle money.

“This will really help you later on in life with your goals,” she said. “I have learned a lot about money management, and also the business side of it. I want to be a business person when I get older and this has helped me with that because now I know how to manage a bunch of stuff with all of these cookies.”

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ – an education in many ways

Submitted photo The Alpha Players upcoming production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” will play March 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theater.

Scuppernong, Lane cake, “Gray Ghost” and Lydia Pinkham bottles are just a few of the items that three young people in Florissant are researching. All three have been cast in The Alpha Players upcoming production of “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

The play by Christopher Sergel is an adaptation of the classic novel by Harper Lee. Set in 1935, the play tells the story of Scout, a young girl living in the tired old town of Maycomb, Alabama, who is about to experience a summer she will never forget. Scout lives with her brother Jem and their widowed father Atticus (a respected lawyer). Atticus has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, an African-American man who has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. Through courage and compassion, Atticus seeks justice for Tom while Scout, Jem and their eccentric friend Dill find their views of the world changed by the turmoil that erupts in their community.

“Performing this play has been an incredible learning opportunity for the kids… and the adults”

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says director Sharon Cotner. “Sharing actual photos from the 1930’s has created an awareness of the incredible poverty of the Great Depression and of the highly racist society faced by African Americans. This is such a powerful story.”

Performances are March 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theater at Parker and Waterford Roads in Florissant.

Tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased online at https://florissantmo.thundertix.com or by calling 314-921-5678. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office starting one hour before each performance. Ticket prices are $18 for adults and $16 for students/seniors. There is a student special of $10 for the March 17 performance.

And oh yes…. a scuppernong is a Southern grape. A Lane cake is a special southern layered cake. “Gray Ghost” was a children’s adventure book from the 1920’s and Lydia Pinkham was the manufacturer of “herbal tonics” for women (and you can still buy it today).

6 6- 94 6- 26 0 OR

www.duchesne-hs.org/dreamhome D U C H E SN E - H S .O R G / D R E A M H O M E

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Around Town

March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Mayors’ Shamrock Ball marks a decade of community support

www.amorestl.com

This year’s Mayors Shamrock Ball not only marks the 10th diamond anniversary of the event, but also it coincides with Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop’s 50th golden anniversary. The 2017 theme is, “A Golden Opportunity for a Diamond-Studded Event.” The event is scheduled for March 4 at Garden Villas North at 4505 Parker Road, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

All proceeds generated by this charity gala directly benefits Valley Industries which now provides meaningful and dignified Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood employment for over 200 adults with developmental disabilities. Hosts for the 2017 Mayors’ Shamrock Ball are: (from left) Mayor Norman McCourt (Black Jack); Mayor Tom Schneider, (Florissant); Mayor Matthew Robinson (Hazelwood); James W. Knowles, “Over the past decade, our III, (Ferguson) and Mayor Robert J. Doerr (Bellefontaine Neighbors).

Mayors’ Shamrock Ball has evolved into one of the premier formal ‘green tie’ been invited to attend as well.

The public can purchase individual tickets onaffairs in the St. Louis area. It’s the place to be and be seen with influential business leaders and line for $125 each per person. There is a limit of elected officials. Ticket sales are going like gang 400 tickets available. Once they are gone, the event busters since no one wants to be left out going to is sold out. So don’t procrastinate too long. Each North County’s biggest social soirée. Guests come guest will be treated to a full evening of great food, dressed up ready to dance the night away, enjoy open bar, attendance prizes, super raffle drawings delicious food, as well as win fabulous raffle priz- and lively dance music.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.vales – all for a good cause,” Matthew Zimmerman, leyind.net with Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Shamrock Ball Event Chairperson said.

The event hosts are Mayor Norman McCourt American Express. Also, they can be ordered by of Black Jack, Mayor Tom Schneider of Florissant, mail using this address: Valley Industries ShelMayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood, Mayor tered Workshop, 143 B McDonnell Boulevard, James W. Knowles, III, of Ferguson, and Mayor Hazelwood, Mo., 63042. Please make the checks Robert J. Doerr of Bellefontaine Neighbors. Elect- payable to Valley Industries. For questions, call ed mayors from other local municipalities have 314-731-1771.

James J. Eagan Center becomes more energy efficient

www.metrotix.com

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Standing next to the James J. Eagan Civic Center’s new Natatorium Dehumidification Component, or a Dectron Unit are (from left) Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider, Director of Public Works Lou Jearls, Ward 2 Councilman Tim Jones, Ward 4 Councilman Jeff Caputa, Council President Jackie Pagano, Ward 8 Councilman Mark Schmidt and Director of Parks and Recreation Todd Schmidt. Council members Tim Jones, Jeff Caputa and Mark Schmidt were part of the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project Committee.

The city of Florissant has finalized a comprehensive energy efficiency project at the James J. Eagan Center. The project utilized performance contracting to upgrade and improve major heat transferring aspects of the mechanical systems needed for the ice rink, swimming pool and HVAC equipment and address building envelope issues and lighting to achieve a more energy efficient building with significantly lower maintenance requirements.

One of the significant upgrades to the mechanical system at the James J. Eagan Civic Center was the installation of a Natatorium Dehumidification Component, or a Dectron Unit.

Excessive heat and humidity in the swimming pool area is a real concern and can cause many

structural problems in the facility. This newly installed equipment not only dehumidifies the air and provides better air quality in the swimming pool environment, it also recovers all the heat rejected form the dehumidification process and utilizes it for heat elsewhere in the facility. Furthermore, it reclaims the water collected through the dehumidification process, heats the collected water with recycled energy, and returns it to the swimming pool. Patrons will quickly notice a substantial increase in the comfort level of both the air quality and the water temperature in the J. J.E. Indoor Swimming Pool. This project will add many years of efficient enjoyment of the James J. Eagan Center amenities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 1, 2017

Yeggs

Around Town

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John Hanna

John Hanna is a part time, amateur cartoonist taking his first step into the world of print and online comic media. When he isn’t drawing or working at his second job, he can be seen in and around the St Charles area. If you like his work, that is good. If you don’t like it, that is good too.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MYCNEWS

Happy mirthday

It’s been a cold and chilly winter with no end in sight, thanks to that malevolent predictor of weather. What has our society become when we put our trust in ground-burrowing rodents?

No, I’m not referring to politicians…I mean the groundhog.

He says there will be six more weeks of tortuous snow, cold and gloom. Now we must all suffer through cabin fever and impatiently await an indicator of the first sign of spring. On that note, I have good news and bad news. First the good news; I spotted a robin.

The bad news…it was on an old episode of Batman.

So there is not much to look forward to, nothing to stir up excitement except waiting for Old Man Winter to break a hip and become incapacitated.

But wait just a ding blasted minute! My birthday’s coming up! Oh the endless possibilities of fun and frivolity followed by lots of exciting presents. Not so much.

My husband fails at selecting electrifying gifts.

He’ll ask, “What do you want for you birthday?

Clothes?”

I’ll say, “No! Last time you got me clothes I had to take them back because you shopped in the maternity section.”

“I can’t help that. All women’s clothing sections look the same to me.”

“Sweetie, you would think a shirt with the word ‘Pregzilla’ on the front would give it away.”

“I just thought that was the brand name. But it did fit you perfectly in the waist area.”

“Quiet!” I continue, “Then there were those tickets I got to your favorite team’s basketball game.”

“That’s because you said we should spend more time together. I can get you perfume again?”

“No. Pine tree car air fresheners do not count as perfume. Next.”

“Well then, there was that time I gave you lotion.

You love lotion.”

“It was wrinkle cream.”

“How about when I gave you that nice restaurant gift card?”

“Sweetie, if I want to go out to Taco Bell I think I can scrounge up enough change to get my own cheesy gordita crunch anytime.”

“Well, I did give you that plant because I know how much you like to garden.”

“It was a Trump Chia pet.”

“Okay then, give me some concrete ideas this time.”

“Fine. Here are the rules; surprise me with something I really need and have been hinting, asking, even nagging for, which is functional yet necessary. Something I don’t have to exchange or take back. Think original. Be creative!”

And this is how I came to get four brand new seats for all bathroom toilets.

A gordita crunch card sounds pretty good at this point.

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.stlcompost.com

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Around Town check out

March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

HOME & GARDEN on page 15

For the third straight year the city of Florissant hosts the St. Louis County Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest

www.MasterGCR.com

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Florissant Mayor Thomas P. Schneider welcomes the audience to the St. Louis County Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest in the Gary R. Gaydos Auditorium on Feb. 1 and shares a couple of poems of his own

For the third consecutive year the city of Florissant hosted the St. Louis County Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest in the Gary R. Gaydos Auditorium on Feb. 1.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation in partnership with U.S. state arts agencies founded Poetry Out Loud twelve years ago as a national poetry recitation competition for high school students in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Last year it reached 315,000 students.

Since its inception in 2005, it has reached more than three million students, 50,000 teachers and 10,000 schools nationwide.

Thirteen St. Louis County high schools signed up, and Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider wel-

comed eight participants to the event in the Gary R. Gaydos Auditorium. There are nine other regional contests scheduled around the state with the 10 regional winners competing in Jefferson City on March 9 to determine who will represent Missouri in Washington D.C. at George Washington University April 15-16.

Emily Bauer from Parkway West High School is the winner who will represent our region in 2017.

Runner up is Bradley McGinnis from Christian Brothers College High School, and the second runner up is Katherine Donnelly from Villa Duchesne High School.

Last year, regional winner Sarah Koo from Parkway North won the state title and did well at the national finals in Washington D. C. in 2016.

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Still climbing into the atmosphere

www.bridgeatflorissant.com

www.dschuster.com

In my last column we were taking an adventure into the various layers of the atmosphere and we stopped at the stratospause, but that is not where the layers stops, in fact we still have the mesosphere, thermosphere and the exosphere. These layers are not as commonly known, but still have an important role in our atmosphere. Get your space suit on we are about to venture into some very thin air!

The mesosphere is about 53 miles from the Earth. In this layer we find very thin air – too thin to breathe. In fact, the air pressure at the bottom of the layer is below 1 percent of the pressure at sea level and continues to drop as your climb into this sphere. While in the stratosphere we watched the temperatures climb, in the mesosphere we watch the temperatures fall as you climb into the layer. Temperatures in this layer are around -130 degrees Fahrenheit! Many of the meteors that head toward earth burn up in this layer—so essentially it saves us from an “Armageddon” type scenario.

At the end of the mesosphere we have the mesopause. Again, a pause in the layers of the atmosphere and a change into our next sphere or layer known as the thermosphere. The thermosphere is interesting in that it is very hot, but even with temperatures in the thousands of degrees we would find it cold because of the very thin layer of air that exists. This is known as the outer space. The unknown, if you will. This is where many of our satellites are orbiting our planet. This layer is typically found between 311 and 621 miles above the Earth’s surface. The energy from the sun helps to dictate the height of this layer and even the

temperature.

In the stratosphere we talked about how UV rays were absorbed, but in this layer even more x-rays and UV radiation is absorbed – helping to protect us from those dangers. Auroras and the Northern Lights occur in this layer of the atmosphere.

At the thermospause, we stop and wait for another change as we now head into the exosphere or sometimes known as the “final frontier.” A lot of gases are contained here, but the air is extremely thin to even nonexistent. This layer really doesn’t have a pause and can go to about halfway to the moon. In the exosphere we find that the atmosphere is leaking into the outer space and into the unknown. In this sphere is where the International Space Station orbits. Some scientists don’t entirely believe that the exosphere is part of the atmosphere, but others do – I guess that is what keeps this layer so unknown.

Having made it through the layers of the atmosphere we have witnessed that many changes occur throughout the layers and they all have a role in our existence. Just remember though that most, if not all, of our weather occurs in the troposphere.

Nick Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands the weather here in our area.

He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@ sbcglobal.net and you can always get the most up-to-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www.facebook. com/nickswx 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 1, 2017

Around Town

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Saint Louis Crisis Nursery collects 500 purses for women in need Saint Louis Crisis Nursery collected 500 purses during their Eat Shop Love event. The free event benefitted women using Crisis Nursery services. Guests were asked to donate new or gently used handbags filled with lotions, sanitizers, toiletries, gas cards and other items women living in poverty may not be able to afford.

New this year, guests were asked to donate new or gently used jewelry and accessories. The event kicked off at Plaza Frontenac’s North Court outside of Saks Fifth Avenue, Brio served delicious appetizers and pasta, and Canyon Café served appetizers and offered happy hour prices on drinks. Saks Fifth Avenue gave guests gift cards for a complimentary facial or makeover and Yoga Six Des Peres offered one week free of unlimited Guests visit Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’ Eat Shop Love event held at Plaza Frontenac. yoga. Guests also enjoyed a 10 minute chair massage from N8 Sloan Massage. As a bonus, each purse donated entered ladies to win a beautiful brand new Kate Spade bag. The Crisis Nursery offered a silent auction that raised funds for the Nursery’s Emergency Fund Request that helps pay utilities to keep kids warm and stops families from being evicted.

Eat Shop Love began five years ago after the Crisis Nursery team noticed that their moms were using plastic and paper bags as purses during parenting groups. Knowing how generous the St. Louis community is, the Crisis Nursery asked for help and started collecting purses from women all over the St. Louis region.

“We believed this was not right and that we could do better” said DiAnne Mueller, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery CEO “and because of the generous community we have, we are able to give these purses to moms that are really struggling. It just shows our moms that they’re not alone and they are so grateful.”

Submitted Photo

Family reunites with ‘special delivery’ first responders www.thechangeyourlifeseminar.com

Submitted photo The Bell family, from left: Linda, Jason, Dorothy, Justin and Jasmine with St. Louis County Officer Bob Rinck and Christian Hospital EMS paramedics Jeremy Bell and Tricia O’Laughlin.

Justin Bell, seven, and his family welcomed a special visit recently from Christian Hospital paramedics Jeremy Bell (no relation) and Tricia O’Laughlin, along with St. Louis County Police Officer Bob Rinck, to celebrate Justin’s homebirth seven years ago. O’Laughlin delivered Justin at his home on Dec. 17, 2009, with the help of fellow paramedic Jeremy, Justin’s paternal grandmother Linda Bell, Officer Rinck and four Black Jack Fire Protection District firefighters.

“They saved our lives,” says Dorothy Bell, Justin’s mother. “I was sent home the day before (from another hospital) and told I wasn’t in labor yet, but I think I really was. I had group B strep at the time and it was risky to deliver without an antibiotic drip. I was told that I had to deliver my son as soon as possible or else he would stop breathing. The Christian team was so good to me. They took charge immediately. They were calming, for what was as a very scary experience.”

“When we arrived on the scene in response to the 911 call we immediately realized that we

had to deliver the baby right then and there,” recalls O’Laughlin. “The fire department wasn’t sure what was going on because the amniotic sac had not ruptured. So with the help of Dorothy’s mother-in-law I ruptured the sac and with two good pushes out came Justin! Calls of this nature make us enjoy our job and it’s very heartwarming when patients like this stay in touch with us.”

Justin’s mom is proud to report that he’s a healthy, happy and intelligent seven-year-old who excels in school as a first grader and just achieved his red belt status in martial arts – just two levels away from becoming a black belt.

“The outcome could have been much different on that December day seven years ago,” says Dorothy. “If it weren’t for the urgency and respectfulness of the Christian Hospital paramedics, the policeman and the Black Jack Fire Dept., there’s no telling what would have happened that day.

We are forever grateful. Justin now has a fouryear-old sister named Jasmine. The blessings continue to flow!”

www.aperioncare.com

8

School

March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

North County Christian School names student of the month www.stlchristian.edu

Mark Bauer was honored at the Northwest Chamber of Commerce membership meeting on Feb. 9. Mark is a senior at North County Christian School where he has attended since sixth grade. Mark maintains a 4.0 GPA, is on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List and is President of the National Honor Society.

Outside of the classroom, Mark plays on the school baseball team and helps out in children’s Sunday school and summer vacation bible school at his church.

Mark plans to attend University of Evansville to earn a degree in mechanical engineering.

Submitted photo

The Scholarship Foundation hosts free workshops to help students assess financial aid awards

www.iwacademy.org

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis will host the workshop “Decision-Making: Using Award Letters to Assess Affordability” to help students with understanding award letters, comparing financial aid packages and determining next steps as they prepare to attend college.

Determining college affordability requires careful comparisons of financial aid packages from different schools, and this free workshop presented by The Scholarship Foundation explains just how to do that. This workshop is designed for high school seniors who will learn how to review both the amount and types of financial aid offered, as well as assess any remaining expense gap that the student would have to

cover on his or her own.

Please direct questions regarding the workshop to info@sfstl.org or call 314-725-7990. The dates, times and locations of upcoming workshops are listed below. The workshop at the Arnold Branch Library is made possible through the generous support of the Jefferson Foundation.

Monday, March 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Arnold Branch Library at 1701 Missouri State Road in Arnold. RSVP to 636-296-5171.

March 8 and April 5, both from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, at 8215 Clayton Road in St. Louis County. RSVP to 314-725-7990 or info@sfstl.org.

Two elementary schools achieve highest attendance rate

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Brown Elementary in the Hazelwood School District, was honored for having the highest number of staff with 100 percent attendance during the month of January.

Photos courtesy Hazelwood School District Townsend Elementary in the Hazelwood School District, was honored for having the highest number of staff with 100 percent attendance during the month of January.

Brown Elementary and Townsend Elementary, in the Hazelwood School District (HSD), had the highest number of staff with 100 percent attendance during the month of January. Dr. Willicia Hobbs, interim director of Human Resources, recognized Brown and Townsend staff during morning staff meetings. Dr. Hobbs congratulated staff and recognized them with a continental breakfast compliments of Old Towne Donuts and Tony’s Donuts.

“Congratulations to Brown and Townsend on winning the school level Teacher Attendance Award,” said Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, superintendent of HSD. “This award appropriately reflects the valuable service and commitment to teaching our students. Earning perfect attendance is a testament of the willingness to do your part in helping Hazelwood School District become a premier school district.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 1, 2017

1st Financial announces new video scholarship contest in 2017 1st Financial Federal Credit Union has been making a significant contribution to the community since 1968, and now they are asking their scholarship applicants to make a short 60 second video, explaining why St. Louis needs credit unions like 1st Financial.

This April, 1st Financial will award three college scholarships totaling $4,500 to local students. The $2,000 Right Stuff scholarship will be awarded to one current 1st Financial mem-

– TWITTER.COM/MYCNEWS

ber. The $2,000 STL Youth scholarship will be awarded to one current STL Youth participant.

The $500 College Kids CSA scholarship will be awarded to one current College Kids CSA program participant.

The scholarship applications are now available online at https://www.1stfinancialfcu.org/scholarships.

The deadline to apply is March 31.

Stray Rescue to travel to Louisiana to save at least 40 dogs Stray Rescue of St. Louis is no stranger to Louisiana. The organization was a first responder to Hurricane Katrina and Gustav, rescuing and bringing back over 150 dogs to St. Louis for care and safety. Last year Stray Rescue assisted with rescuing victims of a dogfighting ring in St. Landry Parish, saving seven pit bulls. Stray Rescue will be leaving for Louisiana on Wednesday, March 1 at 7 a.m. from its main shelter location on Pine Street in downtown St. Louis. They will be taking an RV and van with a team of four including founder, Randy Grim.

Stacy Allerman of The St. Landry Parish Animal Control & Rescue, a rural shelter in Opelousas, Louisiana reached out to Stray Rescue’s founder with a real sense of urgency. Their plight had made recent national headlines as they still try to recover from what most people in animal rescue would call a triple threat. Increased dogfighting, tornadoes and historical flooding.

“Rescue groups mainly take the cutesy wootsy fluffy dogs and leave the big dogs behind, espe-

visit

Business

www.byerlyrv.com

cially pit bull and mixes,” Allerman said. She continued that “the Louisiana residents who fled the flooding (30,000 people) left their chained dogs to die. Now they might after being saved,” meaning that they are at immediate risk of being euthanized.

“After talking with Stacy, how could we turn our backs? I couldn’t hang up knowing I just killed 40 dogs for she said this was their last hope…..us!” said Randy Grim, Founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

“Now what you have is animals coming out of hiding,” according to Robert Misseri, founder of Guardians of Rescue. “Animals wandering lost, hurt, starving. This is what you’re dealing with on an everyday basis.”

Tia Torres, star of Animal Planet’s “Pitbulls and Parolees,” said to the media, “The one thing everyone needs to take into consideration is.... heartworms; you must be able to handle these potential medical expenses.”

Advertiser Profile: DNA test may reveal why you can’t lose weight Excess pounds do more than just increase your weight – they increase your risk of many other major health problems. Overweight people are more likely to have heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer and depression.

And as a person’s BMI increases, so do the number of sick days, medical claims and healthcare costs.

And why is it that we’ve all seen people who eat a lot more than we do or eat fattening foods like ice cream, cake and whatever else they want and still don’t gain weight? Researchers have shown that genetics may play a huge role in this frustrating problem.

According to Dr. Brian Parks, study coauthor and a postdoctoral researcher at the Geffen School of Medicine, “We could potentially reverse obesity if we understand how genetic factors influenced so much of the population to become obese in the first place.”

On one level, your weight depends on the number of calories you consume, how many of those calories you store and how many you burn up. But each of these factors is influenced by a combination of genes and environment. Both can affect your physiology (such as how fast you burn calories) as well as your behavior (the types of foods you choose to eat, for instance). Genes can contribute to obesity is several ways. They can affect your appetite, metabolism, food cravings, body-fat distribution and how we eat when coping with stress.

Research suggests that genes can actually account for just 25 percent of the predisposition to be overweight, while for other genetic influences can be as high as 70 to 80 percent. Having a rough idea of how large a role genes play in your weight may be helpful in terms of treating your weight problems. Based on the results of your genetic testing, we will work with you to help you successfully achieve the results you want to see!

So take the guess work out of your weight issue! Call today and find out more about this doctor-supervised program and let us help you feel great about your weight. This program is based on your personal DNA! There are no shakes, no pre-packaged foods and this is not an exercise dependent program. Come in for a free body composition analysis.

Call 1-866-5-NEW-YOU or visit www.fatlossstl.com. Our office is located at 11710 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

www.fatlossstl.com

9

10

Sports

March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

See solution on page 13

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.treesbywoody.net

Sports you see with Gary B...

Rascals’ home field getting a facelift It has been in the planning stages for a while, but the River City Rascals and the city of O’Fallon are moving forward with installation of synthetic turf at CarShield Field. The turf will allow them to play more baseball games and host more events at the facility than with a traditional natural grass surface. The resurfacing is expected to be completed before the Rascals’ first game of the season on May 5.

Of the 12 teams in the Frontier League, the Rascals will be the ninth to make the transition from natural grass to synthetic turf. They will now be able to play more baseball during inclement weather and now have the ability to host events such as high school and college soccer, lacrosse, softball, large concert series, and major college baseball.

“To say this project is a game-changer for the Rascals and CarShield Field would be an understatement,” said Rascals President Dan Dial.

“Our goal has always been to provide as many exciting and family friendly events at our facility as possible each year. We are the premier destination in St. Charles County for sports entertainment, but the installation of synthetic turf will allow us to dramatically expand our profile of events to include major concerts and high-level athletics. There will be something for everyone!”

For more details, go to www.RiverCityRascals.com * Like the big leagues Cottleville has annual St. Patrick’s Run next weekend There will be an opportunity for all types of runners on March 11 with the 7K (4.35 miles) run starting promptly at 8 a.m.. Following those speedsters the two-mile fun run.

For more details go to www.StPatParage.org * Great group for a great cause Women’s team at Lindenwood wins over number-one-ranked team The No. 3 Lindenwood women’s lacrosse team defeated No. 1 Florida Southern at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles in a rematch of the 2016 National Semifinal game. A Lindenwood lacrosse record crowd of 642 was in attendance to witness the Lady Lions prevail by a final score of 14-11.

Rachel Benzing opened the scoring just 1:50 into the match half, giving Lindenwood a lead that it would not relinquish for the remainder

of the afternoon. Less than two minutes later, Morgan Judd found the back of the cage with an unassisted score to put the Lady Lions in front by two goals.

The Lady Lions piled up the score with four goals over a 16:58 stretch, building a 6-3 lead.

Sophie Buelow, Judd, Cassie Stucklen and Hannah Doughty tallied the Lindenwood scores during the spurt.

Benzing and Buelow would each score before the end of the half, as Lindenwood built itself an 8-4 lead heading into halftime.

Dani Bursinger scored first to begin the second half, bringing the score to 8-5.

Judd and Buelow added to the scoring for Lindenwood, each converting on free-position attempts, to help the Lady Lions take a 10-5 lead.

Carly Fedorowski, Benzing and Doughty kept the goal scoring going for Lindenwood, as the score moved to 13-8 in favor of the Lady Lions with 2:17 remaining in the second half.

After Fedorowski’s second goal of the afternoon with 1:50 showing on the clock, Lindenwood moved ahead by six goals, 14-8. Florida Southern attempted a late rally, scoring three goals in the final 88 seconds, but time ran out on the top-ranked Moc’s as the game ended with a 14-11 final.

The victory over No. 1 Florida Southern is the first time in program history that Lindenwood has defeated a top-ranked opponent.

With the win, Lindenwood improves to 3-0 to begin the 2017 season. * Great start to the season

I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, has hosted many radio shows from Health to Sports to Baby Boomer news. He was the EMCEE of the River City Rascals and St. Louis Swarm basketball team inaugural seasons and broadcasting for the indoor football teams over a decade. Has been writing sports since 1999 for the paper.

www.windowworld.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 1, 2017

Recipe: Sweet spring desserts W

hen the scent of fresh blooms begins to fill the air, it’s a sure sign that spring has sprung.

It’s the perfect time of year to gather loved ones for a leisurely meal, then linger over dessert as you enjoy this season of refreshment.

No dessert menu is complete without an array of treats, and these creamy, homemade Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars are the perfect way to put a sweet finishing touch on your celebrations. Or go for a crowd pleaser with this Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert and

Learn & Play

11

Crossword Puzzle Theme: March Madness

its smooth, velvety texture and plump, juicy cherries.

The secret ingredient in each of these desserts is Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings, which are GMO-free and contain plenty of fruit – and no high-fructose corn syrup – for exceptional tasting desserts every time.

With popular flavors like apple, blueberry, cherry and strawberry, you have plenty of convenient, versatile ways to dress up desserts.

Find more tasty treats for all your spring entertaining at luckyleaf.com.

Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe courtesy of Inside BruCrew Life blog Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 24 I ngredients: Nonstick cooking spray 30 vanilla cream-filled cookies 1/4 cup butter, melted 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup sour cream 1/3 cup key lime juice 1 tablespoon key lime zest 1/4 cup flour 3 eggs green gel food coloring (optional) 1 can (21 ounces) blueberry pie filling, divided 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed key lime slices (optional) Directions: Place baking sheet on bottom rack of oven.

Fill halfway with water. Heat oven to 325 F. Line 9-by-13-inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

Using food processor, pulse cookies until crumbly. Stir together crumbs and butter. Press evenly into bottom of prepared pan.

Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and sour cream, and beat again until smooth. Add key lime juice, zest and flour, and beat until mixed thoroughly. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat gently after each. Add green food coloring to cheesecake mixture, if desired.

Spread cheesecake batter evenly over crust in pan. Add 1 cup of blueberry pie filling over top of cheesecake. Use butter knife to gently swirl pie filling into cheesecake. Do not let knife go

through to crust.

frigerator until completely chilled.

Place pan on oven rack above tray of water.

Bake 45-48 minutes. Remove immediately and place on wire rack for 1 hour then place in re-

Cut into 24 squares and serve with whipped topping, remaining pie filling and key lime wedges.

Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert Recipe courtesy of Lemon Tree Dwelling blog Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12 Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup butter, melted 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 16 ounces whipped topping, divided 2 small boxes cheesecake-flavored pudding 3 cups milk 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling 1/2 cup. chopped pecans Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In medium mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, finely chopped pecans and butter.

Press into 9-by-13-inch baking pan; bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

In separate mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Mix until smooth; spread evenly over cooled crust.

Combine cheesecake pudding mix, milk and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, and mix until smooth. Spread evenly over cream cheese layer in pan.

Top with pie filling, remaining whipped topping and chopped pecans.

ACROSS 1. Dust jacket promo 6. The NHL’s Stanley ____ 9. “The Sun ____ Rises” 13. Petroleum tanker 14. *Top March Madness seed 15. Sigourney Weaver’s 1979 box-office hit 16. Kind of ray 17. Expert 18. Mother, lovingly 19. *NCAA’s fill-in-the-blanks 21. *Final Four location 23. ____ B or ____ C, at the doctor’s office 24. Russian monarch 25. “Gross!”

28. Double Dutch gear 30. “____ of all trades,” pl.

34. Found in a racing shell 36. Mountain goat terrain 38. What Pinocchio was doing?

40. Margarita garnish 41. Before “pocus”?

43. Roofed colonnade 44. Type of acid 46. Roman public space, pl.

47. One of President’s two 48. Follow 50. Bathtime froth 52. “Get it?”

53. *Three pointer 55. Carry, as in suitcase 57. *Shared name of Kentucky and Villanova, sing.

61. New Norwegian language 65. Willow twig 66. Tiller’s tool 68. Salivate uncontrollably 69. Like a good singer 70. Old fashioned “before” 71. Ancient marketplace 72. Ballet’s pas 73. *St. John’s ____ Storm 74. Red Sea nation

DOWN 1. Fat Man or Little Boy 2. Baron Munchhausen, e.g.

3. Long forearm bone 4. Throw up 5. Worker who rolls dough for baked goods 6. Painter’s layer 7. *Tar Heels’ home 8. Circle of friends 9. Medicinal succulent 10. Sketch 11. 18-wheeler 12. December stone 15. Libertine 20. Unit of geological time 22. Pilgrimage to Mecca 24. Tea pot warmer 25. *School with most basketball titles 26. Filth 27. Surround 29. University teacher, for short 31. Benign lump 32. “The ____ Runner,” pl.

33. Annoy a bedfellow 35. Skin cysts 37. Spiritual leader 39. *Opening round, a.k.a. Play-In ____ 42. Lamentably 45. Public disapproval 49. Chapter in history 51. *March Madness selection day 54. Early anesthetic 56. Narrow valley between hills 57. Courts 58. Is not 59. Facebook button 60. Like a billionaire’s pockets 61. Scholarship criterion 62. Move over and “make ____!”

63. Sight for what eyes?

64. Third K in KKK 67. Metal-bearing mineral See answers on page 13

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What’s Happening

March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS March 1: 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.

March 2: Meet the candidates

Hazelwood PTA hosts Meet the Board of Education Candidates at 6:30 p.m. in the Hazelwood School District Board Room at 15955 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. Six individuals have filed to run for the three open board of education positions in the April 4 election. The candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot: Dr. Brenda C. Youngblood (incumbent), Mark J. Behlmann, Margo McNeil, Elizabeth A. Rachel, Marcus Allen, and Benton Cornell Smith. This event will be moderated by the St. Louis League of Women Voters. They will conduct an hour and a half question and answer session for voters and candidates that evening.

March 3: Fish fry

Fish fry 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.

March 3: Party on the Ice

Annual youth event at the James J Eagan Center Ice Rink for fifth through eighth grade takes place from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Cost for residents is $5, for non-residents is $7. There will be DJ music, ice skating, pizza, soda, contests and door prizes. Tickets required upon entry. Tickets available now at the JJE & JFK Centers. Call 314-9214466 or 314-921-4250 for more information.

March 3: Women leaders lunch

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis will hold its annual women leaders lunch, Table for Four, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Chase Park Plaza.

An individual ticket is $125, the cost to host a table is $500. In its history, St. Louis area women leaders, the Table for Four committee and sponsors have raised over $270,000 to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis mission and the young women aided by its programs. Proceeds from this event support activities and experiences designed to help girls develop healthy lifestyles, positive self-esteem and make good decisions. Over 200 guests are expected to attend. Event co-chairs are Adella Jones (Centene Corporation) and May Scheve Reardon (Missouri Lottery). And, Carol Daniel (KMOX) will serve as the emcee. For more information, visit www. bgcstl.org.

March 4: Bunco tournament

Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis will hold its annual “Ladies Night Out” Bunco Tournament at Florissant JFK Center at 315 Howdershell in Florissant. Table sponsorships are available for $50. The price per player is $25. Wine, beer, soda and water will be provided. Players are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Bunco starts at 7 p.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle and cash prizes for the winners. Proceeds from the Bunco Tournament benefit local women and children’s charities.

Additional information is available at http://www.soroptimiststlouis.com/.

Questions can be sent to info@soroptimiststlouis.com.

March 7: Restaurant event

TEAM Food Pantry will be hosting a restaurant event at the Locker Room from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Locker

Room will donate 15 percent of all orders related to TEAM, helping the food pantry fulfill its goal to serve Florissant and Hazelwood residents in need.

There will be an information table and gift basket raffle.

March 8: 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.

March 8: “Wings for Seniors”

“Wings for Seniors” brings live birds, feathers and eggs to the Villa at Riverwood at 2 p.m.

Learn why birds differ from other animals and why they are much closer to dinosaurs than we originally thought.

This is a free event and open to the public. Seating is limited; RSVP at 314839-5000.

March 9: Fundraiser event

Kingdom House will host their fifth annual Spring Bling party and auction from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at the historic Boo Cat Club – the original home to the St. Louis Artists’ Guild. Guests will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on a variety of new and like-new handbags, jewelry and accessories donated by local gift shops, artisans and individuals. Event proceeds will fund programs that support local under-resourced women. Spring Bling tickets cost $50 in advance and $60 on the day of the event. Advance tickets are available online at www.kingdomhouse.org; by phone at 314-260-6369; and by check, made payable to “Kingdom House” and mailed to 1321 South 11th Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104.

March 10: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 314831-6121.

March 11: Dog safety class

Eddie and his mom P.O. Lori Mahn are the newest members of the Florissant Parks & Recreation Staff. They will be hosting classes with Eddie for everyone to learn how to be “A Dog Listener – learn to be safe around dogs” from 10 – 11 a.m. at the JFK center. Classes are for all ages. The cost of the class will be a donation item (items will be listed when registering) that will be donated to a local animal shelter. You will even have a time to take a picture with Eddie. For additional information call 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466.

March 11: Flea market

Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. To reserve a table or for more information contact the post at 314-831-6121.

March 11: Breakfast

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

March 14: Speaker

In 1904 St. Louis hosted the most unforgettable of World’s Fairs. Master Guide of the Bellefontaine Cemetery, Dan Fuller, presents many interesting stories and their impact on the fair and the region at 2 p.m. at the Villa at Riverwood. This is a free event and open to the public. Seating is limited, please RSVP to 314-839-5000.

March 15: 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.

March 17: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 314831-6121.

March 17: Corned beef and cabbage lunch

Corned beef and cabbage lunch for veterans and family starting at 10 a.m. at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

March 18: Fundraiser event

Operation Food Search, a hunger relief organization that provides food to the area’s hungry, will host its fourth Purses for Pantries fundraiser at the River City Casino & Hotel Event Center located at 777 River City Blvd. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for a silent auction followed by a luncheon at noon and a live auction at 1 p.m. Both the silent and live auction feature a variety of designer and designer-inspired purses for purchase including evening clutches, vintage pocketbooks and trendy tote bags. Auction items also include restaurant and spa gift certificates, as well as many other surprises. The event has raised more than $150,000 over the past three years and all proceeds will be used to supply backpacks and summer meals and to support other childhood hunger relief programs. Tickets are $50 per person, and reserved tables for 10 are available. For more information, call 314-726-5355 or visit http:// www.OperationFoodSearch.org.

March 18: Fundraiser gala

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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter (AAFA-STL) will hold its signature gala, Orchid AAFAir at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event will feature a live

and silent auction, dinner, program presentation and an awards ceremony. AAFA-STL will honor Susan Stith, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Corporate Giving at Express Scripts, and Robert Fruend Jr., Chief Executive Officer of St. Louis Regional Health Commission, with this year’s “Orchid Award,” for their steadfast commitment and service to the organization and St. Louis community. Our AAFA-STL Board President & Partner at Deloitte, Brett Johnson and his wife Theresa Johnson, along with Kevin V. Roberts, Senior Vice President & CFO of BJC Healthcare, will serve as co-chairs for this event. Funds raised from the gala will help support AAFA-STL’s life-saving programs. For tickets and other information, please visit http://aafastl.org/orchid.

March 20: Ferguson-Florissant AAUW meeting

“Women of the Dred Scott Decision” will be the program for the meeting of the Ferguson-Florissant AAUW. Ruth Ann Hager will make the presentation. Hager retired from the St. Louis County Library’s History and Genealogy Department and has written a book about the Dred Scott case. The American Association of University Women meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Educational Building of Immanuel UCC Church at 211 Church Street in Ferguson. The program is free and open to the public. For more information call 314-522-0413, 314-831-5359 or 314-831-6884.

March 22: 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.

March 24: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 314831-6121.

March 26: Fundraiser event

Leaps of Love Spring Fundraiser-Family event to benefit children with cancer and their families takes place from 2 – 4 p.m. at Rose Hill at 11122 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. The event is free to attend and donations will be accepted. There will be over 40 vendors to shop for Mother’s Day. For more information contact Kathryn Hubbard, Avon Independent Sales Rep, at 314-378-6129 or kkfundraising2014@ gmail.com.

March 29: 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.

March 31: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 314831-6121.

April 1: Fundraising banquet

Ferguson Youth Initiative’s “All Hands In” Banquet will be hosted at the Norwood Hills Country Club (at 1 Norwood Hills Country Club Dr. in St. Louis County). The cost to attend is $50 per adult, or $30 per teen and college student. Each annual banquet creates and opportunity to showcase youth’s involvement, and to share their ideas with the broader community.

Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this event can 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 1, 2017 April 1: Trivia night

Florissant Valley Kiwanis will host its seventh annual trivia night at Hazelwood Community Center-White Birch Park at 1186 Teson Road in Hazelwood. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person/$120 per table (eight per table maximum). Popcorn, soda and beer included. You may bring your own food and beverages. Net proceeds support children and children’s charities. Make check payable to Kiwanis Club of Florissant Valley with table leader’s name to Randy McDaniel, Director of Finance, city of Florissant, 955 rue Saint Francois, Florissant, MO 63031. For more information, contact Myra at 314-9215120 or Denise at 314-303-7717.

April 2: Quarter auction

KofC Bishop Wurm Assembly Ladies Auxiliary Third Annual Quarter Auction takes place at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church Hall at 2650 Parker Road Building #9 in Florissant. Doors open at 12 p.m., auction runs from 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Price of admission ($10) buys you one auction paddle or $50 buys an all-inclusive paddle good for every auction item. (Only 25 paddles will be available for $50, first come first serve.)

Auction items each range from $.25 to $1. Call Chris Herbert at 314-6507622 to purchase your tickets and/or to reserve your table. Tables are seats of eight-10.

April 14: Fish Fry

American Legion Post 444 in Florissant Valley will host a fish fry every Friday from Jan. 27 until April 14.

April 15: Meat shoots

The Florissant Eagles Meat Shoots take place every Saturday from Feb. 11 through April 15. It will run from noon until dusk. They are located at 15245 New Halls Ferry Rd in Floris-

sant. No bull barrels. For more information call the Florissant Eagles at 314-838-3470.

April 22: Gardening demonstration

Come join the Gardeners of Florissant as they welcome members from The Rose Society of Greater St. Louis for a hands-on rose pruning demo at the Florissant Civic Center Rose Garden at 1 James J Eagan Dr. in Florissant. Instructions will be given at 10 a.m. You will then be able to prune rose bushes either on your own or with the aid of a rose society member. Stay as long as you like. Learn how to prune a rose for a healthy new growing season. Randy Hoffmann, a member of both clubs, will lead the seminar. Randy has a Bachelor of Science Horticulture degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

What to bring: hand pruners, gloves and (optional) a bucket to collect your clippings.

Contact Randy Hoffmann at 314-521-6824 for more information; leave a message.

April 26: Card and game party

Annual card and game party will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 3400 St Gregory Lane in St Ann. Doors open at 11 a.m., games start at noon. The cost is $7 which includes cake and coffee or tea. Other food items will be available for purchase.

Many great attendance prizes will be awarded. Also Pot of Gold and raffle prizes, including a quilt raffle. For reservations call Mary Cornwall at 314-428-3236 to reserve your table.

April 28: Trivia night

Girlfriends for Good will hold its seventh annual trivia night to benefit Youth In Need at the Machinists’ Hall in Bridgeton at 12365 St. Charles Rock Road. Tables of eight are $200 and include beer, soda and snacks.

Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia begins at

7 p.m. Sponsor a round for $50. All proceeds benefit Youth In Need. For more information, contact Cody Finan, Community Engagement Coordinator, at cfinan@youthinneed.org or 636-757-9334.

April 29: Fine arts show

The Hazelwood School District will host its third annual Fine Arts Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Hazelwood Central High School at 15875 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. The event is free and open to the community. The Fine Arts Show is a collective show of artwork created by HSD art students in pre-K through 12th grade.

April 29: Florissant Garage Sale

Florissant residents can haul down the clutter from their attics and treasures from their garages and organize accumulations from their barns for the Seventh Annual Florissant Garage Sale. The garage sale will be held at the James J Eagan Ice Rink area from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Each applicant will only receive one space. Only Florissant residents receive a space to sell. The selling of craft items will not be approved. Fill out an application and return it by April 13. Applications will be available at the JJE and JFK Center and at www.florissantmo. com. Space is limited. The fee is $20 per table. The Florissant Garage Sale is free to attend.

April 29: Walk/run fundraiser

Join Friends of Kids with Cancer as they honor and remember special cancer patients and raise money to support their Educational, Emotional, and Recreational programs that help kids with cancer…be kids with the 17th Annual Walk with a Friend 5k Run/1 Mile Walk at 635 Maryville Centre Dr. in St. Louis. Registration is from 7:30-8:30 a.m., the run starts at 9 a.m. and the walk immediately follows. Family and corporate team

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What’s Happening

sponsorships available with logos on event shirts. Enjoy free First Watch breakfast and carnival style games and entertainment for the whole family. Sponsored by Vanderbilt Office Properties. Cost is for $25 individual registration, increases to $30 after April 14. For more information visit https://www.friendsofkids.com/ walk-with-a-friend.html or to register visit https://www.friendsofkids.com/ walk-registration.html.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients.

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 SUDOKU answers from page 11

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day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314-615-4516.

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.

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

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March 1, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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“Logan”

M O V I E

By Steve Bryan

Hugh Jackman takes a final bow as ‘LOGAN’ When I was a college student in the 1980’s, I typically bought comic books each week, especially those produced by Marvel Comics. Although I was considered rather geeky for doing so, some of my friends in the dorm were captivated by Wolverine, a pintsized powerhouse with razor-sharp claws.

Though his real name was revealed to be James Howlett, he went by his more feral codename.

Back then, Iron Man had the cool suit, Danny Rand had a mystical “Iron Fist,” Luke Cage had the strength and Johnny Storm could burst into flame. Yet, my friends were irresistibly drawn to Wolverine, much as audiences have been in subsequent years.

Like “The Punisher,” Wolverine was a fairly amoral guy, never hesitating to skewer the bad guys. Yet, during Marvel’s 1980’s heyday, the writers showed the human side of the man. During his time with the X-Men, he counseled young Kitty Pryde, who was played by Ellen Page in the Marvel movies.

He loved beer and cigars and was fiercely loyal to his friends. His idea of “hunting” was to sneak close enough to a deer to simply touch it.

In 2000, Hugh Jackman brought the character to life in “X-Men,” one of the first successful attempts to adapt a Marvel comic for the big screen. Though it deviated somewhat from the printed page, the film, and especially Jackman’s performance, made this effort quite popular and profitable. Jackman

revealed both the humanity and passion to the character.

It says a lot for Jackman that he has reprised the character in subsequent “X-Men” films and a few solo efforts about his character. He returns this weekend, presumably for the final time, in “Logan.” As the trailers show, an aging Professor X (Patrick Stewart) asks him to mentor and protect a young mutant whose abilities are similar to Logan’s.

This looks like the road film to end all road films. The current theatrical trailer shows his young protégé, played by Dafne Keen, wandering through a convenience store and taking what she wants. When confronted by the store owner, the inevitable happens.

This sounds a lot like the 1973 film “Paper Moon,” except that Tatum O’Neal didn’t have sharp claws in the back of her hands.

It will be a loss for the franchise if Jackman does step away from the role. Throughout the adaptations, his Wolverine demonstrated his love for Jean Grey and that faithful devotion to “The X-Men.” The cinematic

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origin stories explored the pain of his childhood and the horrors he witnessed over the decades.

A tip of the adamantium claws to Hugh Jackman, then, for a job well done. No one will ever be able to touch your Wolverine or take your place.

“Logan,” rated R for strong brutal violence, language throughout and brief nudity, opens Friday, March 3.

“Logan” photo courtesy of Lionsgate 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.