Issuu

March 8, 2017

Policing gets a new look

Around Town Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Run will take place Saturday, March 11 . P.6

Community Voices By Charlotte R. Beard . P.2

School

Hazelwood West juniors win award from health department. P.8

Learn & Play Hazelwood Traffic Officer Scott Schnurbusch sits in his patrol car. The Hazelwood Police Department has received a federal grant to purchase body cameras.

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood

Federal grant puts Hazelwood on path to police body cameras By Nicholas Elmes A $56,000 federal grant means that Hazelwood police officers will soon have a new tool when doing their job. In October 2016 the Hazelwood Police Department was notified that it had received the matching grant, which will also require $56,000 in local funds, to develop appropriate policies and purchase bodyworn cameras and storage for its officers. “We believe that having these cameras will be positive for both the officers and the community,” said Hazelwood Police Lt. Tim Burger. “They will provide a greater degree of transparency for the department and the public. Officers will be able to interact with the public and when incidents happen they will have documentation.” He said that documentation could be useful for a variety of reasons. “Often times we respond to scenes that are extremely hectic when we first arrive,” he said. “We see people at their highest level of stress and sometime have multiple people we are dealing with,” he said, noting that having a video recording of such incidents could be very useful for evidence recovery and further investigation. “Things can be missed. Things can be said that cannot always be documented or recorded with our current equipment. This will provide some help with recording statements from witnesses and victims and that can be helpful in an investigation.”

Burger said having a video recording of an incident could also help with complaints against police. “Sometimes citizens have valid complaints that officers might not handle a situation properly,” he said. “But sometimes a citizen does not understand the intricacies of how law enforcement does their job. This will allow us to review those situations and determine if the guidelines and policies of the department were followed.” Burger said plans for the use of bodyworn cameras for the department were still in the beginning stages. “The grant began on Oct. 1, 2016, and policy development is the first part,” he said. “We are reaching out to employees and the public. We want the public to know we are doing this. We are also reaching out to prosecutors and family courts and community groups to seek input on what is the best policy for the city of Hazelwood.” The city already uses a variety of recording devices and will likely use the existing polices for those devices as a starting point, as well as incorporating a new state law on how police departments should use video recordings. “Since I started in 1989, Hazelwood police officers have always carried an audio recording device on them,” explained Burger. “We record our audio conversations with people for things like traffic stops or

calls for service. In the early 1990s, we got on board with car cameras. Then just this past January the state put in new legislation regarding police recordings so we will obviously follow state law. “Privacy is a huge concern from both the public’s point of view and from the employees’ point of view,” he added. “Thankfully there is now a law on the books to help guide us.” Burger said he hopes to have a draft policy in place by late May or early June. “We are looking to have some sort of presentation to the general public,” he said. “Something where we can have a show and tell and explain it. A lot of people don’t know what body cameras are. They don’t understand how they work, what their purpose is, why we need them and what protections are there for citizens.” After a final policy is approved, the department will begin the process of testing different models of body cameras and selecting a vendor to purchase from. “We have tried out some in the past, but this technology is changing so fast, and there are so many new vendors that the things we tested six months ago have already changed,” said Burger. “It is a quickly-evolving market.” At this point in the process, Burger said he did not know if the department would See ‘POLICING’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 96 No. 10 | 636-379-1775

Warm up with comfort foods. P.11

Movie

What’s wrong with Oscar? P.16

Weather FRIDAY Sunny; Rain Late 60/42 SATURDAY Rain Likely 55/35 SUNDAY Partly Sunny 56/31 FirstWarn Weather

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

Around Town

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Who says St. Louis doesn’t represent? By Charlotte R. Beard When the iHeartMedia producer and on-air personality, Jade Harrell, decided to take her “Let’s Get It! Together” radio show to the next level, it turned into a Michael D. Francis production for television. Michael D. Francis, who once lived in California, is a writer, director and producer for his own production entity – “Michael D Francis Presents” – located here in St. Louis. In addition to his own productions, he has worked on various shows—MTV’s “Unlocking the Truth,” “Nellyville,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Biggest Loser,” “Survivor,” “The Voice,” “Judge Judy” and “Judge Faith,” just to name a few. To find out more about who Michael is in the industry, I talked to some of his Los Angeles and St. Louis colleagues. James Millican, a Los Angeles Production Manager, met Michael in 2015 when James came here to film “Nellyville” on location. “…he was hired to work with us as a local hire in St. Louis.” James also shared, “After production I never thought I would see Michael again…the universe blessed me with another job in St. Louis and Kansas City …. He was my very first phone call… It’s a testament to who he is and his work ethic… We worked with the “Midwest Innocence Project” on that show (MTV’s “Unlocking the Truth”) very closely…” I asked Millican about his opinion of Michael’s possible impact in the St. Louis market. “Michael is very much a renaissance man in my opinion; he can do almost anything. He works at a much higher level than the positions [for which]

we have needed him… Any city that he lives in can benefit….” Millican is not the only LA Production Manager that notices the impact of Michael’s work. “I hired him on the finale for the 26th season of “Survivor.” He came by way of a recommendation from a friend…” said Craig Dumont. “I worked with Michael over the course of a couple years – 2013 and 2014…. I would have definitely continued to hire him and work with him if it weren’t for the fact that St. Louis stole him back.” Roderick “Rod” Pratt, a producer on the Jade Harrell project, shared with me his experience in working with Michael. “I look and notice the relationships that Mike has built outside St. Louis and how different production companies call him to get referrals for crews... It may not be local but that’s ok because if MTV, A&E, Showtime and HBO—when they start calling your phone that’s saying a lot…” Andrew Scott, who does media management, met Michael while they were both working as production assistants for “America’s Got Talent.” “When I met Michael two years ago, I didn’t have a lot of experience, I wasn’t getting a lot of work,” Andrew told me. He went on to explain that when Michael was helping “Nellyville” fill crew positions for St. Louis, it opened a world of opportunities for him, including building his network which extended to other production jobs. Michael has helped open doors for women in the

production industry. “I feel like it’s a little harder for women than it is for men in this industry. A lot of the women are tough, but I see why. If you want to do any real job without being stuck as a production assistant or an assistant to anybody else…you (must) be hardcore,” said LaJuana “LJ” Jones, Production Manager for the Jade Harrell project. LJ has worked on a few projects due to networking with Michael, including production work with Cesar Millan, widely known for his television series “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.” Well St. Louis, let’s stay on the lookout for what Michael D. Francis will be presenting us to help St. Louis gain more presence on the media industry’s map. He certainly seems to be gaining ground in helping put local production people to work. Charlotte R. Beard, a St. Louis native, is a contributing writer for the Community News as well as a writer for I Am EStL Magazine. In addition to having had her inspirational writing featured in The St. Louis American Journal, in her spare time she consults as a writer for her clients. Charlotte’s collection of inspirational poetry, “Inspirations by Char,” was released under Westbow Press in February 2016. 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.

Maryland Heights warns of telephone scam The city of Maryland Heights would like to make community members aware of a major scam occurring throughout the country. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently confirmed that the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number is being used as part of a telephone spoofing scam targeting individuals throughout the country. These scammers represent themselves as HHS OIG Hotline employees and can alter the appearance of the caller ID to make it seem as if the call is coming from the HHS OIG Hotline 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). The perpetrator may use various tactics to obtain or verify the victim’s personal information, which can then be used to steal money from an individual’s bank account or for other fraudulent activity. HHS OIG takes this matter seriously. They are actively investigating this matter and intend

to have the perpetrators prosecuted. It is important to know that HHS OIG will not use the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number to make outgoing calls and individuals should not answer calls from 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, protect their personal information and guard against providing personal information during calls that purport to be from the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number. It is still safe to call into the HHS OIG Hotline to report fraud. Those who believe they may have been a victim of the telephone spoofing scam are strongly encouraged to report that information through the HHS OIG Hotline 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1800-447-8477) or spoof@oig.hhs.gov. Individuals may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

‘POLICING’ from cover go with cameras that would be mounted on the officer’s uniform or with cameras mounted to glasses. “If I had my personal preference, it would be a body worn camera,” he said. “There are problems with glasses like what do you do with officers who already wear normal glasses, how do you deal with glare at night, or what about officers who are not used to wearing glasses and set them up on their head. Glasses also come off quite easily. No camera system is going to be perfect 100 percent of the time, but we will to the best we can to provide for the best possibilities.” The department is also not sure if it will be using cloud-based storage or an internal server to Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood store the data collected by the new cameras. Hazelwood Traffic Officer Scott Schnurbusch sits in his patrol car. The Hazelwood Police Department has received a fed“We had originally looked at storing the data eral grant to purchase body cameras. in-house, but there is nothing set in stone yet,” Burger said. “If some other solution becomes a better option then late fall to winter,” he said “It depends on how long the bid process we would be willing to try that as well.” takes and how long we take in evaluating products and getting all of Burger said he hopes the city council will approve the matching the nuts and bolts in place, but by early 2018 we certainly want to see funding for the fiscal year starting in July so that the department can it in place and up and running. move forward. “This is going to be a piece of equipment that more and more po“If so, we are looking at actual implementation of the cameras in lice departments are going to have as time goes by,” he added.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 8, 2017

Around Town

Hazelwood School District Board of Education fills vacant seat During a special meeting held on the evening of Feb. 27, the Hazelwood School District Board of Education voted to fill a vacant seat with the appointment of Margo McNeil. According to Board Policy-BBE-1, Unexpired Term Fulfillment/Vacancies, residents who wanted to be considered to fill the vacancy had to make their desire known by sending a letter to the secretary of the board by Feb. 15. Residents were required to include their qualifications and their reasons for wishing to serve on

the board. The secretary of the board received a total of 11 letters from residents who desired to be considered to fill the vacancy, after the recent resignation of Chuck Woods. There was a diverse pool of applicants including, a former board member, a recent Hazelwood alumnae, parents and other members from the community. McNeil has been appointed to fill the vacant position through the April 4 election results.

Florissant resident celebrates 100th birthday Emily Inez Franklin, resident of Crystal Creek Nursing and Rehab Center at 250 New Florissant Rd. in Florissant, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Franklin and her parents moved to the area from Kentucky while she was an infant and she graduated in 1936 from then Vashon High School and attended college here. “Play bingo and watch football if you want to stay young,” was her reply when asked her secret to her longevity. Franklin has her nieces Alice Gill-Williams and Poni Franklin and nephew Bart Franklin all of St. Louis, inviting everyone to stop by and wish her “Happy Birthday!”

www.stlrv.net

www.treesbywoody.net Submitted photo

www.ChristianHospital2020.org

www.aarp.org/stlouis

Around Town

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

PINTEREST.COM/MYCNEWS

Many local government officials attend the annual Missouri Municipal Conference

www.stlchristian.edu

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Mayors from St. Louis County and the entire state of Missouri met on Feb. 15 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City following the annual Missouri Municipal League Conference.

Florissant Mayor Thomas P. Schneider and Kansas City Mayor Sly James were joined by MO Municipal League Executive director Dan Ross, Municipal League of Metro St. Louis Executive Director Pat Kelly and mayors from St. Louis County and the entire state of Missouri on Feb. 15 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City following the annual Missouri Municipal League Conference. The purpose of the meeting was for mayors in the state of Missouri to join to make one loud voice that would be heard by the Missouri Legislature. They discussed amplifying existing MO Municipal League priorities including state highway infrastructure funding and preserving the ability of municipalities to preserve property values us-

ing proven code enforcement strategies and ordinances. The first two statewide mayors’ meetings were held in the Columbia, Missouri City Hall were well attended, and the Feb. 15 meeting following the MO Municipal League conference was attended by over 50 mayors. “The mayors of Missouri demand to be heard because we are elected by our constituents to advocate for better government in their neighborhood and the state they live in and pay taxes to. It saddens me that the state legislature has demonstrated a hostile attitude aimed at the cities of this state when so many of their constituents live in cities,” said Schneider.

Registration now open for Citizens for Modern Transit’s Ten Toe Express

www.MidwestBankCentre.com

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis are gearing up for the start of the spring session of CMT’s award-winning Ten Toe Express Program. Created to inspire St. Louis area seniors, as well as any other interested individuals, to see how easy it is to integrate walking with public transit use to get around town, the Ten Toe Express Walk Program also promotes the health and well-being benefits of alternative commuting. With the spring session of the program set to get underway on April 6, CMT and AARP in St. Louis will host several Ten Toe Express Registration events throughout the St. Louis region over the next several weeks. Area residents interested in participating in the program may also register online now by visiting www.cmt-stl.org. The upcoming 12-week Ten Toe Express session will run from April to June and the cost to participate is $10. Ten Toe participants gain access to a variety of helpful resources including walk maps providing detailed directives on how to utilize transit to get to many of the region’s cultural and entertainment hot spots. Participants also have the ability to take part in weekly guided Ten Toe Express Walking Tours which allow walkers to be part of a group as they become familiar with the transit system and how to utilize it to get to destinations. These walks, led by trained, volunteer walk leaders, range in length from 0.3 to 5 miles depending on the group and destination and originate from the Brentwood, Forest Park, Belleville, Rock Road, North Hanley and Shrewsbury MetroLink stations.

UPCOMING REGISTRATION EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon

Forest Park Visitors’ Center in Forest Park in St. Louis.

March 10 from 10 a.m. to noon

St. Clair County Office on Aging at 201 North Church Street in Belleville, Illinois.

March 22 from 1-3 p.m.

Citizens for Modern Transit Office at 911 Washington, Suite 200, in downtown St. Louis. New Ten Toe registrants will receive a walking kit containing a pedometer, transit tickets, St. Louis maps, a safety tips flyer and a Ten Toe tote bag. Those that register will have the chance to take part in several special walks, including a behind the scenes tour of the Grand Center Arts & Cultural District on April 6, a tour of the Washington University Medical Center Campus in May and an opportunity to “test out” the Loop Trolley before its anticipated grand opening this summer. “We are so excited to be partnering with AARP in St. Louis to host the spring session of our Ten Toe Express program,” said Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “This year, there are a lot of new destinations to explore, and we encourage all those interested in learning more about integrating walking with public transit to register today.” For additional information about the Ten Toe Express Walk Program, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 8, 2017

Yeggs

Around Town

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

Queen for a day

I was summoned to the palace the other day for my coronation. The phone message said I would be receiving a crown. I entered the castle whereupon I was duly greeted by hosts of cheery attendants all eager to do my biding. A lady in waiting came forward and received me with a pearly white smile that twinkled as she spoke. She was a sweet maiden and would serve me well. So far so good. She quickly ushered me into the throne room; a comfortable place with fine accoutrements and a vast picture window from which to look out and wave at my subjects. Behind me, the local provincials were chattering and scurrying about in the background making preparations for the big event. My lady waved her hand to indicate I could take my place atop the cushy throne which sat before me. It fit perfectly and molded nicely to my girthiness. She then brought in my royal cape – a heavy gray mat which she draped across my chest. Definitely not the most attractive. I expected a rich red velvet fabric edged in jewels. I made a mental note to myself: First item of business – meet with the royal minister of fashion to update the couture. Soon an unfamiliar man entered the chamber. I assumed him to be some lowly duke who slipped in under the radar to take a quick selfie with me. “Ready for your crown?” he inquired. I nodded. That’s when things turned into a rebellious coup. He pulled down a bright light attached to the ceiling and shot the beam at my face blinding me. With only limited eyesight, I detected a glint

from a sharp object he held high in his hand. A knife? No. Something more sinister. A needle! He thrust it mercilessly in my gums immediately impairing my speech. “Outh! Thad hurths!” I yelled. I struggled to move, but was held down by the lady in waiting who was an accomplice and had turned bat crap crazy on me. She stuck a vacuum tube into my throat to intentionally suck out my tongue so I could not testify against her. The evil duke next grabbed a tool of torment and began maniacally drilling into my mouth making certain I would be rendered speechless. After the ordeal, I was unceremoniously tossed out from the dungeon of torture. Later, I checked my tooth in the rear view mirror. What! A cheap temporary attached to my molar!? Hmph! I may not be queen I thought, but I slobbered out in victory, “One-th a pwintheth alwayth a pwintheth!” 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.aperioncare.com

Around Town

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

www.byerlyrv.com

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Run will take place Saturday, March 11 The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. Louis will take place on Saturday, March 11 and will be dedicated to the city of St. Louis’ First Responders. Leading the 48th annual parade will be parade founder and St. Louis Irish Consul Joseph McGlynn, Jr.; Parade Committee Chairperson Joe Milligan; Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Ireland’s Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; our Honorary Parade Marshal John Saunders, president and chief executive officer of FleishmanHillard; Mayor Francis Slay; Parade Director Karen Lee; and other dignitaries. The parade steps off at noon from 20th and Market Streets and proceeds east on Market to Broadway and then south on Broadway where it will disband at Clark Street. Market Street will be closed at 7:30 a.m. from Compton to Broadway. Parade units will stage starting at 7:30 a.m. from Compton to 18th Street. Participants and spectators are encouraged to use the official hashtag of the event - #stlucky - to share why they feel lucky this St. Patrick’s Day. The parade, also known as St. Louis’ “Rite of Spring,” will feature over 130 units, including floats, bands, marching units, large helium-filled balloons, and over 5,000 marchers. McGlynn noted the support the run has received over the years from Anheuser-Busch, “From the very first run 39 years ago, Anheuser-Busch was there supporting our efforts.” The 39th Annual Michelob ULTRA St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run will precede the parade at 9 a.m. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run is St. Louis’ largest locally organized run. It covers a

five mile course which will begin on Broadway just south of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark hotel in front of the Ballpark Village (Broadway between Walnut and Clark Streets) and concludes at 8th and Market Streets. Runners will then be directed to the Michelob ULTRA Runners Village at The Ballpark Village at 7th and Walnut Streets. Ballpark Village will also be the site of this year’s Irish Village featuring a live band, food and beverage, which will be open prior to, during and after the parade. Over 8,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers of all ages participated in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Run. There are 13 different age categories for both male and female competitive runners, ranging in age from under 14 to 70-plus years. Prizes will be awarded in age categories for both men and women, including “14 and under” and “70 and over.” Runners may register online at: www.stpatsrun.com. The Shamrock Village opens at 9 a.m. on Parade Day at the Aloe Plaza across from Union Station on Market Street and closes at 4 p.m. The Village will feature a main stage and food and beverage booths. Starting at 9 a.m. some of the unique inflatable balloons that will be in the parade will begin inflating at Aloe Plaza as part of the pre-parade activities. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Michelob Ultra St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run celebration kicks off Friday night, March 11 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 1 South Broadway, with cocktails and dinner. For cost and further information, call 314-241-PATS or visit www.irishparade.org.

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Severe weather is like baking a cake

www.stlcompost.com

March is often considered the kick-off to the spring severe weather season here in Missouri. While severe weather can happen any time during the year in Missouri, spring and fall are ideal for severe-weather development. Severe weather requires certain elements to occur, similar to baking a cake. If you are missing an ingredient the cake will not taste good or even turn out. Essentially, the same is true for severe weather. In order for severe weather to fully develop four main ingredients are needed: Instability, wind shear, lifting and moisture. If we are lacking any one of these, the likelihood of severe weather is low. Just like if you forget the sugar in the cake – it will not taste good. The first ingredient for severe weather is instability. Instability is the condition in which air will rise freely due to positive buoyancy. Similar to putting the cake in the hot oven – it will rise. With instability, the faster it rises depends on the density difference between the actual air rising and the air and the surrounding air. The next piece of severe weather is wind shear. Wind shear influences severe storms in several ways. Vertical wind shear is a significant increase of wind speed with height and vertical directional shear is a significant change of wind direction with height. Consider this the mixing of the atmosphere which is similar to taking all the ingredients of the cake and stirring the batter.

Putting baking soda in your cake will help the cake rise. Without it the cake doesn’t have the buoyancy to rise—the cake will stay flat. With severe weather you will need lift. Lifting is where instability releases and creates the severe weather. Lifting mechanisms include fronts, dry lines and outflow boundaries. Low pressures also serve as lifting mechanisms. The final ingredient for severe weather is moisture. Without moisture you will not have severe weather. Just like the water, eggs, and oil in the cake – without them it would be dry and not hold together. When the troposphere lacks moisture, then severe storms will be limited. The more moisture the better the chance for severe weather. Just like baking a cake all ingredients must come together to have a great tasting, perfect looking cake. In the same essence, in order to have severe weather you must have all the ingredients come together at the right time to create the “perfect storm.” 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 8, 2017

Butler’s Pantry wraps up 50th anniversary year of giving Butler’s Pantry, St. Louis’ largest premier caterer, recently closed their first Full Pantry | Full Life program, an initiative that celebrated their 50th year in business by giving back to the St. Louis community. With the hope of feeding 50,000 St. Louisans in need, Butler’s Pantry launched the Full Pantry | Full Life program in February 2016. The catering company pledged to donate $5 for every 50 guests fed during their 50th year. The funds would be used to fill local food pantries. In total, Butler’s Pantry served 208,058 guests through their primary event venues and off-site catering services: Butler’s Boardroom, The Coronado, Palladium Saint Louis, Joule, The St. Louis Community Foundation at #2 Oak Knoll Park, and 40 additional venues across St. Louis. The company made a $20, 805.80 contribution to fill

the shelves of local food pantries. Throughout the year, Butler’s Pantry encouraged their 460 full-and-part-time employees to join the effort – shopping for canned goods and unloading and distributing loads to fill shelves. “Since the company was founded, we have believed that we have an obligation to help our community,” said Richard Nix Jr., President of Butler’s Pantry. “Giving back is part of the fabric of the company, not only an anniversary initiative, so we’re extending the Full Pantry | Full Life program to continue to feed St. Louisans in need.” “In my eyes, every day is a celebration,” Richard Nix Jr. said. “We’ve built success out of passion and 50 years could never be possible without our hard-working staff and the wonderful community in which the business resides.”

Transit Crush gives residents a chance to show the love to region’s transit system Submitted Photo

Area transit enthusiasts show their love for transit aboard the #30 MetroBus on Feb. 16 during Citizen’s for Modern Transit’s 2017 “Transit Crush.” The event gave area residents the chance to unite in support of the region’s transit system by utilizing the bus and MetroLink to hit a number of St. Louis hot spots, including The Royale on S.

Kingshighway, Gelateria Del Leone on S. Grand and Blank Space on Cherokee St. Throughout the evening, Transit Crush participants also shared their “transit love” via social media by posting Transit Crush selfies and sharing the many reasons they are #CrushingOnTransit.

Around Town

Check out our

Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

School

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood West juniors win award from health department

Hazelwood Central football star headed to the Ivy League

Jordan Carey with his family on National Signing Day. Photos courtesy Hazelwood School District

Hazelwood West High School juniors, Ngan Do and Aalyce Husbands-Reynolds, were recently presented with awards from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. Do and Husbands-Reynolds won the Healthy Living Poster/Calendar Contest put on by the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

“I am proud of these two students for winning this contest from the Department of Health,” said Kevin Morrison, associate principal of West High. “Not only did these two students win, their designs will be printed in a calendar for the public to enjoy.”

Photos courtesy Hazelwood School District

After graduation, Hazelwood Central High School senior Jordan Carey will pack his bags, say goodbye to his parents and head to Yale University. He plans to major in computer science. Carey scored a 31 on the ACT and has a 4.1 Grade Point Average (GPA). Carey received offers from four Ivy League schools, including Yale, Harvard, Columbia and University Of Pennsylvania. “My parents always stayed on top of me and my grades,” said Carey. “When I wanted to take it easy, my parents and football coach always reminded me to give 100 percent no matter, what and to be the best that I can be.” During Carey’s time at Central, he was a varsity football starter all four years and team captain for three years. Off the field, Carey is senior class president, he volunteers with students in government and tutors several students. In addition, Carey was also selected as the February Penn Station Athlete of the Month. “I am so proud of Jordan and all the hard work that he put in,” said Dr. Tony Brooks, interim principal at Central High. “Jordan received a valuable scholarship to one of the best universities in the country. The Hazelwood Central High School family will miss him and we wish him nothing but the best. We are all very proud of him and the role model that he has become to encourage other students.” Carey will graduate with honors with his class on May 20 at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Normandy earns Focus St. Louis What’s Right with the Region honor

www.cedarhurstliving.com

The Normandy Schools Collaborative has been awarded the 2017 Focus St. Louis What’s Right with the Region Award. The Normandy Schools Collaborative was recognized in the category, Fostering Regional Cooperation, for having “brought entities together to create a new synergy and improve efficiency and effectiveness.” Specifically, Normandy is being recognized for its collaboration with Wyman Center and Beyond Housing to provide needed services and supports to help students achieve academically. Wyman strategically coordinates “wraparound services” such as counseling, tutoring, and afterschool programs for students in the collaborative to improve academic performance in the classroom. Beyond Housing partners with Normandy on several initiatives including providing Family Engagement Liaisons. The liaisons make home visits, secure services for families and work with parents on topical issues like bullying, financial empowerment and healthy living. “This is the concept of ‘collective impact,’” said Dr. Charles Pearson, Superintendent of Schools for the Normandy Schools Collaborative. “Organizations come together, bringing their particular skills and resources to the table. Our wraparound partners provide the resources needed to mitigate for the challenges many of our students face daily. Teachers create powerful lessons that engage students. Principals protect the learning environment and work daily to support effective instruction. Support staff maintain quality spaces for learning, provide nutritious meals, tend to communications and interactions with children and adults, and Executive Leadership works continuously to support the work of all. As a result, we are continuously improving.” We are extremely proud to receive this recognition as it is a testament to the forward-focused, community-centered thinking helping put our district back on the right track,” Pearson continued. “Thank you to all of our staff, families and partners for your tireless efforts to provide the best for our children!” Other organizations recognized in the Fostering Regional Cooperation category include the Affton School District, Forest Park Forever and the Veterans Business Resource Center. Honorees were nominated by the public and selected by a panel of community judges for their impact and service to the community.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 8, 2017

Hazelwood School District alleged abduction attempt unsubstantiated, additional safety precautions taken As a continuation of an investigation, regarding an alleged child abduction attempt at Lusher Elementary School on Feb. 24, Hazelwood School District administrators in collaboration with Florissant Police Department, which included, six Florissant detectives, and two Florissant patrol officers, met throughout the day to investigate this very serious matter. The extent to which the school district and police detectives have looked into the investigation,

the report of the attempted abduction has not been substantiated. However, as a precaution, the Florissant Police Department has put extra police patrol around the school. The district has also conducted a campus safety assessment, provided extra security around the school and moved recess to a temporary location. In addition, the school counselor and social worker are available to address any student concerns.

McCluer High Pommies capture first place win in state dance competition

School

Ferguson-Florissant School District offers early education programs If you have a young child, birth to age five, and live in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, your child is eligible to enroll in the district’s early education programs. A free quality preschool experience with degreed, certified teachers is available to district children. Three-year-olds attend class two mornings per week; four-year-olds attend three or four half-days. Families receive Parents as Teachers personal visits. A free developmental screening is designed for all young children, ages three months to five years. Hearing and vision are also checked. If any type of concern is indicated, in-depth testing is offered. For children ages’ birth to five years, Parents as Teachers offers a free program for all families. PAT provides free personal visits, parent-child activities, developmental information, screenings and prenatal visits. This free program with degreed, certified parent educators is available to all families who choose to participate. LINK Family Time is daytime program for parents and their children from birth to age five. Opportunities to experience a wide range of social, motor, sensory and creative learning activities in preschool-like setting are provided. The district’s Child Development Centers are open to all. These centers o¬ffer excellent, year-round care and education that helps prepare your child for school. For information call 314-506-9472 or visit www.fergflor.org. Enroll today. Limited spaces available in some programs. Call 314-506-9066 or email earlyed@fergflor.org. D u c h e sn e Hig h S c ho ol

DREAM HOME SWEEPSTAKES G R A N D

P R I Z E !

ONLY

,500 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD

Early Bird Drawing

Your Choice of

$150,000 Toward a new home by Fischer & Frichtel homes

Deadline:

March 21

5 Buyers will Win

Drawing:

March 30

$ 1, 0 0 0

FINAL DRAWING WILL BE ON APRIL 29

$120,000 I n

PURCHASE YOUR $100 TICKET

cash

(one payment)

Second Prize: $5,000 in C ASH!

The McCluer High Pommies celebrate after their “Clean-up Mix” first-place winning routine.

The McCluer High School Pommies proved once again why they are ranked among the area’s best dance teams during the recently held state dance championships. The Pommies competed in the Missouri State Dance Team Championships (Division 3A) and placed first in the “Prop” category with their “Clean Up Mix” routine. The Pommies also placed third in the “Kick” category with their “New Attitude” routine. Coached by McCluer staffers, Rega WesleyStewart and Jackie Allen, the Pommies have consistently ranked among the top teams in state competitions.

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

AND 18 ADDITIONAL CASH PRIZES

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

In addition to the team honors, individual Pommies were also recognized for their academic success during the state competition. Lauren Peterson and Elyse Frazier received certificates and medals for maintaining cumulative grade point averages (GPA) of 4.0. Samantha Hobson, Bria Caldwell, Shanna Whitley, Daya Clinton and Sherell Kent received certificates for their cumulative GPAs of 3.5-3.9. “I am proud of the girls and their performances,” said Coach Rega Wesley-Stewart. “They worked hard, and I am glad to see that their hard work has paid off.”

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne third graders present famous African Americans Photo courtesy St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

www.stladhd.com

In celebration of Black History Month, Mrs. Driskill’s third-grade students each researched a famous African American and presented a report to fellow students on that person’s life and accomplishments. Students created posters with

pictures and highlights, and made an oral presentation as if they were the famous African American. Many used props and dressed as their subject. They learned about musicians, inventors, writers, athletes, activists, pilots, explorers and more.

Sports

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

– SUDOKU –

Sports you see with Gary B...

See solution on page 13

Indoor football Raiders get new head coach The River City Raiders are a member of the Arena Pro Football league with home games at the Family Arena. The team has appointed Greg Moore “Chief ” as head coach with his other title as the owner of the St. Louis Bulldogs football team/club. His coaching staff will include familiar names to indoor football in Justin Kutz, Demoine Smith, Jeff Hunt and Dan Montgomery. “Coach Moore is very well respected, not just in the football world but he is well respected nationwide for his public and national service. Coach has an extensive resume not just in football but his duty to our great country” said Jason Pilarski, Vice President of Operations. Some of Moore’s greatest accomplishments have been serving not only our community but our country. Coach served eight years in the United States Army, 10 years as a St. Louis City Police Officer/Detective, and eight years working nationwide for the FBI. “Arena football is an exciting, fan-connected and fast paced game. Arena football was designed to score touchdowns, and me being a defensive guy, I’ve got to devise a way to stop the other team from scoring touchdowns” said Moore. The team has their first home game on March 25 against the Birmingham Outlawz at 7 p.m. For more information go to www.IndoorRaiders.com * Chief back on the turf

www.MasterGCR.com

Lindenwood softball team excels The Lady Lions’ softball team put on an offensive clinic this past weekend from Lou Brock Sports Complex to complete the sweep of Wisconsin-Parkside for the weekend. The first game saw a combined 24 runs and 32 hits as the Lady Lions outlasted the Rangers, 14-10. The second game of the twin bill saw less offense, but more efficiency from the pitching circle as Lindenwood pitcher Stormee Galka allowed only four hits in the 3-0 victory. Offensively, Madi Huot reached base six times during both contests. The 14-runs scored in game one is the second time this season Lindenwood has scored dou-

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.

www.dschuster.com

ble-digit runs. * Pile it on when you can Baseball Rascals backing teachers The River City Rascals play professional baseball with home games at Car Shield Field in O’Fallon. In 2017 the team is making schools and educators their top priority with the announcement of two education-themed days, Education Day on May 5 and Teacher Appreciation Day on June 7. The Rascals will play an exhibition game against the crosstown rival Gateway Grizzles on May 5 at 11:05 a.m. to kick off the event. Students and teachers attending the day’s game will have the opportunity to engage with multiple exhibitors including Junior Achievement, Challenger Learning Center, Magic House, the city of O’Fallon’s D.A.R.E. program and many more. Each exhibitor will provide a STEM learning activity for all students in attendance. The Education Day focuses on fun for the students but the Teacher Appreciation Day on June 7 honors our educators. Teachers can kick-off their summer break by joining us for a night of fun and relaxation at the ballpark. All teachers will receive a drink voucher that can be used at Rascals’ concession stands or Raskies’ Bar and Lounge with the purchase of their box seat. For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com * Education and baseball, a great combo I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com

1999 for the paper.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 8, 2017

Recipe: Warm up with comfort foods

Learn & Play

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Delicious Desserts

Beef and Potato Tzimmes Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board | Servings: 6 I ngredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 2 pounds beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups carrots, sliced 1-inch thick 2 teaspoons garlic salt 4 cups water, plus 3 tablespoons (optional) 2 cups potatoes, cubed 1-inch thick 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed 1-inch thick 1/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper 4 ounces dried apricots 4 ounces pitted prunes 2 tablespoons flour (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) Directions: In heavy 5-quart pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add beef and brown on all sides. Remove beef from pan, add remaining oil, if necessary, and saute onion until tender. Return beef to pan; add carrots, garlic salt and 4 cups water to cover ingredients. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.

Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, honey, cinnamon and pepper; stir and return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, 30 minutes, or until potatoes are barely cooked. Add apricots and prunes and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until beef is tender. Liquid should

be slightly thickened. If necessary, dissolve flour in 3 tablespoons water and stir into stew; return to simmer, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if desired.

Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter Recipe courtesy of chef Ari Weiswasser | Serves: 4 I ngredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts 3/4 cup kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning 1/3 cup sugar 1 gallon water 1 cup carrot juice 4 tablespoons butter, diced 1 1/2 cups wild rice 3 1/3 cups chicken stock 2 large onions, diced 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons curry spice 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 4 tablespoons sun-dried tomato, chopped finely canola oil or olive oil 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Directions: Brine chicken in 3/4 cup salt, sugar and water. Refrigerate 1 hour; pat dry and store overnight, uncovered, in fridge. Add carrot juice to saucepan and reduce to thick consistency on high heat, 10-15 minutes. Whisk vigorously if juice separates. Whisk in butter. Set aside to cool. In pot, cover wild rice with chicken stock. Bring to simmer and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt.

Heat oven to 400 F. In frying pan on medium-high heat, sweat onions in olive oil until soft. Add curry spice and toast until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add vinegar and salt; stir well. Fold through sun-dried tomatoes. Place chicken skin-side up on roasting pan fitted with rack. Brush chicken with canola or olive oil and season with salt. Roast about 25-35 minutes until golden brown; internal temperature should

be 165 F. Drizzle with roasting juices; add salt and chopped parsley before plating. To plate, add carrot butter to wild rice; scoop 1/2 cup onto each dish. Place chicken skin-side up on top of rice. Dollop with onion, curry and tomato mixture. Pair each serving with a glass of Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe courtesy of Nestlé | Servings: 12 | Prep time: 30 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 55 minutes Ingredients: 1 loaf (14 ounces) cinnamon challah bread or cinnamon brioche, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 4 large eggs 2 cans (12 ounces each) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2 percent Milk 1 can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100 percent Pure Pumpkin 1 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 cup Nestlé Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels Vanilla Dreyer’s or Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13-by-9-inch baking dish. On rimmed baking sheets, spread bread cubes in single layer. Bake, tossing occasionally, 10 minutes, or until dry.

extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt. Add bread; toss gently to coat. Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish; let stand 30 minutes, or until bread is thoroughly saturated.

In large bowl, beat eggs; stir in evaporated milk, pumpkin, 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla

Combine brown sugar with remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle morsels over

bread mixture; top with brown sugar mixture. Bake 45-55 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes to set. Serve warm with ice cream.

ACROSS 1. Scottish Highlands’ pattern 6. ____ Brown from “Back to the Future” 9. “For ____ the Bell Tolls” 13. Alluring maiden 14. Feminists’ 1923 proposal, acr. 15. Push 16. Not Ionic or Corinthian 17. SNL’s “home” 18. Acquired behavior pattern 19. *Danish or croissant 21. *With ice cream 23. Color wheel feature 24. *”Baking with Julia,” e.g. 25. Rejuvenating spot 28. Stephen King’s “The Green ____” 30. License to park, e.g. 35. Olympic castaway? 37. Read, watched or listened to 39. Hot spot 40. Swirling vortex 41. Wilt “The ____” Chamberlain 43. Beginning of musical staff 44. DNA and RNA 46. Recipe direction 47. Saw incision 48. Rh in Rh disease 50. “Follow me!” 52. Pig’s digs 53. Loud get-together 55. Actress Thompson 57. *Apple coat 61. *Like Cherries Jubilee 64. Defendant’s excuse 65. One who copies behavior of another 67. Lion sounds 69. “Thesaurus” author 70. Intelligent humor 71. Grassy plain 72. School activity 73. Anagram for #49 Down 74. Those in favor

DOWN 1. High degree 2. Roller coaster feature 3. Heavenly glow 4. March celebrants 5. Authoritative declaration 6. Refuse to accept 7. Eyeball shape 8. *Chocolate tree 9. George Michael/Andrew Ridgeley duo 10. Great Depression drifter 11. “Metamorphoses” poet 12. Boundary line 15. *Milk-based concoctions 20. Buggy control, pl. 22. Chop off 24. Cause to be enamored 25. *Common dessert ingredient 26. Study of behavior and mind, for short 27. Eagle’s nest 29. “____ Make a Deal” 31. Medieval torture device 32. The cocktail Moscow ____, pl. 33. Dead to the world 34. *Seaside candy 36. *In M&M’s pack: browns, greens and these 38. Fit for a skinny one 42. Online troublemaker 45. What to do with an application 49. Greek letters on campus 51. Almost 54. Shredded cabbage dishes 56. Mexican detergent plant 57. Rental on the links 58. Medicinal succulent 59. Semis 60. Lend a criminal hand 61. Sheep’s milk cheese 62. Barnyard sounds 63. Marine eagle 66. *____-throwing contest 68. Vessel’s last call See answers on page 13

Like Us On Facebook

facebook.com/mycnews

What’s Happening

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS 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 314-839-5000.

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 314-831-6121.

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 314-9214250 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 314-831-6121.

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 16: Blood pressure check

Free blood pressure check at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant. Call 314-831-3752 for more information.

March 17: Bingo

Bingo from 2 – 3 p.m. at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant. Call 314-831-3752 for more information.

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

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, 314831-5359 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 314-831-6121.

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.

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 314-921-5120 or Denise at 314-303-7717.

April 2: Quarter auction

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.

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 314-650-7622 to purchase your tickets and/or to reserve your table. Tables are seats of eight-10.

March 31: Fish fry

April 8: Christian concert

March 29: Karaoke

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 31: Fundraising gala

Guests are invited to unmask their merriment when the Center for Hearing & Speech hosts Twilight Masquerade, its annual fundraising gala at Hollywood Casino St. Louis Banquet and Rotunda Rooms at 777 Casino Center Dr. in Maryland Heights from 6:30 - 10 p.m. All proceeds from the gala support the programs, services and clients of the center. Tickets for the gala are available at three levels. The New Orleanian for $90 includes dinner, dancing and drinks; The St. Louisan at $150 also includes a tax-deductible donation; and The Venetian at $900 reserves a table for 10 attendees. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the center’s website at http://www.hearing-speechstlouis. org/whats-happening.php or call 314968-4710. The event includes food, drink and entertainment as well as bidding on live and silent auctions. Free parking will be available in the main parking lot and hotel garage, as well as valet parking. The entrance to the gala is through the main casino lobby.

April 1: Rummage sale

Large indoor rummage sale takes place from 7 - 11 a.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant.

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.

April 1: Trivia night

Florissant Valley Kiwanis will host its seventh annual trivia night at Hazelwood Community Center-White

A Christian concert takes place at 6 p.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant. There will be two bands and light refreshments available at intermission. Admission is three cans of food for the TEAM food pantry.

April 8: Legacy fundraising dinner and silent auction

North County Christian School (NCCS) will host their annual Legacy Dinner and Silent Auction at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The fundraising dinner will celebrate the ongoing legacy of excellence in Christian education established by the school in its 55 year history. Current families, alumni and community friends are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $25 per person and will be sold through April 5 or as long as they last. Call 314-9726227 for more information or to purchase tickets. NCCS is located at 845 Dunn Rd in Florissant.

the parish hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 751 N. Jefferson St. The trivia night is being sponsored by the Florissant Rotary Club. Entry fee is $200 per table with a maximum of eight people per team. Entry fee includes beer, soda, water, popcorn and attendance prizes. Tickets may be purchased in advance or the night of the event. First come basis – only 500 tickets available. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Checks should be made payable to TEAM Food Pantry and mailed to Pat Piotrowicz, TEAM Trivia Night, 9 Beaujolais, Florissant, MO 63031. To register, sponsor, or make a donation, please contact Pat Piotrowicz at p.piotrowicz1@yahoo.com or 314-2221362.

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 25: 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

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

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 636-7579334.

April 15: Meat shoots

April 29: Fine arts show

April 14: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday until April 14 at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Church at 3500 St. Catherine Street in Florissant from 4 - 7 p.m.

April 14: Fish Fry

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

April 21, 23: Choir concert

Choral Arts Singers, Francis Howell North High School Concert Choir, and members of the St. Charles Symphony will perform Joseph Haydn’s “Kleine Orgelmasse mass in B/Bflat Major” and other selections on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 3866 S. Old Hwy 94 in St. Charles, and April 23 at 2 p.m. at Assumption Chapel at 403 N. Main in O’Fallon. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children (ages six-18). For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

April 22: Trivia night

The annual trivia night fundraiser for TEAM Food Pantry will be held in

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 8, 2017 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 7:308:30 a.m., the run starts at 9 a.m. and the walk immediately follows. Family and corporate team 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 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: 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: Lung cancer support group

The Lung Cancer Networking Group is open to anyone affected by lung cancer and meets at Christian Hospital at

11133 Dunn Rd. every second Tuesday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 2100. No RSVP required. Christian Hospital has partnered with the Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis to provide this group meeting. Drop-in to the monthly meetings to discuss, ask questions and learn how others manager side effects, symptoms and the day-to-day of cancer. Connect with other care partners who are learning about cancer and how it impacts their friends and family members. Share and hear stories from others who “get it.” Discover the power of group support when you meet with a licensed facilitator, other people (family, friends, patients) affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

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

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

#4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page 11

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 Christ-centered, 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: 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

www.amorestl.com

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.

www.facebook.com/mycnews www.pinterest.com/mycnews https://twitter.com/mycnews

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

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

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

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

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

www.windowworld.com

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

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

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

facebook.com/ mycnews

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, C.P.H.

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

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

“Stuff” Piling Up?

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Let help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

$15.00 CALL

636-697-2414

Check it Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

RUMMAGE SALE

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 8, 2017

LIEN SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

www.scrubbydutch.com

www.treesbywoody.net

www.cozyhomecleaners.org

Published Every Week Since 1921 www.HomeWashersStl.com

Family-Owned & Operated

March 8, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

What’s wrong with Oscar?

M O V I E By Steve Bryan

ormally, the annual Academy Awards are like the Super Bowl for film fans. In the weeks leading up to the event, movie lovers try to guess the winners in the big categories. Between award presentations, the producers come up with clever film clips, musical interludes and plenty of jokes to celebrate the art of film. These days, however, even die-hard movie buffs are tired of this awards show, as declining ratings indicate. Viewers openly expressed dislike at celebrities bringing their political views to the podium. This is a celebration of the creative arts, not an opportunity to knock a sitting president whom you happen to dislike. The problem, it seems, is that Hollywood studios, performers and theater chains have lost touch with audiences. Throughout the year, multiplexes host plenty of blockbusters and questionable comedies from the likes of James Franco, Will Ferrell and other performers. Disney always brings their A-game, though, with releases like “Zootopia” and the much-anticipated “Beauty and the Beast” live-action adaptation. Even with all this product, the big Oscar nominations usually go to “art house” films, which fans must seek out. In Orange County, California it was difficult to find many screens showing “Moonlight,” the eventual Best Picture winner. The comedy of errors featuring Warren Beatty and PricewaterhouseCoopers over that award presentation could make a heck of a film. This year, Roadside Attractions and Amazon Studios distributed “Manchester by the Sea,” an emotional piece that delivers a gutpunch to the heart. Casey Affleck deservedly took home a Best Actor Oscar for his work as a divorced dad asked to take care of his late brother’s son. Michelle Williams, playing his ex-wife, delivered a spectacular performance as well. Once again, “Manchester by the Sea” did not get much love at the box office, grossing a reported $67 million. Even the critical darling “La La Land” was hard to find despite the critical buzz surrounding it. Meryl Streep’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Florence Foster Jenkins” stayed only a week in my corner of Orange County. So what are the takeaways from this year’s Oscars besides PricewaterhouseCoopers lack of attention to details? Quality films can fill theater seats if the big chains open their doors to them. “Hidden

om olley.c r t s e l r aintcha www.s

Figures,” a truly important film, did great at the box office once theater owners took it out of the high-priced VIP lounges and made it accessible to all audiences. How about less product and more quality? Seriously, is anyone going to care about “Fist Fight” once “Beauty and the Beast” kicks its behind out of theaters? At one time, films like “E.T.” and the “Karate Kid” could hold court in theaters for months at a time. A visionary director like James Cameron has shown that epics like “Titanic” and “Avatar” will keep people lined up at the box office. Maybe next year the tarnish can be removed from Oscar and PricewaterhouseCoopers can deliver the right envelope. 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.