Issuu

April 2, 2014

Still Need to File Your Taxes? Recipes

Quick and Healthy Snacks

Around Town

Easter Beg Hunt

Photo courtesy of BrandPoint

Tips for faster, easier filing Spring can inspire a renewed sense of confidence and optimism in do-it-yourself activities. For nearly 40 percent of Americans, this includes preparing and e-filing their own income tax return. Like most things DIY, following a few simple strategies can save you valuable time and money at tax time. “First, gather all your tax forms and information, especially if you want to start and file your return in one fell swoop,” says-TaxACT Spokesperson Jessi Dolmage. “In addition to tax forms like W-2s, 1099s and 1098s, remember documentation related to income, investments and any expenses you think could be deductible. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of last year’s return for comparison.” When choosing your digital tax solution, carefully review the tax forms and situations covered. Although one brand may include the tax forms for homeowners and self-employed in its free or deluxe product, another may require you to upgrade to a pricey version for the same forms. Also take note of any fees for state returns. If you’re new to digital tax filing or switching brands, take a couple for a test drive. Paid solutions typically don’t require payment until you file and some even allow you to try without creating

an account. As part of your test drive, review the help resources. Most brands offer email, phone and chat but the tax and technical help in the program should be robust enough to answer most questions on the spot. Are the answers easy to find and easy to understand? Regardless of the brand or product, take advantage of the interview and answer questions in the order they’re asked. “The IRS doesn’t tell you if you forgot to claim a refundable credit,” says Dolmage, “but solutions like TaxACT will. The interview covers hundreds of credits and deductions in an efficient manner while checking your return for errors.” Once you’ve completed the interview and you are ready to file,-print and review your return for these common mistakes: • Incorrect social security numbers. • Misspelled names. Be sure the names on your return appear exactly as they do on Social Security cards. • Forgotten dependents. • Inaccurate bank account and routing-numbers for direct deposited refunds or electronic tax payments. An easy way to avoid errors like these is to import last year’s return. Top brands will import data the IRS requires

Business

Citizen of the Year to match last year’s return, even if the return was prepared by another brand. Additional tips for peace of mind: • Start sooner rather than later. Rushing can lead to costly mistakes. DIY solutions save your information along the way so you can start and stop at any time. If you experienced major life changes last year, allow some extra time to make sure you reap all the associated tax benefits. See TAXES page 2

School On Their Own Learning

Bad Words photo courtesy of Focus Features

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April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Vol. 93 No. 14

In This Issue... 2

Around Town Local news and events like the Spanish Lake Amazing Quest and the Opening of McKelvy Woods Trail

Business Mike Gantner is named the 2014 Old Jamestown Association Outstanding Citizen and learn about credit and credit scores during Money Smart Week.

School Five Hazelwood School District Elementary Schools earn the Pearson Insight award and UMSL hosts Bridge Saturday Academy.

Learn & Play Novel ideas, Sudoku and a Crossword puzzle

Movie Bad Words contains an interesting premise, but neither Bateman nor his cast of characters are able to elevate this story beyond the bland and tasteless.

Sports Local sport authority Gary B fills you in on the weekend’s sporting events.

Recipes Quick and Healthy Snacks

What’s Happening the only events calendar you need to stay entertained all week long

Classifieds

Over the Fence Joe Morice is to Community News readers what Wilson was to Tim Taylor: enjoy a fresh perspective from our in-house blue-collar philosopher.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/mycnews

TAXES

from cover

• Delaying the inevitable because you owe? You can still file your return now and schedule electronic payment anytime by April 15. • E-file. It’s the fastest, securest way to submit your tax return and you’ll receive electronic confirmation when your IRS return is processed. • Choose direct deposit. With e-file, it’s the fastest path to your refund. Otherwise, you may have to wait six to eight weeks for a check. • Need more time? File IRS Form 4868 by April

15 for an automatic six-month filing extension. Just be sure to pay any taxes due by April 15 to avoid late payment interest and penalties. Find more tax tips at www.irs.gov. Learn about TaxACT and file your federal taxes free with the Free Edition at www.taxact.com. Unlike other free solutions, TaxACT includes all e-fileable forms to cover simple and complex returns. (BPT)

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

Around Town Spanish Lake Amazing Quest The Spanish Lake Community Association is challenging residents to discover the treasures that Spanish Lake has to offer by participating in the Amazing Quest beginning at 10:30am on Saturday, April 26 at Belle Park Plaza, 12147 Bellefontaine Road in Spanish Lake. Amazing Quest is part scavenger hunt, part road rally and lots of puzzle solving. It is a fun and competitive adventure designed to entertain while allowing for exploration of Spanish Lake. Teams of two to four adults will work together to apply their skills to solve a variety of puzzles. Each team will use clues discovered throughout the drive around town on their Quest for knowledge. While exploring the community teams will have fun visiting historical places, discovering

www.kflandscapes.com

new parks and locating new businesses. Puzzles may include old favorites like crosswords, trivia questions and word searches. The Quest may also introduce participants to new interesting puzzles using photos, brain teasers and much more. Teams will need to bring a device to take and display digital photos. If teams do not have such a device or forget to bring one along, the Association will provide a digital camera to use during the Quest. Doors will open at 10:30 am and the Quest will begin at 11am and will conclude with awards being presented to 1st and 2nd place finishers at 4pm at Belle Park Plaza. Registration is open now until April 19. To register visit www.spanishlakemo.org, find Spanish Lake Community Association on Facebook, or fill out a registration form in the Spanish Lake newsletter. For further information, call Lena Dowers at 314.653.2719 or email her at Ldowers@hotmail.com.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 2, 2014

NCI’s Annual Breakfast

Bulb Giveaway

North County Incorporated (NCI) invites civic, business, community leaders and residents to celebrate our 37 years of service to the North County community at our Annual Breakfast on Friday, May 16 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport at 7:30am. Individual seats are available for purchase at the NCI office or at online at northstlouiscounty.com. The cost for an individual ticket is $45. For more information, call 314.895.6241 or email the office at nci@northcountyinc.com.

The Bridgeton Beautification Commission will distribute complimentary Lily bulbs to Bridgeton residents beginning at 9am on Saturday, April 26. The giveaway will take place at the Gentry Park Corporate Pavilion, the back parking lot of the Bridgeton Community Center. There will be a drive through line. To expedite the process the Commission asks that everyone remain in their vehicles. The commission will not distribute any plants earlier than 9am. Proof of resi-

CDM Mind and Body 5K The third annual CDM Mind and Body 5K health and fitness event, sponsored by Christ Deliverance Ministry, is set to begin at 7am on Saturday, May 24 at is Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, 701 North Spring Avenue. The event will challenge St. Louisans to implement lifestyle change with a 5K race through midtown’s historic Grand Center and a buttkicking bootcamp. Participants will learn about leading their best life through healthy living seminars. Check-in begins at 7am and the race begins at 8am. Registration fee is $30 for the 5K race while all other events are free and open to public. This year, Mind and Body welcomes Ronald McDonald Care Mobile’s vision clinic, which will provide free, on-the-spot eye exams and glasses to children. The mobile vision clinic is staffed by licensed optometrists and enables early diagnosis and treatment, which are important for maintaining good vision, eye health and the prevention of vision loss. Children who need glasses can choose from a variety of new frames displayed in the mobile unit, and glasses will likely be provided at point of service. Mind and Body will also feature a youth fun run and various vendors spotlighting healthy lifestyle choices. “Christ Deliverance Ministry is dedicated to fighting obesity,” said Cynthia Ringo, pastor of Christ Deliverance Ministry. “With continual health awareness, in addition to ongoing education about exercise and proper healthy eating habits, we can make dramatic changes in people’s lives. We hope to capitalize on our mission to transform the St. Louis community by inspiring, leading and supporting those who are changing their lives by getting healthy with Mind and Body this year and for years to come.” For more information about the event and to register for the 5K race, please visit www.cdmmindandbody.org. In 2010, members of the CDM congregation, led by Pastor Cynthia Ringo, made it their mission to help one another achieve their goals of getting healthy and losing weight. To accomplish this, Pastor Ringo held seminars and workshops, and the group participated in bootcamp classes. With the support of each other, the 16 members of the bootcamp group lost more than 600 pounds and counting. For more information, please visit www.christdeliveranceministry.org.

dency is required and supplies are limited. For more information, please call 314.739.5599.

Celebrate National Arbor Day by Planting Trees National Arbor Day is Friday, April 25 this year, and the Arbor Day Foundation is making it easy for anyone to celebrate the annual tree-planting holiday. Join the Foundation in April and receive free shade trees. By joining the Foundation in April, new members receive the following trees: red oak, sugar maple, weeping willow, baldcypress, thornless honeylocust, pin oak, river birch, tuliptree, silver maple and red maple. The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. “These trees provide shade in the summer and vibrant colors throughout the fall,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Through the simple act of planting trees, one person can make a difference in helping to create a healthier and more beautiful planet for all of us to enjoy.” The trees will be shipped postpaid with enclosed planting instructions at the right time for planting in April or May. The 6-to12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. To become a member of for more information, visit arborday.org/april.

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Around Town

April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

STL’s 250th Birthday Broadway-style

Spanish Lake Town Hall Meeting

St. Louis’ 250th birthday will be celebrated in Broadway-style on Friday, April 4 at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. As part of the city’s year-long celebration, the 4th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition will center their production around the iconic W. C. Handy song St. Louis Blues. The 8pm show will kick-off with a birthday cake and musical number featuring the Fox Tellerettes and continue the theme throughout the evening. This family event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and available now at no charge at The Fox box office and through Metrotix. 12 metro area high school acts will perform on The Fox stage as they compete for college scholarships, prizes and performance opportunities (a list of acts is attached and can be found on our website). New this year, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FPACF) has added a special $1,000 “Audience Choice Award” to the more than $25,000 in scholarships and prizes that will be distributed among the top competitors. The audience will now be able to choose their favorite act the night of April 4 at The Fox. A full list of prizes along with official event information can be found on the FPACF website. Finalists will also have the opportunity to perform at area events throughout the year. 2014 public appearances scheduled to date include The Muny, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, National Dance Week Celebration, Midtown Taste Art Fair and Webster Grove’s Art & Air Festival. The judges for the finals have careers spanning film, TV, and Broadway. Two new special guest judges this year are Shelby Ringdahl, Miss Missouri 2013, and David Halen, Concertmaster with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Returning judges are Ken Page, native St. Louisan and Broadway performer; Carl Nappa, Indepen-

The Spanish Lake town hall spring meeting will take place from 6:30-8:30pm on Monday, April 7 at Trinity Catholic High School, 1720 Redman in Spanish Lake. Attendees are urged to to help the local food pantry by brining an item or two to the April 7 meeting. Lean more about Christian Hospital’s Community Health Access Program and how it is positevly impacting the community. Presenters will be Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive of Christian Hospital, Jennifer Cordia and Christian Hospital EMS Chief, Chris Cebollero. Also under discussion will be the newly formed Spanish Lake Community Development Corporation. Members of the newly formed board of directors will be in attendance. The Spanish Lake community Association’s activities will be discussed, as well as other news of interest to Spanish Lake residents.

dent Producer, Engineer and Executive Director of Technology & Sound Engineering at Nelly’s ex’treme Institute in St. Louis; and Mike Isaacson, Executive Producer of the Muny and Producer with Fox Theatricals in New York. Students will be judged on technical ability, stage presence, interpretation and originality. St. Louis native Tony Parise, Broadway actor, director and choreographer is writing the script and directing the finals. He will be working with choreographer Yvonne Meyer Hare (also a St. Louis native) to prepare the final acts to compete in front of a live audience at The Fox. Finalists include tap, hip hop and contemporary dancers; classical and contemporary musicians; rappers and singers; and a hula-hooper. The FPACF reintroduced the competition in 2011 after a 25 year hiatus to showcase the St. Louis region’s most talented teens in the performing arts. Student acts include singers, dancers, actors, musicians, comedians and circus skill artists competing as soloists or in groups of as many as six. The 2013 winners of the competition were Grant Riew from John Burroughs School and Christopher Halen from Whitfield School as “Two Mellow Cello Fellows” performing their original arrangement Pachelbel Pop. They will be back to make a special appearance on April 4th. Videos of the competition process by Miano.tv are available on our own channel graciously donated by SchoolTube.com. The past three years of stories posted provide viewers a glimpse of what is in store. The community response to this free event has been amazing and grown over the past three years with “sold out” crowds at The Fox. Additionally, The Nine Network will once again broadcast a special hour-long program on the 2014 competition (with support from St. Louis Community College) on Monday, May 12 at 7pm giving more than 120,000 additional viewers the opportunity to experience the event.

Free Document Shredding Day The 3rd annual Florissant Resident Free Document Shredding Day will be held from 9am-noon on Saturday, April 12 in the rear parking lot of St. Ferdinand Park. Residents are invited to bring sensitive tax, bank or financial records to be shredded right in front of you. Cintas Document Management Company will professionally shred all information. All documents will be destroyed in a manner to which it can not be recognized or recreated. All paper will then be recycled. It would be prudent to shred the following documents: bank statements, tax records, credit card statements, invoices, anything with your name and address on it and no need to remove paper clips, binder clips or staples. Residents may bring up to five bags or boxes of material to be shredded. Types of boxes include copy paper boxes, banker boxes & shoe boxes. Types of bags include shopping bags, grocery bags and trash bags. No three ring binders, hanging file folders, CD’s, DVD’s or hard bound books. A resident card is required to have documents shredded.

Electronic Recycling Drive

The City of Florissant will again host a major electronics recycling collection event for City of Florissant residents from 9am5pm on Saturday, April 5 in the rear parking lot of Ferdinand Park. Residents will need to provide proof of residency by providing staff a current resident card or a Meridian Waste or utility bill and a driver’s license. Acceptable items to be collected are computers and all of their accessories, networking and telecommunications equipment, phones (home and cell), clocks, TVs (one per vehicle), VCRs, DVD players, stereos, audio/video equipment including cable and satellite boxes, home electronics, rechargeable batteries, fax machines, adapters,chargers and household appliances. Midwest Recycling Center smsw2ladiesandamop@yahoo.com will have equipment and employees on hand to assist in the drop off process. The Mayor encourages all residents to participate. Recycling conserves natural resources, saves money, creates jobs, eliminates waste in landfills and reduces harm to the environment. For more information, contact the Florissant Health Department at 314.839.7655 or visit Midwest Recycling Center’s website at www.midwrc.net.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 2, 2014

Easter Beg Hunt Bridgeton invites everyone to bring their furry friends to participate in an Easter beg hunt at 2pm on Sunday, April 13 at the BMAC soccer field, 13217 Ferguson Lane in Bridgeton. Dogs will be allowed to find as many treats as possible in the hunt area. Dogs must remain on leashes at all times. Don’t forget to bring a decorated basket to hold found treats. Special prizes will be awarded for the best decorated basket. After the hunt ends, each dog will receive a doggie bag to take home. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos with pets. All ages are welcome, but pets must have a responsible adult present. Owners assume all responsibility for their dog’s behavior. Dogs must be current on all vaccinations. Resident fee is $9 and nonresident fee is $12. Beg hunt registration ends Wednesday, April 9 or when full. Pre registration is required.

PBS Arts America The Nine Network’s weekly arts series Arts America explores the collaboration last summer between Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Jazz St. Louis that produced the world premiere of the jazz opera Champion. This episode of Arts America airs Saturday, April 5 at 3:30pm on Nine PBS and again on Sunday, April 6 at 1pm. Champion, by Terence Blanchard and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Michael Cristofer, is about the life of welterweight boxing champion Emile Griffith. For Arts America, Timothy O’Leary of Opera Theater of St. Louis and Gene Dobbs Bradford of Jazz St. Louis give their insights on the challenges and triumphs that came with the collaboration of their very different organizations. Other Arts America segments include a look at the awe-inspiring light installations created by British artist Bruce Munro; the clothing of Oregon artist Ann Williamson, which are works of art in themselves; and the larger-than-life works of Nevada sculptor Steve Ligouri. The Champion story is an Art Fusion segment, which is created by the Nine Network in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) and the Radio Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Arts America is a Nine Network weekly series featuring arts in St. Louis and across the country. Nine’s St. Louis arts segments are also shown on PBS stations in 30 cities nationwide. Every episode spotlights local arts organizations. All Art Fusion segments can also be viewed online in the Art Fusion Gallery at www.nineNet. org/ArtFusion or as part of Arts America programs at www. nineNet.org/ArtsAmerica.

Around Town

Great Rivers Greenway and Maryland Heights to Celebrate Opening of Mckelvy Woods Trail The Great Rivers Greenway District and the City of Maryland Heights have teamed up for a ribbon cutting and fun walk to celebrate the opening of the first phase of the McKelvey Woods Trail. The festivities will begin at 10am on Saturday, April 5, with a ribbon-cutting, followed by the Waggin’ Tails on the Trail 3K Fun Walk. The event will start at the trailhead located near the entrance of Aquaport at 2344 Mckelvey Road in Maryland Heights. Phase I of the new trail is one mile in length and provides a safe, off-street trail connection from Aquaport to McKelvey Woods Park. Phase II—slated for construction in 2015—will extend the trail two additional miles from McKelvey Woods Park to Creve Coeur Park near Marine Avenue. “Thanks to our partnership with the City of Maryland Heights, we are working together to create a three-mile, off-street trail connection that offers the residents of the region a safe alternative for walking, biking and running—all the way from Aquaport to Creve Coeur Park,” said Great Rivers Greenway Project Manager Mark Vogl. “The completion of Phase I of this vital connection is an exciting milestone worth celebrating.” In addition to the ribbon cutting and fun walk, the event will include vendors, contests and refreshments for sale. Dogport— the City of Maryland Heights’ community dog park—will be open to participants at no additional charge. “The walk is an opportunity for people to come check out the new trail, meet their neighbors and enjoy the spring weather,” said Mary Vaughan, director of parks and recreation for Maryland Heights. “The walk is right around two miles, so it’s great for the entire family.”

The City of Maryland Heights is coordinating registration for the Fun Walk. The registration fee for one dog and one human is $15 and includes a t-shirt and bandana. Without a dog, the registration fee is $12. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Dog owners must present dogs’ current rabies vaccination records at registration or have a current Dogport membership. There is a limit of two dogs per handler. For more information about the Fun Walk, contact Meghan Moore at the City of Maryland Heights at 314.738.2599. For more information about the McKelvey Woods Trail, please contact Great Rivers Greenway at 314.436.7009 or visit www.greatriversgreenway.org.

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Business

April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Get the Most Out of Homeownership this Tax Season Ready or not tax season has arrived and it’s time to get your paperwork in order. This tax season homeowners can take a sigh of relief, because owning a home can help minimize tax liability and return some extra cash to your wallets. “Purchasing a home is undoubtedly an emotional decision, but there is also an investment and financial considerations,” said Jim Dohr, president of Coldwell Banker Gundaker. “The tax benefits of owning a home versus renting can be a deciding factor for those on the fence and essential to your long term savings plan.” While most people are familiar with the standard deductions, like mortgage interest, property taxes and premium mortgage insurance, there are many other ways to reap the benefits. To make sure every possible dime

is collected, Coldwell Banker Gundaker has provided a tax-break cheat sheet. Energy Efficiency Pays Off – Take advantage of a tax credit that lets you offset what you owe the IRS dollarfor-dollar for up to 10 percent of the amount you spent on certain home energy-efficiency upgrades, from insulation to water heaters. Although the credit is capped at $500, the right improvement could lower your utility bills indefinitely. Home Office Deduction – This is the first year for a more simplified option to claim this deduction. To qualify you must use your home office exclusively and on a regular basis, and allows you to claim $5 per square foot (up to 300 square feet, instead of having to compute the actual expenses of your home office using a 43-line

Money Smart Week More than 200 free classes and events to help people learn about personal finance management will be offered during Money Smart Week, which takes place April 5-12. Money Smart Week is sponsored by United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Greater St. Louis Financial Education Collaborative and more than 100 other partner organizations dedicated to improving financial literacy in the St. Louis metro region. Classes, seminars and activities are available for all ages and will cover topics such as: budgeting, saving for college, buying your first home, getting out of debt, managing credit, protecting against identity theft, and planning for retirement. Several children’s activities have also been added to this year’s list of events, like the Money Smart Kids Safari at the Zoo on Saturday, April 5, which kicks off the week’s activities and includes prizes and story time from 9am-noon. Money Smart Week will feature a local class

on Understanding Credit & Credit Scores on Monday, April 7, from 6:30-8:30pm at St. Louis County Library—Florissant Valley, 195 S. New Florissant Road in Florissant. “We are pleased to see so many partners come together once again this year to help thousands in the St. Louis metro area become money smart,” said Debbie Irwin, Money Smart Week co-chair, United Way of Greater St. Louis. “There is such a huge variety of free financial classes and activities offered that everyone is sure to find something of interest.” Originally started by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week now takes place in 45 states throughout the country. For more information and a complete list of the week’s activities throughout the St. Louis metro area, visit moneysmartstouis.org. Information on classes offered year-round by nonprofit partners, aimed at promoting successful personal finance management throughout the entire year, is also available on the site.

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By Lana Simon form). Home Improvements – Look ahead to future savings. While you can’t deduct the expenses until you sell your home, make sure to save all receipts for improvements made. Any costs from landscaping to storm windows and fencing can be added to the purchase price of your home and will reduce any potential taxable gain that you may have from the sale of your home. Moving Expenses – If you move more than 50 miles to a new full-time job in the same line of work, some of those moving expenses are deductible. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p521.pdf. Taking the time to navigate through tax breaks that you may be eligible for as a homeowner can help you put some cash back in to the bank.

Mike Gantner Named 2014 Citizen of the Year Mike Gantner has been selected as the 17th annual Old Jamestown Association Outstanding Citizen. The award is made each year to a citizen who has contributed to the quality of life in North St. Louis County. Mike has served the North County area in important capacities for many years. He has been Chief of the Black Jack Fire Protection District for the past twelve years and will complete forty years with the District later this year. He is Chairman of the North County Incorporated Board of Directors for 2014 and serves on the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. The Old Jamestown Association is a residents’ association, which was incorporated in 1942. It researches and shares with residents and others the area’s history, unique geological features, and events. It also facilitates communications between residents and the St. Louis County government and neighboring communities. The Citizen of the Year Award will be presented at the bi-annual Membership Meeting of the Old Jamestown Association on Thursday, May 1, 2014, 7:30pm, at the Black Jack Fire Protection District Administration Center, 5675 North Highway 67. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, contact Chan Mahanta, president, 314.653.9229, cmahanta@gmail.com, or visit the organizations web site, www. oldjamestownassn.org.

WWW.VILLAATRIVERWOOD.COM

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 2, 2014

UMSL Bridge Saturday Academy

Hazelwood School District students are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Grayling Tobias, Natissia Small, UMSL Asst. Dean of Students, and Samuel Llanos, Central H.S. teacher and UMSL Bridge mathematics instructor, following the UMSL Bridge culmination program at the Renaissance Grand Hotel.

Recently, 88 Hazelwood School District students participated in the University of MissouriSt. Louis Bridge culmination ceremony at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel. There were more than 1,700 parents, administrators, teachers and elected officials who gathered to support the 500 students who represented more than 40 school districts. “During the UMSL Bridge Saturday Academy, student participants benefited from math and science enrichment courses designed to support their current high school curricula,” said Natissia Small, UMSL assistant dean of students and Bridge director. “Students were also exposed to strategies to enhance writing skills, communication skills, college-career exploration and ACT preparation. In addition, participants attended classes and workshops on UMSL’s campus, allowing high school students the opportunity to experience life on a college campus.” Since its inception in 1986, the Bridge Program

remains one of the most successful and widely emulated models for pre-collegiate programming in the St. Louis community. “We continue to strive to minimize gaps that remain a challenge for a student’s transition to college,” said Small. “Research indicates that a student’s aspiration for attending college is increasingly affected by the support system from those that represent the family unit, school and college administration. It is imperative that we each take ownership by supporting and providing early intervention opportunities that will lead to post-secondary degree attainment. We are pleased to honor these young men and women for their diligence in investing now for their future academic pursuits.” Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Grayling Tobias was also in attendance for the culmination event. He shared his thoughts on UMSL’s Bridge program and their partnership with the school district.

School

Regional Business Council Announces Funding for KIPP St. Louis The Regional Business Council (RBC) is pleased to announce its financial support for the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) St. Louis Talent Acquisition Program, thereby furthering KIPP’s capacity to become a high performing network of public schools for the St. Louis region. The three-year grant totals $225,000 and will be used to recruit, select and retain excellent teachers, school leaders and regional staff. A Director of Talent Acquisition has been hired to lead and accelerate the effort toward establishing a total of six schools in the area. Expected outcomes are a record number of teacher and staff applications, a professional and streamlined selection process, and a team of staff hired well before the start of the school year. Improving public education in the region is a core principle of the RBC, which has provided four grants to KIPP since its inception. This is the second grant focused on talent acquisition. “Since KIPP’s inception, the Regional Business Council has been a key supporter and partner. This new investment will help accelerate KIPP’s expansion as we aim to serve over 2,500 students and continue to be a catalytic force for education reform in our region,” according to Kelly Garrett, Executive Director of KIPP St. Louis. Scheduled to open in August 2014, at capacity, KIPP Victory Academy will serve 500 students, from kindergarten through fourth grade. KIPP Inspire Academy, founded in 2009, has 320 fifth through eighth graders who are currently demonstrating success as measured by the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP), as well as acceptance into some of our city’s best high schools. Additional funding will be sought to sustain the growth of future school openings, with the ultimate goal of improving educational opportunities, creating a robust talent base and bettering the potential of the region. For more information about KIPP St. Louis, call 314.865.2535 or visit www.kippstl.org.

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Students, staff and parents with Barrington Elementary were presented with the Insight Award and banner. Barrington was one of five Hazelwood elementary schools recognized by Pearson School Achievement Services. Photo courtesy of the Hazelwood School District

Five Hazelwood School District elementary schools have received national recognition from the prestigious Pearson School Achievement Services organization. Barrington Elementary, Cold Water Elementary, Garrett Elementary, McCurdy Elementary, and Walker Elementary schools were recently presented the Pearson Insight (formerly known as the National Model School Program) awards. Jacob Bruno of the Insight Assessment Training Institute commended the schools and their staffs for helping students become more active participants in their studies. “Your schools are working with teachers to help students to set goals and own their learning experiences,” Dr. Diana Bourisaw, chief academic officer, Pearson Assessment Training Institute in a student interview for Garrett Elementary. “Parents should be extremely proud of these students and their schools.”

Each of the presentations to the schools was unique. For example, McCurdy Elementary had a question/answer session with the school’s Student Council and the Pearson representatives; and Garrett Elementary students interviewed the Insight team for their morning broadcast. The Insight Schools program was created by Pearson to celebrate examples of strong leadership and hard work that have enabled schools to achieve breakthrough results. Through the integration of Assessment Training Institute (ATI) principles into classrooms, these schools have demonstrated verifiable results in two out of the five categories widely accepted as key college and career readiness (CCR) indicators: Academic Achievement and Systems and Programs. Each school will also be featured on Pearson’s website. Lastly, Pearson will provide advice, support, and professional development for continuous improvement efforts for each school.

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Learn & Play

SUDOKU:

April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

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

See solution on page 13

That dandypandy is back, the black and white all over star made famous by author Jon J. Muth. This time the wise zen-bear shares a year’s worth of haikus in Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons. The book begins by highlighting the golden hues of autumn, “Are you dreaming of new clothes,” and ends with lush, warm summer moments, “… Up with the kite! Send the moon to bed!” In between, panda robustly rejoices in what each season offers in the company of a little girl and boy equally as adorable as their buddy. In spring they relish “Reading aloud a favorite book, an audience of sparrows.” And in the summer “Water catches every thrown stone, skipskip splash!” Simple activities are treasures rarified in the hands of Muth, a master of exquisite watercolor and eloquent words.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Famous Inventors ACROSS 1. Bodily lumps 6. Be in the red 9. Flexible mineral 13. Unusual or eccentric 14. Pen ___ 15. *National _____ of Science, awarded inventors 16. “Holberg Suite” composer 17. Put to work 18. Do penance 19. *Denim pants inventor www.gibsonprinting.com

21. *Ford’s assembly line product 23. ___ 7, 1941 24. Blondie’s hit “The ____ Is High” 25. “Just kidding!” 28. *Richard ____, inventor of Scotch Tape 30. *Inventor of engine of same name 35. Crude group 37. Seed coat

39. Accent mark 40. “Good” to Sophia Loren 41. Betty Page, e.g. 43. To defeat decisively 44. Grind down 46. Largest volcano in Europe 47. Write on tombstone, e.g. 48. City on the Rio Grande 50. Hideous 52. Get the picture 53. Shakespeare’s metrical unit 55. Sushi restaurant staple 57. Morally pure 60. *Tactile writing inventor 64. Domenikos Theotokopoulos, a.k.a. El _____ 65. Wade’s opponent 67. Remained firm 68. European finch 69. DNA transmitter 70. Not these 71. Dumbfounded 72. Japanese capital 73. Red Sea nation DOWN 1. Wheel teeth 2. Nomad’s round house 3. Affect emotionally 4. *Now found on the invention by Dunlop 5. Proceeded without pause 6. “Moonlight Sonata,” e.g. 7. Singular past tense of “be” 8. Fragrant resin 9. Dole out 10. Object of worship 11. Not in optimist’s vocabulary? 12. Draft pick 15. Conquered the Everest, e.g.

20. Junk yard stuff 22. 1, e.g. 24. Washer/dryer unit 25. *Dynamite inventor 26. “Carmen,” e.g. 27. Luciano Pavarotti, e.g. 29. U.S. city and lake 31. De Valera’s land 32. Gambling choice, pl. 33. Bring out 34. River in Hades 36. Surrender territory 38. *Cousteau’s aqua-____ 42. More pale 45. *Motion-picture camera inventor

49. Granola grain 51. Possible adjective for bread 54. Like Christmas 56. Quality of many a ballerina 57. Captain and his party 58. Not there 59. *a.k.a. LSD, invented by Albert Hofmann 60. Chili seed 61. Rumpelstiltskin machine 62. Eminem’s hit “____ Yourself” 63. “I Dream of Jeannie” star 64. Fed. property manager 66. Two halves See answers page 13

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 2, 2014

Movie

“Bad Words”

Though very talented, Jason Bateman has made poor film choices as of late, especially the one serving as his directorial debut. Bad Words contains an interesting premise, but neither Bateman nor his cast of characters are able to elevate this story beyond the bland and tasteless. Bateman plays Guy Trilby, a 40-something grade school dropout who crashes spelling bees intended for children. Thanks to a loophole in the rules, the middleaged man competes despite the protests of the parents of the other spellers. Trilby has a hidden agenda, one that requires him to make it all the way to the national championships. A directorial debut should be memorable for all the right reasons. People will remember Bad Words because it is such a cinematic train wreck, however. Bateman has done better work (Hancock, Horrible Bosses), so it is surprising that he chose this material. Bad Words fails because no one in the entire film is likeable. Even Chaitanya Chopra, the wide-eyed speller played by Rohan Chand, possesses serious character flaws. That’s unfortunate because his interactions with Guy Trilby provide the only high points in the story. Separated by a few generations, the two spellers actually bond when Guy isn’t calling him “Slumdog” or other offensive terms. In the past, Bateman played many likeable characters, but there is nothing redeemable about Guy Trilby. He is on some kind of revenge mission, but he makes everyone’s life miserable in the process. He is especially mean to his young competitors, commenting on their weight and impending puberty in order

By Steve Bryan - Rated: R herself drawn to the distasteful Guy for all the wrong reasons. In a word, Bad Words is bad, plain and simple. There are far better films (Akeelah and the Bee) which beautifully capture the emotional flavor of spelling bees. Bateman’s directorial debut just leaves a bad taste in the mouth and a strong desire to flee the theater. Bad Words, is rated R for crude and sexual content, language, and brief nudity, and is currently playing in theaters. Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters. Bad Words photos courtesy of Focus Features

to throw them off their game. Though Bateman assembled a top-notch supporting cast, even they seem uncomfortable in their roles. Allison Janney, so good in last year’s The Way Way Back, stumbles as educator and former spelling champion Dr. Bernice Deagan. Character actor Philip Bowman also looks lost as Dr. Bowman, the man who underwrites the spelling bee. Kathryn Hahn has some nice moments, though, as reporter Jenny Widgeon. Financing Guy’s spelling bee mission, Jenny hopes to learn more about his reasons for disrupting a children’s event. Jenny has some serious demons, though, and finds

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April 4‐6, 2014

St. Charles Convention Center Joe Washington, original host of HGTV’s Ground Breakers, talks smart gardening and creating fantastic outdoor living spaces. Tasty free samples from local sausage producers and wineries. Participate in hands‐on floral design seminars by the experts! Shop a wide variety of products in an 1,800 sq. ft. tent.

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April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Gary Baute Rams Get Three Extra Picks The St. Louis Rams were awarded a sixth round pick and two seventh round compensatory selections in the 2014 NFL Draft that will be held in early May. The Rams now hold a total of 12 selections in the draft: two in the first round, one each in round two through five, two in the sixth and four in the seventh. The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four from the previous year’s free agency period. The formula was developed by the NFL Management Council. In 2013, the Rams added veteran free agents Jake Long and Jared Cook, while four St. Louis veterans signed with other teams: Danny Amendola, Craig Dahl, Bradley Fletcher, Brandon Gibson and Rob Turner. * Not a bad problem to have Chill Ends Season Almost Setting a Record The St. Charles hockey Chill ended their first year of play with a lot of love shown by their fans. 6,542 fans came out to support the Chill for their inaugural season finale. Unfortunately the visiting Quad City Mallards spoiled the party and dominated the game winning 5-0. The Chill finished the season 11-49, with 26 points. Head coach Jamie Rivers, former St. Louis Blues player, and the Chill organization wants to thank all the fans and sponsors for a great inaugural season. For more information on the St. Charles Chill, visit www.stcharleschill.com. * Congrats on the inaugural season St. Louis Attack Indoor Football Team Start Season on a High Note The St. Louis Attack play their home games at the Family Arena and compete in the X-League Indoor Football.

Over 4,000 fans witnessed the first game of the Attack as they won their season opener over the visiting Georgia Rampage 46-34. The home teams’ defense looked good on paper during training camp and they lived up to the expectations in game play. The Attack had a totaling six forced turnovers during the tilt. The Attack defensive backs intercepted five passes to put the ball back in the hands of the offense. “Antonio Tee O Nelson came up big with timely interceptions,” Head Coach Chris McKinney said of his defense. “The defense as a unit kept us in it. When the offense faltered, I knew I could rely on our D to keep us in the game.” At the end of the first quarter the Attack led the Rampage 18-0. Lindenwood University product running back Darryl Grady Jr. impressed the fans and coaches with four touchdowns total and was an unstoppable force around the end zone. “Grady ran the ball hard and didn’t take a wrong read all night,” stated McKinney, “He was rewarded from all his hard work and heart this week in practice. Grady did everything we asked of him and that is why he got the ball around the goal line all night.” It was not a run away for the Attack, as the Rampage had fourth down with eight seconds remaining. A touchdown by the visiting team would have tied the game, because the X Ball league rules state that points are doubled in the game’s final minute, but the defense came up big with the support of the Attack fans and picked off DeMarcus Simons for their fifth interception of the game. The next home game is against the Flordia Marine Raiders on Friday, April 11. *And so it begins PHOTO: photo courtesy of the St. Louis Attack Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities. Currently he broadcasts a radio show on 590 ‘The Man’ and 1380 ‘The Woman.’

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 2, 2014

Recipes:

Quick and Healthy Snacks

Fuel Your Active Lifestyle Simple ways to boost fitness with dairy Many people are taking advantage of warmer temperatures and increased hours of sunlight to get fit for the fun season ahead. As they do, they’ll be looking for ways to fuel their efforts. Enter dairy, a protein powerhouse that provides numerous benefits to active individuals.

More protein per ounce The perfect addition to snack or mealtime, dairy foods offer a convenient way to add the protein needed to help you achieve your fitness goals. While helping your body build and repair muscle, as well regulate metabolism, it also keeps you satisfied longer. In fact, just one serv-

Rainbow Fruit & Cheese Kabobs

Healthy Watermelon on the Go Long hailed as sweetly satisfying, watermelon may not be the first tasty fruit that comes to mind when you’re thinking nutrition. But in fact, watermelon is not only a perfect on-the-go snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s also incredibly healthy. Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene, an antioxidant, than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. It’s also is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as providing vitamin B6 and potassium. A sweet family favorite Health benefits aside, the crisp, sugary flavor of watermelon makes it a favorite for kids and adults alike, especially during the warmer months. Its firm texture makes watermelon ideal for a variety of recipes, many of which are a natural fit with today’s busy households.

ing of milk, cheese or yogurt provides approximately 8 grams of high quality protein, including all essential amino acids. When it comes to smart snacking, dairy really packs a protein punch. Find more nutrition information and recipes to power up at www.dairymakessense.com.

Servings: 6 • Prep time: 15 minutes

Thinking beyond traditional chunks or balls, there are many ways to incorporate watermelon into your favorite grab-and-go foods, from smoothies and breakfast push-up-pops to sandwiches and wraps to juicy, frozen desserts. Get everyone in the kitchen To create your own watermelon snacks on the go, gather the kids and let your imaginations run wild. Or, get started with these recipes from the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Add some sweetness to your morning and try Breakfast Push Pops for a hands-on treat kids will love. Watermelon Slice Popsicles are an easy, fun take on a traditional watermelon slice, and the built-in “handle” makes cleanup a breeze. For more recipes and a section dedicated to kids’ learning and games, visit www.watermelon.org.

Breakfast Push Pops Ingredients: Diced watermelon chunks Yogurt of choice Granola Push pop molds, sold at most restaurant supply stores Directions: Layer watermelon, yogurt and granola into molds and top with yogurt and watermelon chunks. Optional: Freeze push pop molds for breakfast on the go.

Ingredients: 6 straws (8-inches or longer) 6 ounces Monterey cheese, cut into 18 cubes 1/2 cup strawberry halves 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 cup pineapple, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into 6 pieces 1/4 cup blueberries 6 purple grapes

Directions: To make a rainbow for each kabob, thread onto a straw a piece of cheese, a strawberry halve, a cantaloupe cube, a pineapple cube, another piece of cheese, a piece of kiwi, 2 blueberries, a grape and another piece of cheese. Repeat pattern with remaining straws.

Watermelon Slice Popsicles

Ingredients: Watermelon slices, cut into triangular wedge shapes about 1/2 to 1-inch thick Popsicle sticks Directions: Insert popsicle stick into each rind. Optional: Freeze the slice popsicles for a frosty, refreshing treat.

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What’s Happening

April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events Now-April 18: Florissant Elks #2316 Fish Fry 4-8pm, Florissant Elks #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Road. Cod, Jack salmon and various sides and desserts will be avaliable. For more information call 314.921.2316. April 5: Indoor Rummage Sale 7-11am, Florissant Presbyterian Church , 660 Charbonier Road in Florissant. Housewares, tools, toys, books, seasonal decorations, shoes, clothing and more. Parking at the rear of the church. April 5, Spring Fling 10am-2 pm, The Villa at Riverwood 1 Pratt Place in Florissant. Crafts, Entertainment by The Ramblers, Wellness Clinic and Refreshments. For more information call 314.839.5000. April 7: Party on the Patio 4:30 - 6:30pm, The Bridge, 1101

Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. Please RSVP by calling 314.831.0988. April 12: Adult Easter Egg Hunt to benefit Crider Health Center 7pm, Lake St. Louis Boulevard Park, 2550 Lake St Louis Boulevard. $10 donations per person, bring a flashlight. Check for updates at wlsljaycees.org. April 12: Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105 Breakfast 8-10am, Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, 410 St. Francois. Cost is $5 per plate; all profits go to support Veterans. For more information call 314.831.6121. April 12: Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105 Flea Market 8am-1pm, Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, 410 St. Francois. Contact Nick for table reservations by calling 314.503.1303. April 12: SDAA – Stefanina’s

Mouse Races 6:30-11pm, Saint Dominic Fallon Family Center, 31 St. Dominic Drive in O’Fallon. $15 per person paid in advance ($120 for Table of 8), $20 per person at the door. Includes beer, soda, setups, iced tea, and water. Bring your own favorite foods. Every Friday until Easter: Fish Fry Florissant Valley American Legion Post 444. 4-7pm, Florissant Valley Memorial Post 444, 7090 Old Jamestown Road in Florissant. $8 for large plates and $7 for small plates; baked and fried fish offered, and dessert available. For more information call 314.741.7786.

314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com 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. Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400

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

Fridays: Tai Chi for seniors free classes No class November 29. RSVP by calling 314.838.3877

Recurring Events

April 4 and 18: Bellefontaine United Methodist Fish Fry 4-6pm, Bellefontaine United Methodist Church, 10600 Bellefontaine Road. Children under 6 are free. Single plate $7.50, double place $8.50. For more information, please call 314.867.

Mondays: Karaoke at DeLeo’s Cafe & Deli 2782 North Hwy 67, Florissant, 8 10:30pm, 314.839.3880. Mondays: Free Line Dancing 6:30pm, beginners welcome, RSVP 314.838.3877, St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine St. Mondays and Wednesdays: Seniors: Exercise with Melanie FREE. Classes are led by a licensed Physical Therapist. 1 pm. 3350 St. Catherine St. (near the Eagan Center) RSVP 314.838.3877 Sundays: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine #1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed.

Every 4th Tuesday: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 Meeting 7:30 pm Santa Cruez K of C Hall, 800 Chambers Road. Post 335 is looking for new members. Church

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737 Health Every Monday, Health Tips With Mary Swip 11am,. The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. Sales Director Mary Swip will have a guest speaker come talk about health and wellness tips

All Bridge events are free, but require reservations. Please RSVP by calling 314.831.0988. Now: SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-theart fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599. 2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal. net. Third Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association At Lutheran Senior Services at Hidden Lake, 10 – 11am, 11728 Hidden Lake Dr., St. Louis, 314.292.7504 Diabetes Basics: 314.344.7024 for info 314.344.7220 to enroll.

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

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 2, 2014 Nutrition Education: SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157 Group at Christian Hospital To register call 314.747.9355 Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401, 6:30 – 8pm, 314.839.3171, free and open to the public. Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road. Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171. Center for Senior Renewal: Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123. Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100. Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 SSM DePaul Healthy Happenings Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1.877.477.6954.

Training: Call 314.344.7220

University City, 314.993.5421.

Smoking Cessation Classes: Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866.SSM.DOCS to register or for more information.

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center: Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177 SSM St. Joseph Hospital Healthy Happenings Free Mammogram Screenings: SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636.947.5617 Speaker’s Bureau: SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159 Ongoing Support Groups Wednesdays: TOPS #361 Florissant Meetings 10 –11am, Bethel United Church of Christ, 14700 New Halls Ferry Rd., 314.831.5808. Group support to lose weight. Everyone welcome. Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900 Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765 Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389 Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034 12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

What’s Happening

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church 12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.NarAnon.org Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am 12pm, $30, 314-953-6090 Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30-7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

rent heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314.344.6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment. SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636.947.5466. The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members If you would like to become a member please call 636.916.9664.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits. This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your cur-

Gateway to Hope Program The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or www.gthstl.org.

SUDOKU answers from page 8

CROSSWORD answers from page 8

Diabetes Self-Management

This Month’s Shelter: The Humane Society of Missouri’s Chesterfield Valley Center at Boone’s Crossing 17357 Edison Avenue, Chesterfield, MO 63005 •www.hsmo.org www.hsmo.org If you’ve adopted a new family member that you saw in Community News, send us a picture of you and your new pal. Also include a brief story about your pet’s background and how they’re doing now. We’d love to share your happy story with other readers! Community News, 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 or editor@ mycnews.com.

The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Please do your part to control overpopulation and to limit the number of unwanted animals. SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

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April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

ATTORNEY

Job Fair

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Event

FOR Rent 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.

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

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Real Estate

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April 2, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice Meth vs Employment After I read about the big meth lab bust almost next door to a school and viewed mug shots of the six perpetrators, I wondered why so many people resort to this sort of thing. Meth is a dangerous drug for the users as well as the producers. It’s extremely addictive and the chemicals used can blow a lab into orbit. Why would anyone try such a risky undertaking? If I were one of those six people making Methamphetamines in my house near a school, how would I have convinced the other five to aid and abet especially since they had to know there were small children living there? Don’t they have jobs that pay enough to get along without risking serious prison time? If only Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were here to investigate… “Ah hah! Jobs are a major clue, Watson. The game is afoot! Get your coat.” “What do you mean, Holmes? Meth makers don’t want jobs…or do they? Are you saying it isn‘t just greed that drives them?” “It’s possible, Watson. The national minimum wage is $7.25. Many believe it should be raised to $15 per hour.

It may almost be enough to live on and I repeat, almost. Previous generations of teenagers worked for minimum wages until they could get jobs in factories where workers earned enough to support families albeit, frugally. They knew chances of getting rich without college degrees were slim. Presently, workers with college degrees are working in fast foods, retail chains and such for minimum wages. Inspector Lestrade believes youngsters without degrees are left with sponging off parents or selling drugs. Illegal drugs are all about the money…tons of it for the foreign producers, smugglers and high echelon pushers. Meth, being one of the most addictive illegal substances around, doesn’t have to rely on those criminals except for occasional local pushers but the lab next to a school didn’t require them. They only needed someone to answer the door and sell the product to dozens of kids from the school down the street.” “But Holmes, where do the kids get money to buy meth?” “Ask yourself this, Watson; if you were an

adolescent from a family with both parents working at good paying jobs, where would you get it?” “I’d probably have a good allowance but what about the kids who don’t have parents with good incomes?” “Take a guess Watson.” “I think I’m beginning to see. Now I understand why teenagers mug people in the park but what do we do about this?” “Therein lies the rub, Watson. The choices are few. One is turning the country into a police state by beating down doors and sending anyone suspected of making or selling drugs to prison or the gallows. A second is staying the course. A third option is to send the users to prison and a variation of that was tried back in the sixties. Some of us can remember how well that worked out. Actually, if Americans incarcerated them all now, they may have to build enough prisons to cover a medium size state.” “Are there no workable answers for this riddle?” “Of course, my dear Watson, but bounty hunting went out with horse drawn wagons. We‘re left with finding something even more elusive than Professor Moriarty. Now please get your coat.” “Are we searching for meth labs?” “No, Watson, We’re searching for employers.” “Capital, Holmes! I love the far East.” “I meant good-paying US employers, Watson.” “Oh. Forget it Holmes. We had better stick with Moriarty.” Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating big machines. He has no formal training as a writer, unless 60 years of writing about any and everything counts. The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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