Issuu

April 9, 2014

Business Persons of the Year Recipes

Effortless Easter Ham

Around Town

Annual Father Daughter Dance

School

Sacred Heart Museum Open House Pat & Lora Click

Photo courtesy of the Greater North County Chmaber of Commerce

Pat and Lora Click first couple to win prestigious award By Amanda Meyer Pat and Lora Click, owners of Click Heating & Cooling in Old Town Florissant, were recently selected as the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Outstanding Business Persons of the Year. The Clicks, who have been members of the Chamber since 1977, will be recognized at the annual Outstanding Business Person of the Year and Installation Dinner on Friday, April 11, at Norwood Hills Country Club. This is the first year since the prestigious award was created in 1976 that the Chamber has selected a couple as the recipient. Each year, Chamber members submit nominations for the Outstanding Business Person of the Year award. Then, a committee consisting of the previous year’s winner and three other Chamber members choose the winner, or winners, from the pool of nominees. Mayor Schneider said, “I take some of the responsibility of ‘embarrassing’ Lora and Patrick Click since I was the one who made the nomination. Pat and Lora have attended and supported just about every single Florissant Community event that I have attended—and I try to attend and

support them all. They have had a very successful, ethical and appreciated business for many years and I am delighted that the Greater North County Chamber has selected them as the first to receive Business Couple of the Year.” Last year’s winner, Howard Nimmons of Nimmons Wealth Management said of the Clicks, “Pat and Lora have been invaluable friends to us since we moved to Florissant almost 20 years ago. Their kindness and generosity have inspired and guided us in so much of our personal and business matters.” Christina Bennett of Hendel’s Market Cafe had much praise for the Clicks, saying, “Pat and Lora Click are staples for North County. They have been leaders of our community through support, business, and their kindness to others. What a due honor for such a deserving couple. Congratulations!” “We are honored to receive this award,” Lora Click said. “We have been in business for 37 years because of our dedicated customer service, excellence in workmanship and pride in our community.” The Clicks have supported the Chamber with many of their activities through

the years, and believe that the Chamber is a business organization aimed at helping small businesses market themselves and network in the community. They are members of Florissant Old Town Partners, have served on the Fall See BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR page 9

Business Vogt to Serve

Noah photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Movie FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

Around Town

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Vol. 93 No. 15

In This Issue... 2

Around Town Local news and events like the Girls Scouts April Showers collection and the annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dance at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School.

School Take a trip back in time with Sacred Heart Museum’s open house and Trinity Catholic High keeps its full-accreditation.

Learn & Play Book Buzz, Sudoku and a Crossword puzzle

Movie Noah is unlike any other biblical movie that has come before.

Business Persons of the Year Pat and Lora Click: 2014 Business Persons of the Year

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

Recipes Effortless Easter Ham

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.

FREE Online Subscription

www. mycnews

Registration Now Being Accepted for 2014 Ultimate St. Louis Tourist Contest Registration is now being accepted for the 2014 Ultimate St. Louis Tourist Contest, a competition sponsored by the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation inviting contestants to write about their ultimate area tourism experience. By registering now until the official start of the contest in May, St. Louis fans (ages eight through 18) can stay updated about Ultimate contest while receiving a 2014 Official St. Louis Visitors Guide to help plan a creative strategy and possibly claim a $500 prize. For a chance to win a cash prize, contestants must visit at least three St. Louis area attractions then write about their journeys in 500 words or less. Participants can also share their St. Louis experiences through photos and videos. Entries can be submitted at www.explorestlouis.com/ultimatetourist when the contest officially kicks off in May. A cash prize of $500 each will be awarded to

one winner in five categories: Grades three and four; grades five and six; grades seven and eight; grades nine and 10; and grades 11 and 12. Entries will be judged on its merits with the winners chosen by a selection committee comprised of St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation members, St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission commissioners, other local community leaders, and celebrities. The winning entries may be featured in the 2015 Official St. Louis Visitors Guide and will be posted on explorestlouis.com for a full year.

SSM St. Mary’s Offers Educational Seminar on Back Pain Lower back pain is a common concern affecting up to 90 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime – and up to 50 percent will have more than one episode. It is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost days at work. Lower back pain is not a specific disease; it is a symptom that may occur from a variety of different causes. It is frequently associated with overuse or injury to the muscles or ligaments that support the spine. Herniated or ruptured discs in the spine, osteoarthritis or joint degeneration, and fractures of the vertebrae from trauma can place pressure on nerve roots and cause chronic

pain. Anyone suffering from chronic lower back pain is invited to a special presentation by Dr. Tad Berry, board-certified interventional pain specialist with SSM Pain Care at St. Mary’s Health Center. “Treatments for Relieving Back Pain” will be held from 6-7:30pm, Wednesday, April 16, in the Kohler Auditorium at St. Mary’s Health Center, 6420 Clayton Road in Richmond Heights. Dr. Berry will address the causes of lower back pain and the full range of advanced treatments now available to successfully manage and relieve pain, including: • Medications • Injection therapies • Spinal cord stimulation • Implantable pain pumps • Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures This free program includes a light dinner. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 1.866.776.3627 to register. On June 10, 2014, SSM St. Mary’s will celebrate its 90th Birthday at its Richmond Heights location. This pain seminar is the first program in St. Mary’s Health Center’s 90th Anniversary Speaker Series. Future program topics will include Heart Health, Women’s Health and more. Stay tuned for more information about these programs.

www.yacovellis.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014

St. Ferdinand Basketball Tournament Concludes The annual St. Ferdinand basketball tournament concluded on Sunday, March 31 with some exciting basketball games. The 4th grade boys from St. Sabina won their bracket. All proceeds from the event benefit the FOCUS Marine Foundation and Backstoppers.

Around Town

April Showers

Teams from St. Ann, St. Sabina, Holy Spirit, Sacred Heart, Atonement Lutheran, St. Rose, St. Norbert, St. Ferdinand, ABC-Dragons, St. Angela-Merici, Christ Lights of the Nations, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and St. Charles Borromeo participated in the tournament this year.

Hawthorne Players Present “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” Laughter on the 23rd Floor will be presented at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre on April 11 and 12 at 8pm and April 13 at 2pm. Tickets are $18 and $16 and may be reserved at the box office, by phone at 314.921.5678 and online at www.florissantmo. com. Special group rates are also available. The comedy is a fond remembrance of the Simon’s experiences as a young staff writer on Sid Caesar’s ground-breaking 1950s television program, Your Show of Shows. Peter Banholzer surely appreciates the timing. The director said, “When Hawthorne decided, months ago, to do this play, we had no idea we From left to right: Danny Grumich, Danny Brown, Larry Quiggins, John Robertson, Kathryn would be commemorating the Weber, Todd Micali, Robert Doyle and Jeffrey Loyd. Todd Micali (Max Prince) tries to retrieve a passing of a legend. We are very joke from the mouth of the Mel Brooks character portrayed by Larry Quiggans in Hawthorne Players' Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Photo courtesy of Larry Marsh proud and excited to honor Sid Caesar’s remarkable life and caly starred as Javert in Les Miserables and Larry reer with this very funny play.” Quiggins, who returns to Hawthorne for the first Banhozer has assembled an all-star Haw- time since portraying Linus in 1981’s You’re A thorne cast for the show. They portray Caesar’s Good Man, Charlie Brown. harried writing staff as they frantically scramble Kelsey Ruthman and Kathryn Weber round to top each other with gags while competing for out the all-star ensemble. the attention of star madman “Max Prince” (Sid Director Banholzer admits he is too young to Caesar). have personally experienced the Golden Age “Get ready for a night of endless one-liners, of television and Your Shows of Shows, but he gags, parody, wisecracks, tomfoolery, witticism, feels that Caesar’s humor is timeless. “The show shenanigans, horseplay and an all-around good helped people forget about the problems of the time,” said Banholzer. “You may even laugh at a world and let them lose themselves in laughter. word or a joke that your mother might not think We plan to do that every night in Laughter on the is very polite, but we’ll do anything to get a laugh. 23rd Floor. Get ready to let out belly laughs and That’s the nature of Neil Simon’s words and Sid slap your knees, because life is hard enough that Caesar’s life.” we may as well laugh our way through it.” Max is portrayed by Todd Micali, who was most recently seen in heels in last season’s “Leading Ladies.” Max’s writing staff includes many of the other actors from that production, including his co-star Jeffrey Loyd, as well as Danny Grumich, John Robertson and Robert Doyle. They are joined by Danny Brown, who recent-

Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will continue its support and participation of April Showers, a community-wide personal care item drive for families in need. Girl Scouts distributed white, recycled plastic bags door-to-door throughout the Council’s jurisdiction on April 4, 5 and 6. Residents have until April 12 to fill their bags with the listed items. Those in the St. Louis metropolitan area may also drop off items at any Missouri Dierbergs market from April 12 to May 3, or at any Missouri Schnucks store between now and April 15. “Our April Showers program accomplishes two goals. First, it provides personal care items to those in need,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “Second, it teaches our Girl Scouts the value of community service and the importance of giving back to their communities.” The April Showers program provides an opportunity for girls in grades K-12 to learn to lead, take responsibility, make good decisions and care about others. In 2013, more than 15,000 Girl Scouts in more than 2,000 troops and 12,000 adult volunteers donated more than 70,000 hours and collected more than 1.1 million items. Continue to help Girl Scouts this year by filling your April Showers bags with items like toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, deodorant and shampoo. Missouri food banks continue to report a 30 percent increase in demand. To view drop-off locations, a list of needed personal care items or for more information, visit www.girlscoutsem.org/Programs/Community-Service/April-Showers.aspx

www.billionairethoughts.com

www.searshometownstores.com

Around Town

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Derby Day Bruch Call for Chefs As plans for the St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation’s secondannual Derby Day Brunch take shape, the organization is encouraging local caterers, restaurant owners and chefs to take part by preparing and serving their signature dishes at the event. The brunch will feature 15 stations where food service partners will have the opportunity to serve appetizer portions of their culinary creations to more than 300 event attendees. Set for May 5 from 11am-2pm at the Magic Chef Mansion in Compton Heights, the Derby Day Brunch will feature food, music, horse racing games and carriage rides in celebration of the Kentucky Derby. Proceeds from the event benefit at-risk St. Louis seniors. Participating food service partners are asked to arrive at the event with their food prepared and ready to be served, and all food costs are the responsibility of the restaurant, caterer or chef. In return for their food donations, participating vendors will gain exposure to 300+ prominent St. Louisans, including numerous members of the St. Louis culinary community. At the end of the event, a celebrity judging panel will vote on its favorite “main dish” and “dessert,” and those recognized as winners will be honored and publically announced in the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System’s newsletters and on its social media channels during 2014. All participating restaurants, caterers and chefs will also be listed as an event partner in all of St. Andrew’s marketing and public relations materials. “Taking part in our Derby Day Brunch is a great way for area restaurants, caterers and chefs to gain exposure for their signature dishes, while also helping to raise funds for St. Louis seniors who are in desperate need of vital services,” said Ashley Turigliatto, Development Manager, St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation. “Last year’s event was a huge success, and we hope to make our second-annual event even bigger and better. We have already secured participation from Home Wine Kitchen, Missouri Athletic Club and Companion Bakery, and we hope to work with many more of the St. Louis area’s culinary leaders on this event.” Those interested in preparing and serving food at the secondannual Derby Brunch event should contact Ashley Turigliatto at 314.678.1245, or via email at aturigliatto@standrews1.com. Created in 1961, as a nonprofit partnership of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, St. Andrew’s is non-sectarian, faith-based and an expert at serving both older adults and their caregivers.

www.villaatriverwood.com

Hazelwood Southeast Middle School to Host Second Annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dance Hazelwood Southeast Middle, 918 Prigge Road, will host its second annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dance from 3-6pm on Saturday, April 12. Tickets price is $15 per couple--advanced ticket sales only. Cost includes a tiara, a professional photograph and dinner for two. The goal of this event is to highlight the important role a father plays in the life of a young lady. This role is not exclusive to biological fathers, but includes any male role model who loves, cares for, nurtures and encourages young ladies--thereby, taking on the fatherly role. This event is open to all current, former, and future students and their fathers--everyone is encouraged to participate. Male staff members are invited to attend with their daughters, and daughters of female staff members are also encouraged to participate with their fathers. Hazelwood Southeast Middle School, 918 Prigge Road, St. Louis, MO 63138.

Missouri Turkey Hunting Forecast Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle is in charge of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s wild turkey-management program. When asked about prospects for this year’s spring turkey season, he pointed to turkey reproduction statistics from the past three years. Observers throughout much of the state reported strong production in 2011 and 2012. That means hunters in these areas can expect to see strong numbers of 2- and 3-year-old gobblers this year. Hunters prize 3-year-old gobblers because their greater experience makes them challenging to hunt. They have longer spurs and weigh more on average than younger birds, giving them a higher status among hunters. On the other hand, 2-year-old gobblers are more likely than younger or older birds to gobble lustily and often. Lots of gobbling makes hunting more exciting, so much so that most hunters consider gobbling activity the most important part of a good hunt. “Hunters throughout much of the state should be in for a good spring turkey season,” said Isabelle. “There should be quite a bit of gobbling and good numbers of adult birds for hunters to pursue.” Isabelle noted that wild-turkey production

Jean Mayer, Greenfield, shows off her first-ever gobbler. Photo by Mo. Dept. of Conservation, courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

dipped last year, so 1-year-old gobblers – commonly called jakes – will be less abundant this spring. That won’t affect the quality of hunting all that much now, but it should be a caution to hunters who want to continue hearing lots of gobbling in the future. “Hunting is a substantial source of mortality for male turkeys,” sais Isabelle. “Most jakes survive to be 2-year-old gobblers. Of course, jakes are legal to harvest in Missouri and they do make excellent table fare, but for those hunters interested in having more adult gobblers in their hunting area in the future, passing up opportunities to shoot jakes is one way to achieve that.” Predicting any given year’s turkey harvest is difficult, because weather exerts a strong influence on turkey behavior and hunter effort. With moreor-less-average weather, Isabelle says he expects this year’s www.rickniblettphotography.com state-wide spring turkey harvest to be close to last year’s combined total of about 46,000 for the youth and regular seasons. Isabelle doesn’t expect this year’s severe winter weather to affect turkey hunting. “I don’t think that the conditions we experienced this winter negatively affected turkey survival,” he says. “Turkeys can deal with cold weather quite well. Although we did get a few snow storms, none of the totals that we saw or the length of time that snow conditions persisted were severe enough to negatively impact turkey survival.” www.midwestpool.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014

Olympic Spring Training

stations throughout the morning. Some of the learning stations included reading fluency and mathematics; students were then given a holepunched card at the end of each completed rotation. Students were also awarded prizes for their effort and positive behavior. “I actually enjoyed coming to school during my spring break. My teachers really made learning fun. Although I must admit, the ‘Fuel up!’ snack station was my favorite activity,” said one fourth-grader.

Sacred Heart Museum is having an Open House from 10am2pm on Sunday, April 13. The Museum is located on the lower level of the Rectory at 751North Jefferson in Old Town Florissant. During the past year, Museum volunteers have worked to preserve thousands of historical records, books and articles. Sacred Heart Museum received a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission administered by the Missouri State Archives to preserve documents in archival books and files. Volunteers worked hundreds of hours organizing and filing to make it easy for the public to view the history of Sacred Heart and the surrounding area. Anyone who was married at Sacred Heart is welcome to add their wedding picture to one of our books. Pictures of students from the 1800's yup to the current students have their picture in one of our albums. Records of baptisms and weddings dating back to 1867 can be easily accessed on the computer. Banners from early Corpus Christi Processions are hanging as well as one of the original Stations of the Cross from 1867. Sacred Heart Museum is open the second Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm or by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 314.837.3757.

Trinity Catholic High School Receives Full Re-accreditation On Wednesday and Thursday, March 26-27 an AdvancED External Review Team visited Trinity Catholic High School as the final phase of the school’s re-accreditation process. Every five years schools must prepare a report and have a review team visit in our order to receive re-accreditation. Following the visit, the review team recommended that Trinity Catholic High School retain its full-accreditation for the next five years. The review team interviewed 102 people during the visit, including administration, teachers, staff members, students, parents and community members. Over 25 classroom observations were also conducted.

Sacred Heart Museum to Host Open House

Photo courtesy of Hazelwood School District

Recently, while the rest of the Hazelwood School District observed Spring Break, 30 Lawson Elementary students—grades third through fifth, Principal Dr. Betty Scheller, Julie Mazar, instructional specialist, Carolyn Scaia, librarian, Susan Gentry, Danielle Polk, Joe Genenbacher and Chris Tebbe, Lawson teachers, and Judy Boggs, OASIS reading volunteer, attended a special school session "Olympic Spring Training" to help prepare students for the upcoming Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) testing. Students rotated between curriculum-themed learning

School

Powerful Practices singled out by the review team were: the commitment of the school’s leadership and staff to a diverse culture based on shared values and beliefs about faith, teaching and learning and support of a challenging equitable education program; the relationship and commitment Trinity Catholic has to the overall North County community and the commitment and support services Trinity Catholic offers to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of all of its students.

www.babykidexpo.com

www.facebook.com/babykidexpo

www.lwcs.us

Learn & Play

SUDOKU:

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Middle Pick:

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.

“Walt Whitman: Words for America” 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

Our nation’s beloved poet Walt Whitman made it his life’s work to tell the stories of “ordinary Americans.” His passion shines like a beacon in Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Keley, realistically and richly illustrated by Brian Selznick, of Caldecott fame. Whitman began his career in newspapers when articles were typeset using lead letters. “He saw the boxes of letters as a great mystery, waiting to unfold.” By the age of 19, he was publishing his own newspaper with his brother. When Whitman began dabbling in poetry his genius blossomed. He drew inspiration from nature, the people around him, and from his travels in America. When the Civil War broke out, Whitman was crestfallen. The war became personal when his brother went missing. Whitman’s quest to find him took him to battlefields and hospitals. His experiences provided the impetus for many of his poems. This biography of Whitman’s life sings with noteworthy phrases; it’s a must read to digest slowly.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: The Twenties ACROSS 1. Hidden, also “lost” in French 6. ___ and flow 9. Beehive basket 13. “Private Parts” author 14. ___ v. Wade 15. The Great Muppet 16. _____ peak 17. ___-Wan Kenobi 18. Bedazzle, e.g. 19. *”The Jazz Singer” and such

21. Honeymoon, e.g. 23. Finale 24. RPMs 25. Electric guitar hookup 28. *Art ____ 30. Kindle editions 35. Figure of worship 37. Margaret behind sexual revolution 39. *Flashy ocean ride in “The Great Gatsby” 40. *This “biscuit” was

renamed a “sandwich” cookie in 1921 41. Supplemented 43. Salty drop 44. Chronic disease in homeopathy 46. Pitcher with handle and spout for pouring 47. Maori war dance 48. ______ weight in boxing 50. Actor Sandler 52. Frostiness 53. To fix, as in cat 55. Bygone bird 57. *Musical name for the 1920s 61. *”Return to Normalcy” President 65. Architectural projection 66. “Wow!” 68. Cowboy sport 69. Female gossip 70. Feeling of anger 71. Corpulent 72. *”The Foresyte ____” 73. Down in the dumps 74. Adam and Mae DOWN 1. Attention grabber 2. Tallest volcano in Europe 3. Movie roll 4. *Famous Chicago hotel, opened in 1920 5. Uncharitable or cruel 6. Son of Aphrodite 7. *Roaring Twenties hairstyle 8. Neutral shade 9. *”Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime ____,” a.k.a. “7Up” 10. Be aware of a fact 11. Poet Pound 12. Child’s dream gift?

15. *Fitzgerald’s famous character 20. Swelling 22. Adam’s partner 24. *Route 66, e.g. 25. Mushroom cloud maker 26. Journalist Shriver 27. Song of joy 29. Relinquish or abandon 31. The Hippocratic ____ 32. *Lindbergh’s first solo crossing of Atlantic ____ 33. Popular pant style for men 34. Seatbelt 36. *Like Hemingway’s generation 38. Owner’s acquisition 42. _____ queen

45. Indian spice mix 49. Auto unit 51. The next day 54. Breastplate 56. Sun-dried brick 57. Pleasures 58. Domain 59. Pizzazz 60. Actress ___-Jones 61. Pay attention 62. Bad day for Caesar 63. Home on a limb 64. “What ____ around comes around” 67. *Babe Ruth, star of the “Live-Ball ___” See answers page 13

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014

Movie

“Noah”

Those who grew up reading traditional stories of Noah and the Ark may be shocked at Darren Aronofsky’s new cinematic interpretation. Aronofsky (Black Swan) delivers a brash, unnerving spin on the oft-told tale, one that might raise a few eyebrows. Suffice it to say, Noah is unlike any other biblical movie that has come before. Russell Crowe plays the title role, a man so devout and faithful that he refuses to eat animal flesh. A descendant Noah photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures of Seth, one of Adam and Eve’s children, Noah vows to live a good life in an increasingly evil world. He even cares for a wounded, orphaned girl, raising her as one of his own. Without warning, nightmarish images of fire, floods, and blood fill Noah’s dreams. Interpreting this as a sign that God will soon punish his wicked children, the devout man builds an ark large enough to hold a mated pair of every animal species. But it is difficult to hide such a large vessel from prying eyes. Though the film is hard to swallow at times, director Darren Aronofsky deserves credit for his bold and brash interpretation. Aronofsky tackles the logistics of building a giant, sea-worthy craft by introducing the Watchers, rock-covered fallen angels who do most of the heavy lifting. The Bible mentions the Watchers, but these look more like rocky Transformers than spiritual beings. Russell Crowe definitely is rough around the edges as a hard-drinking Noah who takes his faith way too seriously at times. With no guidance other than his own conscience and the fallen angels, Noah starts to see evil spring up in his own family. This leads to some tense moments aboard the Ark. Jennifer Connelly does a nice job as Naameh, Noah’s faithful

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13 spouse. It is she who comes up with a natural method of keeping thousands of diverse animals from killing each other during the voyage. She also deals with her spouse’s mood swings once the epic journey is under way. Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame has some interesting moments as Ila, Noah’s adopted daughter. Ila becomes part of the family and, over time, becomes romantically entangled with Noah’s son Shem (Douglas Booth). The boat builder doesn’t like that Shem and Ila are doing what comes naturally, though. Overall, Noah is an interesting, though overlong, re-examination of a very familiar Bible story. Director Aronofsky is at his best in scenes featuring the flood and the arrival of the animals. When it comes to storytelling, however, he is a bit lacking. Noah, rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, and brief suggestive content, currently is playing in theaters. Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

www.gibsonprinting.com

www.StlNeuroTherapy.com

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Vogt to Serve as 2014 GNCC Chairman of the Board Jon Vogt, general manager of Catering To You, will be installed as the 2014 Chairman of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on April 11 at Norwood Hills Country Club.

Vogt, a lifelong resident of North County, attended Hazelwood West High School and Florissant Valley Community College. He currently lives in Florissant with his fiancé, Ali and their two boys Mason, 5, and Colin, 3. Vogt has worked in the catering and event-planning business for 20 years. In 1997, his father, Steve Vogt, started Catering to You. Vogt started as the kitchen manager and has since become a minority partner in the business. Catering to You has won many local food and service awards including the “Best of North County” five times. Vogt and his business have been active members of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce since 1997, and he has served on the Board since 2012. His work has led to several successful fundraisers such as Golf Tournaments, Night of Stars, and Casino Nights. Vogt prides himself on his dedication to

his community and fellow business owners. As a member of the Florissant Valley Jaycees for 10 years, he and his fellow Jaycees successfully raised money for dozens of local charities. During that time, he held several offices including President; that year he led the chapter to earn multiple region and state awards. He was also awarded The Presidential Award of Honor from the Missouri Jaycees. For his work with the Jaycees and Catering to You, he was awarded NCI's Top 30 Leaders in their 30’s award in 2007. Vogt currently sits on the Board for T.E.A.M., a food pantry that serves the Florissant and Hazelwood communities. He is also a member of the Florissant Valley Jaycees Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school seniors that excel in community service. Vogt is honored to be able to give back to the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and his community by serving as the Chairman of the Board this year. "I look forward to working See VOGT TO SERVE next page

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014

BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR from cover Festival Committee, and have hosted the Chili CookOff for the past 16 years. They have been active with the Valley of Flowers Festival, sponsoring a queen candidate each year, and they were selected as “Lord and Lady” in 2002. Pat Click, a veteran of the United States Navy, served as a Chamber Director in 1981-1984 and received a certificate for his continued support in 1994 as a Chamber Champion. He has been a member of the Florissant Rotary Club for 38 years and has served many times on its Board of Directors. He attended Lincoln University and

received a Vocational Teaching Certificate. Lora Click is vice president of the Florissant Fine Arts Council and an active member of the Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis. The couple has two children, Mary and Patrick Jr., and 6 grandchildren, ages 6-18. For more information about the dinner or the Greater North County Chamber, call the Chamber office at 314.831.3500 or visit www.greaternorthcountychamber.com. Click Heating & Cooling is located at 124

VOGT TO SERVE from page 8 with all the businesses, organizations and city members that we represent,” he said. “I want to help reinforce the benefits of the chamber and to provide even more tools so all of our members can become ambassadors for this community.” Joining Vogt on the 2014 Executive Board are Vice Chairwoman—Elizabeth Wade, Pulaski Bank; Secretary—Rick Dorsey III, Ahlheim & Dorsey, LLC; Treasurer—Brice VanSant, Labor Ready; and Past Chair— Colleen Hannibal, NHC HomeCare St. Louis. 2014 Board of Directors are Ricky Hopkins Sr., A-List Realtors, LLC; Chief Mike Gantner, Black Jack Fire Protection District; Bret Berigan, Christian Hospital; Dick Cerame,

Paul Cerame Auto Group; Dr. Grayling Tobias, Hazelwood School District; Keetra Thompson, Life Is A Party; Melissa Rakers, Neighbors Credit Union; Dhari Pearson, Papa Murphy’s Pizza; Chris Hamilton, Shelter Insurance; Rosemary Hodges, SSM DePaul Health Center and Judy Taylor, Taylor Land Management.

Saint Francois Street, Florissant, Missouri, 63031. For more information on their services, call 314.656.7698 or visit their website www.clickheatingcooling.com.

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Gary Baute Rascals Snag Catcher from New York Yankees The River City Rascals ball club of O’Fallon will start the 2014 season in just 44-days. The Rascals will have a new man behind the plate who is no stranger to competitive hardball. Saxon Butler has been added to the roster for his first season of non-affiliated baseball. Butler brings his power hitting talents with him. The 23-year old, former 33rd round pick in the baseball draft, hit 18 homeruns and drove in 82 over his two seasons with the Yankees. In 2013, Saxon played as high as AA, although he finished the year at High A Tampa after an injury. Additional injuries gave Butler further setbacks as he makes the decision to join the Rascals now that he is fully recovered. Starting two weeks ago, he began his speed, agility, and strength-training program, which he will continue until the Rascals begin their Spring Training in May. In a further effort to refresh his catching skills, Saxon spent most of the winter training with former Rascals catcher and coach, Danny Sawyer. The hardest part of preparing for the season, according to Butler, is simply regaining his timing at the plate. He notes that, “Once I have the timing down, I know that my production and comfort level at the plate will only increase exponentially with time. It will take a few at-bats to reacquire my timing since I haven’t seen a live arm since last August, but overall I’m confident in my preparation and prospects here in River City.” * Experience dominates

Indoor Football Team Improves Record on the Road The St. Louis Attack of the X-League notched the franchise’s second victory as they traveled to Birmingham Ala. to roll over the Alabama Outlawz 58-39 last Friday. As the Attack did their first game, the defense excelled as they scored the first 10 points of the game with a safety and an interception for an early touchdown. In two games this season, the Attack have scored 43 points while only allowing seven points in the first quarter. Head Coach Chris McKinney said, “Our defense kept us in the game, but when we needed a big score, the offense delivered. Anytime we need the defense to pick us up, they did and when we needed the offense to deliver they did.” The St. Louis Attack offense struck early though the air with touchdowns by Chris Heads, Darryl Grady Jr. and Dello Davis. Grady added to his touchdown total with a receiving and a kick-return touchdown, bring his season total to six in two games. Quarterback Mike McMullen threw four touchdown passes in his first action of the year and was named Player of the Game. With only seconds remaining in the first half, McMullen hooked up with Davis to put an exclamation point on a dominant first half of indoor football. The rest of the game was all Attack as they excelled in every aspect of the game. The Attack return home for a 7:35 tilt against the Florida Marine Raiders on Friday April 11 at the Family Arena. Visit www.stlouisattack.com for more information. * Great beginning Fantasy Football Players Alert An agreement recently with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and SportsZoneSTL.com will give fans the opportunity to play Fantasy Football with former NFL players beginning this August. Go to www.SportsZoneSTL.com for updates and details. * Will be here before you know it 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.’

www.kflandscapes.com

www.byerlyrv.com

www.naa.org

www.newspapermedia.com

www.psrapp.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014

Recipes:

Effortless Easter Ham

This year, make your Easter ham effortless by ditching the oven and using your slow cooker instead. While most people think about slow cooking for staples like chili and stew, it’s also perfect for center-of-the-plate feasts—like an Easter ham. Using the slow cooker, you can minimize both prep time and cleanup time, leaving plenty of room in the day for church, hunting eggs and enjoying time with your loved ones. Ham is a tradition for many families this time of year, and because it pairs well with a multitude of ingredients, you can create a unique dish every time. For a fresh spin on the classic ham, try this Sweet Southern SlowCooker Ham recipe from the National Pork Board. Apple cider and bourbon (or vanilla extract, if you prefer) combine to create a rich flavor complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar. Round out your Easter menu by pairing your ham with classic sides such as oven-roasted carrots, asparagus wrapped in bacon and mashed sweet potatoes. To get inspired by more ham and Easter meal ideas, visit PorkBeinspired.com or Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired.

Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes Enter the National Pork Board’s Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes at PorkBeinspired.com/EasterHam for the chance to win an Easter gift basket with everything you need for this year’s celebration.

Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham Yield: 12 servings • Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 4 to 8 hours

Ham, Apple and Cheddar Crepes Yield: 6 servings • Prep time: 20 minutes • Cook time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 3 cups ham, shredded and warmed 1 3/4 cups 2% milk 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 4 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Granny Smith apple, halved, cored and thinly sliced Cheese Sauce 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 cup 2% milk 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped Directions: Pour milk, butter, eggs and salt in blender. Mix until well combined. Add flour. Mix for 15 to 20 seconds or until smooth. Let stand for 10 minutes.

smooth; stir in mustard, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat back of spoon. Remove from heat. Whisk in cheese, a small handful at a time, until melted and smooth.

Heat an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat well with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter into pan, swirl to fully cover bottom of pan. Cook for 1 minute or until crepe begins to curl around edges. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until set. Transfer to plate. Repeat with additional cooking spray and remaining batter. Layer cooked crepes between pieces of wax paper to prevent sticking.

Place filled crepes on each plate. Spoon cheese sauce over each crepe and sprinkle with chives. Serving Suggestion: All the elements of the recipe can be prepared a day in advance and gently warmed before assembling.

Lay a crepe on clean work surface. Arrange few slices of apple on quarter of crepe; top with shredded ham. Fold crepe in half to cover filling and fold in half again to create triangular shape. Repeat with remaining crepes, apple and ham. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and hold in warm oven until ready to serve, or up to 30 minutes. For cheese sauce, melt butter in saucepan set over medium heat. Stir in flour until well coated. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until pale and smooth. Whisk in milk, a splash at a time, until

Ingredients: 1 bone-in fully cooked ham, about 5 1/2 pounds 1 cup apple cider 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/3 cup Kentucky bourbon 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 4 fresh thyme sprigs

Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until very tender. Remove ham to rest on cutting board. Pass remaining cooking liquid through fine mesh sieve into saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Carve ham into serving pieces. Brush ham pieces with cooking liquid before arranging on platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Directions: Place ham in large slow cooker. Whisk cider with brown sugar, bourbon, honey and mustard. Slowly pour over ham. Scatter thyme sprigs into slow cooker.

Note: For a non-alcoholic alternative, replace the bourbon with 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

www.rhf.org

www.PayneFmailyHomes.com

What’s Happening

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

tion call 314.831.6121.

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 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: 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 informa-

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. April 19: Emerson Family YMCA Easter Egg Hunts Outdoors and indoors. 10:30am–1 pm, Emerson Family YMCA, 3390

Pershall Road. Free and open to the public, includes pictures with the Easter Bunny and crafts. Register by calling the Y by noon on Friday, April 18 at 314.521.1822. 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.

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 13: All-You-Can-Eat pancake and sausage breakfast 8-11:30am, the old schoolhouse at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, #1 rue St. Francois. The cost is only $6 per adult and $3 per child ages 12 and under.

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.

smsw2ladiesandamop@yahoo.com

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.

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

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

April 13: Palm Sunday Concert 7pm, in the Historic 1821 Shrine Church at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, #1 rue St. Francois. All are welcome and there is no charge – however donations are always accepted.

Sundays: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine #1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

Thursday, April 17: Maundy Thursday, Trinity Episcopal Church 6pm, Agape Meal; 7:15pm, Communion; 9:30pm-12:30am, Keeping Watch. Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S. Duchesne Drive in St. Charles.For more information please call 636 939-0160 or visit www.trinity-stcharles.org

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch

Friday, April 18: Trinity Episco-

pal Church Good Friday 12:30-11:30am, Keeping Watch; noon Good Friday Liturgy; 7pm, The Cross & the Prodigal. Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S. Duchesne Drive in St. Charles. For more information please call 636 939-0160 or visit www.trinitystcharles.org April 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. Saturday, April 19: Trinity Episcopal Church Easter Eve 7:30pm, Great Vigil of Easter – Fire, Story, Water, Bread & Wine. Party Follows. Prodigal. Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S. Duchesne Drive in St. Charles. For more information please call 636 939-0160 or visit www.trinity-stcharles.org Sunday, April 20: Trinity Episcopal Church Easter Day 8 & 10:15am, Festival Eucharist & Flowering of the Cross; 11:30am, Easter Egg Hunt and Festive Coffee Hour. Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S. Duchesne Drive in St. Charles.For more information please call 636 939-0160 or visit www.trinity-stcharles.org 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 April 17: Stress and Chronic Pain Workshop 7pm, Dr. Martin Schmaltz Chiropractic Office, 7161 N Lindbergh Boulevard in Hazelwood. The event is free, and open to the public but registration is required. To register, call 314.731.4383, or register online at http://bit.ly/stressworkshop.

www.Welsch-heatcool.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014 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.

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

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.

Nutrition Education: SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157

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.

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 Center:

Hospital

Recovery

SUDOKU answers from page 8

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.

What’s Happening

ments 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 University City, 314.993.5421. First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477. Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900

Diabetes Self-Management Training: Call 314.344.7220 Smoking Cessation Classes: Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866. SSM.DOCS to register or for more information. SSM DePaul Wellness Center: Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177 SSM St. Joseph Hospital Healthy Happenings Free Mammogram Screenings: SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. AppointCROSSWORD answers from page 8

Crisis Nursery: Committed to preventing child

www.Welsch-heatcool.com

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!

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

ATTORNEY

Garage Sale

NOVENA

help wanted

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.

www.saintcharlesfamilylaw.com

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

Thank you, St. Jude. M.K.

Event

“Stuff ” Piling Up?

Real Estate

Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

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

help wanted

FOR Rent Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/mycnews www.thepisagroup.com

FOR SALE

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 9, 2014

help wanted

NOTICE OF LIEN

CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.NIGELS-FLOORING.COM

Published Every Week Since 1921 Family-Owned & Operated

www.scrubbydutch.com www.Welsch-healcool.com

April 9, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice

New Town’s New Dilemma Having worked on and around rivers during my life as a working stiff, I often wondered at the naivety of those who believe the 500 year flood level maximum of the mighty Mississippi would apply after miles of levies narrowed the river? The Corp of Engineers seem to contribute to this assumption even though they built them. Logic tells us that if a ditch is too narrow, the stream will rise higher and sometimes spill over the sides. One old timer growled, “All they’re doing is making rivers rise higher to find the weakest levies to breach. We call it selective flooding and anybody who lives in a flood plain knows it.” When New Town was built, I thought there was something I must have missed. From experience, I knew the Missouri and Mississippi river levels also lived under the flood plains in the sand underneath the soil. When New Town was built with basements, I wondered if insanity had overcome the politicians and developers responsible for this questionable project. Most of us who’ve excavated flood plains know to check the river levels that could affect levels we’ll find underneath and it occasionally changes radically. Although the New Town builders installed sump

pumps in the basements to remove water seepage, I had doubts it would be enough if ground water levels rose above the basement floors as it periodically does. A few years ago, one resident I spoke with moved out of New Town after heavy rains pushed the river high enough to test the nearby levees. He claimed the pumps were howling day and night but were barely keeping up with the rising ground water. Obviously, it scared him. According to a recent news item, the New Town Home Owners Association added a new wrinkle by insisting homeowners purchase extra insurance to protect the Association against liability for accidents or injuries that might happen on the common grounds, which include parks, playgrounds, canals and lakes. The insurance companies are not at all enthusiastic about this new twist in the annals of insurance fine print and are politely telling the New Town homeowners association what sums up to as, “Are you crazy?” There are no implications that fears of flooding rivers resulted in this demand. I’m also aware some homeowners associations are occasionally the epitome of the famous gridlock impediment, “Decision by Committee” that State and Federal legislatures are famous for. Experience tells us that either nothing

comes from it or if it does, look for veiled motives. Similar dilemmas are encountered by the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District. They have continually begged voters to let them change the charter’s billing process in accordance to the number of square feet covered by hard surfaces like roofs and driveways of homes and businesses that dramatically increase storm water runoff. Since any changes can be mapped by periodic aerial photography, it would make it much more fair to homeowners. Unfortunately, developers and owners of shopping centers, parking lots and such are against this and can back it up with cash in the right places and whatever remaining tactics they may employ to stop the changes. So far, it’s working quite well for them and homeowners are still picking up the storm water tab for developers and affected businesses. Meanwhile, increasing storm water runoff continues eroding creeks and flooding basements downstream. Evidently, St. Charles County is experiencing the same as St. Louis with rainstorms that soak into the soil finding less soil to soak into. Instead, it pours into the rising rivers making New Town’s flood risks even worse. 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.

WAREHOUSE PRICES Furnaces Air Conditioning Supplies www.comfortsystems.info

Gas or Electric Heating Systems 50,000 BTU .... $400 75,000 BTU .... $450 100,000 BTU .. $475 120,000 BTU .. $500 140,000 BTU .. $600 FACTORY WARRANTY Air Conditioning Special

2 ton ...........$600 2-1/2 ton ....$675 3 ton ...........$750 3-1/2 ton ....$800 4 ton ...........$850 5 ton ...........$900 HEAT PUMPS/DUCTWORK AIR CLEANERS & HUMIDIFIERS VISIT OUR SHOWROOM WEEKDAYS 8 A.M.-4:30 P.M.

3940 Taussig Road Bridgeton, MO 63044

www.stlcompost.com www.stygar.com

739-1600