Issuu

April 25, 2018

Setting the stage The St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company celebrates a long history of bringing diversity and accolades to the region’s performing arts scene

Around Town Community Voices By Dr. Eboni January. Pg.2 Hazelwood School District Board of Education seeks to fill vacancy. Pg.3

Special Section

By Charlotte Beard The largest, professional AfricanAmerican theatre company in the nation and largest African-American performing arts organization in Missouri is coming upon the end of its 41st season the end of this month. The St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company will end this season with “Torn Asunder,” written by Nikkole Salter. This third production of the season has been running since April 13 and ends Sunday, April 29 on the campus of Washington University at the Edison Theatre. Producing Director, Ron Himes considers it to be the most impactful work he has produced to date. “It is a very well written play that deals with African-American history within American history. It has a very strong focus on family and it is an epic love story,” shares Himes. People who have attended any of the Black Rep’s productions have witnessed the diversity of the theatre company’s audiences. “The Black Rep undoubtedly has the most diverse audience of any of the performing arts in this region [regarding] ethnicity and age,” shared Himes. Himes founded the production company in 1976 while he was majoring in Business Administration at Washington University. He desired to create an opportunity for African-American students on campus. “The reason we continue [today] is for the same reason – to create opportunities for African Americans who have an interest or desire to study, train and develop in the theatre,” stated Himes. Himes, who did not study theatre or acting, had friends who were theatre majors. “I supported them and eventually gravitated towards the theatre myself.” In the beginning the theatre company was called the Phoenix Theatre Troup.

The Golden Years. P.4

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Submitted photo

“When we got ready to incorporate the group as a not-for-profit there was a group that already had the name ‘Phoenix’, so we couldn’t incorporate with that name. We switched the name then to the Black Repertory Company,” said Himes. In the early years, the theatre company began touring college campuses, community centers and various art and theatre festivals. Himes stated, “In our first season we did two plays that were not by African-American writers and two that were African-American writers. It’s been a mix ever since. But our emphasis, our focus, our commitment is to produce work by African-American playwrights.” After the Black Rep began to draw huge

crowds in 1980, they made their first home at the former Greeley Presbyterian Church on the corner of St. Louis Avenue and 23rd Street. The interior was renovated for theatre space. Following this move, the company began to hire locally and nationally for guest actors, directors, designers and choreographers. Himes shared that today the theatre company’s search for talent operates differently. “We hold general auditions. We have developed an intern program. We offer classes and workshops where we train young people. We use all those avenues to recruit. But generally, we cast all of our main stage See ‘STAGE’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 97 No. 17 | 636-379-1775

Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

Weather FRIDAY Mostly Cloudy; Showers 62/43 SATURDAY Sunny 70/48 SUNDAY Sunny 73/51 FirstWarn Weather

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

Around Town

April 25, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘STAGE’ from cover shows now from a set of open auditions every year.” By 1986, the theatre company became the only AfricanAmerican theatre in the Midwest to guarantee union wages to its actors and stage managers under a contract with the Actor’s Equity Association. In the early 1990’s The Black Rep relocated to St. Louis’ arts and cultural district to reside in the former First Congregation Church located at 3610 Grandel Square which was renamed the Grandel Square Theatre. Unfortunately, The Grand Center Organization sold the Grandel in 2013, which had also been the mainstage for the St. Louis Shakespeare for

many years. Today the Black Rep is operated by nine board members in addition to Himes. Himes has worn the various hats of producer, director, and actor, and expresses that he does not prefer any of the roles over the other. Over the past years he has become accustomed to operating within each spectrum. He has produced and directed more than 100 plays at The Black Rep and had many starring roles in various productions. His favorite roles as an actor has been his portrayal of Herald Loomis in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and Troy Maxson in the Black Rep’s “Fences” which just ended in January. Both plays are by August Wilson. “Those two characters were very challenging for me. They spoke to me, and they were really strong to my core,” Himes said. In 2003, Himes was appointed the first Henry E. Hampton, Jr. Artist-in-Residence at Washington University, a joint appointment of the Performing

Arts and African American studies departments. He has received many honors and awards, but he stated that the most meaningful award for him was the one he received on the national level. In 2017, the former Soldan High School student was awarded The Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award at the National Black Theatre Festival. The award recognizes the great contributions made by producers to the American Theatre and the entertainment industry. Hamlin was the founder and artistic director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company as well as the founder and executive director of the National Black Theatre Festival. To purchase tickets for this season’s last production, “Torn Asunder,” visit www. theblackrep.org or call 314534-3810. The Black Rep invites actors and actresses to visit the website to stay informed of auditions for the next season. Those who are interested will be required to make an appointment by calling 314534-3810.

www.babykidexpo.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Cervical cancer screening helps to save lives By Dr. Eboni January The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer has decreased over the last several years. This decrease is secondary to increased screening through the use of pap smears and testing for the human papillomavirus or HPV. There are two main types of cervical cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Screening detects early stage disease for both. Early detection can prevent development of full blown cervical cancer. There are many different types of the Human Papilloma Virus. There are both low risk and high risk types. Low risk types of HPV have the potential to lead to warts in the genital region. The high risks types may lead to cervical cancer. Screening includes testing for high risk types of the human papilloma virus. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer and 50 percent of cervical cancer precursors. There is a high prevalence of HPV infection in sexually active women, especially young women. Young women usually clear the HPV infection within eight to 24 months. Over 50 percent of women who develop cervical cancer have not been screened appropriately. And over 50 percent of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer have never had a pap smear. It is recommended that women begin screening at age 21 regardless of sexual activity. Women between the ages of 21-29 should be screened every three years. Women over the age of 30 may be screened every three to five years depending on the type of screening. After age 65 women may stop being screened as long as they have had adequate screening, have no increased risk factors, two negative consecutive co-tests or three negative pap tests within the past 10 years, and no history of severely abnormal pap smears. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (cervix removed) and do not have a history of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions may stop getting screened. If a subtotal hysterectomy (cervix present) has been performed, then those women should still be screened. Risk factors for development of cervical cancer include, Human papilloma virus, multiple sexual partners, and smoking. HPV is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Three different vaccines exist to help protect against HPV infection. Young women may receive the vaccination between ages nine and 26, but the optimal time is age 11 to 12. Young men may receive the vaccination between ages nine and 26, but the optimal time is also age 11 to 12. Ideally, it is best to receive the vaccination prior to initiation of sexual activity. Overall, proper screening and follow up is instrumental in decreasing the incidence of cervical cancer. Vaccination at the optimal age will aid in this decrease. Dr. Eboni January is an Obstetrician/ Gynecologist in the St. Louis area. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 25, 2018

Health and Wellness Series brings free fitness classes to Kiener Plaza Get fit for free this spring and summer in Kiener Plaza. The Health and Wellness Series presented by Centene Charitable Foundation returns for the third consecutive year, bringing weekly sunrise yoga and evening boot camp classes to the newly improved heart of downtown St. Louis. Through Oct. 16, Free Sunrise Yoga takes place at 7 a.m. every Tuesday in Kiener Plaza. Yoga Buzz instructors will lead a 45-minute rise and shine flow class to relaxing music. All experience levels are welcome. Those looking for a more intense workout experience can attend hour-long boot camp sessions led by Heath Norton, owner of Title Boxing Club in Rock Hill. The upbeat, sweat-inducing classes take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from May 2 through June 6 and from Sept. 5 through Oct. 10. Follow the Gateway Arch Park Foundation events on Facebook to learn about additional extra goodies – events throughout the season will include free refreshments, live music and other fun perks.

Kiener Plaza was renovated as part of the $380-million CityArchRiver project. Improvements include more open space, as well as the addition of a large playground, splash pad, concert area and more than 100 new trees. “Kiener Plaza provides an exciting setting for our health and wellness activities, and nearly 1,000 people attended last year’s series,” said Sarah Melinger, director of development at Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “We’re grateful to Centene for joining us as the presenting sponsor, and we’re excited to invite everyone to experience downtown’s dynamic energy and see how all the pieces of the CityArchRiver project have come together.” Both classes are open to the public; no RSVP required. For more information about Free Sunrise Yoga, visit archpark.org/yoga. If support including an assistant or sign language interpreter is needed during the yoga sessions, Yoga Buzz is happy to accommodate. Email events@yogabuzz. com with any accessibility requests a week before the event. For more information about boot camp, visit archpark.org/bootcamp.

Environmentally-conscious Girl Scouts save thousands of plastic bags from the landfill The average American family acquires more than 1,500 plastic shopping bags per year, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. It takes at least 500 years for a single plastic bag to degrade in a landfill, absorbing toxins and continuing to pollute the environment. Earlier this year, six eastern Missouri Girl Scouts took matters into their own hands, reusing thousands of plastic bags to generate a positive change in the community. Shea Duncan, Katherine Pizzo, Eva Rodriguez, Isabella Stark, Natalie Tyarks and Ellie Werleman from Troops 4314 and 3089 recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve. These G.I.R.L.s (Gogetters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders) from St. Ann, Bridgeton, Overland and Berkeley collected more than 5,000 plastic bags, cut them into plarn (plastic yarn) and then crocheted 10 mats each measuring six feet long and three feet wide. When determining their Silver Award project, the girls decided they wanted to have an impact on the environment and help those less fortunate than themselves. Stark said they had bags left over from last year’s April Showers so instead of adding those to a landfill and perpetuating unnecessary waste, they researched ways to reuse them. The girls learned the mats can serve as sleeping mats for individuals forced to live outdoors, the plastic material acting as a barrier against the harsh elements. It took the Girl Scouts several months to create the plarn and crochet all 10 mats but before donating them, the girls wanted to understand what it meant to live without personal hygiene products, clean clothes and shelter. Last October, the six girls spent a weekend at Camp Tuckaho with just their mats, a tent and plastic garbage

Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Isabella Stark was one of six Girl Scouts who recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award by collecting more than 5,000 plastic bags, cutting them into plarn (plastic yarn) and then crocheting 10 mats each measuring six feet long and three feet wide.

bags. Although Stark said she missed having a hairbrush and a fresh set of clothes, the plastic mat she used kept her warm in the evenings. “It felt good to know I was able to give back and help those less fortunate than I am,” Stark said. “I think we take things for granted a lot and we need to appreciate what we have more.” The Girl Scout Silver Award requires determination, communication, time management and a desire to make a difference. This distinguished award challenges Girl Scout Cadettes, girls in grades sixth through eighth, to change the world and solve a community issue; the process requires at least 50 hours of service and often spans months.

Around Town

Hazelwood School District Board of Education seeks to fill vacancy During the school board meeting on April 17, Hazelwood School District Board of Education Director Karlton Thornton announced his resignation from the school board effective April 30; he has one year remaining on a three-year term. Per board policy BBE-1, Unexpired Term Fulfillment/ Vacancies, residents wishing to be appointed to fill the vacancy shall make their desire known by sending a letter to the following: Hazelwood School District Attn: Secretary to the Board 15955 New Halls Ferry Road Florissant, MO 63031 Interested residents should state their qualifications and their reason(s) for wanting to serve on the school board. To view board policy BBE-1, please visit the Hazelwood School District’s website. The board of education will immediately begin accepting letters for a two-week period ending at midnight on Wednesday, May 2. The school board will conduct a special meeting on a date yet to be determined to review all letters submitted prior to the deadline.

Around Town

April 25, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Pine Lawn senior citizens welcomes The Urban League, The Unpaid Labor Contribution and Operation Food Search Spearheaded by Mayor Terry Epps, the city of Pine Lawn held its first ever Senior Tour Day featuring The Urban League of Greater Metropolitan St. Louis, The Unpaid Labor Contribution, and Operation Food Search. Urban League President Michael McMillan, Vice President of Civil Rights and

Advocacy Redditt Hudson, and Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships Darryl Jones II, spoke to Pine Lawn senior citizens at Stratford Manor and Vetter Place, both senior living communities. Each one explained how they provide viable services and memberships to anyone. They shared meaningful brochures

Photo courtesy city of Pine Lawn (From left) Trina Ragain, Redditt Hudson, Matthew Foggy, Michael McMillan, Darryl Jones II, David Wade and Pine Lawn Mayor Terry Epps pay a visit to seniors at Vetter Place, a senior living community.

and gave away care packages to all in attendance. President and CEO of Skate King Matthew Foggy presented “Unpaid Labor: The Contribution That Made America”. Foggy emphasized the enormous legacy produced in this country

by the first twelve generations of African-Americans. His rich displays and literature enlightened everyone about the unsung heroes of our nation. Operation Food Search Food Director of Community Engagement Trina Ragain and

w w w. s e n i o r s h e l p i n g s e n i o r s . c o m / s t l o u i s c e n t r a l

www.DeSmetRetirement.org

www.AtHomeCareStLouis.com

her volunteer staff were on hand at the Senior Tour event to demonstrate and serve a healthy recipe to the seniors. In addition, they provided a meal kit along with fresh fruits and a variety of breads. At the end of the program in each building, Epps and his team awarded the attendees with prizes. “The Pine Lawn Senior Tour Day was an epic movement for the city of Pine Lawn. It was a vision turned into reality to demonstrate how to keep our communities first and continuously move this city forward”, said Epps.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 25, 2018

Over 400 seniors attend the Fourth Annual Aging My Way Resource Fair Photo courtesy city of Florissant

Around Town

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers Wanted: volunteers to work a few hours a week helping others! The North County Meals on Wheels provides a valuable service to our community. The all-volunteer program delivers hot nutritious meals Monday through Friday to approximately 150 people generally limited by medical conditions. The service allows some of our residents to live at home who might otherwise have to make other arrangements. Currently the program is in dire need of drivers. Volunteers usually drive once a week and deliver meals on one of 20 different routes in North County. It takes about an hour and a half and drivers are usually done by 12:30. For more information call 314-953-6800. Your help can make a difference in someone’s life.

www.facebook.com/mycnews

Over 400 senior citizens attended the free Fourth Annual Aging My Way Resource Fair and over 75 vendors were on hand on April 10 at the James J. Eagan Center from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The city of Florissant partnered with Memory Care Home Solutions, St. Catherine Retirement Community, The Pillars of North County and Mercy Home Health & Hospice to provide senior citizens with information and resources to senior citizens who are aging in

place in their homes as well as senior citizen who are considering other senior living options.

www.alexanderstlouis.com

www.LifeCareCenterOfFlorissant.com

www.TheVillaAtRiverwood.com

School

April 25, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Lee-Hamilton first grade teacher is the FFSD’S teacher of the year Williams approach to teaching is to “reach the whole child” by combining hands-on learning with literacy. She’s built various community connections, including with the St. Louis Chapter of Love on a Leash, which brings in service dogs as a source of therapy and literacy for the first graders. Once a month, the trained service dogs are brought into the classroom and lessons on animal safety are provided. The first graders read to the dogs in a non-threatening and comfortable learning environment. Volunteers from the Crossing Church serve as “reading champions” to assist students in their reading skills. Through this partnership, students have gained an enormous amount of confidence, self-worth and shown academic gains. “Knowing that someone cares for them (the students) outside of their home environment has been huge,” said Williams. “I have created a learning environment in which I would love for my own young children to be a part of and the kind of space that I would like to be a part of as a young child.” Williams also believes that family engagement and positive relationships are an important element of student success. So much so, that she spends time during the summer making home visits, introducing herself to her new students and their families in a comfortable and relaxed environment. “Taking the extra time to get to know my students and their families has definitely helped me form positive partnerships

between families and the community and school in which they reside,” said Williams. As a model teacher, Williams is one whom newer teachers look to for guidance. “My first year at LeeHamilton, I immediately knew that she was an effective teacher from a glimpse of her teaching. I decided to take time during my planning time to watch her teach because I wanted to be the effective teacher that she is,” said Elise Hoke, a first-grade teacher at Lee-Hamilton, who is in her third year of teaching. Not resting on her laurels, Williams is an educator who is always open to participating in opportunities to enhance her teaching delivery. In June of 2017, Williams was awarded a scholarship through EdPlus and used those funds to attend what she calls a “remarkable and life-changing professional development” at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. While at the Academy, Williams witnessed first-hand the transformative methods and techniques implemented by the school that are embraced and replicated throughout the nation. “My mission as an educator is to deliver the highest quality educational experiences with unconditional love through advanced rigor, engaging teaching methods, and a passionate climate and culture,” Williams said. “The rewards I find in teaching are endless. Though at the end of every day, I am physically and mentally exhausted, it is a great feeling to know that I have purpose.” Williams’ selection as the district’s Teacher of the Year qualifies her to be a candidate for the Missouri Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

Lindsey Williams, a first-grade teacher at LeeHamilton Elementary School, was pleasantly surprised when district administrators entered her classroom with balloons and flowers. The administrators’ visit was to inform Williams that she had been selected the Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD) 2018 Teacher of the Year. Williams, is a product of the FFSD. She attended FFSD elementary, middle and high schools, graduating from McCluer High School. She has been employed in the district for 11 years. “Mrs. Williams has high expectations for each of her students. She spends the beginning of the year establishing her classroom climate and culture that immediately encourages her students to be dedicated scholars in their quest for learning,” said Dr. Jill Loyet, principal of Lee-Hamilton. “As you watch students engaged in their learning, you see and hear students pushing themselves in their reading levels, writing about their reading, and progressing in their addition math facts.” Loyett went on to say Williams’ students display an excitement about learning and sharing how they have progressed in their reading levels and math facts.

FFSD chef is catering chef of the year Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

www.STLComposting.com

Susan Smith, a chef in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, has been named the Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) Catering Chef of the Year. Each year SFE presents awards for exceptional performance throughout their entire company. Smith has catered events for numerous

SFE accounts and has been commended for her originality, attention to detail and flavorful dishes. She was recognized at the district’s March Board of Education meeting by Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis and Board of Education Vice President Dr. Courtney Graves.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 25, 2018

Business

Crazy Bowls & Wraps celebrates grand opening in Florissant with ribbon cutting Photo courtesy city of Florissant

Crazy Bowls & Wraps has opened its doors in Florissant; they are located at 8180 N. Lindbergh. The ribbon cutting and grand opening were held on April 4. Pictured above in the middle are Florissant Police Chief Tim Lowery, Florissant Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, Keith Kitsis, founder of Crazy Bowls & Wraps, Chamber President Venus Martz, Ron Landers, CFO of Crazy Bowls & Wraps, standing to the right is Council President Jackie Pagano, Ward 2 Councilman

Tim Jones, Ward 3 Councilman Joe Eagan, Ward 8 Councilman Robert Parson, Major Tim Fagan, standing on the sides are other chamber members and family, friends and staff of Crazy Bowls & Wraps. Crazy Bowls & Wraps will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on Crazy Bowls & Wraps visit their website at www.crazybowlsandwraps.com.

www.byerlyrv.com

NCI awards leaders for making a difference in North St. Louis County North County Incorporated (NCI) will recognize area leaders for their contributions to the North County region at its 41st Annual Leadership Breakfast on May 18 at the Marriott St. Louis Airport. More than 600 business, civic and community leaders are expected to attend the event. “We’re pleased to honor these impressive leaders and committed businesses and organizations who work hard to drive economic development and increase quality of life for all who live and work in North County,” said NCI President and CEO Rebecca Zoll. “Their dedicated efforts go a long way to help raise the stature of our communities.” Leadership awards and recipients: Business Development Leadership Award • Erica Henderson, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership • John Londoff, Jr., Johnny Londoff Chevrolet Community Development Leadership Award • Bi-State Research Institute • Ritenour International Welcome Center • Natissia Small, Ed.D., University of Missouri - St. Louis Public Service Leadership Award • Mike Fulton, Ed.D., Pattonville School District • Cheryl D. Latham, Hazelwood School Dist.

Board of Education • Chief Timothy J. Lowery, City of Florissant Police Department • Chief Frank A. Mininni, City of Normandy Police Department • The Honorable James McGee, City of Vinita Park Elmer Belsha Leadership Award • Howard Nimmons, CPA, Nimmons Wealth Management Special Recognition Leadership Award • John Caravelli, Citizens National Bank Florissant • Robert Huneke, Jr., Community News • Julie Kampschroeder, District

Ritenour

School

NCI’s 41st Annual Leadership Breakfast Platinum sponsors include: HDR Inc.; Negwer Materials, Inc.; SSM Health DePaul Hospital; St. Louis Economic Development Partnership; Saint Louis County; and U.S. Bank. Premier sponsors: Christian Hospital, City of Hazelwood, Enterprise Holdings; Mercy Health; St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley; The Boeing Company; and U.S. Bank. Corporate sponsors: Bi-State Development; Bommarito Automotive Group; Commerce Bank; Greater North County Chamber of Commerce; and NorthPark Partners.

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

What’s Happening

April 25, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS April 25: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

April 27: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

April 28: Spring Salad Luncheon

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 444 at 17090 Old Jamestown Road in Florissant will be hosting a Spring Salad Luncheon. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at 12 p.m. Price will be $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The auxiliary will have bingo, silent auction, raffle, and 50/50. Contact Judy DeClue at 314-868-3612 for more information.

April 28: Breakfast fundraiser

Life Source Consultants invites you to Breakfast With A Purpose – 2018 at Hometown Buffet at 12228 St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton at 8:30 a.m., buffet breakfast served until 11 a.m. Cost is $13 per person and there will be attendance prizes. All proceeds benefit the Road to Recovery Program that provides emergency assistance for women escaping abusive relationships or attempting to reestablish themselves after leaving an abusive relationship (food, clothing, and gas vouchers, limited utility and rent assistance, transportation to receive services or leave town for safety). For more information call 314-524-4130.

April 28: World Tai Chi and Qigong Day Celebration

For the fourth year, Atonement Lutheran Church in Florissant is hosting a celebration of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Don’t miss this free global event with performances by multiple St. Louis Tai Chi schools (all styles).

Beginning at 10 a.m. in Fiji and continuing at 10 a.m. local times around the world, practitioners gather to celebrate the health and healing benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. The event in the gymnasium at 1285 North New Florissant Rd. in Florissant.

event will be On Facebook live. Hosted by Write Sistahs Literary Group at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant from 1-3 p.m. Email, call or text to sign up at writesistahs@yahoo.com or 314-210-4774.

April 28: Fine arts show

April 28: Trivia night

The Hazelwood School District will host its fourth annual Fine Arts Show, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hazelwood Central High School at 15875 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. The event is free and open to the community. The Fine Arts Show is a collective show of artwork created by HSD art students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Artists will display works of art from all courses including art and design, drawing, painting, 3D, digital work and more.

April 28: Poetry and open mic

Poets, storytellers, dancers, singers invited for “Northern Lights,” a community arts program celebrating National Poetry Month and all arts in North St. Louis County. This

www.HHWSTL.com

The annual trivia night fundraiser for TEAM will be held in the parish hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The parish hall is located at 751 N. Jefferson St. The trivia night is being sponsored by the Florissant Rotary Club. Entry fee is $200 per table with a maximum of eight people per team. Entry fee includes beer, soda, water, popcorn and attendance prizes. Extras include heads/tails game, 50/50, silent auctions, and raffles. Mulligans will be available for $10. Cash prizes for first, second, and third places and best decorated table will be given out. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Checks should be made payable to TEAM Food Pantry and mailed to Pat Piotrowicz, TEAM Trivia Night,

130 Katiemist Drive, Cottleville, MO 63376. To register, sponsor, or make a donation, please contact Pat Piotrowicz at patpiotbh@gmail.com or 314-629-7103. All proceeds benefit TEAM – The Emergency Assistance Ministry, a 501c3 organization. The mission of TEAM is to serve the Florissant and Hazelwood residents in need.

May 5: Family resource fair

The Hazelwood School District is partnering with the Spanish Lake Community Association and St. Louis County for the 12th Annual Youth and Family Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Twillman Elementary School at 11831 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County. Families will be able to obtain information to help them provide a safe and enriching summer for their children. They can also connect with organizations and resources that support the entire community. There will be fun activities, free books and a complimentary lunch will be served (while supplies last).

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 25, 2018 May 5: Run/walk fundraiser

The Hazelwood Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Council invites students, families, and the entire community to participate in the 37th Annual Hazelwood PTA Scholarship Run/Walk event. Registration begins at 7 a.m. The first race begins at 8:30 a.m. All activities will take place at Hazelwood Central High School at 15875 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. This year, the goal is to raise $50,000 to provide scholarships for another 100 students, valued at $500 each. This community event has something for everyone: quarter-mile, half-mile, one-mile, 5K race, and a color blast run. The event will also include a health and wellness fair with several vendors, student entertainment and concession stands. Interested participants can register today for $5 by visiting http://bit.ly/ HSDRunWalk18. If you would like to make a donation toward the scholarship fund, go to the Hazelwood PTA Council website at http://www.hazelwoodptacouncil.com. Volunteers are needed to make the run/walk event a success. Many opportunities are available to assist the PTA Council as the race approaches. For details, please

call 314-953-5000.

May 12: Meat shoots

Florissant Eagles Meat Shoots take place every Saturday through May 12. There will not be a shoot on St. Patrick’s Day. There is a barrel length limit, no bull barrels. Shoots start at noon so get there early.

May 17-18: Golf fundraiser

The Hubert H. Hoosman, Jr. Circle of Excellence Scholarship Foundation goal is to assist students in their quest for obtaining licenses, certifications, and degrees through institutions of higher education. The foundation’s first “official” fundraisers will happen May 17 from 6 – 9 p.m. and will be the “Circle of Excellence Reception” at Lowes Café at 8911 Natural Bridge in St Louis. The admission is $25 per person. On May 18 at Old Florissant Golf Course, shotgun start at 12 p.m. The cost is $200 per golfer, sponsorships and golf packages are available by visiting www.hhhcoesfoundation. org. Tickets and sponsorship details are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/ hubert-h-hoosman-jr-first-annualgolf-tournament-tickets-43316836825.

May 19: Rummage sale

Calvary UCC’s Spring Rummage Sale is from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at 2501 Hartland Ave., one block from Ritenour Middle School. There will be clothes, linens, books, CD’s, VCR tapes, household and many other interesting items. Food will also be available for purchase. Call 314-429-7464 with questions.

May 19: Food drive

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host its 10th annual Shop Out Hunger Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The region-wide food drive is held to restock the shelves of both its distribution center located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. and its 220 community partner agencies. Volunteers from over 220 agencies will be staffed outside of more than 130 grocery stores – including Dierbergs, Schnucks, Shop-n-Save and Straub’s – collecting non-perishable food items and donations that will stay in each area’s community. OFS also teams up with numerous community partners including Franklin County Hunger Task Force, Jefferson County Hunger Task Force, St. Charles Community

What’s Happening

Council, and area food pantries across 12 counties. Volunteers are needed to greet customers and collect donations at various grocery store partners. For further details on volunteering or donating food, call 314-726-5355 or visit ShopOutHunger.OperationFoodSearch.org.

May 21: Golf tournament

Christian Hospital Foundation is hosting their eighth-annual Golf Outing at Norwood Hills Country Club. The day includes lunch, 18 holes with shotgun start, on-course refreshments/snacks and games, auction with mobile bid-

www.mercy.net/HazelwoodPeds

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

ding and an awards reception with cocktails and dinner immediately after play. Proceeds from the outing will help the foundation continue in its mission to provide service, compassionate care and clinical excellence to directly improve the health and wellness of our community. Sponsorships are still available and cost for a foursome is $1,000; individual play is $250; or cocktail/dinner only is $80. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.christianhospital.org/golf or contact Mindy Copp at 314-653-4410 or Mindy.Copp@bjc.org.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports

April 25, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

www.pigcco.net

www.treesbywoody.net

Eight days until Rascals baseball The River City Rascals professional baseball team will start the 2018 campaign with their first home game May 15 against the Traverse City Beach Bums at Carshield Field in O’Fallon. The game on Friday, May 4 is an exhibition game against the Gateway Grizzlies at 11:05 a.m. * Down the final stretch of off season UMSL women finish strong in golf The University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s golf team earned a runner-up finish at the UIS Spring Invitational this past weekend with four players finishing in the top 10. The Tritons turned in a 600, which included rounds of 307 and 293, finishing 19 strokes behind Findlay in the nine-team field. UMSL’s round of 293 is a season-low and ranks third in program history. Seniors Stefaniya Ivanova and Ares Boira and sophomore Emma Thorngren all tied for sixth place, each shooting a 151. Go to www.UMSLTritons.com * Good shots all weekend Baseball team at Lindenwood win two games against Fort Hays State Lindendwood University’s ball team was on the good end of a 12-5 win at the Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles Saturday. Conor Behrens started off the scoring for the Lions with an RBI double in the first inning. Ian Nelson hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Drew Quinones for the quick 2-0. Good pitching by Lindenwood’s Andrew Eilers tallied six strikeouts in five innings pitched. After the game was tied, Dominic Revetta tattooed a ball to deep left field for a solo shot, giving Lindenwood a one-run lead. In the same inning, Wes Degener belted a ball over the right field wall to extend the lead to 6-4 after four innings. Revetta hit two-RBI double down the left field line and later scored on a single by Brett Andersen to make it a 9-5 ballgame. Vince Saladino added a run in the top of the seventh with an RBI single

www.aperioncare.com

up the middle and the Lions tacked on two more runs in the top of the eight to take a 12-5 advantage. Kyle Hentis picked up his second save this year after tossing four-scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and struck out three batters in the process. In the second game on Sunday the Lions completed the sweep over Fort Hays with a 10-5 win also at the Lou Brock Sports Complex. Revetta tied the game at 1-1 after an RBI triple in the second inning and Behrens continued his great week with an RBI single to center in the third inning to knot the game up at 2-2. Brett Andersen put the Lions in front 3-2 after driving in Revetta on an RBI single, but the Tiger regained the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run. At that point Andersen broke the tie with a single through the right side and DJ Miller drove in a run to extend the lead. Drew Quinones poked a two-RBI double to right center and Behrens drove in Quinones on a double down the left field line to quickly make it a 10-5 lead. Michael Cessna earned his second win of the season after tossing two innings with one strikeout and no hits allowed. For the complete results, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Great baseball weekend Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 25, 2018

Recipe:

NATURAL WAYS TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST

ith nearly one-third of Americans suffering from sleep disturbances, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now is the time to rethink your bedtime routine and consider more natural ways to get a good night’s rest. However, implementing those changes doesn’t have to mean overhauling the way you live. Consider these simple tips that can help you sleep better and longer: Set a comfortable temperature. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a bedroom temperature between 60-67 degrees F. Tweak your diet. Making simple changes to what you eat and drink can be a positive health-conscious decision, including helping you get better sleep. For example, Montmorency tart cherries, which are available year-round, are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone. New research from the American Journal of Therapeutics shows that insomniacs who drank U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherry juice for two weeks extended sleep time by 84 minutes. Consuming two 8-ounce glasses of Montmorency tart cherry juice as part of your daily diet, once in the morning and once at night, can help enhance your sleep time and efficiency. It can also be added to your favorite morning smoothie or a soothing nighttime beverage, such as this Tart Cherry Moon Milk. For additional information and recipes, visit ChooseCherries.com. Try bedtime yoga. Implementing a brief yoga session is one way to clear your mind each night prior to getting quality shut-eye.

Tart Cherry Moon Milk

F-1

– SUDOKU –

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

Courtesy of Amanda Paa of Heartbeet Kitchen Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1-2

Ingredients:

6 ounces almond milk 4 ounces Montmorency tart cherry juice 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon ashwaganda (Indian ginseng) dried culinary rose petals Directions: In small pot, heat almond milk and tart cherry juice over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in honey and ashwaganda. Top with rose petals and drink warm. Note: For a more frothy beverage, blend mixture in blender before topping with rose petals.

Surviving ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and its aftermath

M O V I E

Feature

The culmination of a decade’s worth of work and after-credit teasers, “Avengers: Infinity War” is slated to make movie history. Twenty-two characters from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) will gather together to battle one major cosmic villain. This film is a game-changer, with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige promising that in this one “dead characters will stay dead.” Ticket sales are more than brisk and it’s safe to say this superhero adventure will become a huge cinematic event. Marvel Studios says that “Infinity War” will usher in “Phase 4” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio also will be giving top billing to two female characters, the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) and Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), in other film projects preparing for release. Some performers who helped build the MCU into a powerhouse have mentioned leaving their characters behind, though. Chris Evans, who played Johnny Storm/Human Torch in two “Fantastic Four” movies, owns the role of Captain America. Evans, however, has been quoted as saying he plans to step away from the hero. Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, God of Thunder, also has mentioned quitting the role he has played for years.

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 9

By Steve Bryan

deal where Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego can appear with other established heroes. Tom Holland’s first appearances as the character were well-received and Marisa Tomei was an intriguing choice to play Aunt May. “Avengers: Infinity War” will be the biggest show in town and you may have to fight to see it opening weekend. Even " Avengers: Infinity War," photo courtesy Marvel Studios though theater chains will show the film in multiple formats, Even with superhero deaths and cast chang- the odds are still good that you might get shut es, there is some good news to be had. Featur- out. Increase your chances by choosing some ing the irreverent character that’s hard to kill, less popular times, like early in the morning or “Deadpool 2” arrives in theaters on May 18. late at night. Though it’s not the greatest option, Josh Brolin, who plays Thanos in “Infinity War,” waiting until Sunday evening also is a viable alappears in this one as Cable, a character deeply ternative. entrenched in the X-Men Universe. With all the “Avengers: Infinity War,” rated PG-13, opens turmoil in the MCU, some naughty humor will nationwide on Friday, April 27. be a welcome change. Born and raised in South St. A pending deal between Walt Disney and Fox Louis, Steve Bryan is now also may bring the X-Men back into the fold. based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed Facing bankruptcy, Marvel sold the rights to access to movie and televithe characters to Fox years ago. That studio also sion sets to see actors and holds the rights to the Fantastic Four, a popular directors at work. Though Marvel Comics team which desperately needs to his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, become a big part of the MCU. at heart, still the same wideSpider-Man also will survive the cosmic battle eyed kid who spent countand return for his second solo film. Sony, which less hours watching classic movies at neighborhood owns the character, and Marvel worked out a theaters.

F-2

Feature

FOR SALE

April 25, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

NOVENA

PET CEMETERY

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.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

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

GARAGE SALE

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

SINGERS WANTED

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, V.M.S.

HELP WANTED

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

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, J.M.R.

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Do you have lots of unwanted “Stuff?”

facebook.com/ mycnews

Let help advertise your sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

Check it Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 25, 2018

Feature

CLASSIFIEDS

Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc • Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

314-993-1833

www.stlouismetrorealtors.com

www.DanneggerBrothers.com www.danneggerbrothers.com Insured | Experienced | Local | Quality

www.lawnauthority.com

www.homewashersstl.com

www.scrubbydutch.com

www.stlouismetroreltors.com

AREAS OF CIRCULATION Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

www.treesbywoody.net

www.cozyhomecleaners.org

F-3

F-4

Feature

April 25, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

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

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Invention contention Some inventions are miraculous. Take for example bacon. Whoever thought such a delicious by-product could come from something that soaks in mud all day? Let’s hear it for whoever invented bacon! Now on to some inventions that need to be seriously reconsidered. For instance, the public restroom; everything inside is now mechanized and computerized. Let’s examine the bathroom procedure step by step (technology has forced me into revealing this our most private of moments). Thanks for that technology! First, enter a stall. Be prepared if there is no handle on the johnny because you must calculate with certainty the placement of your backside on the seat. When firmly attached, you are now committed! Do not even think of rearranging your nether region’s position once it has touched the seat surface. If you should miscalculate and get your rear section a smidge off-centered, for the love of all that is pure and sanitary – freeze! Do not attempt to make adjustments! If you so much as shimmy a nanometer, the camera that is located somewhere in the back section of the toilet will register that movement and immediately flush with an atomic force that creates a bum hickey on your hide for weeks. Also, the potty will shower your tail section with gushes of droplets from unknown polluted origins. When this happens, immediately grab some Purell from your purse and slather up those areas like a baby with bad diaper rash. That section is now safe, but your entire body is contaminated at this point with toxins that have been aerosol-sprayed into your breathing space. Quickly, you must decontaminate. Run to the automatic soap dispenser. Place hands under the soap dispenser, which isn’t intended to produce

any cleansing agent. Next vibrate fingers to alert the microchip that you are present. Nope to the soap. Try jazz hands: wiggle, wiggle. Nada. After numerous attempts, scoop up the pile of soap that has crusted beneath the dispenser on the counter. Scrub hands together then place beneath the automatic water dispenser three or four times. Nothing. Move to the next faucet and repeat. Not today. Next, tap the handle top; hit the sides and move on to the third faucet and curse loudly. At this point a kind old lady will twist the faucet handles on (which you’ve failed to see) and offer the demeaning kind of scowl she gives to her low I.Q. poodle after he has doodied on her plush carpet. Next comes drying. The electronic paper towel dispenser will not release any towels no matter how many times a hand is waved over the sensor because they have become bunched up inside and are permanently stuck. At this point, wipe your hands on your pant legs which have been covered in all manner of sewage particles spewed from the toi toi, making the entire hand cleaning procedure null and void. Go home and shower in bleach then eat some bacon…you’ll feel better. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

Theme: Famous Pets ACROSS 1. Can become herniated, pl. 6. Jump key 9. Popular last name in East Asia 13. “I love you” or “J’____” 14. International workers’ group 15. Like famous rock-n-roll shoe 16. DNA half 17. Will Ferrell’s Christmas character 18. Item on a cell phone bill 19. *Ed’s title 21. *TV dolphin 23. Coach’s talk 24. Gravy holder 25. Hot tea amount 28. Serengeti antelope 30. Single-celled microorganisms 35. Call status 37. Karate blow 39. Marconi’s wireless telegraphy 40. Opposite of home 41. High fidelity sound systems 43. CISC alternative 44. Edible biblical rain 46. One of deadly sins 47. Ship’s final destination 48. Like broken promise 50. Bring home the bacon

52. Message in a bottle? 53. Sound of laughter 55. Promise to pay 57. *Michael Jackson’s chimp 61. *Marlon Bundo 64. Be of one mind 65. Author of “The Star-Spangled Banner” 67. Opposite of gregarious one 69. Flash of light 70. Bard’s before 71. *Like Garfield’s lasagna when he’s done 72. Surfer’s stop 73. Past tense of “be” 74. Mouthlike opening DOWN 1. Morse T 2. Footnote word 3. Songs for one 4. Like a potato chip 5. The Brady Bunch children, e.g. 6. Wedding cake layer 7. “____ the President’s Men” 8. Very successful 9. Intersection of two arcs 10. Great deal 11. Drop-off spot 12. ____-do-well 15. Bachelor on “The

Bachelorette,” e.g. 20. Historical period 22. Skedaddle 24. Renewable energy source 25. *Sea World’s longrunning attraction 26. Des Moines native 27. Yoga class core exercise 29. *Punxsutawney seer 31. Persian backgammon 32. “Bye” to Banderas 33. Popular ‘70s music genre 34. *The Clintons’ cat 36. Unit of force 38. Leaning Tower city 42. Parallel grooves 45. App alternative 49. Driver’s aid 51. Court figures 54. Off kilter 56. German destroyer 57. Tea servings 58. Tangerine-grapefruit hybrid 59. *Gromit of “Wallace and Gromit” 60. “Good” to Sophia Loren 61. Whiskey grain, pl. 62. “He’s Just Not That ____ You” 63. Swarm like bees 66. ____ of Good Feelings 68. Genetic initials SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9