Skip to main content

CN: June 24, 2015

Page 1

June 24, 2015

Flying high in Hazelwood Recipes

11

Friendly Meals Featuring Milk

Around Town

3

“Officer of the Year” Recipient

Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood Hazelwood resident Andrew Nguyen does an amazing stunt off the grind rail on his skateboard as he competes in the Age 15 & Under skateboard category.

Feature Section

5

Camp & School Guide

10th Annual Summer Skate/BMX Competition lets daredevils strut their stuff By Brett Auten High-flying acrobatics, creative leaps and a daredevils’ nerve; that and more will be on display at the 10th Annual Summer Skate/BMX Competition in Hazelwood. In cooperation with Casey Otto of P9 Entertainment, the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Division the event is slated to be held at the city of Hazelwood’s Skate/BMX Park located behind the Community Center in White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Road. “It hasn’t always been easy,” Otto said. “There have been times we’ve had to pick it up and move it to Belleville because of rain in Hazelwood because the kids wanted. We have found a way to make it happen.” While BMX and skateboarding doesn’t get the summer notoriety of baseball there is no questioning both the physical skill to pull such maneuvers off but also the tried and true nose to the grindstone approach to drilling new routines over and over again. “Each year it seems to get a good turnout and competitors always look forward to it when it comes around

every year,” Tim Davidson, Hazelwood Communications Manager said. “This takes some athleticism to do some of these concepts.” The public is encouraged to come out, free of charge, and watch BMX riders and skateboarders match and eclipse each other in a competition format that will see cash prizes awarded to winners of each category. For the wanna-be Tony Hawks or those aspire to be the star of the XGames who are curious to see if what they can pull off in front of their friends at the park will work under the pressure of competition, this event is tailormade for them. For just a $7 entry fee they can enter any of the two separate competitions for BMX riders and skateboarders. Registration is only available at the event. Participants can sign-up to compete in the Age 15 & Under or Age 16-and-over categories. You can expect anywhere from 30 to 50 competitors with a varying number of participants in each category. The older kids tend to lean toward BMX while the younger guys tend toward the skateboard.

Otto launched P9 Entertainment, which puts on events like this in across the region, after he closed his skate park at the Mills Mall. “Pretty much everyone is in this sport are truists and are in it for fun and a See FLYING HIGH page 2

Over the Fence

16

Wage earners, then and now

Movie: “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

9


Around Town

2

Vol. 94 No. 25

In This Issue...

3

Around Town Lambert expands parking to meet demand at Terminal 2 and more.

4

Feature Section Camp & School Guide

6

Business NCI honors community leaders in North St. Louis County and more.

7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16

School Hazelwood wins 2015 Bus Fleet Excellence Award and more. Learn and Play Take a peek at the local author spotlight and check in with Cindy Moore. Movie “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is an indie treat. Sports Local sports with Gary B. Recipes Family-friendly meals featuring milk. What’s Happening Classifieds Over the Fence Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FLYING HIGH from cover good time,” Otto said. “But they like to get a chance to get in front of people and throw down what they have been working on.” The hosts like to add new formats when they can and added this year is two halfpikes, a grinder rail to slide across as well as ramps. BMX and skateboarding is something of a niche sport/activity so the competitors are well aware of each other. “They all know each other and like to challenge each other to learn new stunts,” Davidson said. “It’s a friendly rivalry.” Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets as seating is limited. The event is expected to last until 8:30 p.m. The funding for this program is in part Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood the result of the passage of Proposition P Hazelwood resident Brenden Selby does a difficult aerial stunt by lifting his legs above the handlebar without losing control of and the city of Hazelwood’s efforts to rethe bike. In 2013, he won first-place in the Age 16 & Over BMX category. store many of its services and programs now that the additional revenue stream has resolved the budget deficit.

STLCC-Florissant Valley hosts community event focusing on peace and transformation St. Louis Community College is seeking proposals from organizations, community members, citizens, artists and performers to participate in a one- or two-day event celebrating and promoting peace and community transformation in Ferguson and the surrounding communities. Day 1 of the event is dedicated to dialogue related to peace in Ferguson and its neighbors. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Florissant Valley campus, 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson. Day 2 of the event is open to the community and will provide a platform for peaceful demonstration and celebration. The

day’s activities will take place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 19 and will center on hopes for peace and justice. The main group activity will be led by the international organization Chalk4Peace. The day’s activities are free. The community is invited to submit abstracts or proposals for presentations, discussions, participatory panels, lectures and interactive discussions for break-out sessions of 30-60 minutes. “We are asking individuals, groups and organizations that seek to promote peace and justice or prevent and resolve conflict to apply,” said Janice Nesser-Chu, arts and humanities chair at STLCC-Florissant Valley. “For Day 2, we invite you to submit a

proposal for group activities, performances or information booths that will bring the community together as we continue healing and developing our vision for peace in Ferguson.” Proposed sessions could focus on: • Community projects • Models for building peace • Advocacy efforts • Workshops • Immersion experiences • Best practices • Conflict resolution • Service learning • Organizing and empowering the community Abstracts or proposals should be no more than two doublespaced pages and should include objectives or goals, format and contact information. Preference will be given to proposals that creatively incorporate group participation to promote peace, harmony and cooperation using all-inclusive approaches. Proposals in a Microsoft Word or .pdf document must be submitted to Lonetta Oliver (loliver38@stlcc.edu) by 5 p.m. on July 10. Selected participants will be asked to support the conference with a donation of $25. The funds will be used to support Ferguson residents to attend the conference on Day 1. For more information on submitting a proposal, visit http:// users.stlcc.edu/departments/ fv/Chalk4Peace-CallForProposals2015.pdf or contact Nesser-Chu at 314-513-4861.


www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015

Around Town

Story time for young children to be held at the Berkeley Civic Center Do you know what happens when you read to your children? They become better problem solvers! Repetitive nursery rhymes help your child anticipate what comes next. Talking about pictures your child points to helps her focus. Imagine the thinking a child does when you ask, “What do you think will happen next?” What happens when you read to your kids? You help their brains grow. Bring your child, 3 months to 5 years, to Story Time at the Berkeley Civic Center, 6120 Madison, Monday mornings, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on July 20 and August 24. This free interactive literacy program will be presented by a Parents as Teachers certified

parent educator who will read several stories centered around a theme. Children and parents will have the opportunity to participate in a related activity. Parents as Teachers is a free program provided by the school district for families who live in their district. PAT is a parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. Certified parent educators provide child development information, parent-child activities, group connections, community resources and developmental screenings. Call 314-506-9069 for more information. No pre-registration is required.

Hazelwood police officer selected as 2015 LETSAC ‘Officer of the Year’ recipient In April 2015, Hazelwood Police Officer Scott Schnurbusch was nominated by Sgt. Norman Mars, his supervisor, for a 2015 “Officer of the Year” Award issued by the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council (LETSAC). A month later, Police Chief Gregg Hall and Sgt. Norman Mars received word that the LETSAC Executive Board selected Officer Schnurbush as one of four award recipients. The award presentation is scheduled for July 16 during the LETSAC Conference Awards Banquet at Lodge of Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks. Officer Schnurbusch will be the recipient of the 2015 LETSAC “Officer of the Year” for large departments. By LETSAC’s definition, large departments are those police agencies with 50 or more commissioned officers. “I’m very proud of Officer Schnurbusch. This is the most prestigious traffic safety award any Missouri police officer can receive and he is more than deserving. Scott is dedicated to traffic safety and community betterment. Scott is a smart, talented police officer and a model employee, who wears many hats. He is successful in all of his endeavors, handling every assignment professionally and with enthusiasm,” said Sgt. Norman Mars, Hazelwood Police Department’s Traffic Management Team Supervisor. Officer Schnurbusch has been assigned to the department’s Traffic Management Team since Dec. 7, 2011. He is also responsible for other duties such as fatal crash reconstructions, leaving the scene accident follow-ups, public relations, teaching and training. At times, Officer Schnurbusch is tasked with assisting the Patrol Team with calls for service, conducting case investigations, completing reports and making arrests,

Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood Officer Scott Schnurbusch will be honored at the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Council’s 2015 Conference Awards Banquet as the “Officer of the Year” for large departments. This is the most prestigious traffic safety award any Missouri police officer can receive.

when necessary. Last, but not least, Officer Schnurbusch is one of the department’s in-house trainers. He has trained fellow officers in Civil Disturbance Response Training (CDRT), as well as shared his knowledge on conducting DWI checkpoints and impaired driving enforcement. He was also on a team of police leaders who contributed to a Code 1000 pre-plan for events that occurred in Ferguson. In addition, Officer Schnurbusch has been detached to other agencies to assist them with various functions such as funeral details and traffic control.

Lambert expands parking to meet demand at Terminal 2 Lambert-St. Louis International Airport has opened Super Park Lot E, which offers 248 additional parking spaces within walking distance of Terminal 2. Terminal 2 serves Southwest Airlines. More than 50 percent of all passenger traffic at Lambert flies through Terminal 2. The new lot is intended to accommodate the high customer parking demand in the Terminal 2 parking garage. “We have listened to our travelers, and are pleased to now offer the most convenient and closest surface parking option to help meet the demand and improve the customer experience,” said Airport Director Rhonda HammNiebruegge. Lot E offers travelers the option to use the new lighted walking path to Terminal 2, or utilize Super Park’s complimentary 24-hour

shuttle service, with pickups every 10 minutes or less. Super Park’s Lot E max rate per day is $20; $3 less per day than the terminal parking garages. Lot E will not have an attendant and accepts credit card payment only. Rates for Super Park Lot E are as follows: 0-2 hours $5.00 2-4 hours $ 10.00 4-6 hours $15.00 6-24 hours $20.00 The new lot includes eco-friendly features such as LED lighting and an innovative water runoff and drainage filtration system beneath the surface. Super Park operates seven of the closest airport parking lots and facilities for travelers: Terminal 1 Garage, Terminal 2 Garage, and Lots A, B, C, D, and E, totaling 9,044 parking spaces.

www.villaatriverwood.com

3


4

Around Town

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

City of Hazelwood restores outdoor summer concert series In response to the passage of Proposition P and the city of Hazelwood’s efforts to restore many of its services and programs now that the additional revenue stream has resolved the budget deficit, the Parks and

Recreation Division is bringing back concerts at Truman Park with its “2015 Summer Concert Series.” Free admission will be offered for three different concerts performed under the Truman Park Gazebo this summer on Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A fourth concert featuring food trucks and a food donation drive for the TEAM Food Pantry will be held at Howdershell Park on July 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “Right after we received the good news about the passage of Proposition P, we put together a list of summertime activities we could immediately execute for the city council’s approval which would restore many of the quality programs our residents enjoy doing,” said Hazelwood Community Center facility manager Pam Reynolds. “The summer concert series at Truman Park was one of them. Popularity of our Truman Park concerts has grown due to the variety of musical styles and the quality entertainment they offer at no cost.” Since the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Division waited on the outcome of the April 7 municipal election on Proposition P, they had a late jump on booking bands for this summer. But they were able to lock in three local bands to perform outdoor concerts at Truman Park on August 1 and August 22, and a fourth concert on July 21 at Howdershell Park. Residents are encouraged to come out with their families or spouse and significant other to enjoy

Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood

this quality entertainment. In case of rain, the concert performances will be held at the Hazelwood Community Center. • July 21 – THE RETRO BAND – A professional three-piece band with a dynamic sound and high-energy performance. They play the song hits made famous by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison who created the rockabilly sound that revolutionized rock ‘n roll. Since July 21 is National Junk Food Day, come enjoy the delicious cuisine served by these food trucks: Bombay Food Junkies; Sarah’s Cake Stop; Russo’s Trucktoria; 2 Girls 4 Wheels; Juice Masters; Schlafly, The St. Louis Brewery; and Completely Sauced. Howdershell Park, 6 to 9 p.m. • Aug. 1 – TnT & THE HARD DRIVES – This power-packed band duo plays an eclectic mix of funk, r&b, rock, jazz, and unplugged. Truman Park Gazebo, 7 to 9 p.m. • Aug. 22 – GENTLEMEN BANDITS – This dynamic cover band has been playing in the St. Louis area since 2006. The Bandits’ repertoire includes blues, rock and country soul. For more information, contact the Hazelwood Recreation Office at 314-731-0980 or check out the city’s website at www.hazelwoodmo.org.


www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015

Around Town

5

City of Hazelwood brings back spectacular fireworks display for residents’ enjoyment The city of Hazelwood is giving residents a reason to really celebrate the Fourth of July this year. As a result of voters approving Proposition P in the April 7 municipal election, which created an additional revenue stream to help resolve the city’s deficit problem, all systems are “go” for Hazelwood to resume its annual tradition of providing a spectacular pyro-musical fireworks display for its citizens on July 4. “During our Proposition P campaign, we used the theme, ‘Protect, Provide and Preserve.’ The strong support we received from voters with the passage of Proposition P has allowed us to restore most of the services and programs we were forced to cut in order to reduce our deficit. One of them was our annual Fourth of July fireworks display which we promised to bring back if it was approved,” Mayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood said. Hazelwood’s 2015 Fourth of July fireworks display will be held at White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Road, as in years past. Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood The show is scheduled to begin at dark, approximately 9:15 This year’s fireworks display will be held at White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Road, on Sat., July 4, starting around 9:15 p.m. p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Disabled parking will be available at White Birch Park. Other parkDuring the May 20 City Council meeting, Ward 7 Councilwoman Ro Hendon ing areas include the following: Hazelwood West High School; Armstrong Elemen- moved, seconded by Ward 5 Councilman Russell Todd for a Second Reading vote tary School; Howdershell Park; and the Knights of Columbus. Shuttle bus service on Bill 4519, authorizing a contract for a pyro-musical fireworks display. A roll call will be provided for Hazelwood West, Armstrong Elementary and Howdershell vote was taken and Bill 4519 was unanimously adopted by City Council members Park, starting at 7 p.m. Those who park their vehicles at Howdershell Park and as Ordinance 4408-15. Knights of Columbus are within walking distance to the park. “We encourage all Hazelwood residents and those living in surrounding comTo ensure the safety of all citizens, the city of Hazelwood will be restricting park- munities to attend our Fourth of July fireworks display this year. Let’s pack the park ing on streets which surround White Birch Park. This will allow for safe arrival and with people and show the rest of St. Louis why Hazelwood is one of the finest cities departure of pedestrians from the park. The following streets will have signs posted in North County,” Mayor Robinson added. saying “No parking from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.” on the event date: Altavia Dr.; Chula Dr.; In the event rain postpones the fireworks display on July 4, plans are to reschedule Monte Dr.; Christina Marie Lane; Christina Marie Court; Woodcrest Lane; Nathan- for July 5. For more information on Hazelwood’s Fourth of July fireworks, call the iel Court; Amanda Lynn Dr.; Freeland Dr.; and Teson Rd. Recreation Office at 314-731-0980.

Living Word Christian School summer camps offer kids a range of activities

www.lwcs.com

Submitted photo

Kindergarten – 5 Grade Summer Fun Camp At LWCS Summer Camp, we strive to engage and entertain children K-5 grade through a variety of activities provided in a safe and caring, Christ-centered environment. Activities include arts and crafts, large and small group games, cooking, and time to just be a kid and play with friends. Off-campus activities include weekly visits to the pool and theater, as well as a field trip to an area attraction, such as Pump-It-Up, Sky Zone, Myseum, Chuck-E-Cheese, Great Skate, and Brunswick Zone XL. Times: 8:30-3:00 or 3:00, Before Care 7:308:30, After Care 3:00 0r 3:30-6:00. Registration information can be found on our website (lwcs.us)

6th Grade – 12th Grade Athletic Camps LWCS offers many wonderful Athletic camps; Football, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Softball, Volleyball, Cheer, and Dance. Camps begin June 2. Camp costs range from $30 - $60. Please call for more details on location, dates and times, 636-978-1680 extension 1112. Contact Information • Living Word Christian School Summer Camp • St. Peters Campus and O’ Fallon Campus, Call for locations • 636-978-1680 • www.lwcs.us


6

Business

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hilliker Corporation helps with large Hazelwood property sale Hilliker Corporation, a St. Louis owned and managed commercial real estate company, recently handled the sale of a nearly 114,000-square-foot property located on more than 11 acres. The building is located at 5800 Fee Fee Rd. in Hazelwood. Highlights include 18 foot warehouse clear ceiling height, 16 docks with five drive-in doors, and partially fenced parking area for large trucks and trailers. Hilliker Corporation president Meade Summers

represented the buyer, Fenton Heavy Manufacturing, LLC. CBRE agent Mark McNulty represented the seller, Jefferson Bank and Trust. A logistics company currently leases 75,000-square-feet. The new owner will target manufacturers and warehouse tenants for the nearly 39,000-square-feet of remaining space. The

Submitted photo

location is ideal for companies that need easy airport access, as well as proximity to Highways 270, 170, 70 and 370.

North County Incorporated honors community leaders in North St. Louis County

Do You Get It?

M

athematics is used in many forms every day in life. While some people are very sharp at everyday math, investment world mathematics can be very confusing and trips up even the brightest minds. So, when it comes to the math of investing, do you get it?

Pictured are the sponsors of North County Incorporated 38th Annual Breakfast celebration.

Unfortunately, the lack of understanding how math works in investing can be very costly. According to several financial analysts and researchers, many people spend the majority of their time recovering from cyclical downturns in the market. Can you believe that some investors spend much of their time just trying to get back to even from previous market downturns? Let’s try to uncover one of the big math misunderstandings. When investments lose ground, they must make up more ground, percentagewise, just to get back to even. For example, if you have a $100,000 portfolio that loses 50%, you are down to $50,000. You now have to earn 100% just to get back to even! The mathematics of loss in investing is so cruel because losses count so much more than gains and it usually takes so long to make up those losses. This is why proper risk management and active investing is critically important in investing if you want the magical powers of compounding interest to work for you over time. To learn more about the mathematics of loss in investing and how to properly invest in today’s volatile markets to take advantage of compounding interest, join me on our syndicated podcast show this Friday at 1:00pm. You can access the podcast and our recorded radio segments through our website radio.360ira.com at www.360ira.com. You can also obtain this information and independent advice by contacting our 360 IRA office at 844-436-0472 or by email at info@360ira.com. Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Any statement contained herein are not intended to be construed as tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor as to any of these related matters. The information and opinions contained herein are provided by third parties and have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned. Paid Advertisement

As part of the organization’s 38th Annual Breakfast celebration, North County Incorporated (NCI) recognized several area leaders for making a significant positive impact in North County. At a sold out event on May 29 more than 600 business, civic, and community leaders gathered to honor this year’s award recipients. Carolyn Marty received the prestigious Elmer Belsha Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a long-term commitment to NCI and North County, and has had a positive impact on the community and/or public body that they serve. NCI’s Business Development Award was presented to those whose efforts have positively affected the economic development and business climate of the North County area. This year awards were given to Raven Development for The Crossings at Plaza and Watlow Electric. Excellence in Partnership Awards were given to organizations or companies that have partnered with NCI to make a significant impact on the North County community for the betterment of the area’s quality of life through special initiatives and/or projects. The Regional Business Council, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and St. Louis Regional Chamber were this year’s recipients. NCI’s Community Development Awards were presented to those

Submitted photo

whose efforts positively benefit youth, residents, civic organizations, or others through selfless acts. Jack Olson, University of MissouriSt. Louis and Rosemary Whitehead were chosen for this award. Public Service Awards were presented to outstanding individuals, elected, appointed, or employed by a public body whose long-time service has had a positive impact on the community and/or public body they serve. This year’s awardees are Denny Coleman, CEO, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Mayor Viola Murphy, city of Cool Valley, Chief Robert S. Pruett, city of Bellefontaine Neighbors. Special Recognition Awards were presented to outstanding individuals who through their business and volunteer services exemplify leadership and service to the North County community, are dedicated to helping others, and improving the business environment and/or lives of those they serve. Scott Bonner and the I ♥ Ferguson Committee are this year’s recipients. Sustaining our Community Awards were presented to individuals, organizations or companies that went above and beyond their usual roles to impact North County with programs and resources that sustain or improve quality of life. Emerson, St. Louis Crisis Nursery and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis were honored.


www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015

School

Board approves new assistant principal at Pattonville Heights The Pattonville Board of Education on May 12 approved the selection of Rebecca Prokopf to a new assistant principal position at Pattonville Heights Middle School. She will begin her new role on July 1. Prokopf currently serves as the instructional specialist at Heights and previously worked as a seventh-grade language arts/social studies teacher at Remington Traditional School. Prior to joining Pattonville, she was an English teacher at a middle school and high school in O’Fallon, Illinois. Prokopf holds a bachelor’s degree in English education and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in educational leadership from Maryville University.

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

Photo courtesy Pattonville School District

Dan Grumich to succeed Vince Drake as Trinity Catholic Athletic Director Trinity Catholic High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Grumich as Athletic Director effective July 1. Grumich will succeed Vince Drake, who recently announced his retirement. Drake has been the Athletic Director at Trinity Catholic since the school opened in July 2003. He was also the Athletic Director at St. Thomas Aquinas-Mercy for seven years prior to the merge of Aquinas-Mercy and Rosary High School. Drake, a 1964 Mercy graduate, has coached boys soccer since 1968 at St. Thomas Aquinas, AquinasMercy and Trinity Catholic and girls soccer since 1985 at Aquinas-Mercy and Trinity Catholic. He has won 12 state soccer championships (11 boys

and one girls) and has close to 1,100 high school soccer coaching victories. Grumich is a 1982 St. Thomas Aquinas graduate. He began as the Director of Advancement at Rosary High School in July 2002 and has continued in that capacity for the past 12 years at Trinity Catholic. Grumich has also been the varsity baseball coach at Trinity Catholic guiding the Titans to four district championships and nine district championship game berths in 11 seasons. As Director of Advancement he worked closely with the athletic department and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the mission of Trinity Catholic High.

PHS honors Students of Character www.LaserLipoAndVeins.com

Photo courtesy Pattonville School District

Eleven students at Pattonville High School were recently recognized for exhibiting character traits emphasized in the school’s Pirate Code: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Involved. Each year the Pirate Code/PBIS (Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports) leadership team at Pattonville High School invites staff to nominate students that exemplify these traits. The Pirate Code chairpersons and administrative liaison review the nominees and make the final selection of the school’s Student of Character recipients for the year. Three to four students are recognized in each category. During the school’s spring pep assembly, students were recognized as Most Respectful,

Most Responsible and Most Involved. Earning the designation of Most Respectful for exemplifying the character traits of respect, kindness, peace and self-control were Kimberly Buchheit, Kyle Murphy and Alyssa Reyes. Named Most Responsible for exemplifying the character traits of responsibility, courage, honesty and perseverance were Christian Baugher, LaRonda Ingram, Seth Martin and Takia Jackson. Recognized as Most Involved for exemplifying the character traits of service and cooperation were Gwendolyn Cousino, Annyssa Daniels, Duc Ngo and Te’a Williams

Hazelwood School District wins 2015 Bus Fleet Excellence Award For the 13th consecutive year, the Hazelwood School District (HSD) Transportation department has received the Total Fleet Excellence Award. The award is presented by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Hazelwood School District will receive the award at the Annual Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation conference in Springfield, Missouri in July. HSD received a 96 percent first-pass rate by the highway patrol during the April 2015 school bus inspection. The Total Fleet Excellence Award means that the Hazelwood School District bus fleet has a 90 percent or better rate with no “out of service” vehicles. HSD has a fleet of 133 school buses owned, maintained and serviced by the

District’s Transportation department. The 2015 statewide average first-pass rate is 88 percent. “We want our students and their families to feel confident the buses they ride are safe,” said Bryan Sanker, director, HSD Transportation department. “Our high safety protocols extend to our school bus transportation. This award recognizes the hard work, dedication, and attention to detail by our transportation department, and especially our mechanics. The transportation department’s commitment ensures our students are safe when traveling to and from our schools, and other extra-curricular activities.” Hazelwood school buses will display the Total Fleet Excellence stickers during the 2015-2016 school year.

Walk in care is here… 7 days a week.

We provide immediate care for minor medical conditions like simple cuts and wounds, sprains or fractures, cold and flu, fever, rashes, minor burns or insect bites. Remember, if your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911 immediately. Near I-270 and Lindbergh Blvd. • No appointment needed • Diagnostic X-ray on site

Mercy Urgent Care

637 Dunn Rd. | Hazelwood | 314-817-2000 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Your life is our life’s work. mercy.net/UCHazelwood www.mercy.net/UCHazelwood mercy.net

7


8

Learn & Play SUDOKU:

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

See solution on page 13

www.mycnews.com

Local Author Spotlight: C.S. Hart C.S. Hart was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but considers herself a country girl. Her formative years were spent in the small Arkansas town of Pocahontas, where she graduated high school. As a college student she loved creative writing where she excelled in storytelling. She attended college at Black River Technical College for her associate’s degree and continued on to get her Bachelor’s degree at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. She studied English, Literature and History Education and graduated with honors. She has won several writing awards, including the award for Creative Writing during her college graduation. She is the author of the Christian suspense novel, “WindStone: The Secrets Within,” “On Enemy Lines,” “A Guide to Spiritual Warfare,” and the children’s series, the “Piper Chronicles.” She has also written numerous short stories, some of which are published, including “Grandpa Tom” and “The Chair.” She has two children, Brittany and Christian and a son-in-law, Andrew. She lives with her husband, Dale, and their two feline babies, Sugar and Spice, on the outskirts of St. Louis. In “WindStone: The Secrets Within,” deep in the dark hallways of Briarbeck Sanitarium, terror rips through the mind of Olivia Windstone. Who would know her secrets? Why would they dig so deep? Willa Conrad seeks to find answers. Is her own sanity at stake? Hidden behind the walls of Windstone Manor, forces of an unknown origin lie in wait to devour her soul. Journey with Willa, as she faces her own demons down the path of uncertainty. Fear saturates her very existence as she uncovers …the secrets within. Will she overcome?

By Cindy Moore

Flight fright There are two kinds of passengers you tend to sit next to on an airplane. The first are the antisocials. These types have been traumatized by some horrific incident in their lifetime and no longer wish to have interaction with the general public. They lay low and try to avoid eye contact and wish only to be left alone. These travelers dutifully take their seat then immediately sever all connections with society. They establish that intention by hiding under their hoodies and plugging in their earbuds. They then pretend to read the in-flight safety instructions as their neck pillow is aimed outwardly in a threatening manner. These kinds of people would ignore you if you were screeching and engulfed in flames. I adore these people; sadly, I never get seated next to them. The other type of passenger has a need to blather on about their life’s story including any and all details of a personal nature. These people inevitably are my seatmates. They typically bring in big packages of freshly cooked gourmet food and eat it next to me as I frantically ransack my purse only to come up with a throat lozenge and an old stick of gum that has somehow become entangled in my hairbrush. As I near starvation and dehydration, the stewardess finally reads off the menu selection: dried out packets of kibble and a sip of liquid served in a tiny mouthwash-sized cup – enough to swish around and wet a few lucky taste buds. Thank goodness I had the foresight to upgrade my ticket another fifty bucks to include that meal plan or I’d be untangling my dinner from a brush. I fol-

low my banquet with a delightful dessert – a menthol cough drop. Afterwards, my seatmate turns to face me. I consider grabbing the gag bag and faking a contagious sickness. Too late. She proceeds to divulge things about herself I wouldn’t reveal in my padlocked diary. Within the space of our short flight, she has described the draining of a giant cyst as well as the amount collected; a heart stint insertion in graphic detail; a strange amoeba picked up from swimming which entered her bloodstream through an open mosquito bite that almost ended her existence, and something having to do with “enlarged lymph nodes.” I literally choked on my lozenge seven times. We parted to catch our connecting flights. I entered my small space and immediately draped my coat over my head, plugged in some earbuds, unfolded the safety instructions and wedged it like a wall between me and the adjoining seat, then curled up with my neck pillow facing menacingly outwards. 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.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Tourist Destinations ACROSS 1. India’s first P.M. 6. *Lake Geneva or ____ Léman to the French 9. “The Fame Monster” Lady 13. Soft single in baseball 14. Go wrong 15. Like Al Yankovic 16. Goes with a dagger? 17. ____ bum, found in mountains 18. Pavlova and Karenina 19. *Bourbon ____ in New Orleans 21. *The Smithsonian, e.g. 23. Questionnaire check box 24. Table hill 25. “____ to the Bone” 28. *You spend it in Acapulco 30. Manual calculator 35. Shade of beige 37. Grub 39. “That is,” Latin 40. High or low cards 41. Echo sounder 43. Month of Purim 44. Violent collision 46. Spanish earthen pot 47. Jesus’ first guests? 48. “Pollock” actor Ed 50. Varieties 52. Workout unit 53. Leave at the altar 55. Mama sheep 57. *Versailles or Buckingham 60. *London or Golden Gate 63. It is often wreaked 64. Lungful 66. Liveliness 68. Smart ____ 69. Old French coin 70. Mideast V.I.P. 71. Jamaican rub 72. QB exclamation 73. Schoolmarm’s whip DOWN 1. Major network 2. Building extensions 3. Owl’s talk 4. Woman’s cries, according to Helen Reddy 5. Homeowner’s concern 6. “____ we forget” 7. Genesis vessel 8. C in CSI

9. Kind of pool 10. Hokkaido people 11. One thousandth of kilogram 12. Publisher’s revenue source 15. *Popular condiment when dining in Tokyo 20. Golden parachute recipients 22. *Disney World is among its most popular attractions 24. Like light of full moon 25. *Keys attraction 26. Capital of Ghana 27. Dismal 29. “Go away!” 31. Original rib owner? 32. Mothball substitute 33. Data ____ 34. *The ___ in Las Vegas 36. It was Brezhnev’s domain

38. *China has a great one 42. Autumn laborer 45. Steal a plane 49. “___’em!” to a dog 51. Extreme agitation 54. Fido’s restraint 56. Swelling of human organs 57. Not sun-kissed 58. Affirm 59. Key receiver 60. Very dry 61. Increased in size 62. December 24 and 31, e.g. 63. Pilgrimage to Mecca 65. Promise to pay 67. “____ he drove out of sight...”

See answers on page 13


www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015

Movie

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”

9

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13

Take a break from summer blockbusters with this indie treat The success of “Jurassic World” notwithstanding, independent filmmakers are gaining a stronger foothold at the box office than ever before. Case-in-point: the delightfully offbeat “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” Based on the Jesse Andrews novel of the same name, this little film is quirky, irreverent and positioned to become the sleeper hit of the summer. Thomas Mann delivers a breakout performance as Greg, a high school student whose secret to surviving requires flying under the radar. He joins every social clique, but makes a point not to stand out. Everyone seems to like him, but he refuses to let anyone get close to him emotionally. When talking about best buddy Earl (an amazing RJ Cyler), for example, he refers to him as “my co-worker.” That changes after his mom (Connie Britton) coerces him into visiting Rachel (Olivia Cooke), a classmate who receives a leukemia diagnosis. Greg initially goes through the motions to please his parents, but he finds himself drawn to the pretty and fiercely independent young woman. In the process, she manages to coax the real Greg out of his protective shell. Working from author Jesse Andrews’ screenplay, director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon hits all the right emotional notes with “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” This film took top honors at Sundance 2015 and it looks to do the same as it hit theaters this summer. While it treats cancer seriously, it also contains hilarious dialogue. Thomas Mann has the perfect droll delivery as Greg, a teenager who coasts through life. He and Earl create their own short film parodies (“2:48 Cowboy” instead of “Mid-

www.hollywoodcasinostlouis.com

night Cowboy”) but don’t want anyone to see them. When word gets out, though, Rachel’s friends say that Greg should make a film for the dying girl. Playing Rachel, actress Olivia Cooke achieves the right emotional balance. Rachel didn’t consider herself pretty before her diagnosis, so she is very conscious of the effect chemotherapy will have on her hair. Her relationship with Greg isn’t sappy or sentimental, but it is refreshingly realistic and honest. Despite these great performances, Molly Shannon threatens to steal the movie more than once as Denise, Rachel’s slightly lecherous mom. Shannon is so good in this role that it’s a wonder we don’t see her in more films. Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) also is delightfully droll as Greg’s eccentric dad. Summer traditionally is the time for megapopcorn blockbusters, but “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is something special. Great performances combined with creative direction and dialogue make this an awesome film. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” rated PG13 for sexual content, language, drug material and some thematic elements, opens in St. Louis on Friday, June 26. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” photos courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.


10

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports

twitter.com/mycnews Duchesne High makes history On June 6 the Lady Pioneers Soccer Team from Duchesne High School captured a piece of Missouri Soccer history. After defeating Springfield Catholic HS 2-1 in the semifinal, Duchesne won the 2015 Class 2 State Championship with a 3-2 victory over St. Pius X (KC). With this victory, Duchesne became the first girl’s soccer team in Missouri history to win three consecutive state titles. Duchesne finished the season 16-7-2, all of those losses coming from Class 3 or Class 4 opponents. The team can credit its success to a challenging regular season schedule. The Lady Pioneers can also give a lot of credit to senior captain Jane Skaggs. She scored the game winner in both of the Final 4 victories from 25 and 20 yards out respectively. Her game winning strike in the championship came with 1:16 left in the game. The Lady Pioneers have won titles in 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015. * Thanks to Coach Patrick Turner of the Duchesne Boys & Girls Soccer program

COMBINING QUALIT Y AND COST IS ONE OF THE THINGS W E D O B E S T. Knowing the families in our community, we understand quality service and cost are both important. We also know people are more comfortable when they have choices. Our list of services assures your family the dignity they deserve at a cost you determine. If you ever have a question or would like more information, feel free to call or stop by.

Stygar Florissant

Chapel & Crematory Center 13980 New Halls Ferry Road.

(314) 830-1500

Stygar Mid Rivers

Funeral Home & Crematory 5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.

(636) 936-1300

www.stygar.com www.Stygar.com

Baseball players At Lindenwood picked in MLB draft In the recent Major League Baseball draft, the university was proud to announce a couple of players were picked. Right-handed pitcher Matt Meier was selected by the Colorado Rockies and was the second pick of the 30th round by the Colorado Rockies’ organization. A second pitcher, Geoff Hartlieb was selected by the New York Mets in the 37th round. Meier has been at Lindenwood all four years as a relief pitcher and appeared in 55 games. 2015 was his best season pitching 13.2 innings only giving up six hits and winning the only decision he was given. He held opposing batters to a light hitting average of .136 this past season. Another accolade he received was being named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll the past three seasons. He is a local product, attending Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles before becoming a Lion.

Hartlieb joined the Lindenwood baseball team prior to 2014 and has pitched in 27 games accumulating 57 strikeouts. * See you guys in the BIGS someday River City near the top of the league The River City Rascals play their professional baseball at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O’Fallon in the Frontier League. As summer officially begins the team finds themselves in second place three games from the lead. At the plate, catcher Danny Canela has been leading the pack with a batting average of .319. His six home runs place him sixth in the league and Canela is third with 27 runs-batted-in. As a team, the Rascals are at the top of the 14 teams batting at .277 clip and also being hit-bythe-pitch stat at 20. Joe Scanio continues to be the leader on the mound with four wins against three defeats. The team is in the middle of the road in comparing their pitching performance among the league. Their earn-run-average is at .366 and has only allowed 18 home runs. UPCOMING HOME SCHEDULE: (Start time 6:35 p.m., Sunday’s 4:05 p.m.) • June 24, 25, Wed (11:30 am), Thurs. against Rockford Aviators • June 26, 27, 28, Fri, Sat, Sun against Frontier Greys * Eyeing first place

Tune into Your Health Plus Radio Show, Every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KSLQ 104.5 FM

For more information go to www.YourHealthPlus.info. One-hundred percent natural products to help focus, reduce stress, more energy, curb your appetite, healthiest coffee, anti-aging serum and more… 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 – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015

Recipe:

11

Family-friendly meals featuring milk

Milk is not only a fridge staple; it’s an essential part of American lives. It’s so important that, according to a new consumer survey conducted by Wakefield Research, 82 percent of American parents say they would make a separate trip to the store if they ran out of milk — and for good reason. “Milk has long been associated with good health and plays an important role in achieving a balanced diet,” said Dana White, M.S., R.D. and

A.T.C. of Dana White Nutrition, Inc. After all, milk is packed with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, phosphorus and potassium. Milk is also a versatile kitchen ingredient that has many uses beyond the cereal bowl. So when you’re looking to whip up recipes like Banana Walnut Oatmeal and Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower, make sure to reach for fresh, quality milk.

Raspberry Milk Pops Prep time: 5 minutes | Freeze time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Macaroni & Cheese with Cauliflower Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 Ingredients: 2 cups small shell-shaped pasta 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets, about 6 cups 2 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, minced 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 1/2 cups whole milk or 2% reduced fat milk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole milk or 2% reduced fat milk 1 (12-ounce) package frozen raspberries 1/4 cup honey Directions: In blender or food processor, combine milk, frozen

raspberries and honey; blend until smooth. Pour mixture into eight 4-ounce ice pop molds or plastic drinking cups. Add ice pop sticks. Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.

Cookies & Cream Smoothie

Directions: In large saucepot, heat 10 cups salted water to boiling. Add shell pasta and cauliflower. Heat to boiling; simmer uncovered, 6 minutes. Drain immediately.

until melted and smooth.

Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter; add onion. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended; cook 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk and mustard; cook until mixture thickens and is smooth, stirring constantly. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in cheese

Heat oven to 400°F. Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil. Grease 2-quart baking dish or casserole. In large bowl, toss pasta and cauliflower mixture with cheese sauce to mix well. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Bake 20 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbly.

Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2

Banana Walnut Oatmeal Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Serving: 1 Ingredients: 1 cup 1% low fat milk or fat free skim milk inch of salt 3/4 cup water 1 cup quick oats 1 very ripe banana, mashed 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (plus more to taste) 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts Blueberries, for garnish Sliced bananas, for garnish

Ingredients: 2 cups 1% low fat milk 1 cup ice 4 chocolate sandwich cookies 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions: In small saucepan, combine milk, salt and water; heat over medium heat until steaming hot, but not boiling. Add oats and cook, stirring until creamy, 1–2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in mashed banana and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Divide between 2 bowls, garnish with walnuts, blueberries, sliced bananas and little more maple syrup and serve.

Chicken Dijon Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Flour for breading 4 eggs 1/2 cup olive oil

For the Sauce: 1 tablespoon shallots, finely diced 1/2 cup white wine (not cooking wine) 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 cup heavy cream Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dredge chicken breasts in flour; dip in egg, then in breadcrumb/cheese mixture.

Heat oil in large saute pan; add chicken breasts and cook until golden on both sides. Remove from pan and place in 350°F oven to cook through. Drain most of the oil from the saute pan; add shallots and cook for 1 minute. Add white wine and lemon juice and cook for 3 minutes to reduce. Add Dijon mustard and whip in with a whisk. Add heavy cream and reduce until creamy. Pour over chicken.

Directions: In blender, combine milk, ice, chocolate sandwich cookies and cocoa until blended.


What’s Happening

12

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events June 24: Community garage sale The Bridge at Florissant is holding a Community Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit TEAM (The Emergency Assistance Ministry) food pantry that serves the poor and hungry in the Florissant-Hazelwood area. Individuals are welcomed to participate; a $10 donation goes towards TEAM and reserves a spot. The Bridge at Florissant has one hundred spots and will have refreshments available during the event. Spot participants are responsible for their own tables to sell their things. Please call Staci Guyot or Mary Swip at 314-831-0988 if you are interested in reserving a spot. June 24: Social Security Planning Workshop

Hosted by 360 IRA. 1:30 p.m. St. Charles County Library, McClay Branch. 2760 McClay Rd, St Charles, MO 63303. June 25: Social Security Planning Workshop Hosted by 360 IRA. 6 p.m. St. Charles County Library, Kisker Branch. 1000 Kisker Rd, St Charles, MO 63304. June 25: Women’s health event “A Night with the Girls” is an opportunity for women of all ages to have their most personal questions answered by a group of women’s health experts, all while enjoying some much deserved pampering, including wine, hors d’oeuvres, chair massages, and a photo booth for memories with their friends and family. St. Clare Health Center will be hosting the event from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Fr. Jim Krings Conference Cen-

ter located on the Ground Floor of the SSM St. Clare campus. Featured physicians available to answer questions will include Drs. Pamela Bunting, breast surgeon, Jessica Bowers, OB/GYN, and Fikisha Warden, family medicine. The event is free, however space is limited. Make your reservation today by calling 1-866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763267). June 27: Family fishing tournament The annual Family Fishing Tournament will be held at St. Ferdinand Park from 9 - 11 a.m. Entry cost is free and for Florissant residents only. Pre-registration required and is in progress at the James J. Eagan Center or JFK Center. A current 2014/2015 Florissant Resident Card is required to register. Awards and consolation prizes will be given in various categories throughout the event. The tournament is open to all ages; however, individuals 16-65 years of age are required by state law to have a Missouri State Fishing License. For information call the James J. Eagan Center at 921-4466 or the JFK Community Center at 921-4250. June 27: Book signing Amie L. Merz will be signing copies of her book “Living With a Rock Star and a Super Hero” from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 6 North Café at 14438 Clayton Road in Ballwin. For more information call 636-527-0400 or visit www.6northcafe. com.

Upcoming Events July 10-12

July 16-19

saintlouisweaponcollectors.com

stchlibraryfoundation.org

HEALTHY LIVING

SENIOR FAIR

July 22-26

August 11

missourinumismaticsociety.org

baue.com

636.669.3000

www.STCHARLESCONVENTIONCENTER.com www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com /stcharlesconven

@stcharlesconven

June 27-28: ARRL Field Day 2015 Amateur Radio’s Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 45,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for Amateur Radio, sponsors this event. Field Day 2015 runs from 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. Want to learn more about the hobby and see amateur radio in action? The Boeing Employees Amateur Radio Society (BEARS-St. Louis) will be operating at the Duchesne Park pavilion, 5 Brower Lane, off of Graham Road in Florissant. From I-270, take Graham Road north and turn left on Manion Park Driive. There are other sites in the St. Louis metro area. To find one near you, go to http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator. Amateur radio operators will be

at the sites to answer your questions. June 27-28: Fiesta in Florissant Hispanic Festival, Inc. of Greater St. Louis will be presenting “Fiesta in Florissant” at the Knights of Columbus Park located in Florissant near the corner of Lindbergh and Washington St. The event will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The colorful and festive Welcome Ceremony will begin on Saturday at 5 p.m. with remarks from the city of Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider. The two-day celebration will feature non-stop entertainment with live Latino Bands and Folkloric dancers from various countries including Panama, Colombia and Mexico. There will also be a wide variety of foods and beverages from Latin & South America available for purchase such as tamales, tacos and empanadas. Other attractions include folk arts and crafts, Los Niños Kids Corner with piñatas and Dora the Explorer, pony rides, inflatable rides and information booths from several cultural organizations to acquaint the public with their programs and services. New this year is the Fiesta “Car Show” which will be Saturday at 12 p.m. Expect giveaways, and more! The funds raised are used to fund scholarships distributed to college-bound students and underprivileged children. Admission and parking is free. For more information call 314-837-6100 or visit www.hispanicfestivalstl.com. June 28: Wedding exhibit Taille de Noyer will open their exhibit of wedding gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, groom’s clothing and mother-of-the-bride dresses from throughout the 20th century. This historic home is located on the campus of McCluer High School at 1896 South Florissant Rd. in Florissant. The Wedding Party will begin at 2 p.m. with Dorothy Ernst, vintage clothing curator, discussing style and fabric changes through the century; followed by Mary Gettemeier, proprietor of The Flower Pot, presenting wedding flowers and bouquets. Linda Huffman will share her collection of decorative wedding cake tops used in the 20th century. The afternoon will culminate with the serving of champagne and wedding cake. Admission is $10 and reservations can be made by calling 314-4099478 or 314-496-2319 or mailing a check made payable to FVHS to P.O. Box 298, Florissant, MO 63032.

June 29: Golf tournament Kids In The Middle (KITM) will host “Golfing For Kids” 2015 starting at 9:30 a.m. at The Country Club of St. Albans. The tournament includes a light continental breakfast before golf, boxed lunch and beverages on the course, a buffet and two-hour open bar after golf and use of the clubhouse locker room. All of the proceeds help provide kids and families with counseling in the middle of divorce, separation or remarriage. Andy Belval, president and CEO of Keystone Technologies, is chairing the event. Reservations are required and available for single players or teams of four at $245 per player. Sponsorships are available. For further details about the event, visit kidsinthemiddle.org or call 314909-9922. June 29: Charity golf tournament Saint Louis Crisis Nursery will host their annual charity golf tournament from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Norwood Hills Country Club at 1 Norwood Hills Country Club Dr. in St. Louis. The format is a four-person scramble with shotgun start. Admission is $350 per person; teams available. For more information, call (314) 292-5770. July 1: Crafters needed Crafters Needed for the Tri-County Citizens Advisory Board to Probation and Parole Fourth Annual Christmas in August Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters on August 29. If interested, please contact Nancy Corbin by July 1 at gpcorbin@charter.net or at 636-9160029. July 4: Florissant Independence Day celebration Florissant’s proud tradition of celebrating Independence Day continues this year on the grounds of the James J. Eagan Civic Center at Florissant Valley Park, which is located at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive. Festivities begin with an outdoor concert performance by the Northwinds Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Following the concert, the city of Florissant is sponsoring its renowned fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display only will be held the following evening (July 5 at 9:15 p.m.). For additional information, please call the James J. Eagan Center at 314-9214466.

Business Spotlight A place to find out a little more about your local businesses! www.windowworld.com


www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015 July 8: Free lunch for children Free lunch for school-age children is provided by Operation Food Search. Starting July 8 and every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through Aug, 7 lunch will be served at 11 a.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd. For information call 314-837-8555. July 27-31: Vacation bible school An icy expedition awaits your kids at our Vacation Bible School, July 27-31, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Gateway Church of the Nazarene at 11703 Old St. Charles Road in Bridgeton. Our VBS is for children who have completed 6th grade through age 4. Each night is filled with high-powered music, crafts, games, snacks and much more. For more information or to register, call the church office at 314-291-1763 on Tuesday through Thursdays. Our regularly scheduled events include Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday Worship at 10:45 a.m. “The Underdogs” is our free summer children’s program on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Recurring Events Mondays: A cappella singers Men of Harmony a cappella singers meet at Salem Evangelical Free Church at New Halls Ferry at Pohlman Road at 7 p.m. Not church affiliated. Group is always looking for new members. Call Al at 314-993-6134 for more information. Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly) From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476. Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316. Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight? Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Bethel Providence Christian Church located at 14700 New Halls Ferry Rd in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information. Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316. Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs: 3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1. Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Lisa Erlinger at 314.653.5331. Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45pm, Knights of Columbus Hall,

1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330 Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752. Every Friday: The Bridge at Florissant Hot Diggity Dog Build your own hot dog. 11:30am, The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. in Florissant. To RSVP, call 314.831.0988. Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400 Sundays: Meat shoot Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded. Every Sunday: 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 Church Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737 Health Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed 4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314.653.5032.

Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873. Diabetes Basics: 314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll. Crisis Nursery: Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www.crisisnurserykids.org

What’s Happening

mentia, 314.653.5123. Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100. Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 SSM DePaul Healthy Happenings Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal SUDOKU answers from page 8

Diabetes Self-Management Training: Call 314.344.7220

CROSSWORD answers from page 8

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 de-

Every Monday, Health Tips With Mary Swip 11am,. The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. Sales Director Mary Swip will have a guest speaker come talk about health and wellness tips All Bridge events are free, but require reservations. Please RSVP by calling 314.831.0988. Now: SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art 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.

Every third Tuesday of every month:

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.

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

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.

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 121-124, 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.

13

www.historicstcharles.com

www.byerlyrv.com


14

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

help wanted

NOVENA

SERVICES

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

PET CEMETERY

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.

“Stuff ” Piling Up?

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

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

R.H.

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

Check it Out!

Let help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

www.MYCNEWS.com

help wanted

Classified Special! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

15.00

$

Call 636-697-2414 Statewide Classifieds

ADOPTION

HELP WANTED-DRIVERS

INSTRUCTION/TRAINING

Adoption - Enthusiastic, active, devoted couple seek to adopt and create adventurous family. Allowed expenses paid. Hillary/ Joel. 1-800-515-1005. Susan Stockham FL #0342521

HOGAN IS HIRING! Dedicated CDL A Drivers! Solo & Team Opportunities. Home Daily & Weekly Runs. Full Benefits and Sign-On Bonuses! 866-706-8442.

MISSOURI WELDING INSTITUTE, INC. Nevada, Missouri. Become a Certified Pipe and Structural Welder. Earn top pay in 18 weeks. Many companies seek our graduates. 1-800-6675885. www.mwi.ws

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED-DRIVERS

Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497

Butler Transport. Your Partner in Excellence. CDL A Drivers Needed. Sign on bonus! All miles paid. 1-800-528-7825 or www.butlertransport.com Drivers - No experience? Some or LOTS of experience? Let’s Talk! No matter what stage in your career, its time, call Central Refrigerated Home. (855) 476-9090 www.CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com

MOBILE HOMES 1994 16x80, new carpet, paint, cabinets, total remodel. Will pay to have moved! 417-533-3599


15

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 24, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

www.windowworld.com

www.HomeWashersStl.com

www.scrubbydutch.com

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366

St. Charles

Combined

cnews@centurytel.net ofcnews@centurytel.net www.mycnews.com

St. Louis

St. Louis

St. Charles

St. Charles

Combined

Combined

Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods. Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique group of readers, because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers. Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

ON C RAZY

Inside...C OUP

y for 86 Years 1921 - Weekl Established & Operated ies Family Owned & St. Charles Count Louis Serving St.

ws.com www.mycne

Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

Women’s By Shelly A.

Fair

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes .

C o o li n g It

July 11, 2007

By Shelly A.

FIT!FUN! U FAB

Schneider

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months. Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs. While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family doors to the from the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es disea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to animal ers escalatin owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

!

S LOU

Schneider

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on at the 2007 to questio more and , image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuFair at St. Women’s ay, Nov. 17, Saturd for . lous – set unity College Charles Comm rship in partne the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, prizes, fashion show laxation, eminars, a than 50 ing nine mini-s and more sere speaker, and keynot ts and ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and exhibits and a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

toes: floodwa ter and perman If you believe mosquitoes. ent water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosqui their eggs on damp soil where toes lay sure, please on your property, but will occur are not call the Departm flooding or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspecti other small on and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomm fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. end a - National St. Charles in the larval County resident Friendship stages, broods greatest can upload s have the prevention of mosquitoes Day is Aumethod fingertips. a two-mintoes are mainly Proper maintens right at their gust 5 and - propert of the pest variety, ance of the ute video y the first to is the and are first step toward in light of emerge in the describ ing mosquito spring months prevention. All trash Many of these a recent and refuse that . mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to propert friend lights ten miles or more drained y should be adequately i n d i c ate s up their life graded and , to prevent a blood meal ..........3 w any o to m pools lay ........... en water that may to www.ra or puddles r story............. eggs. of last place high Cove County mosqui ten days or longer. diance ribtheir eggs directly ....................6 to control v a l u e ider.... McCauley lists on the water bons.com. officer Barry Shelly Schne several things 9 on , surface, their may do to homeowners cies in this Florissant ..........8 friendships, group do - their summekeep mosquitoes from test closes Old Olay is offering venture ruining theirTown r: breeding sites. not ..10,far11from a chance to Aug. treat themsel women Charles......... 31, ves with a trip to New Explore St. York City. in October. .................12 See MOSQUITO No Olay is hosting City . . . . ............ Town page 3 sary. For official purchase is neces........ a summer On the ......... called “Light . 414 School . . Up Your Life. contest www.radiancer contest rules, visit Chamber. .Gary . . . .Baute. . . . . . . ” .. 5 ........ ibbons.com. Women ts with Religion Spor .

‘Light Up Your invites Wom Life’ Contest en to Honor Friendships

UE

IN THIS ISS

a grand tic entry into al beauty basas well as automa g – a person prize drawin JCPenney. y of ket courtes emiants nine mini-s fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose e, fitness, breast exercis plastic surmation on nence, and inconti ement and urinary personal improv fitting and bra gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, p made easy, hair, makeu

Movie Talk

........ 16 ............ . . . ... 6

St. Peters

.... Cheese . . ........ ...

7

... Better You 9 ........ It’s About .. 17 ...... 10 2139 Bryan...................... Movie Review Valley Commer cial23Dr. • O’Fallon .22, , MO 63366 eds ...................... P: 636.379.1775

Classifi topics to ercial Dr. the spirit. Valley Comm sessions (threetime frame) 2139 Bryan Seminar MO 63366 during each O’Fallon, a.m., and 1:30 choose from 636-379-1632 s a.m., 10:40 9-1775 • FX: t begin at 9:30 P: 636-37 centurytel.ne 1:15 p.m. E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. page 17 Wonderland at Christmas in the lunTAINMENT Doors open Film Group’s See ENTER feature duringigh-energy Electra in Yari and Carmen h A special a e Kattan b l l Chris lin. year wi cheon this Dan Cough by author 3 presentation FAIR page N’S See WOME

Movie . . . ........ ...... Sports . . . 12 ........ . . . . . . 14 Real Estate/A utomotive . . . . 15

F: 636.379.1632

E: ofcnews@ centurytel.net

Coupon Crazy .... What’s Happen . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ing . . . . . . . . . 18 Classifieds ........ ....... 22

www.mycnew

s.com

2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a

Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with

commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

plus online subscribers.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the’N fast-growing Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop Save. -

Vol 9 No 28

Mosquito Sea son

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

additional copies available in newsstands, unique business-to-business magazine featuringat chamber of Or, sign up for a FREE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION www.mycnews.com


16

June 24, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

By Joe Morice

Wage earners, then and now As a teenager, before stump grinders and wood chippers were invented, I worked for what was called a tree surgeon. Actually he was a tree trimmer and tree remover. Stump grinders are rotating disks with teeth that grind big tree stumps down below ground to be covered with soil. Chippers are machines that workers poke tree limbs into and it grinds them into small chips and blows them into a truck. We didn’t have those conveniences back in the early sixties. We had a climber that swung through trees on a rope and trimmed them limb by limb with a hand saw and the ground crew dragged the limbs away and loaded them on a truck. I was the ground crew for $1.25 per hour. We even dug hardened soil away from huge stumps with picks and shovels so they could be cut off below ground with a chain saw. It’s probably the hardest work I ever did for the least amount of money. Minimum wage for unskilled labor during those years was the standard for teenagers. As we grew past

www.rvsupport.net

puberty, some progressed into higher paying factory jobs and many remained there for life. The wages were usually enough to live on and even raise families. I wasn’t happy working in factories, and offices were too confining. I’d rather dig out tree stumps….well, almost. Instead I entered a four-year apprenticeship for heavy equipment operation and maintenance and went on to raise a family. Journeymen received good wages when they worked. Inclement weather sometimes shut down construction projects. A portion of our wages paid for health care and retirement pensions. What I see today is disturbing to say the least, but you already know that if you’re a wage earner. I have some ambivalence about the minimum wage these controversial days. The minimum wage I was paid was commonly paid to teenagers still in high school or after graduation for a short time. However, those factory jobs for those who didn’t attend college have all but disappeared. This left numerous adults without advanced degrees working those same minimum wage jobs that teenagers once performed while said teenagers either went on to college or ended up living with parents…or both. Missouri’s minimum wage is $7.65 per hour. After looking up the $1.25 I earned as a teenager on an inflation chart, it now equals $9.66 per hour. Of course this still isn’t nearly enough for a family to live on

even if Missouri raised it to this amount. Yet many adults are forced to accept these low wages, regardless. Many want the minimum wage increased to $15 per hour. That might barely sustain a very frugal family of three or four. The small businesses are against it for obvious reasons. The debate continues but one of several depressing results we now face stands out. Inner-city teenagers without jobs are causing mayhem in and around areas where many parents are also without jobs. Left with no income, illegal drug sales, murders and a multitude of other crimes have seriously escalated. The biggest crime of all is the entrenched members of the state and federal legislatures who sat idly by while American corporations sent those factory jobs to starving countries. When asked, they usually blame crime increases on opposing parties, bad upbringing, guns and so on. It appears they were hoisted by their own petard. Few of them want to deal with the reality of what unemployed or under-employed people with no hope will do to survive. But they do know where to get millions for spin-doctored campaign ads to win elections. 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 heavy equipment. He has no formal training as a writer, unless a lifetime 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.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
CN: June 24, 2015 by Community News - Issuu