CN: August 19, 2015

August 19, 2015

Big plans for Westport Recipes

A Super Snack with Pop

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Community Voices

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By Angelia D. Bills

This artistic rendering shows what the new 209,000-square-foot headquarters for World Wide Technology around Westport Plaza’s lake would look like.

Submitted photo

Pending approval, redevelopment would include new headquarters for World Wide Technology By Sara Hardin Westport Plaza is the leading candi- people in Westport Plaza on a daily basis cause of the potential addition of World date for a new development plan which that are looking for a place to buy lunch, Wide Technology.” would include a new 209,000-square- buy dinner, have coffee in the morning If the plan is approved, the goal would foot headquarters for World be to start development the first Wide Technology around the week of November of this year “Having a world class company expand plaza’s lake, a renovated outand for the plaza to be open in Maryland Heights and place their door area and improved comand occupied the first quarter world headquarters on the Westport mercial and retail spaces. The of 2017. Plaza campus reinforces that Maryland plan was disclosed by Lodg“We believe the most promiHeights is a great place to do business.” ing Hospitality Management nent changes will take place to Andy Arrick, General Manager of DTZ (LHM), which bought the support the 4-5,000 daily emplaza in 2012, and World Wide ployees and visitors at Westport Technology. and the like, so it’s very synergistic for Plaza once this project is complete,” said “Having a world class company ex- Westport Plaza.” Arrick. “This includes the addition of pand in Maryland Heights and place Cobler explained that the addition of retail, restaurant and entertainment ventheir world headquarters on the West- the World Wide Technology headquar- ues, some of which is already underway.” port Plaza campus reinforces that Mary- ters is particularly pleasing to restaurant land Heights is a great place to do busi- owners who may be looking to lease ness, and that Westport is a great venue space within the plaza, thanks to the for business as well as entertainment,” extra business that the development atexplained Andy Arrick, General Man- tract to the area. ager of DTZ, Westport Plaza’s manage“Bringing 1,000 well-compensated ment company. individuals into this 42-acre mixed-use The development would bring 1,000 development is catalytic for quality resjobs to the plaza, along with an influx taurant operators to come in and lease of foot traffic for the restaurants and re- space here at Westport,” said Cobler. tail businesses which also reside in the “Right now we have 700,000-square-feet plaza. of leasable space at Westport, and you “Bringing a world headquarters for an couple that with another 200,000, we’re $8 billion company into Westport Plaza close to 1 million square-feet of leasable is exciting, so much as it brings with it space here at Westport, so restaurant op1,000 full-time employees,” said Craig erators are excited for the opportunity to Cobler, Senior Vice President of Devel- come in and have a business here at the opment of LHM. “With 1,000 employ- complex. We continue to talk to restauMovie: “Fantastic Four” ees coming into Westport, coupled with rant operators, and one of the reasons the 3,000 that are here today, that’s 4,000 they’re excited about Westport is be-

School

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Brown Elem. Receives Grant

Over the Fence

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Trains, then and now

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Around Town

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Vol. 94 No. 33

In This Issue...

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Around Town The Taste in Ferguson fundraiser is set and more. Business Statewide Economic Development Organization recognizes NCI and more.

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School Midwest Dairy awards Brown Elementary school $1,000 grant and more.

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Learn and Play Take a peek at the local author spotlight and check in with Cindy Moore.

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Movie Why “Fantastic Four” failed.

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Sports Local sports with Gary B.

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Recipes A super snack with pop.

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What’s Happening Classifieds Over the Fence Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

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

August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Inattentive parents put their children in danger Or am I the only one who notices how parents don’t keep their children close to them anymore in public places? I am appalled by how parents rush out of their cars taking no thought for the toddlers and smaller children who are lagging at least 10-15 feet behind. Do these parents have no thought that their child could be hit by a car, wander off, or get snatched by a stranger? Then there are the kids who run out into the parking lot upon exiting a building while the parents are screaming at them to stop. When did parents stop holding their child’s

hand or actually pick them up and carry them to the car for safety’s sake? I have also seen young children struggling to open the back car door all by themselves while the parents are already in the car and buckling up. While the child is struggling to get the back door open, I shudder to think what could happen if the parent drove off assuming the child was already in the car. I have seen young kids so far away from their parents in stores it was hard to tell who they belonged to. I have witnessed a mother or father leaving the older (but too young)

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Ellen Phillips child to watch an infant or toddler while they went to the restroom or back to the buffet. I have seen kids playing by the restaurant doors while waiting for their parents to pay the bill. I often find myself on edge, watching these children so that they don’t get their hands caught in the door when someone enters or exits the restaurant. Parents – please watch your kids so others won’t have to. Ellen has two grown daughters and lives in St. Peters with her husband and two cats. When she’s not working, she loves checking out yard sales and enjoys writing about every day observations.

Crider opens St. Charles clinic, fills void of dental care

Taking stock one year later By Angelia D. Bills As we mark the first anniversary of the death of Michael Brown and the onset of the Ferguson crisis, I ask the question, “How far have we come and where do we go from here?” I grew up in Jennings and went to Jennings High School so I along with many of my other classmates, colleagues and friends watched television in horror as West Florissant became a war zone and many familiar stores were looted and burned. Far from blaming the victims, I knew that a longstanding era of police brutality and racial profiling had caused the anger of many of our young people to boil over. In the aftermath, there were some reforms and new programs that were created to address the needs of the people who seemed have been left out of the progress of the St. Louis County Region. Companies such as Emerson, Ameren, Enterprise, Anheuser Busch and organizations such as the Regional Business Council, North County Inc. and Civic Progress stepped up to the plate to serve affected businesses and an underserved populace that demanded attention. Social service organizations such as the United Way, Urban League, Provident, Better Family Life and the Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis worked diligently to offer programs to African American males, youths and young adults. Although these activities have been promising, there is still more to do on the civic and political fronts to ensure that the events that led to the crisis will not happen again. The Ferguson Police Department remains in power and has yet to take steps to become more diverse, reduce racial profiling and increase police-community relations. Governor Jay Nixon’s Senate Bill 5, which caps the amount of money that cities can collect from traffic tickets, is promising in the fact that it prevents cities from operating on the backs of its citizens. However, there is still more to do. As we remember the anniversary, now is the time for us to reflect and continuously move towards making our community better. Angelia D. Bills is Vice President of Communications for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. and a lifelong resident of unincorporated St. Louis County.

Submitted photo Crider Health Center President Laura Heebner cuts the ribbon for the official opening of the center’s new clinic. Heebner was joined by among others St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith (left of Heebner) Tim Swinfard, president and CEO of Compass Health Network (right of Heebner) and Scott Tate, president and CEO of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce (blue shirt in back).

On July 30 more than 50 members of the community, including St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith, joined together for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the St. Charles clinic at 102 Compass Point Dr. at which the nonprofit organization offers behavioral and dental services. The clinic serves as one of the very few area dental groups that actively accepts patients covered by Medicaid, helping narrow a medical gap the region has grappled with for years. Most providers that include this population do so on a limited basis. The St. Charles Clinic also represents the only practice between St. Louis County and central Missouri that performs dental procedures under general anesthesia for those covered by Medicaid. Previously, many of these patients had to drive upwards of two hours for these services. “During the past nine years, Crider Dental Clinics have provided comprehensive pediatric dental treatment under general anesthesia to our patients in most need at a partnering clinic in Webster Groves,” said Dr. Timothy Denny, Crider’s dental director. “The service focuses on children who have extensive dental disease. We were greatly limited since only one facility provided general anesthesia for our Medicaid population.” “With our new Pediatric Dental Operatories in St. Charles, and in partnership with Premier Dental Anesthesiology, an offshoot of Mercy Hospital, that administers our general anesthesia, we can now provide the highest level of treatment to the patients in our four county service region. Before, these patients had no other choice but to seek treatment in other cities and counties.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 19, 2015

Around Town

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The Taste in Ferguson fundraiser is set The 3rd annual The Taste in Ferguson fundraiser event for the Robbie McGartland the Samantha Lipka Memorial Scholarship Fund will take place on Sept. 13. The event will again be held at the Savoy Banquet Center located at 119 S. Florissant Rd. from 3 – 6 p.m. Centene Corporation has been announced as this year’s major event sponsor. The Clayton-based management health care company is building a new claims processing facility at 2900 Pershall Road at the old Ackerman Buick site. The center is expected to open by the end of the year and is bringing 200 new jobs to Ferguson. Charlie Brennan from KMOX radio will be the event emcee. Many food vendors are returning this year, along with new restaurants who will be serving up delicious food samples to satisfy your appetite. A Celebrity Chef cooking demonstration has been added this year. Florissant’s own Lia Weber the 2014 winner of TLC’s “Next Great Baker” and oth-

er St. Louis favorite Mike Johnson owner of Sugarfire Smoke House and National BBQ Completion Chef will be performing under the big tent. This year’s event will also include beer and wine tasting, music entertainment, children’s activities and a silent auction. Tickets this year will be $20 for adults and children age 11 years and older. Children age 10 and under are free. Tickets are now on sale. You can purchase them at the Whistle Stop, Robinwood Automotive, I Love Ferguson Store, Roper’s Ribs and Ferguson Farmers Market on Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon or on-line at www.thetasteinferguson.com. For anyone who would like to get involved with our fundraiser event, we have volunteer opportunities available. Business or individual sponsorships are also available. You can email info@thetasteinferguson.com or visit the website at www. thetasteinferguson.com.

St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness and area yoga instructors to host yoga event St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) is inviting St. Louisans to support the organization and its mission at the various events and activities planned during the St. Louis observance of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – Sept. 1 through 30. For the seventh consecutive year, St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA) will be partnering with area yoga instructors to host the annual “Rise ‘n Shine, Yoga for SLOCA” event. The unique awareness-raising yoga-centric event will be held “rain or shine” at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park on Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration opening at 8 a.m. Guided by rhythmic Kirtan music from Bradford Smith & Friends and resonating Tibetan Bowls from Patty Pellarito, 20 area yoga instructors will lead participants through 108 Sun Salutations; a 12-step sequence of yoga poses. Participants can do as many or as few of the sun salutation sequences as desired. Chair yoga will be available for those who want to participate on a more gentle level (no prior yoga experience is necessary to participate in the yoga activities.) Submitted photo The event’s guest speaker is St. Louis OB/GYN For the seventh consecutive year, St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness Dr. Teresa Knight. Other participant benefits in- (SLOCA) will be partnering with area yoga instructors to host the anclude chair massages, henna tattoos, a gift basket nual “Rise ‘n Shine, Yoga for SLOCA” event. raffle, and flowers and T-shirts for purchase. A new feature this year is the Kids Zone children’s Busch Stadium; “Teal Toes for SLOCA” pedicure area featuring yoga, music and art (ages 4-14, $10 fundraiser; and the annual Trivia Night hosted by the Mercy Hospital-St. Louis oncology nurses per child.) The cost to pre-register is $35 per person and technicians. The St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness mis(through August 22nd), or $40 after that date. sion statement reflects a commitment to imTo register online, visit the SLOCA website at www.sloca.org/yoga. For questions regarding the pact ovarian cancer survivorship by promoting awareness of early warning signs and standard of event, email yoga@sloca.org. The “Rise ‘n Shine, Yoga for SLOCA” event is care, funding ovarian cancer research, and supjust one of the varied events and activities SLO- porting survivors. For more information about Ovarian Cancer CA plans to observe National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, as well as the St. Louis OvarAwareness Month in September each year. Other activities planned for 2015 include the annual ian Cancer Awareness organization, visit SLOCookie Baking for Survivors at Dierberg’s Cook- CA’s website at www.sloca.org. ing School; Ovarian Cancer Awareness Night at

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Around Town

August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Helping kids stay healthy Kids Block Party is a free community event that encourages healthy lifestyles among children By Brett Auten

Submitted photo Among events for kids at the 9th annual Kids Block Party is Touch a Truck, where a number of different fire, ambulance, emergency relief team vehicles will be there for them to explore.

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Childhood obesity, health and awareness are hot button topics and the proof is in, dare we say, the pudding. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years and in 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. On Aug. 29, a fun and factfilled afternoon with a strong emphasis on a healthy lifestyle for children and adults will be

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the theme as the 9th annual Kids Block Party returns to the St. Charles Conventions Center. The event is free to the community and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and within that four-hour block the overriding theme will be encouraging healthy, active and safe lifestyles among children (ages 3-10). “This is going to be a fun day with lots to do,” St. Charles Convention Center Marketing Manager Kristen Bowen said. “This is something the family can do together and not cost a thing. There will be different organizations from, in and around St. Charles focusing on a healthy and active lifestyle.” An estimated 25 exhibitors have signed on. Among those expected to be there include: Safety Street, Juice Plus, Little Fishes and Fit for Moms. Last year, an estimated 2,500 people roamed the convention center. For the kids, there will be plenty to keep them occupied. Along with inflatable slides and bounce house there will be an all-in-one sports arena bounce house that features basketball, soccer and other sports. The kids will also get a chance to participate in Touch a Truck, where a number of different fire, ambulance, emergency relief team vehicles will be there for them to explore. The Land of Giants truck club, a regional club that supports charities in Missouri area, will be showing off their toys, which so happen

to be giant lifted trucks. Utopia Entertainment will be providing ample music to get up and dance to along with a special performance from Frozen princess Elsa and Anna and the Fit for Moms will demonstrate a stroller workout any busy parent can partake in. A slew of prizes will be given away throughout the day, including; Perez Chiropractic, Texas Roadhouse, Renaud Spirit Center, a Wish Upon A Star Princess Cupcake Baking Basket, a Disney On Ice Ticket Pack and many more. There will be a concession stand. If you donate one of the following personal care items you will receive a coupon for 10-percent off concessions at the event: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, soap, deodorant, floss, or mouthwash. All donations will be distributed to St. Charles residents in need during the Helping Hands for the Holidays event at the St. Charles Convention Center event in December. “We will be both indoor and outdoor,” Bowen said. “We will have some air conditioned areas. We have a number of people and exhibitors returning along with a lot of new faces. So, if you have been here every year for the past nine years, there are still plenty of fun and worthwhile things going on.” For more information, visit www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com/events/kidsblockparty.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 19, 2015

Around Town

Route 364/Page Phase 3 honored with AASHTO award Route 364/Page Phase 3 is the winner of a regional award in the America’s Transportation Awards competition. The project was honored by the Mid America Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in the “Quality of Life/Community Development” category. The $118.2 million dollar project that connects Interstate 64 to Route 94/Mid Rivers Mall Drive was honored for helping reduce congestion along Interstate 64 and Interstate 70 and reducing commute times by as much as 15 minutes for local residents. A total of seven projects were honored in the competition’s three categories: Best Use of Innovation, Under Budget and Quality of Life/ Community Development. The awards are

given annually in four regional competitions to recognize the best of America’s transportation projects. “These projects are winners for managing costs, meeting community needs and innovation,” said John Cox, President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. “When State DOTs succeed the nation wins because everyone depends on transportation.” The ten regional winners with the highest overall scores will now compete for the National Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced in September at AASHTO’s annual meeting in Chicago.

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North County Golf Tournament will support community initiatives NCI will host a North County Golf Tournament and Auction on Sept. 25 with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and an 11 a.m. shotgun start. The outing will be held at Emerald Greens Golf Course. The cost for a foursome is $600 and the cost per player is $150 which includes drinks, lunch and dinner. Cost for just dinner and the auctions is $50 per person. Sponsorship packages are still available. Please call 314-895-6241

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for more information or go to www.NorthStLouisCounty.com. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to support the work that NCI does on behalf of the North County community; including advocacy for equitable funding for education, quality healthcare, support and training for small businesses. For more information regarding how NCI benefits North County go to www.NorthStLouisCounty.com

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Business

August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Statewide Economic Development Organization recognizes NCI for recovery initiatives North County Incorporated (NCI) is pleased to announce Rebecca Zoll, President/CEO of NCI was recognized by the Missouri Economic Development Council at their Annual Conference. Zoll was awarded the 2015 Resilience Award for the leadership she and NCI provided during the month’s following the Ferguson Crises in 2014. NCI’s work to bring regional partners together to help the area’s small businesses and school districts during and after the crises was one of the reasons MEDC leaders honored Zoll. “Rebecca Zoll and NCI are deserving of this honor due to their commitment to community based economic development in North St. Louis County. Rebecca’s bold leadership during a time “Hi Jeremy, I have withdrawn of challenge and money from a few of my IRAs this uncertainty should year, but put the money back within be commended. 60 days. I was not aware of the rule Her contributions you discussed on your radio show to the small busithat doesn’t allow a person to do this anymore. Are there any exceptions ness community in to this rule that I may qualify for?” the Ferguson area Thank you, Ronald will have a lasting impact on the area,” said Joe Reagan, President and CEO of St. Louis Regional Chamber. The organiza-

Question of the Month

You are correct Ronald; there was a major rule change this year pertaining to 60-day Indirect IRA rollovers. Many people were taking advantage of this rule by opening up several IRA accounts and doing the 60-day Indirect Rollover from each one. This gave them the ability to take several tax and penalty free loans from their IRAs each year. The IRS did not intend for this rule to be used this way. Beginning January 1 this year, the IRS changed the rule to only one 60-day Indirect IRA rollover per person, per year, no matter how many IRAs you have. Plus, the ‘year’ rule is a 12-month period, not a calendar year. However, there are some exceptions: • Direct rollovers or transfers – from custodian to custodian • Conversions to a Roth IRA • Checks issued to the account owner made payable to the new custodian Unfortunately, from your question, it sounds like you don’t qualify for one of these exceptions. However, if you would like to discuss it further and give me some additional information, I can tell you for sure. Join me on my syndicated radio podcast show this Friday at 1:00pm for our popular Question and Answer Show where we will answer many questions from our readers and listeners. You can access the podcast and our old radio segments through our website at radio.360ira.com www.360ira.com. You can also obtain this information and independent advice by contacting our 360 IRA office in St. Charles at 844-436-0472 or by email at info@360ira.com. Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Investments and/ or investment strategies involve risk including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives. This 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 by third parties for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned Paid Advertisement

tion led a broad initiative that accomplished the following: (1) stabilized the business community by providing immediate grant assistance to businesses impacted by the unrest; (2) provided high touch outreach to build relationships with business owners and to assess needs; (3) marketed Ferguson, Dellwood, Photo courtesy North County Inc. and Jennings businesses to attract more customers to NCI President/CEO Rebecca Zoll accepts award from MEDC Pres. John Engelmann. the area; (4) established a us would ever expect to be faced with. The resilience series of workshops to support the ongoing development and growth of busi- that Rebecca has demonstrated with the support of her board is something we will be learning from for nesses in the impacted corridors. Zoll was nominated by the City of Hazelwood and a long time,” said John Engelmann, CEcD, President St. Louis Regional Chamber. “NCI has supported the of MEDC. The Missouri Economic Development Council North County community for nearly 40 years, this is (MEDC) is a statewide, nonprofit association of ecoa situation in which there was no existing organizanomic development professionals and community tion “on the ground” that could provide immediate support. NCI took this role upon itself,” said David leaders, MEDC has been the unified voice of MisCox, Department of Economic Development, Direc- souri economic developers since 1979. North County Incorporated is a regional developtor, city of Hazelwood. “Economic Development professionals pride them- ment organization, which acts as a catalyst to define selves on being able to think on their feet and face and advocate economic and community development challenges, but what Rebecca did to marshal local, for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in state and federal resources, while addressing inqui- 1977. The Board is composed of community leaders ries from around the world is beyond what many of and business owners. Dan Boyle, Esq., of The Boyle Law Firm is the current Chairman of the Board.

St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission promotes new convention services manager The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (SLCVC) has promoted Patti Sanders to the position of Convention Services Manager. In this role, Sanders will be responsible for meeting and convention support services to clients in obtaining repeat convention business for the city. She will also act as a liaison between the client and area suppliers to help the client realize a successful meeting or

convention in St. Louis. With more than 15 years of experience in the Sales Department for the SLCVC, Sanders previously worked as Senior Sales Coordinator. Prior to joining the SLCVC, Sanders spent over 15 years in the Mortgage Banking industry. The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission is the sales and marketing organization responsible for marketing St.

Louis City and St. Louis County as a convention and meeting site and as a leisure travel destination. In addition, the CVC manages and operates America’s Center Convention Complex, which includes 502,000 square feet of prime exhibit space, a 28,000 square-foot ballroom, the 67,000seat Edward Jones Dome, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 19, 2015

School

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St. Louis Community College awarded major funding from U.S. Department of Education The U.S. Department of Education has awarded St. Louis Community College over $3 million in funding to support three Student Support Services projects under the department’s TRIO program. The department’s TRIO program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and works to motivate students to graduate. Each award is for five years (2015-2020) and will benefit students through academic and support services at three St. Louis Community College campuses: • Florissant Valley Campus – $231,103 annually, $1,155,515 total • Forest Park Campus – $231,103 annually, $1,155,515 total

• Meramec Campus – $212,946 annually, $1,064,730 total The funds will be used to raise the success rate for academically disadvantaged, low-income, and/or first generation college students who struggle to stay in college and complete their certification or degree. Services will include, academic tutoring in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects; advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection; assisting students with information on a full range of student financial aid programs, benefits, and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications. The funding will also help St. Louis Com-

munity College provide education and counseling services to improve the financial and economic literacy of students. These services will help students with admission and financial applications to four-year institutions, and graduate and professional programs. The funds may also be used to provide individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, activities, and instruction. Each opportunity is designed to acquaint students with career options, provide exposure to cultural events, and learn more through academic programs not usually available. Mentoring programs are also a vital part of the services provided through this funding.

Hazelwood Board Director earns CBM credentials Hazelwood School District Board of Education Director Rick Roberts, Ph.D., has earned the level of Certified Board Member. Roberts has completed the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) training program which helps local school board members master the knowledge and skills they need to function as effective educational leaders in their communities. Roberts was elected to the HSD Board of Education in April 2015. Roberts (right) is congratulated by fellow HSD Director Cheryl Latham at the Aug. 4 board of education meeting.

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Midwest Dairy awards Brown Elementary School $1,000 grant Students and teachers at Brown Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District have been recognized for their efforts to get active, eat healthy and make a difference in their school and community. Brown Elementary was selected as one of 60 “Touchdown Schools” in the Midwest to receive $1,000 to further enhance their health and wellness initiatives as a part of the Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Fuel Up to Play 60 FREE FAMILY EVENT Brown Elementary students Matthew Morrisey and Brooklyn Eliot work in the school’s community garden program. during Earth Day in April. The school will use part of the grant to purchase new garden equipment. According to we’re all here, for the students.” Brown Elementary To become a Touchdown School, schools had principal Matt Phillips, the school plans to use the funds to buy garden equipment to grow to meet specific criteria, including having at food they can serve in the cafeteria, and addi- least one registered Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor, and at least one student earn enough tional “Just Move” activities for classrooms. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition points by eating healthy and staying active to and physical activity program developed by the qualify for Student Ambassador status. Schools National Dairy Council, Midwest Dairy Council also had to track their progress in the program and the National Football League (NFL), in col- and complete all six steps on FuelUptoPlay60. laboration with the United States Department com. “We’re thrilled to be able to reward these stuof Agriculture (USDA). Nearly 73,000 schools dents and teachers for making healthy choicare involved in Fuel Up to Play 60 nationwide. “I’m extremely of proud how the students es and setting examples in their schools and and staff have really taken ownership of the communities,” said Midwest Dairy Council health and wellness initiatives and made them Vice President of Health and Wellness Melissa a positive part of the school culture,” said Dr. Young. “The Fuel Up to Play 60 program has Ingrid Clark-Jackson, interim superintendent, given students an opportunity to take control of Hazelwood School District. “Matt and his staff their own health and make their communities are planting the seeds for holistic learning by healthier by encouraging their peers and famimaking it all about the students, and that’s why lies to do the same.”

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Learn & Play

August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Community Toons

John Hanna

John Hanna is a part time, amateur cartoonist taking his first step into the world of print and online comic media. When he isn’t drawing or working at his second job, he can be seen in and around the St Charles area. If you like his work, that is good. If you don’t like it, that is good too.

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Imagine that We’ve got our kids and their children staying with us for a few weeks and you know what that means…reserving a hotel room for ourselves and driving by every few days to make sure our house is still on its foundation. But eventually we returned for an extended visit. This means that we must devise creative ways to entertain the small grand kiddies. It’s a tough thing. Children need high-tech entertainment nowadays. Back when we were little urchins, our parents developed a low-tech way to ensure we entertained ourselves; it was called a door and we were promptly locked on the outside of it and not allowed on the inside until the first frost. We soon learned how to devise ways to entertain ourselves; it usually involved ant hills and a magnifying glass. After we bored of exploding

ants with the sun’s rays, we moved on to burning bigger and better things, including cardboard boxes and vacant fields. Hey, you get locked out of the house long enough and things naturally evolve. Not our fault. Children today are plugged into electronic devices and won’t detach themselves from them unless their gadgets are somehow rendered inoperable, meaning;

the country gets hit with an electromagnetic pulse. It takes ingenuity to entertain them. They’re used to big-time, instantaneous stimulation. They want nothing less than games that involve disco-dancing dinosaurs or sparkling sea slugs that spin and sing. And they’ve got to be animated and inside a handheld device which demands their little eyeballs complete attention and requires continual thumb movement until they develop carpal tunnel and tunnel vision. So to keep up with their modern demands, I did what any doting parental unit would do, I knocked down a hornets nest after annihilating its inhabitants and for the next two hours the kids dissected the nest with tweezers and examined the larvae.

Local Author Spotlight: Susan E. Sagarra

St. Louis-based author Susan E. Sagarra has penned her first mystery novel, “Cracks in the Cobblestone,” which California-based Oak Tree Press published in March 2015. “Cracks in the Cobblestone” incorporates a local flavor with the use of historic Main Street-St. Charles as a fictionalized backdrop. In the novel, two women take a crack at adulthood in vastly different worlds. Their mutual obsession with the Titanic tragedy brings them together to solve a long-forgotten mystery in the fictional quirky river town of Tirtmansic. Amelia Thornton is a feisty 25-year-old owner of a school for young ladies that is sinking in debt. A grieving detective comes to town to investigate when Amelia’s money – and husband – disappear. But the detective’s plans go awry. Later, an odd presence reveals itself to cub reporter Meghan Murphy as she walks on the town’s rickety, brick-laden street. The paranormal activity that is weaved into the story is inspired by the legend of ghosts inhabiting Main Street-St. Charles. Titanic references in the story are inspired by the author’s fascination with the tragedy. Sagarra, who grew up in Ballwin and now lives in Creve Coeur is a freelance writer, editor and public/media relations consultant. She previously was the first managing editor of St. Louisbased West Newsmagazine for nearly 15 years. She most recently was editor of the Show-Me Institute and previously was the first communications director of the Gateway Section of the PGA; and a public relations intern for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Sagarra received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and communications from Lindenwood College and a Master of Arts degree in communications from Lindenwood. She is a graduate of Parkway West High School. “Cracks in the Cobblestone” is available at Main Street Books (St. Charles), Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, OakTreeBooks.com, and is coming soon to other local bookstores.

SUDOKU:

Their eyeballs have never been so attached to anything since the last Disney movie came out. Next we’re going to pick up sticks and pine cones in the yard and pretend we’re gathering zombie bones then roast their body parts in a bonfire. Using my imagination, I should have a spotless yard at the end of their vacation; at which time I’ll return the batteries to their handheld video games. 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.

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 • Community News – St. Louis County • August 19, 2015

Movie

“Fantastic Four”

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By Steve Bryan -

Why “Fantastic Four” Failed Last year at this time, Marvel Studios was enjoying the box office success of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Based on a lesser-known comic series, its overwhelming popularity was somewhat unexpected. “Saturday Night Live” even did a sketch showing that Marvel could release just about any movie and it would become a major hit. If that’s true, what happened to “Fantastic Four,” the 2015 movie based on the Marvel Comics tentpole series? Counting Roger Corman’s 1994 version, this is the fourth attempt to create a satisfying film about the famous superhero team. With state-of-the-art special effects and a great young cast, this film should not be failing at the box office. Rumors and stories paint a dismal picture of director Josh Trank’s on-set behavior, however. Even if those stories are true, the screenplay itself is downright boring. It takes about three-quarters of the running time to set up a major conflict with Victor Von Doom (Toby Kebbell). The story lacks direction and motivation, preventing the actors from doing a good job with the material. “Fantastic Four,” like its 2005 and 2007 predecessors, deviated from the core elements of the comic book. Debuting in 1961, the origin story focused on the space race and beating the Russians into orbit. Reed Richards, girlfriend Sue Storm, her little brother Johnny and Reed’s best buddy Ben take their unshielded rocket into space where cosmic rays give them their powers. The series changed the way readers interacted with the publishers. Marvel’s letter columns were almost as much fun

www.stygar.com

to read as the stories themselves. “The Fantastic Four” started a trend that led to other great characters like “Spider-Man” and teams such as “The Avengers.” Artists like Jack Kirby, who did so much for “Fantastic Four,” are legendary figures in the industry. With private contractors launching their own rockets these days, why not update the origin for 2015?

A modern-day Reed Richards could make his mark in space and, in the process, turn himself and his friends into superheroes. The current movie has Reed inventing teleportation, which takes them to another world. Borrowing a page from Jack Kirby’s sketchbook could have made a huge difference here. In addition to Doctor Doom, the group has an excellent group of adversaries, especially the intriguing Mole Man and Prince Namor, the SubMariner. The 2007 movie wasted two of the best characters, the Silver Surfer and the planet-hungry Galactus. Like the first two “Spider-Man” movies, these powerful beings could help carry the movie. Unfortunately, with 20th Century Fox looking to take a major write-down on “Fantastic Four,” the team may end up on the shelf for an indeterminable time. That’s sad because the current film actually ends on a decent note, one that could turn into a watchable sequel. As it stands now, the film is disappearing from screens faster than the Invisible Woman. “Fantastic Four,” rated PG-13, currently is playing in theaters. “Fantastic Four” photos courtesy Twentieth Century Fox 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.

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August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports Mixed martial arts coming to the Family Arena Fight Hard MMA will return to action on Aug. 29 at the Family Arena in St. Charles. As always Fight Hard will be offering thousands of free tickets to fans through several area marketing and retail partners as well as its website and Facebook page. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first fight of the evening starting at 6 p.m. * A lot of action

www.missouripromenaders.com

Rams start exhibition season on the downside The St. Louis Rams traveled to Oakland, California to start the 2015 preseason session and could only come away with three points and dropped the contest to the Raiders 18-3. The regular players saw very limited action to give Coach Fisher and his staff a look at many players trying to make the 53-man roster which needs to be finalized before the season’s first game Sept. 13. The team will stay on the west coast to scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys before coming home then traveling to Tennessee to play the Titans on Aug. 23. Some highlights included: • Quarter back Nick Foles made his preseason Rams debut completing 3-of-5 passes for 69 yards, including a long of 35 yards to Tavon Austin. • Wide receiver Chris Givens led the team in receptions and receiving yards with four receptions for 36-yards/he also had one rush for 16 yards. • Kicker Greg Zuerlein converted a 31-yard field goal for the only score. • Wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez had a kickoff return for 23 yards. For more information on the team go to www. StLouisRams.com * A lot of players to choose O’Fallon’s professional baseball team on a roll The River City Rascals play their professional baseball at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O’Fallon in

the West Division of the Frontier League. With just over two weeks of the regular season left, the Rascals has been playing some pretty impressive ball winning eight of 10 games recently. Unfortunately they still trail the first place Normal CornBelters (who recently won 10 games in a row) by three games. Playing the Rockford Aviators over the weekend in their backyard, the team continued its torrid hitting rampage scoring 31 runs in the three game series. Third baseman Brian Hansen cooled off a little bit this past weekend, but still holds the top spot in the league with a .384 average. Outfielder Taylor Ard continues to pound the ball as well cracking his league leading 24th home run Sunday. Also he added several runs-battedin over the week to lead the league in that department with 64. Pitcher Joe Scanio notched a win to place him one game behind the league leaders with nine. The Rascals’ team continues to lead the entire league in batting average with a .286 average. For more information, go to the Rascal’s website www.RiverCityRascals.com HOME SCHEDULE: (Start time 6:35 p.m., Sunday’s 4:05 p.m.) • Aug 19, 20, Wed, Thurs against Southern Illinois Miners • Aug 21, 22, 23, Fri, Sat, Sun against Evansville Otters * A hitting clinic

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 • August 19, 2015

Recipe:

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A super snack with pop Make your next friendly gathering a popping success with desserts and snacks made from a wholesome simple grain. Not only does popcorn bring out the kid in everyone, it’s a naturally healthy treat you can feel good about serving your guests. And, because it’s naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, you can rest assured that party-goers will keep popping back by for one more guilt-free bite. What’s more, freshly popped corn makes it easy to tickle all your guests’ taste bud cravings. Salty, spicy, sweet — the options are nearly endless. Serve it up with flavors already mixed in, or let guests mix and match their own favorite toppings to create unique tastes of popcorn perfection. These recipes make it easy to prepare crowdpleasers for all ages ahead of time so you can focus

Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn

on the fun. From Seed to Snack Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain. It resembles corn on the cob in appearance and cultivation, but only pop-corn kernels have the ability to pop. Most of the world’s popcorn is grown in the central United States. Popcorn is usually harvested with a combine, which strips the ear from the stalk and shells the kernels from the cob. The kernels are then loaded into a truck and transported to a storage bin for drying. Then, after cleaning and sorting, kernels are packaged for distribution, allowing Americans to consume more than 16 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year.

A DIY Dessert that Pops

Yield: 3 quarts

Ingredients: 2 quarts popped popcorn 1 1/2 cups pecan halves 1/2 cup almonds 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt Directions: Line large, rimmed 17-by-12-inch baking pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside. Spray large glass or metal bowl with cooking spray and place popcorn and nuts inside. In medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter and corn syrup. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Clip on candy thermometer and boil, stirring occasionally, until temperature reaches 290°F (about 15 minutes). Remove candy thermometer and stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir to coat well. Spread popcorn mixture in even layer on prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool completely before breaking into

pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container.

Marmalade Popcorn Balls Yield: 15 balls

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups water 1 cup orange marmalade 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vinegar 5 quarts popped popcorn Directions: In saucepan combine sugar, water, marmalade, salt, light corn syrup and vinegar. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook to hardball stage (250°F). Pour slowly over popped popcorn and mix thoroughly. Butter hands and shape into 2 1/2-inch balls.

Nutty ’n’ Natural Popcorn Yield: 3 quarts

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sunflower seed kernels, finely ground 2 tablespoons almonds, finely ground 2 tablespoons walnuts or hazelnuts, finely ground 4-6 tablespoons melted margarine or butter 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn 2 tablespoons wheat germ 1 6-ounce package (1 2/3 cups) chopped dried fruits and raisins Directions: Pour melted margarine over popcorn. Sprinkle with ground nuts and wheat germ; toss to mix. Stir in dried fruits.

A popcorn bar is a fun and easy way to have guests take an active role in the party. Provide a wide range of toppings and watch them get creative dreaming up delicious flavor combinations. You can even host a taste test and award prizes to the tastiest concoctions. Simply set out a large bowl of popcorn and surround it with smaller bowls with various popcorn fixings. Let each person fill a paper bag or other container with popcorn and top or mix with their desired flavorings. Topping ideas: • Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots) • Dried herbs and spices (oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg) • Nuts (pine nuts, peanuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds) • Small candies (chocolate pieces, peanut butter chips, marshmallows)

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What’s Happening

August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events Aug. 19: 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 314-8316121. Aug 20-23: Overland Lions Community Fair Don’t miss the 76th Annual Lions Fair this August. This year volunteers will once again transform Norman Myers Park at 8700 Midland Blvd. in Overland, into a fun filled carnival extravaganza that will run from Aug. 20 through Aug. 23. The Overland Lions Fair has been a tradition for generations. It’s known for a wide array of carnival rides and games for all ages and this year will be no exception. This year’s fair will again have arm bands for unlimited rides available on Thursday evening (5 – 9 p.m.), Saturday (12 – 5 p.m.) and Sunday (12 – 5 p.m.). Aug. 21: Pork steak dinner Dinner will be served at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-8316121. Aug. 26: 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 314-8316121. Aug. 26: Tropical Island Street Party Florissant Old Town Partners presents Tropical Island Street Party in Old Town Florissant, from Stems Florist to Bunkers Tavern on 210297 St. Francois Street. Live steel drum tropical music by Lenny Frisch, games, food, drinks, prizes

for best island dressed guy and gal, raffle for a Weber Kettle Grill filled to the top with great stuff, donated by Stygar Family Funeral Service, Maui Jim Kona Hawaiian Ice Snow cones and more. Bring your chairs, family and friends for a night out! Visit www.florissantoldtown.com or Florissant Old Town Partners Facebook page for more information. Aug. 28: Chicken dinner All you can eat chicken (dine in only) will be served at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-8316121. Aug 29: Road rally TEAM Food Pantry is seeking road rally participants, volunteers and sponsors to support their first Road Rally and Fill the Truck fundraiser. Participants in the road rally will leave Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Road in Florissant beginning at 10 a.m. and embark on a journey following clues taking them on twists and turns through Florissant and Hazelwood. The Road Rally will end at a park where the fun will continue with lunch, live music provided by “The Retro Band” and activities for the children including the City of Hazelwood Smoke House. The entry fee is $25 per vehicle before Aug. 22 and $35 after Aug. 22. Each team must have a least two people: a driver and navigator. This is a family friendly event, no pets or alcohol allowed during the road rally. Prizes will be given to the top three teams. Bonuses toward final score can be earned in various ways including contributions to the “Fill the Truck.” More information is available by emailing Pamela Lee at P_J_Lee@swbell.net or visiting TEAM’s website at www.teamfoodpantry.com.

Sept. 1: Lumiere Casino Day Trip A full, fabulous day of slots, roulette and cards is scheduled for Overland residents. Join us for a trip to the Lumiere Casino in Downtown St. Louis and take advantage of round trip transportation, five hours of fun, a $5 Food Voucher for your restaurant of choice in the casino, and a $5 Free Play Coupon. The bus will depart from the Overland Community Center, 9225 Lackland Road, at 9 a.m. and return around 3 p.m. This trip is limited to the first 36 people who sign up at the Overland Community Center and cost is set at $15 per person, must be at least 21 years of age to participate. Your name, address, date of birth, and payment will be needed at the time of registration. Plan to tell your friends and join us for a wonderful day at the casino. For more information, contact the Overland Community Center at 314-4280490. Sept. 2: 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 314-8316121. Sept. 4: Steak fry Steak fry at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 to 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Sept. 5: Concert Parkerson Twins LaVeada and LaVina will perform; food is available for purchase at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois starting at 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-8316121. Sept. 9: 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 314-8316121. Sept. 10: Square dancing Learn square dancing at a 10 week class starting Sept. 17 at 7:15 p.m. at Florissant Valley Christian Church at 1325 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. Cost is $5 per night per person. Call for registration 314-839-2134 or 314-837-4729. Visit us at www. missouripromenaders.com. Sept. 10: Military reunion Employees, friends and relatives of the 1960-90s Army Aviation and Troop Commands – PEOs, DFA, UNCLE, FMS, SOS and DMIS – stationed 4300 Goodfellow Boulevard in St. Louis are invited to a reunion. Activities include a picnic at Shelter 3 at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles at 11 a.m. Bring lawn chairs and a dessert to pass around if you want. Attendees are asked to bring a memento that could be used as a door prize – such as an old AVSCOM/ TROSCOM logo item or a gift from where you live. Tickets are still available for $20. Make checks payable to AVSCOM Reunion; and mail to 1108 St. Charles Ave., St. Charles, MO 63301. All monies must be received by Sept. 1. Include an email address if available. For more information, contact Steve Bossomo on Facebook, call Gary Nenninger 704-9683 or email Pat Guy at pguysmile@yahoo.com. Sept. 11: 9-11 ceremony A commemorative ceremony will be located at the parking lot of the VFW. Mayor Schneider will be the guest speaker. Please join us for this solemn tribute at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois starting at 7 p.m. For more information call 314831-6121.

Sept. 11: Chicken fried steak dinner 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. Sept. 12: Community shred event This event is free to the community so feel free to bring old tax returns, old credit card statements, old bank statements, etc. and have those documents containing important personal information securely shredded on-site at Provident Insurance Agency LLC at 2875 Patterson Road in Florissant from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will also raffle off some great gift certificates; as well we will be collecting donations for T.E.A.M (The Emergency Assistance Ministry) to help keep the shelves of our local food bank stocked. We just ask that participants limit their shred contents to two banker sized boxes (13 x 13 x 17 inches each). Sept. 12: Flea market Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Richard at 314-837-7057 for more information. Sept. 12: Breakfast Breakfast served at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-8316121. Sept. 12: 3rd Annual Taste In Ferguson Annual Taste In Ferguson takes place 3 – 6 p.m. at Savoy Banquet Ctr. at 119 S. Florissant Rd. in Ferguson. Tickets available, $20 per person, children U10 free. Over 20 culinary vendors will be present. For more information visit www. TheTasteInFerguson.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • August 19, 2015 Sept 12: Sock hop A sock hop, featuring the “Hot Flashes,” will take place 7 – 10 p.m. at St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church at 2900 St. Catherine Street in Florissant. Donation cost is $20 in advance; $25 at the door (includes 3 drink tickets). Call 314-837-7113 for tickets or more information. Sept. 13: Fall festival St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 315 Graham Road in Florissant is having their annual Fall Festival at 12 p.m. Activities include, bobbing for apples, crafts, three-legged races, hula hoop and pie eating contest, cake walk, bounce houses, face painting, food truck and many other fun events. This is a free event. Sept. 13: BB gun meat shoot Meat shoot along with food available to purchase will take place at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 1 to 4 pm. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Sept. 15: Free blood pressure screenings Free blood pressure screenings will be held beginning Sept. 15 at Life Care Center of Florissant. The screening will be held the third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. For more information please call 314-8313752. Sept. 16: 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 314-8316121. Sept. 18: Pork steak dinner Dinner served at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 to 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Sept. 19: Suicide prevention awareness event The 7th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Fundraiser includes a 5K race and a one mile fun run, as well as a men’s and coed softball tournament at St. Ferdinand Park in Florissant. There will also be a barbeque hosted by the Florissant Youth Advisory Commission. All proceeds from the tournament walk and barbeque will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This event is held in loving memory of Alex McArthur. Registration is open online or at the James J. Eagan and John F. Kennedy Community Centers. For a link to online registration, visit www.florissantmo.com click Recreation tab, and click “Suicide Prevention Awareness Fundraiser” under Topics of Interest. For additional information call the JFK Center front desk at 314-921-4250. Sept. 22: Square dancing Free Modern Western Square Dance introduction sponsored by West County Spinners Square Dance Club on Tuesdays, Sept. 15 and 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church at 14088 Clayton Rd. in Chesterfield at the southeast corner of Clayton Rd and Hwy 141. Our square dance program

continues on subsequent Tuesdays at $5 per person with free snacks. Children ages 8-18 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Couples and singles of all ages are welcome. No experience is necessary. Wear casual clothes and be prepared to have fun square dancing! Register or just show up. Go to www.westcountyspinners.com. Sept. 23: 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 314-8316121. Sept. 25: Chicken dinner All you can eat chicken, dine in only, three-piece available to go at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 5 to 8 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Sept. 26: Trivia night St. Marks United Methodist Church at 315 Graham Road in Florissant is having their 13th annual Trivia Night starting at 6:30 pm. Cost is still only $10 per person with up to 10 people at a table. We have a terrific silent auction and snacks and soda are provided. You can bring any food items for your table; this is a really fun family event with babysitting provided by our certified staff at only $2 per child. You must sign up for babysitting by Sept. 23. Call Debbie or April in the church office at 314-837-9404 to reserve a table as we expect a sell-out. Sept. 26: Lau out Lau at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois. All profits go to support Veterans. Ask for Melody at 314-831-6121. Sept. 27: Car show The Third Annual Olivette Car Show will be held (rain or shine) from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. No entry fee required as all automotive categories are welcomed. Trophies will be given out at the conclusion of the event. Area-wide first responder vehicles will also be on display. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. The event itself will take place at Stacy Park at 9750 Old Bonhomme Rd, in Olivette. Registration is available on-line at: www.olivetteonthego.com or phone at 314-9911249. Sept. 30: 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 314-8316121. 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 314-9936134 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.

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 Nicotine Anonymous Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit WWW.Nicotene-Anonymous.org

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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. 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. SUDOKU answers from page 8

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.

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 Jamie Stevens 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.

Tickets...NOW ON SALE! Thursday, Sept. 3 • 5:00 - 8:00 PM St. Peters

370 Lakeside Park Food, Drink & Entertainment

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.

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14

August 19, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

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City of Hermann, MO is interviewing Journeyman Lineman familiar with overhead/ underground construction and equipment. Benefits and salary commensurate with experience. Applications can be required from or resumes e-mailed to hermannhr@centurytel.net Stanley Home Products/Fuller Brush Distributors Needed. Start your own Home Based Business. Earn extra money servicing people in your area. No investment. Call 417850-0809 Email cburkey52@ hotmail.com 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 EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed. Leads, No Cold Calls, Commissions Paid Daily, Lifetime Renewals, Complete Training, Health & Dental Insurance, Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020 HELP WANTED-DRIVERS Waller Truck is looking for Class A, 2 years experience, OTR, or (Regional/Local within KCMO). Great home time, pay, benefits. Call 1-800-635-9828 or apply drive.wallertruck.com Butler Transport. Your Partner in Excellence. CDL A Drivers Needed. Sign on bonus! All miles paid. 1-800-528-7825 or www.butlertransport.com

Company Drivers Earn up to $0.50/mile plus a $3000 SignOn Bonus! Stable Missouri based Company with Family Values! ACT: 888-983-6074 www.HaulACT.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 INSTRUCTION/TRAINING 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

15

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 19, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

www.treesbywoody.net

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www.windowworld.com www.HomeWashersStl.com

Published Every Week Since 1921 Family-Owned & Operated

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366

St. Charles

Combined

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

St. Louis

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St. Charles

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Combined

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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

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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

August 16, 2015 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

By Joe Morice

Over the Fence

Trains, then and now When I was a kid, trains came through town about once or twice a day and often stopped at the small station train. I’ve always liked watching those big engines start down the tracks and listen to the tremendous power from the giant diesels turning dynamos delivering electric power to the motors below that turned the wheels. Those single engine trains usually had one engine pulling about twenty or thirty cars. Today’s freight trains have three to six engines pulling a hundred cars and sometimes more. I often see them pulling coal cars into Portage Des Sioux power plant. There might be three or four engines pulling a mile of coal cars with a pusher engine in the rear. Pusher engines help when cars are being pulled around curves. Without one, the extreme weight of all those coal cars pressuring against the inside rail might tear it loose or tip cars over. The gross weight of one coal gondola may be as high as 131 tons. Multiplied by 100, you have the weight of one of those trains pulling into Portage Des Sioux.

There was little or no danger of that during my youth when trains were single engines pulling twenty or thirty cars or even forty. Enter six or seventh generation railroad owners that reap the profits and hire managers to run the operations, both of which may have little knowledge of trains, and it progressed or perhaps digressed into what we have today. Their overly long multi-engine trains are having disasters. I believe they’re too long and the sheer weight is extremely hard on the road beds; especially on the curves. If your child has an electric train, hold onto the rearmost car to slow the toy train while it’s going around a curve. You’ll see the cars tip inward. With a functioning pusher engine, this can be avoided…we hope. There appears to be no engineers in those pusher engines so I assume it’s run by remote control from the front. It’s doubtful there are any engineers in the multiple engines pulling the train except in the front engine. I often ride through farm country and

see the grain silos on railroad spurs where farmers once brought their harvests to be loaded onto trains. Those spurs are no longer in use. The trains were replaced by trucks. The railroad bean counters must have figured it was cheaper to abandon maintaining the spurs. This left it to the states to maintain and repair the rural roads damaged by the increase of tractor trailers. In other words, the taxpayers are paying for it while the wealthy railroad owners are laughing all the way to their offshore banks. Worse yet, these mile long trains are now pulling extremely flammable crude oil in hundreds of tanker cars. We’ve all seen the recent train derailments that caused environmental disasters and nearby towns to evacuate. Had the owners reduced these trains to one engine pulling twenty or thirty odd cars at a time, I’m betting most of this could’ve been avoided. The rearmost car from my era was called a caboose where workers could keep an eye on things like hot boxes burning up grease-starved wheel bearings that endangered the rail cars. This required paying their salaries of more engineers and helpers. Now we have multi engines with one engineer and no caboose on mile-long trains. By now you are probably chalking this up to the evils of corporate America that approximated those dubious cost-cutting measures. Fewer employees mean more profits and millionaire CEO’s get bonuses for that. More’s the pity. 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.

www.ssmhealth.com/now