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September 18, 2019

Empowering the youth of St. Louis

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES By Art McCoy, PhD. Pg. 2 Homeownership can bring hope to our communities . Pg. 3

Feature Section Senior Living. Pg.4

Features (FLIP) St. Louis Kids Expo (SLKE) will take place Oct. 19 and 20, 12 – 5 p.m. at North County Recreation Complex located at 2577 Redman Road.

Submitted photo

The St. Louis Kids Expo brings community resources for kids and families under one roof for one weekend in October By Charlotte Beard For several years many community resources for kids and families have come together for one weekend under one roof to empower individuals with the tools needed to help them succeed in their daily lives. Some of the partners among those resources have been Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Proctor & Gamble, Color Coded Kids, Aetna, Sterling Bank, and UMSL – Center of Behavioral Health, just to name a few of the many. For the ninth year, this St. Louis Kids Expo (SLKE) will take place Oct. 19 and 20, 12 – 5 p.m. at North County Recreation Complex located at 2577 Redman Road. Admission to the expo is free, with exception to food available for purchase from the complex’s concession stand and other vendors still being finalized. Anthony Clair, Founder and President of the St. Louis Kids Expo states, “Though we had been charging $3 at the door we’ve given thousands of tickets away to schools, churches, and organizations. It’s not major revenue; 75 percent to 85 percent of the people who (have) come to the expo (have) had

free tickets.” This year’s current expo sponsors are Sterling Bank, Gateway Region YMCA, and Healthy Schools Healthy Communities. ABC30 is a media sponsor. These sponsors will also be exhibitors at the expo along with Affinia Healthcare, F.I.T. Martial Arts, Home Depot, Missouri WellCare, St. Louis County Library, St. Louis County Police, and St. Louis Zoo. In addition, Hazelwood School District, Jennings School District, and Ferguson-Florissant School District will be exhibitors for STEM and Robotics education. Sponsorship and Exhibitor applications are still open. Phedra Nelson, Healthy Schools Healthy Communities’ Community Wellness Director and representative for Gateway Region YMCA shared that the YMCA has been a sponsor for the past four years. “This is an awesome annual youth empowerment event that gets better every year and most of all this type of environment is greatly needed in our community. Mr. Clair has intentionally created a weekend that is designed to better enhance our next generation.”

Clair states, “(Attendees) will be able to (empower themselves) by visiting over 50 exhibitors with information (regarding) mental health, vendors with products and services for healthy eating, etc. We will have inflatables inside and outside, positive entertainment on the stage, and speakers.” Tiffanie Stanfield, SLKE’s Entertainment Director, shared that the entertainment for the expo is still being finalized, which is not limited to youth vocalists and rappers, as well as speakers and panelists to support this year’s theme – Educate-Economics-Exercise. The co-hosts will be local vocal artist, Deidra DeNeise and comedian Don Clair from St. Louis. The expo’s fashion show is an annual standard which is facilitated by a chosen local designer coupled with a theme. Stanfield stated that one year the show featured designs that promoted career-wear. “Our talent isn’t just there to entertain; that’s only one portion of it,” stated Stanfield. See ‘EMPOWERING’ page 2

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Around Town

September 18, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘EMPOWERING’ from cover “Our talent is there to for you to receive something to take with you that is going to be the betterment of you. Our goal is to leave you better than we found you when you entered our doors. I get calls from some parents that want me to put kids on stage but what they are looking to do doesn’t tie into our theme. There are a lot of people who do not run a show like (this). I am very selective about what we put on (stage).” The idea for the expo originated from Clair’s ‘Time for Fun’ events with inflatables that he hosted for churches, municipality events, schools and health care companies. He discovered a need for better entertainment and healthy food options among youth. In the quest to start an annual event that would showcase resources, services, activities and products that would impact members of the community, he sought out a facility and solicited community resources to combine with positive entertainment. “In 2011 I moved forward (with) the St. Louis Kids Expo,” stated Clair. “I wanted to have a theme. Every year that theme (has

been related to) education, money, and health. Last year was Family-Finance-Fitness. This year is Educate-Economics-Exercise. We try to stick to those three components with family issues.” Stanfield shared, “This is my ninth year as the Entertainment Director. Initially when I started it was a stage management (role) – to come in and put the pieces together. However, because of my community activism and being an advocate for resources for our youth and young adults, I found myself tying the reasons why the expo exists to the entertainment stage. It started to consist of a little bit more than just managing the stage, which is a little bit different.” Another component of the SLKE, is to display entrepreneurialism among youth. Clair stated that entrepreneurs and various businesses will be available to showcase and sell their products and services. “The youth entrepreneurship impact alone stands out and shows our youth are inherently entrepreneurial,” stated Nelson. “They focus on something that they really want, then start coming up with all kinds of solutions. Our youth must know that they have the same opportunities as everyone else that they can develop and be

COMMUNITY VOICES

impactful.” Clair also shared that the FDIC will be hosting a “Family-Feud” style kid’s financial game show. This a team competitive game that will allow players to win prizes. Players will be challenged to answer questions related to money and finances. “The continuous impact will always be to assist in changed behavior as it relates to health and wellness, youth entrepreneurship, financial management, money matters, or being exposed to the community resources that are out there,” stated Stanfield. “I think those are the key impacts because there are a lot of businesses, community resources, and major companies that offer resources within their businesses (of which) the public is (unaware). So, for us to house these resources under one roof that has a specific focus for our youth and young adults, I think that has been more impactful than anything. We do have people who look forward to our event in October every year.” For preliminary free attendance tickets, schools or organizations can contact Anthony Clair at 314-995-8625 or amcenvision@gmail.com. For SLKE updates visit http://www.stlouiskidsexpo.com.

By Art McCoy, PhD

Mental health matters: empower emotional development Mental health matters. Millions of Americans are pleading for peace, safety, fewer killings and help. Yet, all Americans must do more to have fewer mass shootings, suicides and other traumatic adverse experiences. It starts with all of us taking this task seriously enough to muster the power to: 1. Produce peace at least within (or get the help to do so), 2. Spread safety and vigilance in our homes and communities, and 3. Empower emotional development and healing engagement, somewhere, every day. At the start of August, I participated in a Peace March. Before this march, someone asked me what are people still marching for? That was a good question. My reply was threefold. First, I am marching to show love, give hugs and high five’s. Secondly, I am mourning with those who mourn and reflecting on a kindergartener of mine who was killed in August of 2018 and other students in my 20 plus years as an education leader. Lastly, I am sharing information about new programs we created for healing engagement in our community to prevent future deaths. St. Louis is currently the “murder capital” of the United States with over 110 homicides this summer, which is 10 percent more than last year according to the Pew Research Center. In August of 2019, St. Louis had the 11th child to die by gunfire since June. Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals age 10 to 34, nationally. Truly, there is vio-

lence in our silence. What should individuals do if the problems they face won’t come up from the deep, dark place inside them? In the fall of 2018, a renowned psychiatrist and team from Washington University School of Medicine introduced me to a powerful emerging healing practice called Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for emotional development (PCIT-ED). The timing was perfect. I wanted to empower our community with this helpful practice immediately after just losing a five-year-old kindergartener on the 16th day of school from a tragic domestic violence incident. To systemically impact change, we raised over $800,000 and became the first school district in Missouri to make PCITED available to families in the school setting. We call this initiative Families First: Empowering Emotional Development or FEED. Today, 100 parents and children ages three to eight, across the district, receive life coaches and therapeutic family sessions. Each parent receives $300 for completing an enlightening 12-week course equipping them to manage the most challenging child behaviors and foster appropriate deep emotional development. The program provides free transportation to all sessions and even to Washington University for EEG Monitoring, if desired, to see the growth and new neuropathways formed from personalized, positive emotional development. Plus, BJC’s Raising STL Program is housed at Gore Community Center to provide free resources, class-

es, and parenting mentors for parents with children from prenatal to the cradle. As one of Missouri’s first trauma-informed districts, each school has comfort spaces and therapeutic classrooms. Today, students and staff engage daily in using biofeedback in classrooms from deep breathing to guided imagery and mindfulness meditation to help with concentration, relaxation, self-control, discipline and peace. Knowledge is power. We have seen firsthand how enlightening students and stakeholders with a knowledge of self leads to inner peace, academic achievement, personal growth, self-worth, safety and a value of life. As centers of healing engagement, public schools can be lighthouses for needed healing, real help and hope. As Americans, we can ensure life and liberty. This includes empowerment, enlightenment and engagement to live our best life to its fullest. In February 2016, Art McCoy, Ph.D. became superintendent elect for the Jennings School District and superintendent of schools as of the 2016-17 school year. Dr. McCoy earned his doctorate of philosophy in education with an emphasis in education leadership and policy studies from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and is an alumnus of Harvard University’s Leadership Institute for Superintendents post-graduate program. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • September 18, 2019

Around Town

A plaque dedication for late Florissant business owner is set for Sept. 25 The city of Florissant along with Old party and jazz fest. Grace Ebbesmeyer was born the second Town Partners will be hosting a dedication to unveil a plaque in honor of the late Grace youngest of nine. She married Don Zykan, Zykan. This will be the 41st Walk through Sr. in May of 1951 where Grace and Don, History plaque in honor of someone who Sr. raised five children. Grace was an ofhas made a valuable contribution to the city ficer and owner of the Zykan Brothers Family Business. She was named Chamber of Florissant. The ceremony will be held on Sept. 25 at Outstanding Person of the Year in 2006. 5:45 p.m. in front of 525 rue St. Francois. The Photo courtesy city of Florissant She also was the receiver of the Christian plaque dedication will take place before the Hospital Paul Detrick Award. start of the last Wednesday Night Out festivities which is She was very active in the community and was a being sponsored by Hendel’s Café which will be a street member of many local organizations including The

Homeownership can bring hope to our communities Look around our communities...what is missing? Hope! Anticipating hope was once a consistent premise because there was a conviction that change was coming, discrimination and racism were going to be exposed. And not just exposed to say there it is, shame on you; but, exposed and forced to face the ugly truth that a change is coming, needed and the violence has to stop. I believe hope comes in the form of homeownership. A simple American Dream that has escaped many due to “FEAR” (False Evidence, Appearing Real) and is challenging to others that are trying to preserve their property. Education is one of our tools to change before we receive opportunity and success. The change is acknowledging the reality that homeownership has suffered in our LMI Communities because policies have obstructed the American Dream and unfortunately, minorities in America have suffered the most. However, opportunity is coming to St. Louis on Sept. 28 where we can learn our eligibility for down payment and closing cost assistance; receive our free credit reports on-the-spot and learn how to improve our scores; speak with homeownership/housing advi-

sors, lenders, real estate professionals and other industry partners along with mortgage servicers to help with loss mitigation issues. Finally, success will come when we collectively can step into our power and learn the process of becoming a homeowner to secure our future. Our commitment to the community continues to show through the partnerships we hold with other nonprofits, lending institutions, governmental agencies and other community stakeholders. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis along with The Housing Partnership, Youth Education & Health in Soulard, Beyond Housing, Prosperity Connection, Housing Options Provided for the Elderly (HOPE), Better Family Life, Inc., Justine Petersen, CAASTLC and CDBG Operations Corporation have joined forces with the National Housing Resource Center and are gearing up for the St. Louis Housing Fair sponsored by Deutsche Bank on September 28th at the Friendly Tem-

Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, North County Incorporated, Florissant Old Town Partners and the Soroptimist International of St. Louis where she was the past president for both of these organizations, Marygrove, Christian Hospital Foundation, Valley Industries and TEAM which was very near and dear to her heart. “Amazing Grace” which everyone would call her loved her huge family and countless number of friends. She generously contributed her time and talents to the community for decades. Zykan touched the lives of many and was an inspiration to all.

By Paula Carey-Moore ple Church because we realize change is inevitable. Paula E. W. Carey-Moore, MA is the Director of Housing for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis over their St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Clair, IL Divisions.

www.essehealth.com

September 18, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Florissant resident chosen as featured quilter for Flower Valley Guild Show

Submitted photo Jennifer Leon-Guerrero English will be the featured quilter at the Flower Valley Quilting Guild’s 18th biennial show Sept. 21-22 in Florissant.

Jennifer Leon-Guerrero English started making quilts about 30 years ago after being inspired by a television program, and more than 150 quilts later, she will be the featured quilter at the Flower Valley Quilting Guild’s 18th biennial show Sept. 21-22 in Florissant. Intrigued by fabrics and quilt block patterns, English already had experience sewing clothing. She bought a book by Georgia Bonesteel, the quilter on TV. “There is no one in my family who had experience in quilting, so I taught myself,” she said.

www.gp-life.com

A mother of five, English found time to quilt after her children were in bed. Now that they are grown, she quilts about two hours every night at home in Florissant. “I enjoy everything about quilting,” she said. “Making a quilt is relaxing and stress free for me. It’s a great feeling when a quilt is finished.” Since most of the quilts she makes are bed sized, English quilts most of them on her sewing machine. “I wish I had time to hand quilt,” she said, “but it would take years to hand quilt each of them.” She does enjoy hand work, though, especially appliqué, which appears in many of her quilts. “I can take it with me on trips, at meetings, or any place that I can keep my hands busy,” she said. Her family has roots in the Pacific Island of Guam, and English made memory quilts for her siblings using her mother’s Islander cotton dresses and her father’s shirts after her parents passed away. One of them will be in her exhibit. She joined Flower Valley Quilting guild 20 years ago. She learned about the

group almost by chance. “My husband was in Jamestown County Library and he noticed one of our children’s teachers, who was in the guild,” she recalled. He passed the word on to English and she soon became very involved in guild activities. Over the years, English has been secretary and newsletter editor. She led committees for optional blocks, special projects, library and membership. She is a regular on the quilt show committee and the planning committee for the guild’s annual retreat. She also is employed at the Edward Jones home office in the Work Planning department. Members of the guild value English’s organizational skills. She volunteered to coordinate the construction of this year’s raffle quilt, “Blueberry Swirl” which will be awarded at the show on Sunday afternoon. Her expertise has been recognized many times. English has been winning ribbons for her quilts since her first entry in the 2001 show. The show will feature some 200 items in addition to English’s work on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at a new venue: St. Angela Merici church at 3860 N. Highway 67 in Florissant. Admission is $7 for anyone age 12 and over, at the door.

www.DeSmetRetirement.org

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • September 18, 2019

The Walk Through History program unveils its 40th plaque in honor of late Florissant City Council member Family and friends gathered on the corner of rue St. Francois and Boone Street to unveil the 40th Walk Through History plaque in honor of the late Harold “Hal” Schuchmann. The plaque dedication took place before the start of the fourth Wednesday Night Out festivities. Hal Schuchmann was a Florissant City Councilman from 1963 to 1975. He was a member of the 1963 Board of Freeholders that drafted the current Florissant City Charter and was later honored with the title of Lord of the Valley of Flowers Court for his many years of volunteering to help select the Queen and Court. He was also a United States Army Veteran and a Washington University graduate. Schuchmann’s name is the only one that appears on both of the two brass plaques just inside the door to the main floor of city hall. One plaque honors the service of the 1963 Board of Freeholders that drafted the current city charter. The other plaque commemorates the 1970 dedication of the current city hall when Schuchmann was a member of the city council that appropriated funding for the building. Schuchmann served on the Florissant City Council for 12 years representing the people of Ward 6. He also served as a member of the Emergency League of Florissant and was President of the Florissant Junior Chamber of Commerce. After moving to Town and Country he returned for decades to serve as one of our nonresident judges to select the annual Valley of Flowers Queen and Court. Schuchmann continued his public service as an alderman in Town & Country from 1980 to 1985 and served as the Town and Country Mayor from 1985 to 1987. He was active with the Missouri Municipal League and the National League of Cities. Hal received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Department of Commerce in 1971, Community Service Award from the city of Florissant in 1976 and received the Creve Coeur Squire Award in 1985.

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Pictured above is Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery, Megan Zahocsky, Teri Doxsee, Courtney Fischer, Kirk Larkins, Shearl Stangel, Ed Stangel, Christine Schuchmann and Michael Battles.

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School

September 18, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Hazelwood School District hosts legislators meeting

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Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

The Hazelwood School District and Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart hosted a meeting for local legislators on Aug. 30. The group discussed a number of topics pertaining to education including access, opportunity, equity, and pending or proposed legislation. Along with several district administrators, the attendees included: State Senator Brian Williams, State Representatives Gretchen Bangert, Paula Brown, Alan Green and Tommie Pierson,

Jr., St. Louis County Councilwoman Rochelle Walton Gray, Barb Fraser-Educational Liaison for the County Executive and Sandra Houston, Special Projects Coordinator for Congressman Lacy Clay Dr. Collins-Hart was recognized during the meeting by U.S. Rep. Clay’s office with a proclamation honoring her being named the 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents.

FFSD launches safety campaign, ‘Let’s Be Clear, No Weapons in Our Schools!’ www.byerlyrv.com

During a press conference that included local law enforcement leaders, community members and district staff, Dr. Joseph Davis, superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, announced the launch of a new safety campaign, “Let’s Be Clear, No Weapons in Our Schools!” The campaign is an initiative of the district’s comprehensive safety and security plan called CUBES, which stands for clear Communication, clear Understanding, clear Book bags, clear Expectations and clear Supports. “We are launching the Let’s Be Clear campaign in light of the many school shootings throughout the country, recent incidents of weapons on our campuses and Governor Parson’s School Safety Taskforce Initiative,” said Davis. A major component of the campaign provides each student in grades six through 12 receiving a complimentary clear book bag. “Secondary students will only be permitted to use clear book bags starting with the first day of school on Aug. 15,” said Davis. The clear book bag comes with a small opaque zippered pouch to allow students to conceal personal items and valuables. “We have heard the safety concerns from our community and the call for greater safety and security measures to protect our students and staff. In addition, the board met this summer with members of law enforcement to gain insight from their expertise regarding school safety,” said Leslie Hogshead, president of the board of education. “We’re looking forward to a great year where our students are learning in a safe environment.” In addition to the Let’s Be Clear campaign, the district’s comprehensive security plan, CUBES, also allows for additional school resource officers

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Dr. Joseph Davis, superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District shares details of the districts comprehensive safety and security plan which includes clear book bags for students in grades six through 12.

(SROs) in secondary schools and security officers in all elementary schools. Previously, elementary schools did not have security officers. “The officers will focus on building relationships and educating our students about safety, the students’ role as citizens, and how to communicate and collaborate to have safe schools,” said Davis. “The heart of this initiative is to build relationships and bridge gaps so that all of our students will grow to become lifelong contributors to the success of the societies in which they work and live.” The CUBES security plan also includes a revised Student Expectation Code with a more restorative approach, and additional social-emotional and behavioral supports, as well as, a commitment to keeping open lines of communication with students, parents and staff. “We are excited about the start of the new school year, and we want all of our children safe; and, let’s be clear – we expect no weapons in our schools!” Davis concluded.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • September 18, 2019

Northwest News

Northwest Views: Donating blood: a family tradition By Patricia Dillon and Katie Schoenborn For Teri Gregory, blood donation has become tied to family values, “It is a family thing,” Gregory said. “When my parents were younger they donated, my sister does, I do, and now I’m working with my kids.” As a donor of more than 30 years, Gregory has been made aware of the impact of blood donation since her childhood in Greenville, Illinois where her father served on the fire department’s rescue squad and her mother was a nurse at the local hospital. It wasn’t uncommon for her father to talk about a wreck he responded to that included an ambulance going to the emergency room, and her mom following up with what had happened at the hospital that day, including blood transfusions. “I grew up with that conversation at the dinner table and it was just (about) the importance of saving people,” said Gregory, an Accounting Manager with the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Thirty-eight percent of the United States population is eligible to donate blood but less than 10 percent do. That means that in a room of a 100 people, 38 can donate blood but less than 10 of them will. One in seven patients at a hospital are going to need a blood transfusion, over 4.5 million people a year. Gregory has family members who are a part of that statistic, with her brother-in-law receiving emergency transfusions years ago. While he unfortunately did not survive, blood donors gave him a fighting chance,

a mindset Gregory carries with her to this day. at www.bloodcenter.org/app. “It didn’t save him but it gave him a chance,” she Katie Schoenborn is the Comsaid. “(Giving blood) doesn’t hurt … and you know munity Development Advocate for you could feasibly save a life, or extend a life or make the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center in Maryland Heights. a life better.” People can start donating as young as age 16, with She promotes the mission of the center through community Gregory’s daughter giving for the first time at her blood events and media engagement and school this year. Gregory’s sister who worked in the is currently developing a board of lab at St. Louis University Hospital has also been an volunteers from the St. Louis area. inspiration for blood donation, coming home after For more information on how to get involved with the blood center go to work and encouraging the family to give. “She’d come home and say, ‘Have you donated late- bloodcenter.org or email Katie at kschoenbor@mvrbc.org. ly? We’re running short.’ So I would go donate beThe opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community cause you know, it wasn’t just a PSA,” Gregory said. News. Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) is the exclusive provider of blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin, including more than two dozen hospitals across the St. Louis Metropolitan Region. All are encouraged to come donate at the MVRBC Donor Centers in Crestwood or St. Peters, or at an MVRBC mobile blood drives. To schedule an appointment to donate, call 314-291-4741, schedule online at www.bloodcenterimpact.org or via the IMPACT mobile app, available for downhttps://funeraladvantageagent.com/michael-andrick load on Apple iOS and Android platforms

What’s Happening

September 18, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

tion call 314-831-6121.

Sept. 18: Karaoke

Sept. 19: Modern square dance lessons

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 informa-

Modern Square Dance lessons start Sept. 19 with registration ending Sept. 26. Start time is 7:15 till 9 p.m. Cost is

$5 per person and wear casual clothes. Location is corner of Tennyson and Hood at All Souls School in Overland. Call 314-839-2134 for information.

ley 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. 20: Pork steak dinner

Sept. 21: Monthly writing workshop

Pork steak dinner at Florissant Val-

Writing workshop at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant takes place from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring work to read and share with group. This free event is sponsored by North County Writing & Arts Network. Email nocowan@yahoo.com or call 314-210-4774 for more information.

Sept. 27: Chicken dinner

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

Oct. 26: Mother son superhero carnival

Sept. 21: Writing and arts meeting

The Sparrow’s Nest Teen Maternity Home that serves the metro St. Louis area is hosting their second annual Mother Son Superhero Carnival fundraiser from 3 to 5 p.m. at West County Assembly of God at 13431 N. Outer Rd. in Town and Country. Moms and sons are encouraged to come dressed in their superhero costumes to experience a super-fun, superhero afternoon. This event is designed to appeal to boys ages 3-12. All proceeds benefit The Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home. Event tickets are $35 per mom and son, with ticket cost decreasing for each additional child. For more information on sponsorship, volunteering or to purchase tickets, visit www.thesparrowsneststl.org.

Sept. 21: Free prostate cancer screening

Oct. 26: Benefit dance

North County Writing & Arts Network hosts monthly meeting for writers, poets, and artists in our community who want to connect and collaborate and meet their creative goals. Join in at 11 a.m. at Jamestown Bluffs Library branch at 4153 N. Hwy. 67 (Lindbergh) in Florissant.

The Salvation Army and Christian Hospital, partners in the Pathway to Health program at the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center, are hosting a free PSA Screening event from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Empowerment Center, 9420 W. Florissant Rd. Screenings are blood-draw only and provided by health care professionals from Siteman Cancer Center and the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities. Each participant receives a free gift.

Sept. 21: Dellwood Community Day

The city of Dellwood is holding their Annual Community Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This year’s Community Day will feature a city parade, a resource fair (free for vendors), live entertainment, free food and special guests. There will also be a flea market this year also, vendors can participate for $25. The cost reserves a table and two chairs.

Sept. 23: Public hearing

The city of Florissant will conduct a public hearing beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Florissant City Hall Council Chambers at 955 rue St. Francois in Florissant, concerning the Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Action Plan for the Florissant Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Those who need assistance or auxiliary aids for the meeting should contact the Community Development Office in the Government Building at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 314-839-7680. Call 314-921-5700 for more information.

Sept. 25: Karaoke

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

The Breakfast Club, Inc, a breast cancer support group, is hosting its eighth annual Pink Posse Roundup for a Cure benefit dance from 8 p.m. to midnight at Machinist Hall at 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. in St. Louis County. Tickets are $20 per person in advance or at the door. For more information visit www.breakfastclub-stl.org or call 314-972-8883.

Dec. 14: Grief share

This Grief Share 13-week session (no cost) runs every Saturday from Sept. 21 through Dec. 14 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Florissant Church of Christ at 16460 New Halls Ferry in Florissant. For more information contact Arthur Matthews at 314-839-1449.

RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

Seeking greeters, appointment schedulers, and tax preparers to assist older adults in the St. Louis County Tax Filing Program. Training and mileage reimbursement is provided. For more information and to start the volunteer application process, contact the County Older Resident Programs and ask for Mike Nickel at 314-615-4021.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • September 18, 2019 Weekdays: Volunteer drivers

The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314615-4516.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) at 9124 St. Charles Rock Rd. You can visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Art Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: TOPS

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) at 9124 St. Charles Rock Rd. in St. Louis County. TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You can visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact

Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@caastlc.org for additional information.

16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday

What’s Happening

at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

www.fcbbanks.com

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: Food pantry

Every second Tuesday of the month, food pantry takes place from 9 - 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. – noon at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 3975 N. US Highway 67 in Florissant. Other times by appointment, call 314-837-4233.

Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

Chapter 794 Vietnam Veterans Association meets on the third Tuesday of each month at VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

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, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316,

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Business

September 18, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

BJC Scholars Fund launches college careers for 14 new students; three from North County

Submitted photo

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The BJC Learning Institute auditorium brimmed with promise, pride and gratitude as BJC HealthCare and The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis honored the third class of BJC Scholars at a luncheon and orientation Aug. 2. Thirteen of the 14 scholarship recipients from throughout the region were on hand with family members and supporters to meet BJC and Foundation leadership and receive information about the scholarship award process. The current scholarship class includes North County students Jason Bock Jr., pictured at the luncheon back row far left, and Andrea Duarte-Vasquez from Ritenour High School, front row far right, and Amyrah Hardin from McCluer North High School, front row second from right. BJC president and CEO Rich Liekweg welcomed the new BJC Scholars and led a round of applause for both them and their family members on their achievements. Liekweg also explained BJC’s commitment to the scholarship program. “Our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve extends far beyond what happens inside the walls of our hospitals,” he said. “We established the BJC Scholars Fund in 2017 as another tangible way to support the people in our communities. Knowing that the cost of post-high school education could be a barrier to a young person being able to pursue their dreams, we wanted to help eliminate that barrier.” BJC’s partner on the program is The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, which provides all administrative support and additional assistance to the awardees. Faith Sandler, executive director, noted that the Scholarship Foundation was getting ready to mark its 100th anniversary. “This organization was founded in 1920 by a group of Jewish women immigrants who were seeking a way to build a new community and provide opportunities for education and engagement with society. The first scholarship awards were for $15 to the local business school. In 2018, the foundation awarded nearly $5 million to more than 500 students.”

BJC created the BJC Scholars Fund in response to regional community needs identified by the Ferguson Commission and For the Sake of All, and in recognition of the critical correlation between higher education, better health outcomes and greater longevity. Open to high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year degree at a public Missouri or Illinois state college or university, the BJC Scholars Fund offers need-based awards of up to $10,000 per academic year. The annually renewable scholarship can be applied toward tuition, fees, room and board, transportation and incidental costs. In its third year, the fund is now supporting more than 40 students at institutes of higher learning in the bi-state region. The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis administers all aspects of the program and supports the awardees and their parents in taking full advantage of other state, federal and institutional funds to which students are entitled, to ensure that the BJC scholarship award completes the funding required for full year attendance. The foundation also provides ongoing support that includes advising, workshops, financial aid counseling, participation in paid internship programs and additional funding opportunities if relevant. The 2019-2020 BJC Scholars are: • Greta Balasz – Park Hills, Missouri • Kiessence Bassett – Columbia, Missouri • Jason Bock Jr. – St. Louis County • Korey Carlock – St. Louis • Andrea Duarte-Vazquez – St. Louis County • Amyrah Hardin – St. Louis County • Zemiah Mackins – St. Louis • Jacob Martin – Wentzville • Aaron Ronnel – St. Louis • Donovan Scott-Gass – Collinsville, Illinois • Bria Thurman – Alton, Illinois • Sierra Tyler – St. Louis County • Alexander Wade – Farmington, Missouri • LaMarr Witherspoon – St. Louis

www.mycnews.com • Community News • September 18, 2019

Recipe:

A quick school night meal

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– SUDOKU –

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

Cheeseburger Turnovers

Feature

inner ideas for busy school nights can be such a chore. Don’t fret, this recipe for Cheeseburger Turnovers is easy enough the kids can help, too.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon mustard 1 can flaky biscuits 1 cup shredded cheese dill pickle slices, halved 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F. In large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are tender. Drain. Stir in ketchup and mustard.

Fold dough over filling. With fork tines, press dough edges to seal. Cut two slits in top of dough to release steam.

Separate biscuit dough. On ungreased baking sheet, flatten biscuit dough to form 6-inch rounds. Spoon beef mixture onto one side of flattened dough. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with dill pickle half.

Brush each turnover with egg wash. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

Find more recipes at Culinary.net.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Classic sitcoms that made it to the big screen

Movie: By Steve Bryan

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.

he TV medical comedy-drama “M*A*S*H” was based on Richard Hooker’s novel “MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.” It became a major motion picture before starting a long run on CBS. It’s easy to find reruns of the series on cable and broadcast stations available via antenna. The 1983 spin-off series “AfterMASH” didn’t fare as well, however. What happens, though, when popular sitcoms become feature films? The results are hit-or-miss. Look, for instance, at “The Brady Bunch Movie,” which sprang from the series about a man named Brady who married a lovely lady and created a blended family. The first film was popular enough to spawn “A Very Brady Sequel,” which saw the arrival a man claiming to be Carol Brady’s long-lost first husband. The Brady clan was welcome in theaters, but the same can’t be said for “Bewitched.” The television series focused on Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), a witch who marries the very mortal Darrin Stephens (played by Dick York and then Dick Sargent). The humor came from the clash of the magical and human worlds and how the loving couple coped with it. Agnes Moorehead played Samantha’s

mountain man whose property is full of oil. Relatives of the suddenly wealthy Jed encourage him to take his daughter Elly Mae (Donna Douglas) to California so she can find a husband. Jed’s mother-inlaw Granny (Irene Ryan) and the sixth-grade graduate Jethro Bodine (Max Baer, Jr.) come along on the journey. The pilot episode is full of sly, risqué humor that pushed the boundaries of family comedy. Two decades after the show left the air, Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Penelope Spheeris directed the big screen adaptation of “The Beverly mother, a witch who had no patience with Hillbillies” with a cast that included Jim VarDarrin’s mortal nonsense. ney, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman. Even On the way to the big screen, though, the with that talent, the series just didn’t translate humor magically disappeared. 2005’s “Be- well into a motion picture. witched” was intended as a parody of the origNext month, “The Addams Family” makes inal series. Will Ferrell played Jack Wyatt, an a reappearance in theaters as a 3-D computactor slated to play Darrin Stephens in a re- er animated feature. In 1991, the live-action make of the sitcom. Nicole Kidman played adaptation of the classic sitcom featured Raul Isabel, a witch and unknown actress cast as Sa- Julia as Gomez Addams, the patriarch of the mantha. Even with Nora Ephron on board as family who adored his wife Morticia (Anjelidirector, co-writer and producer, “Bewitched” ca Huston). The dark humor of the first film could not enchant moviegoers. made it a box office success, but the sequel, In its first TV season, “The Beverly Hill- “Addams Family Values,” didn’t fare as well. billies” delivered a sly commentary on mod- Here’s hoping the animated version makes a ern life. Buddy Ebsen played Jed Clampett, a longer-lasting impression on audiences.

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September 18, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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September 18, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Author’s Last Names

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life My husband is the ultimate organizer to the degree where it’s become obsessive. We’ve been planning a family trip since the first of the summer; his bags have been packed since the winter before. Basically, he’s had his things packed in anticipation of a family vacation that hadn’t even been organized yet, but just in case there was a vacation in the works he wanted to be prepared and not caught off guard. I may be exaggerating a tad on this, but only a slight tad. A day before our flight, we gathered our bags together and stashed them in a corner of our room. Time to relax, you say; not so, I say. He must do a full rundown of certain pre-boarding items: Double check the packing lists to ensure nothing has been left behind; weigh the bags to make sure they are within compliance and turn off all sources of water to make sure nothing leaks and causes catastrophic flooding. “Why are you disconnecting the wash machine?” I ask. “Because if for some reason the hoses become unconnected you will be snorkeling in an indoor swimming pool,” he says. “That’s ridiculous.” “Tell that to the Pilkinsons.” “Completely different. Their dog chewed off a sprinkler head and it filled their basement window. No damage, just a wet window well.” “It could’ve been worse. What if a dog chews off our wash machine hose?” “We don’t have a dog.” “Pilkinsons do and it’s been known to wander. I’m taking no chances.” I gave up. Airport day: He has pre-boarded us ten hours before takeoff. He has checked the flight multiple times to ensure the plane has not lost its fuselage. He has checked and re-checked the weather app to ensure no rogue tornadoes head us off at the pass.

MAN WITH A PLAN Photo courtesy Bigstock

He wiggles every door handle then makes sure the motion sensor lights are working by jumping in front of them and yelling, “Boo!” We are set. “Almost time to head out. Leaving in one hour,” he says. “It’s seven hours before our flight takes off,” I moan. “What if we get a flat tire or blow a piston? Plus there’s a high pressure surge heading our way tomorrow.” “What does that have to do with today?” “Do you know how many times the weatherman has been off? For all we know there’s a cyclone brewing in our backyard.” “Oh for heck’s sake. It’s also a full moon. Did you factor that into your planning?” His face drains to white. “Grab your bags we’re leaving now!” 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, he lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

ACROSS 1. Relating to blood 6. Yard patch 9. Mrs. in Köln 13. Swelling of human organs 14. Grazing field 15. Not jocks 16. Take puppy from a pound 17. ____ De Triomphe 18. Blast from the past 19. *Joanne “Kathleen” 21. *Susan Eloise 23. Big head 24. Pre-hurricane wind 25. Her special day was May 12, 2019 28. Kent State state 30. Genuflect in submission 35. Afghanistan’s neighbor 37. Wood sorrels 39. Mr. Ed’s remark 40. Kudrow or Presley 41. *Herbert George 43. Kosher establishment 44. Approaches 46. Eating protocol 47. Edible fat 48. Provoke 50. Water carrier 52. Prior to, prefix 53. Comes before riches

55. Homer Simpson’s neighbor 57. *James Matthew 60. *Sidonie-Gabrielle 64. Mood disorder 65. Koko the gorilla, e.g. 67. More unfriendly 68. Marcia, Jan, Greg, Peter, Cindy, Bobby, e.g. 69. Singer-songwriter Stewart 70. “Peter, Peter Pumpkin ____” 71. Wet nurse 72. Get the picture 73. Dentist’s request DOWN 1. “____ no evil...” 2. Cocoyam 3. Garfield’s cry 4. Like horn of plenty 5. Saddle-tightening strap 6. Smelting waste 7. “____ the ramparts...” 8. Putin’s R&R spot 9. Hat material 10. Make over 11. Similar 12. “____ it or lose it!” 15. Continued 20. “No way” partner 22. Type or kind

24. Puck-catchers 25. *Alan Alexander 26. Architectural projection 27. Kenyan warrior 29. Coffee choice 31. What one does at the altar 32. Secure with ropes 33. Spectator 34. *Elwyn Brooks 36. Narcotics agent, for short 38. A whole bunch 42. Dictation taker 45. Sir, in Shakespeare’s play 49. Mai ____ 51. FEMA help 54. Spirograph pieces 56. Kind of sticker 57. *Lyman Frank 58. Tolstoy’s Karenina 59. *Poet Adrienne or essayist Frank 60. Surrender land 61. Mambo king Puente 62. Casual summer wear 63. Blunders 64. Sloan or Wharton degree 66. *Edgar Allan

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9