Issuu

October 19, 2016

The robots are coming! Community Voices

By Dr. Charles J. Pearson

Around Town

School

Fall leaf collection program begins

Students at St. Louis College Prep work on building a Lego EV# Mindstorm robot provided to the school through the Clavius Project.

Photo by Nicholas Elmes

The Clavius Project is expanding robotics programs into St. Louis County schools

The right ingredients

By Nicholas Elmes An innovative nonprofit is bringing robotics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to middle schools throughout the St. Louis area. Birthed at St. Louis University High School (SLUH) two years ago, the Clavius Project is now helping 23 schools in the area build robotics programs and founder Jeff Pitts said the project will continue to expand in coming years. “We are adding another seven schools in the spring,” said Pitts. “We provide the robots and the software. We take care of the licensing and we also send educators to a two and half day long workshop at Ranken where they earn a $100 per day stipend and get continuing education credits.” The program also provides schools with mentors from SLUH and St. Louis University to help guide students and educators through the initial set up and programming of their robots. The program is using Lego EV3 Mindstorm robots which can be easily constructed and programmed using a click-and-drag interface. While Pitts is spearheading the project now, he said credit for its genesis lies

with the students and staff of SLUH. “Robobuild, their robotics club, and Mr. Steve Nicollerat, a technology teacher there, came up with an idea to do some community service,” said Pitts, adding that they were able to attain a $38,000 grant from the Innovation and Technology Fund. “They had the idea and the money, but were unsure of how to carry it out.” At the same time, Pitts, who had recently retired from his management position at Anheuser-Busch, was trying to figure out a way to bring STEM education into area middle schools. “I realized SLUH had a smaller idea, but had a clue and had had taken some action, and I had this big idea but did not have a clue and had not taken any action yet,” said Pitts, “so I volunteered to lead this thing. I went to 14 middle schools and talked to their principals about the concept and they were excited about the idea. Nine schools originally signed up and we helped them establish robotics clubs.” At the end of that first semester the Clavius Project held a big Jamboree for students to show off all the work they had done.

“When our students graduate from middle school they will have been exposed to robotics, coding, and all of the math that is involved in negotiating the different behaviors for the robot,” Pitts added. “Our whole goal is to find that young man or woman who you just know is disposed to doing STEM as an See ROBOTS page 2

Business

AARP call to address Social Security

Movie: “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” 16 FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

Around Town Vol. 95 No. 42

In This Issue... Town 3 Around City of Hazelwood’s fall

leaf collection program for residents begins and more.

6 School Normandy seventh grader

wins Carver Rising Leader Award and more.

7 Business Home Builders Association donates $10,000 to Ranken Technical College and more.

11 Sports Local sports with Gary B. 12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie “Batman: Return of the

Caped Crusaders” is retro fun.

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

PLEASE RECYCLE INSTEAD OF THROWING ME AWAY

October 19, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

ROBOTS from cover educational path and then as a work career. We want to get them interested, light that fire and then build it into a blaze and send them to high school and university so someday they can become a scientist or engineer. That is what it is all about for us. STEM is not for everybody, but for those who are into it we want to make sure they have the opportunity to do it.” Pitts said the Clavius Project is largely working in St. Louis City at this point, but noted that this year there are five county schools that are also participating in the program and said he hopes to continue to expand the program to more schools. “I think our capacity is unlimited,” he said. “We have been blessed with a large donation from the Bergess Family Foundation. We have five high schools and St. Louis University providing mentors and as time goes by we have more and more people who want to sign on.” As the number of schools participating in the program grows, Pitts said he hopes the Clavius Project can also offer even more programming.

“We have started a math tutoring program at several schools,” he said, “and we want to also be able to offer a middle school engineering project for the eighth graders where they could build a robot from scratch.” The Clavius Project also provides scholarships for participating students to attend summer camps at both Ranken Technical College and SLUH. “Every student who participates we consider a Clavius Scholar,” said Pitts, noting that Clavious Scholars receive a free scholarship to either a robotics camp at SLUH or a variety of camps at Ranken. “They also have welding, building and racing go-carts and carpentry. Last summer we sent 30 students to Ranken and about 40 to SLUH.” He added that the Clavius Project also helps schools integrate robotics into their existing curriculum. “We have nine schools that have done that,” he said. “They have seen the benefits of kids having hands on experimental learning.”

COMMUNITY VOICES Working to build a better future By Dr. Charles J. Pearson A vision statement describes “a better future.” I am in the process of proposing both Vision and Mission for the Normandy Schools Collaborative. This process compelled me to think about our present world, our present society, our present culture with all of its challenges and opportunities and what it will take to imagine and then build the “better future.” The current challenges that scream at us from the headlines are staggering – environmental issues/global warming; decades of old wars that seem unsolvable; ceasefires that cannot hold; race relations that move forward and then back again; frustration with the ability of leadership to work across party lines to solve social problems; levels of violence in communities coupled with the spread of drug abuse across social lines … and the list goes on. These are challenges that can become opportunities for courageous, confident, imaginative people to step up and tackle. The opportunity is right for radical problem-solving. Here is the irony – my generation has not been able to solve many of these problems. In fact, my generation has actually passed on some of our difficulties in dealing with this concept called “race.” This brings me to my wish list for the young people who are our current generation of graduates. I want our students to graduate equipped to imagine, define, and create a better future – a society that actually makes life bet-

ter for the weak, empowers others to lead independent lives with an interdependent focus. I want our students to be innovative whether they choose to stay in Normandy, North County or travel the world. I want them to be confident, courageous, thoughtful, action-oriented individuals. I want our students to act beyond their self-interest, leaving the world better than when they entered it. They must be led by moral purpose –identifying problems and solving them because it is the right thing to do for others. I am not interested in our students being able to survive in the culture. I want them to thrive and change it. Today’s graduates must be critical thinkers, adults with the ability to draw information from whatever they read and then take action based on what they learn. Graduates must be effective communicators – able to read, write, and speak with a variety of audiences in a variety of ways. To be successful, our graduates have to be creative problem-solvers, thinking of new ways to brainstorm and approach challenges, asking critical questions in different ways. Our next generation of leaders must know how to collaborate. They must be able to work with a variety of people in a variety of ways. In a world where an individual can have a medical exam in one country, the test results analyzed in another country and craft a plan of action in a neighborhood clinic, our students must be very effective in their ability to interact with a variety of people.

Finally, our students must be innovators. They must create new solutions for the challenges before them. Their solutions cannot be “change just for change’s sake.” Their solutions must be new and add value to our lives. Their solutions must not just rename the problem (diversity, cultural relevance, cultural responsiveness, structural racism, institutional racism…), but analyze the causes and provide solutions that are attainable by the many. My vision is that type of graduate. This is a tall order for an urban district whose challenges are many. Nevertheless, our mission is to create the environment and systems that will prepare these types of graduates. To do anything less is to relegate our students to being second class citizens in the 21st century. That future is not acceptable. Dr. Charles J. Pearson is currently the Superintendent of the Normandy Schools Collaborative. He has been committed to serving in the public education arena for over 35 years. Pearson received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University in 2007. He is married to Betty and they have three adult children and live in Normandy. 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.amorestl.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016

City of Hazelwood’s fall leaf collection program for residents begins

The city of Hazelwood started its annual Fall Leaf Collection Program for residents on Oct. 17.

Autumn gives everyone a chance to enjoy the beautiful colors of changing leaves. But when they start falling off trees and creating piles on the ground, they can create hardship for many property owners. This year’s Hazelwood Fall Leaf Collection Program began on Oct. 17 and ends on Dec. 23. A list showing which streets are assigned to each pick-up week can be found in the Fall 2016 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide, pages 21-24. This list can also be found on the city’s website at www. hazelwoodmo.org in the Latest News section. The dates provided are as accurate as the city’s Public Works Street Division can make them since it’s difficult to predict the weather and mechanical malfunctions. Residents are asked to rake their leaves to the curb on the weekend before their designated pickup week. Avoid raking leaves into the street because they can obstruct water runoff when it rains, causing big puddles of water on local streets. Plus, local horticulturists have confirmed that it won’t kill the grass to have the leaves on it for a few days.

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood

City crews will collect leaves on each street onetime only during the scheduled pick-up week. Leaves will not be collected if vehicles are parked in the street, blocking access to the curb. If residents are skipped over because of parked cars in the streets, they can call the Street Division at 314731-8701 after the vehicle is removed to have their leaves collected. But this must be done during the scheduled pick-up week only. Residents who wish to bag their leaves can do so using bio-degradable lawn bags. City crews will pick-up the bags placed near the curb on the Monday of the scheduled pick-up week. There is no limit on the number of bags left at the curb for pick-up. Residents should avoid putting any brush, vines, grass clippings, trash, garbage, metal objects, and garden waste in the leaves they rake to the curb. This may cause serious injuries to the crew or damage the machinery. For further information on Hazelwood’s Fall Leaf Collection Program, contact the Public Works Street Division at 314-731-8701 on Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

www.BJCMedicalGroup.org

Around Town t our

Check ou

ection S n e d r a G & e Hom in Classifieds page 15

Around Town

October 19, 2016 • 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.

www.MYCNEWS.com

Comment period deadline for Florissant’s proposed CDBG Annual Action Plan approaches A 30-day comment period regarding Florissant’s Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Action Plan for the Florissant Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program will end at 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. The plan is available for review on the city’s website or at the Florissant Government Building at 1055 rue St. Francois. The public is

invited to submit written comments to comara@ florissantmo.com, or send to: CDBG Program, Florissant Government Building, 1055 rue St. Francois, Florissant, Missouri 63031. For additional information, contact Carol O’Mara, Director Housing and Community Development at 314-839-7680.

Missourians invited to help select bicentennial license plate

www.byerlyrv.com

www.BridgeAtFlorissant.com

All Missourians are encouraged to help select the design of a new automobile license plate, which will be out in time for the ShowMe State’s bicentennial in 2021. Options for the plate design will be presented at four public hearings across the state, including the following: Oct. 25 at the MoDOT Transportation Management Center at 14301 South Outer 40 Road in Town and Country, Missouri and Nov. 1 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The initial hearing was held in September in Springfield. All sessions begin at 6 p.m. The public is invited to discuss the plate options at the meetings. Online voting will be open through Dec. 1 at missouri2021.org. Missouri became the nation’s twenty-fourth state on Aug. 10, 1821. Planning for statewide commemorations began in 2013, after the 97th General Assembly selected the State Historical Society of Missouri to spearhead the efforts. “It was essential that the process start when it did,” said Gary Kremer, SHSMO executive director. “The bicentennial license plate is the first step of many to help ensure that all Missourians are a part of the state’s celebration.” State Representative Glen Kolkmeyer of Missouri’s 53rd District sponsored the legislation, and Dave Schatz, Senator from the 26th District, helped ensure the effort progressed on the Senate floor. On July 1, 2016, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed House Bill 2380, authorizing the bicentennial plate. SHSMO trustee Doug Crews has also been an instrumental figure in the project. “A lot of people helped bring the idea of a bicentennial license plate this far. We are thankful to the governor, Representative Kolkmeyer, and Senator Schatz for their support,” Crews said. The public meetings were organized by the Bicentennial License Plate Advisory Committee, created by HB 2380. Members include leaders from the State Historical Society, Department of Revenue, State Highway Patrol, Department of

Corrections, and Department of Transportation, as well as the chairpersons of the transportation committees in both houses of Missouri’s General Assembly.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Send in the clowns There’s something strange going on in the country lately. Reports have been coming in regularly; sightings have been related at record numbers and frightful beings have been spotted lurking in neighborhoods and communities causing all kinds of angst and distress. Is it UFO aliens, you say? Guess again. Think something far more sinister and disturbing. IRS agents? Oh, that’s a hard one to challenge, but no. Still more devious. Try again. Flesh-eating zombie Girl Scouts?! Now you’re just being plain weird! The creepers of which are causing so much torment and grief are clowns, yes clowns. They’ve been coming out of the woodwork as well as out of the woods. Police stations everywhere are getting calls about red-nosed fiends with freakish toothy grins and chalky faces dressed up in their creepy, clowny outfits hanging around numerous communities. And their eerie pictures are being posted all over social media to confirm that these threats are real. It’s time someone figured out what the heck is going on here. To begin with, there was just one of these sightings then another then it seemed as if the zombie apocalypse had been nudged out by clown Armageddon. Perhaps it’s just some bizarre craze that some

doofus with a low quantity of brain cells conceived, much like flagpole sitting, goldfish eating, pet rocks, disco dancing and of course…mullets. I wish it could be said that it’s happening because Halloween is nearing, but no. This has been going on for months and now it seems to be increasing. These loons are out there in the public just hanging around for no particular reason irritating citizens and spooking the poop out of people. This is so unsettling mainly because there’s no acceptable reason for them to be there: no circus, no rodeo, no parades or fairs. So I turned on the TV to find an update on this menacing situation and I saw it there with my own eyes. Two particularly scary clowns had been discovered. They are right before me and they are at each other’s throats battling it out on live television. It is a spectacle to behold. It all makes perfect sense now. Perhaps these clowns will disappear as soon as the debates and Election Day are over. One more terrorizing month to go! 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.

Around Town

HHS awards $1,925,445 to expand Missouri behavioral health workforce The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $1,925,445 in awards to seven training programs to increase the number of mental health providers and substance abuse counselors in Missouri. Nationally, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are funding 144 new and continuing grants for a total of $44.5 million through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) program, which supports clinical internships and field placements for an array of professional and paraprofessional behavioral health disciplines and occupations. “The administration is committed to ensuring that Americans of all ages have access to quality mental health and substance abuse services,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “These grants are an important step toward that goal by creating an educational pipeline for future behavioral health providers so people in need can get the care they deserve.” President Obama designated Sept. 18-23 as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. As part of the week, federal agencies focused on the work being done across the government and announcing new efforts to address the national prescription opioid and heroin epidemic. “The program emphasizes integrating behavioral health, primary care, violence awareness and prevention, and the involvement of families in the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae. “This emphasis helps strengthen the next generation of behavioral health workforce providers so they can work more effectively in a variety of 21st century health care settings.” In Missouri $224,512 will support two new grantees and an additional $1,700,933 will fund five current grantees. "In 2015, 55 million adult Americans had a mental or substance use disorder,” said SAMHSA Principal Deputy Administrator Kana Enomoto. “That's one out of five adults. These are serious, often lifethreatening conditions, yet fewer than 39 percent of those affected got treatment. We must develop a robust, well-trained behavioral health workforce to ensure the future health of our nation."

School

October 19, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Like Us On Facebook facebook.com/mycnews

Normandy seventh grader wins Carver Rising Leader Award Kenyon Wofford, student at the Normandy 7th-8th Grade Center, is the recipient of the George Washington Carver Rising Leader in Innovation and Service Award from the Carver Birthplace Association. Kenyon received the award Sept. 20 at the Inaugural Carver Dinner at Washington University. The award was based on an essay and nomination from his former teacher, Dr. Janis Wiley. Photo courtesy Kenyon Wofford

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.stladhd.com

Students have the right ingredients thanks to donations Kasey Healey, gifted education teacher in Hazelwood School District, has the right ingredients for a recipe of success, thanks to online donations made via Donorschoose. org Fourth grade gifted education students taking the cooking class offered at the HSD Galactic Center are learning to prepare meals on a budget. “I really like the idea that students wanted to have a cooking class, where they could learn about different foods,” said Healey. “Some of our students live in areas where fresh foods are not easPhoto courtesy Hazelwood School District ily accessible.” Kasey Healey, HSD Gifted Education teacher, shown with students. Some of the items that were donated are table top ovens, electric skillets, im- choices,” said Healey. DonorsChoose.org is a crowd funding site simimersion blenders, stand up mixers, a microwave lar to Kickstarter, which was started by a teacher at and a small refrigerator. “I am motivated by the idea that, after taking a Bronx, New York high school in 2000. Since its inception, DonorsChoose.org has this class our students will have learned basic cooking skills, will have confidence in preparing funded more than 700,000 projects in nearly healthy meals and are able to make healthier food 70,000 schools across the nation.

Teacher encourages elementary students to blog

www.amypoelker2.com

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Lesli Henderson, fourth-grade teacher at Lusher Elementary in the Hazelwood School District is shown with students. Henderson encourages students to blog, as a way to express themselves.

Lesli Henderson, fourth-grade teacher at Lusher Elementary in the Hazelwood School District, is encouraging young students to start blogging. Recently Henderson was featured in an article on Parent.co, which addressed the question of why kids need to journal, and how technology can help. In the Parent.co article, Henderson states that writing gives her students a voice, and that voice helps them to discover confidence, and problem solve.

Henderson uses Kidblog, to introduce blogging to students. Kidblog is an online blogging platform where students can write, share and comment on what other students are posting. “I like using Kidblog because it is password protected and it sends email notifications when one of my students writes a post or comment,” said Henderson. “I can easily monitor what a student writes and I can make comments. Sometimes children are afraid to say what is bothering them and blogging is a great way for them to express themselves.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016

Business

Wallis companies acquires additional stores Wallis Companies announced the acquisition of convenience stores in the greater St. Louis area. This acquisition consists of 13 Dirt Cheap locations, 19 U-Gas convenience stores, one commissary operation and one undeveloped parcel for future store development. This acquisition strengthens Wallis’s existing convenience store network throughout Missouri. “With entrepreneurial roots, our company has always focused on growth. We are excited

about the new customers and new markets this acquisition allows us to serve. Our team has worked hard to make the transition smooth for customers,” said Lynn Wallis, President and CEO of Wallis Companies. Customers will continue to receive the same service, as most of the existing staff joined Wallis Companies. There are no immediate changes planned for store operations.

Home Builders Association donates $10,000 to Ranken Technical College On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation, 2016 HBA President Kim Hibbs of Hibbs Homes (left) presented a $10,000 donation to Kari Davidson, director of major gifts for Ranken Technical College. The donation will be used to support Ranken Technical College’s neighborhood revitalization and home building program, RCDC (Ranken Community Development Corporation). The RCDC was founded in 1994 to revitalize North City and give Ranken students real-world experience in building permanent homes. Carpentry, HVAC/refrigeration, plumbing, architectural technology, electrical and industrial technology students spend a portion of their second year building the homes and gaining valuable experience. Program participants are currently completing their 61st home. Ranken homes are sold as single-family, affordable housing and receive a ten-year real estate tax abatement from

Submitted photo

the city of St. Louis. The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

www.MidwestBankCentre.com

AARP calls on presidential candidates to address Social Security

Submitted photo Nancy LeaMond (far left) was accompanied at the Washington University debate by (left to right) AARP National Board members Jewell Hoover and Joan Ruff and Senior Advisor for Voter Education Pete Jeffries.

If our leaders don’t act, in 18 years Social Security benefits could be cut by nearly 25 percent every year for 3.1 future retirees in Missouri, according to the 2016 Social Security Trustees Report. Attending the second presidential debate at Washington University, Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer for AARP, expected to hear the two presidential candidates address the issue. While that did not happen at the second

debate, AARP holes the issue will get the attention it deserves in third Las Vegas debate. According to LeaMond, the cut in benefits translates to $4.6 billion less in the pockets of Missouri residents and could mean about $8.4 billion less in economic activity and more than 50,000 fewer jobs in the state. She urges people to visit TakieAStand.org to get a message to the moderator of the next debate and request that the candidates be asked about their plans for Social Security.

www.ssmhealth.com/orthopedics

October 19, 2016 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016

October 19, 2016 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016

Sports you see with Gary B... Indoor football team at the Family Arena joins new league Team President and CEO Kenny Nowling is proud to announce the River City Raiders will play in the Northeast Champions Indoor Football League. The league consists of 16 teams. All six home games will be played on Saturday evenings at 7:05 at the Family Arena in St. Charles with the first home game will be March 11, 2017. Midwest cities the team will play include Omaha, Bloomington, Kansas City, Chicago, West Michigan and Bismarck, North Dakota. The complete schedule is on the home page of the website. Go to www.IndoorRaiders.com to get all the details. * Exciting times Soccer team has nine-game winning streak at Lindenwood Lindenwood men’s soccer team is ranked 22nd and recently defeated the No. 16 ranked Fort Hays Tigers 3-2 in Hays, Kansas 3-2. The victory extends the Lions current unbeaten streak to nine games. The Lions first score was from Nijaz Muratovic three minutes in the game as he scooped up a loose ball in the box and shot it into the left side of the net for his third goal of the season. At the 32nd minute-mark Xhovani Dokaj scored his MIAA-leading 12th goal of the season, off of a deflected cross pass making the score 2-0 into the half. At the 51st and 63rd minute-mark of the second half, the Tigers evened the score. The game would remain deadlocked until late in the second half, when play seemed destined to head to overtime. However in the 89th minute, Jose Sanchez scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal. Assisting on Sanchez’s second game-winning goal of the season, were Gaspar Alvarez and Dokaj. Goal keeper Aleksa Nenadic made for Lindenwood turned in four saves notching his ninth victory of the season. The Lions improve its season record to 9-2-2

and 4-0-0 from within the MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association). For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information

Sports

Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com

UMSL soccer wins in double overtime In the 104th minute junior Pat Ries scored the game-winner help the University of MissouriSt. Louis men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Saint Joseph Pumas on Sunday afternoon in Great Lakes Valley Conference action. Ries now leads the team with six goals helping his team to improve to 10-3-1 and 9-2-1 in the GLVC. The Tritons have won four in a row the longest active win streak in the GLVC, and moves UMSL into second place in the league standings. DJ Bednar scored the first goal for UMSL in the 16th minute of play. Senior Jack Filla recorded four saves while his defense only allowed one shot on goal in the second half. Go to www.UMSLTritons.com for more information. * Long game Picture with the quarterback Since we don’t have a team here, Chris Lepera was in Cincinnati to watch the Bengals and ran into the QB of the team at a restaurant. Andy Gregory Dalton has been the QB of the team for the past five years and was gracious enough to have Submitted photo a snapshot for his- Chris Lepera (left) with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. tory. * Way to go Chris Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, has hosted many radio shows from Health to Sports to Baby Boomer news. He was the EMCEE of the River City Rascals and St. Louis Swarm basketball team inaugural seasons and broadcasting for the indoor football teams over a decade. Has been writing sports since 1999 for the paper.

If you plant them, they will come! Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and songbirds that is! Let Forrest Keeling partner with you to bring natural beauty to your home habitat! www.facebook.com/mycnews

www.pinterest.com/mycnews

www.stangelawfirm.com Visit Forrest Keeling’s all-new Habitat Headquarters in Elsberry.

https://twitter.com/@mycnews

in the back yard to the back forty! Forrest Keeling Nursery

www.forrestkeeling.com forrestkeeling.com

What’s Happening

October 19, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Oct. 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 314-831-6121.

Oct. 20: Career fair

www.treesbywoody.net

From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. the NAACP will host a diversity career fair at the Airport Hilton Hotel at 10330 Natural Bridge Rd. geared towards diverse qualified job seekers from across the St. Louis Metropolitan Region. Employers from across the state will come to recruit at the NAACP Diversity Career Fair and demonstrate their commitment to diversity. The NAACP Diversity career fair is a critical part of the Missouri NAACP State Convention and is open to registered convention participants and the entire St. Louis Metropolitan Community. Over 2,000 job seekers are expected to meet face-to face with over 40 employers. Opportunities in technology, finance, education, insurance, sales, government, nonprofit, retail, food service, health, and much more will be showcased at this year’s event.

Oct. 20-22: Book sale

Ferguson Library Friends (FLIERS) Fall Book Sale will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the auditorium at Ferguson Library at 35 N. Florissant Road. Good selection of books, extra numbers in children’s, animal, paperbacks, and jig saw puzzles. Military half price.

Oct. 20: Free blood pressure check

Free blood pressure check at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr.(off Parker Rd.) Call 8313752 for more information.

Oct. 21: Halloween dance and costume party

A Halloween dance and costume party for fifth through eighth grade is cosponsored by the Florissant Parks and Recreation Department and D.A.R.E from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Center in Florissant. Pizza and soda are included along with a DJ, candy, games and prizes. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Tickets are $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Tickets required upon entry. No tickets available at event. Tickets are on sale at JFK and JJE centers in Florissant. For additional information call 921-4250.

Oct. 21-22: Quilt and church tour

The 10th annual Calhoun County Quilt and Church Tour will take place Oct. 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Quilts are located in the villages of Brussels, Hamburg, Hardin and Kampsville. For information and tickets call 618-883-2578 or 618-2321268.

Oct. 21: Pork steak dinner

Pork steak 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. 21: Bingo

Bingo from 2 – 3 p.m. at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Oct. 22: Race to the Shrine

The Third Annual Race to the Shrine which will be held at the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine beginning with the one mile Fun Run that starts at 3:30 p.m. and the 5K race that starts at 4 p.m. The Race to the Shrine benefits multiple programs with local area Florissant

parishes. Experience the treasure of the Shrine of St. Ferdinand, the oldest standing church in the Louisiana Purchase territory. Enjoy some delicious BBQ by the Knights of Columbus, live music by local musicians, and have a wonderful day outside. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, a volunteer or would like to participate visit the website www.racetotheshrine. com for further details.

Oct. 22: Grade school reunion

St. Gregory Grade School in St. Ann will hold a reunion for all grades from 6 - 11 p.m. at the VFW on Midland Boulevard east of Lindbergh. For more information email jparkermomcat@aol.com.

Oct. 23: Concert performance

Northwinds Concert Band, under the direction of Larry Marsh, will present a “Sunday at the Pops” concert at 3 p.m. in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre. Tickets are $8, $6, and may be reserved by calling the box office at 314-921-5678. The Sunday concert will feature guest performers and conductors. Marsh will share the podium with some of the fine music educators who play in the band. Marc Strathman will conduct exciting music from “Doctor Who,” and Hadley Haux brings you fun music from “Beetlejuice. Veteran musical director Joseph Paule, Sr. will lead a medley from “The King and I.”

Oct. 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 314-831-6121.

Oct. 27: Career fair

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley Career & Networking Fair takes place from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley Student Center Multipurpose Room at 3400 Pershall Road. Meet with area employers and learn about full-time, part-time and internship opportunities in your community. Professional attire required and make sure to bring plenty of copies of your resume. The event is open to the community. For more information contact 314-513-4543.

Oct. 28: Chicken dinner

All-you-can-eat chicken dinner, dine in only, 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.

Nov. 5: Trivia night

The Jennings Do-Dads are sponsoring their Forth Annual Trivia Night. The event will be held at St. Sabina Parish at 1625 Swallow Lane in Florissant. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m. Tables of eight are available for $120. Cost includes beer, wine, soda and water. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and snacks to enjoy. The theme for the evening is 80’s Trivia.For reservations or more information call Jim Christian at 314-3418417 or Mike Spahn at 314-378-4964 or email jenningsdodads@yahoo.com.

Nov. 5: Rummage sale

Calvary Church Annual Rummage Sale takes place at Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Avenue from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, call 429-7464 and leave a message.

Nov. 5: Fashion show

Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce its 41st Annual Fashion Show at Orlando’s in Maryland Heights. This year’s theme is “Women Stepping Up to Help Other Women.” Tickets are $30 per person. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and a buffet lunch will be served

at 12:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available. In addition to the fashion show there will be basket raffles, silent auctions and pot of gold. Orlando’s is located at 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza in Maryland Heights. Proceeds from the fashion show benefit St. Louis area women’s and children’s charities. Visit their website www.soroptimiststlouis.com for more information on the fashion show, including payment via PayPal, or contact Paula Russell at 314-355-1516 or info@soroptimiststlouis.com.

Nov 6: Quilt bingo

St. Ferdinand Ladies Sodality Quilt Bingo, doors open 11 a.m., games begin at 1 p.m. in the school gym at 1735 Charbonier Rd in Florissant. Twelve beautiful quilts, cash prizes, raffle, pull tabs and refreshments available.

Nov. 7: Prayer service

The Worship Committee at St. Barnabas Church is planning an Election Eve Prayer Service at 7 p.m. All parishioners, families, neighbors and the greater community are invited to join for prayer the night before this major election.

Nov. 19: Meat shoots

The Florissant Eagles Aerie3638 at 15245 New Halls Ferry Rd. will be hosting meat shoots starting Sept. 17 and running through Nov. 19. No bull barrels, 670 minimum chokes. Shooting # 9s. The shoots run from noon until dusk.

Nov. 20: Meat Shoot Sundays

From Sept. 18 through Nov. 20 there will be Meat Shoot Sundays at Florissant Valley American Legion Post 444 at 7090 Old Jamestown Rd. from noon until dusk. Food and drinks will be available. There will be a children’s play area as well.

Dec. 31: Volunteers needed

St. Louis County is now seeking volunteers for the St. Louis County Older Resident Programs’ (CORP) 2016 tax preparation. Applications are now available to begin the process and to sign up for the training. Volunteers will be VITA-certified and will begin volunteering at the CORP tax sites mid-January and continue through mid-April. Volunteers can choose where they would like to help out of eight sites, days, position as a tax counselor, appointment scheduler or customer greeter/intaker. Mileage reimbursement is available. Call today to get started with the volunteer application process. Interested individuals should contact Sheryl Trask at 314615-7430 for north of I-64 locations or Kathy Paulsen at 314-615-4021 for south county locations.

RECURRING EVENTS 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 314-615-4516. 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016 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: Lung cancer support group

The Lung Cancer Networking Group is open to anyone affected by lung cancer and meets at Christian Hospital at 11133 Dunn Rd. every second Tuesday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 2100. No RSVP required. Christian Hospital has partnered with the Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis to provide this group meeting. Drop-in to the monthly meetings to discuss, ask questions and learn how others manager side effects, symptoms and the day-to-day of cancer. Connect with other care partners who are learning about cancer and how it impacts their friends and family members. Share and hear stories from others who “get it.” Discover the power of group support when you meet with a licensed facilitator, other people (family, friends, patients) affected by a cancer diagnosis.

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 Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednes-

days, 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

6:45pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330

Every 3rd Friday of the month:

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

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.

es.com

l stchar c i r o t s i

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo

3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

www.

What’s Happening

www.CampingWorldofStLouis.com

Bingo

2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400

October 19, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H.

PET CEMETERY

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

Check it Out!

www.MYCNEWS.com

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL!

facebook.com/mycnews

For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

CALL 636-697-2414

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

www.centralbank.net/stlbankjobs

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • October 19, 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

www.treesbywoody.net

www.scrubbydutch.com

www.metrostlhomes.com

Call 636.697.2414 to place your ad!

www.HomeWashersStl.com

www.cozyhomecleaners.org

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

October 19, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

‘Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders’ is retro fun Seventy-five years ago, Bob Kane and Bill Finger created Batman, a now-iconic hero who has appeared in various forms and media. For the last decade, Christian Bale virtually owned the character in a series of dark, violent movies. More recently, Ben Affleck took over the dual roles of millionaire Bruce Wayne and his caped alter ego, even crossing over into “Suicide Squad” this past summer. In the hearts of many fans, though, Adam West’s work on the “Batman” TV series can’t be surpassed. Denounced as campy by some, the 1966-68 series featured a Caped Crusader who delivered lectures on health and public safety in the middle of an investigation. Each episode contained fist fights with mod music and pop-art graphics (“Kapow” “Bap”) whenever fist met face. Series stars Adam West and Burt Ward along with frequent guest star Julie Newmar revisited the characters in “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders,” which is now available on digital download. This animated adventure captures the look and style of the 1960’s series, but adds in modern sensibility as well. The plot focuses on several villains, including Newmar’s Catwoman, conspiring to take over Gotham City and steal a duplication ray. There’s also the simmering attraction between Batman and Catwoman, something that was more prevalent in comic books and movies than on TV. Batman always had the best “Rogue’s Gallery,” and most of them show up here. Like the show, “Return of the Caped Crusaders” plays things straight even when the plot elements are absurd. Few heroes would clearly and boldly label every device and mechanism in their arsenal. Batman and Robin

also have an antidote, obscure bit of knowledge or weapon perfectly geared for any scenario. Fifty years after the fact, West, Ward and Newmar slip easily back into their iconic roles. It’s nice to hear West lecturing Robin on the importance of using crosswalks, especially when pursuing criminals. The actor puts a superior air into his delivery when he’s talking down to criminals as well as the police commissioner. Returning as Dick Grayson, Burt Ward has the same enthusiasm in his voice as he did five decades ago. This animated production also deals with allegations that Bruce and Dick than have more going on than just dressing in costumes, fighting crime and living the good life in a mansion. While not perfect, this is a fun romp that pays homage to a Batman not ashamed to dance the “Batusi” in public and over the closing credits. “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” is now available via digital download. Blu-ray combo packs and DVD’s will be available Nov. 1. Submitted photos 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.