CN: December 6, 2017 by Community News

December 6, 2017

Dr. January’s warm heart

Around Town Citizens for Modern Transit launches program with personal safety technology company SafeTrek. P.5

Community Voices By Dr. Misty C. Farr. P.2

Special Sections

Holiday Shopping Guide. P.7

Food

Dr. Eboni January’s is an Obstetrician Gynecologist (OBGYN) at Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers.

Submitted photo

Local physician looks to tackle women’s health crisis through fitness and diet By Charlotte Beard Dr. Eboni January’s career is still in its early stages, but the impact she has already made on women’s health has been immense. January, an Obstetrician Gynecologist (OBGYN) at Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers (PHC), was one of 30 North County St. Louis leaders honored on Oct. 31 by North County Incorporated (NCI). The regional development association’s honoring was to recognize their annual “30 Leaders in Their Thirties Leadership” awardees for the impact they have made in their careers and community in North County. January is co-founder for Pavlov’s Wellness Firm. “I noticed that many companies were spending a ton of money on insurance premiums,” said January. “So, I along with a friend of mine – co-owner – decided to start a wellness firm where we bring comprehensive health care and health into corporations and companies.” January added that many companies offer a free gym membership to their employees without coupling it with tools to make the membership effective. She states that health and wellness have a lot to do with what goes into the body. “We wanted [a comprehensive collaboration] where you brought in nutritionists and talk to people about eating

right,” said January. “I come in and talk to people about how to make eating healthy work with their lifestyle. Many people have kids and extra-curricular activities. We bring in a personal trainer, we bring in meal plans, we bring in a nutritionist, we offer gym memberships. [These tools] are to attack every aspect of health and wellness, to decrease chronic illness and disease, and to increase productivity in the workplace.” January is a native of East St. Louis, Illinois who graduated from East St. Louis Senior High before going on to University of Missouri – Columbia (Mizzou). She graduated from Mizzou in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, minoring in Chemistry and Anthropology. She completed her med prep post baccalaureate program at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and received her medical degree in 2010 from Wright State University – Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her residency training at Mercy Hospital - St. Louis. January serves on the executive board of one of NCI’s members The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. The nonprofit is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect and provides emergency intervention, respite care and support to families in crisis. Another health challenge January

discovered and has worked to resolve was found with her personal patients. She discovered a pattern of young, significantlyoverweight women having cancer. She attributes being significantly overweight to being at-risk for cancer-related illnesses among women. As an OBGYN, January started talking to her patients about weight, health, and fitness more than gynecological issues because the latter issues were secondary to the excess weight. However, she was challenged with determining how to stay connected with her patients outside the office and decided she would use technology, specifically texting. “The one thing that I found is that they would only eat once a day. Not eating is worse than overeating. That’s on the first page of my website,” January said. According to January, the practice of not eating kills the metabolism. “I would talk with them, write out a meal plan. They [would start] and do great, then fall off the wagon,” she said. January’s text coaching fitness program, which is available through her website (www.doctorej.com), opens with this message on the welcome page: “Message from Doctor Ej:”Not eating is worse than overeating. Eating infrequently causes you to store body fat. This program works See ‘WARM HEART’ page 2

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Deliver holiday flavor with pecans. P.9

Movie

Oscar Watch 2017: Jacob Tremblay shines in ‘Wonder’. P.16

Weather FRIDAY Rain/Snow 36/22 SATURDAY Sunny 32/23 SUNDAY Sunny 46/25 FirstWarn Weather

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

Around Town

December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Sleeping with the enemy By Dr. Misty C. Farr, Pharm.D. My husband is an amazing man. He’s loving and has a potpourri of knowledge that would make Alex Trebek smile; it’s like being married to an encyclopedia. He and I were having a conversation one evening and it came out that he doesn’t check his medications when he gets them. “I give you (the pharmacist) what the doctor gave me,” he said. He went on to admit that he doesn’t even read his name, unless “there are multiple bottles around,” and has no clue of what he’s taking or why. I was angry at first, then dumbfounded. I felt like there was an enemy and he sleeps next to me every night. This was no ordinary man. This was the smartest person I know; this is the spouse of a pharmacist and he should know better. Yet, he, like so many others, takes medicine because it was prescribed and trusts the system to work. It’s flattering that he trusts his pharmacist (I’m his pharmacist), but it’s not good practice to “blindly” accept any medication. There are a lot of failsafe

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procedures that go into the prescription and distribution of medicine, many of which are designed to protect the patient. At my pharmacy, we counsel every new prescription and have other behind-thescenes measures to ensure accurate and timely delivery. However, we (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and technicians) are human. Given that, it’s okay to ask what it is you’re being prescribed or taking and why. In fact, you should. We love our patients and welcome active participation in their overall health outcomes. There is no question (about your health) that is too unreasonable or unimportant, as long as you have it. Our primary job is to ensure that you’re safe and healthy; our secondary job is to make sure that you have an understanding and comfort about your medication, so that you’ll actually take it. Comfort can sometimes be a trap. We can get so comfortable with our routines that we become too lax. We should always be asking questions and actively participating, especially when it comes to our health and health outcomes.

Dr. Misty Collier Farr currently serves as Pharmacy Manager of the Florissant Walmart store. She was a Gates Millennium Scholar and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP). Dr. Farr is a member of the Missouri Pharmacy Association, she is involved with the Minority Women Pharmacists Association, serves on the Alumni Board of Directors at STLCOP, the Board of Directors of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, and is an active supporter and participant in the “Red Shoe Movement,” a grassroots movement of women supporting women for career success. She is a devoted wife and mother of three. She and her family reside in the Florissant area and are active members of their community. You can follow her on twitter @Pharmisty. 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.

‘WARM HEART’ from cover because I never allow you to forget to eat! I call it ‘Text Coaching.’” There are three levels for the program: basic, intermediate and advanced. Each level is a four-week program that can be utilized independently. January states the program texts a participant every two to three hours with when and what to eat, and workouts that can be done at home. As a person progresses in the program they can move on to working out in a gym and be provided more of a structured meal plan based on the level chosen. Registered nurse Anne Newman attests to January’s coaching reaching beyond her patients to her colleagues. “She’s always on us when she sees us not eating something healthy,” Newman said. “She’s our own personal fitness coach.” Newman reiterated January’s stance on weight control playing a big part in cancer prevention related to women’s health.

January expressed that in addition to health she has a great passion for mentoring both adults and youth. Her concerns for the youth are goal setting, resume building, effective test-taking, classroom skills, and effective study skills. Her mentorship of adults is focused on managing one’s self – self-management – because she holds the philosophy that you can’t truly manage time. Newman, who has been Dr. January’s registered nurse for close to a year in collaborating on the care of her patients, expressed that their relationship goes beyond colleagues to mentoring. “She’s great to work with…she has a positive attitude. She’s very passionate about doing the best she can for [her patients],” Newman said.

Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge returns Jan. 13-14, 2018 Save the date this January for the popular Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge festival in 2018. Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 13 and 14, 2018. The event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Great Rivers Greenway (GRG). Eagle Days is also made possible by a sponsorship from Cabela’s. This free, family event is an excellent opportunity to see bald eagles in the wild and up close during live bald eagle programs presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. During both days, the World Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Bird Sanctuary program will be repeated every 20 minutes Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge festival will return for 2018 on Jan. 13-14. The free event gives visitors the chance to view bald eagles from 10 a.m.-2:40 p.m. Lewis in the wild from the bridge through spotting scopes. and Clark re-enactors will also present a living history camp on the Missouri side, and the I-270 Bridge. For more bald eagle-watching opportunities this winter, go to demonstrations on the Illinois side. The historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is located in north St. https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/events/eagle-days . Louis off Riverview Drive, approximately a quarter mile south of

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 6, 2017

Great Rivers Greenway and its partners are seeking more public input from area residents to help develop the community goals for the Chouteau Greenway project, which will bring a long-time vision to life as part of the region’s overall network of greenways. People from across the region are encouraged to complete an online survey at www.ChouteauGreenway. org by Dec. 20. Hard copies of the survey are also available by calling 314-4367009 or visiting one of the neighborhood meetings, festivals and pop-up events in the region. “The partners envision Chouteau Greenway as becoming common ground – weaving together our diverse neighborhoods and communities into a vibrant and unique St. Louis experience enjoyed by all,” says Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. “To achieve this, we need to hear from people so the design reflects their wants and needs. What will make them feel welcome and safe? What stories do we need to tell through signage, design or public art? What destinations do they want to connect to? We want to hear it all.” The goal for the Chouteau Greenway project is to connect the areas of Washington University and Forest Park to the Washington University Medical Center & BJC, the Cortex Innovation District, the City Foundry STL and Armory projects, Grand Center Arts District, Saint Louis University, Harris-Stowe State University, Midtown, Downtown and the Gateway Arch and Mississippi Riverfront. With spurs north and south, the greenway will likely stretch five-seven miles, connecting area neighborhoods, employment centers, parks, transit and dozens of cultural and educational institutions. Design teams interested in submitting their qualifications for the design competition were required to do so by Nov. 21. A jury, comprised of nine local and international experts, is currently reviewing all submissions and will recommend four teams to compete before the end of the year. Those four teams will be briefed on the project, including the survey results and community goals, in early January and will complete a conceptual design to show the community in April 2018. The jury will then evaluate the plans based on design and community goals in late

April, and the winning team will finalize their design, completing the competition, in June 2018. The next steps will determine how to bring the project to life through further design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance. Great Rivers Greenway has also chosen 40 community members, out of the 205 who applied, to be a part of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to provide vision and guidance for the project. Additional stakeholder groups are forming to provide input throughout the process from a wide variety of agencies, businesses and organizations. For more information about the project and the survey, visit www.ChouteauGreenway.org.

Youth of the Year Winner announced at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater St. Louis Great Futures Gala Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) 2018 Youth of the Year winner is Michaelmonique Mayo. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The award is a Boys & Girls Clubs signature youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient's contributions to their family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club. Mayo also won the inaugural Wanda and Michael DeHaven Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year scholarship in the amount of $5,000. And, a Honda Accord courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive Group, also a first for the Club's Youth of the Year. During her speech given at the organization’s Great Futures Gala & 50th anniversary celebration, Mayo reflected on having to live out of a car earlier in her life - but now she is excited to own one. As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17 year old Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. Now that she’s won the honor, Michael Monique

says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals as well as encourage and set up programs for youth living in poverty.” She is a senior at Roosevelt High School and plans to attend college and major in photo journalism. Mayo was selected from a group of fourteen finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner. “The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year's participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and, should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Submitted photo

Great Rivers Greenway seeking community input for Chouteau Greenway

Around Town

www.sitemannorth.wustl.edu

Around Town

December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

First Director of Information Technology appointed in Florissant

Candidate filing dates set for 2018 Hazelwood School District Board of Education Election

According to Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider, a new department head position has been created. The Director of Information Technology will be responsible for all of the city’s network and technical security and will supervise a staff of four employees. Stephen Weiersmueller has been selected as the city of Florissant’s first Director of Information Technology. Steve has twenty years of service and experience with the city of Florissant starting as a police dispatcher in 1997 and was promoted to IT Systems Administrator & Law Enforcement Specialist in 2007. And he has also served as an IT specialist for the Major Case Squad of St. Louis Homicide Investigations. Steve earned his bachelor of arts in information technology from Lindenwood University.

Hazelwood School District residents interested in filing candidacy for the Hazelwood School District Board of Education election on April 3, 2018, may do so beginning Dec. 12, at 8 a.m., at the Hazelwood School District Administration Building at 15955 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. Candidate informational packets and filing guidelines will be available. Filing closes on Jan. 16, 2018 at 5 p.m. Two positions will be on the ballot this year, as the terms of current board members Desiree Whitlock and Dr. Richard Roberts will expire in April 2018. The qualifications for board directors are as follows: • Missouri law requires a person to be a U.S. citizen

Community grants available through John Knox Presbyterian Church in Florissant A grant program for creative projects designed to meet basic human needs of people served within the boundaries of the Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood school districts has been launched by John Knox Presbyterian Church in Florissant. The annual grant will be awarded for a new creative project or a new facet of an existing project in an amount ranging from $500 to $3,000. The project must focus on how it will work with women, children, youth, young adults, persons of diverse races and/or ethnicities, and/or persons with disabilities, to enhance their quality of life. Its purpose must be in accordance with the mission goals of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This is a one-time grant for a project which does not have to be completed in a single year, but which must be underway within 12 months of receiving the funds. Applications must be postmarked by April 30, with decisions made in May. Funds will be disbursed in June. Applications are available by emailing jkpcoffice@gmail.com with Endowment Grant Team in the subject line.

• At least 24 years of age • A resident taxpayer of the Hazelwood School District • To have resided in the State of Missouri for one year immediately preceding the election Board members serve three-year terms and do not receive pay for their service. In observance of winter break, the Hazelwood School District will be closed beginning Dec. 21 through Jan. 3, 2018. For more information, please contact Kristina Allen, Hazelwood School District Board of Education secretary, at 314953-5012. The Hazelwood PTA Council will host a Meet the Candidate Night at 6 p.m. on March 1, 2018 at the Hazelwood School District Administration Building in the boardroom.

Normandy Schools Collaborative reaches provisional accreditation range on state’s annual report card – two years in a row

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative ELA Curriculum Coordinator Catheline Jones (left) speaks with a family at Normandy’s Read with Me festival last spring. The event is one of several initiatives launched to help encourage reading and improve student literacy skills.

www.aperioncare.com

For the second year in a row, the Normandy Schools Collaborative has scored in the provisional accreditation range, this year earning 87.5 points on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Annual Performance Report (APR). This is the third year in a row the collaborative has made double-digit improvements in the areas DESE tracks as part of its system to gauge student learning and education quality. In 2014, the collaborative only earned 10 points out of a possible 140. In 2015, the district quadrupled that number earning 42.5 points. Last year, the collaborative earned 76.5 points on the state’s report card for public schools. Dr. Charles J. Pearson, Superintendent of Schools, attributes the continual progress to several factors: supportive families and community, dedicated staff, strategic partnerships, targeted curriculum strategies – and students willing to do the work. While addressing issues and concerns of the recent past, Pearson and his staff are also looking ahead, planning new projects to help continue the district’s progress. In April the community approved a $23 million no-tax-rate increase bond issue. The funds will build library media centers and STEAM studios at two of the collaborative’s oldest buildings, Jefferson and Washington Elementary schools, in addition to renovations and additions to the remaining elementary schools. These additional projects will accommodate the return of seventh and eighth graders as part of the collaborative’s new elementary reconfiguration, transforming

these schools to grades 1-8. Normandy will also build a new Early Learning Center which will house the district’s PreK and Kindergarten students. The new building, along with the other renovations and expansions, are scheduled to be complete by the 2019-2020 school year. “This is a new era for Normandy. We have been blessed to have giving partners and dedicated staff who have had a critical role in helping to transform our district,” said Pearson. “But we have to look for ways to build on this foundation and continue the progress forward. Our new Early Learning Center will help build on our already strong foundation in the early childhood arena. We will continue to look at our current operations and see where we can improve the student performance, curriculum, and classroom instruction.” Because of the progress made in Normandy, the Missouri DESE commissioners will recommend that the Normandy Schools Collaborative is classified as a Provisionally Accredited school district. This recommendation will be made by DESE at the state Board of Education meeting Dec. 1 in Jefferson City. And while the Normandy Superintendent is “elated” about the progress made so far, this milestone is not the ultimate goal. “For two years, I have told multiple audiences – accreditation is the short-term goal,” Pearson said. “The long-term goal is to provide the best education to our students so that they are prepared to work with – and compete against – students anywhere in the world.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 6, 2017

Delta Dental of Missouri launches online system for oral health grants to aid Missouri residents

Submitted photo To help area children get vital dental care, Delta Dental of Missouri’s chief sales and marketing officer, Ed Pattarozzi (right), presents a grant donation for the Gateway to Oral Health Foundation mobile dental program to president, Byron DuVall, DDS, at the foundation’s open house event in St. Louis on Sept. 16.

To help meet the dental health needs of adults and children throughout the state, Delta Dental of Missouri has launched its new online grant application system and is welcoming applications. As the state’s dental benefits leader and a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization, Delta Dental of Missouri provides grants to organizations that focus on reducing dental disease through education, prevention and treatment with an emphasis on assisting underserved children and adults. “We’re excited to launch this new grant application system to expedite requests from organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health in the communities we are proud to serve,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Missouri. “By partnering with organizations we can have a great impact on dental health through education and access to care, helping people live better lives through improved oral health.” Delta Dental of Missouri awards general operating grants, program/project grants, capacity-building grants and equipment grants for programs that promote the oral health of individuals in Missouri. To be eligible for oral health grants from Delta Dental of Missouri, applicants must first complete a letter of intent through the online application system at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/ AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program, which includes complete program guidelines and application instructions. Organizations meeting the initial criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal for consideration. Applicants must be considered taxexempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the people of Missouri. Grant applications are accepted at any time during the year, however quarterly deadlines impact which applications will be considered for grants to be awarded during each quarter. Grant decisions are made in March, May, August and October. Grants requests must be a minimum of $5,000 and may be for a single year or multiple years. Organizations with existing active grants from Delta Dental of Missouri are not eligible to receive additional grant funding within the same calendar year. In 2017, Delta Dental of Missouri awarded oral health program grants to a variety of Missouri organizations, which included:

Around Town

CMT launches program with personal safety technology company SafeTrek In response to its ongoing commitment to addressing the safety issues surrounding the region’s public transit system and in an effort to help build confidence in a safe and secure ride, the transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) announced the launch of a program with the smartphone application SafeTrek. Through this initiative, CMT members and registered transit users will be able to gain access to the personal safety app, which enables individuals who feel unsafe to notify law enforcement officials without having to call 911 or knowing their precise locations, which can prove tricky when traveling on a bus or train. “While countless commuters utilize public transit on a daily basis and have a little, if any, cause for concern – incidents have occurred on the system and are being taken seriously,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We, therefore, want to help transit users be proactive when it comes to their personal safety. Our hope is that they will take advantage of the opportunity to gain free access to this app, download it and never have to use it. However, should they find themselves in danger they can have peace of mind knowing immediate, real-time access to emergency personnel is only a few touches away.” SafeTrek can be accessed anywhere in the United States on both iOS and Android devices, and is user-friendly and simplistic. If an individual is scared, he or she just opens the SafeTrek app and holds his or her thumb on the “hold until safe” button. Once safe, the button can be released, and the individual will be prompted to enter his or her four-digit pin. But, if an individual’s instincts turn into a real emergency, the user simply releases the button and refrains from entering a pin. A series of

Submitted photo

texts is then sent to assess the situation, and if the user doesn’t respond within 60 seconds, SafeTrek sends help to their exact location. “We can get seemingly everything at the push of a button these days, except when it comes to help in an emergency – then, we’re still expected to pick up our phone, dial 911 and talk,” said Nick Droege, co-founder of SafeTrek, a St. Louis based tech company that has handled 40,000-plus emergencies since its founding in 2013. “Placing a phone call is not an option in all emergencies, and in those instances, it’s nearly impossible for 911 to locate an individual and get them the help they need. ” From the second an alert is triggered through SafeTrek, to the moment police arrive, the company’s personnel provides text and on-call support. And, while police are automatically sent in every emergency, an ambulance or fire truck can be dispatched if need be. Both CMT members and registered transit users can download SafeTrek free of charge by visiting safetrekapp.com/cmt. Those who are interested, but have not registered their commute with CMT, can do so free of charge at www.cmtstl.org. Membership information is also available on the website.

• A $132,617 grant to the Gateway to Oral Health Foundation’s school-based mobile dental program, which provides comprehensive care to children throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. • A $10,000 grant to the Miles of Smiles Free Safety Net Portable Dental Care Program, which gives preventive and restorative care to children in Clay and Platte counties in the Kansas City area. • A $54,820 grant to Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Centers to help launch a health clinic at Jennings Elementary School, which also provides dental care to children and adults throughout the City of Jennings. In 2016, Delta Dental of Missouri contributed more than $1.67 million in financial support for oral health initiatives, educational programs, community outreach events and charitable causes.

www.ElderCareLaw.com

Around Town

December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

High Five Fridays at Common Lanes Elementary School On Nov. 10, Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider and Ward 8 Councilman Robert Parson were invited by Nicole Smith, fourth-grade teacher at the Common Lanes Elementary School to celebrate and participate in “High Five Fridays.” As students enter the school in the morning before going to their classrooms Schneider and Parson were there to greet the students and partake in “High Five Fridays”. Photo courtesy city of Florissant The purpose of “High Five (From left) Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider stands with Common Lanes Elementary School Fridays” is to encourage posi- Principal Dr. Heather Carroll and Ward 8 Councilman Robert Parson. tive interaction between the students and others in the community. It was the administration and several high school stustarted at the district level with members of dents.

Hazelwood firefighters honored with citation award from area fire chiefs Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood

At a recent awards dinner hosted by The Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chiefs’ Association, members of the Hazelwood Fire Department were presented with a Unit Citation Award. They were recognized for their quick and professional actions taken on July 13, 2007, in the rescue of a trapped victim from a residential structure fire at 807 Bellflower Drive in Hazelwood. The Hazelwood Firefighter/Paramedics who

were at the dinner to accept this award included the following: (pictued from left) Private Bob Glenn; Chief Dave Herman; Capt. Gerard Hagedorn; Dep. Chief Dan Luley; Private Bob Sievers; Batt. Chief Tom Stone; Private Adam Clark; Private David Ruhland and Private Matt Mankus. Also receiving the award and not pictured are Dep. Fire Marshal Dale Harbison, Capt. Dale Kelle and Private Mark Manson.

Local Author Spotlight: Dr. Diane Sanford Dr. Diane Sanford is a psychologist, author, educator and mom. An expert in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, she learned the importance of self-care in maintaining health and well-being while treating pregnant and postpartum moms, but kept searching for more effective ways to reduce anxiety, worry and self-criticism for her clients and herself. For the past decade, she has focused on mindfulness-based solutions to remedy stress and negative thinking. Based on her experiences with hundreds of clients, training from different mindfulness and mind-body health teachers and her own life’s journey, this book offers professional guidance and personal insights that will teach you how to stress less and enjoy life more. Learn stress-reducing skills to cope better with daily anxiety, worry and self-criticism. In her book “Stress Less Live Better: 5 Simple Steps to Ease Anxiety, Worry and Self-Criticism,” Sanford describes five simple steps to make mindfulness practices part of your life. Based on her Stress Less, Live Better Program developed for moms and people with busy and active lives, these skill sets are practical and simplified to fit in your life. Complete with exercises and opportunities for reflection, this book will guide you on your journey to stress less and live better.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 6, 2017

Holiday giving for the whole family

MERRY IDEAS FOR EVERY WISH LIST

Take the guesswork out of giving with The Kansas City Steak Company’s Filet Mignon Gift Box, which includes four 8-ounce Super Trimmed Filet Mignon, cut from the finest Midwestern beef available and hand-trimmed for upscale quality and flavor. Items arrive in a signature gift box with an Original Steak Seasoning packet and a Kansas City Steak Book. Use the code GIFTFORYOU for a discount and free shipping, and find more gift ideas at KansasCitySteaks.com.

STEM IN MOTION Put science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects into motion this holiday season with the first calculator-controlled robotic car from Texas Instruments. Middle and high school students can program the TI-Innovator Rover using the TI graphing calculators they already own. The robotic car connects with the TI-Innovator Hub to help show kids that learning to program can be fun and easy. Learn more at education.ti.com/rover.

GIFTING GOODIES Bring a smile to a loved one’s face by giving the gift of a sweet treat this holiday season with Dancing Deer Baking Co.’s scratchbaked cookies and brownies. With a blend of traditional artisan baking and unique flavor

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Make sure those favorite holiday tunes are delivered the way they’re supposed to be heard with a pair of wireless, over-the-ear headphones. Available in multiple styles and colors, the headphones connect to your device via Bluetooth for wireless listening and buffer outside noise for immersive sound with maximum clarity and balance. In addition to controlling your music with the on-ear controls, many options allow the user to take calls directly from the headphones.

A SLEEK, STYLISH GIFT

www.ofal on.mo.us/COL

THE GIFT OF GOOD TASTE

combinations, these baked goods come in packaged gifts perfect for the holiday season, such as this Classic Deer Gift Hamper. Use the code DEERJOY at checkout for 30 percent off your holiday gift purchase, and find more information at dancingdeer.com.

From a day at the office to a holiday gathering with friends and family, a fashionable, functional watch can be essential to pulling any man’s wardrobe together. With analog and digital faces available as well as a variety of strap options – from stainless steel to leather or canvas – there’s an option to fit nearly every style. Some watches even feature smart technology that can automatically track activity and monitor text messages and emails.

FASHION MEETS FUNCTIONALITY

With the holiday season comes cooler temperatures and, oftentimes, less-than-ideal conditions like snow and ice. Help keep the feet of the women on your list warm and dry with on-trend footwear that is as functional as it is fashionable. With styles ranging from leather to sheepskin to suede, a pair of fashionable winter boots can provide increased traction and cushioning while remaining durable, breathable and flexible. Photos courtesy of Getty Images (family opening gifts, headphones, watch, boots)

Part of the magic of the holiday season is making wishes come true, not only for your loved ones but for others in the community, too. Show children how rewarding it is to embrace the true spirit of generosity and compassion this holiday season with these activities that make giving back fun. Set the stage: With the aid of modern technology, you can introduce kids to the goodness of giving with a century-old story about the impact of love and kindness. Nearly 120 years ago, 8-yearold Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the “New York Sun” newspaper asking if there really was a Santa Claus. Now fans of this heart-warming story can learn more by tuning in to watch the “Yes, Virginia” animated film online at youtube. com/macys. The award-winning, half-hour holiday special features Taylor Hay, a former Make-A-Wish child who had her own wish granted when her voice was captured for one of the film’s characters, alongside an all-star cast. Get hands-on: No matter what type of giving activity your family chooses, there’s undoubtedly a way for kids to get involved. Whether it’s helping select toys for an adopted family or making cards to include in care packages for children who will spend this holiday in the hospital, find ways to let your little ones put their own special touch on the project. Not only can they learn through the example of doing, they’ll get to revel in the same feel-good vibes you get from a simple act of kindness. Write a letter: As part of Macy’s 10th annual Believe campaign, you can bring kids’ stamped letters to Santa to your local store and drop them in the big red letterbox, or send a letter to Santa digitally at macys.com/believe. For each letter collected in stores and online until Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Through the iconic letter writing campaign, the retailer has raised $15 million for Make-A-Wish over the last nine years. Dedicate an afternoon to writing letters then go to the store to drop them off.

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CLOSED 12/25

Brighten the holiday season for everyone on your shopping list with this sleigh full of gift ideas. With an assortment of thoughtful options, you can find everything you need to wrap up the seemingly endless quest of finding the right presents. Check those names off your list and find space under the tree for gifts ranging from boxes of baked goods or steaks to a robotic car that teaches kids about programing to wardrobe accessories like boots and watches and even a wireless tech accessory for tunes on the go. Find more gift ideas that can bring holiday cheer to everyone on your list at eLivingToday.com.

Nightly through December 30

Sun, Tues–Thu 6–9 p.m., Fri and Sat 6–10 p.m. Fort ZumwaIt Park in O’FaIIon, MO Walk through Celebration of Lights on two special nights!

Free Parking & ShuttIes

HoIiday caroIing • Visit with Santa FestivaI food and beverages Fireworks display at 7:25 p.m.

Admission – $3

Ages 2 and under admitted free.

Monday, December 11 • 6–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 12 • 6–8:30 p.m. Fort ZumwaIt Park • O’FaIIon, Missouri

Free parking and shuttIes at First Baptist Church of O’FaIIon and O’FaIIon Christian Church. No vehicIes will be aIIowed in Fort Zumwalt Park on these speciaI nights.

www.ofaIIon.mo.us/COL Events HotIine: 636-379-5614

School

December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood Middle School staff praised for quick actions during an attempted carjacking Staff members at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School are being applauded after they were able to quickly lock down the school when an attempted carjacking took place on the campus parking lot. The attempted carjacking failed and the assailant fled the campus. Luckily, no one was hurt. As students and faculty began their Monday morning on Nov. 21, administrators noticed an unknown suspicious male in the parking lot with what appeared to be a handgun. As a safety precaution, the school was immediately placed on lockdown for approximately two hours while St. Louis County Police investigated. Parents were immediately notified, Southeast Middle School staff, school resource officers, and district security kept students safe and handled the matter as quickly as possible. The district sent out three robo-calls to parents keeping them updated throughout the day. “We wanted to provide real-time updates that all students were safe. We needed to be very transparent,” said Dr. Chauncey Granger, principal of Southeast Middle School. The lockdown did not set a negative tone for the rest of day. Instead, the positive and quick response from staff did. “I would like to thank Eric Arbetter, assistant superintendent, the district communications department, the district safety and security department, and our school resource officers for their support throughout the day,” said Granger. “I have received a lot of positive feedback from parents in the form of telephone calls, texts, and emails. They really appreciate the detail in each call keeping them informed. As a special appreciation for their cooperation, all Southeast Middle School students were allowed to dress down or out of uniform on Tuesday, just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday. As I reflect on this season of giving thanks, I am grateful for my quick responding staff and colleagues for their diligence and support, and of course, for the entire Southeast Middle School community for their ongoing support of our school,” said Granger.

McNair Elementary School students run 5k race with Girls on the Run

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Students at McNair Elementary, in the Hazelwood School District, enjoyed warm weather for their Girls on the Run 5K race on Nov. 18 in downtown St. Louis. HSD has partnered with Girls on the Run

St. Louis since fall 2009. Girls on the Run is a 10-week physical activity-based youth development program for girls in third through eighth grade. The 5k race serves as the celebratory culmination of the program.

HSD STEM Extravaganza showcases high-tech courses and career options for students Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

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

www.byerlyrv.com The Hazelwood School District (HSD) will host its annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Extravaganza on Jan. 27, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at Hazelwood Central High School at 15875 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. The event is free and open to the public. The STEM Extravaganza is a showcase of educational opportunities for students in pre-k through 12th grade in STEM. STEM Extravaganza attendees will participate in demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibits, robotics and guest speakers. College representatives will be on hand to share post-secondary opportunities “We encourage students, teachers, families and

members of the community to attend the STEM Extravaganza to gain additional exposure to STEM activities, careers, and STEM related degree programs available,” said Dr. Nettie CollinsHart, superintendent of schools. “Businesses are in need of candidates with strong skills in the STEM areas. According to an Adecco Engineering & Technology report, there are nearly two STEM job listings for every unemployed individual. In fact, 75 percent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM preparation.” “This is an excellent opportunity for our families to talk with representatives from educational institutions and businesses to learn what it takes to be successful in these areas,” said Dr. CollinsHart.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 6, 2017

Recipe:

Food

Deliver holiday flavor with pecans

he holiday season is ripe with opportunities to gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal. Elevate your holiday menu with freshly harvested ingredients like naturally sweet pecans. As America’s only native tree nut, the pecan boasts a proud heritage shared by the farmers who have grown it for generations – but this tree nut is more than a pie ingredient.

While the American Pecan Council’s Classic Pecan Pie is an ideal grand finale, consider including nutrientdense pecans throughout the holiday season as a snack or in innovative pecan-filled dishes like Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecan Vinaigrette and Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf. In addition to being a versatile addition to your holiday feast, in each 1-ounce serving of pecans, you’ll

get 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat with zero cholesterol or sodium, according to the USDA. Compared to other nuts, pecans are among the lowest in carbs (4 grams) and highest in dietary fiber (3 grams) per serving. For more seasonal recipes, nutritional information and cooking tips, visit AmericanPecan.com.

Classic Pecan Pie

Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 70 minutes | Servings: 10

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Ingredients: 1 pie dough (9 inches) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups raw pecan halves

Directions: Place baking sheet in oven. Heat oven to 350 F. Line pie pan with rolled out pie dough. Press into edges and up sides. Use fingers or fork to create decorative edge. Set aside. In large bowl, whisk together butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs and salt, and whisk until mixture is even. Fold in pecan halves.

Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. Use pieces of aluminum foil to cover edges of pie crust. Place pie on prepared baking sheet and bake 60-70 minutes, or until pie is set in center. Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or chilling. Note: Pie can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow pie to come to room temperature before serving.

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: Squash: 1 small acorn squash 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

While rice is cooking, in large skillet, heat olive or pecan oil and butter. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add in butternut squash and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and beginning to caramelize at edges, about 8-10 minutes. Add in apples and cook additional 3-4 minutes, or until apples soften. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, along with thyme and ground cinnamon. Stir in chopped pecans and currants, and cook until pecans are slightly golden and fragrant. Remove mixture from heat.

Salad: 3-4 handfuls baby spinach 1 1/2 cups cooked farro 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced 1 ounce crumbled goat cheese

Stir butternut squash mixture with cooked rice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Directions: Heat oven to 425 F.

“Community News hits all areas for all ages.”

To create base, slice small part of one side of squash. Trim ends from squash, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out sides. Place cut-side down and cut squash into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on sheet tray and toss with olive or pecan oil and salt. Roast until squash and peels are tender, 30-40 minutes.

In large bowl, combine spinach, farro, shallot, half the squash and half the dressing. Toss to combine then lay remaining squash on top of sal-

1 t ablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil 1 t ablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 large sweet onion, diced 2 c ups butternut squash, diced 1m edium tart apple, peeled and diced black pepper, to taste 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup chopped pecans or pecan pieces 1/3 cup dried currants

Directions: In medium saucepan, bring stock, water, nutmeg, ginger, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, cloves and cinnamon stick to boil. Add rice and bring back to simmer. Reduce heat to low and half cover with lid. Allow rice to simmer about 45 minutes, or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove and discard cinnamon stick.

Dressing: 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces 1/4 cup olive or pecan oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

While squash is roasting, heat small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast, shaking pan, until nuts are fragrant. Transfer 1/3 cup of pecans to bowl and reserve remaining pecans for topping. Add oil, vinegar, maple syrup and salt while nuts are still warm. Stir vigorously and set aside.

Ingredients: 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups water 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1 cinnamon stick 3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed 1 cup black rice, rinsed

-Reader ’s comment, 2016

ad. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with goat cheese and remaining toasted pecans before serving.

Note: Acorn squash skin is edible but needs roasting long enough to make it tender. If unsure, use delicata squash or skinless butternut squash.

Why do you read the Community News? Pick up your copy at a newsstand today or check us out online, www.mycnews.com

Learn & Play

December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Holiday Movies

Yeggs

John Hanna

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

Moore On Life

ACROSS 1. Big ____ at 7-Eleven 5. Plays for pay 8. Not counterfeit 12. Largest continent 13. Field worker 14. Eagle’s nest 15. Shade-loving plant 16. River in Bohemia 17. Choice or delicious dish 18. *Vince Vaughn’s title role, 2007 20. Research facil. 21. “Colorful” announcement 22. Humor magazine 23. Sherlock Holmes’ esteemed friend 26. Wedge-shaped 30. “Fat chance!” 31. Ancient liturgical hymn 34. Jet black 35. Like Bushmills’ whiskey 37. *”Jingle ____ the Way,” 1996 38. Speak like Pericles 39. Cleopatra’s necklace 40. They’re often bolt action 42. Tucker of “Modern Family” 43. Football play, pl 45. *Nicholas Cage’s “The ____ Man,” 2000 47. Egg cells 48. “The Metamorphosis” author 50. Nursery rhyme old woman’s home 52. *Kevin McCallister’s story, 1990 56. Opposite end of alpha 57. “It’s beginning to look ____ ____ like Christmas...” 58. Like desert climate 59. Apple leftovers 60. Container weight 61. *”Trappd in Paradise” with Jon Lovitz and ____ Carvey 62. Matured 63. “C’____ la vie!” 64. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN 1. Fishing pole 2. Olympic castaway? 3. Pre-euro money 4. Bamboo forest dwellers 5. *Like Express to the North Pole 6. Overthrow by argument 7. Miners’ bounty, pl. 8. *Clarice, e.g. 9. Spans of time 10. Not a word? 11. Type of Christmas lights 13. Helen in France 14. Type of deadly flu 19. Lamé or serge 22. “____’s the word” 23. *Like Bing Crosby’s Christmas 24. Packers’ quarterback 25. Like Hitler’s Reich 26. Reject 27. Olden day calculators 28. The whole amount 29. *Henry F. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” e.g. 32. Oration station 33. *Will Ferrell’s 2003 role 36. *Based on “A Christmas Carol,” 1988 38. Port city in Japan 40. Ribonucleic acid 41. Affected or pretentious 44. Part of eye containing iris, pl. 46. Unwellness 48. Trees producing caffeine-containing nuts 49. Like a duel in France, usually 50. Smoke plus fog 51. At this point 52. Antonym of love 53. Unwritten exam 54. Number of baseball fielders 55. Dutch cheese 56. Edible tuber See answers on page 13

By Cindy Moore

Gobble till you wobble

The great day of unrestrained gluttony, or more commonly known as Thanksgiving, has come and gone. If you’re a typical gorger, you inhaled a fourth of a turkey along with mountains of potatoes and plates of side dishes, followed by multiple cream-topped pies; all enough to choke a herd of mountain goats. Yes, you’ve consumed enough to cause the patrons at Fatty McButterpants all-youcan-eat buffet to rise up in a standing ovation and unanimously award you the coveted Purple Bypass Medal of Distinction. Yay you! What’s next? Well if you were like 58 percent of the population, you took a nap in front of the TV and slept until the tryptophan wore off or are still sleeping until next spring, whichever comes first. Unfortunately, the other 42 percent fell into a food coma facedown into their pumpkin pie and nearly drowned in their own whipped topping. Government officials immediately met to solve this troublesome epidemic. They quickly got down to the first order of business; a hefty pay increase to make up for shortening their holiday to come in early and do the nation’s work. To subsidize this raise, they implemented a substantial tax increase on the offending dairy product. Then by a unanimous vote, they promptly moved Black Friday to Thursday to save Americans from this senseless tragedy—the loss of a perfectly good piece of pie. The officials decided the people needed to get away from the table and the dangerous desserts and move their muscles. Thus the stores were ordered to open at noon on the day of Thanks-

giving along with a decree that all flat-screens be reduced by 40 percent (the savings would be retrieved directly at tax time and contributed to the bureaucrats as a reward for their ingenuity). The following exercise program and calorie loss came as a direct result of the decree: - Standing in line for six hours waiting for stores to open = 1,000 calories - Running through the store to avoid psychotic shoppers = 500 calories - Hurdling over aisles to beat the mobs = 400 calories - Kickboxing with lunatic woman over the last Barbie home tattoo kit= 1,200 calories - Arm wrestling over the latest Waffluum— a combination waffle maker and vacuum cleaner = 300 calories - Tug-o-war over last smashed-in big screen = 600 calories Note: All weight loss will be taxed at year’s end and credited to the account of the officials for their annual Christmas party. 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 6, 2017

Sports you see with Gary B... Lady Lions add a win with a shutout The Lindenwood University women’s hockey team posted a 2-0 victory over the Syracuse Orange recently from the Tennity Ice Pavilion in Syracuse, New York. Lions’ goaltender Jolene deBruyn stopped all 24 shots she faced en route to her second-career shutout. Both teams did not light the lamp in the first two periods but in the third period, Lindenwood surged ahead. Shortly into the period, Sierra Burt found the back of the net for the Lions, breaking the deadlock and giving the visiting team a 1-0 lead. Cierra Paisley and Taylor Girard were credited with the assists on Burt’s third goal of the season. With time winding down in regulation and the Syracuse goaltender pulled in favor of an extra attacker, Girard tacked on an insurance tally for Lindenwood. For more information go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Save the best for last UMSL get first GLVC win The University of Missouri-St. Louis senior’ Elijah Watson scored 23 points and dished out 12 assists to help the Tritons men’s basketball team to an 88-83 win at Truman State on Saturday in Great Lakes Valley Conference action. Watson netted two free throws with 35 seconds to play to give the Tritons the lead that sealed the victory. Steven Davis did his part by adding 20 points and netting five-of-seven three-pointers and also pulling down six rebounds. Junior Eric Dust put together the best of his with 15 points and seven rebounds. The Tritons have evened their record for the season with the win. For more information go to www.UMSLTritons.com * Big first win Former Lindenwood standout joins soccer Ambush The professional St. Louis Ambush play in the central division of the MASL with home games at the Family Arena. The team announced recently that defen-

sive man Axel Duarte has joined the Ambush for the upcoming season. He was a leader at Lindenwood University before joining the Ambush in the 2014-15 season. Duarte scored two goals and had four assists in 13 games played in the 2014-15 campaign. The next home game for the team will be Friday, Dec. 8 against the Milwaukee Wave. For more info go to www.StlAmbush.com. * Keep working hard

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

See solution on page 13

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

www.mycnews.com

www.pattersonhomeimprovement.com

– SUDOKU –

Ambush make trade to get some momentum The season is still young but the St. Louis Ambush need to shake a few things up to get on the winning ways. They have made a trade to pick up defenders Pablo Da Silva and midfielder Antonio Aguilar from the Cedar Rapids Rampage and ended the contract of midfielder Victor France. Pablo brings ten years of professional indoor soccer experience to the Ambush. He has three championships under his belt and in the four games played this season, he has posted four goals and two assists. Aguilar has won a championship while representing the USA in the NEYMAR 5v5 in Brazil and won the World Soccer 5’aside while representing the USA in Dubai. * Need some fresh players

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

Sports

www.treesbywoody.net

What’s Happening

December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 6: 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.

Dec. 7: Christmas luncheon

Taille de Noyer will be decorated in her holiday finery for the annual Christmas Luncheon. Seatings are at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Following lunch (or before if you arrive early) guests are invited to tour all four floors of Taille. The lower area houses many treasures from early Florissant including one of the first street lights, a pair of wooden shoes made locally and fixtures from Wiethaupt’s General Store and Miss Bright’s Hat Shop, both former businesses in Old Town. The first and second floors contain furnishings that reflect the different periods of the house and the third floor Costume Room boasts a collection of clothing that spans more than a hundred years. Tickets are $15 each and reservations are necessary. You can order tickets by sending your check to the Florissant Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 298, Florissant,MO 63032 or by calling Mary Kay, 409-9478 or Pat, 440-2344. Please specify seating time when making reservations. Tickets will be held at the door.

Dec. 8: Country fried steak or meatloaf dinner

Country fried steak or meatloaf 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.

Dec. 9: Breakfast

Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Dec. 9: Army - Navy game and chili cook off

Army - Navy game and chili cook off at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, starts at 1 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314831-6121.

Dec. 9: Flea market

Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Dec. 9: Christmas fundraiser

Cookies with Santa and Vendor Shopping Fundraiser benefiting nonprofit Mastokids.org and Scholarships for Care Family Chiropractic Tree of Life takes place from 7 to 10 a.m. at Medici Space at 2065 Walton Road in Overland. Cost is $5 in advance by Dec. 8; $7 at the door Children three and under are free. Online registration ends Dec. 8. Admission includes pictures with Santa, cookies and refreshments, vendor shopping and kids activities. Vendor donation is $50 email kkfundraising2014@gmail.com. Sponsorships, donations and tickets can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ cookies-with-santa-vendor-fair-tickets-39820782031. The event is hosted by Melissa Harbaugh melisme77@ me.com and Dr. Stephanie Nicholson 314-485-9897.

Dec. 9: Visit with Santa

Visit with Santa at Sunset Park Nature Lodge from 9 -11 a.m. You may obtain tickets by showing your resident card and paying $2 or for nonresidents $5. Open to non-residents after Dec. 4. A limited number of tickets will be available. Tickets are available at the JFK or JJE centers. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring a camera for a photo with Santa at the beautiful Sunset Park Nature Lodge. For more information call 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466.

Dec. 11: Christmas house decorating contest

Applications are free to Florissant residents and are available at the James J. Eagan Center, JFK Community Center and Florissant City Hall. Parks and recreation prizes are awarded to the best decorated homes. Temporary yard signs acknowledging first, second and third place winners will be posted. The city will remove the signs within one week. Deadline to apply is Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. For more information call 314-921-4466 or 314-921-4250.

Dec. 13: 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.

Dec. 14: Open house

DEPJ Youth Mentoring Center will host an open house from 5 – 7 p.m. at 432 Chez Paree Dr. in Hazelwood. There will be refreshments, a raffle and giveaways. Call Tadessa Murray at 314-736-5458 for more information.

Dec. 15: Letters from Santa

For a personal reply from Santa, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Santa c/o JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant MO 63031. Please include some personal information about the child. Santa will respond with personal letters throughout the holiday season. All letters need to be received by Dec. 15 for Santa to have enough time to reply. For more information call 314921-4250.

Dec. 15: Coat drive

Coat drive for St. Patrick’s Center is currently taking place at Crystal Creek Nursing and Rehab, at 250 N. New Florissant Rd. in Florissant until Dec. 15. All gently worn/new coats for those in need are accepted. The “coat bin” is in the main lobby.

Dec. 15: Dinner

Diner TBD 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.

Dec. 20: 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.

Dec. 22: Chicken parmesan or alfredo or spaghetti dinner

Chicken parmesan or alfredo or spaghetti dinner 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.

Dec. 27: 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.

Dec 29: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner 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.

Dec. 31: Winter coat drive

Crystal Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing at 250 New Florissant Rd. So. in Florissant will be starting its One Warm Coat Drive from now through December. All gently used or new coats donated will be provided to St. Patrick’s Center for those in need. Drop off of items can be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

Dec. 31: Tax preparation volunteers needed

Every Wednesday and Saturday TAP is providing free tax preparation starting Jan. 23, 2018. The pro-bono TAP organization is asking for volunteers now to be greeters, preparers, reviewers, or a data entry person, for four hours per week. Volunteer now at www.stlouistap.org (eight locations) or for more information call 314-786-2782. E-mails can be sent to stl.tap.overland@gmail.com

Feb. 28: Snowman building contest

If you think you build the best snowman in your neighbourhood, then we have a contest for you. Until Feb. 28, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the JFK Center Office along with an application. Prizes will be awarded. The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter. For ages 15 and younger. Pick up an application, or visit our website, email a digital photo to jsteib@florissantmo.com, or send your picture with your child’s name, address, phone number and age to: Attn: Snowman Contest, JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant, Missouri 63031. For further information, call 314-921-4250.

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 314-5131674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org. 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: 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: 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 314-9936134.

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: TOPS pounds sensibly)

(Take

off

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 4:30pm, 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 6, 2017 Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

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

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: checks

Blood

pressure

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.

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

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

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

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

Fridays: Celebrate Recovery

For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This Christcentered, 12-step program is based on the Beatitudes. We meet every Friday at 6:15 p.m. for dinner ($5); 7 p.m. large group meeting; 8 p.m. Small groups sharing; 9 p.m. dessert at First Christian Church of Florissant at 2890 Patterson Rd. in Florissant. For more information call 314-837-2269 or visit http://www.fccf.org/ or Facebook page Celebrate Recovery-FCCF.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952

Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support group

A Way with Words Grief Support Ministry meets the fourth Saturday each month at Community Christ Fellowship (in the rear) at121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Pat Ryan at 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday in February and March in the spring and every Sunday in October through the second-to-last week in November in the fall - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded. Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-3307269.

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737

HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1.877.477.6954.

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed 4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314.653.5032.

2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@

What’s Happening

Free Mammogram Screenings:

sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Lou-

SUDOKU answers from page 11

is, 636.947.5617

Speaker’s Bureau:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www.crisisnurserykids.org

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123.

Nutrition Education:

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

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314822-2066 or visit WWW.NicotineAnonymous.org.

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314.344.6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866. SSM.DOCS to register or for more information.

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177

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December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

NOVENA

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

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

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

SINGERS WANTED

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, A.S.

HELP WANTED

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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.M.M.

“Stuff” Piling Up? Let help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414 STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

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December 6, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

“Wonder” Oscar Watch 2017: Jacob Tremblay shines in ‘Wonder’

M O V I E By Steve Bryan

During his burgeoning career, young Jacob Tremblay has taken on some tough roles. “Room,” for instance, found him playing Jack, a child who lives with his mother (Brie Larson) inside a small garden shed. Abducted by a predator and forced to sleep with her captor, she gave birth to Jack while held hostage. A rare opportunity allows Jack to go outside and seek help for himself and his mother. Tremblay rose to the challenge of being a boy whose entire world could be measured in square feet. The actor takes on an equally difficult role in “Wonder,” a charming film based on the New York Times bestseller by R.J. Palacio. He plays August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with facial differences that doctors tried to correct with surgeries. Home-schooled by his mom (Julia Roberts) and fiercely loved by his dad (Owen Wilson) and sister (Izabela Vidovic), he has a good, though sheltered, life. Auggie finally goes to grade school with other children for the first time, albeit with a space helmet on his head. He must adjust to a big, scary world where people stare at him because he looks “different.” Director/co-writer Stephen Chbosky handles the storyline very well here, navigating that fine line between sentimentality and cruelty will skilled hands. Children can be cruel, especially towards a young man who doesn’t look as “normal” as everyone else. Some students assume that he isn’t very bright because of his facial features. Others liken him to Freddy Krueger and other hideous creatures. Jacob Tremblay steps into this role with ease. Like Jake in “Room,” Auggie has been shielded from the outside world by his devoted mom. As

he leaves the comforts of home, he does resort to the helmet to give him courage. Tremblay shows Auggie’s determination to fit in as well as the frustrations he has simply being the new kid in school. Suffice it to say, Tremblay shines here and receives lots of support from Roberts, Wilson and Vidovic. There are dozens of life lessons embedded in the film, especially ones directed at children who feel different or alone. For all intents and purposes, Auggie Pullman is a real kid with real feelings who is just like everyone else. That’s the message that everyone, adults and children, should take away as the final credits roll. “Wonder” has received high marks from critics and the aggregator site “Rotten Tomatoes.” Audiences are responding enthusiastically to

Tremblay’s performance. It won’t be surprising at all if Jacob Tremblay’s name appears quite frequently during the upcoming awards season. “Wonder,” rated PG, is currently playing in theaters. “Wonder” photo courtesy of Lionsgate 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.