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December 7, 2016

Reinvest North County celebrates success Learn & Play

Sweet Holiday Treats

Community Voices

By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson

Submitted photo Rebecca Zoll, (left) President and CEO of North County Incorporated, worked with the Reinvest North County Fund to help distribute crisis assistance to repair and rebuild to area businesses.

After injecting nearly $1 million into the community, the fund looks to transition into an advisory role

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Teen wins Youth of the Year

By Nicholas Elmes After two years and over $950,000 in investments in the community the Reinvest North County Fund is transitioning into a more advisory role in the improvement of northern St. Louis County. The fund, which worked closely with St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC) and North County Incorporated (NCI), recently completed its tenth round of funding to area businesses and school districts. “Hundreds of donors came forward to support the fund. We wanted to show the residents that St. Louis cares. Now many organizations such as the United Way, the Urban League, Better Family Life, Forward Thru Ferguson and so many others are on the ground addressing the issues that must be addressed,” said Executive Director of the St. Louis Regional Business Council Kathy Osborn. “Now as we close the Reinvest Fund we want to encourage donors to give to these organizations. I can assure you that the RBC will continue to invest our time and money in this community.” The Reinvest North County Fund began as an emergency response to the unrest of August 2014. “We saw a lot of people wanted to re-

spond and help but they were not really sure how to do it, especially with the donor community, they were also not sure where to invest their money and they wanted to make sure they invested their money in an initiative that would be not only effective but quick to the response as well,” said Coordinator for Education Reform and Diversity and Inclusion Programs Ryan Jones. “At first, it was for the school districts paying for buses so kids could get to school or paying for replacing windows that had been broken, then with local businesses it was immediate grants to help them stay afloat. Later we became more strategic to create more long-term systematic change.” Over the past two years, the fund helped four school districts, Riverview Gardens School District, Jennings School District, FergusonFlorissant School District, and the Normandy Schools Collaborative, by providing food pantries, clothing and transportation, to robotics and coding instruction, college preparation, science books and supplies. Fifty-five businesses received crisis assistance to repair and rebuild, as well

as support for owners to attend capacity building workshops in finance, human resources, law, insurance, marketing and public relations. “We had a very entrepreneurial mindset where we did not know what was going to happen,” said Jones. “We definitely did not expect to raise this much money and have such a large impact on the community.” He said the fund worked closely with the school districts and area businesses to figure out how the investment could best create long-term change. “In the schools, one of our biggest projects was providing summer programming,” said Jones. “We partnered with the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club or Greater St. Louis, and a handful of other nonprofits as well as the United Way to create something called the North County Collaborative where we were able to provide summer programming in all four school districts at a reasonable cost. The goal is that not only will they be able to retain the information from the previous school year but they will also be more equipped for the fall school year as well.” See REINVEST page 2

Students engage in responsibility

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In This Issue... Town 3 Around NCCU hosts its annual awards ceremony and more.

7 Business Bank of America and

Operation Food Search partner to provide hunger relief and more.

8 School STEM Games event in

Jennings stimulates young minds and more.

10 Sports Local sports with Gary B. & Play 11 Learn Featuring recipe and crossword.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie Where are the Oscar frontrunners?

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December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

REINVEST from cover He said the fund also worked with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership to create a façade improvement program, supported nonprofits coming out of the Ferguson Commission report aimed addressing racial inequity, and provided support to the St. Louis Police Foundation and St. Louis County police. Jones, a former teacher from the North County area, said it was great to see the entire region focused on enacting change for the community. “I am happy to see people are taking the initiative to not only respond to an immediate crisis but to think about how we can work together as a region to create long-term change,” said Jones, noting that while the fund had run its course, its organizers still intend to be very Submitted photo involved. “The knowledge we have gained we have been able to provide to other community Fifty-five businesses received crisis assistance to repair and rebuild, as well as support for owners to attend capacity building leaders and stakeholders but also to donors so workshops in finance, human resources, law, insurance, marketing and public relations. it will help guide their strategic investment as well. We are spreading raising still, necessarily; but we will be using the resources we have the message based on what we have learned. We will not be fund- access to to help push North County forward.”

COMMUNITY VOICES Domestic violence is a very real problem By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson Violence against women by their intimate partners is at least as old as recorded history and affects more women in the United States than any other form of violence. It is believed to be responsible for significant mortality, injury and threats to women’s physical and mental health. According to the American Medical Association, the U.S. home is “more dangerous to women than city streets” (American Medical Association, 1991, p.5). For many years society has considered domestic violence a private matter between husband and wife. Most of us have heard that if a woman doesn’t like what is happening to her, she could always leave. If she decided to stay, she deserved what she got and no one felt any sympathy for her or tried to find a way to help her. It is time for this attitude to change. Domestic violence is real! It is not just a private matter between a husband and wife or a female and a male companion. It is a social problem affecting all of our communities. Before you think this is not happening very much in your community, let me share some general facts with you

about domestic violence. Each year, literally millions of women are wounded, crippled, disfigured, traumatized, and maimed by male partners - or they die. Donna Shalala, former Health and Human Services Secretary, frequently stated, “Domestic violence is an unacknowledged epidemic in our society.” In April 1994 she announced there were four million reported instances of domestic violence in the United States. Domestic violence takes many forms, ranging from battering and homicide to threats of violence, verbal assaults and other forms of intimidation. When we consider race, we see that AfricanAmerican women face higher rates of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are victimized at a rate more than double that of women of other races. Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents. From 2003-2012, domestic violence accounted for 21 percent of all violent crime (Bureau of Justice Statistics). The Missouri Uniform Crime Reporting Pro-

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gram recorded 4,195 domestic violence cases for St. Louis County and 2,275 domestic violence cases for the city of St. Louis in 2015. If you are a victim of physical, emotional, mental, verbal, financial or sexual abuse, rape or incest, call Life Source Consultants Crisis Helpline: 314-524-0686 for free support services. Dr. Gloria J. Johnson is the Founder/CEO of Life Source Consultants, the first non-residential African American domestic and sexual violence organization in the State of Missouri. Motivated by a deep love and commitment to abused women and to forever change images and perceptions toward domestic violence, family violence and abuse, Johnson shares true life stories of victims in her book “I Cried Alone.” Johnson received a Master’s in Biblical Counseling and a Ph.D. in marriage and family counseling from Biblical Life College and Seminary. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016

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NCCU hosts its annual awards ceremony At its recent Annual Awards Dinner North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice presented awards to a number of outstanding individuals. A major recipient was Michael McMillan, President/CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis who received the Human Relations Award for his outstanding achievement in bringing individuals and organizations together to deal with many problems that exist within the area including Ferguson. Other recipients included Chief Timothy Lowery of the Florissant Police Department who received the Community Service Award for his work with other police departments, churches, schools and NCCU to improve the relations between the police and the community. Submitted photo Another recipient was Carolyn Marty, recently retired President/ CEO of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, who also At its recent Annual Awards Dinner North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice presented awards to a number of outstanding received the Community Service Award for her outstanding work individuals. as leader of the chamber and the community. A third recipient was Kedra Tolson, dler, John Knox Presbyterian Church’s Office Administrator and New Creation is Executive Director of Marketing and Communications of St. Louis Community Col- Christ Church for their support of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harlege, who also received a Community Service Award for her outstanding work and mony and Justice’s work within the community. commitment to the community. The keynote speaker was Chancellor Thomas George of UMSL. Master of CeremoThe Outstanding Education Award was presented to Hazelwood School District’s nies was Rev. Cedric Portis of Third Presbyterian Church, and music was provided “Bright Futures” program. This program provides assistance to students and families by Gwendolyn Wesley of St. Louis Symphony In Unison Chorus and Legend Singers who have special needs. Finally, the President’s Award was presented to Kim Chan- Choral Ensemble.

St. Louis teen wins Youth of the Year honor for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Submitted photo JaLisa Wines was named as the winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis 2017 Youth of the Year award.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2017 Youth of the Year winner JaLisa Wines. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. A premier youth recognition program, it recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club. As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17-year-old Herbert Hoover Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now that she’s won the honor, JaLisa says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals by implementing programs that will positively change society.” She is a senior at Confluence Preparatory Academy and plans to attend Truman State University to become an accountant. JaLisa was selected from a group of eleven finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner. In addition to being crowned the title at BGCSTL’s Great Futures Gala, she also received a $2,500 scholarship. “The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. Other Youth of the Year top finishers were: Second Place Winner – Michael Monique Mayo, Third Place Winner – Aaryn Gardner and Fourth Place Winner – Kayvion Calvert.

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December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the editor: As a sociologist who made a career out of studying and analyzing human social behavior and social institutions including religion, race relations, deviance, culture and social structure, etc., I was as truly mystified, as many others are, in the election of Donald Trump as our next president. This was further mystifying because of being a Christian almost all my life. As a Christian, I was taught to accept the Biblical teaching of loving God with all my heart, mind and soul and to love my neighbor as myself. As an Ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church for the last 20 years, I have taught others the same beliefs. In this election, many Christians and well-meaning individuals voted for Donald Trump who campaigned to divide by preaching hatred and discord among neighbors. He preached just the opposite of what the Bible says, because he preached racism, sexism, bigotry, exclusion and campaigned that he would send eleven to thirteen million illegal immigrants back to largely Mexico while breaking up families and neighbors. In fact, his crude language and encouragement of physical attacks upon protestors during his rallies would have disqualified any other candidate past and present. Obviously, many Christians and others simply disregarded his disrespect and denigration of his opponent, Hillary Clinton and others. Apparently, they believed his promises that he alone was the only person to solve their problems. These include local problems such as education, crime, unemployment, poverty, immigration, etc. Of course, no one person can solve any of these problems alone. Nor can the federal government solve the problems in education, crime, etc. These and many other problems are local issues and can only be solved at the local level and not by one person. Even when the president’s own party controls the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Senate needs at least 60 out of 100 votes to pass legislation. Therefore, it requires working with the Democratic senators to get many things done. Despite the concerns of some of us, Donald Trump is going to be our president beginning Jan. 20 of next year. Therefore, we can only hope that he will do what is in the best interest of the American people and the country.

Missouri Department of Conservation Partners with Beyond Housing to support community forestry The Missouri Department of Conservation has provided a $500,000 cooperative agreement - $100,000 per year, renewable for five years – to Beyond Housing to support community forestry projects in the 24:1 Community, the 24 municipalities that make up the Normandy School Collaborative. Beyond Housing will enhance the area’s urban landscape by maintaining and planting healthy trees that will yield environmental, health and economic benefits for the community. This project is part of Beyond Housing’s 24:1 Initiative, a comprehensive, community-driven strategy to revive this historically overlooked area through community engagement, education, health and wellness, commercial and residential real estate development, research and resource development. “Urban areas benefit greatly from new tree plantings and other healthy forest initiatives,” said Doug Seely, Community Forester and Certified Arborist, who recently joined Beyond Housing to assist with these efforts. “Trees, parks, and other green spaces offer many benefits to urban areas by creating wildlife habitats, increasing property values and improving the quality of life for community residents.” “Trees in particular can also help suppress or even reverse negative conditions associated with water and air pollution, energy overuse, storm wa-

ter run-off and noise,” said Missouri Department of Conservation Community Forester Mark Grueber. “With this funding, Beyond Housing will manage and care for community trees for beautification, street coverage, natural heating and cooling of houses, slowing rainfall to alleviate storm water run-off, slowing soil erosion, reducing smog and minimizing noise pollution.” Before new trees are planted, Beyond Housing will address the area’s existing trees, specifically dead and hazardous trees. There is an abundance of pin oaks in the 24:1, and over the past several years, these trees have deteriorated due to neglect. “One of our first priorities is to prune hazardous branches on pin oaks in the area before they fall and damage people or property,” said Seely. Beyond Housing will also partner with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, the only nonprofit community-assisted tree nursery in the region, which will supply free trees to be planted on city-owned property. Planting of these free trees is set to begin in early November. In addition to the $500,000 cooperative agreement, Beyond Housing also received a $1,000 grant from the Midwest International Society of Arboriculture for the education and training of public works and forestry/tree service businesses.

Citizens for Modern Transit teams up with Enterprise to introduce Zimride to the St. Louis region

Dr. Rance Thomas Professor Emeritus of Sociology/Criminal Justice and co-founder and President of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice.

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Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) announced the launch of Zimride by Enterprise, a service of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, in the St. Louis area. The online ride-matching service easily connects drivers and passengers with similar commutes. CMT will be working in partnership with Enterprise to administer this free program, which can benefit existing public transit users by helping them connect with likeminded commuters to extend transit trips and close the gaps that may exist between transit stations and their point of origin or destination. “The St. Louis region has a very successful, integrated public transportation system that offers access to nearly 95 percent of local jobs and educational facilities within Metro’s service area,” commented Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “However, this doesn’t mean that all users can be picked up at their doorstep and delivered within steps of their final destination. Gaps exist. Some transit users must drive to a MetroLink station, before taking the train directly to the office. Others may only have to walk a block to get to a MetroLink station or MetroBus stop, but once they deboard there is still a bit of a distance before they reach their final destination. Ultimately, when used in tandem with transit, ridesharing can help extend transit trips.” As a sustainable alternative to driving individually, Zimride also helps reduce vehicle emissions, traffic congestion and fuel consumption while splitting transportation costs. It is the largest webbased ridesharing and carpooling network in

North America. “In addition, Zimride enables individuals to get to shopping establishments, entertainment venues and other destinations that aren’t accessible by transit alone,” added Cella. “Zimride can be used to find a single ride, as well as to find recurring rides on the same day or every day of the week.” Those interested in joining the free Zimride platform must first visit cmt-stl.org/zimride to register to be part of CMT’s closed network. Users will then receive a verification email directing them to zimride.com/cmt where they are able to log in, create a profile and begin searching for rides or riders. Once a match is identified, users can search Zimride reviews and connect through a Facebook interface, before coordinating logistics and putting plans in place to share rides in their personal vehicles. Those interested in splitting gas costs can even do so securely through the Zimride site. “At Enterprise, we offer our customers a total transportation solution by providing a range of sustainable options,” said Enterprise Vice President Ryan Johnson, who oversees Zimride as well as other sustainable commuter options including Enterprise Rideshare and newly acquired vRide. “With Zimride, we’re pleased to offer members of the St. Louis community – our hometown – an online ride-matching service to supplement and extend the city’s existing public transportation system.” For full program details and registration information, visit cmt-stl.org/zimride.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

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Black Friday blues And after the day of the Festival of Gluttony, a.k.a., Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims established a season of activity to diminish the multitudes of layers of fat that would accumulate. And on that day, they created Black Friday. And so it was good. Or so they thought… The alarm clock buzzed at 5 a.m. on Black Friday, but I needed a few more minutes to digest my pumpkin pecan caramel pie. I rolled over to push snooze and kept rolling until I fell off the bed. Instead of splatting on the floor I merely bounced a few times. Luckily, I had amassed a thick layer of padding from the Thanksgiving dinner table or it would have ended there. Good thing I passed on the veggie tray and went straight for that third slice of pie. #vegetableskill I waddled over to my closet and tried on several constricting outfits that immediately began shutting off oxygen to crucial organs. Soon I would be out among the fancy dressed folks so I needed something comfortable and functional, yet deserving of the trendy upscale mall goers I would be mingling with. I chose one of my most swanky Snuggies. Before you judge too harshly, it was a fashionable, glittery-gold cheetah print, which should make everyone feel better. All that exertion had burned off a calorie; I felt famished. Fortunately, I snagged the rest of that pumpkin pie before grandma tucked it into her overnight bag along with the uneaten can of cran-

berries and Ziplock of uncooked turkey giblets… the woman saves everything! I turned on the TV as I began nibbling at my breakfast pie. Before me stood a reporter giving updates on the growing crowds already at the stores. Tent cities had popped up where people had been camping out in subzero temperatures. The Red Cross was administering lifesaving hot liquids to the frostbitten masses as they stood waiting for their chance to snag a three dollar combination VCR and waffle maker. Meanwhile, battles in a neighboring department store erupted over the new action figure, Combat Zombie Barbie. Medics were seen administering to the poor souls who lost out in the tug-of-war over the discounted Vampire Ken with sparkling skin tones. Such chaos and mayhem I thought had ended with the election. But there it was again. I reconsidered shopping then turned off the TV, grabbed another slice of pie and headed back to bed. #bargainskill 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.

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December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Hazelwood students benefit from North County Coat Drive

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Photo courtesy Hazelwood School Staff at the Hazelwood School District (HSD) Administrative building were excited to receive the coats that had been donated through the St. Louis County Executive’s employee coat drive. HSD received more than 200 winter coats for students in need.

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, and the Office of Community Empowerment, recently sponsored the St. Louis County employee coat drive, in partnership with Royal Banks of Missouri. A representative from the Office of Community Empowerment, John Clancey, delivered the coats to the Hazelwood School District administration

building just prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday. “We received more than 200 hundred coats this winter that will benefit Hazelwood School District students who are in need,” said Dr. Maxine Valdez, assistant superintendent for student services. “We are extremely grateful to the generous employees at the St. Louis County Executive’s office for their support.”

Give Kids A Smile provides over $300,000 in free dental services at its most recent dental clinic

Submitted photo (From left) Brian Patterson, Karim Allahdina, and Lisa Seim pose for a photo with Jorgan, an eight-year-old from St. Charles, during Give Kids A Smile Fall Clinic.

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The Give Kids A Smile organization is celebrating the success of its 30th consecutive dental clinic. The organization announced that the event, held Oct. 28 and 29 at Saint louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education, provided $341,163 worth of free dental care to 386 area children in need. The clinic was made possible thanks to a host of supporters and hundreds of volunteers, which included dentists, dental students, hygienists and hygiene students. The next Give Kids A Smile clinic is set for February of next year. Those eligible can already begin registering by calling 636-397-6453 or visiting www.gkas.org. The children attending the most recent clinic received X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as fillings, root canals and oral surgery, as needed. There was an entertainment area for children to enjoy after they received services, which included face painters, balloon artists, games, a visit from Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard and a Spanish-speaking Tooth

Fairy. Each child also received a dental care kit, a nutritious sack lunch, a book and other prizes. “Once again, it was incredible to see how many children benefitted from the numerous dental services provided at our most recent two-day clinic,” said Joan Allen, executive director of Give Kids A Smile. “Thanks to the generosity of key financial contributors like Delta Dental of Missouri and the Missouri Foundation for Health, and the countless dental professionals who donate their time and talents, we are truly transforming the smiles, and lives, of local children who would otherwise not be able to avail of this type of care. With 30 consecutive clinics now behind us, we look forward to hosting many, many more.” To register for the February 2017 clinic, call Give Kids A Smile at 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas. org. The registration process includes the completion of health history and consent forms. Appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016

Bank of America and Operation Food Search partner to provide hunger relief and eliminate food insecurity in St. Louis

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$4 million funding secured to promote successful homeownership for low-income areas in St. Louis

The Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund (NCRF), a Sacramento-based community development financial institution has secured a $10 million investment from TIAA-Direct, for the advancement of its Neighborhood Restoration Program which increases affordable homeownership opportunities for low to moderate-income families across the country. Originally created out of a need to address the foreclosure crisis, the Neighborhood Restoration Program acquires properties that are often vacant and are located in communities that are in need of revival. The homes are completely renovated and sold to lowto moderate-income families who live in the home as their primary residence, thereby restoring the home and the surrounding community by removing blight. While the number of foreclosed homes has decreased with the economic recovery, there are still many communities across the country in need of revitalization. The first phase of the program will focus on St. Louis, and a large portion of the financing ($4 million) has been allocated to rejuvenating neighborhoods and surrounding communities of St. Louis. “The financing from TIAA comes at an ideal time, as it will substantially enhance our ability to strategically partner with our sourcing outlets to identify acquisition opportunities, thereby allowing for increased opportunities for affordable homeownership across the country.” said NCRF President, Darrell Teat. Nehemiah will continue to make a significant impact in commuSubmitted photo nity revitalization and affordable housing by leveraging its longPictured from left to right is Michael Lawrence, Director at Merrill Lynch; Jackie Yoon, Market President at Bank of America St. Louis; Karen Kes- standing relationships with financial institutions, real estate agents sler; Lucinda Perry, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Operation Food Search (OFS); Rob Kessler, OFS Board Member; Sunny Schaefer, Executive and brokers, and the National Community Stabilization Trust. Director at OFS; Kate Kupstas, OFS Volunteer; Mike Kupstas, Board Chairman at OFS, and; Michelle Tucker, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Business and Community Engagement at Bank of America.

Bank of America has announced Operation Food Search (OFS) as a 2016 Neighborhood Builder. The nonprofit is being recognized for its work in helping to nourish and educate those suffering from food insecurity in the St. Louis community, which in turn, supports the sustainable growth of the local economy. Through Neighborhood Builders (#NeighborhoodBuilders), the bank provides nonprofits with a unique combination of leadership development, $200,000 in flexible funding, a network of peer organizations across the U.S. and the opportunity to access capital in order to expand their impact in the St. Louis community. “We recognize the critical role that nonprofits and their leaders play to build pathways to economic progress in the St. Louis community,” said Jackie Yoon, St. Louis market president, Bank of America. “Through our Neighborhood Builders program, we connect outstanding nonprofits, like Operation Food Search, to the funding and leadership development resources they need to scale their impact and help our community to thrive.” Operation Food Search distributes more than

$35 million dollars’ worth of food and household essentials annually to its 330 community partner agencies (made up of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters transitional homes, community partners, churches and schools), which in turn feeds 200,000 people in need each month – nearly one-third of whom are children. In addition to the organization’s emergency food distribution services, OFS offers culinary-based programs for children, teen and adults that designed to empower families by boosting their skills and confidence to shop for and prepare healthy meals at home. “We are honored to be chosen as the 2016 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder in the St. Louis market,” said Sunny Schaefer, Executive Director, Operation Food Search. “Through the grant and leadership development training provided by this award, our organization can provide greater support to our programs, specifically to our Cooking Matters courses, continuing to create an avenue for nutrition education as well as helping to fill the gap in access to affordable and nutritious meals.”

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December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

STEM Games event in Jennings stimulates young minds On Nov. 15 at Gore Community Education Center, there was an educational event that took place called the STEM Games. This all-day event provided a hands-on learning opportunity focused on science, technology, engineering, and math for 90 students from the city of St. Louis, North County, and St. Charles County. Students from grades four through eight were paired up with students from other schools to build teamwork, from building bridges to designing drones. More than 50 volunteers from various industries (including Boeing) supported this event. The STEM Games was developed by Mr. Chris Sellers, a Physics Teacher at Jennings High School and Dr. Tonya Harris, the Superintendent from Preclarus Mastery Academy. Mr. Chris Sellers and Dr. Tonya Harris came up with the idea of developing the STEM Games while taking a two week STEM certificate course at Maryville University which was fully funded by a charitable grant from The Boeing Company in 2015. The goal was to create opportunities for students from underresourced schools to enhance STEM learning. The STEM program will assist students in learning block coding, how to build towers and how to fly drones.

Hazelwood Central High School Hawks football team honored

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

The Hazelwood Central High School Hawks football team was recently honored at a Board of Education meeting for their undefeated regular season. The team received a standing ovation from board members and posed for a few photos.

The team is shown with board members Cheryl Latham and Karlton Thornton. Also pictured are Dr. Bruce Green, Dr. Tony Brooks, John Pukala and Central’s coaching staff.

Martiz Arts and Education Fund supports Hazelwood elementary music program

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The Martiz Fund for Teachers grant will benefit nearly 400 students at Keeven Elementary, in the Hazelwood School District. The grant will supply fifteen Orff instruments for students to use in music class. Students will gain hands-on musical experience and advanced training that would be impossible by just listening to or reading about music. “My students will be able to use instruments to accompany and even compose music,” said Kimberly Payne, music teacher at Keeven. “The

Orff Schulwerk method is a way of teaching music through movement and performance. Some of the instruments that we use with this method include xylophones, marimbas and bells.” Since its inception, the Martiz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers has awarded more than $215,000 to support arts and education in schools across the bi-state region. “I am so happy that once again, students in the Hazelwood School District are beneficiaries of this program,” said Dorothy Powell, development manager at Arts and Education Council.

Jamestown Elementary hosts career fair in observance of Red Ribbon Week

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A guided tour of six Louisiana Churches decorated for the holidays. Listen to beautiful music performed at each location Begins at 3 p.m. at the Bethel AME Church located at 6th and Tennessee. Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Students at Jamestown Elementary recently participated in its Second Annual Career Fair held in observance of Red Ribbon Week

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Students at Jamestown Elementary recently participated in its Second Annual Career Fair. The career fair was held in observance of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign that was started in 1980 to raise awareness about drug use and its effects. Second through fifth grade students had an opportunity to learn about 11 different career paths. Students were able to ask presenters questions about their careers, what subjects they studied in school, and what they experienced while at work. Volunteers included: a police officer, firefighter, lawyer, professor, radio personality, nurse and many others. The students rushed between all the tables, excited to learn about the different career options. One of the most popular tables was one hosted

by local firefighters. Students learned about protective fire gear, fire safety and more. Do you hide from a firefighter or police officer when they are looking for you?” asked one of the firefighters. All of the students replied “No.” One student gave an explanation. “Firefighters and police officers are there to help you when you’re in trouble,” said one student. Scott Kuhnert, guidance counselor at Jamestown organized the career fair for the past two years to encourage student achievement, by providing exposure to diverse career paths. “Research shows that when students have plans or goals for later in life, they have a greater chance of excelling in school and being drug free,” said Kuhnert.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016

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North County Christian School names student of the month

Bermuda Elementary students will soon amaze with magic

Geunhaeng Jeong was honored at the Northwest Chamber of Commerce membership meeting on Nov. 10. Geunhaeng is a senior at North County Christian School where she has attended since arriving as an international student from South Korea in the eleventh grade. Geunhaeng maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and Principal’s List. Outside of the classroom, Geunhaeng keeps busy as math tutor, class secretary, varsity cheerleading, swimming, recycling club, pop art club, orchestra, choir and golf. In the community, Geunhaeng volunteers at a food pantry, nursing home, after-school program with elementary students and Special Olympics. Geunhaeng is undecided as to whether she will continue her education in the U.S. or return to South Korea. She does hope to major in international studies.

Students at Bermuda Elementary School will soon be able to amaze their friends and family with magical tricks learned through their participation in Abra-Kid-Abra Magic Academy. Abra-Kid-Abra, which is run by two St. Louis area magicians, helps students develop their presentation skills and confidence through classes in magic, circus, comedy, balloon art and math magic. Fifteen students from Bermuda will be selected to participate in the after-school magic academy, which begins Jan. 9 and will meet for one hour, one day per week for eight weeks. The students’ selection will be aligned with the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) initiatives. Normally, the cost to participate in Abra-Kid-Abra Magic Academy is $140, however the program is being offered to Bermuda students at no charge. Bermuda is the first school outside St. Louis Public Schools to receive this opportunity. “Abra-Kid-Abra held a fundraiser in October with 100 percent of the proceeds being used to host the Bermuda magic academy,” said Robert Goodwin, music teacher at Bermuda. “All funds beyond paying for the magic academy will be donated to the music program to provide students the opportunity to attend fine arts cultural events at venues such as the Sheldon Concert Hall and Fox Theatre.” Each student participating in the magic academy will receive their own magic box, which consists of items to perform various tricks. The culminating activity of the academy will be a performance by the students for friends and family.

Photo courtesy North County Christian School

Hazelwood Central Middle School students work on character building

Photo Courtesy Hazelwood School District

Demingo Loggins is shown speaking with seventh grade boys during a mentoring session meeting in the Hazelwood Central Middle School Library. Hazelwood Central Middle School Principal Steve Richards, with Hazelwood East High

School alumnus and radio talk show host Demingo Loggins, mentors middle school boys about building character, and the importance of creating a positive self-image.

Hazelwood Southeast Middle School students engage in social responsibility

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Students in the High Flyers program at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School encourage social responsibility by volunteering at the Missouri Veteran Home.

Students at Southeast Middle School (SEMS) aspire to be socially responsible through volunteering and community service. The SEMS High Flyers are a select group of students who have expressed a desire to engage in their community through service projects. “We have identified community service opportunities for our students, to encourage them to form partnerships within the community, and to ultimately increase student achievement,” said Chauncey Granger, principal at Southeast Middle School. Staff and parents support this student initiative, by accompanying the students as they vol-

unteered at the Missouri Veteran’s Home for Veterans Day weekend. Students lent a helping hand to elderly veterans, by tidying up small spaces, assisting with meals, and offering comfort through conversation. “Our vision was to ensure that those students who are interested in community service projects have an opportunity to develop an increased sense of social responsibility through community service,” explained Bryan Turner, home school communicator at Southeast Middle. “It is with hope that this will jumpstart their social awareness, and expose them to diversity and multiculturalism.”

www.dschuster.com

Sports

Why do you read the Community News?

December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

“A good amount of coverage on a multitude of issues.” ~Reader Survey, 2016

Pick up one of our four publications at a newsstand near you, or visit us online. www.mycnews.com

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

Sports you see with Gary B... Think warm thoughts with baseball The River City Rascals, a member of the Frontier League, will be working with the California Winter League for the third consecutive season this upcoming January. The Midwest-based league has currently committed nine team representatives to act as instructors and coordinators for the showcase league that takes place in Palm Springs, California during the months of January and February. The O’Fallon club is honored to have the team’s hitting coach Josh Ludy as one of the eight others representing the Frontier League. The Frontier League is the longest-running independent professional baseball league in the United States. Since the league’s inception in 1993, 31 players have gone on to play in the major leagues. Over 50 players from the 2015 California Winter League signed with Frontier League clubs and 47 in the 2016 baseball season. Postseason All-Star Catcher Mike Jurgella who wore a Rascals’ uniform, was proud to be a member last year. For more information on the California Winter League or to register for the 2017 season, contact 760-778-4487 or visit them online at www.CaliforniaWinterLeague.com. * If you’re serious about playing major league baseball Student-athlete earns award from Lindenwood Former Lindenwood women’s hockey goaltender Nicole Hensley was chosen as one of the 10 recipients for the NCAA Top 10 award. Hensley becomes the first player from the CHA to win the award, and the fifth recipient all-time from the sport of women’s hockey. The award recognizes former student-athletes for their successes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Recipients completed their athletics eligibility during the 2015-16 academic year and will be recognized at the honors celebration during the NCAA convention in Nashville. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information

www.mycnews.com | 636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com

Men’s tennis at UMSL moves up in national rankings The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s tennis team is ranked No. 43 nationally in the Oracle/ITA Collegiate Tennis Division II Fall Rankings, as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. The Tritons move up two spots in the first national rankings of the year after finishing the 2015-16 year No. 45. UMSL also earned a No. 6 regional ranking earlier this month, while junior Kristoffer Lindal and sophomore Rob White were ranked seventh in doubles, following a fall season in which they posted a 6-5 record, advancing to the quarterfinals of the ITA Midwest Regionals. For more information, go to www.UMSLTritons.com * These are real sports’ mentors Professional soccer with Ambush this Friday at the Family Arena The St. Louis Ambush are a professional indoor soccer team that play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. In their recent contest in Milwaukee against the Wave, the team started out great. Ambush midfielder Corey Adamson celebrated his birthday with the first goal of the game to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at 4:32 of the first quarter. After that the Wave poured it on for a 14-6 win, denying coach Tony Glavin his first win of the young season. Coach Glavin didn’t hide his disappointment at the team’s performance. “It wasn’t one of our best efforts,” he said. “I am disappointed overall. I know we can play better. We kept making the same mistakes over and over.” Glavin added that the team will go to work this week on correcting weaknesses and come out strong in their next game against Florida, Friday at the Family Arena. For more information go to www.STLAmbush.com * Hometown fans will help 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016

Recipe: Sweet Holiday Treats

Learn & Play

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

Watermelon Cranberry Sauce Recipe courtesy of watermelon.org | Servings: 4

I ngredients: 4 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup organic sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract lemon juice (from 1 lemon) lemon zest (from 1 lemon) 1/2 cup maple syrup cinnamon 2 cups minced watermelon

Directions: In 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, heat cranberries, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest until simmering. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until cranberries are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

and cinnamon to pan. Simmer another few minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add maple syrup

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Happy Holidays

Butterscotch Bubble Loaf Recipe courtesy of rhodesbread.com

Ingredients: 24 yeast dinner rolls, thawed but still cold 1/2 box non-instant butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Cut dinner rolls in half and dip in dry pudding mix. In sprayed Bundt pan, arrange rolls, alternating with pecans. Sprinkle any remaining pudding mix over top. Combine brown sugar and butter. In microwave, heat together about 1 1/2 minutes until butter is melted and syrup is formed. Pour syrup over rolls. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, or even with top of Bundt pan. Carefully remove wrap. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cover with foil for last 15 minutes of baking. Immediately after baking, loosen foil from sides of pan with knife and invert onto serving plate.

Remove from heat to rest 10 minutes. Stir in watermelon and serve warm, or chill and serve cold.

ACROSS 1. Romans’ cleansing hangout, pl. 6. Bartender’s Triple ____ 9. Legal wrong 13. Be in harmony 14. *”And to ____ a good night” 15. Fraction 16. Big dipper 17. Flying saucer? 18. To stand forth 19. *Hanukkah spinning top 21. *C.C. Moore’s character 23. *”____ the fields we go laughing all the way” 24. Actor Wilder, 1933-2016 25. Fast-food staple 28. Unpleasant road display? 30. *How many days of Christmas? 35. Pinocchio, e.g. 37. *Like Tim Cratchit 39. Iron setting 40. Like Andersen’s duckling 41. Many times 43. World’s longest river 44. Bellhop, technically 46. Fork prong 47. Malaria symptom 48. School supplies staple 50. Pale gray 52. H in HMS 53. “____ there, done that” 55. R in rpm 57. *Tournament of Roses tradition 60. *Burning block 64. Lacy neckwear 65. Poe’s Morgue, e.g. 67. Guanaco’s cousin 68. Mountain ridge 69. Retirement plan 70. Cowboy movie 71. ____ farewell, past tense 72. Ensign, for short 73. Small songbirds DOWN 1. Shiny on top? 2. Lab culture 3. “Trade” without one vowel 4. Sunny prefix 5. Sowing machine 6. Author Bellow 7. *North Pole worker

See solution on page 13

8. Bring to an end 9. De Niro’s ride, 1976 10. Relating to ear 11. Classic board game 12. *Marines’ giftee 15. Checks out again at the library 20. Muse of love poetry 22. Blast maker 24. Herbalist’s bitter cure 25. *New Year stemware 26. ____ mortis 27. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin meeting spot 29. *Stocking stuffer 31. Tallest volcano in Europe 32. “Gone with the Wind” actress 33. Monetary worth 34. Mideast V.I.P.

36. Whiskey grain, pl. 38. Strong desires 42. India’s first Prime Minister 45. Sales lure 49. *Prominent Christmas color 51. Like directory pages 54. Bone-chilling 56. Relating to velum 57. Legal prefix 58. In the sack 59. Learning method 60. Those voting “yes” 61. *A Christmas present given on the 26th 62. Black cat, e.g. 63. Needlefish, pl. 64. Mike Tyson’s punch 66. Big coffee holder See answers on page 13

What’s Happening

December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

counselor.

Dec. 7: Benefit concert

Dec. 10-11: Christmas celebrations at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

Beyond Housing presents the Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert featuring hip-hop violinist and “America’s Got Talent” finalist Damien Escobar and renowned St. Louis soul artist Brian Owens at the Sheldon Concert Hall at 3648 Washington Blvd. in St. Louis from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Proceeds go towards a variety of Beyond Housing’s programs geared towards helping thousands of people in St. Louis. Tickets are now on sale and start at $35. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.beyondhousing.org/home-for-the-holidays.

Dec. 8: Knee pain seminar

If you have chronic knee pain, you need to know your treatment options for managing your pain. Join William Schroer, MD, SSM Health DePaul Hospital orthopedic surgeon, for an informative discussion on treatments for knee pain 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the May Conference Center at SSM Health DePaul Hospital. He will explain non-surgical and surgical procedures, including the latest techniques and newest technology. Here’s your chance to truly understand the options when it comes to managing knee arthritis pain. Enjoy a light dinner and ask questions about treatment options for knee pain. The program is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. Please call 1-866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-7763627) to register by phone or register online at ssmhealth.com/orthopedics.

Dec. 10: Pinewood derby

The First Annual FYI Pinewood Classic at the Ferguson Community Center (located at 1050 Smith Ave. in Ferguson) starts at 1 p.m. Shape a block of wood into a sleek racing machine or showcase your creativity in the design competition. Registration is now open. All entries come with a car. Visit http://fyifergyouth.org/fyipinewoodclassic/ for rules and sponsorship information. This event will feature three derbies, on a four-lane track beginning with the Teen Classic for ages 13 – 19 (entry fee is $5) from 1 until 3 p.m. Next, the Open Adult Classic will kick-off at 4 until 6 p.m. (entry fee $30), and No-Go Concept Competition will also take place during the event.

Dec. 10: Visit with Santa

Visit with Santa at Sunset Park Nature Lodge from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. You may obtain tickets by showing your resident card and paying $1 or donating one canned food item per ticket. Only Florissant residents may purchase tickets. 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 314-9214250 or 314-921-4466.

Dec. 10: Winter Wonderland Sales Extravaganza

This event will take place at The Sanctuary at 965 Anglum Rd. in Hazelwood from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be crafters, food, singing, free giveaways and much more. Applications for vendors will be accepted through Nov. 26. For more information contact Rachel Carson at 314614-8711 or BQcraftfair@yahoo.com.

Dec. 10: Art show

Good Shepherd Gallery’s last 2016 show will be “God’s Creative Diversity.” The exhibit will present the artwork of Sr. Elizabeth Slenker, Sparkill Dominican. It will open Nov. 26 with a reception from 2 - 4 p.m. and will run through Dec. 10. Sr. Elizabeth taught for thirty-five years (all grades, including Graduate School), and worked as an art therapist and family

On Saturday, Dec. 10 beginning at 5 p.m. Ye Old Christmas Shoppe book sale and gift shop will be open in the old schoolhouse. Food and drink will be available. Individuals can purchase tickets at that time for a carriage ride and candlelit tour. Cost is only $15 per adult and $10 per child for the carriage ride and tour combined. There will be a living Nativity and carolers will be heard singing familiar Christmas carols. Tours of the shrine will take place at night guided by candlelight. The living history reenactors invite you to join them while they tell the tales of the early settlers around an open fire. On Sunday Dec. 11 the Christmas celebration concludes with the traditional Christmas Concert in the Church beginning at 3 p.m. The concert features the choirs of Florissant Baptist Church Choir and the Archdiocese Children’s Choir. After the concert, there will be a reception in the Schoolhouse with light refreshments. For more information call 314-837-2110 or visit www.oldstferdinandshrine.com.

Dec. 10-11: Overland candlelight tour

Overland Historical Society’s Annual Candlelight Tour takes place Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 from 3-7 p.m. at the northeast corner of Lackland Rd. and Gass Ave. Cathy Lee Doll Hospital Antique Dolls displayed along with replicas of Victorian dresses by Dr. Denise Dietsch. Linda Schuetz will demonstrate quilting and Santa and Mrs. Claus are stopping by. Hot mulled apple cider and homemade cookies will be served. Donations are $3 for adults and children under 16 years of age are free.

Dec. 12: 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. 12 at 5 p.m. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Dec. 13: Light tour and dinner

Start out your holiday season with a visit to Our Lady of the Snows from 3:45 – 9 p.m. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the famous Shrine Restaurant. Then drive through the breathtaking Way of Lights Christmas Display, focusing on the Birth of Christ. Cost is $29 for residents, $31 for non-residents and includes transportation, donation to the Shrine for the lights and dinner. Tickets will be sold in the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall. Call the Senior Office at 314-839-7605 for ticket availability or 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.

Dec. 15: Free blood pressure check

Free blood pressure check takes place at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) Call 831-3752 for more information.

Dec. 16: Bingo

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

Dec. 16: Food drive

Beginning on Dec. 2 and continuing through Dec. 16 a barrel for the Sharing and Caring Food Drive will be placed at the Florissant City Hall, the James J. Eagan Center (Parker and Waterford Roads) and the JFK Community Center (Howdershell and Charbonier). All residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable and canned food donations. These donations will be given to organizations and food pantries within the city limits of Florissant. For further information, please call 314-921-4466 or 314-921-4250.

Dec. 31: Support group beginning

A PFLAG chapter in North County is starting very soon, and is looking for parents and individuals interested in getting it off the ground running. If you are interested in helping start this support group for parents of GLBT individuals and the individuals themselves contact Josh Privitt at nocopflag@gmail.com or 314-521-5694.

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 314-615-7430 for north of I-64 locations or Kathy Paulsen at 314-6154021 for south county locations.

RECURRING EVENTS 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: 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 in-

terested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-9936134.

Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

Thursdays: checks

Blood

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

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.

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, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at 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: 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,

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.

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.

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

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Every Sunday: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016 2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

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

Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting

Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401, 6:30 – 8pm, 314.839.3171, free and open to the public.

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

11:30am-1pm, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 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

Free Mammogram Screenings:

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 Louis, 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

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477.

What’s Happening

6:30-7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

ment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or www. gthstl.org.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

Every Wednesday Take Pounds Sensibly Group

$30, 314-953-6090

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits. This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314.344.6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment. SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636.947.5466.

The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members

6:30-7:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group

Off

Hear from experts on how to better manage diabetes & enjoy a healthier life. Located at the H.W. Koenig Medical Bldg., St. Joseph Hospital West. Call 636.625.5447 for more info.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 414 S. Church St., St. Peters. Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m. Business mtg at 10 a.m. Call 636.397.1727 or 636.272.4995 for more info.

First Thurs. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Caregiver Class from BJC Home Care Services, free to public, Topics: care, stress relief, legal issues, Siteman Cancer Cntr., Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital conference rm. Info. 314-575-3983.

Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Mtg.

Every Sun.: 6:30 p.m. Every Mon.: 9:30 a.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Meetings Women only. Sundays at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, U. City. 314.993.5421 or 636.561.1407. Mondays in Wentzville, call 636.561.1407.

Christian Hospital. 314.839.3171.

Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS Meetings

Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families

Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.921.9920.

1st Thur.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer: A Support Group for Adults with Cancer Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp, 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.916.9920.

4th Tuesday of each month:

1st Thur.: 7 p.m. Parents W/O Partners, North County Chapter General Mtg, 2435 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. 314.739.0880.

SUDOKU answers from page 11

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

If you would like to become a member please call 636.916.9664.

Gateway to Hope Program

The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treat-

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group

H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church

12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.Nar-Anon. org

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm,

www.naa.org

www.newspapermedia.com

December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

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, M.G.T.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, K.B.

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 7, 2016

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

December 7, 2016 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

Where are the Oscar frontrunners? For movies lovers, December typically is equivalent to the last weeks of the regular baseball season. The top teams have positioned themselves for the big game while a few hopefuls battle it out for a shot at end-of-the-season glory. In the sports world, it’s a highly visible and exciting time. However, in looking over the films released thus far in 2016, only a handful are positioned for any type of awards consideration. Even the summer months, home to blockbusters, were bogged down with the likes of “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” and “Nine Lives.” “Fantastic Beasts,” while charming and creative, isn’t pulling magical “Harry Potter” numbers. Mercifully, Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks delivered “Sully,” the story behind the “Miracle on the Hudson.” A graying Hanks portrayed Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who made all the right choices, saving the lives of every person on his damaged aircraft. Eastwood delved into the events following the water landing while Hanks positioned himself for Oscar gold once again. 2016 has been a great year for the Walt Disney Studios, especially with “Force Awakens” and the upcoming “Rogue One.” The studio’s strength has been animation, and they delivered the goods with “Zootopia,” an engaging story about anthropomorphic animals living and working together. This one actually was more enjoyable than Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” but both look like shoo-ins for “Best Animated Feature” nods. For special effects, “Deepwater Horizon” does its level best to recreate the events leading up to the BP oil spill. It is a powerful, explosive story with notable performances from Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell. Though the actors may get over-

looked, this film should earn a few technical achievement awards. Andrew Garfield does an amazing job in “Hacksaw Ridge,” the story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss. Refusing to compromise his beliefs, Doss refused to carry a gun in battle during World War II. Though branded a coward, Doss braved enemy fire to carry at least 75 injured soldiers to safety. It is a film that rightfully should win some technical and acting awards. Looking ahead, Michael Keaton, who has become an Oscar favorite, returns in “The Founder.” Keaton plays Ray Kroc, the man who bought the McDonald’s restaurant concept from two hard-working brothers and turned it into an empire. Keaton has made regular appearances at the Academy Awards, and this one may see him back on stage again. Other potential contenders include Natalie Portman in “Jackie,” the story of Jackie Kennedy and her years in the White House. The star-studded “Patriots Day” looks back at the 2013 bombing at the Boston Marathon and its aftermath. Will Smith returns in “Collateral Beauty,” the tale of a man who sends letters to the universe and starts receiving replies. 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 wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

l r i c s t c h ar o t s i h . w ww

es.com