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December 19, 2018

Captain Community North County Police Cooperative Captain puts community engagement at the forefront of his mission to protect and serve

By Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. Pg. 2 SANTA PARADE EVENT: Thursday, Dec. 20 at Queen Ann Park. Pg. 3

By Charlotte Beard Though there are some segments of society that just pursue the punishment side of law enforcement, there are other segments of the society that truly take interest in the justice side of the law. Captain Clay Farmer of the North County Police Cooperative (NCPC or the Coop), who expresses a heart for criminal justice, believes in using community engagement to build trust and position himself as a liaison between the community and law enforcement. Farmer, an alumnus of Normandy Senior High School shared, “Post high school I did the college scene for a little while…I went for criminal justice. I worked for Foot Locker Cooperation for a while then I (began to feel) I was wasting my time. I always had that passion for the criminal justice side. With both of my parents being ministers, I grew up seeing them always give back and wanting to help people. I also had an issue with crime. It was kind of odd.” Farmer went on to explain that these two factors played a role in his decision to resume his pursuit to be involved in criminal justice. There was a police officer who worked secondary across the hall in the former Northwest Plaza at another store, with whom he would often have conversations. “We would always talk when I saw him at work. One night I saw him working and he (said), ‘Why don’t you come out and do a ride along with me.’ I was like, ‘Really? Get in the (police) car with you?’ (His response was), ‘Yeah, come on.’ I rode with him one shift and I was like, ‘Boom! I’m in.’ I was sold. So that’s how the Captain Farmer journey began. From there I got hired as a corrections officer with the Northwoods Police Department. When I went to the

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Submitted photo Captain Clay Farmer of the North County Police Cooperative believes in using community engagement to build trust and position himself as a liaison between the community and law enforcement.

police academy, I became a full fledge police officer. I worked there one year then I transitioned over to the Venita Park Police Department which is now the Coop.” Today NCPC has a Ride with The Captain Program for participants ages 18 and up. Farmer was promoted to captain in 2013; he has been with NCPC since 2001. NCPC currently serves the following municipalities: Wellston, Pine Lawn, Vinita Terrace, Vinita Park, Beverly Hills, and Velda Village Hills. Farmer shared that he has worn many hats in the department. His current role makes him responsible for the department’s recruitment and hiring, public relations, and community engagement, just to name a few of his hats. Farmer has sought solutions to reduce the barriers between law enforcement and the community. When he was promoted to captain in 2013, one opportunity NCPC began offering was hands-on experience of the police simulator training to members of the community. In the community members’ sessions, attendees are paired-

up like police partners and presented with real life police/possible criminal encounter scenarios. Each participant is armed with a simulator gun and introduced to a lifesize encounter projected onto a wall with whom they can actively communicate and give orders as law enforcement would. The experience gives participants an opportunity to assess their own immediate responses and reactions whether in the case of a perceived or unexpected threat. “We are required to train on it as officers,” stated Farmer. “I was thinking this would really be cool if we opened this up to the community. Give them a chance to come in here, experience what we experience, and we get to see it from their side. We get to hear why they feel the way that they do; that will start some great conversation towards a solution.” Farmer talked to Attorney Wesley Bell about his idea with whom he had established a friendship long before he decided to See ‘CAPTAIN’ page 2

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December 19, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘CAPTAIN’ from cover pursue the office of St. Louis County Prosecutor. “He (stated), ‘I don’t usually listen to you, but I think this is a good idea,’” Farmer shared with a laugh. “It’s great when he does the legal side and I do the law enforcement side. So, people get to see an attorney and an officer in the same space; we make the space safe. You can fire-off anything you want – you can ask us anything that you want. Nothing is off the table. We’ve had many groups. We’ve had protest groups, Black Lives Matter groups, people who love the police, church groups, youth groups, At-Risk teen groups, Job Corp…so many. We take them all. We don’t turn (anyone) down. We don’t just want people to love us. That’s easy. We don’t have to convince you all or get you all to see what we see and try to come up with something. We want the people who don’t think like us. And I really, truly work with them and ask, ‘Hey, what can we do to make this thing better?’ It’s been very successful. We do the (simulator) all the time.” The St. Ann Police Department allows the sessions to be conducted at its facility. “Chief Jimenez is awesome, he’s been so supportive of us since we started,” stated Farmer. “This is free of charge in partnership with St. Ann who allows us to use their simulator free of charge as well, so we can host community groups,” Bell shared. “We try to make it fun because it’s a community policing initiative. It’s a way for people to get an opportunity to interact with members of law enforcement and myself being a prosecutor, in an environment that you normally don’t get to do so.” He also shared that some businesses have used these sessions as an opportunity for team building. They do a minimum of 10 to 20 people per session. This allows everyone ample opportunity for the hands-on experience and discussion. Requests for a session can be made

via e-mail at cfarmer@northcountypolice.com, a message to Farmer’s Facebook page (Clay Farmer (Capt)), or by phone: 314-428-7373. NCPC also partners with Beyond Housing in its Humanity in the Middle. The program serves the Ferguson/Florissant and Riverview School Districts. Farmer, who also coaches a youth basketball league states, “I know it may sound cliché, but you can truly do and be what you want to be. Some will try to hold you back. If you’re smart, they will want to make you feel bad for being smarter. Don’t let a bad experience dictate your next experience or keep you from doing something that you were made to do. Even if you have a bad interaction with an officer, I know this may be hard for some people, don’t carry that to the next officer because the next one may be the one to give you a total break or is nothing like the other one.” Farmer desires to see the community engagement continue among law enforcement long after he is no longer serving as captain. Bell shared, “I think it’s important that we on the law enforcement and prosecutor side show the community what we’re doing. Sometimes what we do can be shrouded in mystery to a certain instinct. We want to not only show them what we’re doing (but also) have their input on how we’re doing it. Give them an opportunity to get to know members of our law enforcement. I don’t think there is any more important relationship between law enforcement and the community. It’s important for us to get out in the community, get to know people, let the community get to know us. That builds trust; without trust you don’t have a justice system.” Farmer also works for the Peacemaker Defense Group that will be providing their Power of One course on Dec. 29 at Beyond Housing, located at 6506 Wright Way in St. Louis. He will be one of the trainers. The course is a defense and empowerment course for women. The class starts at 5 p.m. and admission is $50 per person. To sign up, visit www.peacemakerdefensegroup.com. To see the other things NCPC is doing to make a difference in the community visit: http://www.northcountypolice.com.

COMMUNITY VOICES Hazelwood school-based health center opens up new possibilities By Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart ‘What more could we do for our students?’ It is a question we must ask ourselves as educators daily, and a question we strive to answer in innovative ways in the Hazelwood School District. Our new Hazelwood East School-Based Health Center, located in Hazelwood East High/Middle School, is our most recent venture into doing more for our students. It truly was a celebration on Oct. 29 when several of our community partners joined us to cut the ribbon on the new center. Generous contributions from the Christian Hospital Foundation support our coalitions with CareSTL Health, Health Equity Works, and Show-Me School Based Health Alliance. Each organization shared in a vision to do more, and the result is something I am confident our community can admire. Through these partnerships, our students have access to quality healthcare in a familiar and comfortable setting. Our school-based health center is an on-site healthcare option where qualified medical professionals are hired to serve our students. It provides immunizations, behavioral health services, physicals, and referrals to other providers, all in an effort to keep students healthier. Students are more likely to attend school consistently

with fewer health-related absences. According to a 2014 research report from Health Equity Works, childhood illness and mental health problems are two primary factors that can lead to high school dropout. Furthermore, Health Equity Works reports a study conducted in our region found that children who miss more days of school are more likely to score lower on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test. If we fail to help keep our students in the classroom, we fail in our mission to help them achieve in our culture of high expectations. ‘Service’ is a crucial word we cannot overlook as educators; we are here to serve children and their families, and to serve as a pillar of our community. We often talk about the goal of preparing students to be college, career, and life ready, but are we doing enough to build the foundation to get them there? I believe our schoolbased health center will serve as a vital part of that foundation, and as such, I am immensely proud of our Hazelwood community. I am proud that so many leaders from so many organizations came together to think of the children, think of their needs, and provide a service that extends beyond a textbook. There are nearly 2,000 school-based

health centers that operate nationwide, according to the most recent National Assembly on School-Based Health Care census. The Hazelwood East Schoolbased Health Center is the first of its kind in our district, but the innovation behind it is not. It simply is the latest innovation in our focus on thinking bigger to implement holistic strategies that support quality education. The opening of our new school-based health center marked a wonderful day for our students, the culmination of two years of planning and preparation. With an act as simple as cutting a ribbon, we signify why we are here: to celebrate our children. I hope you will join me in this celebration as we strive to provide the very best for our community. Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart is the proud Superintendent of Schools for the Hazelwood School District serving approximately 18,000 students in the second-largest district in St. Louis County and seventh-largest district in Missouri. 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 19, 2018

Hazelwood Firefighters Community Outreach Program hosts Santa Parade event Santa’s elves from the North Pole have sent a text message. They want all residents living in the City of Hazelwood to know that Santa Claus will be making some visits to their hometown in December, courtesy of the Hazelwood Firefighters Community Outreach Program. He plans to make his final stop in Hazelwood on Dec. 20 at Queen Ann Park from 6 - 8 p.m. Santa will be listening to all the boys and girls giving him their Christmas wish lists and posing for photos with them. In addition, Hazelwood Firefighters will be on hand to provide hot chocolate and give out candy canes. “For the past several years, Hazelwood Firefighters’ Santa Parade Program has become a popular holiday tradition in our city,” Hazelwood Mayor Matthew Robinson said. “We appreciate our firefighters’ efforts to help those in need and to put smiles on kids’ faces when they parade Santa Claus through town.” Although everyone is encouraged to come out and meet Santa Claus, the Hazelwood Firefighters still plan to take Santa on a brief parade in neighborhoods around the park from 5 - 6 p.m. These parades are for residents who want to see Santa but aren’t able to make a visit to the park. The parade route will be: Turn onto Townhouse Lane; turn right on Lamplight Lane; turn left on Cartwheel Lane; turn left on Coach-

Around Town

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood

light Lane; turn right on Gerardini Drive; turn left on Caposele; turn right on Conza Drive; turn right on Gerard Park; turn left on Gerardini Drive; turn right on Olivetto Lane; turn left on Tannoia Drive; turn right on Coachway Lane; turn right on Naples Drive; turn left on Coach House Drive; turn left on Georgetown Drive; turn right on Coachway Lane (in front of McNair Elementary); turn right on Wagonwheel Lane; turn left on Coach House Drive; turn right on Coachman Lane; turn right on Haventree Lane; turn left on Town & Country

Drive; turn left on Foxcrest Drive; turn right on Foxfield Drive; turn right on Coachway Lane; turn left on White Birch Way; turn right on Canisius Lane; turn into Queen Ann Park. These event date and parade route is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. Information about this event will be posted on the city’s Facebook page, Twitter, and on the Facebook page managed by the Hazelwood Firefighters Community Outreach Program.

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December 19, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Filing to open for SSD Board of Education Candidates who wish to apply for open seats on the Special School District Board of Education may pick up an information packet and application form at the SSD Central Administrative Offices, 12110 Clayton Road in Town and Country. Applications will be distributed to interested candidates during regular business hours beginning at 8 a.m. Dec. 11 through noon on Dec. 21 when district offices close for winter break. The next opportunity for candidates to pick up applications will be during regular business hours when district offices reopen after winter break on Jan. 2. Filing of applications closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 15. Filing will not occur in the event that the district’s offices are closed due to inclement weather. There are two seats up for election. Both are for three-year terms. • Subdistrict 3 – Parkway School District • Subdistrict 4 – Ferguson-Florissant, Pattonville and Riverview Gardens school districts www.byerlyrv.com

Board terms begin in March 2019. Applicants must be citizens of the United States, must have resided in Missouri for at least one year, be at least 24 years old, be a registered voter of the district, and be a resident of the subdistrict in which the application is filed. With the passage of Proposition S in 1998, SSD Board of Education members are elected by the District’s Governing Council. The Governing Council is comprised of one Board of Education member from each of the 22 school districts in St. Louis County. Under Governing Council regulations, information packets and applications must be picked up and returned to the SSD administrative offices by the candidate. Packets and forms will not be mailed. Those returning completed applications must show proof of identification. For more information, call the Superintendent’s Office at 314-989-8419.

The Midas Hospitality Family Foundation raises nearly $16,000 to benefit TinySuperheroes

Submitted photo

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The Midas Hospitality Family Foundation recently raised $15,758.34 for TinySuperheroes. The money was raised through the Foundation’s trivia night and paper cape sales at 35 hotels operated by Midas Hospitality. Founded in 2013, TinySuperheroes is a local organization that seeks to empower extraordinary children as they overcome illness or disability. TinySuperheroes has created more than 15,000 capes for these children.

Pictured (from left) are Midas Hospitality’s CEO and Co-Founder David Robert; TinySuperheroes’ Founder Robyn Rosenberger; Midas Hospitality’s Controller Tina Van Leer; and Midas Hospitality’s Assistant Controller Angie Becker. Van Leer and Becker were key organizers of the trivia night fundraiser. Visit www.tinysuperheroes.com to learn more about the organization.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 19, 2018

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Florissant Chief of Police receives ‘Top Cop’ award from the state of Missouri On Dec. 6, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Florissant Chief of Police Colonel Timothy J. Lowery, received the 2018 Missouri Police Chief of the Year Award. Lowery was awarded the prestigious “Top Cop” award for his dedication of both his personal time, and his agency’s resources, for the betterment of law enforcement in both the St. Louis Metropolitan Area and the state of Missouri. Lowery has held many key roles within law enforcement leadership. He is the current President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, serves on the National Board of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police and is a past President of the FBI National Academy Eastern Missouri Chapter. (In that role he served a key term the leading year before a National Conference, as well as acting as a major contributor during the conference as Co-Chair of the Conference Committee.) Lowery is the Chairman of the Crusade Against Crime Medal of Valor Board of Di-

rectors, a long standing member of the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad Board of Directors and on numerous local boards and committees, just to name a few of the most important roles that a chief executive can serve on. Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider added, “There have been many honorable and respected recipients of this most prestigious award including Tim’s father, the late former Florissant Police Chief and Mayor Robert G. Lowery, Sr. Chief Timothy Lowery by far is one of the most deserving for his leadership, commitment and dedication to the Law Enforcement community, the residents of Florissant, the St. Louis Region and the state of Missouri. Council President Caputa, Councilwoman Pagano and I were proud to be at the dinner in Jefferson City with Tim’s wife Laurie, son Bryan, mother Carole, Major Tim Fagan, Captain Randy Boden and many other distinguished guests”

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood (From left) Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider stands with Councilwoman Jackie Pagano, Chief Tim Lowery and Council President Jeff Caputa.

Smile makeovers: free clinics fill dental chairs A smile is worth a thousand words, some say. And when children leave a Give Kids A Smile clinic, their smile is a little brighter. Hundreds of disadvantaged children throughout the St. Louis area are benefiting from the free dental clinics offered by Give Kids A Smile twice a year. Give Kids A Smile hosts clinics – in February and October – at the Center for Advanced Dental Education on the campus of Saint Louis University. Each clinic is held over a two-day period, with up to 450

children receiving treatments from hundreds of dentists, hygienists and other medical professionals who volunteer their time at each event. The clinics are open to children residing in the St. Louis metro area, including Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties. To be eligible children must be under 14, qualify for or be on Medicaid, qualify for the free school lunch program, or need dental assistance due to other special circumstances. Pre-registration is required prior to each clinic. Give Kids A Smile was awarded a $5,000 grant by the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust in August. The clinics provide a comprehensive visit for children, all at no cost. Children receive X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. If needed, other measures such as fillings, root canals and oral surgery can also be done. “Our goal is to make sure every kid leaves here with a healthy smile,” Give Kids A Smile Executive Director Erica Steen said. The clinic also provides an opportunity to teach children Submitted photo good dental habits so they can Give Kids A Smile was the recipient of a $5,000 Operation Round Up to help cover expenses avoid major problems as they of the group’s free dental clinics. Pictured (from left) are Give Kids A Smile board members get older. Jonathan Jennings, Dr. Mark Ortinau and Executive Director Erica Steen.

“We want our clinics to be kid friendly and we want the kids to understand going to the dentist is an important part of everyday life,” Steen said. “It’s necessary, but something that should not be scary.” The clinics have been such a success that the model created by Give Kids a Smile in 2002 has expanded. The American Dental Association now holds a number of similar one-day clinics across the nation each February. To learn more about Give Kids A Smile, visit gkas. org or call 636-397-6453.

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School

December 19, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Trinity Catholic High School wins state championship in football By Lonnel Cole For a first-year varsity football coach, Trinity Catholic High’s Terrence Curry couldn’t have asked for a better beginning; a state championship in his first year at the helm. For his core of senior players they couldn’t have asked for a better ending. “We worked for this,” said wide receiver Marcus Washington. “It’s something we’ve been dreaming about all four years,” said linebacker Shammond Cooper. So it was at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri recently that Curry and his Trinity Catholic Titans proved they were true titans of their domain by claiming the Missouri Class 3 state championship with a 45-19 rout of local rival Cardinal Ritter. It marked the first state football title for the North County school, Photo courtesy Leon Algee which lost the Class 2 title game to Lamar two sea- Trinity Catholic’s senior defensive back T. J. Davis hoists the plaque as teammates, coaches and supporters look on following Trinity’s 45-19 rout of Cardinal Ritter sons ago. recently in the Missouri Class 3 state football championship. In rolling past Ritter, Trinity amassed an incredi“Marcus Washington is going to the University of tion, was essentially stymied in the second half, save ble 547 total yards, which included 203 yards rushing by junior Reggie Love and 104 yards receiving by Texas for a reason,” said Cardinal Ritter coach Bran- for a two-yard touchdown toss from Hagens to Kalien Washington on just three catches. Befitting his big- don Gregory after the game, pointing out how the Smith midway through the fourth quarter. play ability, all three of Washington’s receptions went players Ritter guarding Washington were stars in “It’s a credit to Trinity Catholic and their staff for for touchdowns, including in tight, double-coverage their own right and were getting scholarships to play preparing for our guys,” said Ritter coach Brandon where he made spectacular catches. Washington has at the next level. Gregory. “They’re state champs for a reason. They For the afternoon, the Titans rushed for 386 yards were able to stay solid and strong keeping us out of signed scholarship papers to play at the storied footon 49 carries, led of course by Love’s 203 on 19 at- the end zone.” ball program at the University of Texas. tempts. Trinity, which finished the season with a 13-2 mark, “Today we ran (the ball),” raved Curry, graduates several standouts in addition to Cooper, www com who had been an assistant coach at Trin- Washington and Williams, such as receiver-defensive ity, before Corey Patterson vacated the back Bryce Childress, linebacker Marvin Perry and head coaching position to join the staff at a few others. But for now the Titans title quest has the University of Illinois. “They couldn’t ended in victory. stop it. We were going to keep doing it un“We’ve been here before but we didn’t come (away) til they stopped it. When we did run the with it,” said Andrews, referencing the title-game deball it was effective.” feat to Lamar two seasons ago. “To leave with it, it Ritter, which had scored 42 or more feels so great.” points the last four weeks of playoff ac-

.MYCNEWS.

FFSD Board Of Education candidate filing is underway Individuals wishing to file a Declaration of Candidacy for two open seats in the 2019 Ferguson-Florissant School District Board of Education election may now do so. The three-year terms of current board members Leslie Hogshead and Constance “Connie” Harge will expire in April 2019. Declarations of Candidacy may be picked up in the Office of the Superintendent at 8855 Dunn Rd. in Hazelwood from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days the district is open. Filing closes at 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2019. District offices will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 4, 2019. The annual election for the Board of Education is April 2, 2019. Individuals wishing to file for candidacy for the Board of Education must be: www.midwestbankcentre.com

• A citizen of the United States • At least 24 years old • A resident taxpayer of the school district

• A resident of the state of Missouri for at least one year In addition, the candidate must follow these procedures: • File a declaration of candidacy • Line up for filing pursuant to district Policy 4013 The Ferguson-Florissant School District board election in April 2019 will be conducted by cumulative voting, a change ordered by the federal court. In cumulative voting, voters cast as many votes as there are seats. Voters are not limited to giving only one vote to a candidate. Instead, they can give their votes to one or more candidates. For instance, in this election for two open board seats, voters could choose to give one vote each to two different candidates, or both votes to a single candidate.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 19, 2018

Seasons Greetings

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December 19, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Jan. 22: MLK celebration

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Shawntelle Fisher, STLCC-Florissant Valley alumna and founder/CEO of The SoulFisher Ministries will serve as the keynote speaker. The reception is from 5 - 6 p.m. on Florissant Valley’s campus in the Terry M. Fischer Theatre, located at 3400 Pershall Road. The program follows from 6 - 7 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to sign a gigantic birthday card for Dr. King, which measures 60” x 120,” and see the talents of North County youth on display as current and former STLCC-Florissant Valley students lead the celebratory program. The celebration’s student speaker is Marc

Wallace; student emcee is Tia Wilks; and vocalist is Daniel Allyn. Participants will also hear winning speeches from NCCU’s Oratorical Contest and music from local choirs. In addition to being inspired by rousing speakers and choir performances, guests will learn more about why the Ritenour School District is being honored with the 2019 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award. This free event is open to the public, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Monthly: Free legal services

Every month CORP Legal Services provides: legal document preparations such as wills, deeds and power of attorneys at no cost to St. Louis County seniors 60 years and older. There is an income limit. Contact the coordinator at 314-615-0931 for more information.

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

Weekdays: 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: Choral Art Singers

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

Mondays: City council meetings

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

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

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

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Cli-

ents Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

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: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

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

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting

6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

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 a.m. 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 Morn-

ing at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. 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

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

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

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: Korean War Veterans Association meeting If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the first Thursday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 19, 2018 Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2 p.m., 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 Christ-centered, 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

On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314605-3949.

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 314-330-7269.

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.

1st 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.

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 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Rd.

What’s Happening

Diabetes Basics:

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

Crisis Nursery:

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll. 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 yearround 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

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 SUDOKU answers from page F-1

call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-2

Sports

December 19, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

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.treesbywoody.net

Ambush wins home opener in overtime The St. Louis Ambush, your professional soccer team playing in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), play their home games at the Family Arena. Their first regular season game in front of their hometown fans saw the club pull off a dramatic, come-from-behind, overtime victory over the rival Kansas City Comets Sunday afternoon at the Family Arena. The Comets struck early, taking a 4-0 lead into the halftime break. After the break, goals by Clayton Matheus, Mario Marcos, Hewerton Moreira and Zach Reget knotted the score at 4-4 when KC pulled ahead by a goal. Reget scored again to tie the contest with less than a minute to go in regulation. The game went to overtime when Corey Adamson hit the back of the net for the win to delight the 4,750 fans in attendance. Ambush next home game: Saturday, Dec. 29 against the Kansas City Comets at 7:05 p.m. * Nice start at home Indoor football team makes announcement St. Louis Stampede held a press conference on Dec. 13 that their team will start play at the Family Arena on April 6 in the National Gridiron League. The league starts in mid March. Team President Kallie Klein was one of the major speakers at the conference. League President Joe McClendon commented on Klein, “With fifteen plus successful years of executive sales experience and a strong focus on community involvement, we are confident Kallie will guide this team to become worthy of the St. Louis fan base.” Besides Klein, other speakers included: *Bob Schnur, Finance Director-St. Charles County *Sally Faith, Mayor of St. Charles City *Dr. Eric Nepute, Nepute Wellness Center *Tim Maxvill, Marketing St. Louis Stampede

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

*Patrick Pimmel, Head Coach Stampede Put the words…St. Louis Stampede…on your Facebook search engine to see the entire press conference with yours truly as the emcee. * A lot of excitement stirring Tryout for the Stampede The team will be looking for some additional talented players. More to follow next week. * Start pumping iron River City Rascals sign two players The O’Fallon based team has been busy right before winter officially starts. They have acquired Jason Agresti, a catcher from the Rockland Boulders as well as outfielder Cody Livesay, who has spent the last four seasons with the Gateway Grizzlies. Agresti, 22, was a four-year starter at Binghamton University. His 50 doubles are the second-most in program history. The Yorktown Heights, New York native played his first professional season in 2018, appearing in 36 games for the Boulders and totaling 20 hits, with 14 RBIs. Livesay is a familiar face for Rascals fans, as the 25-year old has played with the cross town-rival Grizzlies since 2015. He hit .262 with 23 RBIs in 2018, registering 79 hits in 90 games. He hit .306 during the 2015 season. The Jonesboro, IL native was a 42nd round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2011, and spent three seasons in the team’s farm system, reaching as high as the (A) Rome Braves of the South Atlantic League. * Building the team 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, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 19, 2018

Recipe:

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Twice-as-nice holiday treats

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.

Peppermint Bars Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 36 Ingredients: Brownies: 1 family-size package fudge brownie mix Peppermint Filling: 5 cups confectioners’ sugar 14 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1/8 teaspoon food color & egg dye, red Chocolate Glaze: 12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter crushed peppermint candies (optional) Directions: To make Brownies: Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Spread on greased, foil-lined, 15-by-10-by-1inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. To make Peppermint Filling: In large bowl, using electric mixer on medium speed, beat confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, cream, peppermint extract and food coloring until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

To make Chocolate Glaze: In large, microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high 2 minutes, until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Spread over top of chilled brownies. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies, if desired. Cut into bars. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Aquaman,’ ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ coming to theaters for Christmas

M O V I E

After the presents are opened and dinner is served, many families head to the theater to see a movie. This year, these holiday moviegoers have several options, including a solo film for the Transformer called Bumblebee. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly offer a comedic take on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson while Steve Carell has a potential Oscar nod for “Welcome to Marwen.” Two movies might become blockbusters, though. After the events documented in 2013’s “Saving Mr. Banks,” a sequel to the hit Disney film “Mary Poppins” seemed highly unlikely. Author P.L. Travers reportedly hated the 1964 adaptation of her literary work so much that she turned down offers from the Walt Disney Studios for a follow-up. Decades after her death; however, the studio was more successful pitching a sequel to Ms. Travers’ estate. Flying into theaters on Dec. 19, “Mary Poppins Returns” features Emily Blunt in the title role. In the sequel, Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) are now adults. Michael has three children of his own and some personal issues, which triggers the return of Mary Poppins. Rob Marshall directs the sequel, which has a built-in audience that has grown over time. Dick Van Dyke, who played jack-of-all-trades

By Steve Bryan

man in his solo film. The character, born Arthur Curry, is truly a fascinating character with a dual heritage: human and Atlantean. He played a key role in “Justice League” and was one of the heroes who helped bring Superman back. Momoa is the perfect embodiment of an aquatic king. In “Aquaman,” Arthur learns of his true heritage and must find a magic trident to take his rightful place in Atlantis. Aquaman is “Mary Poppins Returns” photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures incredibly strong, can swim at incredible speeds and can communicate with Bert in the original, appears in “Mary Poppins undersea life. He even has the power Returns,” but Julie Andrews didn’t want to to affect the tides. make a cameo. In interviews, she said more “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Aquaman” are than once that this film belongs to Emily two solid choices for your holiday viewing. Blunt. The early reviews are good, making this No matter which film you choose, have a very a great choice for the entire family. Merry Christmas. Mary Poppins is beloved by multiple generations, but, in contrast, Aquaman has been taking it on the chin for years. “Family Guy” Born and raised in South portrayed the aquatic superhero as somewhat St. Louis, Steve Bryan is useless out of the water. For a New Year’s Eve now based in Anaheim, California, and has been costume contest on “The Big Bang Theory,” allowed access to movie Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar) dressed up as Aqua- and television sets to see man riding an oversized seahorse. Initially actors and directors at work. happy with his outfit, Rajesh starts criticizing Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, the hero as well. Steve is, at heart, still the Based on his prior appearances in the DC same wide-eyed kid who Extended Universe (DCEU), no one will be spent countless hours watching classic movies at laughing at Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aqua- neighborhood theaters.

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Feature

December 19, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Feature

December 19, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Happy Holidays

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Winter’s here. Whoopity-doo. I’m not one of those people who gets excited about not being able to feel my face for three months out of the year. In fact, I can’t think of anything especially good about the season at all. I don’t get to wear my flip flops anymore. That’s not fun. But then I don’t have to shave my feet either. So there, I’ll count that as the one and only good thing about winter…two things, if you count both feet. Then there’s the onslaught of germs, bacteria and other multiple infectious organisms that crop up around this time of year and plant themselves into our bloodstreams. All summer long they’ve been released into the heavens by bajillions of people breathing in air and breathing out their lung bugs. These air cooties then rise up above the atmosphere where they settle and incubate and breed. Day in and day out they hover around not doing particularly anything of worth, much like Congress, until that first snowfall. And then it happens. The first flakes of the year. And what do we do? We all run outside and spin around with our happy faces up to the sky and our mouths wide opened to ingest those delicious white

Winter’s furry flecks. Little do we know that way up past the clouds the nasty little summer microbes have laid in wait for low these many months until this exact moment. Then, like hoards of commuters piling on the last Uber out of town, squillions of them leap onto a passing snowflake and ride the freeway of infection down into those awaiting open mouths. “But they taste so good,” we tell ourselves. “Like refreshing crisp rainbows mixed with a unicorn’s love.” But all that unicorn love isn’t about to save you when your head’s on fire with a raging temperature of 105 and every bodily orifice is spewing out liquid non-stop. So I’m going to play it safe this year and stay indoors away from the brutal, toxic flurries.

I should be nice and warm, especially my furry feet…since I don’t have to shave them.

C i n d y 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.

ACROSS 1. Snap up 5. Ship pronoun 8. Table scrap 11. Not happening 12. Call to matey 13. Boredom 15. Decant 16. Pilaf grain 17. Charcuterie stores 18. *”A ____ for the rest of us!”- from “Seinfeld” 20. Gwyneth, to friends 21. Thing to bear? 22. Comedian Tina 23. *Warmest or holiday follower 26. Feeling of disinterest 30. Sculptor Hans/Jean ___ 31. Chief 34. Assistant 35. Used in cricket or 301 37. *Feast of the Seven Fishes seafood 38. Tanks and such 39. Purse for a formal affair 40. All together 42. Make a mistake 43. Green bean or peanut 45. Infamous ____ Knoll 47. Charge carrier 48. *____ Navidad!

50. Hindu princess 52. *This theme wouldn’t exist without them 55. Swines, in Old English 56. Dashing style 57. Between a trot and a gallop 59. Corpulent 60. Ding-a-____ 61. Knight’s breastplate 62. “I Thee ____” 63. Pea container 64. Not a word? DOWN 1. Econ. measure 2. *Where Santa’s sleigh lands 3. Malaria symptom 4. Russian soup 5. Prison weapon, pl. 6. Bette Midler’s “____ Pocus” 7. *”Tiny tots with their ____ all aglow” 8. Billy Joel’s “____ the Good Die Young” 9. The Colosseum, e.g. 10. *____ the season! 12. Not aria nor recitative 13. Landscaper’s tool 14. *Welcomed with a count down 19. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl.

22. Driving hazard 23. Does like a crane 24. About to explode 25. Celiac disease, colloquially 26. ____ weevil 27. March of ____ 28. Emanations from incense and frankincense 29. *Christmas predecessor 32. Be undecided 33. Cotillion ball’s main attraction 36. *Good follower 38. Like smell of burning rubber, e.g. 40. Long time 41. Staring amorously 44. Coolness and composure 46. Popular flowering shrub 48. Shakespeare’s “First ____” 49. African antelope 50. RBG’s garb 51. Matured like cheese 52. SOS 53. Quotable Berra 54. What DJs do 55. Reporter’s question 58. Is in Paris SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9