December 20, 2017
Working towards better policing
Around Town American Legion hosts Christmas party for children of veterans. P.7
Community Voices By Brenda Mahr. P.2
Laern & Play
See what Cindy Moore has to say about her ‘sweet tooth’. P.10 Photo by Ray Rockwell Members of the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association are working with St. Louis Area City/County Managers Association (SLACMA) and the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, to implement a new law enforcement agreement to bring regional consistency to police departments.
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St. Louis Area City/County Managers Association and Municipal League of Metro St. Louis vote to bring regional consistency to police departments By Charlotte Beard Community leaders and the law enforcement community in the St. Louis area are working together to improve policing across the region At the Berkeley City Hall on Nov. 30, a monthly meeting with the St. Louis Area City/County Managers Association (SLACMA) was held where members of the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, voted unanimously to approve a new law enforcement agreement to bring regional consistency to police departments. The agreement will ensure best practices for St. Louis County. There were approximately 100 meeting attendees. Executive Director for the league, Pat Kelly, shared, “It speaks volumes that the membership approved [this agreement] unanimously. This is something that from the small cities to the big cities, the statement they want to make to the public is ‘we’re trying to re-achieve the standard.’” Both Kelly and Chief Kevin Murphy, president of the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association (SLAPCA), shared the details of the process that brought them to the new requirement for police departments to begin certification before Jan. 1, 2019, with the goal of completion by Jan. 1, 2022. Talks began in late 2016 about developing a set of standards. In January 2017 a subcommittee of the league members was formed consisting of police chiefs, Marty Corcoran – City Manager for Maplewood
representing SLACMA and Kelly who represented the league’s administration. Murphy, who is chief in Clayton, operated as chair of the subcommittee. Also, named as part of this smaller group were agencies from North County: Bridgeton, North County Co-op, St. John’s and St. Louis County PD representatives. “We broke into a subcommittee,” stated Murphy, “and had a series of meetings in January, July and August where we drafted up the agreement and then we brought the larger group back [into the discussion] in August to question how it was drafted, and provide feedback before we took it to a membership vote. The membership vote for St. Louis area police was held in October. The agreement was ratified by our membership in October. We then took it to the St. Louis Area City Managers Association and they ratified it at their November meeting.” The adopted language for the agreement was prepared by SLAPCA and was laid out as follows: “Best practices required under this agreement include having written policies on: appropriate use of force; handling crises intervention team; bias-free policing; vehicle operation, accidents, and pursuits; investigation of officer-involved shooting incidents; in-custody deaths; and citizen complaint process and internal affairs. All officers must be Peace Officers Standards and Training certified and
licensed, and detailed background checks will be conducted.” Kelly stressed that accreditation is a three-year process and added, “Each municipality has to develop their policies and procedures using the guidelines of the accrediting organization.” Murphy clarified that the Missouri Police Chiefs Association does the certification and the accreditation happens with CALEA [Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies]. CALEA is considered the “gold standard” for public safety, and has some very specific program standards. The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) is another source for certification. No agency can have assessors directly affiliated with the police agency seeking certification. Achieving certification is not the end of the agreement; Kelly shared that the police department is audited every three years thereafter. Kelly also shared that only five percent the police departments across the United States are certified; 25 percent of St. Louis County alone falls into that national percentile. “In a few years, St. Louis and St. Charles County could possibly be the only two counties in the country that have close to 100 percent accredited police departments,” he said. See ‘POLICING’ page 2
Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 96 No. 51 | 636-379-1775
Entertain with ease during the holidays. P.9
Movie
Oscar Watch: Denzel Washington is on the case in ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ P.16
Weather FRIDAY Rain 52/31 SATURDAY Mostly Sunny 41/25 SUNDAY Partly Sunny 35/19 FirstWarn Weather
prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.
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December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
COMMUNITY VOICES The power of collaborations: violence prevention in the Promise Zone By Brenda Mahr Combating violence in our streets is not just the responsibility of law enforcement. It is the responsibility of the entire community. All of us reaching out, especially to our young adults; helping them understand their lives have meaning; there is hope; and, so very many people who really do care about them and the future of our region. It takes the coming together of the entire village to raise our young people and our region! It is through the leadership of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, the St. Louis Mental Health Board, and the St. Louis City Department of Health and other community partners that such a movement is being implemented in the Promise Zone called ReCAST. The goals of the project are to: 1) build a foundation to promote well-being, resiliency, and community healing; 2) improve access to trauma-informed community behavioral health resources and youth peer support; and, 3) create community change through community-based participatory approach. ReCast recently awarded a grant to Employment Connection in collaboration with the North Newstead Association. They have joined forces to provide youth with employment opportunities and services aimed at violence prevention, youth engagement
and improved behavioral health of young people. They will address the many barriers for many youth who have been previously involved in the criminal justice system. For more than forty years Employment Connection has been fighting crime with employment and is expanding the adult model to assist our younger population. The program addresses reentry services through a holistic approach to include job placement, cognitive therapy, adult literacy, and supportive services. It is designed to ensure evidence based, culturally specific, and developmentally appropriate program activities. Each element of the program has been selected to effectively address the barriers which cause re-offending. If you live in the Promise Zone, are between the ages 18-26, are unemployed or underemployed and have been involved in the criminal justice system, we can help! Call Adriana Colquitt at 314-333-5651 for assistance right away. ReCast staff are reaching out to the community to actively engage them in this movement. Community input from residents and community leaders is vital to help identify the top-priority needs and resource allocation to meet those needs. If you are interested in serving as a Community Delegate contact 314-615-0508 or visit www.ReCAST-STL.org.
The Promise Zone target area is one of only 20 federally designated Promise Zones in the United States. It encompasses St. Louis City Wards: 1-5, 18-19, 21-22, 26-27; and parts of St. Louis County including the communities of: Bellerive Acres, BelNor, Bel-Ridge, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Cool Valley, Country Club Hills, Dellwood, Ferguson, Flordell Hills, Glen Echo Park, Greendale, Hazelwood, Hillsdale, Jennings, Kinloch, Moline Acres, Normandy, Northwoods, Pagedale, Pine Lawn, Riverview, University City, Uplands Park, Velda City, Velda Village Hills and Wellston. Brenda Mahr, MWDP is Chief Executive Officer of Employment Connection, a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Member: St. Louis Alliance for Reentry (STAR); Community Advisory Board-St. Louis Regional Health Commission; National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice; Vashon Alumni Hall of Fame; 2015 Archdiocese St. Charles Lwanga Torchbearer Awardee. 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.
Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is seeking applicants for their annual Humanity Grant Awards Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis (SIGSL) is accepting applications for its annual Humanity Grant Awards. SIGSL is part of an international federation of women. Their mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in their local communities and throughout the world. Since 1974, SIGSL has awarded grants to support local efforts to improve the lives of women and girls. Awards ranging from $500 to $3,000 will be presented to selected organizations that serve women, girls, families, and/or teens in the Greater St. Louis area. Organizations applying for this award should reflect the following
objective of the Soroptimist International of the America’s strategic plan: Improve the lives of women and girls by working to end poverty and violence against women and addressing other issues affecting their economic, social and political process. Application deadline is March 1, 2018. Award recipients will receive notification in May 2018 and be asked to attend an awards ceremony in June 2018. For more information please contact Humanities Committee Chair Pamela Lee at info@soroptimiststlouis.com or visit their website at http://www.soroptimiststlouis.com/.
‘POLICING’ from cover To help support this mission of certification, the motion was also made on Nov. 30 that it is now a qualification for membership into the league or SLAPCA. Adoption of the agreement is required within a specific timeline. Chuck Caverly, president of the league stated, “By requiring our member municipalities to seek certification, we aim to encourage our region to build on the 25 percent of currently certified local police agencies and become a national leader in the number of certified police departments.” Murphy stated that Clayton, which anticipates receiving its seventh award in 2018, has been accredited since 2000. They started the process in 1997. He also shared that St. Louis City and St. Louis County are accredited in the specific areas of policing, police academies and their dispatch center. “There is an appeal process available to an agency,” stated Murphy. “If [an agency starts the process] and for some reason they cannot meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2022, we will look at the reason why and [decide] how to proceed.” Both Kelly and Murphy share in the quest to help bring consistency to the police practices across St. Louis County rather
than lose any members of the league or SLAPCA. Kelly stated in detailing the process, “I think it really says a lot to the residents of St. Louis County and St. Charles that our police departments are working together in trying to reach that high standard of accreditation to provide consistency and the best policing for the residents throughout the region.” Murphy further confirmed the goal of this agreement. “We’re trying to [ensure] through the best practices agreement that all citizens are going to receive a level of service that is a model of consistency and professionalism. We’ve been through a tough three-year stretch in law enforcement in this area. I think you can say it’s been tough across the country,” Murphy said. “We can’t continue to sustain demonstrations week in, week out, one month to the next. We’re trying to make sure there is a strong level of trust between law enforcement and the citizens we serve. We think by doing this ‘best practices’ it’s really going to enhance the sense of trust between law enforcement and our citizens.” To read the Nov. 30 press release visit the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis’ website and look under News & Information/ For the Media: www.stlmuni.org.
CORRECTION In the Dec. 13 edition of the St. Louis County Community News Community Voices column titled “Jennings High School works to establish a culture of accountability and expectations,” written by Dr. Miranda Ming failed to give credit to Ming’s co-author Jennings High School Building Principal, Dr. Rhonda Key. Key’s bio is as follows: Dr. Rhonda Key has served as a teacher and administrator in urban school districts throughout her career. Previously she held the position of improvement specialist in Jennings from 2011-2012 before moving to Decatur, Illinois where she served as principal of MacArthur High School. In 2014, Key was named one of Five Women to Make a Dif-
ference in the Decatur/Macon County area of Illinois. Prior to becoming a principal, Key has served as interim superintendent of the Riverview Gardens School District, and she is currently supporting the turn-around efforts in Kansas City School District as a mentor for principals. Key earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Lincoln University, and she completed her doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Community News regrets the error.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 20, 2017
Mayor of Pine Lawn welcomes feasibility study from university students Washington University in St. Louis students and St. Louis University students presented Mayor Terry Epps and the city of Pine Lawn with multiple plans for “Rebranding and Rebuilding the City of Pine Lawn” through a presentation held in Pine Lawn. The plans will be cultivated for future use. The feasibility study is part of the Urban Issues Symposium overseen by professors from these two schools. The study provides area municipalities with pertinent information about how they can currently utilize and add-on to their city. The use of this information can increase the economy, stimulate education and promote healthy living; thus improving the overall environment for its residents and businesses. Cities that have prideful residents and thriving businesses attract people to spend money, yet the current state of the city of Pine Lawn has a negative effect on some people who either live in or are simply passing through this small, predominately African-American municipality. Because of this study, the citizens and businesses of Pine Lawn will benefit from these plans for a new and improved city. “This is the beginning of a more vibrant and robust city”, said Epps. “The plans from this study are Phase I of more phases to follow for what Pine Lawn can produce for its sustainability. We deserve an opportunity such as this because we need to draw people back to Pine Lawn and build economic stability for its residents and businesses. We are open for business, and a more
industrious city will enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.” “Rebranding and Rebuilding the City of Pine Lawn” is a reconstruction plan to introduce new development for vacant and derelict properties along the major thoroughfares of Natural Bridge Road and Jennings Station Road in addition to proposing new development within several Pine Lawn neighborhoods. Pine Lawn is a north St. Louis County urban city with a population of 3,275 residents and a median household income of about $26,000. Traveling westbound on Natural Bridge Rd, which is a historic state highway (Route115) that runs from downtown St. Louis to Lambert St. Louis International Airport, the city of Pine Lawn sits at the “front door” of North St Louis County directly from the city of St. Louis. The other major access that intersects with Natural Bridge Rd. is Jennings Station Rd. Its length stretches from the Mississippi River in south St. Louis City at the River Des Peres to the Mississippi River in north St. Louis City at the Chain of Rocks Rd. The Urban Issues Symposium is comprised of Washington University in St. Louis and St. Louis University students who are currently studying landscape architecture, urban design, law, social work, public health, and hydrology. The feasibility study they conducted during a four-month period is a collection of data, designs, resources, and input from residents and businesses that directly impacts the City of Pine Lawn.
Over $200,000 raised at JF&CS’ Magical Fundraising Gala
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Northside Arts Association holds awards ceremony Photo courtesy city of Florissant
On Dec. 11, the Northside Arts Association held their Winter Member Exhibition/Holiday party at the James J. Eagan Center Theater. Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider attended the event, helped with the award ceremony and spent some time to congratulate all the artists. Pictured (from left) are Christine Fischer (HM), Gerry Knobbe (HM), Dee Dellerman (HM), Don Dellerman (Third Place), Schneider, Amy Wilson (NAA President), Melanie Priest (First Place), Charles Meier (HM), Joyce Latham (Fourth Place) and Joe Lisciotti (HM). The Exhibition was judged by Melissa Whitwam (Executive Director and Exhibitions Manager, Foundry Art Center). Northside Art Association (NAA) is a St Louis-based fine arts association dedicated to serving the interests of local artists. They strive to enhance the skill level and commercial exposure of their members through community exposure, networking, education and interaction with fellow artists. NAA is open to adult artists of all skill level and media and offers multiple exhibition and competition opportunities. At each monthly meeting, members have the opportunity to watch a guest artist or art field professional demonstrate and/or lecture on their field of art. More information about NAA can be found at: www.northsideartassociation.org.
Photo courtesy Joel Marion Photography This month, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) held their Gala: The Magic of Making a Difference and raised over $200,000 for JF&CS programs.
This month, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) held their Gala: The Magic of Making a Difference. The 378 registered attendees collectively raised over $200,000 for JF&CS programs. This money will be allocated to the Child Abuse Prevention Program, Eldercare Services, Counseling Services, Homemaker Program and the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, the largest food pantry in St. Louis County. For 146 years, JF&CS has strengthened the St. Louis community through its charitable efforts and services that assist the elderly, help children at risk, and provide food and services for the needy. This donated money will help JF&CS’ services continue their support in the St. Louis area and increase the number of individuals they can help. Lou Albert, CEO of Jewish Family & Children’s Service, was overjoyed with the turnout and
fundraising efforts. “St. Louis really is such a giving city. All our attendees freely donated their time and money to help make our community the strongest it can be. We are so thankful for them.” The gala also honored two charitable individuals for their personal philanthropic endeavors – Sidney Guller and Dr. Mary C. Hoke. Guller were honored for being an exceptional community philanthropist and Hoke received the Agency Service Award. The event was emceed by Ben Nordstrom, a nationally recognized actor and entertainer of television and film. The gala took place at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel and featured appetizers and drinks, a dinner of hope and celebration, and musical performances by a Washington University A Capella Group, STAAM.
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December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Valley Insurance Agency Alliance donates to Toys for Tots Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of over 100 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois, recently collected and donated 342 toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Toys for Tots Program’s mission is to help less fortunate children throughout the U.S. by distributing these collected toys as Christmas gifts. The organization has been consecutively recognized since 2001 as one of the top-rated charities by Philanthropy 400. “It is an honor to help such an amazing organization whose objectives complement our own,” said VIAA CEO Pierce Powers. “We are committed to giving back to our community, and helping to support children in need is the perfect way to do so.”
Submitted photo Pictured from left to right is VIAA’s JD Powers, President; Mary Ellen Powers; Pierce Powers, CEO; Henry Powers, Business Development, and; Elizabeth Powers, Agency Development.
Coffee and camaraderie Veterans meet every Wednesday for St. Charles Coffee Talk to form bonds and share veteran-related information By Brett Auten Chocolate and peanut butter. Batman and Robin. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Some combinations are just made for each other. Go ahead and add coffee and camaraderie to that list. Every Wednesday morning veterans from all branches of the service meet for St. Charles Coffee Talk. January will mark the second anniversary of the get-togethers. The meetings take place weekly at 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, located at 3601 Ehlmann Road in St. Charles. But the meetings are more than just an occasion to chew the fat over coffee, doughnuts, and biscuits. There are applications for VA health care, applications for the Honor Flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW Halls, and talks about current events and events from the past. Mark Palermo is the mastermind behind St. Charles Coffee Talk. Palermo, 70, from O’Fallon, served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam veteran. Palermo was inspired to start up the meetings after a few softball friends introduced him to a similar club in Troy. “I had been going to Troy for a year or more before it came to me that we should get one started in St. Charles,” he said. The agenda for most St. Charles Coffee Talks begins with the playing of the national anthem followed by a moment of silence. After any birthday or new member acknowledgments, Palermo – who is a volunteer at Veteran’s Affairs in O’Fallon and has access to all sorts of information – dives into the week’s news and military development and updates. “And then I like to end things with a few clean jokes,” Palermo said. “You always want to leave them laughing.” Even though its first-ever meeting was canceled due to snow, a steady pack of regulars shows up every week. It is a grassroots product as new members are gained through church bulletins, word of mouth or Palermo spotting someone wearing a piece of clothing or a hat that is veteran related. Week-in and week-out attendance reach the mid-to-upper 20s. Steve Hendricks, 69, of St. Charles is an Air Force veteran who did tours in Japan, Vietnam and Korea. The Philadelphia native moved to the region after the service to work for McDonald Douglass and credits his time in the Air Force for giving him a sense of direction. Hendricks gets a kick out of the meetings and finds a purpose in recruiting new members. “The more vets we can reach, the better,” he said. “I’m seeking out all the veterans that I can. It gives you a sense of purpose. That and the social aspect is what it is all about.” Gaylord Daleen, 71, of St. Charles is a Navy veteran who made three deployments to Vietnam. He has been a Coffee Talk regular since its inception. “It gives me something to look forward to,” Daleen said. “We may not have served with each other, I was out at sea and they were in the middle of the mud, but we all shared the same experience.” Daleen has seen the networking aspect of the gatherings help many. “If someone has a problem and we can’t help, we likely know a guy who can take care of it or will have an answer,” he said. Photos by Ray Rockwell “You always get something out of it, if anything it is the free Every Wednesday morning veterans from all branches of the service meet for St. Charles Coffee Talk at 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, located at doughnuts.” 3601 Ehlmann Road in St. Charles.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 20, 2017
City of Florissant staff attends the annual Christmas lunch at Taille De Noyer
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Gateway Arch Park Foundation launches new website
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation has launched a new website (www.ArchPark.org) highlighting the renovated spaces at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Gateway Arch, riverfront, and Kiener Plaza – together referred to as Gateway Arch Park. The new website also highlights public events, the foundation’s membership program and ways the community can support the Arch. While the previous site conveyed the CityArchRiver project and construction updates, the new site focusses on completed park spaces and how the public can enjoy and support the new Arch experience. Visitors can learn about the legacy of the historic CityArchRiver project on an interactive timeline. Popular features from the old website remain, such as the interactive webcams. “As we near the grand opening of the new park, museum, and visitor center, this new website shows the transformed and active Gateway Arch Park in exciting ways,” said Ryan McClure, director of communications and activation for Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “We want folks to see that this is their park to enjoy and use with many activities and events all year.” The website makes it easy for visitors to find events in the Gateway Arch Park area and find information on planning their own event – public or private. Visitors can also support the Photo courtesy city of Florissant mission of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation by becoming a Gateway Arch Park Friend or shop for new merchandise on the Pictured above at the head of the table with friends is Margaret Connors, former Florissant Councilwoman who represented ward 9 from 1984 to 1991. Standing next to Margaret Connors are two of the 10 McCluer High School students enrolled in the school’s excellent Culinary Arts Foundation’s online store – including two new t-shirts designed by STL Style House. Program that volunteered to help the Florissant Valley Historical Society host the Christmas luncheon. In early 2018, the Foundation, working with the National Park On Dec. 7, Florissant Mayor Thomas home to the Florissant Valley Historical Society. Service, will launch a new section of the website featuring stories Schneider and several city hall employees Proceeds from the luncheon help with the from the new museum at the Gateway Arch, which will have a attended the annual Christmas lunch that is maintenance and preservation of this historic grand opening July 4, 2018. held each year at the historic Taille de Noyer home. The two-century-old Taille de Noyer is house. After the lunch everyone was welcome located on its second spot on the McCluer High to tour the restored 200 plus year old home. The School campus. costume room on the third floor boasts one of If you are interested in becoming a member the finest collections in the area. The lower level to help preserve and maintain this community was reopened and contains many treasures from treasure an annual membership is only $15 early Florissant. It is believed that it is one of the and a life membership is only $150. For more oldest remaining home in St. Louis County. information please call the Florissant Valley The Taille de Noyer house also serves as the Historical Society at 314-524-1100
DAR lays wreaths in holiday tribute to fallen veterans The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will lay holiday wreaths on veterans graves in the St. Charles County area. Each December on National Submitted photo Wreaths Across America Day Pictured are Joan Koechig family then, Denise and Lily Fluhr and (at the far left) Stacy BohWreaths Across America and its ning, members of the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter. national network of volunteers lay over 700,000 memorial wreaths at 1,000 locations in the United States and beyond, including ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, as well as Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the sites of the Sept. 11 tragedies. 100 years ago, the Missouri DAR surveyed the state and marked a number of the Revolutionary War graves. This year the descendants of Revolutionary War Patriot Samuel Wells were on hand to help mark his grave located along highway K. The Joan Koechig family, descendants of the Samuel Wells who live in the area came to be a part of the ceremony, Marvin Koechig, President of Fernando de Leyba SAR chapter, Will Spratt, member of FDL and Hogan Spratt, 6x great grandson of Samuel Wells and also member of FDL chapter. “Our goal is to bring this tradition to our community and open it up to all who wish to honor a veteran”, say Helene Reece, regent of the Caroline C Stuart Chapter. “Many of these veterans no longer have family who can do this, so it is a privilege for us to honor their service in this simple way.” The DAR’s mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. For more information about the DAR or residents who wish to donate to the wreath project may contact Regent, Helene Reece at 636-284-7535.
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December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
The Florissant Police Department emphasizes New Year’s Eve safety Recklessly discharging a firearm within the city limits of Florissant is against the law. This applies to “celebratory” gunfire, like shooting a gun into the air for New Year’s. What goes up must come down, and that split second of celebratory discharge of a firearm into the air could cost someone a life. To have officers respond to the numerous amounts of shots fired calls can be a strain on resources on
an already busy night. Officers must respond to the shots fired calls because they don’t know whether it’s celebratory or if a criminal act has occurred. If officers see any person discharging a firearm within the city limits, they will be arrested. Also, discharging or possessing fireworks in the city of Florissant is illegal. If fireworks injure someone or start a fire, the user can be charged with a crime. The Florissant Police Department asks residents to
remember that one family’s celebration can result in another family’s tragedy, or at the very least, property damage Please celebrate responsibly and do not discharge firearms or fireworks this New Year’s Eve. Also, if you find that you have had a little too much fun, please call a ride. Don't drink and drive.
Four teams selected for Chouteau Greenway Design Competition Great Rivers Greenway and its partners have finished the first stage in the Chouteau Greenway Design Competition process. The four selected teams will officially begin working on their respective conceptual plans to connect Forest Park and Washington University to Downtown and the Gateway Arch in early January after receiving a full briefing on the project’s goals, challenges and opportunities. Residents of the region will have a chance to meet the project teams and learn more about their qualifications at the “Meet the Designers” night, being held on Jan. 4, and can make their mark on a community mural at a Community Day event, being held on Jan. 6. Great Rivers Greenway and partners received a total of 19 team qualifications submittals for the first stage of the competition. A jury, comprised of nine local and international experts, reviewed all submissions and recommended the four winning teams. A total of 124 firms from seven countries and 13 U.S. states made up the team submissions, with 44 of the firms being local to the St. Louis region. Teams represent the disciplines of urban planning, economics, cultural programming, art, sustainability, Universal Design, landscape architecture, architecture, civil and structural engineering, hydrology, open space programming, acoustics, lighting and traffic engineering. The second stage of the competition will require the teams to prepare conceptual designs for the Chouteau Greenway that address the design and experience of the greenway, while also addressing the economic development and equity issues in the region. All four teams chosen include local St. Louis team members and are as follows: • James Corner Field Operations in association with [dtls], WSP, HR & A Advisors, Lord Cultural Resources, Sherwood Design Engineers, MIC, L’Observatorie, ETM Associates • STOSS Landscape Urbanism in association with Amanda Williams, Urban Planning and Design for the American City, Alta Planning + Design, Marlon Blackwell Architects, and David Mason and Associates • TLS Landscape Architecture, OBJECT TERRITORIES, [dhd] derek hoeferlin design in association with Langan, Linda Samuels, Paola Serrano, EDSI, Ramboll, Kristin Fleischmann Brewer, eDesign Dynamics, Silman, Econsult Solutions, Bryan Cave, Preservation Research Office • W Architecture & Landscape Architecture in association with Arup, ABNA Engineering, Gardiner & Theobald, Kiku Obata & Co., Regina Myer “Our nation is trying to figure out what equitable cities look like, and this competition is an opportunity to take on those issues and bring St. Louis to the forefront of this dialogue,” according to a statement provided by the Chouteau Greenway International Design Competition jury. “The four teams selected showed that they have the diversity of disciplines,
Submitted photos This artist’s rendering shows what the completed first segment of Chouteau Greenway, which includes a MetroLink station, will look like. This segment is currently under construction at the Cortex Innovation District.
experience and capacity needed to take on such a complex problem. Using terms such as ‘authentic engagement’, ‘radical listening’ and ‘empathy-driven approaches’, they described people as being the center of a transformation that will strengthen the fabric of St. Louis.” Since September, Great Rivers Greenway has gathered community input on the project in a variety of ways. A survey, which 2,000 regional residents have taken to date, has thus far captured the community’s desire for the project to be inclusive on multiple levels. People have asked that the greenway create a physical common ground, but also that the process and implementation be intentional. Many respondents requested policy around the types of economic development the greenway could bring to ensure opportunities for all. Specific requests listed include small business development, job creation and affordable housing. The survey remains open online at www.ChouteauGreenway.org until Dec. 22, 2017. Moving forward, community members are invited to attend two events to help them further connect with the project. A Meet the Designers Night will be held on Jan. 4, 2018, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Local 36 Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall, located at 2319 Chouteau Ave. in St. Louis,. The event will feature presentations from 6:15-7:30 p.m. from project partners and all four design teams, so everyone will have an opportunity to learn about their qualifications and approach. The event is free to attend and will have a cash bar. Residents of the region are also invited to a Community Day on Jan. 6, 2018, from 9 a.m. to noon at
Harris-Stowe State University’s William L. Clay Professional Development Center, located at 3026 Laclede Ave. in St. Louis. People of all ages will have the opportunity to help create a mural for the project, in partnership with Freedom Arts & Education Center. Local performers will show off their skills, and door prizes will be given out all morning. Information about the project will be displayed, with 10 minute presentations every hour. The event is free and food and drink are provided. “Please join us for one or both of these events to get to know the project and see how the whole community can bring the greenway to life,” said Susan Trautman, Chief Executive Officer for Great Rivers Greenway. “We are thrilled with the forthright feedback people have given us so far and look forward to this project and process being transformational for our region.” Teams will work on their designs throughout the first quarter of the year, meeting frequently with technical and community advisors from many disciplines across the region to guide the teams through questions to determine feasibility and relevance. Final design concepts will be presented to the community through exhibits, online surveys, open houses and direct outreach in April 2018. The jury will then evaluate the plans based on design and community goals in late April and choose the winning team to finalize its design, completing the competition, in June 2018. Partners will then determine how to bring the project to life through further design, phasing, engineering, construction, activation, operations and maintenance. The full list of qualification submittals and the submissions from the four teams chosen, along with information about the jury, Technical Advisory Group and Community Advisory Committee, the open survey and upcoming events are posted online at www.ChouteauGreenway.org.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 20, 2017
Florissant City Council elections to be held in 2018 for Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 Florissant City Council elections for Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take place on April 3, 2018. Each council representative is elected for a three-year term. The qualification for a council candidate is that he/she be a registered voter for at least one year in the ward that he/she wants to represent. Compensation for serving on the Florissant City Council is $11,568 per year. To be a candidate listed on the ballot for the council election, each candidate must collect at least 200 validated nominating signatures from registered voters of the ward he/she wants to represent. The order on the ballot is determined
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American Legion hosts Christmas party for children of veterans
by who turns in 200 required validated signatures first. A candidate packet can be obtained from the Florissant City Clerk no earlier than 8 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2018. Deadline for submitting nominating signatures is 5 p.m. on Jan.16. Signature validation is done by the County Election Board. To determine Florissant ward boundaries or for more information about the April 3, 2018 Council Election process contact City Clerk Karen Goodwin at City Hall, 955 rue St. Francois, Florissant MO 63031 by mail, by phone at 314-839-7630 or by e-mail to the city clerk at kgoodwin@florissantmo.com.
Trumpeter swans bring grace to winter waters
Submitted photo
Photo courtesy Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Trumpeter swans are graceful winter visitors to Missouri’s lakes, ponds, and rivers. The swans migrate from nesting grounds in northern states. These swans fed and loafed in early December at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Missouri.
Trumpeter swans are back for their winter visit to Missouri. The graceful white swans with broad wingspans, long necks and trumpet-like calls are an impressive part of winter’s watchable wildlife. Thanks to conservation and restoration efforts, breeding populations of trumpeter swans in states such as Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota are steadily increasing. Trumpeters that nest in those states migrate to Missouri in winter. People are seeing them more frequently on ponds, lakes, and wetland pools, say Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) biologists. “We have seen a trend toward increasing numbers of trumpeter swans wintering in Missouri, particularly on the Missouri River,” said Doreen Mengel, MDC resource scientist. “The numbers seen during the mid-winter survey, which is conducted in early January each year, have increased a fair amount the past couple years. I believe the numbers at Riverlands along the Mississippi River have also increased in recent years.” Weather patterns somewhat dictate swan movements. However, given favorable weather and habitat, trumpeters will often visit the same lakes or ponds each winter, often as family groups. Swan watching is an annual outdoor activity each winter at wetlands and lakes in northwest and west central Missouri. “The Four Rivers Conservation Area and Katy Allen Lake in Nevada have been traditional areas for swans to hang out,” said Chris Daniel, MDC wildlife management biologist and manager at Four Rivers. “We typically see a few swans during later waterfowl season on Four Rivers, but January is usually when we have peak numbers. My perception is that I’ve seen more swans consistently the last seven seasons than my first seven. I consider 25 to 40 swans here at one times a pretty good year.” Swans may appear on winter waterways as a single bird, in pairs, or in family groups
with parents and young cygnets born in early summer. But sometimes on major wetlands, large numbers of swans mingle with ducks and geese. In mid-January, 2015, staff counted 400 or more trumpeter swans at MDC’s Bob Brown Conservation Area in northwest Missouri. Trumpeter swans were native to Missouri as both nesting and wintering birds. But by the early 1900s they were almost extinct in the lower 48 states. Conservation efforts and re-introductions in northern states have slowly brought them back in the Midwest. A few pairs of trumpeter swans began appearing during winter at the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge about 15 years ago, said Lindsey Landowski, refuge manager. Then over the years, the numbers began increasing. On Dec. 12, refuge staff counted 950 trumpeters at various wetland pools. The refuge record is 1,088 counted in February, 2017. Cold spells and frozen marshes send trumpeters farther south, warmups early in the year bring them back north. “It appears our numbers are the highest during spring migration in February,” Landowski said. “There are still high numbers for fall migration. But the highest are in February, based on past surveys. Keep in mind that our past two winters have been pretty mild, so the swans were migrating back north in February already.” Bald eagles and large flocks of snow geese have always entertained winter wildlife watchers. But trumpeter swans are now a major draw, too. “They are popular for visitors to see because they are often seen close to the auto tour route,” Landowski said of the refuge’s auto loop through the marshes. “They are very graceful looking in the water, beautiful. “And they are easy to see with their big white bodies in the wetlands or flying low in the air.” For more information about trumpeter swans in Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZSZ.
Every year the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 444 holds a Christmas Party for the children of veterans. This year 41 children attended and each one was able to sit on Santa Claus’ lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Also, they each received a gift from Santa. Children were able to get tattoos, hot dogs, chips, soda and juice for their mid-day snacks. Pictured with Santa are four brothers who attended the Christmas Party, Dre Forsythe (setting with baby), Jacob Sohn Kneeling, Jesse Forsythe (standing) and Jaden (baby).
8
School
December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
McCluer math teacher purchases mobile whiteboards with NEA CHEER grant
Pattonville early childhood program partners with St. Louis Diaper Bank The Pattonville early childhood has been selected as one of 15 organizations in the region to partner with the St. Louis Diaper Bank to provide diapers for low-income families. Pattonville families that meet the qualifications can receive up to 50 diapers a month. Pattonville is expected to receive approximately 70,000 diapers this year to assist its families, said Mary Krekeler, Pattonville’s director of early
childhood. The St. Louis Diaper Bank exists to help strengthen low-income families in the St. Louis region by ensuring access to an adequate supply of diapers and by raising awareness about the causes and consequences of diaper need in the community. For more information, contact the early childhood office at 314-213-8105.
Hazelwood West High School adopts 15 families for the holidays Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Holly Garrett, a member of Missouri NEA-Retired, presents McCluer math teacher Michael Smith a check for $250 to purchase mobile whiteboards for his classroom.
Michael Smith, a math teacher at McCluer High School is the recipient of a $250 CHEER (Caring Help for Education Endeavors by Retirees) grant by the Missouri NEA-Retired. CHEER funds provide for financial and material resources that enhance learning conditions of students. Smith is using his funds to purchase three mobile magnetic whiteboards. “Purchasing the mobile whiteboards, in addition to the one that is already in my classroom, will enable me to facilitate multiple cooperative groups at one time,” said Smith, who teaches Algebra 1 EOC (End of Course) classes. The mobile whiteboards will be placed throughout the room for students to work in small groups, providing the groups with their own personalized learning space.
Hazelwood Central and West young artists exhibit artwork at Lindenwood
Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District
For the third year, Hazelwood West High School students and staff adopted 15 families, which included a total of 68 children and adults for the holiday season. Students and staff at West High collected items ranging from bicycles to gift cards, depending on the family’s request. Once collected, students, teachers, and administrators wrapped the gifts and delivered them to the Hazelwood School District Family Outreach Center where
they will be distributed to the families. “I am so proud of West High for what they are doing in our community,” said Dr. Bruce Green, assistant superintendent for high school education. “It’s inspiring to see how excited both students and staff get about purchasing and wrapping gifts for others in our district. It’s wonderful to witness the generosity of our students and staff.”
Walker Elementary School students collect over 600 food items
Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District
Six Hazelwood School District (HSD) high school students had their artwork featured in the “Young Artists and Their Teachers” art exhibit at Lindenwood University. The submitted art mediums included ceramics, 3D, mixed media, and more. Alison Rademaker, Kamille Chavarin, art teachers at Hazelwood West High School and Tracy Jay, art teacher at Hazelwood Central High School entered work from their students as well as their own work. The students included: Nicelle Mariano, Daniel Saines III, Bethany Cutkomp, Kennady Carter, Myranda Cook and Josh Douglas. “I am really proud of these students,” said Matt McClellan, special areas curriculum coordinator for HSD. “These students put a lot of time and effort into the art pieces. This recognition at the Lindenwood art exhibit is outstanding.” Mariano, Saines III, and Douglas received second place awards for their artwork. Mariano won second place in 3D, Saines III won second place in ceramics, and Douglas won second place in the mixed media category. The Young Artists and Their Teachers art exhibit is an annual exhibition held at Lindenwood University. The exhibition is open to high school students in the St. Louis area. Students may submit up to two pieces of their original artwork and teachers may also submit a piece of their work which would be displayed with their student’s work.
Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District
Students at Walker Elementary School, in the Hazelwood School District, recently held a food drive and collected over 600 food items for the Hazelwood Food 4 Thought program. The HSD Food 4 Thought program is designed to help students who are in need. This program will provide students who lack access to nutritious food at home with a reliable source of food for evenings, weekends, and other breaks from school. Each grade level competed against each other to see who could raise the most food. Fifth grade students won the competition and collected over
200 items. John Koeneker, Walker principal was proud of his students and staff. “I am so proud of our students and staff ”, said Koeneker. “With the support of our students and staff, we are able to provide families in need with food during the holiday period.” The collected food items will be delivered to the HSD Food 4 Thought closets, which are housed at the district’s three high school sites: Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood East, and Hazelwood West. Although the food is stored at the high schools, the food closets service all HSD students who are in need.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 20, 2017
Recipe:
Food
9
ENTERTAIN WITH EASE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
O
ne element that makes the holidays so special is spending quality time with loved ones. When hosting, it is your chance to put smiles on your guests’ faces with tasty foods for everyone to enjoy. Spend less time in the kitchen preparing and more time with your guests with small changes and simple shortcuts that may be all it takes to bring ease to the holidays and be the host with the most (fun, that is).
REINVENT OLD FAVORITES. Take your holiday appetizers and small bites from ordinary to exceptional with novel takes on your favorite recipes. For example, potato skins are a classic crowd-pleasing appetizer and easy-tomake snack. Give them a creative twist by stuffing potato halves with pepperoni
and shredded mozzarella for a flavorful new way to enjoy a timeless favorite.
MAKE IT EASY. Have fun preparing a meal for guests and save time in the kitchen when using ingredients like fully cooked Armour Original Meatballs. Flavor and substance are key to any great meal, especially when feeding a crowd. From appetizers to everyday dishes, frozen meatballs make it simple to create crowd-pleasing meals, cutting down on the preparation time so you can get back to fun and entertaining. Be the hero at your next holiday gathering with zesty Meatball Baked Ziti, which can be prepared and ready to serve in next-to-no time. Find more guest-ready recipes to share this holiday season at ArmourMeats.com.
Stuffed Pepperoni Potato Skins
Pepperoni Cheeseball
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes | Servings: 20
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes | Servings: 12
Ingredients: 10 baby potatoes 2 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 5 t easpoons pesto 20 teaspoons mozzarella cheese 10 slices small pepperoni, diced
Remove potatoes from microwave and let cool 5 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. With spoon, scoop out center of each potato to make boat.
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Line sheet pan with foil. Set aside.
Place potato skins on sheet pan and bake 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Remove skins from oven and let cool before serving.
Fill each potato boat by evenly stuffing with minced garlic, pesto, cheese and pepperoni.
Ingredients: 8 oz. Armour Original Pepperoni, diced 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1/8 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup green onion, chopped 2 whole green olives 12 sliced almonds
Directions: Mix all ingredients in bowl. Turn mixture out onto sheet of plastic wrap and mold into ball shape. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Place molded ball on serving platter. Smooth imperfections and unwrap. Serve with chips, crackers, or pretzels.
Rinse potatoes and place in microwave on high 3 minutes.
Beef Meatball Stew Meatball Baked Ziti
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 5
Ingredients: 16 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked 1 package (14 ounces) Armour Italian Style or Original Meatballs, thawed 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 2 cups grated mozzarella or provolone cheese Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Cook pasta according to package directions. Cut meatballs in half.
In large skillet, combine marinara sauce and meatballs; bring mixture to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir well, cover and simmer 5-6 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through, stirring once. Stir in drained pasta; mix well. Transfer half of mixture to 8-inch baking dish; top with 1 cup cheese. Repeat layering with remaining pasta mixture and cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until mixture is heated through and cheese is melted.
Ingredients: 1 14 oz. bag Armour Beef Meatballs, thawed 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons flour 1 32 ounce box beef broth 8 ounces baby carrots, sliced into medallions 12 ounces Gold Yukon baby potatoes, quartered 1 medium onion, diced 3 stalks celery, sliced 1 cup frozen peas Pinch of Fresh cracked pepper
Directions: In a pot, heat olive oil on medium heat; add flour and whisk. Allow flour mixture to brown, cooking about 5 minutes. Add beef broth slowly to flour mixture, while whisking. Allow broth to thicken, about 2 minutes. Add carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until carrots and potatoes are softened, about 10 minutes. Add meatballs and frozen peas and cook for additional 8 minutes.
10
Learn & Play
December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Crossword Puzzle Theme: Year in Review
Yeggs
John Hanna
‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.
Moore On Life
ACROSS 1. Pepsi and Coke, e.g. 6. Batman punch 9. Tit for tat 13. Notable period 14. Opposite of hence 15. Cook-off dish 16. Nile’s mouth 17. Jan. predecessor 18. *A United passenger was dragged down one 19. *2017 solar event 21. *Natural disaster or center of Hollywood scandal 23. Second Testament 24. “Best ____ schemes o’mice an’ men” 25. Is no longer 28. Supermarket section 30. Broadband predecessor 35. Lyric poems 37. Commiserate 39. *Album of the Year Grammy recipient 40. Opposite of eve 41. *POTUS 43. Fender-bender damage 44. Kindle content 46. a.k.a. Atlantic Richfield Company 47. Jazz singing 48. Freshman? 50. Chutzpah 52. “Listen up!” 53. Freight horse cart 55. Noisy talk 57. *Late Playboy 60. *Fidget ____, banned by many schools 64. Hindu dance gesture 65. Anything female 67. Ransack or plunder 68. 4-letter word in speech on broadcast TV 69. Three strikes 70. Lucifer 71. *Tiffany to Ivanka and Don Jr.’s kids 72. *Its neutrality was being threatened in 2017 73. Craftily or cunningly
DOWN 1. Surrender land 2. Crude group? 3. Take it easy 4. ____ ____ a play 5. Formed 6. ____ farewell, past tense 7. Bio bit 8. Barista’s creation 9. Blade in Litchfield 10. Solomon-like 11. Friend in war 12. Crusty dessert 15. Esophagus-stomach connection 20. Hidden under a rug 22. “Farm ____” benefit concert 24. Church ritual 25. *January 21 marchers 26. Hacienda brick 27. Asian goat antelope 29. Turkey money 31. Contributes 32. Olden day doctor’s prescription 33. Arm bones 34. *Deceased heartbreaker 36. One who looks down on others 38. Village People song 42. Tissue growth 45. Do this and hope for ransom 49. Before of yore 51. Landowners in the olden days 54. Match play? 56. Land on patellas 57. *”The Handmaid’s Tale” channel 58. Adam and Eve’s garden 59. Drive oneself crazy 60. Cobblestone 61. USS Constitution organization 62. Inherently bad 63. To bank on 64. Executive’s degree 66. Tint See answers on page 13
Sweet tooth
I went to the dentist recently. This is a tough time of year to go. It all begins in October, which I deem as National Tooth Rot Month and for good reason – Halloween! This is the time we give out only the kind of candy that we will eat should there be leftovers. I once ate an entire bowl of leftover Kit Kat bars for breakfast the next day. Oh calm down; I poured milk over them first. And that’s not where it ends. Then we ransack our kids’ trick-or-treat bags to dig out the premium “good” candy bars to rescue them from undeserving children who won’t truly appreciate their chocolatey goodness. Or as decried by Marie-Antionette, “Let them eat candy corn!” Shortly after this month of sugar cemented to the teeth is the Thanksgiving feasting and with it comes…the pies! Oh so many cream-topped, sugary sweet delicious pies! Did I mention that they had cream? Lots and lots of creamy whipped cream? This season of gluttony, naturally, is followed by Christmastime. Then cometh the sugar plums and the fudge and the cookies and divinity and the ribbon candy and all manner of holly jolly munching. There is a constant barrage of cavity-causing agents spilling over the teeth. Picture Niagara Falls with oceans of maple syrup gushing over the edge. So it was no wonder that my dentist presented me with some not-so-jolly news after my checkup. Dentist: “Good news, Mrs. Moore!” Me: “Oh great! No cavities?!” “Not hardly! I’m adding an extension onto my
By Cindy Moore
vacation cabin!” “Hmmm. And that is good news for me because…?” “Because you need a major root canal!” “I’m still not following.” “Well, my dear that cabin extension isn’t going to pay for itself now is it? Be here first thing in the morning.” Drat! Finally paying the price for all my sugar-munching. But since I would be funding a vacation home, perhaps that meant I was partowner. Me: “So, since I’ll be funding part of your cabin, can we expect to use it as well?” Dentist: “Muwahahahaha! Now that’s funny… unlike some of your humor columns! Sorry. The answer’s no, but here’s an early Christmas gift.” I was handed a giant box of Kit Kats. “Merry Christmas,” he said grinning. “We’ll need a sunroom by next spring.” Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 20, 2017
Sports you see with Gary B... Soccer’ Ambush turn the corner The professional St. Louis Ambush play in the central division of the MASL with home games at the Family Arena. It took eight games of frustration and close calls but the Ambush finally posted their first win of the season when they defeated the Cedar Rapids Rampage 6-5 in overtime Sunday at the Family Arena. The win improved the Ambush to 1-8, while the Rampage fell to 5-4. The St. Louis club felt the evening was going to be different as they drew first blood when a shot by Robert Acosta rebounded off the glass to Nestor Hernandez, who promptly pounded it into the back of the net at 1:42 of the first quarter. The lead was short lived as Cedar Rapids came back in less than about minute with the equalizer. Hernandez was on the move again as he sent a pass to Jerjer Gibson, who was able to beat Rampage goalkeeper Brett Petricek at 5:29. The Ambush took a 3-1 lead on Pablo Da Silva’s unassisted tally at 9:31. The Ambush went up by three when Stefan St. Louis, fighting off two Rampage players, sent a shot into the boards and in the direction of Dylan Hundelt, who fired the ball into the net at 13:20. The opening period expired with the Ambush leading 3-1. When the second quarter began, Robert Acosta was sent to the penalty box for a two-footed tackle, giving Cedar Rapids a man advantage. During the course of play, the Rampage shaved the lead to 4-3 at the half Rampage player Tony Walls earned a trip to the penalty box at 11:50 of the third quarter for unsportsmanlike conduct, giving the Ambush a power play opportunity. It was a chance they would capitalize on, as Gibson scored his second tally of the game to give St. Louis a 5-3 lead as the third period came to a close. Cedar Rapids scored two unanswered goals to knot the score at 5. With neither team scoring for the rest of the quarter, the game went into a ten-minute, sudden death overtime period.
The Ambush would not be denied and did not waste time in overtime as Hewerton passed to Clayton Matheus, who nailed a long shot at 1:45 of overtime to seal the win. For player/head coach Hewerton, his first win with the Ambush felt fantastic. “It’s amazing,” Hewerton said. “The team deserves it, the fans deserve it. It’s not about me. It’s about this group of guys that’s been working extremely hard every day. People can’t imagine the amount of hard work these guys put together to come up with the first win. It was too long, but it was a matter of time until we got the first win.” * Well worth waiting Great Christmas present as Lutheran St Charles High School lands talented coach The high school has offered a position for coach Lin Hart Jr. to head the running backs and defensive line next season. Hart comments, “Special thanks to Head Coach Arlen Harris for reaching out and believing in me as a football coach & leader of young men. I look forward to being apart of a great staff and a winning football culture. LHS provides excellent opportunity in the classroom and on the field for these athletes. It also allows me to have a chance to be around some great football coaches. I can’t wait to start putting work in preparing for the 2018 season. Deep down I’m a football man and coach and I consider this as a real life changing coaching opportunity. I look forward to being apart of the Cougar family. * Thanks to Coach Lin Hart Jr. media director for the information
Sports
11
– 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.
See solution on page 13
Next addition: a conversation with first year coach at Christian High, Mike McMullen. Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.
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
Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com
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What’s Happening
December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 20: Karaoke
Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.
Dec. 22: Music concert
Free live music concert from 2:30 3:30 p.m. featuring Matt Davis will take place at Villa at Riverwood at #1 Pratt Place in Florissant. RSVP at 314-839-5000.
Dec. 22: Chicken parmesan or alfredo or spaghetti dinner Chicken parmesan or alfredo or spaghetti dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service
Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Avenue invites the community to join us for a traditional Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m., with pre-service music beginning at 10:45 p.m. The service includes communion. All are welcome. The night concludes with the traditional candle lighting and the singing of “Silent Night.” Call 314-429-7464 with questions.
Dec. 27: Karaoke
Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.
Dec 29: Chicken dinner
Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party
Senior citizens, celebrate 2017 and ring in 2018 at the daytime city of Florissant Senior Citizen New Year’s Eve Party from10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center at #1 James Eagan Drive in Florissant The disco ball will be twinkling, the St. Charles
Big Band Orchestra will be playing beautiful music, hats and tiaras will be given out, attendance prizes will be raffled, dinner will be served, appetizers will be on the tables and all drinks will be included- beer, wine and soda. Cost for Florissant Residents with a current resident card is $17, for non-residents is $22. Ticket price includes attendance prices, dancing, dinner, appetizers, drinks (beer, wine and soda), hats, tiaras and noisemakers, and champagne. Tickets can be purchased in the city of Florissant Senior Office in Florissant City Hall through Dec. 27. Call the Florissant Senior Senior Office, 314-839-7605, for more information.
Dec. 31: Winter coat drive
Crystal Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing at 250 New Florissant Rd. So. in Florissant will be starting its One Warm Coat Drive from now through December. All gently used or new coats donated will be provided to St. Patrick’s Center for those in need. Drop off of items can be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
Dec. 31: Tax preparation volunteers needed
Every Wednesday and Saturday TAP is providing free tax preparation starting Jan. 23, 2018. The pro-bono TAP organization is asking for volunteers now to be greeters, preparers, reviewers, or a data entry person, for four hours per week. Volunteer now at www.stlouistap.org (eight locations) or for more information call 314-786-2782. E-mails can be sent to stl.tap.overland@gmail.com
Feb. 28: Snowman building contest
If you think you build the best snowman in your neighbourhood, then we have a contest for you. Until Feb. 28, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the JFK Center Office along with an application. Prizes will be awarded. The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter. For ages 15 and younger. Pick up an application, or visit our website, email a digital photo to jsteib@florissantmo.
com, or send your picture with your child’s name, address, phone number and age to: Attn: Snowman Contest, JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant, Missouri 63031. For further information, call 314-921-4250.
RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment
#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.
Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-5131674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl. org. Weekdays: Volunteer drivers The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314-615-4516. Mondays: City council meetings City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. Mondays: Workshop meetings City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of
the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.
Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.
Mondays: A cappella singers
Thursdays: checks
All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment ). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-9936134.
Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals
The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.
Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)
(Take
off
From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314831-5476.
Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.
Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316
Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.
Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?
Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.
Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316.
Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:
3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.
Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group
3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.
Thursdays: Quilting guild
Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran
Blood
pressure
Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.
Thursdays: meeting
Women’s
chorus
Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.
Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330
Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo
2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.
Fridays: Celebrate Recovery
For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This 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 group
A Way with Words Grief Support Ministry meets the fourth Saturday each month at Community Christ Fellowship (in the rear) at121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Pat Ryan at 314-605-3949.
Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.
Sundays: Meat shoot
Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday
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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.
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.
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 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 pro-
vides 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:
Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477.
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:
SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157.
Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765
Christian Center:
Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group
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 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.
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
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.NarAnon.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, $30, 314-953-6090
Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30-7:30pm, 314.839.3171.
Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program
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 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 diag-
What’s Happening
nosed 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 treatment. 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.
Every Wednesday Take Off Pounds Sensibly Group
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.
Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Mtg. Christian Hospital. 314.839.3171.
Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS Meetings
13
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.
4th Tuesday of each month: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group
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. 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.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free
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.
SUDOKU answers from page 11
CROSSWORD answers from page 10
Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.
14
December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
AUCTION
HELP WANTED
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Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.
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December 20, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Roman J. Israel, Esq. Oscar Watch: Denzel Washington is on the case in ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’
M O V I E By Steve Bryan
Denzel Washington is an actor who always brings his “A-game,” even in the postapocalyptic world of “The Book of Eli.” That’s also the case with “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”, his latest film. The actor tackles his part with the same vigor he showed in “Training Day,” “Philadelphia” and last year’s intriguing drama “Fences.” Washington plays the title role, an idealistic criminal defense attorney with a brilliant analytical mind and strong opinions. Preferring index cards to hard drives, Roman works at a small law Los Angeles firm. After his boss dies, the attorney wants to keep the office open, but the family of the owner plan to close the doors for good. Roman’s job search opens up new worlds to him, though. He connects with local activist Maya Alston (Carmen Ejogo) while looking for work, and she finds his methodology intriguing. High-powered attorney George Pierce (Colin Farrell), who closes down the small law firm, is somewhat confused by Roman’s behavior. In short order, though, he sees Israel’s brilliant mind in action and offers him a job. Denzel Washington fleshes out Roman J. Israel quite nicely, both in form and personality. The character is a dying breed: a dyed-in-the wool activist who believes in doing things the old school way. When speaking to a group of young crusaders, for instance, they laugh at his apparently outmoded and outdated protest methods. Washington has some nice moments with Carmen Ejogo, who plays activist Maya Alston. The chemistry between the two characters is highly apparent. Thanks to his sincerity and ethics, Maya calls Roman quite often just to talk and get his opinion. Roman also can be a charming man, especially when he
takes Maya out to dinner. Colin Farrell’s George Pierce is the antithesis of Roman, a sharp-dressed attorney who understands the Los Angeles criminal justice system well enough to exploit it. Yet, his respect for Roman grows day-after-day, especially after one of Israel’s habits becomes the basis of a successful new advertising campaign. Roman definitely has a positive effect on Pierce in more ways than one Roman’s idealism is put to the test; however, when his new position gives him opportunities to make more money. Ditching his old clothes and hairstyle, he becomes a more stylish figure, but he may be losing his true self. Washington shows Roman’s struggle to hold on to his beliefs when faced with temptations. Washington turns in an exceptional performance as the title character, mapping the journey out of his comfort zone into new
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territory. Recently, the actor was honored with a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for his work in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” An Oscar nod also is not out of the question. “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” rated PG-13 for language and some violence, currently is playing in theaters. “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” photo courtesy of Bron Studios Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.