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December 24, 2014

Pulling back the curtain Veteran dancer reveals the joys and challenges of performing in “The Nutcracker”

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By Sara Hardin St. Louis plays host to many wonderful holiday traditions but one in particular draws families from all over the area to the Touhill Performing Arts Center to witness the Saint Louis Ballet perform “The Nutcracker Ballet,” a long-running annual spectacle that can get even the toughest Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. Vanessa Woods, member of Saint Louis Ballet and dancer in this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” is dancing her fourth season with the company after being flown from New York to dance as a guest in “Swan Lake” in March of 2010. Woods, who has been dancing ballet for 22 years, spoke about her experience in dancing “The Nutcracker” throughout her career. “’The Nutcracker’ is one of those ballets that dancers usually start when they’re very young, so I was in ‘The Nutcracker’ from about age 9 and up,” said Woods. “It’s something that you just continuously work on as you progress in your career. It’s one of those ballets that you can really count on all across the country; everyone does ‘The Nutcracker.’ This is my fourth with Saint Louis Ballet.” Woods said that every production of “The Nutcracker” since her participation with Saint Louis Ballet has been hosted at the Touhill, which has been home to the ballet since the 2008-2009 season. “We kind of lovingly call it our home,” Woods spoke of the Touhill. “When all the dancers come here it really does feel like a place where everyone feels really comfortable.” Kimberly Klearman, Production Manager at the Touhill, spoke about the continued success of the production. “’The Nutcracker’ is the highlight of many families’ holiday seasons; Saint Louis Ballet does a particularly beautiful production of it,” said Klearman. “The public loves it and many patrons come again and again!” For such a big production, both the dancers and the venue get started months in advance to make sure everything is seamless by the time the curtain goes up for the first show. “The dancers have been rehearsing for weeks, and the show gets booked over a year in advance,” Klearman explained. “The technical team starts talking about it a few months before they come in, and we get to the real nitty-gritty preparation work about a month out. All of this

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Home for the Holidays

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Photo courtesy Zyg Mulnik Vanessa Woods, member of Saint Louis Ballet and dancer in this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” is dancing her fourth season with the company and performs here as the Snow Queen.

is done so once they take the stage, the production moves like clockwork; they start hanging drops on a Monday morning and have their first show Thursday night.” This year, you can spot Woods dancing one out of three different roles, depending on the show you attend. The production consists of three different casts that rotate throughout the duration of the production dates. “We have three casts: A, B and C, so we’re constantly rotating,” explained Woods. “I’m going to be dancing the Snow Queen in the B cast, in the A cast I’ll be dancing the newly revamped Spanish pas de deux, and then in cast C I’ll be dancing the Arabian pas de deux. See PULLING BACK THE CURTAIN page 2

Over The Fence

Language is Weird

“The Imitation Game” photo courtesy of Black Bear Pictures

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Around Town Vol. 16 No. 52

In This Issue...

Around Town Wall calendar supports Ferguson community and more.

Business Boeing awards grant to support Family Resource Center.

School North County Christian School student honored and more.

Learn and Play Discover a new book with this week’s Novel Ideas and take the crossword challenge.

Movie “Imitation Game” a fascinating look at unheralded WWII hero.

Sports Local sports with Gary B.

Recipes Macaroon Kisses and Christmas Wreath Cookies.

12 14 16

What’s Happening Classifieds Over the Fence Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

December 24, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

PULLING BACK THE CURTAIN from cover I’m also always snowflake, so I dance as a snowflake also in that beautiful, iconic snow scene.” When asked about her favorite role to dance, Woods explained that she feels a relation of sorts with one dance in particular. “I feel akin to the Arabian dancer. It tends to be a dancer who’s very long and lanky, who tends to move very slowly and sensually. I just enjoy the music and the movement. I’ve danced that every year so it’s kind of my ‘comfort’ dance. I also really like the Snow Queen this year because that’s new for me, so that’s a really challenging role.” Woods explained that one of her biggest thrills from dancing Photo courtesy Gigi Weaver comes from the idea that she The cast of the Saint Louis Ballet production of “The Nutcracker” perform in the finale. Vanessa Woods (far left) dances in several different will have inspired a new dancer roles in the production. by the end of her performance. “If it’s not a part of your holiday tradition, it’s a great way to have “I guess there are two aspects to the reward. Part of it is the pera fun family outing,” said Woods. “Sometimes people think ballet sonal reward, just in terms of being an athlete and being an artist is only for little girls and it’s not – it’s really for the whole family. and just achieving your goals in what you want to present to the I know ‘The Nutcracker’ is what inspired me to be a dancer, so audience. There’s also the aspect of just entertaining the audience hopefully it will do that for others as well.” and bring joy to this holiday tradition that’s lasted so many years. Klearman said that guests who plan on seeing the show have a Especially knowing that these children are going to remember this lot to look forward to. and maybe it will inspire them to be dancers someday.” “It’s a beautiful classic set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, created At the end of the day, everyone involved in the production agrees and performed by local artists. They will want to make it a holiday that seeing “The Nutcracker” is an excellent way to really get into tradition!” the holiday spirit and spend time with your loved ones.

Florissant hosts its 26th annual Project Lift-Off Holiday Party The 26th Annual Project Lift-Off Holiday Party was held on Dec. 6 at the James J. Eagan Center. The event was started by Mayor Thomas P. Schneider back in 1989 when he was a councilman. The event is a drug free, alcohol free and tobacco free youth holiday party sponsored by the city of Florissant, Youth Advisory Commission and DARE. At the event was a large crowd of fifth-through-eighth graders who participated in many activities like ice skating, swimming and games. There was a DJ on hand that played music while the kids enjoyed pizza and soda. Schneider thanked Todd Schmidt, the Director of Parks, and his staff for all of their hard work in making the 26th Annual Project Lift-Off another success. Schneider also thanked Police Chief Tim Lowery for his support Photo courtesy the city of Florissant of the DARE program and DARE Officer Lessie Summers for another Pictured is Mayor Thomas P. Schneider with some of the kids that were at the 26th great year of teaching DARE in the classrooms. Annual Project Lift-Off Event.

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City of Hazelwood announces date for annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo courtesy the city of Hazelwood At last year’s Tribute to Dr. King, 2013 Miss Hazelwood Paige Frye (left) lit the candles for Missouri House Representative Margo McNeil, Dist. 69 (center), and Hazelwood’s Ward 1 Councilwoman Carol Stroker (right) during the traditional candle-lighting ceremony at the end of the program.

The City of Hazelwood’s Community Enrichment Commission will be hosting its 13th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Jan. 18, 2015. This event will be held at Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Road, starting at 7 p.m. Guest speakers for the program include the following individuals: The Honorable Judge Jimmie Edwards, 22nd Judicial Circuit Court; Dr. Grayling Tobias, Superintendent of the Hazelwood School District; Hazelwood Mayor Matthew Robinson; and 2014 Miss Hazelwood Briana Barr. Special musical entertainment will be provided by the Hazelwood East High School Choir. The Reverend Desiree Davis, Assistant Pastor of The Antioch Baptist Church, will end the service with a Benediction and lead the audience in a traditional candle-lighting ceremony honoring Dr. King’s legacy. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterwards. For more information, contact the Community Enrichment Commission at 314-731-0980.

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2015 wall calendars available to support the Ferguson community As of December 16, the “Ferguson Signs of Hope” 2015 wall calendar will be available online at: fergusonsignsofhope.com for $15 each (two or more for $13 each). The calendar showcases images of the newly painted downtown Ferguson where people of all ages have been volunteering their time and talent to turn boarded-up windows into inspiring murals of art. Sales of the 8.5” x 11” calendar support the Ferguson Community Development Fund, a community initiative to help business, employees and others rebuild a future in Ferguson. The current focus is support for businesses closed and/or damaged in Ferguson and the people affected by these closings. You may also donate directly to the Ferguson Community Development Fund online through its gofundme campaign. The fund is spearheaded by The Vine, a program through the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located in Ferguson. The Vine is collaborating with resident-led ONE Ferguson

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to support children, commerce and the community. Since 2005, The Vine has engaged in community building and collaboration in Ferguson whether that be through music, food, youth programming and now collaborative community building. “The outpouring of kindness toward Ferguson these past several months is nothing short of spectacular,” said St. Stephen’s Father Steve Lawler. “The most recent visible sign of people coming together and caring has been the hours and talent lent to creating beautiful murals on what would otherwise be ugly, depressing boards on dozens of businesses in Ferguson. This calendar is a way to share these works of art with as many people as we could as quickly as we could while raising funds to continue what will be a long journey of recovery.” Currently the calendar is only available online, to find out if it is available in any stores within metro St. Louis, continue to check online at fergusonsignsofhope.com.

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December 24, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Senior citizen trip in Florissant

Hazelwood Police Department promotes from within for major position

Photo courtesy the city of Florissant Senior Office

On Dec. 13, after receiving a holiday send-off from Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, 43 senior citizens enjoyed a delicious lunch in the beautifully decorated Norwood Hills Country Club and

then proceeded to the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL to see “Sounds of the Season 2014” performed by the internationally known Ambassadors of Harmony.

Give Kids a Smile receives $25,000 to fund free dental clinics Give Kids a Smile announced the receipt of a $25,000 grant from the Orthwein Foundation. The funding will be used to help further the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide local, underserved children with access to quality dental care through its free, bi-annual dental clinics. These clinics are held each February and October for infants, toddlers and school-aged children through eighth grade who are Medicaid-eligible, qualify for a school lunch program or need dental assistance

due to other circumstances. All visiting children receive comprehensive services in the form of X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as restorations (fillings), endodontics (root canals) and oral surgery, as needed, by a team of more than 400 dental professional volunteers. Thanks to the financial backing of sponsors and the tireless commitment of the local dental community, the organization has delivered over $6.8 million in free dental care services to more than 13,500 local children through 26 free consecutive dental clinics since its inception in 2002. Joan Allen, executive director of Give Kids a Smile, commented, “These numbers speak to the prevalence of the issue at hand. It is a healthcare crisis. We are so very thankful to the Orthwein Foundation, the Missouri Foundation for Health, Delta Dental of Missouri, and all of our other key supporters. Together, we are making progress, one smile at a time.” To learn more about the work of Give Kids a Smile or inquire about registration for the next dental clinic set for Feb. 20 and 21, 2015, call 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas.org.

Chief of Police Gregg Hall officially announced the promotion of Capt. Ken Jewson to the rank of major in the Hazelwood Police Department at a recent city council meeting. He mentioned Jewson was one of two highly-qualified candidates within the department that went through a comprehensive hiring process Ken Jewson that took a lot of time and thought, making the decision a tough one. “Ken Jewson is absolutely the best choice to become major. I’m proud of him. And, I know he’s going to provide the city of Hazelwood with many more years of great service,” Hall said. He replaces Maj.Henry Mansker who served as a devoted law enforcement officer for the city of Hazelwood over the past 30 years and retired last month. He was instrumental in implementing the department’s community policing philosophy and wrote numerous grant applications which enabled the department to achieve significant technological and organizational advancements. Maj. Jewson is a North County boy. He worked as an intern with the Hazelwood Police Department during his senior year at McCluer North High School in 1975. After graduating, he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, from December 1975 until his honorable discharge in December 1979, with the ranking of Corporal E-4. Maj. Jewson was appointed as a Hazelwood police officer on Feb. 4, 1980. His education credentials include graduating from the Greater St. Louis Police Academy in June 1980. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree from Tarkio College in 1985. He later graduated from the FBI National Academy (Class 198) in September 1999. Maj. Jewson has held many positions during his rise through the department. According to Chief Hall, “He has served in a multitude of capacities and taken on various assignments within the department. In everything he has done, Maj. Jewson has excelled and performed admirably in his duties to serve and protect the citizens of Hazelwood.” One of his earlier special assignments was being promoted to the Detective Bureau in 1983. He was involved with the juvenile court system. “Maj. Jewson was one of the most educated and professional juvenile investigators in the North County area. With his vast knowledge, I occassionally seek his expertise regarding juvenile law since its quite different than adult criminal law,” Chief Hall noted. His rise to the Major position includes being promoted to Sergeant in January 1998, Lieutenant in January 2008 and Captain in April 2013. “Ever since I started working here as a high school senior intern, I’ve always wanted to become a Hazelwood police officer. And, that’s what I’ve learned to do over the past 34 years. I’ve done the best I could. I’m not disappointed nor do I regret my decision, not one little bit,” Maj. Jewson said. Maj. Jewson will be assigned as the city of Hazelwood’s Assistant Police Chief. His responsibilities include directing the Professional Standards Unit along with managing the Uniform Patrol Division.

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Home for the holidays

Dec. 15, but kept his return a secret until he visited his daughters’ school. He was accompanied by his wife, Janelle Banks. Sgt. Banks has been a member of the U.S. Army for 25 years and is currently stationed in California. The surprise occurred during a school assembly.

Reinvest North County Fund issues third round of funding The St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC) organized the Reinvest North County Fund as an immediate business response when civil unrest began in Ferguson. In partnership with North County Inc., the fund was created and has already invested $128,500 to help numerous small businesses and four school districts. Today, the Fund is awarding $119,500 to support 11 small businesses and support children in four school districts. With this announcement, it brings the total donated to $248,000. The businesses receiving funding are: BJ’S Everlasting Oils; Children’s City Discount Clothing; Clip Appeal; Daba Hair Braiding; Drake’s Place Restaurant; Fan Wireless, LLC; Mounas and Sisters; S and K PX Market; St. Louis Cordless Communications, LLC; Sole Pro Shoetique; and xSolo Insurance Service. Previous business grants were given to: Best Insurance/Always Love and Care; Fashions R Boutique; Freedom Customized Care; Nail Trap; New Chong Wah Inc.; Rehoboth Pharmacy; STL Feel Beauty; Velvet Freeze; Yolo! Boutique; and 911 Hair Salon. “The RBC and North County Inc. share a deep appreciation of the challenges that both businesses and schools continue to address during this difficult time,” said Kathy Osborn, Executive Director of the RBC. “The Reinvest North County Fund has become an important vehicle

Lindenwood University Launches Social Media Campaign to Support Ferguson Businesses

Photos Courtesy Hazelwood School District

Sergeant First Class Brian Banks of the U.S. Army surprised his daughters, third grader Erin Banks and fourth grader Bryann Banks, both students at Jamestown Elementary in the Hazelwood School District on Dec. 16. Sgt. Banks arrived in St. Louis on the night of

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for many caring and generous businesses, organizations and individuals to demonstrate how much we care about their communities.” Through the generosity of the Monsanto Company Fund, help and support for school children and their families is being provided for the Parents as Teachers program in the Normandy Schools Collaborative; transportation and security in the Ferguson-Florissant School District; transportation and security in the Riverview Gardens School District; and parenting classes, family engagement activities outside of school hours, staff and community wellness room creation in the Jennings School District. Additionally, funding is provided for tutoring potentially needed in all four districts. Further donations are encouraged. Checks can be made payable to the Reinvest North County Fund at the 501(c)3 non-profit North County Regional Development Association (NCI), 350B Village Square Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042. Visit the website www.NorthStLouisCounty.com for additional ways to give. “North County Inc. Regional Development Association is immensely grateful for the kindness and support of the RBC and all of the donors during this stressful time,” said Rebecca Zoll, President and CEO of NCI.

Lindenwood University’s John W. Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise has launched a social media campaign encouraging people to support local businesses in Ferguson. Using the hashtag #FergusonFavorites, the institute is challenging people to post photographs of themselves on Facebook and Twitter as they dine and shop at Ferguson establishments. “After the recent unrest in the city of Ferguson, some businesses were seeing 70 to 80 percent drops in revenue,” said Rachel Douchant, Phd, director of the Hammond Institute’s Liberty and Ethics Center. “If businesses stay or rebuild, they need consumers to support them. This campaign is a simple way to offer that support, and to personally encourage the business owners and show them the community does care.” Lindenwood’s Hammmond Institute Twitter handle is @LUHammondInst, and the Institute’s Facebook address is www.facebook.com/LibertyandEthicsCenter. Photos posted with the #FergusonFavorites hashtag are encouraged on both platforms. Lindenwood University, founded in 1827, is an independent liberal arts university offering more than 200 graduate and undergraduate programs in diverse areas of study ¬in traditional and accelerated formats. Lindenwood operates residential campuses in historic St. Charles, Mo., and Belleville, Ill., as well as numerous extension sites throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

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Boeing awards grant to support Family Resource Center The Boeing Company has awarded a grant to Family Resource Center to assist in introducing the agency’s PathBuilders Program into the Spanish Lake community. PathBuilders is an innovative approach to breaking the cycle of chronic child abuse. The program uses evidence-based therapies combined with wrap-around services to assist families identified as being at risk for abuse. Addressing issues such as unemployment, lack of safe housing, and parenting skills allows clients to stay focused on the therapy and to benefit from it. “If you’re going to lose your home next week, it’s hard to really listen to the therapist or the parenting instructor,” said Greg Echele, Family Resource Center’s CEO. “Focusing PathBuilders on a smaller geographic area such as Spanish Lake has been one of our dreams because it makes it more feasible to develop the social supports that can help parents deal with crises,” Greg pointed out. “Boeing has been an excellent partner because they share our vision of making the whole community a healthier place to live.” Spanish Lake is situated in northeastern St. Louis County. Since 1990 the number of families in the community living below the poverty level has increased by 200 percent, and single parent households have more than doubled. Naomi can attest to the value of the PathBuilders program. Two years ago she was severally depressed: fresh out of prison, she held little hope of finding a job, and she was a stranger to the daughter who was born shortly before her incarceration. “When we first met, Naomi was at her lowest point,” Bethany Lord, a PathBuilders therapist, says. “Today she is a very different person. At our last counseling session, she was beaming, and we made a list of all the things she has accomplished: a job, a car, a savings account, good parenting skills, and a clear plan to get an apartment so she can reestablish her place in her child’s life.” Boeing, a leader in the aerospace industry, has a nearly 100year history of giving generously to the community. “Boeing takes its corporate citizenship role seriously beyond our performance as a corporation, and tries to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Julie Praiss, vice president, Tactical Aircraft & Weapons Support for Boeing Defense Space and Security’s Global Services & Support business, and Family Resource Center board member and secretary. “We are happy to support Family Resource Center with resources that make our community a better place to live.”

School Hazelwood West student named among magazine’s Top 100 Influential African-Americans Jaylen Bledsoe, Hazelwood West High School junior, technology entrepreneur and motivational speaker, was recently recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of America’s Top 100 Influential AfricanAmericans in 2014. After hearing the news about his national award recognition, Jaylen shared how humbled he was to receive such an honor. “Being recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of America’s top 100 Influential AfricanAmericans is truly a humbling honor,” he said. “Seeing that I’ve spent this last year trying to move away from recognition caused by a misleading headline, I feel that now I’m being highlighted for my work in the community and continued success in business.” Curtis Bledsoe, Jaylen’s father, shared how proud he is of his son and his accomplishments. “Jaylen is an extremely bright and talented young man. He does well in school and he gives back to the community. I am — actually the entire family — we are all very proud of him and his accomplishments at such a young age,” said the elder Bledsoe. According to its website, Ebony magazine has honored

Photo courtesy the Hazelwood School District Jaylen Bledsoe, 11th grader at Hazelwood West High School was recently recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of America’s Top 100 Influential African-Americans in 2014.

the heroes of the AfricanAmerican community for over 70 years. Ebony recognizes 100 individuals every year who lead, inspire and demonstrate through their talents to be the very best. After being informed of this distinction, Jaylen joked about his reaction to the news that Ebony magazine wanted to wait until the December/January issue was released before the information about his recognition could be shared. “I was extremely excited, but I think my first vocal response was, ‘What do you mean I can’t tell anyone?’” he said. Jaylen was given the award for his work with motivating and inspiring young people, not only to start their own businesses but to be the very best that they can be. He indicated that he is acutely aware, that to who much is given, much is required. Therefore, he takes his responsibility as a role model seriously and hopes to expand his work by reaching even more young people. “I hope this recognition will further develop and continue to expand my platform, to be an even greater speaker, throughout different communities,” he continued. Jaylen also stated that helping others is his life’s work and this is what inspires him. “Being able to inspire and

influence others in achieving success is my greatest inspiration. Throughout the past few months, I’ve spoken at many organizations such as Facebook and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) on redefining success.” Jaylen went on to say, “Success, not your net worth in a sense of financial wealth, but being the net worth being defined by the ‘network’ or number of lives changed. Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg didn’t achieve this mass wealth by focusing on growing their networth but instead by focusing on changing lives and making lives easier. Changing lives is what inspires me.” A message of courage and persistence is the advice that he shares with his peers. “Follow your dreams. Don’t be afraid, and don’t let every ‘no’ stop you from achieving. Focus on people and changing lives, and the rest will follow.” Jaylen also shared his future aspirations to reach an even wider audience. “I hope to write a book on redefining success, and grow my platform further as a motivational speaker. I want to develop more ways to invest (not necessarily financially) in my generation and the future generations to come,” Bledsoe revealed.

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North County Christian School student honored

Photo courtesy North County Christian School

Austin Johnson was honored at the Northwest Chamber of Commerce membership meeting on Nov. 13. Austin is a senior and has attended North County Christian School since seventh grade. He has a 3.62 GPA, and has been on the Principal’s List through his high school years. He has also received the Pinnacle and Outstanding Achievement awards in Personal Finance. Austin served as treasurer of the student council his junior year, plays varsity soccer and baseball, and is part of the Chapel Worship Team at NCCS. In the community, he participates in his church worship band, volunteers as a floor hockey coach, and plays in multiple bands in the North County area. Advanced History is Austin’s favorite class. He is pictured in his World War II uniform, worn by students on marching days. If you have passed NCCS and seen a group of students in military attire, it is the Advanced History class. The final for the class includes their full participation of a reenactment of a WW II battle. Austin is undecided on where to attend college, but plans to major in music performance and possibly music recording. Congratulations Austin, from all your friends, family and the staff at North County Christian School. May God bless you and keep you always in His care now and in all your future endeavors.

Hazelwood’s Board of Education achieves State Board Master certification

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Ritenour High students make 90 sundresses for Haitian orphans Ritenour High School students finished 90 sundresses for girls in Haiti orphanages as they culminated their final projects in their sewing, construction and clothing design classes in early December. The project was introduced to the students by Carol Seibold, a seamstress who owns an alteration shop in Edwardsville, Ill., and the motherin-law of RHS Principal Gary Spiller. On Dec. 5, Seibold talked to Denise Schindler’s two design classes about the Haiti Dress Project and helped them get started with sewing the dresses and adding trim. The Haiti Dress Project has donated 2,436 dresses to Haitian girls in orphanages since 2010. The dresses are given to the children four times a year

when volunteer medical teams from the United States provide checkups in Haiti at the orphanages. Each child receives a new dress at their checkup. Typically, Seibold and a handful of volunteers sew the sundresses from donated materials in her alteration shop. She said the RHS students’ service project equates to 90 hours of work. “I really feel like I’m helping people,” said Laprincia Smith, an RHS sophomore, as she moved the colorful fabric along the sewing machine. RHS students who have taken family and consumer science classes with Schindler are familiar with using their new skills to help others. Schindler plans a service project with her students each year. Over the last few years, students have made special pillows for breast cancer patients.

Ritenour schools collect more than 27,500 food items for families in need Ritenour students and staff members are making the holiday season happier for families in need throughout the district after collecting more than 27,500 nonperishable food items and turkeys. On Nov. 24, members of several police and public works departments from municipalities throughout the Ritenour School District picked up hundreds of boxes of non-perishable food from each of the Ritenour schools and filled the 40’ x 40’ Co-Care facility in New Horizons Presbyterian Church in Overland. Schools collected nonperishable food and money to purchase turkeys and other holiday foods throughout November for families within their schools, Ritenour Co-Care, local food pantries and for the Joint Police Chiefs Christmas Basket Program, which is organized by police chiefs from every municipality in the district. In October, Co-

Care served more than 800 people in the Ritenour community. Ken Crowder started this district-wide food collection for Co-Care in 1982 as part of a class project when he was a teacher at Ritenour Middle School. That year, the district collected 2,000 cans. Crowder, who has since retired from the district, continues to be fully vested in this project as president of the Overland Neighborhood Preservation Commission. Crowder said this year’s food collection on Nov. 24 reflects Ritenour’s caring community. “Food from all of the Ritenour schools that was picked up and brought to Co-Care filled up every square inch of the facility,” Crowder said. Ritenour Middle School led the district by collecting 10,444 items of food.

Photo courtesy the Hazelwood School District The Hazelwood School District Board of Education members have achieved Master Certification in the Missouri School Boards’ Association Certified Board Member program. The Hazelwood BOE is the first school district in the state to have all members certified at the master’s level.

Cheryl Latham, Karlton Thornton and Dr. Brenda Youngblood have achieved master certification in the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) Certified Board Member (CBM) program. All Hazelwood School District (HSD) Board of Education (BOE) members have earned the master’s certification. The HSD BOE is the first school district in the state to have all members certified at the master’s level. The CBM program, established by MSBA, helps local school board members master the knowledge and skills they need to function as effective educational leaders in their communities. “I am extremely proud of our board members on achieving this great accomplishment” said Superintendent Dr. Grayling Tobias. “They are trailblazers and have set an example for other school boards to follow.” MSBA has three levels of certification: essential, advanced and master. Master certification is the highest level of achievement that board members can achieve. It requires the accumulation of at least 40 CBM credit hours of training and professional development in the following areas: student achievement, board governance and operations, school law, school finance, and contemporary issues in education. Other HSD Board members include Mark Behlmann, Ann Gibbons, Desiree Whitlock and Chuck Woods.

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Learn & Play SUDOKU:

December 24, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, “The Unknown Americans” Mexican immigrants, Alma and Arturo Rivera, arrive in Delaware with their beautiful teenage daughter Maribel after a 30hour ride in the back of a pickup truck. They cross the border out of desperation, seeking help for Maribel, who has brain damage sustained in a fall. They’ve been told she will receive better treatment and schooling in the United States. So begins “The Book of Unknown Americans,” a heartbreaking and starkly realistic novel by Christina Henriquez, a pick-it-up and you’re-into-it-book that spins the story of the Riveras and another family, the Toros, who live in the same building. The Toros, from Panama, have two sons — Enrique, the golden boy, a soccer star and college student, and Mayor, his gentle, younger brother, a slight young man picked on by a neighborhood bully. When the bully threatens Maribel, Mayor stands up for her. So begins a bond that grows into a serious relationship. The teens find solace with each other, but are careful to keep the intensity of their feelings hidden from their parents, who have become friends. The Riveras are naturally protective of Maribel. While Arturo works endless hours at his job on a mushroom farm, Alma worries about the way boys and men ogle her daughter, especially the bully, Garrett Miller. While Maribel and Mayor eke out ways to spend time together, their families face job losses, frays over money and adjusting to a totally different culture. The Riveras and Toros have fled their countries for a better, more peaceful life, but instead are thrust into a violent scenario none of them could have foreseen. Short vignettes about other immigrants, minor players in the book, detail their troubled histories, and the reasons why they came to America. Well written and troubling, “The Unknown Americans” is literature at its best — fiction that makes us think about a current issue and walk a mile in the shoes of others, new, vulnerable inhabitants of our country. Reprinted with permission. Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2014.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: The Holidays ACROSS 1. It’s played with a ball 6. “What’s Up, ___?” starring Barbra Streisand 9. Hurry up! 13. D-Day beach 14. Greek R 15. Swap meet deal? 16. Thai restaurant chicken staple 17. Down Under runner 18. Make reference to 19. *Disgruntled TV elf 21. *It’s under the tree? 23. Pérignon’s honorific 24. Swarm 25. De Niro’s 1976 ride 28. *Kind of Holiday list 30. “__ ____, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night” 35. In bed 37. “Cinema Paradiso” roll 39. The relative magnitudes of two quantities 40. Intense anger 41. Material used by one of three little pigs 43. Hahn or von Bismark 44. Eyes or optics 46. Used in hunting 47. Series of reps, pl. 48. To make lame 50. “Moonlight Sonata,” e.g. 52. Bread type 53. Sleep in a convenient place 55. French lake 57. *Used during Hanukkah 61. *Season of four Sundays before Christmas 64. Legal excuse 65. Shoemaker’s tool 67. “The _____” by Dostoyevsky 69. Capital of Tunisia 70. Pied Piper follower 71. Mother-of-pearl 72. Strip of wood 73. Head ___ at a country club 74. *Color of most Christmas trees DOWN 1. Trigonometry abbr. 2. Nanjing nanny 3. London art museum 4. Swiss leafy green 5. Barn loft

6. Squirrel’s nest 7. Unit of electrical resistance 8. Two-door car 9. Bellicose deity, Greek 10. Goes with sound? 11. Yemeni port 12. Lively 15. Seismic shake 20. Middle Eastern V.I.P.’s 22. Hi-___ 24. Winter flask 25. *”A Christmas _____” 26. Manila hemp 27. Muslim woman of high rank 29. “___ _ good example” 31. Vientiane location 32. Weasel’s aquatic cousin 33. _____-gritty 34. *A traditional holiday main course

36. Sub station 38. *Kitschy prop in “A Christmas Story” 42. Expressing a desire 45. Madagascar lemurs 49. India’s smallest state 51. “______ Private Ryan” 54. Like a cheddar variety 56. An aromatic wood 57. Welcome ____, pl. 58. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year 59. Fashion house founder Ricci 60. One’s final notice 61. The lowest female voice 62. *Elf on the Shelf’s report 63. Ripped 66. “What is it good for? Absolutely nothin’!” 68. Face cards are counted as this in Blackjack

See answers on page 13

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 24, 2014

Movie

“The Imitation Game”

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13

he could to make her Ever have to prove you’re a human being part of the team. with CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Their personal relaPublic Turing Test to Tell Computers and tionship on screen Humans Apart)? That identity validation also is heartbreakcomes courtesy of Alan Turing, the man ing to watch. who created one of the earliest computaThe supporting tional machines. Turing also is the subject cast here also turns in of “The Imitation Game,” a fascinating stoexceptional work. Matry about counter-espionage during World thew Goode stands out as War II. Hugh Alexander, a member of the Enigma Benedict Cumberbatch is rock solid here team who butts heads with Turing. Charles as the eccentric mathematician who alienDance is rather droll as Commander Denates just about anyone he meets. Turing niston, who oversees the decryption team. joins a group that tries to break the Enigma Rory Kinnear also deserves mention as Decode used by Germany during World War tective Robert Nock, the man who delves II. To aid their efforts, the mathematician deeply into Turing’s personal life. designed and built Christopher, a computer Ethics and morality also come into play that sifts through millions of combinations during “The Imitation Game.” Once Turand settings. ing and his team crack the code, the Allies Based on “Alan Turing: The Enigma” by decide how to best use this information. Andrew Hodges, “The Imitation Game” is Many people, including the mathematician an engaging and very human tale. Benehimself, are forced to make life-and-death dict Cumberbatch turns the Best Actor Oschoices for other people. car category into a real horserace with his In an awards field populated with “The work in this film. As shown on screen, the Theory of Everything” and “Boyhood,” mathematician knows he is brilliant and he Benedict Cumberbatch and “The Imitation expects everyone else to know it too. Game” are a force to be reckoned with. It’s In flashbacks, director Morten Tyldum a solid piece with great actors, clever diadelves into Turing’s early personal life at an logue, and a bit of wartime history that reEnglish boarding school. Though he made mained classified for decades. life choices that are accepted today, Eng“The Imitation Game,” rated PG-13 for land had exceptionally harsh laws prohibitsome sexual references, mature thematic ing relationships between men in Turing’s material, and historical smoking, opens on time. The brilliant mathematician faced Christmas Day in St. Louis. “The Imitation Game” photos courtesy of Black Bear Pictures criticism for both his mind and orientation Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve during his brief life. Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and “The Imitation Game” is not necessarily a starring vehicle for the talented Cumtelevision sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far berbatch, though. Keira Knightley’s performance as codebreaker Joan Clarke is from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours one of her best. Turing recognized Clarke’s brilliant mind and did everything watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

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Sports Great Christmas giftfree MMA tickets and free Sozo products The Fight Hard MMA group will return to action this Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Family Arena in St. Charles. As always the organization will be offering thousands of free tickets to fans through several area marketing and retail partners as well its Facebook page. Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. with the first fight of the evening starting at 7 p.m. For more information about the event visit www.FamilyArena.com or www.FightHardMMA.com Visit the Sozo booth for complimentary products of the Most Healthiest drinks at www.SozoSTL.com Enter to win a free motorcycle!!! * Perfect gift-at the right price Rams give early Christmas present to Giants The St. Louis team played the New York Giants for their final home game of the 2014 campaign and was out-played falling to a 37-27 defeat. Even thought the Giants had several more penalties, they overcame that by possessing the ball near 10 minutes more. A few hightlights: • Quarterback Shaun Hill completed 24-of32 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns for a 110.2 passer rating. As a comparison, the opposing QB Eli Manning threw 25 times for 391yards. • Runningback Tre Mason rushed 13 times for 76 yards and scored his fifth touchdown on a 10yard run. • Tight end Lance Kendricks also scored his fifth touchdown receiving a pass from Hill for 23-yards. • Wide receiver Chris Givens caught the other touchdown pass from Hill for 47-yards. • Wide receiver Kenny Britt hauled in a season-high nine passes for 103 yards. He had not accomplished that feat for over three years. • Kicker Greg Zuerlein converted field goals of 51 and 20 yards. • Punter Johnny Hekker punted four times for

202 yards and placed three inside the 20-yard line. He had registered a new season-high (29) in punts placed inside the 20-yard line and was tied for the league lead in the category Next home game: • Exhibition game in August—maybe… * Not an impressive end of the home season It’s winter-think Rascal baseball The River City Rascals play baseball at TR Hughes in O’Fallon starting in May. They are proud to announce that fan-favorite Eric Williams has signed as the team’s hitting coach this upcoming season. He did not have impressive numbers at the plate as a player last year, but is a great communicator. In 2014 he had a .224 batting average with 26 runs batted in and a team high 90 walks. Williams knows how to work the plate as a player and now, as a coach, he will have to teach the same skill that made him succeed. * Welcome Coach Lindenwood coach drafted by Major League Lacrosse Lindenwood men’s lacrosse graduate assistant coach Sean Meagher was selected in the Major League Lacrosse supplemental draft this week. He was the 41st overall pick and went to the Charlotte Hounds. Meagher was in his first season as a graduate assistant coach for the Lindenwood program. He graduated from Robert Morris University in 2014. During the 2013 season, Meagher helped lead the team to the NEC Championship as its starting long stick midfielder. The following year, Meagher finished his senior year leading NCAA Division I lacrosse in caused turnovers as well as setting the Robert Morris career and single-season record. * Thanks to Lindenwood’s Tyler Scheller-Sports Information Graduate Assistant 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 24, 2014

Recipes:

Create a Cookie Tradition By Rebecca Brockmann | O’Fallon

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. Family comes together and gets to celebrate a joyous time together. One holiday pastime shared by many is baking cookies! Cookie baking is something that can be done by one or many, but of course it is more fun to cook together. Why don’t you start a new famly tradion of baking cookies as a family? Everyone can get in on the fun and make something delicious!

I have included a couple recipes that I really enjoy. Try a simple recipe of Christmas Wreath Cookies, one of my all time favorites. These always gets devoured first in my home. Then try Macaroon Kisses. I made this recipe for the first time this year, and let me tell you, they were quite tasty. This holiday season get toghter and start baking with some new family tradions!

Christmas Wreath Cookies Servings: 24 cookies

Macaroon Kisses Servings: 48 cookies

Photos by Rebecca Brockmann

Ingredients: 1 stick butter 40 marshmallows (large) 4 1/2 cup cornflakes 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp. green food coloring red hot (optional) Directions: Melt Butter and marshmallows in microwave. (make sure the marshmallows don’t over flow out of the bowl) Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter, softened 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg yolk 2 tsp. almond extract 2 tsp. orange juice 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 5 cups flaked coconut, divided 48 milk chocolate kisses

flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add into butter mixture. Stir in 3 cups of the coconut. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm enough to handle. In the meantime, remove the wrappers from the chocolates.

Directions: Beat butter, cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed in large bowl until well blended. Add egg yolk, almond extract and orange juice; beat well. In a separate bowl, stir together

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie once out of the oven. Cool 1 minute and carefully remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once melted. Add the vanilla and food coloring. Mix together. Once everything is mixed, add the cornflakes and carefully stir till coated. Drop about a spoonful of mixture onto wax paper to set. If choosing to add red hots, put 1-3 in the center of the cookie before they dry so that they stick.

Heat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll them in the remaining 2 cups of the coconut. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

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What’s Happening

December 24, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events Dec. 24: Christmas Eve candlelight service Service begins at 7 p.m. at Bethany-Peace United Church of Christ located at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis. For more information call 314-741-9062. Dec. 24: Karaoke Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, will host karaoke from 8 – 12 p.m. Please join us; all profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party We will have a live band and prizes at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Please join us; all profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314831-6121. Jan. 2: Bid Whist Card Club “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan. 5: Chair Exercises “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m.

Jan. 6, 2015: Pickleball Pickleball, a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels, will be held on Tuesdays and Thrusdays at the JJE Center Gymnasium in Florissant beginning Jan. 6, 2015 from 9 – 11 a.m. for adults 18 and older. The price for residents is $2 and for nonresidents $3. All equipment will be provided. A free clinic will be held on Jan. 6 by Kathy Westerbeck, St. Louis Pickleball Ambassador. Jan. 8: Free lecture American Association of University Women (AAUW) BallwinChesterfield presents “Boost Your Brain Power” by speaker Diane Ray, Vice President of St. Luke’s Hospital at Trinity Lutheran Church at 14088 Clayton Road (at Clayton & 141) in Chesterfield. Coffee and socializing begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by a business meeting, 9:30 a.m. and then the program from 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. Jan. 9: Holiday Weight Loss “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan. 12: Activities for Healthy Living “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m.

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Jan. 13: Free lecture The American Association of University Women, together with the Tuesday Women’s Association of the Ethical Society, will host a free lecture “The End of the Ottoman Empire, Creation of the Modern Middle East” by Dr. Tahmineh Entessar, at 10:45 a.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, located at 9001 Clayton Rd. Jan. 16: Heart Healthy Cooking “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan. 23: Healthy Substitutions for Cooking and Baking “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan. 26: Exercise at Any Age “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Jan. 30: Medication Safety, Storage and Management “Healthy Living for Seniors” series offered by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the St. Louis County Library at the Florissant Valley Branch from 10 - 11a.m. Feb. 3 and 10: Introduction to Square Dancing Free introduction to Modern Western Square Dancing for couples and singles of all ages begins Feb 3 and 10, 2015, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Rd., southeast corner of Clayton Rd and Hwy 141. Following the free introduction, the program continues on Tuesdays for $5 per person. Children ages 8-18 are free with paying adult. No

experience necessary. Wear casual clothes. Good fellowship and great fun. Contact Jack and Mary Ann Marincel at 314-894-2567, momarincel@gmail.com or visit www. westcountyspinners.com. Recurring Events Mondays: Karaoke at DeLeo’s Cafe & Deli 2782 North Hwy 67, Florissant, 8 10:30pm, 314.839.3880. 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, 800 Chambers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316. 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 Lisa Erlinger at 314.653.5331. 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. Every Friday: The Bridge at Florissant Hot Diggity Dog Build your own hot dog. 11:30am, The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. in Florissant. To RSVP, call 314.831.0988. Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400 Every Sunday beginning Sept. 28: Meat Shoots Noon until Dusk. Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316 Every Sundays: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine #1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 24, 2014 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 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. 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. Every Monday, Health Tips With Mary Swip 11am,. The Bridge at Florissant, 1101 Garden Plaza Drive in Florissant. Sales Director Mary Swip will have a guest speaker come talk about health and wellness tips All Bridge events are free, but require reservations. Please RSVP by calling 314.831.0988. Now: 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-theart 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. 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 121124, 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, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873. Third Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association At Lutheran Senior Services at Hidden Lake, 10 – 11am, 11728 Hidden Lake Dr., St. Louis, 314.292.7504 Diabetes Basics: 314.344.7024 for info 314.344.7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery: Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www.crisisnurserykids.org Nutrition Education: SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157 Group at Christian Hospital To register call 314.747.9355 Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401, 6:30 – 8pm, 314.839.3171, free and open to the public. Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road. Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171. Center for Senior Renewal: Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123. Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults,

314.953.8100. Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 SSM DePaul Healthy Happenings

What’s Happening

Speaker’s Bureau: SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159

Wednesdays: TOPS #361 Florissant Meetings 10 –11am, Bethel United Church of Christ, 14700 New Halls Ferry Rd., 314.831.5808. Group support to lose weight. Everyone welcome.

Diabetes Self-Management Training: Call 314.344.7220

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center: Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177 SSM St. Joseph Hospital Healthy Happenings

Helpline

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

Ongoing Support Groups

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.

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

9am, 314.355.1516, 800.272.3900

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

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

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.

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, SUDOKU answers from page 8

CROSSWORD answers from page 8

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

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Focuses on all things health related (Fitness, Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, Hospitals, Nutrition and more) Here’s to your health! 2014: 12/31

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ATTORNEY

help wanted

NOVENA

SERVICES

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

PET CEMETERY

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

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Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods. Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique group of readers, because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers. Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

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Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

Fair Women’s By Shelly A.

U FAB

July 11, 2007

toes: floodwa ter and perman If you believe mosquitoes. ent water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosqui their eggs on damp soil where toes lay sure, please on your property, but will occur are not call the Departm flooding or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspecti other small on and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomm fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. end a - National St. Charles County resident Friendship stages, broods can upload s have the of mosquitoes greatest prevention method Day is Aufingertips. a two-mintoes are mainly Proper maintens right at their gust 5 and - propert of the ance ute video pest y is the first variety, and the first to of the in light of emerge in the are step toward describ ing mosquito spring months prevention. All trash Many of these a recent and refuse that . mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to propert friend lights ten miles or more drained y should be adequately i n d i c ate s up their life graded and , a blood meal to prevent women any pools or to lay .....................3 water that may to www.ra puddles of r story............. eggs. last place high Cove County mosqui ten days or longer. diance ribtheir eggs directly ....................6 to v a l u e control officer ider.... McCauley lists on the water bons.com. Barry Shelly Schne several things 9 on , surface, their may do to homeowners cies in this Florissant ..........8 friendships, group do - their summekeep mosquitoes from test closes Old Olay is offering venture ruining theirTown r: breeding sites. not ..10,far11from a chance to Aug. treat themsel women Charles......... 31, ves with a trip to New Explore St. York City. in October. .................12 See MOSQUITO No Olay is hosting City . . . . ............ Town page 3 sary. For official purchase is neces........ a summer On the ......... called “Light . 414 contest www.ra contest rules, School . . Up Chamb .Gary . . . .Baute. Your visit dianceribbons. er. . . . . . ...... Life.” Women ts with ..... Religion 5 com.

‘Light Up Your invites Wom Life’ Contest en to Honor Friendships

in the larval

IN THIS ISS

a grand tic entry into al beauty basas well as automa g – a person prize drawin JCPenney. y of ket courtes emiants nine mini-s fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose e, fitness, breast surexercis mation on and plastic nence, and urinary inconti al improvement person and bra fitting gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, p made easy, hair, makeu

Movie Talk

Spor ..... ........ Cheese . . 16 7 . . . . ... ........ 6 ...... St. Peters........... Better You 9 ........ It’s About .. 17 ...... 10 2139 Bryan...................... Movie Review Valley Commer cial23Dr. • O’Fallon .22, , MO 63366 eds ...................... P: 636.379.1775

Classifi topics to ercial Dr. the spirit. Valley Comm sessions (threetime frame) 2139 Bryan Seminar MO 63366 during each O’Fallon, a.m., and 1:30 choose from 636-379-1632 s a.m., 10:40 9-1775 • FX: t begin at 9:30 P: 636-37 centurytel.ne 1:15 p.m. E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. page 17 Wonderland at Christmas in the lunTAINMENT Doors open Film Group’s See ENTER feature duringigh-energy Electra in Yari Carmen special and h A ea Chris Kattan lin. year will b cheon this Dan Cough by author page 3 presentation N’S FAIR See WOME

Movie . . . ........ ...... Sports . . . 12 ........ . . . . . . 14 Real Estate/A utomotive . . . . 15

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COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a

Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with

commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

plus online subscribers.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the’N fast-growing Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop Save. -

Vol 9 No 28

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months. Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs. While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es d isea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to ers escalatin animal owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

S LOU

Schneider

C o o li n g It

Shelly A. Schneid

FIT!FUN!

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on the 2007 at to questio , and more image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuSt. Fair Nov. 17, at Women’s ay, for Saturd . lous – set unity College Charles Comm in partnership the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show than 50 ing nine mini-s r, and more speake e ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and and s exhibit a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes . Mosquito Sea son By

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

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December 24, 2014 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

By Joe Morice Language Is Weird Have you ever wondered about trivial things like the difference between the words, “nerd” and “geek?” It seems trivial but Trivial Pursuit is a popular game enjoyed by millions. One must remember trivial things from bygone times. Some might say experts are “trivia nerds” or “trivia geeks.” The dictionary lists both. Geek is as follows: Etymology: probably from English dial. geek, fool, from Low German geck: Date: 1914 1: a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake. (A modern version might include rock stars.) 2: a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked. (Unemployable know-it-alls?) 3 : an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity (computer geek). Nerd is: Etymology: perhaps from nerd, a creature in the children’s books “If I Ran the Zoo” (1950) by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel): Date: 1951 : an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially : one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits (computer nerds). Both can be associated with expertise in a particu-

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lar field and both mention computer experts. For the real difference, I consulted my expert teenaged friend that hangs around his dad’s garage. He puffed on a Marlboro and leaned on his 180 mph economy car and said, “There ain’t much difference. A geek is a guy that gets real good at something and walks around like he’s somebody special and a nerd is the same thing but he dresses bad and gets beat up a lot.” He smiled a little, took another puff on his Marlboro and said, “There’s a funny part some of my dad’s friends are always saying. He says the cheerleaders in his high school and college sometimes dated the geeks or were seen with them but they ended up marrying nerds.” He smiled and added, “Nerds make all the money.” That covers it, me thinks. After I thanked him for his genius, he flicked his cigarette on the lawn and screeched away in a cloud of tire smoke. Speed freak or speed geek…or nerd…? Forget it. When I see the vans that careen around town with “Geek Squad” painted on the sides, I now assume they might be computer experts that didn’t marry well. Listening to people talk, sometimes you can tell their age level or perhaps their peer group by how many ‘awesome’s’ and ‘I’m like’s’ they can cram into a conversation. Such as, “She was awesome and I’m like speechless and then she said hi and I‘m like…” Before it’s over, I tend to lose track

of the subject. A minute of conversation without the “I’m likes” might last only five seconds, normally. If one drops in to a local “meat market” which is a slang term for “singles bar,” one can hear conversations full of “awesome’s” and “I’m like’s” among clusters of singles intent on impressing each other. Conventional conversationalists are usually seen sitting in a corner c o nt e mp l at i n g loneliness or perhaps, reading up on current slang terms at the risk of being thought of as intellectuals…or is it geeks? Words are actually a lot of fun or perhaps it’s the different ways people use them. On the other hand, sometimes they can be used in ways to make others appear dumb such as my father’s kindergarten teacher. He claimed she recited “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as such: “Mary had a diminutive tup, its pelage was niveous as snow, and everywhere that Mary peregrinated, the tup would irrefrangibly go.” Gee, a teacher geek from Mars. Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating big machines. He has no formal training as a writer, unless 60 years of writing about any and everything counts. The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.