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December 25, 2013

Firefighters’ Bike Donations

Recipes

Cocktails: Shaken, Not Stirred

Around Town

Support Dogs, Inc. Receives Grants

Hazelwood firefighters donate bikes to families of burn survival victims: President of the Burns Recovered Support Group Gary Hansen and his wife Linda pick up bikes for five of their adopted families. From left to right: Firefighter Mark Mason, Firefighter Bobby Griffin, Firefighter Joey Cohnen, Gary Hansen, Linda Hansen, Capt. Eric Kiehl, Firefighter Bob Glenn, and Firefighter Matt Makus.

Hazelwood Program Helps Needy Families During Holidays By Tim Davidson, communications manager for the City of Hazelwood Hazelwood firefighter/paramedics have found a productive way to spend their down time which helps local children in need. When they aren’t responding to Emergency 911 calls, they can be found at the fire station cleaning and repairing bikes for their annual Bike Donation Program for the holidays. According to Capt./EMT Eric Kiehl, a 31-year veteran of the Hazelwood Fire Department, “We’ve been fixing up and donating bikes to needy kids for about 27 years. One of our firefighters used to work at a bike shop and we got all the bike parts donated to us to do all the repairs. That lasted for about 10 years. Unfortunately, we lost this source for parts because the company stopped selling bicycles. Now, we have different organizations donating the funds we need to buy parts. And, if we run across bikes with bent frames, we salvage the parts and use them on another bike.” Many of these bicycles are given to local families facing hard times that need a bike for one or more of their children. One group the firefighters have worked with on a yearly basis is a women’s group from the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Howdershell Road. They’ve been adopting families through the Lutheran Family and Children’s Services for the past 10 years. This year they ad-

opted four families, consisting 19 individuals. A bicycle was on the wish list of three young children. Members of this women’s church group recently visted Fire Station #1 and picked up three bikes. Another non-profit organization that the Hazelwood firefighters/paramedics are partnering with this year is the Burns Recovered Support Group, which helps to provide basic needs for families with a burn survival victim. In 2013, they adopted 15 families and five of them requested bikes for their children. President of the Burns Recovered Support Group Gary Hansen and his wife Linda stopped by Hazelwood’s Fire Station #1 to pick up six donated bikes to help fulfill the wish lists for their adopted families. In addition to the bikes, each family receives a set of new towels, enough sheets and comforters for their beds, clothing, shoes, and non-perishable food items. They even help some families catch up on paying their utility bills. Hazelwood firefighter/paramedics fixed up a total of 47 bicycles to be donated this year. The Hazelwood Police Department gives them some of the bikes after they’ve been released by court order after not being claimed for a period of time. Residents also bring them bikes they’ve found abandoned or bikes they no longer need since their children have outgrown them.

The remaining bicycles that aren’t donated to local families are delivered to Father Bob at St. Augustine Catholic Church in downtown St. Louis for his annual holiday program. He serves approximately 3,000 to 5,000 people who are less fortunate. Throughout the year, they send him letters requesting help during the holiday season. He responds by giving them gift certificates that can be traded in for clothing, groceries and some toys, including the bikes donated by Hazelwood’s firefighter/paramedics.

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$67,992 Technology Grant

Over the Fence My Resolve Stands Mute

Saving Mr. Banks photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

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Around Town

December 25, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Vol. 92 No. 52

In This Issue... 2

Around Town Local news and events like Ryan & Ryan’s Father Son Twin Pianos

Business MERS Goodwill Ratings and more business news

School Chatting with Bill Gates and more school news

Learn & Play Sudoku and more

Movie Saving Mr. Banks is “a wonderful film with lots of heart, but there are plenty of dark moments,” wrties Steve Bryan

Sports Local sport authority Gary B fills you in on the weekend’s sporting events

Recipes Cocktails: Shaken, Not Stirred

What’s Happening the only events calendar you need to stay entertained all week long

Classifieds

Over the Fence Joe Morice is to Community News readers what Wilson was to Tim Taylor: enjoy a fresh perspective from our in-house blue-collar philosopher.

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How to Drive Safely in Snow and Ice From Car Craft CARSTAR 11537 St. Charles Rock Road Bridgeton, MO 63044 With snow and ice on there way here are some tips of how to drive safely and what to do if you get stuck. Driving safely on icy roads • Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. • Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. • Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists. • Keep your lights and windshield clean. • Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. • Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. • Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. • Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind. • Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads. If your rear wheels skid... • Take your foot off the accelerator. • Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right. • If your rear wheels start sliding the other

way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control. • If you have standard brakes, pump them gently. • If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse - this is normal. If your front wheels skid... • Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately. • As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently. If you get stuck... • Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. • Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. • Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out. • Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. • Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction. • Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first - it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2013

Around Town

Father/Son Twin Pianos

Overland Historical Society

Ryan & Ryan is a dynamic father-son duo from Tulsa, OK that blends classic and contemporary music into an enthralling concert experience, from Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel. Donald Ryan (Steinway Artist) and Barron Ryan will combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new schools in their Music by Mavericks program. As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Their experience in classical, jazz, ragtime, hip-hop, and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. Audiences everywhere have been thrilled by their renditions of selections from The Firm soundtrack as well as Rachmaninoff ’s Second Suite for Two Pianos. Their performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has always earned a standing ovation. The Florissant Fine Arts Council will host Jazz Hall Inductee piano icon Donald Ryan and his son Barron at 2pm, Sunday, January 12, at the Florissant Civic Center located at Parker Road and Waterford Drive as part of their Applause/

The Overland Historical Society will be meeting on January 6 from 6:30 - 9pm at the Frank Munsch Community Center, 9225 Lackland Rd. in Overland. Following the business meeting and installation of officers and board members, Mr. Robert Schultz from the Civil War Round Table of St. Louis will present “Political Cartoons of the American Civil War” and have copies of his books available for purchase. A membership form is available on the society’s website. Please bring canned foods or personal items to the meeting. Donations to local food banks are appreciated. If you have photos of Overland activities, artifacts, or memorable stories, please share them with OHS. For more information, visit www.overlandhistoricalsociety.com.

Applause Series which features professional national and international companies. Tickets are $28 for adults and $26 for seniors and students. Group rates are available also. Call the box office at 314.921.5678 for tickets and information or go online at www.florissantfinearts.com. The Florissant Fine Arts Council presents the Applause/Applause series with financial support from our members, the Regional Art Commission, Missouri Arts Council (a state agency) and the Arts and Education Council of greater St. Louis.

St. Louis Green 2013 Holiday Light Recycling Drive St. Louis Green, in partnership with Walmart, is once again working to collect unwanted holiday lights. With over 300 collection sites, the partnership hopes to continue building off of last year’s success. According to St. Louis Green founder, Craig Jung, “Our goal this year is 136,000 pounds of lights diverted from local landfills.” Once collected, the lights will be recycled and sent back to manufacturers to be used in new products. A portion of the drive proceeds will go to Operation Food Search, a St. Louis area food bank. The 2013 drive will be returning to Springfield, Columbia, Cape Girardeau, and the Metro East area of Illinois and this year expanding to Branson. The collection sites, including over 75 participating Walmart locations, can be found

City Of Florissant Awarded Park Improvement Grant Mayor Thomas P. Schneider is pleased to announce the City of Florissant has been awarded a Park Improvement Grant for the construction of a new restroom and storage facility at Bangert Park (located at 275 New Florissant Road). The grant is administered through the St. Louis County Municipal Parks Grant Commission, which was created in 2000 after voters approved a 1/10 cent sales tax to improve, restore, and expand local parks and recreation programs and facilities. The new restroom facility, which will be designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, will be located in the middle of the park. This will make it more accommodating for park visitors and picnic pavilion renters. The current restroom facility, which was originally constructed in the 1950’s and redesigned in 1996, is not only inconvenient but also inadequate for the current user demand. In addition to the construction of the new restroom, funds will be allocated to install concrete walkways connecting the new restroom to each of the pavilions and to the aquatic facility located at the front of the park. Three new curb cuts with A.D.A. compliant ramps will also be added to the parking lot, which will connect to the new walkway, the pavilions, and the aquatic facility. The amount that has been awarded to the City of Florissant for this project is $219,560.00.

at stlouisgreen.com. Lights can be dropped off at the Walmart locations through December 29, and all other locations through January 12. Last year, the drive received two statewide awards. The Missouri Recycling Association honored both St. Louis Green and Walmart with its Outstanding Collection Program award. In addition, the Missouri Waste Control Coalition gave the retailer and non-profit organization its Outstanding Achievement award for Environmental Stewardship.

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December 25, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Valley Of Flowers Queen Candidate Applications Available

Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge The new I-70 Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge across the Mississippi River will be open to traffic just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the City of St. Louis. The new I-70 bridge over the river is set to open to traffic on Sunday, February 9, 2014. The public is invited to an event to help both Illinois and Missouri celebrate the completion of the bridge on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Details of the event are still being working out, but include a period where the public will get an opportunity to walk on the new bridge and see it up close before it opens to traffic. Specific details will be announced when they are finalized. “This historic project will not only improve safety and reduce congestion but will create an entirely new corridor for economic development between two great states,” Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said. “I’m looking forward to opening this much-needed bridge, which has created thousands of jobs here in Illinois and addresses the demands of our growing economy.” “One-hundred and forty years after the Eads Bridge first linked Missouri and Illinois, the I-70 Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge is the latest span to bring commerce and travelers across

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Applications are now available for the 2014 Valley of Flowers Queen Candidates. All candidates must be 16 years of age by April 30, 2014, a junior in high school, and a resident of Florissant. Sponsors do not need to be a Florissant business. The number of candidates is limited to 25 and candidates will be selected in the order in which the completed application is received by the Valley of Flowers office. Rules and regulations for queen candidates are included with the application. Completed applications will be accepted December 1, 2013 to Feb. 14, 2014. The parade theme this year is Valley of Flowers Salutes St. Louis’ 250th Birthday. Judging will take place at the James J. Eagan Center on Sunday, April 6, 2014. A dinner to recognize the candidates, sponsors and families will follow. Candidates are judged on poise and personality. The winner will be announced after the Valley of Flowers Parade on Sunday, May 4, 2014. A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded the Queen upon completion of her reign along with many other gifts and prizes. Call the Valley of Flowers office 314.837.0033 for your application or email us at valley-of-flowers@sbcglobal.net and an application will be sent to you. Applications are also available online at www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com.

Florissant Resident Cards the Mississippi River at this nexus of our country,” Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon added. “This is a milestone for trade and transportation that will help this region continue to grow.” The $229.5 million Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge is one of 37 projects that make up the $700 million New Mississippi River Bridge project which moves I-70 off the Congressman William L. Clay Sr. Bridge/Poplar Street Bridge. Construction on the project started in February 2010. The project will help improve safety and reduce congestion on the Congressman Clay Sr. Bridge.

All resident cards expire December 31st, 2013. Residents may begin renewing cards for 2014 on December 1st, 2013. A current resident card is required for the following: Passes Individuals interested in purchasing a season pass (pool, fitness center, or ice rink) must provide proof of residency at the time of purchase. Passes are valid for one year from date of purchase. To Obtain or Renew a Florissant Resident Card Everyone in the household, including all children receiving a card, must be listed on the occupancy permit. Proof of residency includes unpaid utility bill, bank statement, paycheck stub, monthly business statement (i.e. cell phone bill) mailed to the house. Must have name and address dated within the last 30 days. 21 & older • Must present photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, etc.) • Must show proof of residency 4-20 • Must be accompanied by a resident parent/legal guardian (1820 may come without a parent if they can present a bill or bank statement at the address in their own name) For more information, please contact the James J. Eagan Center at 314.921.4466, the JFK Community Center at 314.921.4250 or visit us at www.florissantmo.com.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2013

Around Town

Support Dogs, Inc. Receives Grants

Huneke Inducted into Quincy University Hall of Fame

Support Dogs, Inc. recently received grants totally $68,512 that include: • Psychiatric service dogs program grants from Boeing ($15,000); Amvets Post 48 Ladies Auxiliary ($800); American Legion Auxiliary ($461); anonymous donors ($490), and; Eagle Bank & Trust ($366). • Service dogs program grant from Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis ($7,000); Boeing St. Louis - Employees Community Fund ($5,000); Scottrade ($5,000), and; Sunnen Foundation ($5,000). • Paws For Reading program grant from The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog ($7,545); Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation ($5,000); The Saigh Foundation, ($5,000); Vatterott Foundation ($2,000); St. Louis Cardinals’ Care ($1,000), and; Suburban Journals - Old News Boy Day ($500). • TOUCH program grant from Herman T. & Phenie R. Pott Foundation ($5,000) and Fischer, Bauer, & Knirps ($1,500). • General funding grant from Wells Fargo Foundation ($1,000); FHC Institutional Investments, ($500); Mary Noel George Charitable Fund ($250), and; McDowell Charitable Fund ($100). Support Dogs, Inc. is a national non-for-profit organization that offers dignity, hope and independence by providing highly skilled service dogs to individuals with disabilities and uniquely trained dogs to serve the community. Founded in 1983, the organization provides many services including an Assistance Dog program which matches people with various disabilities with a canine partner, a pet visitation therapy dog program called TOUCH (Therapy of Unique Canine Helpers), and a Paws For Reading program that places dogs in classrooms. Support Dogs is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For more information, call 314.997.2325 or visit the organization’s web site at www.supportdogs.org.

Community News’ Robert J. Huneke Jr. and teammates of the 1964 Quincy University’s men’s soccer team were recently inducted into the Quincy University Hall of Fame along with the 1967, 1971, 1973 and 1974 soccer teams. Huneke, a North St. Louis native and long-time publisher of the Community News, played Center Halfback in the squad’s inaugural season in which the Robert Huneke (right) and brother Jim Huneke (left) Photo by Jerry Murphy team went undefeated. The Quincy College like it was yesterday.” (now Quincy University) squad was formed in Huneke became the publisher of the Com1964 and featured many St. Louisans. Huneke’s munity News in 1991, taking over the business brother, Jim, was a member of the 1967 NAIA from his father. Established in 1921, the ComNational championship team. munity News is a family-owned business and “I am honored to be recognized as part of has been published weekly serving St. Louis, the school’s rich sports history,” said Huneke. St. Charles and Lincoln counties. Quincy Uni“I still have dreams about playing soccer and versity is a private liberal arts Catholic Univerremember my teammates and the 1964 season sity founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars.

Maryland Heights Candidate Filing for Election On Tuesday, April 8, residents will go to the polls to vote for mayor and one city council member in each of the city’s four wards. Candidates may file with the city clerk at the Maryland Heights Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road between now and January 21 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Monday through Friday). To be eligible to run, a candidate must be at

least 21 years old prior to taking office, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the city for the full year preceding the election and for city council candidates, a resident of the ward from which he or she is elected for at least six months prior to election. For more information, contact the city clerk’s office at 314.738.2211.

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December 25, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

STLCC Named Finalist for St. Louis Regional Chamber’s Arcus Award St. Louis Community College was recognized at the inaugural Arcus Awards on November 26 by the St. Louis Regional Chamber as one of the leaders propelling the St. Louis region forward. STLCC was selected by a panel of distinguished business scholars and business executives as one of 12 finalists for the Arcus Award for Achievement in Educational Attainment. The college was recognized for its exceptional commitment to championing a greater St. Louis region by providing leadership in the area of workforce education and skills development. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the St. Louis region’s premier providers of higher education and workforce training,” said Dennis Michaelis, Ph.D., STLCC interim chancellor. “Continuing a five-decade tradition, St. Louis Community College is committed to preparing all of St. Louis for the economic, social and cultural challenges ahead.” Two of STLCC’s hallmark initiatives that best exemplify its impact and commitment to the community are the State of St. Louis Workforce Report and the Center for Plant and Life Sciences. This year, STLCC presented the region with the fifth consecutive State of the St. Louis Workforce Report providing timely and critical workforce and economic intelligence to help the community and strategic partners respond to the most pressing talent development issues. In addition to helping hundreds of regional leaders better understand the regional workforce, since 2009, the research has guided

STLCC to: • Develop 13 new accelerated training programs through the expansion of entrepreneurial services. • Establish the WorkKeys® Solution Center • Secure nearly $7.7 million in U.S. Department of Labor grants to develop and deliver healthcare and manufacturing education/ training programs. • Launch “Career Coach,” a web-based tool that brings actionable workforce intelligence to the fingertips of college students and alumni. The STLCC Center for Plant and Life Sciences’ BioBench model helped rapidly create a skilled workforce to support the exploding bioscience startup ecosystem in the St. Louis region. An example of the successful pipeline that has been created is one of the Contract Research Organization-assisted companies that was able to achieve its target research goals, consequently receiving $7 million in funding. The company immediately hired the three interns from the center that were involved in the project, and have subsequently hired another two this fall. The Arcus Awards replace the chamber’s annual Top 50 Awards, which recognized the top businesses in the metropolitan area. STLCC is a two-time recipient of Top 50 Award. Bethesda Health Group earned the top prize during the award ceremony. Besides the Arcus Award for educational attainment, the chamber also presented Arcus Awards for achievement in bioscience, financial and information services, health and science services, multimodal logistics and advanced manufacturing, economic inclusion, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the chamber presented the Ameren Corporate Citizenship Award and the BMO Harris Bank St. Louis Spirit Award.

MERS Goodwill Earns Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator MERS Goodwill was recently awarded a four-star rating for fiscal responsibility from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The latest rating rewards a fourstar evaluation to the St. Louis-based non-profit agency for efficiently managing and growing its finances. Approximately 25 percent of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received four-star evaluations, the highest ranking designated by the firm, indicating that MERS Goodwill outperforms most other charities in America. Charity Navigator ratings are based on the financial information that a charity provides in its informational tax returns, or IRS Form 990. Financial performance categories that undergo careful scrutiny include program expenses, administrative expenses, fundraising expenses, fundraising efficiency, primary revenue growth, program expenses growth and working capital ratio. Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled Charity Navigator’s unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. In addition, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator findings influenced more than $10 billion in charitable gifts. MERS Goodwill’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

City Council Approves 2014 Budget The Maryland Heights City Council unanimously approved a budget for the 2014 fiscal year at its December 5 meeting. Expenditures for all funds are projected to be $42,461,932, a decrease of $320,000. Outlays for capital asset replacements and improvements will drop by about $565,000 next year, while personnel costs will rise by $265,000. The proposed budget maintains current service levels and includes a 2% across-the-board salary increase. Total employee compensation costs will rise by 1.4%. Total revenues are projected to be $39,754,620, an increase of 3.5% from 2013, due primarily to anticipated increases in gaming taxes, utility taxes, sales taxes and building permit fees. Intergovernmental revenues, such as one-time grants for specific infrastructure improvements, are expected to be about $1 million higher than in 2013. Capital improvement expenditures total nearly $9 million, including funds to begin a number of new projects such as the third phase of improvements to Adie Road, upgrades to Grissom Drive and removal of the Fee Fee Road bridge. The most significant capital project to begin construction in 2014 will be improvements to Progress Parkway. Design work on the new community center will continue through the end of 2014. The projected year-end balance for all funds is more than $46 million, of which more than $35 million will be in the Reserve Fund; $15 million is planned to be used to pay for the construction of the new community center in 2015. The proposed budget was released for public review in early November on the city’s website and at the Government Center, Maryland Heights Centre and the Thornhill and Bridgeton Trails branches of the St. Louis County Library.

New Director of Human Resources in Florissant Mayor Thomas P. Schneider has announced that Chris Roth, Director of Human Resources, has submitted her notice to retire effective, February 1, 2014. Chris has served the City for the past thirty-two years progressing from clerk typist in the Personnel and Purchasing Department to director of human resources. Chris indicated her desire to retire earlier this year and the search began for a qualified replacement. Mayor Schneider is pleased to announce that Sonya Brooks-White has been selected as the City of Florissant’s new director of human resources. Sonya has over nineteen years of Human Resource experience in both the public sector and with municipal government, serving as Human Resources manager/deputy city clerk for the City of Ferguson. The mayor would like to thank Chris for her dedication to his staff and the employees of the City of Florissant. Chris will be missed; however, at the same time, we wish her the very best as she takes time to “smell the roses.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2013

430 Kids Attended 25th Anniversary of Project Lift-Off Holiday Party

Pictured is Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, DARE Officer Lessie Summers and some of the kids that were at the 25th Annual Project Lift-Off Event

The 25th Annual Project Lift-Off Holiday Party was held on Saturday, December 7 at the James J. Eagan Center which was started by Mayor 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 D.A.R.E. At the event was a large crowd of over 430 5th8th graders as they participated in many activities that were available to them to do. There were plenty of fun activities going like ice skating,

swimming and games. There was a DJ on hand that rocked the crowd while the kids enjoyed pizza and soda. The Mayor would also like to thank Todd Schmidt the Director of Parks and his staff for all of their hard work in making the 25th Annual Project Lift-Off another success. The Mayor would also like to thank Police Chief Tim Lowery for his support of the DARE program and DARE Officer Lessie Summers for another great year of teaching DARE in the classrooms.

Students Web Chat with Microsoft Founder Bill Gates Fifth-grade students in the Hazelwood School District’s (HSD) gifted education program, GALACTIC, participated in a live web chat with Microsoft founder Bill Gates on December 9 at 2:30pm. The GALACTIC program serves students from first through fifth grades. HSD gifted students had the opportunity to ask one question of Gates. The web chat was part of the “Hour of Code”

event about computer science and also features seven other schools from across the nation as part of Computer Science Education Week. Other technology leaders taking part in the nationwide web chat includes Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, and Susan Wojcicki, employee No. 16 at Google, who was also recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the 20 most powerful women in the world.

School

Faculty Member Elected MAAE President Elida Kraja, assistant professor and accounting program coordinator at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, recently was elected president of Missouri Association of Accounting Educators. Kraja served as vice president and program chair prior to the appointment. Math, logic and numbers always have intrigued Kraja, so accounting seemed to be the logical career field. Kraja started working for the college in 2002 as an adjunct accounting instructor at the Forest Park campus. In August 2008, she became a full-time faculty member at Florissant Valley. A former Fulbright Scholar, Kraja worked in the public sector since 1999 and still has her own accounting business. She formerly worked for Ernst & Young as an auditor. Prior to that, she taught accounting for two years at the University of Illinois, and 10 years at the University of Tirana, Albania. Kraja has a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s in accounting from the University of Tirana. She also has a master’s in accounting and taxation from the University of Illinois, and an executive management certificate from the University of Illinois. Kraja is a member of the American Accounting Association, Missouri Society of CPAs and Teachers of Accounting at Two Year Colleges.

30,000 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 a record of 30,397 canned and other non-perishable food items. The amount of food collected during the 2013 holiday food drive exceeded last year’s total of 28,664. Ritenour Middle School led the district by donating more than 10,000 items. Almost all other Ritenour schools exceeded last year’s totals, too.

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Students at Buder Elementary will be the first to integrate science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) thanks to Buder’s art teacher, Michael Dragoni. Dragoni earned a $67,992.50 Innovative Technology Education Grant that will be used to purchase iPads, Macbooks, a LEGO robotics program, Story Starters programs and other instructional materials. The new program begins next semester for all grade levels.

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SUDOKU:

December 25, 2013 • 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

American Red Cross Offers Winter Storm Safety Tips As the first dose of winter weather falls in St. Louis and the surrounding areas in Missouri and Illinois, the American Red Cross Greater St. Louis Region wants to remind the community how to stay safe. Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts People should know the difference between a winter storm watch and a warning. A watch is issued when winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. During a warning, severe weather conditions have already begun or will begin within 24 hours and people should take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to weather reports for the latest predictions and occurrences. Before and During the Storm The Red Cross recommends having the following items on hand in a convenient spot: At least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food; A flashlight, battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries; A well-stocked first aid kit; A 7-day supply of medications and medical items; and supplies for babies and pets. Also, prepare your home and animals: Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out. Bring pets inside. Move other animals and livestock to sheltered areas. Other tips to keep in mind: Stay inside. If people must go out, wear warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in layers. • Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, allow plenty of time to get to your destination and keep emergency supplies in the vehicle. • Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Have an emergency kit in your car, including a blanket, food, water, winter coat and accessories, flashlight, first aid kit and vehicle powered phone charger. • Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold. Locally, people can call 211 to get locations. • Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing. • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoalburning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Additional Outdoor Safety Information Before you take on any strenuous work in cold temperatures— such as shoveling snow—consider your physical condition, the weather and the nature of the task. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated while working, and avoid overexertion. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Also seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of frostbite: these include numbness; flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration; and waxy-feeling skin. Check in on your neighbors – especially those requiring special assistance and those living alone. To learn more about the Red Cross and how you can help, contact your local Red Cross by calling 800.RED.CROSS (733.2767) or visit redcross.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2013

Movie

“Saving Mr. Banks”

Unless something changes drasHanks turns in a wonderful pertically over the next few weeks, formance as Walter Elias Disney, Emma Thompson has a virtual the man who made his fortune lock on the Best Actress Oscar from a mouse. Hanks brings pasfor her performance in Saving sion and honesty to the character, Mr. Banks. Thompson leads a talshowing how he simply wants to ented cast in telling the behindhonor a long-standing promise to the-scenes story of how a beloved his daughters. children’s book became a classic B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzfilm. man come dangerously close to Thompson plays Pamela “P.L.” stealing the movie, however, as Travers, the very proper writer of Robert and Richard Sherman, the Mary Poppins series of chiltwo talented composers dren’s books. After years of denyresponsible for the meming Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) the orable songs in Mary rights to her beloved characters, Poppins. The Sherman financial problems force Travers brothers have the unenvito fly to the United States to talk able task of spending long turkey with Walt. But this is not days in the studio hamSaving Mr. Banks photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures mering out script and going to be an easy negotiation, not by a long shot. song details with P.L. Travers. Under the direction of John Lee Hancock, Saving Contrary to what the trailers show, Saving Mr. Banks is a wonderful film with lots of heart, but Mr. Banks is not all sweetness and light. The there are plenty of dark moments, though. Through flashbacks of a very young Pamela and her a series of flashbacks featuring Colin Farrell as the father are deadly serious, offering insight author’s father, auinto why Travers decided to diences learn more write her books in the first A wonderful film with lots about the late Pameplace. of heart, but there are la Travers and what Kudos to John Lee HanMary Poppins really cock, Emma Thompson, plenty of dark moments. meant to her. and Tom Hanks for taking By all accounts— an almost forgotten chapincluding tape recordings of her sessions at Dis- ter in movie history and turning it into a ney Studios—Pamela Travers hated animation and wonderful cinematic Christmas present. despised what Disney planned to do to her books. Saving Mr. Banks is one of those movies Emma Thompson captures the essence and irony of that must not be missed. Travers beautifully in this movie. She’s crusty and Saving Mr. Banks, rated PG-13 for thecranky, but there’s a method to her madness and good reasons why she doesn’t want to cheapen her books with animated penguins. Though overshadowed by the fantastic Thompson, Tom

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By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13

matic elements including some unsettling images, currently is playing in theaters. 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.

Saving Mr. Banks photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

December 25, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Gary Baute Christmas Present Early for Rams Fans The St. Louis football Rams played their final home game last Sunday winning 23-13 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This was the second win in a row at home finishing the 2013 season with five victories out of eight games. Head Coach Jeff Fisher was elated. “The guys were very excited to get back into the building again for two weeks in a row. It was important to them to have a winning record here at home, which is a tremendous feat considering the circumstances and the start.” The Rams defensive end Robert Quinn set a record as he broke the single season ‘sack’ mark of 17 set by Kevin Carter. “Definitely a great honor. I’ve been blessed all year, nice way to end the game,” he commented. After interviews, teammates Chris Long and Randy Martin’s favorite player William Hayes, carried Quinn off the field as fans yelped MVP, a potential Defensive Player of the Year! The last game of the season is this coming Sunday in Seattle against the first place Seahawks. * Great home field ending

Fun in the Press Box Lynda Gates will not have her name in the sports section of newspapers but she makes sure all the writers have all the tools they need to get their job done. With her are Mike Huss of STL Sports, Sterling Levy and yours truly (pictured right). Picture taken by one of the St. Louis City’s finest! * Thanks for all you do Hockey Chill Drop Tough Game The St. Charles team had a defensive struggle with the Quad City Mallards last Sunday at the Family Arena with a 3-1 loss. The lone goal for the home team was the first of the year netted by forward Nicklas Lindberg. Along with one goal, Lindberg has eight assists playing in his 10th game. The Chill (7-16-4) will play this Friday on their home ice against the Allen Americans. Go to www.StCharlesChill.com for all the details. * Ouch

Rams Promote Within The Rams organization is printing new business cards as the season nears the end. Tiffany White (pictured right) will move from an assistant to Manager Media Relations. Several others have received a promotion to be named later. * Congrats

Mark Your Calendar for this Event After Christmas On Sunday December 29 your professional indoor soccer team Ambush will play at home against the Syracuse Silver Knights. The organization has set a mascot game at halftime of their game with Ambush’s own Bushwhacker, Fredbird from the St. Louis Cardinals, Rampage from the St. Louis Rams, Louie from the St. Louis Blues, Shiver from the St. Charles Chill, as well as mascots from local colleges and many more. Go to www.StLouisAmbush.com for all the details. * A very interesting evening 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. Currently he broadcasts a radio show on 590 ‘The Man’ and 1380 ‘The Woman.’

Wanna Brag?? Tell us about your team, sports event or sports news, and see it in print! E-mail us: editor@mycnews.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2013

Recipes:

Cocktails: Shaken, Not Stirred

New Year’s Eve parties call for festive drinks. This year, shake things up a bit. Trade in the punch bowl for a cocktail shaker and serve up some easy, fun and delicious egg-based cocktails for guests. But, if you’re asking if raw eggs are safe to use, the answer is “yes as long as you’re using pasteurized eggs.” Safest Choice Eggs are pasteurized in their shells using a warm water bath which eliminates the risk of salmonella. A red circle “P” stamped on the eggs lets you know they are safe.

Simple, sensational cocktails Eggnog is a must-have for the season, and most everyone agrees that homemade tastes best. So start with the basics to make a perfect Shaken Eggnog Cocktail. A whole egg, cream, brandy or bourbon, some simple syrup and you’re on your way to cocktail bliss. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and it’s time for a toast with this creamy, slightly spicy take on eggnog. As a nod to another seasonal favorite, the cranberry, a

Cranberry Fizz is just what the mixologist ordered. It’s an ethereal combination of orange liqueur, vodka and cranberry juice, accented with hints of lime and bitters. Add an egg white and give it a few shakes; the egg white provides a layer of foamy, frothy fizz. Egg whites have been used to give a “fizz” to cocktails since the late 1800s, so clink your glasses together to celebrate this tradition, which can be enjoyed once again, thanks to pasteurized eggs. For recipes and more, please visit www.safeeggs.com.

Cranberry Fizz

Shaken Eggnog Cocktail

Serves 2

Serves 2 Ingredients: 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons milk 1-1/2 ounces brandy, bourbon or dark rum 1-12 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar (see note) 1 Safest Choice Pasteurized Egg, slightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Ice Pumpkin pie spice Directions: Place cream, milk, brandy, simple syrup, egg, vanilla and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until well blended. Pour into 2 glasses rimmed with pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Dust with additional pumpkin pie spice.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur 1 1/2 ounces vodka 3/4 cup cranberry juice 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 Safest Choice Pasteurized Egg white, slightly beaten Dash citrus bitters Ice Directions: Place orange liqueur, vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, egg white, dash of bitters and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until ingredients are blended. Pour into 2 glasses rimmed with sugar, if desired. To add sugar rim to glasses, dip rim of glass into citrus juice (orange, lemon or lime) then into shallow layer of colored sugars. Allow to dry.

Note: Simple syrup can be purchased in beverage section of some supermarkets or specialty stores. To prepare at home, combine equal parts water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook until sugar dissolves; cool. Store in refrigerator. To add pumpkin pie spice rim to glasses, dip rim of glass into simple syrup or agave, then into shallow layer of pumpkin pie spice. Allow to dry.

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From Our Family to Yours

Special Holiday Savings are Our Gift to You

at any of our 12 St. Louis and St. Charles County communities.

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e. . Your Hom Our House SM

Savings offer valid on purchase agreements for to-be-built homes written and accepted from 12/1/2013 to 12/31/2013 and varies by community. Please see Community Sales Manager for details.

What’s Happening

December 25, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Events December 27 and January 3: Pretty N Posh Winter Break Fun (Parent’s Day Out) 10am – 2pm, 696 St. Ferdinand St., Florissant. Cost: $25/girl includes pizza and juice lunch, educational workshop, fingernail and makeup application. 314.921.7674 December 31: New Years Eve fireworks and carriage rides at Westport Plaza. Free. 111 Westport Plaza, St. Louis; in front of St. Louis Bread Co., 314.317.6403 January 3: Harlem Globetrotters play one game at Scottrade Center 7pm. harlemglobetrotters.com/ Coming soon: 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. Recurring Events Mondays: Karaoke at DeLeo’s Cafe & Deli 2782 North Hwy 67, Florissant, 8 10:30pm, 314.839.3880. Mondays: Free Line Dancing 6:30pm, beginners welcome, RSVP 314.838.3877, St. Catherine Retirement Community, 3350 St. Catherine St. Mondays and Wednesdays: Seniors: Exercise with Melanie FREE. Classes are led by a licensed Physical Therapist. 1 pm. 3350 St. Catherine St. (near the Eagan Center) RSVP 314.838.3877

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 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. Last Saturdays: Writers Workshop: 10am - 1:30pm, Baden Liberary, 8448 Church Rd., 314.388.2400 Fridays: Tai Chi for seniors free classes No class November 29. RSVP by calling 314.838.3877 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 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.

Business Spotlight A place to find out a little more about your local businesses!

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.

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Third Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association At Lutheran Senior Services at Hidden Lake, 10 – 11am, 11728 Hidden Lake Dr., St. Louis, 314.292.7504

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032

Diabetes Basics: 314.344.7024 for info 314.344.7220 to enroll.

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.

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

Center for Senior Renewal: Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123. Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

SSM DePaul Healthy Happenings

Diabetes Self-Management Training: Call 314.344.7220

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

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

Groups at Christian Hospital To register call 314.747.9355

SSM DePaul Wellness Center: Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177

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.

SSM St. Joseph Hospital Healthy Happenings 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 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. Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421. First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477. Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900 Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765 Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389 Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034 12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2013 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.

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.921.9920. 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., BarnesJewish St. Peters Hospital conference rm. Info. 314-575-3983. 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. 1st Thur.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer: A Support Group for Adults with Cancer Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp, 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.916.9920.

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.

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

The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members If you would like to become a member please call 636.916.9664.

3rd Tues.: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Grief & Loss Support Group— DePaul Hospital Share experiences of grief & loss w/those who share similar feelings. Led by trained coordinators & Pastor David Boyle. Bridgeton Trails Library, Rm 2. 314.344.7356. Nurses & company. Flu shots avail. for small cost. 115 Piper Hill Dr., St. Peters.

Gateway to Hope Program The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford 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 Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.

2nd Wed. 6–7:30 p.m. Talking Man to Man about Prostate Cancer Support group for men diagnosed w/prostate cancer at any stage. Barnes St. Peters. 636.916.9947.

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.921.9920. Weekly 6:30 p.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Mtg. 12 Step Program for Women sexually abused in childhood. At Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, University City. Lower Level. Call 314.993.5421. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month 12:30 p.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Mtg. 12 Step Program for Women who were sexually Abused in Childhood. Meeting held at the Samuel United Church of Christ, 320 N. Forsyth Blvd., Clayton. Meet in Lower Level. For more information, call 314.968.3477.

St. Joseph West hospital 4th Tuesday of each month 6:307:30 p.m.: Diabetes Support Group. Hear from experts to learn how to better manage diabetes & enjoy a healthier life. Join the group and discover how to increase circulation, relaxation, learn the myofascial effects such as increased mobility & tissue elasticity. Free. H.W. Koenig Medical Building at St. Joseph Hospital West. Register: Call 636.625.5447 Every Wednesday, 3-4:30 p.m.: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group. Join other survivors to discuss dealing emotionally w/treatments; managing anxiety, depression; sexuality; finding strength & hope; family and financial pressures; more. Free. At H.W. Koenig Medical Bldg, St. Joseph Hosp. West. Register: Call 636-639-8600 Every Monday, 7 - 8 p.m. Tobacco Free for Life Support Group. For those who want to quit smoking, & those who have successfully quit. Info about how to quit & find reassurance & support. Free. At St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd., 63376. Register: Call 636.947.5304 . Christian Hospital Community Programs 11133 Dunn Rd./I-270/Hwy. 367 interchange, St. Louis, MO 63136, 314-747-WELL. AARP Driver Safety Course AARP Driver Safety Program is the first & largest refresher course for drivers 50+. Four-hour class will help tune up your driving skills & avoid injury. Christian Hosp., Detrick bldg. Atrium B (I270/Hwy. 367 interchange). Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Information Meeting Help is here to live a drug-free life

What’s Happening

& cope with life’s challenges. Call 314.839.3171. Every Wed. 6:30–7:30 p.m. STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group Nationally recognized program provides education & support for those w/schizophrenia. Group facilitated by experienced STEPS nurse. Call 314.839.3171. Every Sun. 10 a.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 Meeting held on 11th floor conference Rm. at the Christian Hosp. Open meeting for alcoholics, drugs addicts & their family & friends. Mental Evaluations Psychiatric & chemical dependency evaluations are confidential & offered free by the Christian Hospital Cntr. for Mental Health. Christian Hosp. has a geriatric psychiatric unit dedicated to serving mental health needs of geriatric patients. Free Lung Function Screenings. Christian Hospital Breathing Cntr. offers free lung function screenings. At Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. Call 314.953.6040. Every Sunday 10 a.m. Alcoholics Anonymous 11133 Dunn Road at the I-270/ Hwy. 367 interchange. Group 109 meets in 11th floor conference room, Christian Hospital. Open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts, their family & friends. Every Tuesday, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Information Meeting Help is here to live a drug-free life & cope with life’s challenges. Call 314.839.3171.

is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314.839.3171. Christian Hospital Mental Health Evaluations Psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential and offered free by the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Christian Hospital has a geriatric psychiatric unit dedicated to serving the mental health needs of geriatric patients. Call 314.839.3171. Christian Hospital Breathing Center offers free lung function screenings. Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. Call 314.953.6040. Diabetes Basics Proper diabetes treatment and education can help you learn to live well with diabetes. Call 314.344.7024 for information or 314.344.7220 to enroll. Childbirth Classes SSM DePaul offers childbirth preparation and refresher, infant care, infant/child CPR and breast-feeding classes as well as monthly tours of the labor and delivery unit. For tours, call 314.344.6453; for classes, call 314. SSM.DOCS. Nutrition Education SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you. Call 314.344.6157 for information. Answers from page 8

Every Wed., 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group Nationally recognized program provides education & support for those with schizophrenia. Group

This Month’s Shelter: Stray Rescue of St. Louis 2320 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 • 314.771.6121 • StrayRescue.org www.StrayRescue.org www.hsmo.org If you’ve adopted a new family member that you saw in Community News, send us a picture of you and your new pal. Also include a brief story about your pet’s background and how they’re doing now. We’d love to share your happy story with other readers! Community News, 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 or editor@ mycnews.com.

The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Please do your part to control overpopulation and to limit the number of unwanted animals. SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 25, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice

My Resolve Stands Mute “Do you have a New Year’s resolution?” my nosy nemesis asked. I said, “I’m resolving not to mount a 50-caliber machine gun on my car roof.” Nosy looked baffled. She said, “You were going put a machine gun on your car?” “Of course not.” “Wah…huh?” she stammered. “You’re not making sense.” I said, “It’s a lot easier than resolving to lose weight or quit driving over the speed limit.” “You’re a cop-out!” she barked. “You don’t even have a machine gun, do you?” “That’s true, but in case I get one, I resolve to not

mount it on my car roof.” She made a growling noise that sounded like a rusty door hinge. As she threw up her hands and stomped away, I yelled, “You didn’t tell me what your resolution is!” Gee. What a grouch. An acquaintance sitting nearby asked, “How come you were mocking her? Don’t you like her?” “I can’t help myself. I call her my nemesis. Last time I saw her, she accused me of disliking women.” He backed up a bit and seemed suspicious. “Ummm…what’d you tell her?” “I told her she was wrong. I like whichever ones have a good sense of humor, a great figure and a lot of money. She got mad and called me a male chauvinist pig.” He looked relieved. “You’ll never get anywhere with women with answers like that.” “Do you mean women with a sense of humor or without?” “Never mind,” he said. “Do you actually have a New Year’s resolution?” “I resolved not to mount a 50-caliber machine gun on my car roof.” He rolled his eyes and stomped away. New Year’s resolutions are okay but not if you can’t keep them and worse if you tell somebody what they are. Then while you’re feeling like a failure, they’ll laugh at you and make it worse. My advice is, never tell anyone what your real New Year’s resolutions are. If you succeed, great. If you don’t, nobody will know. Many years ago, I resolved to quit smoking. It turned out to be a lot harder than

I thought. I assume smoking almost three packs a day had something to do with it. I didn’t tell anyone I quit until months later, but my wife and children noticed. Grouchy was an understatement. I had turned into an ogre. Food tasted much better after I quit smoking, and I ate like a starving pig. My next New Year’s resolution was to lose weight. I didn’t tell anyone about that one either. It was a good thing I didn’t. I came up with this idea after asking one of my daughters what she wanted for Christmas. She said, “A mansion with a big swimming pool.” With raised eyebrows, I asked, “You sure Santa has doll mansions instead of doll houses?” She said, “You don’t understand, I want a real mansion so we can live in it and I can swim in the big swimming pool.” “You’ve been talking to your mother, haven’t you?” She was actually being clever. She probably figured if she asked for something ridiculous, she would get the big doll house she wanted. It’s where I got the idea of telling people I resolved something ridiculous like a machine gun on the car roof. It was easier than dieting or driving the speed limit. One might have an extended Big Mac attack or get run over by a semi doing 80 in a 60. I hereby resolve that everyone shall have a Happy New Year, but don’t tell anybody. 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.

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