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2 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
Our Town Volume 09 | Number 05 MAY 2018
Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette. Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup. Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www.mycnews. com
N THIS SSUE
Around Town Society of St. Vincent de Paul announces new store in Creve Coeur and more.
Our Thoughts PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mathew DeKinder PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER Bob Huneke PRODUCTION Lisa Moran Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Charlotte Beard
Moore on Life author Cindy Moore endures a torturous massage while Avalanche points out the common occurrence of mountain detours.
Feature Happy campers City of Olivette offers a variety of summer camps to keep kids active and engaged while school is out By Charlotte Beard
Caring Partners Jim and Cathy Berges gift $400,000 to support Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s robotics program.
Lifestyle For advertising information, please contact us at:
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“Avengers: Infinity War” is the Marvel movie to end all Marvel movies in Entertainment. 2018 Hyundai Kona is a revolutionary entry into the CUV market in Automobile Alley. Refreshing recipes for a healthier spring in For the Love of Food.
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AroundTown
Setting the stage The St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company celebrates a long history of bringing diversity and accolades to the region’s performing arts scene
BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
www.travelsunrise.com 4 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
The largest, professional African-American theatre company in the nation and largest African-American performing arts organization in Missouri is coming upon the end of its 41st season the end of this month. The St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company will end this season with “Torn Asunder,” written by Nikkole Salter. This third production of the season has been running since April 13 and ends Sunday, April 29 on the campus of Washington University at the Edison Theatre. Producing Director, Ron Himes considers it to be the most impactful work he has produced to date. “It is a very well written play that deals with African-American history within American history. It has a very strong focus on family and it is an epic love story,” shares Himes. People who have attended any of the Black Rep’s productions have witnessed the diversity of the theatre company’s audiences. “The Black Rep undoubtedly has the most diverse audience of any of the performing arts in this region [regarding] ethnicity and
age,” shared Himes. Himes founded the production company in 1976 while he was majoring in Business Administration at Washington University. He desired to create an opportunity for AfricanAmerican students on campus. “The reason we continue [today] is for the same reason – to create opportunities for African Americans who have an interest or desire to study, train and develop in the theatre,” stated Himes. Himes, who did not study theatre or acting, had friends who were theatre majors. “I supported them and eventually gravitated towards the theatre myself.” In the beginning the theatre company was called the Phoenix Theatre Troup. “When we got ready to incorporate the group as a not-for-profit there was a group that already had the name ‘Phoenix’, so we couldn’t incorporate with that name. We switched the name then to the Black Repertory Company,” said Himes. In the early years, the theatre company began touring college campuses, community centers and various art and theatre festivals.
Himes stated, “In our first season we did two plays that were not by African-American writers and two that were African-American writers. It’s been a mix ever since. But our emphasis, our focus, our commitment is to produce work by African-American playwrights.” After the Black Rep began to draw huge crowds in 1980, they made their first home at the former Greeley Presbyterian Church on the corner of St. Louis Avenue and 23rd Street. The interior was renovated for theatre space. Following this move, the company began to hire locally and nationally for guest actors, directors, designers and choreographers. Himes shared that today the theatre company’s search for talent operates differently. “We hold general auditions. We have developed an intern program. We offer classes and workshops where we train young people. We use all those avenues to recruit. But generally, we cast all of our main stage shows now from a set of open auditions every year.” By 1986, the theatre company became the only African-American theatre in the Midwest to guarantee union wages to its actors and stage managers under a contract with the Actor’s Equity Association. In the early 1990’s The Black Rep relocated to St. Louis’ arts and cultural district to reside in the former First Congregation Church located at 3610 Grandel Square which was renamed the Grandel Square Theatre. Unfortunately, The Grand Center Organization sold the Grandel in 2013, which had also been the mainstage for the St. Louis Shakespeare for many years. Today the Black Rep is operated by nine board members in addition to Himes. Himes has worn the various hats of producer, director, and actor, and expresses that he does not prefer any of the roles over the other. Over the past years he has become accustomed to operating within each spectrum. He has produced and directed more than 100 plays at The Black Rep and had many starring roles in various productions. His favorite roles as an actor has been his portrayal of Herald Loomis in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and Troy Maxson in the Black Rep’s “Fences” which just ended in January. Both plays are by August Wilson. In 2003, Himes was appointed the first Henry E. Hampton, Jr. Artist-in-Residence at Washington University, a joint appointment of the Performing Arts and African American studies departments. He has received many honors and awards, but he stated that the most meaningful award for him was the one he received on the national level. In 2017, the former Soldan High School student was awarded The Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award at the National Black Theatre Festival. The award recognizes the great contributions made by producers to the American Theatre and the entertainment industry. Hamlin was the founder and artistic director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company as well as the founder and executive director of the National Black Theatre Festival. To purchase tickets for this season’s last production, “Torn Asunder,” visit www.theblackrep.org or call 314-534-3810. The Black Rep invites actors and actresses to visit the website to stay informed of auditions for the next season. Those who are interested will be required to make an appointment by calling 314-534-3810.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
AroundTown
The St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company, the largest, professional African-American theatre company in the nation and largest African-American performing arts organization in Missouri, is coming upon the end of its 41st season the end of this month.
MAY 2018 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown
Fit for free
Health and Wellness Series brings free fitness classes to Kiener Plaza Get fit for free this spring and summer in Kiener Plaza. The Health and Wellness Series presented by Centene Charitable Foundation returns for the third consecutive year, bringing weekly sunrise yoga and evening boot camp classes to the newly improved heart of downtown St. Louis. Through Oct. 16, Free Sunrise Yoga takes place at 7 a.m. every Tuesday in Kiener Plaza. Yoga Buzz instructors will lead
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a 45-minute rise and shine flow class to relaxing music. All experience levels are welcome. Those looking for a more intense workout experience can attend hour-long boot camp sessions led by Heath Norton, owner of Title Boxing Club in Rock Hill. The upbeat, sweat-inducing classes take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from May 2 through June 6 and from Sept. 5 through Oct. 10. Follow the Gateway Arch Park Foundation events on Facebook to learn about additional extra goodies – events throughout the season will include free refreshments, live music and other fun perks. Kiener Plaza was renovated as part of the $380-million CityArchRiver project. Improvements include more open space, as well as the addition of a large playground, splash pad, concert area and more than 100 new trees.
“Kiener Plaza provides an exciting setting for our health and wellness activities, and nearly 1,000 people attended last year’s series,” said Sarah Melinger, director of development at Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “We’re grateful to Centene for joining us as the presenting sponsor, and we’re excited to invite everyone to experience downtown’s dynamic energy and see how all the pieces of the CityArchRiver project have come together.” Both classes are open to the public; no RSVP required. For more information about Free Sunrise Yoga, visit archpark.org/yoga. If support including an assistant or sign language interpreter is needed during the yoga sessions, Yoga Buzz is happy to accommodate. Email events@yogabuzz.com with any accessibility requests a week before the event. For more information about boot camp, visit archpark.org/bootcamp.
Thrifty shopping Society of St. Vincent de Paul announces new store in Creve Coeur The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis announces a new Creve Coeur thrift store location, the ninth in its St. Louis area retail thrift store chain. The new St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store will be located at 11015 Olive Boulevard. Current plans are for a late-May opening after external and internal improvements are made. The official ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 12 at 9 a.m. A customer appreciation celebration will take place June 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and beverages will be served. “We feel this is a good opportunity to serve in an area where St. Vincent de Paul stores don’t already have a presence,” says John Foppe, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Archdiocesan Council. The new Creve Coeur St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store will offer employment opportunities with approximately five full-time and 20 part-time positions. The job openings are posted on the organization’s website, www.svdpstl.org. Volunteers will also play
a large role in supporting the work at the store those interested and can also learn more at www.svdpstl.org. Items sold at the store are both new items and gently used clothes, housewares and furniture. One of the thrift store’s signature products are its low-cost mattresses and mattress sets. New bed frames, sheets, comforters and pillows are also sold at the stores. Donations of clothing, home goods and furniture will be accepted at the store. A convenient drive-up drop-off area is located at the side of the building. Donations can also be placed in bins located throughout the St. Louis area. (www.svdpstlouis. org/locate-donation-bin) Arrangements for large donations to be picked up can be made by calling 314-881-6006. Proceeds from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store sales provide financial support to programs that help those in need throughout St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County and surrounding counties.
AroundTown
Hooking new fishermen
A lifelong passion for the outdoors and conservation might just begin with that first dip of a bobber. That’s one of the reasons the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help families and kids learn how to fish through its Discover Nature—Fishing (DNF) program, which began its 2018 season in April. One of the biggest obstacles to trying a new activity, however, is lack of knowledge. DNF aims to help families and youths overcome that obstacle by empowering them with all the knowledge they need. “If you’ve never fished a day in your life, Discover Nature— Fishing is the perfect starting point to learn, ask questions and practice,” said Anna Conrades, MDC angler education assistant with the DNF program. MDC is holding DNF classes this year at both Forest Park in St. Louis and the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. Instead of being a one-time, get in/get out experience, DNF consists of four progressive lessons that move newcomers through all the basics of the sport, and gives them the knowledge and confidence to go fishing on their own. The main focus of DNF is kids 7-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement and encourages parents, guardians and youths, 16 and over, to participate as well. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults new to fishing have the opportunity to learn the basics right alongside their children. However, Discover Nature—Fishing is not intended as an adultonly program. The classes are free and all fishing equipment is provided. Each class runs two hours. After a lesson is taught lake-side by trained Discover Nature—Fishing volunteers, participants then spend an hour or more fishing, putting into practice what they’ve learned. The four classes include: • Equipment, Casting, and Proper Fish Handling • How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook • Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle • Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations Each individual who completes all four classes in the same DNF season will receive a $25 gift card from Bass Pro Shops. Conrades said the most rewarding thing for DNF volunteers is seeing young anglers catch their very first fish. She hopes that excitement could plant a seed for greater things to come. “We see that anglers make great conservationists. Our goal with DNF is to spark an appreciation for nature, with children understanding the importance of conserving the resources around them,” said Conrades. To find out more about the program and links to register for DNF classes online, visit http://www.discoverfishingstl.com/.
DAVE AUSTIN
MDC’s Discover Nature— Fishing classes aim to hook new conservationists in the St. Louis area
MDC’s Discover Nature-Fishing program is now accepting enrollments for classes in both Forest Park in St. Louis and the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. The program is designed to introduce youths age 7-15, along with their families, to the sport of fishing through four progressive lessons that include hands-on fishing experience.
MAY 2018
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OurThoughts
Disco inferno The gift of gab
MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
M
other’s Day is coming and instead of getting mom coupons for an oil change how about ensuring that you’ll stay in the will instead of having all of your inheritance left to the cats. Think…extravagance. Get something for all those times she prevented you from skewering out an eyeball and wearing a pirate patch for the rest of your life by telling you to walk with the scissors’ pointy ends down. My kids got me a massage to show they care. I’d only had one before. I was timid when I entered a darkened room with mood music playing and immediately told to disrobe. “How about I just remove my shoes? Will that be enough?” “No, I’ll need more access to your body parts,” she said. “I’ll remove my jewelry, but the coat and sweats stay on.” I’m not comfortable being unclothed with an unfamiliar person touching my naked hide. I hadn’t been that exposed in front of a stranger since I shot out of the birth canal back in the day. But somehow I was finally persuaded to shimmy down to my bare essentials and take cover beneath the safety of a thin sheet. After tensing up to the masseuse’s touch, I finally relaxed and listened to the nature 8 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
music in the background and drifted off into the healing scent of lavender and mint and enjoyed my back rub. Next time, I’d be ready. Not so. The masseuse before was quiet and thorough, the next one was excessively chatty and annoying. “So how ya doing? My name’s Kimberleigh, spelled with an l-e-i-g-h not an l-y…giggle. Are you doing anything fun this weekend? Do you like clowns? I hate clowns, but I love shoes. Do you like shoes?” Without letting me answer, she attacked my back. “Now this is gonna hurt cause ya got some big ol’ knots in your scapulae muscle that needs loosening. You might feel a little pinch…” “AAArgh!” “That didn’t hurt did it?” I gasped to catch my breath, “Sweet mother, yes! It felt like you ripped my spatula muscle out by the tendons!” “Well, you are a very knotty girl. I’ll need to apply some pressure here near your lower back.” “Oooh…ow! Stop that tickles!” “Just let me know if you feel discomfort.” “DISCOMFORT! That’s way much lower than my lower back!” “Oh, you’re one of those shy ones I see. So, tell me what do you do in your spare
time?” “Well, I write a humor column.” “Oh really? Well then…make me laugh. Go on, tell me a joke. Say something funny!” “AAARGH!” “That wasn’t very funny. It sounded more like pain. Are you in pain?” “I’m pretty sure that was my kidney you just flattened.” “I think you’re awfully tense. You need to relax. Now, I’m going to push on this muscle and release some of that anxiety.” “ARRRRRGH! I think you just released a vertebra from my spine!” “Okay. I think my work is done here. Feel free to get dressed.” I wrapped the thin sheet around my throbbing body. Note to kids: next year I’m opting for the oil change. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.
DETOUR through the mountains
ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
“How’s the house?” my friend Dale asked. He was calling to find out how conditions were around my neighborhood after he drove through torrential rains just a few miles up the road. “Fine,” I replied, as while it had been raining for over 24 hours, the showers had never intensified near me. Dale had just learned that the highway was closed, which was news to me, and recalling the mudslide that visited our yard a couple years back, wanted to make sure we were alright. He had to be back in town by the afternoon to pick up his son from school, and needed to know if he had to take the long way home, a four hour drive from his workplace. Figuring the best way to find out was to ask the workers on scene, so I suited up in good riding gear, and took Staci’s dirt bike (the best way to negotiate debris-littered roads) down to the highway and rode through the rain to the roadblock a mile away. A personable deputy in a yellow raincoat greeted me on the highway and noted my unusual choice of transportation on a nasty, wet day. He indicated that the highway department was in the process of clearing the road, but the hillside above kept shed-
ding debris; it wasn’t known what time the road would be open. He suggested that my friend take the long way home if time was of the essence. Back home, I called Dale and let him know what I learned, and he said he’d wait for a little while longer before he had to make the decision to leave work early and drive for a few hours, or wait and hope the road was open to lessen his commute to less than one hour. I was reminded of the old saw about “What’s orange, gets nine miles to the gallon and sleeps six? A highway department SUV.” While that might be true in certain instances, the crew assigned to this stretch of highway earns their pay, every day, in any and all conditions. On this stretch of road, there are a baker’s dozen avalanche and mudflow chutes that regularly flow, and the resulting debris crosses the highway. These areas are constantly in flux, with the seasons only changing the makeup of the debris; snow and ice in the winter, with more mud and rocks in the summer. On this particular day, the debris was mostly rock (pictured above) with just enough wet mud to lubricate the mass, and enable gravity to do its work; namely, the ongoing, never-ending process of erosion, that will someday bring the highest peaks down to the level of the valley. It’s
AVALANCHE
OurThoughts
PHOTO BY AVALANCHE
a big job keeping this stretch of highway clear. One spring season, we were awakened sometime before 5 a.m. to the sound of trucks and equipment running. We discovered that the noise was actually from the highway department working frantically through the night to stabilize the riverbank next to the highway, which was quickly eroding due to spring runoff. Without their noisy, nocturnal hard work, the highway would have been swept away, and the valley would have been shut off for weeks until the road could have been rebuilt. Our pending complaints turned into effusive praise for the crew working through the darkness. On this day the road crew managed to remove the large pile of debris from the roadway, and got it open before evening. As for Dale, he opted to leave work early and take the long way home. Of course, the highway opened while he was about mid-way through his long detour. Such is life in the mountains.
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
MAY 2018
| OUR TOWN | 9
TED SUBMIT
City of Olivette offers a variety of summer camps to keep kids active and engaged while school is out BY CHARLOTTE BEARD We are quickly approaching the end of the school year for K-12 students and parents will be looking for ways to occupy their children this summer. While some families are fortunate to go on extended vacations that is not the case for many. And for families who may take a short amount of time for a family trip, there yet remains the need to alleviate boredom for that child after the return home. The city of Olivette has 16 different summer camps to keep the children of its residents and non-residents energized and stimulated this summer. Olivette has been hosting summer camps for approximately 20 years. The administrative funding for the camps is made possible by the city of Olivette through their budgeting process. Quentin Gittemeier, Recreation Coordinator for Camps, Special Events, Community Programming, shared that Olivette looks for a variety of offerings and budgets for the desired camps. The city has 13 primary staff for its camps. However, to aid in their efforts many of the camps are contracted with outside trained vendors, such as the Collegiate Football
10 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
S
PHOTO
Coaches Skill and the Lacrosse camps. Gittemeier shared that another source of help with the youth attending the camps is one of its own camp groups called LIT: Leaders In Training formerly called Counselors in Training. “Those are 14 – 15-year-olds; they run with the Recreation Leaders mostly at the Olivette Summer Adventure Camp. We changed [the name] because the leaders [are] more than camp counselors. They are role models for the community and they are interacting with community members’ kids every day,” Gittemeier said. “[The kids] start picking up their tendencies. We had one kid who was always wearing those little safari hats because his leader did. [The leaders] make attachments with everybody. They do more than just lead games and activities. They are in everyone’s lives. We thought that a new title would reflect that because they are leaders in their community; they don’t have to be from Olivette.” Non-residents who want to volunteer with Olivette can contact the administration by email: opr@olivettemo.com or call 314991-1249. Primarily the volunteers work with the Little Olives Camp and Summer Adventure Camp. The LIT campers have an opportunity to rotate the camps they assist providing them opportunity to work with various leaders. They learn about age appropriate activities, how to handle various situations, and get exposure to the practices for child development. Gittemeier, a non-resident of Olivette, has been working with the city for six years. He is very passionate about the summer enrichment that is provided to the youth especially with the Summer Adventure Camp. “They are interacting with people who [may not] be totally like them; we are totally diverse. That’s what’s great about this— everybody gets a chance to interact [with someone different]. We’re playing [games] with a purpose. With technology these days, we are learning how to introduce each other to [others]... we’re learning how to make friends. Yes, we’re being active and having fun at camp but there is so much more to it. We’re not just progressing as campers but as human beings, as well. So, that’s something that we’re really trying to take on this year— playing with a purpose,” he said. Diversity is also key to the camps’ success. “We’ve got differences and that’s totally okay. We’re going to get along in our little camp community because with eight weeks and 90 kids and 13 staff—you’ve got to get along. Olivette has a very special camp here with all the diversity, ages and interests this area has. It’s very exciting to be a part of it. So, I hope everyone who has enjoyed these camps enjoy that portion as well.” Camp scholarships are available for Olivette residents only. Registrations are still open to everyone with exception of a wait list for The Summer Adventure Camp, which hosts 90 participants. “We run a wait list for that one,” stated Gittemeier. “I can get about 20-deep on my wait list for that one. A lot of parents have missed weeks in the past, so [now] they get on [the list] real early. About two weeks after I [set up] that registration I was mostly full for my sessions because no one wants to miss out. That one doesn’t close.” The following are brief descriptions for each camp. Other details including requirements, dates, locations, costs and camp specific registration can be found online at: www.olivetteparksandrec.com/activity-guide.html
STEM CAMPS STEM + JEDI LEGO CAMP
Play-Well TEKnology Lego Engineering for ages 5-7
This is a full-day LEGO camp for hands-on STEM activity. Projects will include the building of cities, garbage trucks, sailboats, X-Wings, energy catapults, and defense turrets from a galaxy far away.
STEM CHALLENGE + JEDI CAMP Play-Well TEKnology Lego Engineering for ages 8-12
This is a full-day LEGO camp for hands-on STEM activity. Projects will include the building of forklifts, houseboats, a mini-golf course, X-Wings, pod racers, and AT-AT Walkers from a galaxy far away.
SECRET AGENT LAB Ages 5-12
Participants will explore spy tech equipment to start with the basics of decoding messages, checking metal detectors and experimenting with night vision. Also, they will take home lots of gadgets like spy glasses. In addition, children will explore hands-on forensics in crime scenes and the investigation of the science that spies use.
RED HOT ROBOTS Ages 5-12
Learn how robots are used and spend time experimenting with robots: sound sensing, line-tracking, etc. Discover circuitry and how robots use sensors to explore things around them. Build your own robot to take home.
ROCKETRY CAMP Ages 5-12
After learning the model rocket safety code, campers will build different rocket types and participate in launches.
EARTH, SPACE & BEYOND Ages 5-12
Children will discover how to send secret messages using special codes, explore their environment, and find out how science can helps protect earth. Also, they will learn how Newton’s laws are at work in their favorite sports and examine the mysteries of the solar system.
MAY 2018
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KIDS WHO K.A.R.E. CAMP
Sports Camps
Kindness. Action. Responsibility. Education. for ages 7-14
Through introductions to non-profit organizations and global causes, K.A.R.E. Camp facilitates discussion, field trips, hands-on service projects and unique volunteering opportunities to inspire children to be grateful, compassionate and kind.
LITTLE OLIVES
FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE Coed - Ages 5-10
• • • • •
Divisions divided by age 6 Games plus one playoff game NFL team-branded reversible jersey & NFL Flag football belts Team Max 10 players Each team receive two footballs
Full Day Pre-School Camp
Children are encouraged to explore, create, play, sing and read together in an active and supportive environment using fine and gross motor skills, and playbased learning. T-shirt, daily snack and all materials included. Campers must be potty-trained.
SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP Ages 5-13
This traditional Olivette summer camp features games, crafts, sports, field trips, and swimming. Camp shirts, daily snack, all craft materials, two swim days, field trip fees and transportation are included. Camp travels to field trip and swim locations via chartered school bus.
LIT: Leaders In Training Ages 14-19
Teen volunteers assist in a variety of camps. LITs attend a five-day training and commit to a minimum of two weeks of volunteering. Leadership, team building, communication, emergency preparedness, and teaching are some of the lifelong skills volunteers gain at camp.
FAMILY OVERNIGHT
One night “Camping Lite” for families who want to give the great outdoors a try. Dinner, family activities, a campire program and breakfast are provided. 12 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
FIRST KICKS Ages 5-12
Introduces children to the very basic skills of soccer in a fun, progressive & caring manner. Activities will include running, turning, stopping, jumping, kicking, throwing & catching. The aim is to help improve balance, agility, coordination, social skills & cognitive ability.
HALF DAY SOCCER CAMP Ages 5-12
Professionally trained and licensed coaches from the UK. Suitable for all skill levels; campers will be separated by age. Curriculum includes the BSC tenants of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship & Leadership.
COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL COACHES SKILLS CAMP Ages 6-14
Participants meet and train with local university coaches and players. Learn and/or improve your fundamentals: receiving, passing, running, defense, and kicking.
LEARN TO PLAY LACROSSE Ages 4-14
Learn lacrosse fundamentals from Missouri Rush coaches. Basic ball and stick handling skills will be introduced along with game rules. All equipment is included. All players take home an entry level stick and Missouri Rush practice jersey.
LACROSSE SKILLS CAMP Ages 9-14
Players will be grouped by skill level to hone ball handling skills, checking, dodging and strategies with Missouri Rush coaches. Emphasis will be on player development, team play and fun competitive drills. Each player takes home a Missouri Rush reversible jersey.
CaringPartners
Fun with robots
As six eastern Missouri Girl Scouts from the Jennings school district prepare to attend a global, invite-only robotics championship in Houston, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is pleased to recognize Jim and Cathy Berges for their generous donation of $400,000 which will support the expansion of the organization’s robotics program. The six girls call themselves the Royal Queens and they are one of only two teams attending from eastern Missouri – they are also the only Girl Scout team going to the robotics championship. In 2017, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri supported 55 FIRST robotic teams, more than any other youth-serving organization in the region. By 2020, the organization will double that number to 110, thanks to an investment made by the Berges. The council’s robotics program offers G.I.R.L.s (Go-getters, Innovators, Risktakers, Leaders) across eastern Missouri hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) engagement and interaction at a young age and inspires them to become leaders in these fields. Ninety-three percent of eastern Missouri Girl Scouts report increased interest in STEM after participating in a STEM program. Last year girls earned 16,141 STEM badges. “Having a STEM-educated workforce is key to attracting great industry to this region,” Jim and Cathy Berges said. “The technical fields tend to be dominated by males. While women represent 52-percent of college graduates, only 20-percent are in technical fields. Getting more women into technical fields is one way to close the gap. We are excited to expand STEMrelated opportunities for these girls.” The Berges family has been a strong proponent of Girl Scouting, donating more than a million dollars to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri as individuals and through the Berges Family Foundation. In 2014, the Berges Family Foundation
GSEM
Jim and Cathy Berges gift $400,000 to support Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s robotics program
Six eastern Missouri Girl Scouts from the Jennings school district prepare to attend a global, invite-only robotics championship in Houston. The six girls call themselves the Royal Queens and they are one of only two teams attending from eastern Missouri – they are also the only Girl Scout team going to the robotics championship.
The technical fields tend to be dominated by males. “While women represent 52-percent of college grad-
Eastern Missouri. “This gift will enable thousands of girls throughout our region to build their science and technology skills. At Girl Scouts, we encourage girls’ interest in STEMrelated fields and develop unique K-12 curriculum that inspires girls to embrace scientific discovery in their lives.” Girl Scouts Kamille Anderson, Vita Baker, Amber Smith, Ashlynn Smith, Jahnya Watkins and Zoi Fraction Williams are presenting their clean water initiative at the FIRST LEGO League Jr. World Festival Expo in Houston. The Girl Scouts, who are in kindergarten through third grade, formed their robotic team, the Royal Queens, in September 2017 with the goal of sharing their STEM-related findings on this world stage.
uates, only 20-percent are in technical fields. Getting more women into technical fields is one way to ~Jim and Cathy Berges close the gap.
“
pledged a matching grant for the build out and ongoing support of the Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center. This 6,500 square-foot space serves as a hub for Girl Scouts with state-of-the-art equipment, demonstration kitchen, parents’ lounge, STEM lab and area for robotics competitions and simulations. “Jim and Cathy Berges have had a profound impact on Girl Scouting and we are very grateful for their continued support and commitment to our girls,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of
MAY 2018 | OUR TOWN | 13
OurLifestyle
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARVEL PICTURES
is the culmination of all things Marvel
Marvel President Kevin Feige has spent the past decade reinventing the blockbuster movie franchise by essentially taking what has made comic books successful and translating it to the big screen. The formula breaks down like this: first you let individual heroes have their own adventures under the creative control of a talented artist (filmmaker) with a distinct voice. Next you create some superhero teams (like the Avengers) or guest spots where other heroes drop by for a visit in another hero’s individual story (like “Captain America: Civil War”). Then comes the big daddy of them all, the crossover event. This is where some colossal occurrence draws in pretty much every single character in said comic book universe and all kinds of crazy stuff happens, including some characters getting killed off. Behold your cinematic crossover event “Avengers: Infinity War.” The roughly 9,000 characters you’ve met over the past 17 Marvel movies are here crammed into a single film, and somehow – incredibly – it works. The reason everyone winds up not stepping on each other’s capes is because the movie’s focus is not on our heroes, but the villain Thanos (voiced by Josh Brolin), who we’ve met before, but never have we seen him unleashed like this. “Infinity War” is Thanos’ movie. 14 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
Thanos is a massive, powerful purple alien and what he wants is simple; to eliminate half of all living things in the universe to achieve what he calls “balance.” In order to do this he needs to collect six infinity stones, most of which we have seen as MacGuffins in other Marvel movies. If these stones are brought together they will give Thanos godlike power and the ability to carry out his genocidal plan with a snap of his fingers. Our heroes desperately try to stop him. The fun of “Infinity War” is seeing different characters we know and love get unlikely grouped together. It’s almost impossible not to enjoy watching Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) face off in a battle of egos. Or seeing Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel) set off together on an important mission. Deftly directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo (Marvel veterans who helmed the last two Captain America movies) the battle scenes in “Infinity War” are all impressive, and even at a sprawling two hours and thirty minutes the movie bounces along without a bunch of filler. The finale is pretty gutsy by superhero movie standards and may prove to be divisive, but I suspect that things will be tidied up by next year’s untitled sequel. At any rate, “Avengers: Infinity War” is
a thrilling, nearly overwhelming cinematic experience that serves as a satisfying culmination of all that’s come before it. And just like that, we’ve all become comic book nerds. “Avengers: Infinity War” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references. For up to the minute reviews, columns and all things entertainment go to www. matsentertainment.com
BY MATHEW DEKINDER
Mathew DeKinder is a film critic and member of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, and also serves as the editor of the Community News.
OurThoughts
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HYUNDAI KONA a revolutionary entry into the cuv market
Hyundai Motors is breaking new ground with an all new sub-compact crossover that’s built on a revolutionary ultra-strong underpinning. I’m referring to their 2018 Kona, a five passenger urban people mover. Manufactured with a modern and youthful outer body design coupled with sportscar-like driving dynamics plus advanced safety technologies, Kona also includes notable rolling infotainment features. This small Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) should appeal to a broad customer base. First unveiled at the LA Auto Show last fall, Kona was well received by auto enthusiasts from varying backgrounds. With this attractive vehicle riding on its new CUV platform, it’s the first time that Hyundai is entering the smaller B-Segment crossover arena here in the United States. I must digress for just a brief moment though! The second I saw the ‘18 Kona photos, I had to reflect back almost 20-years ago when I drove an Isuzu Vehicross compact SUV. At the time, and in spite of the fact that the Vehicross was a radical departure in respect to its overall styling, the Vehicross two door SUV really was quite unique on many fronts with cutting-edge exterior styling cues. Now, to fast forward with the new Kona in mind, I’m having a bit of deja vu because Kona’s exterior is innovating and leading edge, as was the case with that Isuzu back then! Kona’s aggressive body styling and low/wide beefy stance translates to confident steering. This CUV’s avantgarde looks will thrust adventure-oriented drivers to rate it high on their new vehicle shopping list. Kona tends to offer up its eye candy refined footprint with sculpted body lines, sporty contours and an athletic striking form. It’s dynamic identity and distinctiveness has an overall silhouette as nothing else on the road. Kona’s strategically placed outer protective “armor” thus combines a powerful appearance with futuristic looking bright LED lighting to create a high-tech demeanor. The front view conveys a powerful presence
with its cascading grille featuring a sporty mesh pattern. It’s then flanked by flared wing-like fenders that dominate the frontal area. The side-profile design elements reinforce its tough and functional qualities. The rear lighting is configured and surrounded by a protective skin. In keeping with its adventuresome demeanor, a number of extroverted color variations are offered. The roof is finished with an optional color-contrasting scheme, providing contrast between the body and wheels. The vehicles interior is remarkably spacious and comfortable in spite of the fact that it has a low roof line. The command upfront seating is thus designed to ensure better visibility and comfort during long journeys, as well as easy ingress and egress of all occupants. The rear storage compartment includes just over 19 cubic feet of welcomed cargo volume. And what you can’t see is the extensive use of structural adhesives at high stress points on the body as well as all-encompassing usage of high strength steel for greater rigidity. Under the heading or powertrains and sold in 2WD or AWD versions, Hyundai offers two different gasoline engines. Their standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine produces 147 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel usage numbers range from 28-mpg city to 33-mpg highway, depending on the model and equipment. Sold in four trim levels, SE, SEL, Limited & Ultimate, their top trim models are equipped with their latest edition of their Blue Link customer convenience services which is included complimentary for three-years. The pricing structure ranges from $19,500 to $27,400 for the Ultimate. Kona is named after the acclaimed west-coast region of the Big Island of Hawaii and is manufactured in Ulsan, Korea. It’s positioned in the small CUV category alongside the Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V and the Jeep Renegade. A battery/electric version is also forthcoming from Hyundai Motors.
David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician, and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.
MAY 2018 | OUR TOWN | 15
OurLifestyle
Refreshing spring recipes for a healthier Egg-Filled Avocado with Prosciutto Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less� Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients: 6 ounces watercress or baby spinach 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 8 large eggs 4 ripe Hass avocados, halved lengthwise and pitted olive oil spray 8 slices (about 4 ounces) prosciutto Directions: Place the watercress or baby spinach in large bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss well. Divide among four small plates. In large skillet, heat 2 inches water over medium heat until bubbles cover bottom and sides of pan. Crack eggs into small bowl (do not use eggs with broken yolks). When a few bubbles have broken surface of water, gently pour each egg into pan, leaving room between them. Cook eggs, without stirring, until whites are just set and yolks are still runny, 2-3 minutes. Use rubber spatula to gently release eggs from bottom of pan, if necessary. Using slotted spoon, remove eggs from water and drain on paper towels. Place poached egg in each avocado half. Coat medium skillet with olive oil spray. Heat skillet over medium heat and add prosciutto. Cook until crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer two avocado-filled egg halves to each plate and serve immediately with two slices prosciutto. Nutritional information per serving: 4.1g net carbs; 422 calories; 16 g total carbs; 11.9 g fiber; 18.5 g protein; 34 g fat.
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OurLifestyle
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or many, spring is an opportunity to hit refresh on many aspects of life, including what you eat. Rather than instituting a restrictive diet that forces you to cut back on your favorite snacks and dishes, consider making simple changes that can go a long way so you can enjoy the flavors of the season without sacrificing taste or eating less. Fresh flavors abound during spring, and you can enjoy nature’s bounty while avoid-
ing hidden sugars by selecting high-fiber, low-glycemic fruits and vegetables. For example, a single avocado contains 10 grams of dietary fiber in addition to healthy fat. Consider a menu comprised of recipes like Egg-Filled Avocado with Prosciutto, Avocado Kale Berry Smoothie Bowl and Thai Peanut Buddha Bowl. Learn more about the benefits of a balanced, flexible, low-carb approach to eating at Atkins.com.
Thai Peanut Buddha Bowl Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less” Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Avocado Kale Berry Smoothie Bowl Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less” Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2 Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain protein powder 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt 1/4 cup water 1/2 ripe Hass avocado 1 cup kale leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 1 teaspoon stevia 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries such as blackberries, strawberries or raspberries 2 tablespoons almond or walnut halves 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Directions: In blender, blend protein powder, yogurt, water, avocado, kale, mint and stevia until smooth then divide between two bowls. Sprinkle berries, nuts and chia seeds over smoothies. Serve immediately. Nutritional information per serving: 12.5 g net carbs; 356 calories; 24.2 g total carbs; 11.8 g fiber; 32.2 g protein; 15.6 g fat.
I ngredients: Olive oil spray 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (12 ounces total) Dressing: 1/2 cup peanut butter 3 tablespoons coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce 2 teaspoons hot chili sauce 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon sesame oil 3 tablespoons hot water 4 cups baby spinach 1 ripe Hass avocado, thinly sliced 1 medium zucchini, cut into noodle shapes 2 carrots, cut into noodle shapes 2 radishes, thinly sliced 8 sprigs cilantro Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Coat small skillet with olive oil spray. Add chicken to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, turning once or twice to brown chicken.
Slide into oven and bake 6- 8 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in center when sliced with a knife. Set aside to rest 5 minutes then shred. To make dressing: In large bowl, mix peanut butter, coconut milk, fish sauce, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and hot water. Whisk well until smooth. Divide spinach and avocado among four bowls. Top with chicken, zucchini, carrots, radishes and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately. Tip: If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can achieve the same effect by using a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons. You can also use a mandoline vegetable slicer then use a knife to cut the strips into thinner noodle-like strips. Nutritional information per serving: 10.8 g net carbs; 427 calories; 18.1 g total carbs; 7.3 g fiber; 21.8 z protein; 30.7 g fat.
MAY 2018 | OUR TOWN | 17
InDepth
The power of a book
BooksFromBekkah, Inc. is a nonprofit that helps buy textbooks for minority students in their first year of college to help combat the dropout rate BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
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| OUR TOWN | MAY 2018
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t has been stated that one of the primary reasons for a high dropout rate among African Americans during their college freshman year is due to the astronomical cost of text books on top of tuition costs. Dr. Rebakkah Johnson, pharmacist, decided to impact this outcome for future high school graduates the year she received her doctorate degree in 2016. In lieu of birthday gifts Johnson, who was in a sixyear accelerated college program, asked that on
InDepth April 13, 2016, her 24th birthday, she receive just $2.40 from each person who wanted to give. BooksFromBekkah Textbook Scholarship Foundation was birthed when she managed to raise $500 through monetary gifts. It helped cover a full year’s worth of textbook costs for an African-American student hand-picked by the college advisory staff at Clayton High School, her alma mater. Sources state that according to the National Association of College Stores, $300 is the average cost to cover textbooks in one-semester. In 2017 she set a goal of $2,500 for her birthday and surpassed that goal by raising $3,000 with the help of the community. In March 2017 DELUX Magazine recognized Johnson’s accomplishment by honoring her as one of their 30 under 30 for her innovation in creating BooksFromBekkah. BooksFromBekkah, Inc is a nonprofit which became incorporated in January 2018 and has five board members. Johnson hosted her first soiree, a rooftop gala, to meet her goal. BooksFromBekkah distributed $500 text book scholarships to six minority Clayton high school students entering college. The recipients at her alma mater went on to enroll in The American University in the District of Columbia, Columbia College, Spelman College, University of Miami in Florida, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the University of Texas-San Antonio. Johnson’s first year at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy forced her to work to pay for text books while maintaining her classes. Johnson stated, “I struggled scholastically because my time didn’t exist – there was no time to do anything. I barely slept. It taught me time management, it taught me how to study. I did pretty good in school after a while and I think it was because [I learned to manage] the large plate I had. I am pretty much a master at having a book in front of me and picking up the most important parts.” Johnson spent her K-12 years in the Clayton School District though her family lived in Normandy before moving to Black Jack, where her family’s home caught fire. Subsequently, her family moved to Clayton where their new home was part of the desegregation program. BooksFromBekkah collaborates with the high schools of applicants throughout the St. Louis area during their selection process for the textbook scholarships. The process begins with a graduating student completing an application as well as submitting reference applications from two faculty members and an additional professional reference. This year on the founder’s birthday there were 10 recipients awarded at the BooksFromBekkah Inc’s Second Annual Rooftop Scholarship Soirée. The blacktie gala took place on Friday, April 13 at Anew Rooftop. All proceeds from the event go towards support of the nonprofit’s efforts to support minority college-bound high school graduates. For questions, to get involved with BooksFromBekkah, Inc or to donate, e-mail info@booksfrombekkah.org. You may also visit www.booksfrombekkah.org and leave a message on the Contact Us page.
MAY 2018 | OUR TOWN | 19
MAY
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May Day
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Creve Coeur Farmer’s Market Opens The Creve Coeur Farmer’s Market kicks off its fifth summer season. Located in the Westgate Shopping Center, 12320 Olive Blvd., the market is held from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 6. Shop the market for a variety of goods including Missouri grown produce, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, free-range eggs, artisan cheese, local honey, coffee beans, jams, plants, soaps, woven wares, jewelry and more.
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National Nurses Day
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Truman Day
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Electronics recycling event The city of Maryland Heights is hosting an electronics recycling event at the Government Center at 11911 Dorsett Road from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please note that the Millwell entrance will be closed to incoming traffic in an effort to keep traffic flowing. Therefore, the Dorsett entrance will be used for entering the recycling event and the Millwell entrance will be used for exit. This event is for residents only; please no businesses. Recycling services will be provided by Midwest Recycling Center (MRC), a company certified in environmentally safe and secure recycling. They accept almost any item that has a cord or battery. With the exception of CRT TVs, computer monitors and items using freon, this recycling service is free.
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Mother’s Day
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Armed Forces Day
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National Missing Children’s Day
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Memorial Day