June 8th, 2017 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

‘It’s

Citizens demand a seat at the development negotiating table with Community Benefits Agreements

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Longtime St. Louis Place resident Sheila Rendon

realized in 2007 that developer Paul McKee Jr. was beginning to buy up all the land in her North St. Louis neighborhood, including buying out some of her neighbors. She didn’t

Brotherly love

Two brothers and fellow cub scouts from St. Peters Jaxson Spears, 9, and Brysen Spears, 7, both students at Hawthorn Elementary School, place flags on headstones in Jefferson Barracks National Cementery on Sunday afternoon. The event was the 68th Annual Gravois Trail dedication.

n “Never believe anything that comes in the form of a handshake – always have it in writing.”

– Sheila Rendon

know it was McKee because it was done under the name of more than a dozen “shadow companies,” she said.

She later learned about McKee’s “vision” – and she clarifies that it wasn’t a plan – to redevelop North St. Louis. That’s when she and her neighbors established a group called the Northside Community Benefits Alliance. In 2009, the group had

Sheila Rendon, a longtime St. Louis Place resident, spoke as a panelist at a June 1 public forum called “What are Community Benefit Agreements?”

Former Suggs Scholar to start at Lewis Rice law firm

Maikieta Brantley also recognized at Women’s Justice Awards

By Pat Matreci For The St. Louis American

Maikieta Brantley is fulfilling a dream shared with her mother, Rochelle Tilghman. Brantley, a recent graduate (May 14, 2017) of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, is set to embark on her career in the fall as an associate with Lewis Rice in St. Louis.

“I always had intentions of going to law school,” Brantley said. “My mom had completed a summer law institute when I was younger. When she was unable to enroll full time as a law student, I set a goal

of eventually going to law school to carry out her legacy.” Brantley is creating a legacy of her own. She recently was recognized by Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly at the 2017 Women’s Justice Awards event, receiving the Leaders of Tomorrow Award. It is given to women law students who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and a passion for making a difference in the justice system or the legal profession.

“This award meant so much to me, as I did not feel that I deserved it,”

Brown School partners with CWAH

By Sophie Hurwitz For the St. Louis American

The Brown School of Social Work tends to evoke the castlelike buildings of Washington University’s Danforth Campus. However, the Brown School, which claims in its mission statement to “collaborate with organizations to use evidence to improve access to and quality of social services and to address social and economic justice,” holds to its mission of being embedded in the community by having an office at the Better Family Life building on Page. A group of Brown School

students recently convened at Better Family Life (BFL_ to present their findings after spending time in collaboration with several community organizations. Aside from partnering with BFL, they

also worked with Northside Community School and Community Women Against Hardship.

Each of the four groups of students jumped at the chance to apply the social

work skills they had been learning in school. They met with members of their assigned organization and members of businesses, nonprofits and media outlets that partner with their group. They used the data gathered to determine each organization’s priorities, and then finally submitted a report

detailing recommendations for how each organization could sustain itself and thrive in the future.

One group of students –Najjuwah Walden, Shakira Onwuachi and Jamie Bruner – worked with Community

Photo by Wiley Price

Maikieta Brantley

Photo by Wiley Price

Kevin Hart’s first marriage got physical

Back in 2012, Kevin Hart’s ex-wife Torrei Hart attacked his divorce attorney at the courthouse during their contentious divorce proceedings.

While promoting his new book “I Can’t Make This Up” on The Breakfast Club, Kevin admitted that things got physical between the former couple as well.

“Me and my ex-wife, it got violent. We were fighting,” Hart said. “Am I really holding my hands up as if she’s a man right now? Oh my God. Yo, this is

it — I’m out!

I really got my hands up to not defend but counter. Like, I’m waiting for you to throw a punch because I’m about to counter the [expletive] out of you. I’m that upset to where I got a stance? That’s when I checked myself.”

Joseline leaves ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’

Reality star Joseline Hernandez took to her Instagram page to let the world know that she was leaving the “Love & Hip-Hop” franchise amid a bitter feud with show creator and Mona Scott Young. “I’mma come back in about five minutes. I need ya’ll to have y’all phones ready to record what I’m about to tell you about this [expletive] Mona [Scott-Young] and how she [expletive] treated her cast members and all the [expletive] that she’s done to us throughout the [expletive] years,” Hernandez said during an Instagram live stream. “I’mma let everybody know. I want you

to hashtag Oprah and I want to go sit down with Oprah. Can ya’ll hashtag that?”

No punishment for Bill Maher

Last week, HBO talk show host Bill Maher caused a firestorm after referring to himself as a house [n-word expletive] on “Real Time with Bill Maher.” After issuing an apology, Maher will back this week. His scheduled guest will be Ice Cube, who reportedly intends to confront Maher regarding his choice of words.

Brandy released from hospital, fans updated on her condition

Last week, singer Brandy was rushed to the hospital after she lost consciousness while on an early morning plane that was leaving Los Angeles.

The singer’s team took to her Instagram page to update fans on her status. The statement reads as follows:

“Brandy has been released from the hospital and his now at home resting. She has been traveling extensively as part of an ongoing tour and several personal appearances. In recent days she has taken more than 10 long haul flights, including internationally. She was in the studio all night last night until it was time to leave for the airport to catch a 5:45 a.m. flight. The stress of all of the traveling and working so incessantly has exhausted her. She will be relaxing for the next few days.

Is Gladys Knight’s Chicken vand Waffles gone for good?

Back in February, the last remaining Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant in downtown Atlanta was raided by the Georgia Department of Revenue amid ongoing tax issues and a bitter legal battle between Gladys Knight and her son Shanga Hankerson to remove her name from his business. This week, fans posted images of the location closed down and boarded up. There has been no word from Hankerson’s camp about the status of the restaurant.

Sources: Twitter.com, TMZ.com, Instagram.com

Joseline Hernandez

Kevin Hart

‘Don’t

be afraid to take calculated risks’

Normandy grad, now university provost, challenges students and parents to be advocates

By Sharifa Sims-Williams Normandy Schools Collaborative

Earlier this year, Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, Normandy Class of 1995, sent an email to the Normandy director of communications, with a subject line that read, “Proud Normandy Graduate.” HowardBaptiste wanted to share news of her promotion to provost executive administrative intern at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. (An administrative Internship usually leads to a leadership position at the organization, so in a university/education setting, it’s a big deal.)

Since graduating salutatorian of her class, Howard-Baptiste attended Miami University of Ohio, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She continued her education at Miami University, earning her master’s and doctorate degrees. This fall, she starts her new position with the university in addition to her responsibilities as associate professor. As a professor, she has studied and performed volunteer work in Haiti. Each summer she travels with a team of educators and scholars to work with Educate Haiti Now (EHN) and the Haitian American Caucus-Haiti (HAC). The group develops curriculum and teaching strategies to empower Haitian teachers. So how did HowardBaptiste – who was the guest speaker for Normandy’s 2017 commencement exercises on Friday, May 26 – get from Normandy High School to the hallowed halls of higher

education? How did Normandy help her get to this point?

What kind of student were you in high school?

Howard-Baptiste: I was a good student throughout my time with the Normandy School District. I went to Washington Elementary School, Normandy Junior High, and graduated from the high school in 1995 as the salutatorian. I was really blessed to have phenomenal educators at every level.

Who were some of your favorite teachers? Why?

Howard-Baptiste: Ms. Graham was my third grade and favorite teacher in elementary school. She was always upbeat, energetic and really instilled in all her students that they could accomplish anything they wanted in life. The key to success was working hard and Ms. Graham held us accountable every day. Mr. Underwood, my middle school history teacher, made learning history fun and exciting. Mrs. Doyle was a great English teacher. I realize now she taught us as though we were college students. I appreciate that tactic now as a college professor.

Did Normandy High prepare you for college? Life after graduation? How?

Howard-Baptiste: NHS prepared me for college. I had great teachers in every subject who challenged us to be critical thinkers. They encouraged us to think outside the box and find ways to see how different classes are connected to one another. I was a member of the volleyball team and band during my time in high

school. Great opportunities exist in this school district; students, teachers, parents, and community members must be advocates of our communities and take advantage of the opportunities that exist. No one is going to give you a job, a scholarship or an opportunity

Shewanee HowardBaptiste, right, provost executive administrative Intern at the University of TennesseeChattanooga and 1995 graduate of Normandy High School, visited with Sharifa Sims-Williams, director of communications at Normandy Schools Collaborative, when she gave the district’s 2017 commencement address on Friday, May 26.

Why am I working in this job?

I think these are all normal questions. Most people expect a high school graduate to know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. There is a lot of pressure to have it all figured out so early, which really isn’t realistic. Part of life is doing different things –studying abroad, changing your major, working non-traditional jobs, and not being afraid to pursue your purpose. Why did you choose your current career path? Was this your original plan?

Howard-Baptiste: My original plan was to go to medical school. I was pre-med during my freshman year in college but quickly learned that I liked science, but I did not love science enough to pursue a career in medicine. I changed my major to Exercise Science to pursue a career in cardiac rehabilitation. I enjoyed working with people and helping them make positive lifestyle choices. I later found that I loved teaching and utilizing the classroom as a space for positive change. What advice would you share with current Normandy High students? Graduating seniors?

Howard-Baptiste: Don’t be afraid to dream! Block out the stereotypes and assumptions that people make about what school you went to, where you are from, and what outsiders think you can’t do. Surround yourself with positive people who support your ambitions now; don’t wait until you meet someone who can help you. Volunteer, research career paths, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.

to be successful. Each of us must make a choice to want more and do better. Apply for internships or work on a research project with a professor. If there is something you want to do and it doesn’t exist, create it. What were some challenges

you encountered your first couple of years away? How did you work through those challenges?

Howard-Baptiste: I think most students struggle to find out their “why?” Why am I pursuing this major? Why I am involved in this program?

Sharifa Sims-Williams is director of Communications for Normandy Schools Collaborative. Reprinted with permission from the Normandy Connections newsletter.

Editorial /CommEntary

St. Louis needs to reach for new approaches to curb violence

The faces of a 7-year-old girl, Deniya Irving and 13-year-old boy, Anthony Wilson Jr. – two victims of gun violence this week – are etched in our hearts and minds. Investigators responded to 11 murders in three days in St. Louis city alone, and the stories of the children’s deaths just rip your heart out.

Already community leaders have scheduled two crime prevention summits – one on Saturday and another on Tuesday – to talk about the loss of these lives and how to prevent more senseless violence in the future. Mayor Lyda Krewson recently proposed to raise taxes to hire more officers and pay them better.

Fortunately, Lisa Cagle – who was recently selected as a member of the mayor’s search committee for a new police chief – has joined the growing voices who say that simply throwing more money at the police is not going to fix the problem.

St. Louis city has increased its public safety budget by almost $19 million in two years – and that’s an increase of $10 million for the police department alone, she said. And what has it gotten us?

“Until we significantly change the way we do things in our region, and what and who we invest in, our city is not going to be safer for anyone,” Cagle said.

Cagle argues that St. Louis city is somewhere between the sixth and eighth most policed city in the country. She bases this off the city’s police per capita rate of 41.3 – a rate nearly double that of Kansas City at 27.4 per capita.

“It seems that our problem with public safety maybe isn’t the number of police officers,” Cagle said. “Public safety is not just about policing. We need to be spending more money on preventing the causes of crime in the first place. Imagine if the 57 percent of our general fund budget currently spent on public safety addressed the issues that we know lead to crime: lack of education, lack of opportunity, racial and socioeconomic disparities in wealth, income, resources and services.”

On Saturday, June 10, the North Newstead Association is hosting a Crime Prevention Summit from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the O’Fallon Park Rec Center, 4343 W. Florissant. The speaker lineup includes the mayor, interim police chief, circuit attorney and several community development executives.

In response to the announcement of the forum, the Arch City Defenders nonprofit law firm tweeted out, “Crime prevention is not limited to police and prosecutors. No such meeting should occur without social workers and organizers. Redefine public safety.” We could not agree more.

The call for social workers on the police force has been an ongoing one since the aftermath of the distress of the Ferguson unrest, but the appeal has not yet been addressed by the city.

Alderwoman Pamela Boyd of the 27th Ward, where many of the shootings occurred, is organizing a town hall meeting on crime prevention on Tuesday, June 13, at 6 p.m. at the New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd. Police officers from the Sixth District, elected officials and leaders of community will be present, she said.

It’s encouraging to see so many leaders putting their heads together to address crime. Most likely, all of these leaders agree on one thing: what we have right now is not working.

We agree with Cagle that merely investing more money, despite its populist appeal, to maintain its failing current state without reform is useless. We need to look outside our city for innovative ideas (e.g., Pittsburgh had 56 homicides last year while St. Louis had 188) as well as build on the concrete models of success that already exist in our city. We need to support them and scale them up.

Better Family Life’s formula to de-escalate gun violence may be instructive. We know that if members of a community report a potentially deadly conflict to one of Better Family Life’s de-escalation centers, the center will immediately start calling all of the family and friends of the two people in conflict. Those loved ones then start calling the two people “to talk them off the ledge.” Better Family Life’s James Clark says using this method, they save about a dozen lives every month. They have yet to lose a life, Clark said. What if this effort had more support and the practice was replicated more widely?

Since the National Housing Support Corporation started a crime prevention program in the College Hill neighborhood by working with the Sixth District police station and service providers, crime has gone down significantly in this area. What if this group had more support?

What we can’t do is ignore this “state of emergency,” as Clark puts it.

And as Boyd said, “For anyone in the City of St. Louis to put their heads in the sand and deny where more resources must go immediately is to sign the death warrant for more innocent children, more shattered families, more tears shed in North St. Louis.”

Forward thinking about combatting the scourge of violence, abetted by rampant drug trafficking and poverty, must be wholistic and not restricted to our current, almost complete reliance on an insufficient model, an approach that assumes that policing is the answer to deeply entrenched social, economic and policy

Commentary

Trump needs to get a grip

The statements President Trump issued on Twitter in recent days lead to a chilling conclusion: The man is out of control.

I know that is a radical thing to say about the elected leader of the United States, the most powerful individual in the world. And I know his unorthodox use of social media is thought by some, including the president himself, to be brilliant. But I don’t see political genius in the invective coming from Trump these days. I see an angry man lashing out at enemies real and imagined -- a man dangerously overwhelmed.

On Monday, [June 5] he started at 6:25 a.m. to comprehensively undermine his own legal team in its quest to win Supreme Court approval for a travel ban targeting Muslims. I can call it that, without legalistic hemming and hawing, because the president did so. Emphatically.

“People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN,” Trump wrote.

Maybe he thinks that tweets, somehow, don’t count. But of course they do. These are written statements typed by the president himself, and as such should carry more weight than a processed release from the White House press office, not less.

Trump’s lawyers -- arguing in support of the blocked measure, which would bar visitors from six majorityMuslim countries -- contend it is not a “travel ban” as such. Attorneys on the other side will surely use Trump’s own words against him. And he had plenty more to say:

“The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered

down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C. [Supreme Court]”

“The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court -- & seek much tougher version!”

“In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!”

Let that last one settle in for a moment. Has a president ever publicly dismissed the entire judicial branch of our government as “slow and political,” even in a moment of pique? Does Trump grasp the concept of separation of powers? Has he even read the Constitution he swore to preserve, protect and defend?

Whether Trump’s statements during the campaign -- calling for a surely unconstitutional blanket ban on Muslim visitors from anywhere -- should be taken into account by courts considering the current “watered down” version is debatable. His written statements as president, however, are clearly germane. Opponents of the ban might want to send him flowers.

Trump first let the cat out of the bag Saturday night [June 3], following the terrorist attack in London, when he wrote, “We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!” He went on to express

As I

See

It - A Forum for Community Issues

North STL needs an immediate response to murders

By Ald. Pamela Boyd Guest columnist

The most recent rash of senseless murders and shooting which have occurred in the 27th Ward are beyond heinous. That they also involved innocent children makes them an abomination. Having just taken office as the new alderperson in April, I am already faced with having to comfort the devastated families wanting answers as to why government cannot do more to prevent such tragedies.

According to statistics on Governing.Com, it appears St. Louis has one of the highest ratios of police officers per 10,000 of the population in the nation. While I support a path to hiring more police officers, staffing levels should not be an impediment to an immediate and swift response to this cluster of violence.

First, I am requesting that a mobile command facility be set up in the 27th Ward and additional officers be assigned here to reassure a shaken community that the police stand with them.

Secondly, I would like to

see our clearance rates for homicides and to see if staffing levels of detectives are a bigger part of the problem. A person arrested and convicted of one murder may be prevented from committing two more.

Guest Columnist

Pamela Boyd

Thirdly, I serve on a committee already looking at traffic patterns that bring drug users from the highways from outside of the city. While getting citizen input on changes to traffic patterns, I would also like to see cameras posted at these known access points and signage that illegal drug sales are monitored.

We need to disrupt known areas for drug transactions. It will take longer to implement programs that will help reduce hopelessness among our youth, to create meaningful jobs, to address poverty, all of which must occur and soon. But an

Letters to the editor

Final defeat of the Confederates

Congratulations to the City Treasurer, Tishaura Jones, for raising some of the money needed to remove that infamous memorial from its undeserved place of public honor in Forest Park. We in the Far North trust that she and Mayor Krewson will refrain, tempted though they might be, from reusing all that bronze and stone for fish weights and municipal flooring.

compassion and support for “London and the U.K.” But by Sunday he was off the rails: “At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed!’”

What rational head of state attacks the mayor of a city that has just been hit by terrorists? Why would Trump do such a thing, in the process taking Mayor Sadiq Khan’s words out of context in a way that totally changed their meaning? Because last year Khan, perhaps the highest-profile Muslim public official in a non-Muslim country, criticized then-candidate Trump, saying that his “ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe.”

What Khan actually said Sunday was that the public had “no reason to be alarmed” about an increased police presence on the streets -- not, as Trump suggests, that they should be nonchalant about terrorism. Khan’s stoic and defiant response is in the tradition of Churchill’s during the Blitz of 1940 and 1941, or Thatcher’s during the Irish Republican Army’s terror campaign. Londoners have rallied around him.

Words have consequences.

Trump’s may hurt British Prime Minister Theresa May in Thursday’s election. Assuming she survives, she will have learned a lesson about getting too close to a volcanic president who might at any minute erupt.

We already knew that Trump had a narrow mind and a small heart. Now we must wonder about his emotional stability, his grasp of reality, or both.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

Our suggestion is that the deposed monument to Confederate soldiers and sailors be reinstalled in a quiet place at the city’s only historically black university, Harris-Stowe. Whenever a student there is weary and near to quitting, let him or her sit and ponder the old enemy: the defenders of slavery who thought African Americans good for nothing except childbearing and fieldwork.

Thus reminded of the long struggle, we are confident those young scholars will renew their determination to learn and to earn. The final defeat of the Confederates and their perverse ideas will come, not at City Hall, but in the classroom and the boardroom.

Matthew McCally Seattle

Polluted, damaged and disrespected

Donald Trump is a threat to our progress towards a more sustainable relationship with the earth. He is making decisions that damage the future of people around the world. As a student and a citizen of the United States, I am concerned for our future regarding the environment. It is both illogical and impractical to lift emission regulations. The regulations are in place for many reasons, one of the reasons being that pollution severely damages the quality of life here on earth. By choosing to prioritize money and business over the health and well-being of the citizens of earth, Donald Trump is showing his true colors. He says that he is bringing back jobs for coal miners with this executive order, but what he wants is cheap, dirty and finite sources of energy until they run out. By signing this executive order, it

immediate and overwhelming response can come from law enforcement and it can come today. Up to the end of May of this year, there were 67 homicides recorded in the City of St. Louis; 51 victims were black males, 11 black females and 5 white males. For anyone in the City of St. Louis to put their heads in the sand and deny where more resources must go immediately is to sign the death warrant for more innocent children, more shattered families, more tears shed in North St. Louis. I want everyone to know that I have been in contact with our mayor and acting police chief. I am also organizing a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, June 13, at 6 p.m. at the New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., to discuss how best to stop the killings and violent crimes before more innocent children are killed or injured. Present at the Town Hall meeting will be 6th district police, elected officials and leaders of community. Pamela Boyd is alderwoman of St. Louis’ 27th Ward.

will make it nearly impossible for America to successfully participate in the Paris Climate Agreement – then withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, making America the only country, out of the 196 countries, to consider leaving it. America is supposed to be a leader in progress in public health, technology and freedom. By threatening our environment, all of these things are disregarded in the pursuit of financial gain. Donald Trump needs to think about the future, to think about his own grandchildren and the life that they will lead in a heavily polluted, damaged and disrespected environment.

Erin Kollar St. Louis

Trump’s shameful decision

Climate change is real and we have an urgent national obligation to do something about it before it is too late. America needs to lead the world into the new era of renewable energy. President Trump’s shameful decision to turn his back on the Paris

Climate agreement denies science, weakens the United States around the world, betrays the future of our planet, and it will cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay St. Louis

Heinous acts of racism

We are deeply troubled and disturbed by the heinous acts of racism that occurred on May 31. Leaving a noose – a symbol and weapon of hate – in front of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture and vandalizing the home of NBA superstar LeBron James, underscore the recent increase in hate crimes committed against AfricanAmericans under the Trump Administration. The NAACP will not sit by idly while our people continue to be assailed by racist and cowardly actions. Furthermore, we call on the Trump Administration to stand up and speak out against these attacks.

Leon Russell, board chairman

NAACP

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Free Summer Leadership Academy enrolling now

In July, the Education Exchange Corps will hold its Summer Leadership Academy for kids in grades K-12. Students are grouped into countries that they govern. Through many international challenges – like global climate change, an Olympics, and an incoming asteroid – children learn to navigate international politics while trying to keep their people happy. The academy teaches students academic, communications, and behavioral skills to help them become better leaders.

“We ask kids as young as 5-years-old to decide whether to fund schools, roads, healthcare systems, and the military,” said Elad Gross, president and CEO of the Education Exchange Corps. “Every year, our young leaders come up with great ideas to solve the world’s biggest challenges, and they learn so much about their own power to lead.”

The Education Exchange Corps also employs high school and college students to serve as national advisers for the younger students in the program.

By educating children and employing youth, the Education Exchange Corps seeks to empower St. Louis families.

The academy involves community members in the education of the young leaders. Government officials, attorneys, police officers, scientists, journalists, and many other professionals have lent their expertise to the different countries at the Summer Leadership Academy.

This year’s academy will be held at Apostles Church at 1421 N. Taylor Ave. in the Lewis Place neighborhood. The free program will start July 10 and end July 28. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for free in partnership with the city’s summer food program.

Those interested in enrolling children or getting involved can contact the Education Exchange Corps at info@EdExCo.org or by calling 314-753-9033. More information is also available online at www. EdExCo.org.

Adventures of a tweener

By Cassandra Walker Columnist

I am in the time in my life where some call me a “tweener.” I understand that term to mean that I still have a child at home to take care of and I have elderly parents that I help out from time to time. Fortunately, my parents, who are in their eighties, live on their own and are self-sufficient. However, they are needing my help more and more as they age.

Just the other day, my mother called me to let me know that her niece was in town. She told her niece that she would have me drive downtown to get her, then bring her back to my house, let her visit for a while, then take her back downtown and return home – all before or shortly after midnight, I might add. This was on a work night, in the middle of the week. I respectfully told my mother that I could not be the taxi service this time, especially since I lived an hour way from downtown, making that a two-hour round trip, twice! To which she replied, “Okay, dear.” On any given day, I can be found helping my high school son study for an Honors class or rebounding for him as he shoots free throws. Making sure he has a nutritious dinner every night and food in the pantry every day is also one of my “Tweener” duties.

So when my dad asked recently if he could travel with us to an out of town basketball tournament, I took a deep breath. Mixing a 17-year-old’s needs, with my husband and 84-year-old father, and then plopping us in a car ride that last five hours, was not going to be easy! Do not get me wrong, I love my daddy and he is fun, but he has slowed a bit in his years and he is definitely set in his ways.

Case in point, he wants to wake up very early at the hotel and then tell everyone else what time it is, and how we need to all be up and going. We just pull the covers over our heads. Soon he will announce that breakfast is open; we try not to move, hoping he will go away. Finally, he again says, “We are wasting the day away,” and he proceeds to make a lot of noise to force us out of bed. My daddy also has the (what I will call) annoying habit of asking me questions that he for sure knows the answer to. “Why are you drinking that water, daughter?” “Will we be eating on this trip, daughter?” “Are we having fun yet, daughter?” I know he is trying to be funny but …

Another small, minor, almost insignificant issue that I find interesting is that my daddy takes a lot of small naps. He just dozes off! You are talking to him one moment, and the next he looks like a chicken with her head in her breast, just resting away. The naps only last about 15 minutes, and once he wakes up he is ready for all of us to watch a Western, “Columbo,” “Ponderosa” or some show that was made in the 1950s.

All the while my teenager is asking if I have seen the shorts to his uniform or if I can order him a phone case on Amazon. Sometimes I feel like I am stuck in between two very different worlds, bouncing from one to the next.

Once I have watched three episodes of “The Wild West” with daddy, found my son’s shorts and let him order his phone case, I try to have some rare time to myself. This is when I usually try to read a book or just sit in silence. However, recently, in that rare, quiet time, I thought about the fact that possibly in the nottoo-distant future I will not be a tweener anymore, because my parents will no longer be here.

As I glance over at my daddy, who was once again “napping,” that one single thought brings tears to my eyes, and then I realized that those silly questions that dad ask me are not so silly after all. Being a tweener should mean being placed between two generations that make your life worth living.

Cassandra Walker

Anthony Kiekow, public relations manager for the St. Louis Symphony, taught youth in the Summer Leadership Academy last summer.

CITIZENS

Continued from A1

a meeting with then-mayor Francis G. Slay, his chief of staff Jeff Rainford, thenAlderwoman April Ford Griffin, who represented parts of the North Side, and the city attorney. When the residents expressed their concerns about eminent domain and being pushed out of their homes, the city leaders told them it wasn’t going to happen.

“They told us, ‘You have every right to stay,’” said Rendon, a 45-year-old mother of two and former city police officer who patrolled her childhood North Side neighborhood.

“They said the neighborhood wasn’t going to be gentrified, and we weren’t going to be taxed out.”

The residents said they wanted a Community Benefits Agreement

standing-room-only audience at a public forum called “What are Community Benefit Agreements?” that North Side residents have learned their lesson.

“We have listened to promises made by several mayors, several alderpersons and they have not come,” said Rendon at the forum held at LaSalle School at 1106 N. Jefferson Ave. “It’s time for us to have a voice. Never believe anything that comes in the form of a handshake – always have it in writing.”

n

“Don’t let them paint you as antidevelopment. We aren’t against development, but the corporate welfare line is getting too long.”

– Rashida Tlaib

(CBA) – a legally binding provision within the development agreement with the city to back up all those promises. The CBA would have required McKee to dedicate a certain amount of the residential development to affordable housing and other benefits to the community.

“That was the first ‘no,’” Rendon said. “They all told us, ‘This is going to be great, just sit back and see.’”

This past year, Rendon and her entire neighborhood were removed from their homes through eminent domain to make room for the new $1.75 billion facility for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which is receiving a generous public subsidy package. When the city offered her family a price for their home – arguing that it was a “fair market price,” she said –Rendon took the city to court and got more money.

On June 1, Rendon told the

For too long, city leaders have felt that the community has no right to be part of the negotiations on development projects occurring in their neighborhoods –using their money, Rendon said. The 100-plus forum attendees seemed just as anxious as Rendon to change that. Rendon was among the panelists who spoke about CBAs at the June 1 event, which was organized by the St. Louis Equal Housing and Community Reinvestment Alliance (SLEHCRA), Team TIF and Forward Through Ferguson.

St. Louis is currently poised to become among the few cities that have ordinances for CBAs – meaning that developers want to use public money to subsidize their projects need to incorporate CBAs into their agreements with the city or they don’t get taxpayers’ dollars. On May 5, President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed introduced a board bill to establish a citywide policy on CBAs. Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green of the 15th Ward is also working on a bill that would do the same thing, and she plans to introduce it in the fall.

Keynote speaker Rashida Tlaib, of the Sugar Law Center of Economic and Social Justice in Detroit, spoke about Detroit’s journey to establish the nation’s first CBA

Giving a helping hand

ordinance – particularly from the residents’ and grassroots perspective. Tlaib said that having the forum now in St. Louis was “critical.”

“I’ve seen it happen in Detroit,” said Tlaib, who was also a former state representative in Michigan.

“You’re going to get pushed out, and you can’t seem to stop it.”

She offered tips that the Detroit community coalition learned about organizing, educating public officials on the topic and building allies. And if all else fails, she said, “civil disobedience is an option.”

“Don’t let them paint you as anti-development,” Tlaib said. “We aren’t against development, but the corporate welfare line is getting too long. Don’t think that you’re asking too much.”

She also compared the bills of Green and Reed using her three benchmarks for a solid CBA – that the agreements have community representation during negotiating, are legally binding and are enforceable by the community.

Most notably, she looked at whether or not the bills required a “community engagement notice.” Basically, Green’s did and Reed’s didn’t.

“My boss has been working on CBAs for about eight years – not to dis your council president [Reed], but we’ve never seen anything like this,” she said.

Not only did Reed’s bill not require a meeting to gather community input, but the agreement would also be negotiated between just the alderman who represents the ward where the project would occur and the developer. There

is no mention of community representation.

Enforceability is the most important aspect of a CBA, she said. In Reed’s bill, enforcement falls in the hands of the alderman; in Green’s bill, it would be the community with that power. Both bills are likely to change, she said, and the most important thing for the community to do is ignore the politics and focus on getting the three “bedrock principles” included in the ordinance.

“That’s what changes this culture, where it’s all up to them to enforce it and there is so much transparency when we get to be in the room,” Tlaib said.

She pointed to successful CBAs, including the one between Twitter and San Francisco. The agreement required Twitter to purchase

by

$500,000 in goods and services per year from small businesses, donate $3 million annually to local nonprofits, put in volunteer hours from Twitter employees, and offer a certain amount of free advertisement for community nonprofits on Twitter, among other things. In Pittsburgh, a deal to build the Penguins Hockey Arena resulted in the creation of a community center, grocery store, employment center and money for neighborhood programs.

She said that St. Louis needs to first “visualize” what they want and then stand strong on that.

“You all deserve so much more, especially because it’s our money,” Tlaib said.

“Believe it, understand it. Pay attention, and it’s okay to ask for more.”

Ajay Naidu, 11, Mariah Hollmon, 10, and Jade Graham, 10, get tutoring from education manager Shannon Carr at the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.

Photo

Wiley Price

Women Against Hardship

(CWAH), a long-standing St. Louis organization dedicated to helping families become self-sufficient and move out of poverty. CWAH provides educational and developmental classes for youth and families, and provides free clothing, food and household items to families. They have served over 6,000 families since their founding in 1988.

In their presentation, the students detailed CWAH’s current partnerships within the community. The St. Louis American and the Sheldon Concert Hall were the two community partners interviewed for the Brown School study, since these two groups have had a relationship with CWAH since its founding. Through interviews with people from both inside and outside the organization, the Brown School students realized that they needed to find partner organizations for CWAH that would reflect CWAH’s three core values: Afrocentrism, collectivism and internal credibility.

“We wanted to make sure that new affiliates and partners would also value the collectivism spirit, and wanted to make sure that they were

BRANTLEY

Continued from A1

Brantley said. “It makes me happy because I feel that I can serve as a role model for other minority women in law school.”

A graduate of RosatiKain High School, Brantley has made the most of her educational opportunities at Mizzou. After receiving the UM-Columbia’s Donald M. Suggs Scholarship from the St. Louis American Foundation, Brantley completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.

She started out at Mizzou’s School of Journalism, but opted to change her major to accounting. The switch seemed natural. Her father Mark Brantley is an accountant, as was her mother, who passed in 2016. She also in inspired by her sister, Roe Roundtree. “My sister was my biggest role model outside of my mom growing up,” Brantley said, “and she inspires me to be my best self.”

A member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Brantley teaches a finance course in Mizzou’s College of Business, and has studied abroad in Costa Rica. The Suggs Scholarship includes a study abroad experience.

“I would not be the person I am today if it were not for the Suggs Scholarship,” Brantley said. “It alleviated financial stress, and I was able to finish undergrad work with no student

working together, rather than working one on top of the other,” said Najjuwah Walden, one of the students presenting.

To find a partner that would preserve those values, the Brown School students turned to Harris-Stowe State University.

“Why Harris-Stowe? The first thing was, it’s feasible to expand their affiliations,” Walden said. Eventually, they could expand into other HBCU campuses, and into other territories as well. The first initial expansion would be beneficial to start at HarrisStowe State University, because it’s in St. Louis, and there’s another HBCU, Lincoln University, in Jefferson City, just two hours away. All HBCUs value collectivism, so it wouldn’t be a competition in order to expand to additional HBCU campuses.”

As an HBCU alumna herself, Walden understood the benefits to the AfricanAmerican community that a partnership between HarrisStowe and a community organization such as CWAH could have.

The majority of students at Harris-Stowe are from St. Louis or the Metro East, and come out of the Saint Louis Public Schools system, so the community connection is strong. “So it wouldn’t be difficult for them to maintain their current client base as

loan debt.”

Brantley also benefited greatly by participating in Lewis Rice’s summer associate program. She hopes eventually to be part of the Lewis Rice Litigation Department.

“Lewis Rice’s program felt very realistic of what to expect when I start to practice,” Brantley said. “I think it was important to have this type of an experience so that I felt confident in accepting a fulltime offer.”

The firm is more than pleased to welcome her.

“Maikieta is the total package – smart, dynamic, poised, and has a business savvy that really sets her apart,” said Sarah E. Mullen, co-chair of the Lewis Rice Recruiting Committee. “We are thrilled she accepted our offer for full-time employment after she graduates from law school.”

Brantley also hopes to continue teaching, perhaps for a law school, and perform more community service. She is the founder of My Little Sister’s Keeper, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to cultivate a positive environment for middle-schoolaged girls to learn, think and grow.

“I felt I needed to get back into community service,” Brantley said, “and wanted to do something that would empower young girls to be their best self.”

For more information on My Little Sister’s Keeper, visit http://www. mylittlesisterskeeper.org.

Community Women Against Hardship, as well as expanding it to the different communities where the students from Harris Stowe State University come from,” Walden said.

Another thing that made Harris Stowe an ideal partner for CWAH is that the university recently experienced a change in leadership. CWAH is going through succession planning in anticipation of the retirement of founding CEO Gloria Taylor. In that process, the board has hired a chief operations officer (Karla Frye) to handle operations and program and fund development, among other things, while Taylor focuses on community engagement, advocacy, the music institute and events, as well as developing affiliate

relationships.

“The students were supposed to find out the attributes of a succession success story,” said Taylor. The Brown School students thought Harris-Stowe State University might be able to help out with the transition.

“They just experienced their own succession with their president, who came in three years ago,” Walden said. “He came in with the understanding that there’s sometimes changes that happen that you can’t necessarily control, and sometimes those changes aren’t bad, they’re just needed.”

During their conversation with Harris-Stowe administrators, the Brown School students designed a pipeline program from CWAH

to Harris-Stowe. Children and teens who had been benefitting from CWAH services, such as its history and literacy education programs, would “have early access to college prep, and be exposed to what it’s like attending college,” said Walden. Harris-Stowe State University said they would be open and willing to have programs specifically for CWAH.

“In addition, Harris-Stowe State University has its own education department, and there’s a lot of students who are always looking for internships or practicums, and not a lot of nonprofit organizations that are recruiting at the undergraduate level,” Walden said.

This would make the relationship mutually beneficial for Harris-Stowe and CWAH: Students in elementary, middle, and high schools would be exposed to Harris-Stowe through CWAH, and college students would be connected to practicum and internship opportunities at CWAH through Harris-Stowe.

“It would create job opportunities for people who wanted to go into the nonprofit sector, and felt like there wasn’t a place for them to actually serve the community that they want to work with,”

Walden said.

“A lot of times when we think about nonprofits, we think about Habitat for Humanity, we think about Each One Teach One, we think about United Way, but these big names don’t necessarily focus on the community issues and the socioeconomic oppression that our people experience.”

Karla Frye, COO of CWAH, found that the Brown School students’ presentation was exactly reflective of what CWAH staff believe needs to happen with their organization in this time of transition. “The conversation we had this morning before we got here was reflected in your work,” she said at the presentation. As the Brown School students’ report says, “There is a lot of uncertainty that comes with change.” This is the first story in a three-part series about the collaboration between the Brown School and Community Women Against Hardship to sustain and develop the organization.

Sophie Hurwitz completed her May project for John Burroughs School as a St. Louis American editorial intern and will continue with the paper this summer as a freelance reporter

Karla Frye, chief operations officer of Community Women Against Hardship; Brown School students Shakira Onwuachi, Najjuwah Walden and Jamie Bruner; and Clarice Evans of Community Women Against Hardship.

Photo by Wiley Price

Trump administration rejects the future in rejecting Paris Agreement

By Barack Obama Guest columnist

A year and a half ago, the world came together in Paris around the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children.

It was steady, principled American leadership on the world stage that made that achievement possible. It was bold American ambition that encouraged dozens of other nations to set their sights higher as well. And what made that leadership and ambition possible was America’s private innovation and public investment in growing industries like wind and solar

Guest Columnist Barack Obama

– industries that created some of the fastest new streams of good-paying jobs in recent years, and contributed to the longest streak of job creation in our history. Simply put, the private sector already chose a lowcarbon future. And for the nations that committed themselves to that future, the Paris Agreement opened the floodgates for businesses, scientists and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation on

an unprecedented scale.

The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership, even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future, I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got.

Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States.

Free summer meals in Ferguson-Florissant

Six sites in the FergusonFlorissant School District will offer free breakfast and lunch to students and disabled adults this summer.

Administration Center, 1005 Waterford Drive, June 5-June

30 – breakfast 9-9:15 a.m., lunch: 11:00-11:20 a.m.

Central Elementary School, 201 Wesley Ave, May 30-July

28 – breakfast: 8:30-8:45 a.m., lunch: 12-12:20 p.m.

Johnson-Wabash Elementary School, 685 January Ave., June 5-June 30 – breakfast: 8-8:30 a.m., lunch: 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Cross Keys Middle School, 14205 Cougar Dr., June 5-June

30 – breakfast: 7:10-7:30 a.m., lunch: 11:20 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Little Creek Nature Area, 2295 Dunn Rd., July 17-August 3, lunch: 12:1012:30 p.m. McCluer High School, 1896

S. New Florissant Road, June 5-June 30, breakfast: 7:10-7:30 a.m., lunch: 10:45-11:300 a.m. The free summer meals, sponsored by the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), provides free, nutritious meals to help children get the nutrition they need throughout the summer months when they are out of school. Children 18 and younger may receive free meals through SFSP. Meals are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled.

June 1, 1937 – May 20, 2017

Donald E. Franklin, retired Post-Dispatch reporter

By Nicole Franklin For The St. Louis American

Donald Lee Eddric Franklin passed away on the morning of May 20, 2017 after a twoyear battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He spent 37 years as a journalist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, formerly a Pulitzer publication. He retired in 2004.

He was born in Marianna, Arkansas on June 1, 1937 to James C. Franklin, Sr. and Bessie (Jackson) Franklin. The family moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, where Donald’s father worked as an East St. Louis firefighter, who rose to the ranks of assistant fire chief. His mother was a seamstress in the St. Louis garment industry, in addition to being a hairdresser.

As a teen Don grew to have an unprecedented appreciation for jazz. Don could share his fondness for Sarah Vaughan and local legend Miles Davis with schoolmate and local legendary jazz disc jockey Leo Chears (“The Man in the Red Vest”).

Don attended the reputable East St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School (Class of 1954), where he played trombone in the marching band. He graduated from Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale with a degree in English in 1958, having pledged Kappa Alpha Psi his senior year.

In 1967 Don was hired by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, where he mentioned during the interview the need to hire a number of black reporters. While employed he received a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship to the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, New York. In addition to his studies in the Harlem neighborhood he worked in New Jersey as a

stringer for the Newark StarLedger

Upon the Franklins’ return to St. Louis, Don continued his career as a general reporter and eventual assistant city editor (night) at the St. Louis

n Don pursued daily assignments as award-winning opportunities to expand coverage on civil rights, voting rights and exposing police brutality.

Post-Dispatch. As one of the founding members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists, Don pursued daily assignments as award-winning opportunities to expand coverage on civil rights, voting rights and exposing police brutality.

Don was one of the founding members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists.

Near the end of his career Don went back on the streets as the homicide beat reporter. Don spent his days off building a home for his family in the Central West End. He worked with an architect on the blueprints for his family home, registered for courses on electrical and plumbing at East St. Louis Community College, and launched Franklin Contracting Company. In 1981 Don, his wife and three daughters moved into “The House that Don Built.” Donald Franklin is survived by his older brother James C. Franklin Jr. and their aunt Ruby Perry (Rubin) of Roswell, Georgia and uncle Nelson Jackson of Los Angeles, California, the last of his parents’ siblings. Don leaves behind his wife Irene, a pianist, church musician, and retired music educator in St. Louis and their three daughters and two sons-inlaw: filmmaker and professor Nicole L. Franklin of Long Island, New York, dancer and choreographer Candice Michelle Franklin (Candice Franklin-Cox) and Jerry “Niru” Cox of Harlem, New York and photographer Kirsten M. Petty and Daniel Petty of St. Louis. Officer Funeral Home, P.C. – Metro East Chapel is handling all arrangements. A celebratory service and “Evening of Jazz” will be held on Saturday, June 24 in Don’s honor. The morning service will take place at 11 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1648 Tudor Ave., East Saint Louis, IL 62207.

Open auditions for two shows, Cole Porter’s classic satire “Anything Goes” and “Yeast Nation,” the newest wild adventure from the writers of “Urinetown,” will be held on June 12 and 19 at 7 p.m., at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. Performers need to come to only one of the dates, and no appointment is necessary. Both shows will run for 12 performances over four weeks at the Marcelle. Anything Goes will run March 1-24, 2018, and Yeast Nation will run May 31-June 23, 2018. The role of Moonface Martin in “Anything Goes” has been cast; all other roles are available. For both shows, New Line is looking for a multi-racial cast of 16 intelligent, fearless, singing actors who are willing to take risks onstage. Anyone over the age of 17 is welcome to audition.

St. Louis signs lease on temporary homeless shelter

City had deadline to move homeless men from garden warehouse

By Rachel Lippmann

Of St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis moved to meet a June 5 deadline to move homeless men from a temporary emergency shelter in a city warehouse.

Mayor Lyda Krewson, Comptroller Darlene Green and Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed signed a 10-month lease on Tuesday, May 30 for a space at 23rd and Pine streets, west of downtown. The lease starts Thursday, June 1, about a week before hundreds of local government officials, social service providers and community and business leaders will meet to seek a more regional approach to reducing homelessness. The 75 or so men who were staying at the New Life Evangelistic Center before the city closed it in April were moved to the city warehouse Women were moved to a public recreation center at 12th and Park.

After local legal advocacy group ArchCity Defenders sued, the city promised to move the men to another location within 60 days, saying the warehouse always was a temporary fix. The new temporary shelter previously housed a drop-in center for individuals with developmental disabilities who were also experiencing homelessness.

Eddie Roth, St. Louis’ director of human services,

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is launching “The Black Male Media Project,” and the local chapter will host a panel discussion and conversation about the image of black men and boys in the media 2:30-6 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Saint Louis University, Boileau Hall, 38 Vandeventer Ave.

The Saint Louis University Office of Diversity and Community Engagement is partnering with the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists (GSLABJ) to host the event, one of nearly two across the country being produced by NABJ affiliate chapters.

Participants will include Carol Daniel, KMOX news anchor and president of GSLABJ; Jonathan Smith, vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement at Saint Louis University; veteran KSDK Channel 5 reporter Art Holliday; Corey “Slo Down” Edwards of the St. Lunatics rap group; and Stefan Bradley, associate professor at Saint Louis University. They will discuss negative stereotypes, damaging images and how they affect black men and boys. The event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP is requested through Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/yaso6ojg

County Library offers free lunches and groceries

said the city is partnering with St. Patrick Center, a local service agency, to get the men into more permanent housing within six months.

Though he’s confident the city will meet the deadline, he said the $5,000-a-month lease is for 10 months just in case.

“December 1 is the end of six months, so we just wanted some breathing room in the winter months should something come up,” Roth said.

The new space is in Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia’s 6th Ward. The Democrat said she would have liked to be able to tell neighboring businesses and residents that the property would be used as a temporary shelter sooner.

“By necessity, the city

is trying very quickly to determine what the best use of certain spaces is and how to serve the population,” Ingrassia said. “I think in a perfect world I would have been brought into the mix a bit sooner, but really I feel like we’re in a good place now.”

Once the new temporary shelter closes in March 2018, the city will have just one emergency overnight shelter — the Biddle Housing Opportunities Center located north of downtown.

Roth said the plan is to get other regional partners to provide breathing room in the future.

“Maybe St. Louis County or one of the other counties should do a shelter for 30 women,” he said. To that end, the city is using

a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to have a Boston-based consulting firm guide social service providers, politicians, businesses, universities and other community leaders toward a more cooperative approach to reducing homelessness. The firm won’t force anyone to work together, Roth said, but will help foster natural ways to work together.

A two-day “boot camp” starts June 7. The consulting firm, the Cloudburst Group, helped St. Louis adopt a new strategy for distributing federal grants between 2012 and 2014. Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rlippmann. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

St. Louis County Library and Operation Food Search are teaming up to provide lunches to children this summer at select library locations. Starting June 5 through August 11, seven branches will offer a nutritious lunch along with activities for kids from noon–1 p.m., Monday-Friday. Kids will get pizza as a special treat on Fridays. Meals will be available free of charge for children ages 18 and under. The summer lunch program will be offered at the following branches: Indian Trails, Jamestown Bluffs, Lewis & Clark, Natural Bridge, Prairie Commons, Rock Road and Weber Road. New this year, the library will offer Operation Backpack on Thursdays, which provides each family in attendance with a bag of shelf stable groceries to take home for the weekend. This summer lunch program helps bridge the gap for families who rely on free or reduced lunch service during the school year. Last year, over 12,000 meals were served at six library locations. The meals are funded through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and coordinated by Operation Food Search. The library provides complementary activities such as board games, crafts and story times during and after the lunch hour. Teen library volunteers help with the program. Information about Summer Reading Club and how to obtain a library card will also be presented during the free lunch meal times. Additional details can be found at www.slcl.org/summerlunches.

Photo by Rachel Lippmann/St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis officials signed a lease for a temporary homeless shelter to be put at this building, at 23rd and Pine.

New voter photo ID law is unclear and

unfunded,

advocates claim

According to a new law, effective June 1 Missouri voters must have stateissued photo ID in order to vote. In the November 8 election, voters passed Constitutional Amendment 6, which authorizes photo ID requirements at the polls.

In a May 31 press conference organized by the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, a group of over 30 nonprofits and public servants, questions were raised both about whether this law is ethical and about how it will be implemented.

The rule will be effective in the elections this upcoming July and August, which will include a St. Louis aldermanic election on July 11, and special elections for one Missouri House and one Missouri Senate seat on August 8.

Though the law requires every voter to have a stateissued photo ID, it also requires the state to pay for photo ID for those without one. At the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition press conference, however, several public figures and activist groups suggested that with the lack of public education and lack of funding, this measure will keep registered voters away from the polls.

“It took 10 years, but the Missouri legislature has designed another poll tax,” said Nancy Miller, president of the Missouri League of Women Voters, at the press conference. She compared this law to the “poll taxes” that were used as a device to restrict the voting rights of African Americans.

“Whereas free IDs are promised for all 220,000 voters who lack one, procedures and assistance for obtaining them are yet to be seen,” Miller said. “Even though there has not been one case of voter impersonation fraud, the rules which resulted in fair, honest elections are no more.”

Those free IDs, along with the advertisement required to make voters aware of the changes, is to be paid for by the state, which according to state Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis), is “unfunded by a tune of $3.5 million.” She expressed frustration at the lack of clarity in the measure. Along with the rest of the Missouri

In 2006, the Missouri legislature attempted to pass a similar photo ID bill, which was ruled unconstitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court because of its restriction of the voting rights of the over 200,000 Missourians without government photo ID – those people being disproportionately African-American, female, poor, seniors or disabled. Now, in 2016, this measure seems on track to move unobstructed into law.

Voter Protection Coalition, she requested that Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft clarify the new voting procedures – and how they are to be financed.

“Someone asked me, how will it work? How will voter ID work? Who will be in charge? Where do people go and have their questions answered?” Nasheed said.

“The answer is, we don’t know. Unfortunately, Secretary Ashcroft has been unable to provide clear answers to the people that are having to vote without an ID. What we do know is that this mass policy change does not have the resources to be implemented in the first place.”

St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones also spoke out against the law. “We have no clear rules or guidance as to what will happen on the next election day,” she said. “This is unacceptable, and I have a message for our

secretary of state’s office:

This is not a dress rehearsal. These are people’s real lives and constitutional rights that you’re playing with. I’m saying that because, if you’re in a marginalized group, and I’m looking for info on how to cast my vote in the next election, I can’t find it. Can you?”

Denise Lieberman coordinator of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, said that the organization’s primary request was that Ashcroft “take further steps to ensure that no valid voter is denied their right to cast a ballot, and issue definitive guidance that will help local authorities train poll workers, and embark on a robust public education effort.”

The ID law, Lieberman said, is not only costly, but also “a descendant of Dred Scott and our nation’s legacy of exclusion.”

Coalition members expressed frustration over how costly and “unnecessary” the measure is. “We don’t have voter impersonation in Missouri, but that’s the problem they’re trying to fix,” said state Representative Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights). Jones agreed: “Here in Missouri we have 99 problems,” she said, “And voter ID ain’t one.” In a release, Ashcroft responded by saying he will announce a statewide public education campaign on June 1, as the law takes effect.

“Missouri’s voter ID law will not disenfranchise a single voter,” Ashcroft

stated. “Bottom line, if you’re registered to vote, you can vote – despite the misinformation that was shared today.”

Ashcroft’s info-tour

On Monday, June 5, Ashcroft announced his statewide informative tour which starting on the same date in Columbia. He has four events in St. Louis on Thursday, June 8 in the St. Louis area: 8 a.m. at Dardenne Prairie City Hall at 2032 Hanley Road in St. Charles County; 9:30 a.m. at Saints Joachim & Ann Care Center, 4116 McClay Rd. in St. Charles; 2 p.m. at the Ferguson License Office at 728 S. Florissant Rd. in Ferguson; and 6:30 p.m. at Union Avenue Christian Church 733 Union Blvd. in St. Louis.

The St. Louis American published its most recent print edition on June 1, so we were not able to publicize the meetings in print with proper advance notice. The first print notice for this event will only and could only have appeared in St. Louis’ widely circulated black newspaper on the day of the event, meaning many if not most of our readers will read the information when it is too late to attend the informational events. And the initial announcement lacks the locations of two of the meetings.

So whoever the secretary is trying to reach, the black community of St. Louis does

not seem to be high on the list. That couldn’t be because the black voters who won’t be able to vote if they don’t have a voter photo ID are highly likely to vote Democrat, is it? This wouldn’t be a partisan move of intentional minority disenfranchisement to weaken the voting power of black people and the electability of their candidates of choice, would it? Even if it’s just inefficiency and lack of preparation and funding on the part of a newly elected firsttime politician, what difference does that make? It may be more subtle, not overtly racist, but black votes get suppressed just the same. For more information on Missouri’s new voter photo ID regulations, call toll-free (866) 868-3245, email showit2vote@ sos.mo.gov or visit www. ShowIt2Vote.com.

Nasheed to host emergency town hall

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed will host a “state of emergency” town hall forum 6 p.m. Monday, June 12, at O’Fallon Recreation Center, 4343 W. Florissant Ave. “It’s time to rebuild our communities block by block,” Nasheed stated. “Let’s get rid of the vacant and abandoned buildings, and get them included on the tax rolls again.”

Photo by Wiley Price

At a May 31 press conference, state Senator Jamilah Nasheed said that Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft “has been unable to provide clear answers to the people that are having to vote without an ID. What we do know is that this mass policy change does not have the resources to be implemented in the first place.”

Celebrating five years as Ameren Illinois president

Richard Mark helped make Illinois second only to California in grid modernization

to local residents

and

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

has

On June 13, Richard Mark celebrates his fiveyear anniversary with Ameren Illinois. Since being appointed president and chairman in June of 2012, Mark has led Ameren Illinois through a period of unprecedented growth.

“Our financial performance has been very solid, due in part to progressive legislative and regulatory policy that my team has helped secure in Illinois,” Mark told The American. “Our S&P company credit rating has improved from BBBin 2011 to BBB+ currently. With revenues of $3 billion and capital investment growing by more than 30 percent in the last five years, Ameren

n The 2015 National Grid Modernization Index, developed by the GridWise alliance and the Smart Grid Policy Center, ranks Illinois 2nd in the United States for its grid modernization policies, investments, and activities, trailing only California.

Illinois continues to deliver solid returns to its shareholders.”

At the same time, he said, the customers are served. “Our electric rates remain among the lowest in the nation,” Mark said, comparing Ameren Illinois’ average kilowatt charge of 10.54 cents to the Midwest average kilowatt

charge of 12.76 cents and national average of 12.93 cents.

“We also host bill-support events that provide income-qualified customers with grants to help them catch up on their utility bills,” Mark said.

George Holmes: a future in control

Florissant native pursuing PhD in control system engineering on federal scholarship

By Andrew Careaga

As a high school senior, George Leno Holmes

Jr. saw two clear paths for life after graduation.

n While he has yet to decide on a specific direction for his research, Holmes hopes his advanced studies will lead to a way to either “decrease inefficiencies or decrease drudgery.”

“I was either going to join the Air Force or become a mechanic,” he said. But his grandmother and a cousin saw a different path for the bright, mechanically inclined student from Florissant. “Granny,” as Holmes calls her, had been saving money to send him to college. She and Holmes’ cousin –whom he describes as “a brilliant engineer” who lacks a college degree – urged him to study engineering at Missouri S&T.

So Holmes and his father made the trip from St. Louis to tour Missouri S&T. As he walked around campus, Holmes told his dad, “I could see myself here.”

See HOLMES, B6

Gisele Marcus joined the St. Louis Regional Chamber as executive vice president, Strategic Initiatives & Operations. She will manage the chamber’s strategic operations and allocate resources to help the chamber and its partners leverage St. Louis’ existing economic strengths, create economic opportunities for growth, and support forward-thinking policies that improve the quality of life and prosperity for the St. Louis region.

Marvin Woods was elected to the status of Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) Fellow. AACE is an international cost management group. He is principal of Project Controls Group, Inc. He will be recognized at the 2017 Annual Meeting on June 13 during the awards Luncheon.

Tiffany Clinton was named administrative assistant at Great Rivers Greenway. She is responsible for welcoming visitors, vendors and partners, as well as directing inquiries and feedback to the appropriate resources. She will also assist with education of the organization’s mission and help staff with special projects and events. She has worked as a medical assistant, youth care specialist at Great Circle and home health aide for Home Instead.

Dwayne Nelson won the 2017 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Community Service. He is a Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Engineer who works with the National Society of Black Engineers and is known for mentoring middle to high school students. He holds a master’s in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

Isis D. Brown U.S.

Gisele Marcus

Isis D. Brown

Marvin Woods

Ndjuoh MehChu

Tiffany Clinton

Dwayne Nelson

See MARK, B2

Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Ameren Illinois President Richard Mark distributed energy efficiency tote bags

as they left a customer outreach event at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis on March 28. Mark also is vice chairman of the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council. Since 2012, when Mark was appointed president, the value of goods

services Ameren Illinois

purchased from minority- and woman-owned businesses increased by $98 million.

For The St. Louis American

George Holmes, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering from Florissant, is studying control system engineering at Missouri S&T through a GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) fellowship.

Photo by Sam O’Keefe/Missouri S&T

Safely cut the cost of elective medical expenses

By Nathaniel Sillin

Whether it’s a matter of comfort, appearance or safety, there are many medical procedures that you may want or need, but your health insurance won’t cover.

Laser eye surgery may fall into the want category for most people and it can be a hefty investment with each eye costing several thousand dollars. For those wanting to start a family, infertility treatments, which can cost over $10,000, may be closer to a need. Yet most states don’t require health insurance to cover treatments.

Considering the lasting impact that these and other procedures can have on your life, you may not want to seek out the least expensive option. However, that doesn’t mean you should forgo attempts to save altogether. From tax-advantaged accounts to comparison shopping doctors, there are many approaches to safely cutting costs.

See if you could get a tax break. Although tax breaks don’t lower a medical procedure’s price, tax deductions can decrease your taxable income and by using a tax-advantaged account you may be able to pay for some medical procedures with income-tax-free money.

• Take a medical expense tax deduction. If you itemize your tax deductions, you can get a deduction for your qualified medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. Laser eye surgery and some fertility enhancement treatments may qualify. However, cosmetic surgery doesn’t unless it’s related to a congenital abnormality, disfiguring disease or an injury resulting

from trauma or an accident.

• Use an employersponsored flexible spending account (FSA). Some employers offer FSAs as an employee benefit. You can make tax-deductible contributions to the account each year and withdraw the money tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses, including health insurance

deductibles and copayments. However, this approach could require planning as you may forfeit remaining FSA money at the end of each year.

• Enroll in health insurance with a health savings account (HSA). An HSA account is similar to an FSA in that you can contribute pre-tax money and withdraw funds to pay

for eligible medical expenses tax-free. HSAs don’t have the use-it-or-lose-it requirement, but to qualify for an HSA account, you need to enroll in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and can’t be eligible for Medicare.

• Ask your health insurance company about discounts. Even when a health insurance provider doesn’t

MARK

continued from page B1

“We have assisted thousands of customers and distributed more than $4 million in grants since the program began in 2014.” At the events, Ameren Illinois reps also speak with customers and show easy energy-saving steps they can take. “Our hope is that the bill assistance we provide gives these customers added financial flexibility to cover other essentials such as food, medicine and child care,” Mark said.

This same philosophy carries over into serving business customers. Ameren Illinois recently hosted an Energy Leadership Summit in Springfield, Illinois, bringing its highest energy using customers together to help them prepare for impending changes caused by new state legislation.

“We provided them with information they could use to run their operations, and took time to listen and understand their challenges,” Mark said.

“Several representatives of the attending companies told me they truly appreciated the opportunity to share their input with the leaders of the utility company.”

The American talked to Mark about his five years at the helm.

The American: What is different about Illinois’ regulatory structure that has enabled you to undertake a massive overhaul of the state’s energy infrastructure?

Richard Mark: Simply put, the state of Illinois’ progressive ratemaking model provides certainty that we can recover investments in our electric and natural gas energy delivery systems more quickly. That’s good for our company, our customers, and our investors.

For our customers, that means we’re modernizing the century-old grid and delivering energy more reliably. We have added intelligent switches and smart sensors that quickly

from one state to another, and you should double-check your benefits before assuming something isn’t covered. Infertility treatment is one of these gray areas, as some states require health insurance plans to provide coverage while others do not.

Compare costs from different providers. Varying medical costs sometimes make headlines when patients find out that a $3,000 medical procedure at a hospital could cost several hundred at a nearby clinic. If it’s not an emergency, there are websites that you can use to comparison shop nearby medical centers and get estimated prices. Some people also look for savings in other countries. Medical tourism is a growing industry, and millions of people travel outside their home countries seeking lower costs, higher-quality services, treatments that aren’t available at home, a relaxing environment to recover in or a combination of several of these factors. While the U.S. is a destination for some medical tourists, Canada, Southeast Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe are also popular.

cover a procedure, members may still be able to save money by going through their insurance.

For example, health insurance generally won’t cover the cost of Laser eye surgery, but your provider may offer a 5 to 15 percent discount if you get the surgery at partner eye care centers. Health insurance requirements can also vary

detect and restore outages.

A smarter grid means fewer outages and it gives customers the opportunity to save on their bills by participating in pricing and energy usage programs enabled by installation of smart meters.

On the natural gas side, we’re able to strengthen the integrity and performance of our natural gas system and replace outdated transmission pipe with newer, corrosionresistant materials.

The Illinois state legislature and our Commerce Commission deserve credit for positioning Illinois as a national leader in the development of a progressive energy policy. Since the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) – or Smart Grid Bill – was passed in 2011, Ameren Illinois has met every metric outlined in the performancebased formula ratemaking legislation. To date, Ameren Illinois’ grid modernization initiatives have resulted in an overall 17 percent increase in reliability and saved customers an estimated $45 million each year.

The enhancements Ameren Illinois is making is capturing the attention of national policy makers. The 2015 National Grid Modernization Index, developed by the GridWise alliance and the Smart Grid Policy Center, ranks Illinois 2nd in the United States for its grid modernization policies, investments, and activities, trailing only California.

The American: Has Ameren Illinois increased its workforce?

Richard Mark: It takes resources to build this next generation energy system and we are adding new workers every day. Excluding attrition and retirements, more than 650 new Ameren Illinois jobs have been added and more than 1,000 outside contractor positions are working on site to support our projects and contribute to economic growth in central and southern Illinois.

A stronger, more modern grid is giving area businesses the confidence that their

Bottom line: Although you may not be able to convince your health insurance company to cover what it considers an elective procedure; you can turn to other methods to save money. As with other large expenses, you can take a dual big- and little-picture approach by looking for tax breaks that lower your effective cost and savings opportunities that can reduce a procedure’s price.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

energy needs will be met today and in the future. As we undertake this massive overhaul of a century-old system, we’ll continue to partner with local businesses to expand and grow here in the Greater Metro East area.

The American: What diversity and inclusion initiatives are in place at Ameren Illinois?

Richard Mark: I’m a strong advocate and supporter of diversity and inclusion through training, employee enrichment, community outreach and supplier development. As one of the initial Executive Sponsors of Ameren’s Network of Minority Employees (ANME), we’re providing development, networking and training opportunities for Ameren’s minorities. This year we have launched a new program to drive home the importance of this topic by offering series of presentations and panel discussions with our co-workers. We’re calling it the “Courage Tour.”

Since 2012, the value of goods and services Ameren Illinois has purchased from minority- and woman-owned businesses increased by $98 million. To help maintain a steady pipeline of diverse suppliers, hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners and Ameren procurement reps meet annually to network and identify buy-sell opportunities at Ameren’s Supplier Diversity Symposiums.

We all host diversity outreach events in communities throughout Illinois, where Ameren partners with local organizations to identify potential new employees with diverse backgrounds.

Also, in May 2015 Ameren Illinois joined four other Illinois utilities in announcing the formation of the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council, where I serve as vice chairman. This council is designed to grow business opportunities for diverse suppliers through closer collaboration, technical development and sharing of best practices.

Laser eye surgery may fall into the want category for most people and it can be a hefty investment with each eye costing several thousand dollars.

n “I’m just hoping the Cavaliers can win a game, to be honest with you.”

– Charles Barkley

Track and Field All-Stars

The American selects its 2017 team

The St. Louis metro area continues to produce some of the best high school track and field talent in the country. The conclusion to another exciting season came last weekend with several tremendous performances at the state championships in Missouri and Illinois.

Earl Austin Jr.

On the team front, congratulations to the girls from McCluer South-Berkeley (back-toback) and the boys from Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC, John Burroughs, Rockwood Summit and Edwardsville (Illinois) on bringing home state championships. We bid farewell to some superstar individual talents, such as Rayvon Allen of Summit, Austin Hindman of Lafayette, Mariya Hudson of Cahokia and the Edwardsville duo of Travis Anderson and A.J. Epenesa, who will be moving on to the collegiate level. At the same time, we saw the spectacular prep debuts of freshmen phenoms Brandon Miller of John Burroughs and Alicia Burnett of Fort Zumwalt South, making sure that the good times will keep rolling in St. Louis track circles.

As we close the book on another season, here is the 2017 St. Louis American Track and Field All-Star Team.

Girls:

100-meter dash: Alicia Burnett (Fr.) Fort Zumwalt South

200-meter dash: Alicia Burnett (Fr.) Fort Zumwalt South

400-meter dash: Mariya Hudson (Sr.) Cahokia

800-meter run: Aly Vancardo (Sr.) Lindbergh

1,600-meter run: Madison Leigh (Sr.) Francis Howell

3,200-meter run: Mikayla Reed (Jr.) Washington

100-meter high hurdles: Valarie Whitted (Jr.) Cardinal Ritter

300-meter low hurdles: LaQwasia Stepney (Soph.) Cahokia

4x100-meter relay: O’Fallon (Kersten Douglas, Tamya Houston, Chloe Lambert, Mya Watson-Blake)

4x200-meter relay: Hazelwood Central (Brittney Johnson, Destiny Nash, Aisha Southern, Danielle Frank)

4x400-meter relay: East St. Louis (Shonjahnea Griggs, Jariah Turner, Jade Marshall, Veronica Sherrod)

4x800-meter relay: Francis Howell (Alexa Brugere,

King boycotts NFL over Kaepernick

Acclaimed New York Daily News columnist and activist Shaun King announced that he will boycott the NFL this season. He reached his decision due to the league’s obvious blackballing of former San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick

The 29-year-old signal-caller has struggled to find work after he kneeled during the “The Star-Spangled Banner” each week last season to protest injustice and police brutality against minorities in America.

“I won’t be watching the NFL this year,” King wrote.” I can’t, in good conscience, support this league, with many of its pro-Trump owners, as it blacklists my friend and brother Colin Kaepernick for taking a silent, peaceful stance against injustice and police brutality in America. It’s disgusting and has absolutely nothing to do with football and everything to do with penalizing a brilliant young man for the principled stance he took last season.

Kaepernick and his representatives recently had discussions with the Seattle Seahawks. However, the team ultimately decided to sign former Rams’ backup Austin Davis over Kaepernick. In five NFL seasons, Davis has rarely gotten onto the field. He’s played 13 games and amassed 2548 yards passing with 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and five fumbles.

In 12 games last season alone, Kaepernick amassed 2,241 yards, 16 TDs and four INTs. Over six NFL seasons, Kaepernick has passed for 12,271 yards, 72 TDs and 30 INTs, in addition to rushing for 2,300 yards. According to Jason Reid of The Undefeated, Kaepernick has the fourth-best touchdowns-to-interceptions ration in NFL history. Because he dared to speak out against injustice in America, NFL teams are avoiding him like the plague. New York Giants owner John Mara admitted that the Giants

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

During the Class 5 Girls State High School Track & Field Championships in Jefferson City over the Memorial Day weekend McCluer North won the Girls 4x100 Relay. Lee’s Summit West took second with Hazelwood West third and Jefferson City in fouth place and Rock Bridge fifth.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

It’s time for Fowler to be himself –on the field and in clubhouse

Dexter Fowler would be the first to tell you that his output after two months of the 2017 season isn’t what the St. Louis Cardinals are seeking in return for his five-year $82.5 million contract.

After Monday’s 4-2 loss to Cincinnati dropped the Cardinals to 26-29, Fowler had clawed his batting average back up to .225, with eight home runs and 20 RBI. He hasn’t been himself in the batter’s box – and I think, in part, it’s because he is not being himself in the clubhouse.

A Sporting News online feature by Ryan Davis, penned during Fowler’s return to Wrigley Field last weekend, more than hints that Fowler is not being true to his personality and demurring to team veterans.

Rather than being the life of the party as he was with the world champion Chicago Cubs in 2016, Matt Carpenter said “He just kinda slid in and is adapting to what we do. It’s not like he came in and changed anything big; he’s fitting in nicely.”

its identity in 2015, the 2017 Cardinals are one of the most veteran-laden teams in baseball.

“Mixing in and becoming “one of the guys” is a better first step than trying to bring in a fog machine and a disco ball for victory dance parties — a staple from his time with the Cubs.”

The Cardinals need to unleash the fun Fowler and fast.

The veteran leadership failed to guide the team to the playoffs last year and, after Monday, the Cardinals were closer to last place than to first in an extremely mediocre National League Central Division.

Bust out the fog machine and the dance moves, Dexter –and don’t give a darn what the veterans say.

In the hunt for Greene Selfishly, I’d like for Hunter Greene to be selected second – not first – in Monday’s MLB Draft.

That’s just the problem. Fowler should not be “fitting in nicely.” He should be a live wire that crackles with enthusiasm.

Carpenter added that “(Fowler’s) a guy with a lot of energy and a good personality. He has been a good impact, for sure.”

But that “fitting in” comment still bothers me. Davis also interviewed rookie second baseman Paul DeJong, who put a real picture on why Fowler hasn’t found his groove.

“(Yadier Molina), Carp, and (Adam Wainwright), the veterans that have been around kind of lead the (clubhouse),” DeJong said.

The Cincinnati Reds hold the No. 2 pick behind the Minnesota Twins and it would be great if the African-American high school phenom eventually reached stardom in the National League Central Division, home of the St. Louis Cardinals.

n After Monday’s 4-2 loss to Cincinnati dropped the Cardinals to 26-29, Fowler had clawed his batting average back up to .225, with eight home runs and 20 RBI.

“(Fowler) has been a great addition to the team. He treats me with respect, he treats everybody with respect. That’s all you can ask for.”

Is Fowler being respectful or does he feel muzzled?

Davis offered his own opinion, writing “The phrase ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ comes to mind when thinking of Fowler’s impact on the clubhouse and culture of the Cardinals. Building cache as a leader can take time. While Fowler came to a young Cubs team that was seeking

Several mock drafts have Greene being selected by the Twins, others have him destined for Cincinnati. Most scouts agree that Greene, a senior at Notre Dame High School in the Los Angeles area, and Louisville left-hander/ first baseman pitcher Brendan McKay will be the respective top picks. Greene could be drafted in the first round as a shortstop, but his pitching ability is what has him at the top of most draft boards.

He just completed his senior season with a record of 12-5 with a 1.62 ERA as a pitcher. He consistently throws pitches in the high 90s and he can top 100 mph.

In addition to his baseball prowess, Greene scored a 31 on the ACT last fall – the national average is a 21. Having a black youth (he won’t be 18 until later this summer) go first in the draft would be a fantastic advertisement for MLB’s effort to increase black participation in the sport.

Naturally, there is a potential snag in the Greene-to-the Reds

plan. Greene stopped pitching midway through the season, and mlb.com reported that some scouts saw it as an effort to fall to No. 3 in the draft where the San Diego Padres are slotted. He would be much closer to home.

According to Baseball America, “Greene has developed positive relationships with several members of the Twins’ front office and player development staff, including Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and special assistants to baseball operations LaTroy Hawkins and Torii Hunter.” The trio of great former Twins are black.

Greene and his representatives are inquisitive about player development philosophies adding that “The Twins’ and

the Padres’ approaches to pitching development align more so with Greene’s philosophy than that of the Reds, who pick in between the two.”

I still hope the Reds select him and he torments the Cardinals for years to come as one of baseball’s best players.

Discus dandy

Congratulations to Pattonville High School junior Dakari Streeter for his thirdplace finish in the discus competition last week at the Class 5A state track meet in Jefferson City.

One of his attempts reached 161 feet – a mark he had attained earlier this season and one that broke a Pattonville

record that had lasted 51 years. The former record of 160 feet, 4 inches was held by Randy Hauser Hauser’s son, Scott is Pattonville football and track coach and he was on hand when his record fell.

“I have absolutely no problem relinquishing my title to a quality athlete and individual like Dakari. He’s a good kid. I look forward to watching his progress during his senior year,” said Randy Hauser.

Fowler would be the first to tell you that his output after two months of the 2017 season isn’t what the St. Louis Cardinals are seeking in return for his fiveyear $82.5 million contract.

Streeter first topped Hauser’s mark in May and said “At first, I didn’t think I broke it, but when the official called out the measurement as 161 feet, I felt relieved. I had high expectations for breaking the record going into the state meet, and then to actually do it … I was very proud of myself.” We’re all proud of you, dude.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His Twitter handle is #aareid1

Daisy Ogede

Washington University – Women’s Track and Field

The senior sprinter from Richton Park, Illinois earned AllAmerican status in three individual events at last week’s NCAA Division III Outdoor Nationals in Geneva, Ohio.

Ogede finished third in the 100-meter dash, fourth in the 200meter dash and fifth in the 100-meter high hurdles to become an All-American in all three events. Her individual efforts also helped Washington U. win the NCAA Division III national championship.

DeMontez McCrary

McKendree – Men’s Track and Field

The sophomore sprinter from O’Fallon, Illinois earned AllAmerican honors in three events at the recent NCAA Division II Outdoor Nationals in Bradenton, Florida. McCrary finished seventh in the 100-meter dash, sixth in the 200meter dash and anchored the Bearcats’ 4x100-meter relay team to a fifth place finish. McCrary became the first McKendree athlete to gain All-American status in multiple events at the national meet.

Alvin A. Reid

Dexter

Dakari Streeter

Net Rushers ‘strive to be the best,’ on and off court

Organization offers free

By Tashan Reed For The St. Louis American

On May 7, a group of six African-American female teenagers won a St. Louis citywide tennis tournament at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. The “Net Rushers” team included Journee White, 12; Nia Cooper, 12; Mary K. Townsend, 16; Amadi MuseMorris, 16; Natalie Malone, 16 and Janel Dean, 16. White attends MICDS, Cooper is in the Parkway School District, Townsend goes to Webster Groves High School, Muse-Morris is home schooled, Malone attends Ladue Horton Watkins High School and Dean goes to Parkway North High School. The girls competed in four singles and four doubles matches every Sunday for six weeks. Net Rushers competed in the 18 and under section of the tournament, which was made up entirely of girls. They finished undefeated.

n “It is such a privilege to work with such a nice set of young ladies who not only have an interest in sports, but also in their academics.”

– Mary Hudson

The Net Rushers Tennis Association is a historically black tennis organization in St. Louis targeting AfricanAmerican teens and children. The organization was founded in the 1988 by Erma J. Owens. Today, Owens and her sister Mary Hudson work together to help maintain the program. The participants in the program largely come from North County. When Owens started the organization, she expressed concern to her sister about the lack of opportunities for children in the area to get into tennis. “It is such a privilege to work with such a nice set of young ladies who not only have an interest in sports, but also in their academics,” Hudson said. “Whatever they do, they will excel.”

Participants have gone on to attend and receive substantial scholarships from Harvard, Yale, Tuskegee, Alabama A&M, and more.

Net Rushers is split into three levels that are inclusive

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

lion deal despite an arrest over allegations of domestic abuse. Brown was later released by the Giants after journals of his confessions of beating his wife were made public. According to NFLArrest. com, since the year 2000, there have been more than 450 arrests of NFL players due to drugs, alcohol, domestic abuse and assault. Many of those players have been welcomed back to their teams with open arms after they were bailed out of prison. Those who were released from their teams often were signed by other teams.

Kaepernick has never been arrested. He hasn’t been accused of sexual assault like Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. He’s never threatened to shoot up a club with an AK-47, like Chad Kelly, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos this year. Even the Cincinnati Bengals’ Adam Jones has managed to stay employed despite at least

TRACK

Continued from B3

Kelly Schroeder, Erin Gilbert, Madison Leigh) Long Jump: Zionn Pearson (Jr.) MICDS; Mariya Hudson (Sr.) Cahokia Triple Jump: Diamond Riley (Jr.) Ritenour High Jump: Katie Mans (Jr.) Alton

Pole Vault: Jamie Poppen (Sr.) Parkway West Shot Put: Nia Lyles (Soph) Webster Groves Discus: Shauniece O’Neal (Sr.) Hazelwood Central Boys:

100-meter dash: Cameron Brown (Jr.) CBC

200-meter dash: Jayson Ashford (Sr.) SLUH

400-meter dash: Hasani Barr (Soph) Cardinal Ritter

800-meter run: Chris Conrad (Sr.) O’Fallon; Brandon Miller (Fr.) John Burroughs

1,600-meter run: Austin Hindman (Sr.) Lafayette

3,200-meter run: Austin Hindman (Sr.) Lafayette

110-meter high hurdles: Travis Anderson (Sr.)

Edwardsville

300-meter intermediate hurdles: Jameson Williams (Soph) Cardinal Ritter

4x100-meter relay: CBC (Austin Malden, Brandon Douglas, Kamryn Babb, Cameron Brown)

4x200-meter relay: John Burroughs (Luke Lamb, John Harry Wagner, Brandon Miller, Xavier Miller)

tennis lessons every Sunday during June and July

Amadi Muse-Morris, Journee White, Mary K. Townsend, Natalie Malone, Nia Cooper, Janel Dean of the Net Rushers pose with their coach, Mary Owens-Hudson, at Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park.

of all age groups: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Many of the participants start at a young age, and Hudson estimated that 90 percent of them go on to receive either academic or athletic collegiate scholarships.

Net Rushers offers free tennis lessons every Sunday during June and July from 5-6:30 p.m. There are both paid and volunteer coaches available for help. Children who

10 arrests throughout his career because crimes are often forgiven by owners, front offices and fans of the NFL. For the record, I’m not suggesting that athletes who make mistakes should not be given a second chance. I don’t expect every athlete to be a choir boy in order to suit up. I still find it amazing that violent crimes or cheating can be so easily forgiven, but standing up (or kneeling) against injustice is just too much.

Those who have followed my column for a while know that I began my own personal boycott of the NFL after the Rams were allowed to depart St. Louis under the shadiest of circumstances. The Oakland Raiders’ and San Diego Chargers’ relocation approvals did nothing to endear me to the league and its greedy owners. That said, I wholeheartedly support King’s boycott. If an every owner in the NFL is willing to turn their backs on Kaepernick, then the people who stand up for his beliefs should turn their backs on the league. Kaepernick may not be Tom Brady on the field,

4x400-meter relay: East St. Louis (Deonte Anderson, Reyondus Estes, Willie Johnson, Joshua Tolton)

4x800-meter relay: Lafayette (Harrison Brown, David Golder, Nassim Oufattole, Austin Hindman)

Long Jump: Rayvon Allen (Sr.) Rockwood Summit

Triple Jump: Rayvon Allen (Sr.) Rockwood Summit

High Jump: Lamont Allen (Sr.) DeSoto

Pole Vault: Will Drury (Jr.) Kirkwood

Shot Put: Reece Goddard (Sr.) Kirkwood

Discus: A.J. Epenesa (Sr.) Edwardsville

Javelin: Ivan Barnett (Sr.) Kirkwood

show that they are seriously interested in tennis are offered the opportunity to receive private lessons. These are funded by grants, contributions from parents, and money from the organization itself.

The organization also typically holds three or four fundraisers every year. The events are engaging and range from raffles to adult tennis tournaments. One of the largest donors to the organization

Light

but he’s certainly better than Davis, nearly all of the league’s backups and a few of the bum disease-afflicted starters.

It’s still early and there’s a chance that Kaepernick could be signed. Still, it’s sad (but not surprising) to see 32 owners

Raheema Westfall

is the United States Tennis Association.

The mission of the Net Rushers Tennis Association is to promote tennis, and aid in the development of new program initiatives that will provide recreational and competitive tennis experiences for children in the St. Louis area. The organization provides training in tennis, character development, and academic counseling.

“It’s a joy to me,” Hudson said. “My sister saw a need for black kids to get more involved with tennis. It’s not just about the game, it’s a way of life. It teaches them how to strive to be the best, and how to be professional both on and off the court.”

Hudson also emphasized the importance of strategy when it comes to tennis, and added that Net Rushers began a chess program two years ago. Those who are interested can arrive early and play chess from 4-5 p.m. before tennis practice begins.

Hudson has had a lifelong love for the game of tennis, but revealed that she and her sister didn’t actually begin to play until they had already graduated college. “We just started taking lessons, and

cave-in to bigotry.

Superman is super scared

Speaking of bum disease, “Superman” Adonis Stevenson continued his campaign against competitive fights by knocking out Andrzej Fonfara in just two rounds Saturday night.

Since winning the WBC light heavyweight title in 2013, Stevenson has steered clear of top competition (aka Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward) and has taken plenty of fights that nobody wanted to see or bothered to watch.

Stevenson seemingly has all the tools to be a bona fide superstar. He boxes well, moves well and has dynamite power. At 39-years-old, his clock is ticking. If he doesn’t Ward, Kovalev or an exciting top contender soon, he will go down as one of the biggest wastes of talent in recent memory.

Big3 gaining buzz

As the NBA season winds

we loved it,” Hudson said. “Now, I go to the U.S. Open every other year and travel to compete in other states all the time.” If there’s one thing that still nags at Hudson, not just concerning Net Rushers but the sport of tennis in general, is the lack of interest coming from African-American males. Compared to about 22-25 girls, there are only “about three or four” boys that consistently come to Net Rushers.

“They don’t seem to be interested in tennis,” Hudson said. Young black males seem more drawn to sports like football and basketball, which are portrayed to be more masculine. “We’re really searching and seeking to find more boys,” she said. The membership fee is $25 per family and covers the yearround program for intermediate and advanced players. Contact Mary Hudson at 314-4792511 or maryowenshudson@ sbcglobal.net. The mailing address for the Net Rushers Tennis Association is 130 Rhinegarten Drive, Florissant, MO, 63031.

Tashan Reed is a former St. Louis American editorial intern and current freelance reporter for the paper.

down (it could be all over sooner than we thought), Ice Cube’s Big 3 Basketball League is gaining some buzz. When it was first announced, I thought it would be a bust. However, Cube has landed a TV deal with FoxSports and signed numerous retired stars such as Allen Iverson Chauncey Billups, Jason Williams Mike Bibby Corey Maggette, Larry Hughes and more. Love it or hate it, the Warriors and Cavaliers Finals matchup is generating plenty of basketball buzz. So is the upcoming NBA Draft due to the Celtics owning the top pick and the potential landing spots of Lonzo (and LaVar) Ball This is the perfect timing for the Big3 league to launch. Hopefully the product will live up to the hype on the court. After all, who doesn’t want to see “The Answer” vs “White Chocolate” a few more times. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Brandon Miller

John Burroughs – Boys Track and Field

The freshman phenom led the Bombers to the Class 3 state championship in Jefferson City. Miller earned four gold medals in four events, including the 800meter run. He posted a winning time of 1 minute 50.84 seconds, which is also a national freshman record. Miller also ran legs’

WBC

Heavyweight Champion Adonis Stevenson retained his title after defeating Andrzej Fonfara by second round knockout. Since winning the title in 2013, Stevenson has largely avoided facing top competition.

HOLMES

continued from page B1

Today, Holmes is still here, and he sees new possibilities for his future.

After graduating from S&T in 2016 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, Holmes began working toward a Ph.D. in control system engineering, which focuses on the design of robotic systems, among others. He is studying under the direction of Dr. S.N. Balakrishnan, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor of aerospace engineering and a leading authority in the field.

Holmes is one of dozens of GAANN Fellows at Missouri S&T. GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) is a U.S. Department of Education program designed to get more Ph.D. students into the nation’s universities – and to eventually get them to pursue careers in research in academia, national laboratories or the private sector. Holmes applied for the program at the urging of Robert G. Landers, a professor of mechanical engineering who taught one of Holmes’ favorite undergraduate courses, Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems.

“George was that rare student who sought a deep understanding of the material and always came to my office

hours to discuss the material,” Landers said. “George is a leader and has the curiosity and intellect to have a stellar career in research; therefore, I knew the GAANN program would be a perfect fit for him.”

Holmes also worked as a grader for Landers’ course the following semester.

“Not only did he grade quizzes and assignments, he reviewed all of my notes and provided feedback on how the course could be improved to maximize student learning,” Landers said.

Improving processes and systems is something of a pastime for Holmes. While he has yet to decide on a specific direction for his GAANN research, he hopes his advanced studies will lead to a way to either “decrease inefficiencies or decrease drudgery.”

A leader of the Black Man’s Think Tank student group during his undergraduate years, Holmes also hopes to inspire students in high school or lower levels – especially minority students – to pursue an education in engineering and science.

Education, too, is a system that could use some improvement, said Holmes.

“I’m a tinkerer,” he says. “If I can find a way to improve something, I’ll do it.”

Reprinted with permission from Missouri S&T Magazine

Christian Hospital recognized for stroke treatment

American staff

Christian Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to providing the most appropriate

stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The GuidelinesStroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieve 75 percent or higher

compliance with five of eight Get With The GuidelinesStroke Quality measures to receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

To qualify for the Target: Stroke Honor Roll, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue

plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reduce the effects of stroke and lessen the chance of permanent disability.

Christian Hospital earned the

award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period.

These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

“A stroke patient loses 1.9 million neurons each minute stroke treatment is delayed,” said Sebastian Rueckert, MD, Christian Hospital chief medical officer. “This recognition further demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced stroke treatments to patients quickly and safely.”

A leader of the Black Man’s Think Tank student group during his undergraduate years, George Holmes hopes to inspire students in high school or lower levels – especially minority students – to pursue an education in engineering and science.

Photo by Sam O’Keefe/Missouri S&T

STL rapper does city proud atop of hip-hop’s next class of rising stars

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I do this everywhere I go, just so I can let [expletives] know where I’m from,” rapper/ singer Smino told the sold out crowd at Delmar Hall Sunday night. “Y’all know where I’m from, so let’s do it together.”

n “Anything you want to do is possible, just keep doing it.”

- Smino

They turned down just long enough to see what he had up his sleeve for them. As the beat dropped for Nelly’s “Air Force Ones,” the crowd erupted all over again. It didn’t seem possible, but they took it up another notch when “E.I.” played. He was eager and proud to pay homage to the man who put St. Louis hiphop on the map like none other before him. Based on the incredible hometown finale for his “Swanita” national tour (international if one counts Canada) on the Sunday before Memorial Day, Smino’s got next.

The area just outside the entry way for the Delmar Hall buzzed with people attempting to make calls and pull strings to get into the show once they learned it was sold out. Some approached people heading in to the show offering to buy their tickets. No one obliged, though one young man successfully scalped his ticket for a profit when he learned that his girlfriend wouldn’t be able to attend with him. Whatever he charged, the buyer got more

Living It Growing into texture, with

Healthy Hair Solutions Health and Wellness Expo next Saturday at Cardinal Ritter

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Black women’s love-hate relationship with their hair due to Eurocentric beauty standards has birthed a multi-billion-dollar industry. For the past century, it has been rooted in conforming kinks, coils and curls into silky strands by any means necessary. In recent years, there has been a counter movement to aid black women in the process of managing and embracing their

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

The capacity audience who came to see the Sunday matinee performance of The Black Rep’s production of “Crossin’ Over” couldn’t help but turn into an amen chorus. Most were still dressed in their Sunday’s best – and all sat eager for a taste of the soulful sounds that anchor the spiritual experience for African Americans.

An ensemble of singers moved the crowd to the point of hand claps and cheers from early on in the opening medley of the show, which

natural hair. After more than 20 years in the cosmetology industry Tendai Morris, founder of the Healthy Hair Solutions line of hair care products, shifted her focus to helping women of color love the hair that they were born with.

“People think it’s a small thing, but it impacts what’s going on with you inside when you have a whole society essentially telling you that the way your hair grows out of your head is unacceptable,” Morris said. “It spills over into every other of your life – from your job, to your relationships, to your children and family. If you are indoctrinated to believe that part of you is not good enough, it affects all of you.”

She started in 2010 with texture talks. They began as small group conversations, but ultimately grew into convention halls with sold-out

closes the 40th anniversary season. And just like that, everyone was taken back to church. Negro Spirituals, Civil Rights Movement anthems and even a contemporary gospel hit with a hint of hip-hop, gave a sneak preview of what was to come. Through music rooted in faith, “Crossin’ Over” gives a comprehensive timeline of the African American experience. It goes without saying that music is an integral element to the black experience. But through “Crossin’ Over,”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Tendai Morris

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Sun., June 11, 5 p.m., The Ambassador presents Southern Soul Bluesfest Featuring performances by Jeff Floyd, Ms. Jody, LJ Echols, and Pokey Bear 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Tues., June 13, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents J. Cole 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Wed., June 14, 7 p.m., Old Rock House presents Tank and the Bangas with Maggie Koerner. 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, call (314) 588-0505.

Thur., June 15, 6:30 p.m., The Fox Theatre presents John Legend. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., June 16, 6 p.m., A Salute to Fathers/Mentors feat. Gerald Albright. Special guest appearance by Denise Thimes. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., June 16, 7:30 p.m., Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre presents Bell Biv DeVoe. 14141 Riverport Dr., 63043. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., June 17, 7 p.m., FUBAR presents Afroman 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketfly.com.

local gigs

June 9 – 10, 2nd Annual Miles Davis St. Louis Festival feat. The Randy Holmes Quintet. Webster

Groves Concert Hall, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 962-7000 or visit www. websterconcerthall.org.

Sat., June 10, Lumiere Place presents Kim Massie 999 N. 2nd St., 63101. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., June 11, 3 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald & Ladies of Swing feat. Dee Daniels. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Sun., June 11, 8:30 p.m., For the Cool: Babyface Tribute Concert. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, 700 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., June 17, 7 p.m., FUBAR presents Afroman 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketfly.com.

Sun., June 25, 3 p.m., All-N1 Entertainment presents Its All About The Kidz Concert Come out for King Imprint, Team Rocket, The Lit Kidz, Sponge Bob, and vendors. Mandarin Banquet Hall, 8004 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 6903660.

special events

Through June 9, Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy Mini Hitters Baseball & Softball Camp. Instruction will include hitting, throwing/ fielding, base running, sliding, and daily scrimmage time. For ages 4 – 6. Brentwood Park, 9100 Russell Ave., 63144. For more information, call (314) 963-8689 or visit www. brentwoodmo.org.

Fri., June 9, 5 p.m., Salute

The Guide

Featured Event

to Women in Leadership Honoring Yolanda Adams, Freda Payne and more. Featuring a performance by Howard Hewett. Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 615-3668 or visit www.ulstl. com.

June 9 – 11, Fair U City 2017. Come out for carnival rides, music, activities, and more. Olive Blvd. and Midland Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 5058696 or visit www.fairucity. com.

Sat., June 10, 10 a.m., Nu Beginnings Employment Organizers’ Community Event. We will have food, entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, and more. 10716

New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 355-5627 or visit www. mynubeginnings.com.

Sun., June 18, 10 a.m., Juneteenth Holiday Parade & Celebration. Enjoy music, poetry, and a parade. Beckett Park, 4400 Page Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 769-6067 or visit www. sliccce.com.

Fri., June 9, 4 p.m., Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Friday Kickoff. Gather your friends, grab a picnic blanket, and come out for more than 20 food trucks, local brewers, and more. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., June 10, 10 a.m., Nu

neighborhood restaurants, live music, artists, and unique retailers. Kiener Plaza, 601 Market St., 63101. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., June 17, 12 p.m., Frizz Fest 2017. Natural Beauty Festival To Encourage SelfLove. There will be vendors, food trucks, activities, giveaways, and more. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., June 18, 10 a.m., Juneteenth Holiday Parade & Celebration. Join us in saluting father, homelessness awareness, and world Sickle Cell day. Enjoy music, poetry, and a parade. Beckett Park, 4400 Page Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 769-6067 or visit www.sliccce. com.

Thur., June 22, St. Louis County NAACP 81st Freedom Fund Leadership Dinner: Rise Together. St. Louis Ritz Carlton Hotel, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit www.naacpstlcounty.org/ freedom2017.

Beginnings Employment Organizers’ Community Event. We will have food, entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, and more. 10716 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 355-5627 or visit www. mynubeginnings.com.

Sat., June 10, 12 p.m., 77th District’s Health and Criminal Justice Reform Town Hall Meeting. Join State Representative Steve Roberts and Missouri Faith Voices to discuss ongoing criminal justice reform efforts. St. Louis Public Library Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (573) 7511400.

Mon., June 12, 6 p.m., State of Emergency: a Community Redevelopment Townhall. Join Jamilah Nasheed and A Firm Foundation to discuss investments available for our neighborhoods at this joint townhall and find out more about L.R.A. Property, Sheriff Sales and NonProfit Donation Property. 4343 W. Florissant Ave., 63115.

Sat., June 17, 11 a.m., Taste of Downtown STL. Allday outdoor festival with

Sat., June 24, 9 a.m., Women Walk to Empower. Be a hero and help a deserving woman achieve her goals by joining us for a 1.5 mile walk. Spanish Lake Park, 12500 Spanish Pond Rd., 63138. For more information, visit www. eventsabovetherest.com.

Sat., June 24, 10 a.m., CREF presents A Listening Session. To address abuse, neglect and juvenile offenses for juvenile justice change. Greater St. Mark Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr., 63136.

Sat., June 24, 11 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., Omicron Theta Omega Chapter presents Pink Pizzazz Jazz Brunch: Pearls in Paris. Featuring Donald Gill & Smooth Jazz. Norwood Hills Country Club, 1 Norwood Hills Country Club Dr., 63121. For more information, call (217) 369-5936.

Wed., June 28, 1 p.m., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. presents the 2017 SYNLOD College Fair. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, email ncaldwell@maryville. edu.

literary

Sun., June 11, 2 p.m., 2017 Kickoff Tour of April Floyd.

The Ambassador presents Southern Soul Bluesfest. Featuring performances by Jeff Floyd, Ms. Jody, LJ Echols, and Pokey Bear. See CONCERTS for info.

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis invites you to Salute to Women in Leadership featuring a performance by Howard Hewett. For more information, see SPECIAL EVENTS.

Come out to hear about Floyd’s new book, Unique, Miss M’s Boutique and Candy Shop, 500 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-8304.

Mon., June 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Ken Ilgunas, author of Trespassing Across America: One Man’s Epic, Never-DoneBefore (and Sort of Illegal) Hike Across the Heartland 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www.slcl.org.

Mon., June 12, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Michael Wallis, author of The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Tues., June 13, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Dr. Michelle Stevens, author of Scared Selfless: My Journey from Abuse and Madness to Surviving and Thriving. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

Mon., June 19, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Victoria Bruce with Jim Kennedy to discuss Sellout: How Washington Gave Away America’s Technological Soul, and One Man’s Fight to Bring It Home. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

Mon., June 26, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Cleve Jones, author of When We Rise: My Life in the Movement. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Fri., June 9, 6 p.m., Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents Opening Reception for Blue Black. The exhibition brings together a diverse selection of works touching upon notions of language, identity, and perception. 3716

Washington Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

Thur., June 15, Rwandan Artist Ishimwe Bertrand Ishimwe Bertrand is an amazing young man from Kigali, Rwanda. His story is tragic, yet triumphant. Knox Gallery, 2214 Big Bend Blvd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 669-9977 or visit www.knoxgalleryfineart.com.

Sun., June 18, 7 p.m., TLT Productions LLC presents #blackboyjoy Some of STL’s hottest young artists hit the stage to promote men of color in music, entertainment and visionary aspects. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., June 24, 2 p.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents A Conversation with Andre Leon Talley. The former editor-at-large for Vogue magazine will bring his legendary style savvy to discuss his insights on the intersections of contemporary menswear and fashion history. 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. slam.org

Sat., June 24, 9 a.m., Loop Arts Fest 2017 – Chalk the Loop. Accomplished artists and novices of all ages are invited to create their own chalk masterpieces on the sidewalks of the Delmar Loop. For more information, visit www.visittheloop.com.

lectures and workshops

Sat., June 10, 2:30 p.m., The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is launching “The Black Male Media Project,” and the local chapter will host a panel discussion and conversation about the image of black men and boys in the media, Saint Louis University, Boileau Hall,

38 Vandeventer Ave.

Sun., June 11, 1:30 p.m., University City Library presents Capturing Truths: A Youth Storytelling Workshop. Youth ages 13-15 will explore the basics of conversational interview and smartphone photography. 6701 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., June 14, 6 p.m., Branding While Broke. Branding is no easy feat. Join us to learn how to cut cost not quality with six creative techniques. DK Annex, 2727 S. Jefferson Ave., 63118. For more information, visit www. keishamabry.com.

Wed., June 14, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum invites you to Civil Rights

June 17 – 23, Opera Theatre St. Louis presents The Trial. It’s strange enough that Josef K finds himself arrested on his 30th birthday — stranger still that no one seems able to explain why. Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd, 63119. For more information, visit www.opera-stl.org.

Through June 18, The Black Rep closes its 40th Anniversary Season with a revival of the hit musical Crossin’ Over. The Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris Stowe State University, Tickets are available at www.theblackrep. com, 314-534-3807, or pick them up at our box office located at 6662 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130.

June 23 – 24, COCA presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr The African Savanna comes to life with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters on their journey from Pride Rock. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www. cocastl.org.

and Restorative Justice in the Age of Polarization David Cunningham, Ph.D., Washington University, will examine the relationship between campaigns to resist civil rights gains and today’s polarized political system. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63110.

theatre

June 8 – 11, Gitana Productions presents Between Worlds: An American Journey. This contemporary dance theater performance challenges us to look within and at our shared history to rediscover the power that fuels “We the people!” Grandel, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Through July 2, Stages St. Louis presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Follow the ragsto-riches story of Joseph, his eleven brothers, and the miraculous coat of many colors. 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www.stagesstlouis.org.

health

Sat., June 10, 6:30 a.m., 19th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Soldiers Memorial Park, 1315 Chestnut St., 63103. For more information, visit www. komenmissouri.org.

Wed., June 13, 11 a.m., Washington University Lupus Clinic and the Lupus Foundation, Heartland Chapter invite you to Dine Out for Lupus. A portion of the sales from your meal will go to support those living with lupus. For more information, call (314) 747-4179 or visit www.lupus.org.

Wed., June 14, 8 a.m., Project AWARE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. Behavioral Health Response, 12647 Olive Blvd., Ste. 200, 63141. For more information or to register, call (314) 628-6229 or visit www.bhrstl.org.

Sat., June 17, 8 a.m., St. Louis Magazine presents the 2nd Annual Be Well STL Boot Camp. We will motivate women to continue or adopt healthy lifestyles with workout classes, speakers, and a marketplace. Westminster Christian Academy, 800 Maryville Centre Dr., 63017. For more information, visit www.sites.stlmag.com/events.

Sun., Jun. 11, 10 am. & 3 pm., Second Baptist Church of Kinloch will present the Fourth Pastoral Anniversary for Pastor and First Lady, Rev. Alfred and Mrs. Agnes Washington, Second Baptist Church of Kinloch, 5508 Rev. Dr. Earl Miller Street in Kinloch, MO.

Tues., June 13, 6 p.m., Washington Park Cemetery Gospel Celebration Performances by St. Louis Legend Singers, Zella JacksonPrice, Show Me Arts Academy, Tish Haynes Keys and special guests. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

July 24-July 28, Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction presents its COGIC Second Annual Holy Convocation, Theme: “In This Changing World, Let Us Hold On To Our Unchanging Faith” 1 Corinthians 15:58;Colossians 1:9-23; II Timothy 3:1-17; Jude 3-4 Kennerly Temple Chruch of God In Christ, 4307 Kennerly Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63113. For more information Call Pastor Travis J. Cox 314-761-5148.

The Fox Theatre welcomes John Legend. See CONCERTS for details.

Continued from C1

show creator and director Ron Himes proves the songs can stand on their own as a gripping narrative of the remarkable, harrowing and yet hopeful journey of our ancestors up through present day. Nearly 70 selections –mostly in the form of medleys – carry the viewer over the five centuries. And whether reared in the church or only a casual familiarity with gospel music, “Crossin’ Over” leaves a lasting impression as it spells out the trials and tribulations of African Americans – often met with unwavering faith and defiant optimism.

J. Samuel Davis, Herman L. Gordon, Micheal Lowe, Amber Rose, Kelvin Roston Jr., Leah Stewart, Maureen L. Williams and dancer/singer Venenzia Manuel rise to the challenge upon them to tell the story with their voices. They handle songs held sacred with extreme care and offer their own flavor to songs brilliantly arranged by musical director Charles Creath. Davis, Gordon, Roston and Stewart were original members of the production that debut

HAIR

Continued from C1

audiences in the hundreds. Out of the talks came the next chapter of her journey by way of Healthy Hair Solutions. She continues to incorporate her education component into her life’s work as a natural hair expert – and feels teaching is her lane within the natural hair revolution.

“I’ve had so many conversations with women over the years who said, ‘Oh, I would never go natural.’” Morris said. “Then I run into those same women down the line and have them say, ‘I did it, and I love it.’ Every time I hear a woman say they have fallen in love with the hair their DNA produced, it just drives me even more.”

Next Saturday she will present the Healthy Hair Solutions Health and Wellness Expo at Cardinal Ritter. The expo is free and open to the public.

“Part of the reason I have these events is because I want people to ask me questions,” Morris said. “I’m a profession-

on The Black Rep stage more than a decade ago. Stewart has grown considerably as a performer since making her stage debut with the show’s original production. Davis is as spellbinding as always and Black Rep newcomer Amber Rose proved herself to be a standout with a versatile range that transitioned seamlessly from classical, to spiritual and contemporary.

n Through music rooted in faith, “Crossin’ Over” gives a comprehensive timeline of the African American experience.

After the opening medley “Crossin’ Over” is broken down into five suites – The African Suite, Captivity Suite, Thomas Dorsey Suite, Civil Rights Suite and Contemporary Suite.

Though it is shortest, The African Suite is the most compelling of them all. The handful of songs highlight the African experience before the

transatlantic slave trade managed to rip a people away from its culture. The regal costumes of designer Darryl Harris coupled with the illustration of a people rooted in culture that infuses song and dance within their everyday lives. The institution of slavery tore families apart and imposed a unique trauma of being stolen from one’s homeland. An inclination of rhythm and music were all that remained.

The suites that follow build upon the upheaval of captivity and a fight for freedom and humanity expressed through selections such as “Lord How Come Me,” “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen,” “Motherless Child,” “Steal Away,” “Hold On Just A Little While Longer,” “Go Tell it On The Mountain and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.”

After emancipation the story through song continues with “Keep Your Eyes on The Prize,” “We Shall Not Be Moved” and “We Shall Overcome.”

Songs that served as the soundtrack for The Civil Rights Movement segue into the present. Though there is still much work to be done with respect to equality, “Crossin’ Over” rightfully ends on a triumphant note.

The Contemporary Suite is

al. I’m a licensed cosmetologist and barber. I’m not a blogger. I’m not just a person on YouTube giving information based on my experiences – and I’m making myself available to answer questions.” In addition to her usual texture talks, the expo will include vendors and a Little Miss Healthy Hair Solutions Pageant for girls age 4-14.

“With this particular expo,

introduced with “Oh Happy Day” and includes modern hits such as Mary Mary’s “Shackles” and Andra Day’s “Rise Up” – which was recent-

less hurdle that they are going to have to jump when they grow up,” Morris said. “Think about it, with us having to learn to embrace our natural hair – that is a hurdle. You end up thinking things like ‘okay I can’t go into corporate America with my hair curly because I’m going to be judged or stereotyped.” A big part of it is society. I shouldn’t have to pause and say ‘I can’t do my job because my hair is not straightened.’”

There will also be face painting, a bouncy house and other events to keep the children occupied as the grownups talk hair. She is looking forward to encouraging hair love on people of all ages Saturday afternoon and is aching for an on the spot transformation.

we are focusing on children and getting them to love their own hair at an early age and understand that they are beautiful as they are,” Morris said. “It lays the foundation for them to grow into women who love their hair – and love themselves.”

Morris enlisted the help of St. Louis native and former Miss Black America Kyria Vershelle, who now works as a recruiter for the Miss America Pageant, to help the contestants prepare for the stage and build their confidence.

“I just feel like that teaching them to love themselves and their hair now will be one

“I want to find that woman in the audience who feels like she’s had a natural hair nightmare,” Morris said. “I want her to walk up to me and say ‘please help me do my hair.’ And I want to give her the tools that she needs to continue to move forward and finally get in control of her natural hair journey.”

The Healthy Hair Solutions Health and Wellness Expo will take place from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 at Cardinal Ritter College Prep, 701 Spring Ave. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, e-mail texturetalkexpo@gmail.com.

ly added to the show’s latest revival.

The Black Rep’s production of “Crossin’ Over” continues through June 18 at Harris-

Stowe State University’s Emerson Performance Center. For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

gave an unforget-

for

Continued from C1

than their money’s worth as they watched the son of STL shine in a way that’s bound to get – and keep – mainstream music’s attention in a major way sooner than later.

Before Smino, born Christopher Smith, Jr. even stepped to the stage, it was apparent that the rapper and his crew – which included a full band, background singers, DJ and producer Monte Booker –came home to blow audiences away.

They asked for the crowd’s permission to conduct a sound check. Before fans had a chance to oblige, the group of musicians stunned the already eager crowd with a “mic check, one, two three.” It was performed in three part harmony and backed by the band – so eloquently arranged and pristinely executed that it could stand on its own as a single.

Almost immediately afterwards, Smino limped to the front of the stage and was met by screams often reserved for a-list artists. He injured his leg early on in the tour, thanks to a crowd-surfing incident gone wrong, but he still managed to give a high-energy show that had his hometown crowd proud to call him his own.

He’s come a long way from the North side, but he’s eager to let his city know that he hasn’t forgotten his roots while hipping rap music fans around the world to his St. Louis experience through his music.

In the same way that Nelly and The St. Lunatics had listeners curious about “Natural Bridge and Kinghshighway,” Smino plugged Penrose and The Ville Neighborhood. He’s so St. Louis, even if it took him relocating to Chicago to launch his music career.

With the release of his debut album “blkswn” on March 14 (the unofficial urban St. Louis holiday known as “314 Day”)

Smino demanded the industry’s attention. Rolling Stone Magazine called the “blkswn” track “Anita” ‘one of the sum-

mer’s coolest love songs.’ The crowd at Delmar Hall co-signed “Rolling Stone” with their reaction to the opening lyrics of the laid back midtempo track.

“Anita, I need her…so fleek, don’t flee from me…” The entire Delmar Hall screamed out when he asked how many had copped “blkswn.” He didn’t have to take their word for it, because they sang along to just about every song of his 75-minute set. The show never lost his momentum as he flexed his skills as a rare breed ambidextrous emcee with vocal chops that match his verses and flow – his ability to effortlessly weave in and out of both –through songs like “Netflix and Dusse,” the album’s title track and “Glass Flows,” which featured his special guest Rayvn Lenae.

The show proved to Smino and show-opener Jean Deaux that there’s no place like home.

“Yo, we been all across this country – but I couldn’t wait to bring my [expletive] back here,” Deaux told the crowd while reminiscing about he started performing at area high schools just a few years before he found himself touring with Smino.

Smino told the crowd that his ascent from unknown St. Louis rapper to having the eyes and ears of the industry is proof positive that hard work and commitment to one’s craft pays off.

“Anything you want to do is possible, just keep doing it,” Smino said. He seemed as intent to inspire as he was to entertain before he bid farewell to his first tour – as well as express gratitude to the place that had his back from the very beginning.

“St. Louis, I love y’all from the bottom of my [Air] Forces to the top of my ‘fro,’ Smino said as he prepared to say goodbye to the tour in the city where it all began for him. It was clear that the feeling is mutual – and the city is beyond excited to stand behind another of St. Louis hip-hop’s native sons.

SMINO

Tendai Morris, founder of the Healthy Hair Solutions line of hair care products,

Rapper Smino

table show in his hometown

the finale of his sold-out ‘Swanita’ tour on Sunday, May 28 at Delmar Hall.

Photo by Jon Alexander

Birthdays

Congratulations to Minnie B. Williams, who celebrated her 100th birthday on June 4! God has been good to you. It’s only the beginning! Your family loves you!

Happy 50th Birthday to Tony Simpson on June 8! You’ve reached a milestone, and we are so proud of all your accomplishments. God has more for you. Love John & Portia

Happy Birthday to Alex Simpson on June 12! What a sweet granddaughter you are. Happy 16th Birthday! Love Gma & PopPop

On June 12, Darius Daniel will celebrate his 43rd birthday. Happy Birthday, Darius: The Man, The Myth, The Legend! Love, The

Reunions

Beaumont High School Class of 1972 is celebrating 45th class reunion August 11 -13, 2017. Activities have been planned for a fun illed weekend you don’t want to miss. Please direct all inquiries and registration request to Sharon Webb Steele at (314) 757-2799 or Linda Howard at (314)

Celebrations

397-5570. You may also use Facebook , BHS72 Reunion Committee.

Beaumont High School, Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-7995296, madeshe@sbcglobal. net.

Cleveland High School is hosting a reunion for all attending 1980-1984 on August 19, 2017 at Catering To You Banquet Center (12775 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO 63033) For information, please contact Babette Perkins-Anderson at 314-345-0939.

Hadley Tech Classes of 1962-1963 are having their 55th year reunion on October 13-15, 2017 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. For more information, please contact Hellon (Merritt) Jefferson at 314-307-3681, Ora (Scott) Roberts at 314-222-3662, Wilhelmina (Gibson) Baker at 314-630-9647, Pearl (Tillman) Holden 314-6850466 or Virdell (Robinson) Stennis at 314-773-8177.

Mr. Eldridge Bryant, Sr. is hosting a reunion for his students at Lafayette and Monroe Elementary Schools in SLPS from 19992000. For more information, please contact him at: 314489-0532 or eldridgbrya@ sbcglobal.net.

McKinley Goldbugs Class of 1987 is planning their 30-year reunion, July 7-8. 2017. For details please contact Freddie Clemons at freddieclemons568@yahoo. com or go to McKinley Goldbugs Facebook site for more information.

O’Fallon Technical High School Class of 1967, will be celebrating its 50th reunion on September 15-17, 2017. If you have not received a letter or e-mail, please call 314630-8452 with your contact information, and a committee member will contact you. Save the date, there will not be another 50th.

Soldan High School Class of 1967 will be holding its 50th

class reunion September 29-30, 2017. For additional information, please contact Nona Binion Simpkins at 314-361-3799or Melvia Forniss at 314-725-8103.

Soldan is having its 12th All-Class Alumni Picnic August 12, 2017 at Tiemeyer Park, 3311 Ashby Rd., St. Ann, MO 63074 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The picnic is free. Bring your own basket or grill and grill out there. Food truck will be on site. T-Shirts will be sold for $15.00. You have until August 6, 2017, to get your grad. year put on the sleeve. For more information, call (314) 413-9088.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel

Reunion notices are free of charge and

on

We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Daniel Clan

Minnie B. Williams

Darius Daniel

Tony Simpson

Alex Simpson

Religion

Union Memorial UMC opens Community Enrichment Center

Bishop Dale C. Bronner

comes to Church on the Rock

By Doris V. Harrington For The St. Louis American

Recently, Reverend Cheree Trent Mills, pastor of Union Memorial United Methodist Church (Union Memorial UMC), began touting her favorite mantra as a marketing strategy. It was “Something New is About to Happen in the Neighborhood,” and it gained traction. On Saturday, May 20, the church opened its new Union Memorial Community Enrichment Center. The center is housed in the old Mitchell Branch School at 5436 Bartmer Ave. across the street from the church.

During the grand opening, the pastor acknowledged the work of the church members in going over the top with the fundraising efforts which took place between Ash Wednesday and Resurrection Sunday on April 16, the Board of Trustees’ supervision of building renovations, and the committee’s continuing work in writing grant proposals to help fund the ministries and services to be provided.

In addition, she thanked Reverend Jim Blue and some of his members from Sunrise United Methodist Church, who assisted on two days with painting and cleanup, and the Cliff Roberts’ Always Green Recycling Company that donated some of the furniture items.

The long-awaited moment was realized next. Reverend

Cathedral in Austell, Georgia, an interdenominational ministry located within half an hour of Atlanta. The congregation, which was founded in 1991, is thriving with more than 19,000 members.

Bishop Bronner is frequently sought after as a conference speaker and leadership trainer, and his travels have taken him around the world. His messages reach millions daily through his international multi-media broadcast, and now he will be coming to speak to Church on the Rock’s congregation with an invigorating, motivating speech.

“We are very excited to have Bishop Bronner share his message with us, “ said Pastor David Blunt of Church on the Rock. “His charismatic, reallife testimonies are inspiring, and we hope that everyone will come out to listen to him.”

Londia Granger Wright, Gateway Central District superintendent of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church, thanked everyone for creating this important project. Further, Pastor Londia prayed with those assembled, cut the ribbon and blessed the building to resounding applause. Among planned activities and services, the objective of serving the church and neighborhood will be carried out with GED classes, step dancing, a clothing ministry, a health and wellness component, a mime ministry, an art ministry, music lessons, and establishing a history and archives library. There is still time for church members and neighborhood supporters to suggest other

ADVOCACY SPECIALIST FULL TIME

Advocacy Specialist needed immediately to protect legal rights of persons with disabilities in accessing disability-related services. Experience with Vocational Rehabilitation or mental health services preferred. Requires Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related human services ield. Typing 60 wpm.

Position located in Overland, MO. Usual starting hourly wage, $14.91-$16.83, based on experience.

Send resume, references, writing samples, and college transcripts to Mo P&A, 925 South Country Club Drive, Jeferson City, MO 65109. Must complete application and take general competency and typing tests. Call 866-777-7199 for appointment.

programs and services. That is a part of the ongoing celebration. Contact Union Memorial UMC at 1141 Belt Ave., 314-367-8314 or unionmemorialumc@ sbcglobal.net.

Doris V. Harrington is public relations writer for Union Memorial United Methodist Church.

Bishop Dale C. Bronner at Church on the Rock Church on the Rock will welcome guest speaker Bishop Dale C. Bronner to their services on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11.

Bishop Bronner is the founder and senior pastor of Word of Faith Family Worship

NORTHWOODS PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

Bishop Bronner was consecrated and installed as bishop in 2003 by the International Communion of Charismatic Churches, which is a network of more than 16,000 churches. He earned his degree from Morehouse College and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Life School of Theology. He is part owner of Bronner Brothers Manufacturing Company, a multi-million-dollar, familyowned corporation that has been in the hair care business for more than 60 years.

For more information on Church on the Rock, call (636) 240-7775 or visit www.cotr. org. For more information about Bishop Bronner, visit www.woffamily.org.

PUBLIC MEETING/OPEN HOUSE

We live in a world that will fool you into believing that the deck from which your cards came is stacked against you. Likewise when things are going pretty good you might unwisely think you’re just lucky on that or any other particular day. This worldly perspective will convince you that life is somewhat totally about the luck of the draw. Due to an absolute spiritual transformation (mine), life is pretty much consistent, regardless of circumstance and appearances of chaos. I’m just blessed each and every day. And there are not enough hours in the day to say thank you to the Almighty for this rather simple transformation of thought.

I’m relatively certain that I haven’t missed my wakeup call from God. Personally, it may have been a long time in the making, but instead of hitting my snooze button I’m regularly trying to get my behind out of bed and paying attention to God’s agenda for me rather than my own.

Did you miss God’s wakeup call? Did you call the front desk and ask or pray for one?

The Bible is full of saints and prophets who, when God called tried their very best to sleep through it, ignore it or tried to play past it. Most just tried to deny it. In the Bible, God just played past the insincere false protest – “you talking to me?” – and gave each their marching orders.

East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) seeks comment on amendments to Connected2045, the St. Louis Region’s long-range transportation plan including the FY 20182021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and related Air Quality Conformity Document. he public is invited to view these documents and supporting materials at a series of open-house meetings. he meetings and the comment period will also satisfy Madison County Transit District’s and Bi-State Development Agency’s public hearing and program of projects requirement for the Federal Transit Administration Sections 3006(b), 5307, 5309, 5310, 5316, 5317, 5320, 5337, and 5339 programs in the St. Louis region. Persons requiring accommodation should notify Roz Rodgers at least 48 hours prior to the open house at 314-421-4220 or email titlevi@ewgateway.org. he open houses will be held: Mon., 7/10/17: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

– Caseyville Community Center, 909 S. Main St., Caseyville, IL 62232; Tue., 7/11/17: 11:30 to 12:00 PM – Facebook live stream, facebook.com/eastwestgateway; Wed, 7/12/17: 4:30 to 6:30 PM – Hillsboro City Hall, 101 Main St., Hillsboro, MO 63050; hu., 7/13/17: 4:30 to 6:30 PM – Paciic City Hall, 300 Hoven Dr., Pacific, MO 63069; Tue., 7/18/17: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Online open house will be held in cooperation with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at www.ewgateway.org.; Wed., 7/19/17: 4:30 to 6:30 PM – Maryland Heights Community Center, 2300 McKelvey Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043; hu., 7/20/17: 4:30 to 6:30 PM – O’Fallon, MO City Hall, 100 N. Main St., O’Fallon, MO 63366. he public comment period begins Friday, June 30, 2017 and ends hursday, August 3, 2017 during which time the documents will be available on the website at www.ewgateway.org. Comment forms will be available on the website and at the meetings. Comments must be received or postmarked by midnight hu., 8/3/17. Send comments to TIP@ewgateway.org or East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Attn: TIP, One S. Memorial Drive, Ste. 1600, St. Louis, MO 63102. EWG fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs & activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Nondiscrimination Complaint Form, call (314) 421-4220 or (618) 274-2750 or see www.ewgateway.org/titlevi.

Individuals with disabilities and minorities encouraged to apply. We value diversity of culture, personal experience with disabilities, and other life experiences, and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

City of Northwoods has a position in public works to perform skilled and semiskilled tasks related to maintenance of park grounds, municipal facilities, special event implementation, code enforcement for vacant/delinquent properties, etc. Individual must have proven supervisory experience, a current drivers license, ability to read/ interpret equipment operations manuals. Applications due by 5 p.m., June 22, 2017 to 4600 Oakridge Blvd., Northwoods, Mo. 63121. Call City Hall 314-385-8000 for details/directions.

PART-TIME

FLORAL DESIGNER:

Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment and love working with people? If so we are looking for you! Wade Florist, St. Louis, Missouri is seeking an experienced Floral Designer. Needed 12-15 hours per week. For more information, please contact Ms. Barbara B. Harris and or Mrs. Toni Sanderson @ 314-385-4800

he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Fawn Valley, Pioneer Park, Westchester I & I Reduction Project Contract Letting No. 11996-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Fred M. Luth & Sons Bates Utility Company 4516 McRee

Hello, Moses. At times, God might even allow you to think you know better than He does. Say what, Jonah? Even when you doubt what God is saying, He will still call you back if you don’t pick up His phone the first time, albeit with consequences. How about that, Zechariah? Can you imagine missing your wakeup call from God and never getting another one? It’s that better late than never thing. I am downright giddy with the reality that God said ring him up one more time. I pray a prayer of appreciation now that I never knew before. It starts and stops with thank you. It includes the reality that one day I will die knowing that God loves me and that fact gives new meaning to this thing called life. If you’ve ever missed a wakeup call, then you know it has a tendency to ruin an entire day. If you miss God’s wakeup call, it can ruin your whole life and the one after that. There is someone reading this right now who knows the feeling of having just gotten in under the wire – catching a plane, making a meeting, getting to the store right before they locked the door. The negative anticipation is replaced with relieved enthusiasm just to know you made it. Whewwww! Thank God! I made it! It’s past time to answer your phone.

this opportunity may be downloaded at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/project-connect/nga/soil-remediation-and-grading.cfm

EMF PAINTING PROJECT RFP

Columnist James Washington

Rev. Cheree Trent Mills (pastor) and Rev. Londia Granger Wright (district superintendent)

St. LouiS american Career Center

CLIENT ANALYST

HS Diploma. Conducts interviews, orientation sessions for applicants seeking assistance through Section 8. Process changes in client status to vacate, evictions, inspection action notiications, voucher issuance, program terminations, contracts, lease agreements, inspection requests, income changes, interim reviews, housing assistance payment adjustments and/or withholdings. Good communication skills and ability to deal with the public. Must type 30 wpm. Starting Salary

$35,251 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m. June 16, 2017 via our website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

SENIOR SCHEDULER

BS CS/Engg+exp. in Oracle apps.

Project Controls Group, St. Louis, MO. Apply at www.projectcontrolsgroup.com

MARKETING COORDINATOR

he Saint Louis Art Museum’s marketing coordinator is primarily responsible for media buying and managing relationships with advertising representatives. his position also assists in the management of the Museum’s advertising, marketing, and promotional activities to enhance the image of the Art Museum, and to increase attendance, membership and donations. Project management and administrative skills are also essential. For a complete description of the position, visit http:// www.slam.org/AboutUs/employment. php.

CHURCH

!

A Professional Organ Player/Accompanist, Piano, Pipe Organ, Teacher, Minister of Music is seeking an open Church Position. All churches of diferent faiths, Please make Inquiry: 314-652-1107

POLICE OFFICER (TRAINEE)

his is a Police Oicer (Trainee) position with the St. Louis Police Division. Incumbents perform duties to patrol a speciic area to protect life and property and enforce laws and ordinances using tactful and courteous treatment of the public and conscientious and eicient performance of duties. he Police Division is a 24-hour per day, seven days a week service; therefore, work involves shit, weekend, holiday, and overtime assignments.

Applicants must be twenty-one years of age at the time of iling the Employment Application. United States citizen. High school diploma or equivalent. No prior police or law enforcement experience is required. Applicants must possess and maintain a valid Missouri driver’s license while employed by the City of St. Louis. Applicants must meet eligibility standards for licensing as a peace oicer, as determined by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Peace Oice Standards & Training (POST) Program.

Bi-weekly rate of pay for a Police Oicer (Trainee) is $1,539.00. For Police Probationary Oicer, the annual rate is $41,815.28.

To apply, visit the City web site at http://stlouis-mo.gov/jobs. Additional information concerning the Police Oicer (Trainee) process can be found on the St. Louis Police Division’s website at http://stmpd.org.careers.shtml Or contact:

City of St. Louis Department of Personnel 1114 Market Street, Room 700 St. Louis, MO 63101 (314) 622-4308

Applications will be accepted until a suicient number are received to ill the anticipated vacancies. Applications can be submitted on the Internet. Please submit Employment Application as soon as possible.

Position requires City residency within 120 days of completion of the initial working test period. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

he Gatesworth is HIRING

Full-time Housekeepers

Full-time Houseman/ Floor Tech Days, Evenings, and Over-nights

Please send your resume to recruiting@thegatesworth.com.

JOB OPENING ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR, HUMAN RESOURCES

St. Louis Community College (STLCC) is a multi-campus district comprised of four campuses and six satellite locations. More than 3,000 full and part-time staf, faculty and administrators and 500 student employees are employed by the college. At St. Louis Community College, we expands minds and changes lives every day by ofering high-quality educational experiences leading to degrees, certiicates, employment, university transfer, and life-long learning. Additional information is available on the College’s website at www.stlcc.edu.

STLCC is currently seeking applications for the position of Associate Vice Chancellor – Human Resources. his position plans, organizes, directs and controls the development, administration and strategic direction of the Human Resources department and its programs for the district; promotes, directs, implements and coordinates equal employment opportunity and diversity and inclusion. his position also serves as a member of the College’s Leadership Team. he College ofers a comprehensive beneits package and endless opportunities for enrichment, both professional and personal.

Application Process: All candidates must complete an online application at http://jobs.stlcc.edu/postings/5879.

EO/AA/VET/Disability Employer

his

COMMISSIONER OF FORESTRY (Term Appointment)

of trees on right-of-way; public space; properties in violation of City ordinance; weed eradication; debris removal; compost programs and emergency requests. For an additional description of this position, please refer to the classiication speciication for Commissioner of Forestry at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ personnel/documents/classiication-speciications.cfm

his position will be illed on a term basis while the former incumbent is on an in-service leave. At the completion of the in-service leave, the former incumbent has the right to return to this position.

To receive consideration for this position, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry, Public or Business Administration, or a related ield; plus ive years of recent full-time paid progressively responsible experience managing/directing forestry and/or parks programs. At least two years of this experience must include supervising/ managing staf involved in forestry/parks operations and maintenance. OR, an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Normal entry salary is $82,914 with an excellent beneit package

To apply, visit the City web site at http://stlouis-mo.gov/jobs or contact, as soon as possible: City of St. Louis Department of Personnel 1114 Market

Position requires City residency within

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) position at the St. Louis City Family Court Juvenile Division - Includes full beneit package - detailed info at www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PELICAN BUILDING AND DOMINOS RESTAURANT

Notice is hereby given that FiCON, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., General Contractor, will receive proposals for the Renovation of the Pelican Building at 2254-56 South Grand Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63104, including Shell and Exterior Work, New Dominos Restaurant Tenant Build Out, and Construction of hree Second Floor Apartments, until Monday, June 19, 2017, at 5:00 pm CDT.

Proposals will be accepted at FiCON, Inc.’s oice at 10630 Midwest Industrial Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63132, (314-427-4099), by mail, fax (314-427-6646), email (seisenbeis@iconinc.com), or hand delivery.

Plans and Speciications can be viewed at FiCON, Inc.’s oice planroom, OR by contacting Cross Rhodes Reprographics at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 (314-678-0087), OR electronic drawings can be obtained by contacting FiCON, Inc. at (314-427-4099), or seisenbeis@iconinc.com

Visits to the site can be arranged by contacting FiCON, Inc. or by attending either of the Jobsite Open Houses, held on Tuesday, June 06, 2017 and Wednesday, June 14, 2017 between 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm CDT. All Are Invited.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws including MBE/WBE/DBE policies. All MBE/WBE/DBE entities are encouraged to submit proposals for the project. FiCON, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and Airmation Action Employer.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Lemay Housing Partnership, Inc. (“LHP”) is soliciting bids from qualiied irms for the demolition ofa commercial structure at 9901 South Broadway, St Louis, Missouri 63125 in South St. Louis County (“Lemay”), MO. he work generally consists of the abatement of asbestos containing material, the abatement of household hazardous waste, the demolition of the structure, the removal of demolition debris, site clearing and grading. Bid documents may be obtained by requesting said documents from Cross Rhodes Reprographics website at www.x-rhodes.com. LHP will accept sealed bids for the work at its oice submitted to Attn: Executive Director until Monday, June 26, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any questions and/or clariication should be directed to the Executive Director, Lemay Housing Partnership Inc. at (314) 631-9905. he project will be funded in part through a Subgrant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St Louis County. All related funding regulations shall be in full force and efect. LHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No.

F 18 402, New Flooring in Forest Park Library Entry Level, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time June 27, 2017. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the oice of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s oice at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

BID NOTICE

Ackerman Toyota is looking for contractors for a Demolition project at the site of our new location at 2020 Hampton ave, St Louis Mo. Please email your bid for the demolition of the old building to Bill@ackermantoyota.com

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Missouri Bottom Road – ARS Infrastructure, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1448, will be received at the Oice of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on June 21, 2017.

Plans and speciications will be available on May 30, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

BID REQUEST

La Salle Middle School is requesting bids to operate its food service program for the 2017–2018 school year. La Salle serves breakfast, lunch and snacks to approximately 120 students, Monday through Friday, and follows the USDA Federal School Lunch guidelines set by DESE. Interested companies may visit the school between June 5 and 25 in order to view the cafeteria and ask any questions. Proposals will be due Friday, June 30th at 3:00pm. he school address is 1106 North Jeferson, St. Louis, MO 631036. You may contact Sherida Williams at 314-531-9820.

BID REQUEST

KCI Construction requests subcontract proposals from MBE, WBE, and SDVE businesses for the New Columbarium Wall and Garden Improvements Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springield MO. Plans and speciications are available

•To view electronically at no charge from: http://planroom.adsmo.net/

•To view at our Camdenton oice

•By a Dropbox from jmorrow@kciconstruction.com

Subcontractor bids are due by 1:30 p.m. hursday, June 22, 2017. Wednesday, June 14, 2017. You may email bids to jmorrow@ kciconstruction.com or send a fax to 573-346-9739. Please call if you have any questions: 314-200-6496.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 401, Greenhouse Renovation, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time July 6, 2017. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the oice of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s oice at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

MANDATORY PRE-BID

MEETING: June 16, 2017, 8:00 a.m. at “C” Tower 4th Floor (C-410)

CITY OF WELLSTON INVITATION TO BID

he City of Wellston is accepting sealed bids from qualiied irms for two separate projects: (1) an asphalt overlaying of four street segments and (2) the demolition of four derelict structures. Bid packets may be obtained from Wellston City Hall, 1414 Evergreen Ave., 63133, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, starting Wed., June 7, 2017. ALL completed bids MUST be received no later than 12 noon, on Tues., June 20, 2017. he public bid opening will be held on Wed., June 21, at 6::00 pm at city hall. Proof of business license, bonding and insurance are required in the bid. Minimum 10% Section lll compliance is mandatory to be selected the winning contractor for the street activity. hese projects are funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title 1of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and efect. he City of Wellston reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If you have questions, please contact jann.trigg@gmail.com.

INVITATION FOR EQUIPMENT BIDS

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking bids for equipment: Mobile Surveillance Unit. Bids are due on July 7, 2017. Funding provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. MBEs / WBEs are encouraged to submit bids. Find details at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

BID REQUEST

Marian Middle School is accepting bids (due 3 p.m. 6/30/17) from food service management companies for of-site preparation and delivery of school food program (breakfast, lunch & snack) for 75 students (RFP dated 5/2017). Request a copy of the proposal at ddecker@mms-stl.org.

LETTING #8645

TERMINAL 1 BAGGAGE CLAIM DRIVE TO TICKETING DRIVE STAIRCASE at St. Louis Lambert International Airport Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on June 27, 2017 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx

shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal

(including MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 10:00 AM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Oice Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement

INVITATION TO BID

Ferguson-Florissant School District

District Wide Fire Alarm Inspections (Annual)

Sealed bids for the above project are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on hursday, June 15, 2017 at 1:00PM CST at the Facility Maintenance Department located at 7469 Mintert Ind. Drive, Ferguson, MO 63135. Bid specs must be obtained at:http://new.ferglor.K12.mo.us/facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro at (314) 506-9184 for further information.

Notice is

will be identiied as 8991 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.6269 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

Public Hearing Notice and

Drat Substantial Amendment and 2018 CDBG/HOME Funding Priorities Available for Review and Comment

he City of St. Louis is soliciting comments on two drat documents: (1) Drat Substantial Amendment to its 2015 – 2019 Consolidated Plan/2016 Annual Action Plan and (2) Drat 2018 CDBG/HOME Funding Priorities. he Substantial Amendment proposes the reprogramming of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocated and unspent in previous funding years. he 2018 Funding Priorities document details the types of activities that the City proposes to fund in 2018 with CDBG and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds.

Public Hearing Notice/Public Comment Period

he Community Development Administration (CDA) will conduct three public hearings to solicit public comments and answer questions pertaining to the Substantial Amendment and 2018 CDBG/HOME Funding Priorities:

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

O’Fallon Recreation Center 4343 West Florissant (63115) 6:00pm – 8:00pm hursday, June 29, 2017 Carondelet Recreation Center 930 Holly Hills (63111) 6:00pm – 8:00pm Friday, June 30, 2017 CDA Boardroom 1520 Market Street – Suite 2000 (63103) 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Documents Available for Review

1. he Substantial Amendment to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan/2016 Annual Action Plan will be available in drat form for review by any interested citizen on June 8, 2017 at the Central Branch of the St. Louis Public Library located at 1301 Olive Street. he Amendment will also be available for review at CDA, located at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000. Copies of the amendment may be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/depart ments/community-development/documents/2017-substantial-amendment-drat. cfm. Written comments will be accepted until 11:00am on July 10, 2017.

2. he 2018 CDBG/HOME Funding Priorities document will be available on June 8, 2017 in drat form for review by any interested citizen at CDA, located at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000. Copies of the priorities may be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/com munity-development/cdbg/2018-cdbg-funding-cycle-non-housing-production.cfm. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00pm on June 23, 2017.

3. he 2018 CDBG/HOME Funding Timeline will be available on June 8, 2017 on the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ community-development/cdbg/2018-cdbg-funding-cycle-non-housing-production. cfm.

Written Comments

he views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged. Written comments or suggestions may be addressed to Ms. Alana Green, Executive Director, Community Development Administration, 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103, or via e-mail at GreenA@stlouis-mo.gov.

Other Information

Persons with special needs or accommodations relating to handicapped accessibility or foreign language should contact Ms. Green via email at GreenA@stlouis-mo.gov or by phone at (314) 657-3835 or (314) 589-6000 (TDD). Interpreting services are available upon request for persons with hearing disabilities. Interested parties should contact the Oice on the Disabled at (314) 622-3686/voice or (314) 622 3693/TTY.

CDA is an equal opportunity agency (employer). Minority participation is encouraged.

t o Renovate H3 Ward, Building F, Hearnes Forensic Center, Fulton State Hospital, Fulton, MO

Project No. M1619-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, Until 1:30 PM, 6/29/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

BIDS for Various Facility Renovations, Missouri Veterans H o m e , M e x i c o , Missouri, Project No. U1608-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/29/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

he

Huntleigh Manor, Old Warson, Timberwyck I & I Reduction Contract Letting No. 11994-015.1

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s DC-09 West I & I Reduction [S. Lindbergh and Ladue] Contract Letting No. 11997-015.1

A

he

he

Project

REQUEST FOR BIDS

America’s

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Swag Snap of the Week

Super impressed with Future at Super Jam. I was prepared to share with y’all how underwhelmed I was with Future’s live show – that after basking in his fineness for the first few songs, I was absolutely over it. He was still fine, but he actually gave me something to look at other than him. I wasn’t the least bit mad as his headlining set for the Nobody’s Safe Tour that was Super Jam 2017 Thursday night at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. I’m sure the 17,000 plus at the sold-out show would co-sign. I know his musical catalog is essentially “trapsploitation” music, but can a girl have a guilty pleasure please? Anyway, back to the show. Everybody on the Super Jam 2017 bill served up something satisfying. I have never checked for any of the ASAP crew, but ASAP Ferg got all 12 of the folks who showed up on time for Super Jam beyond hype when he opted to do his set from the seats. Surprisingly, Dollar Tree Drake Torey Lanez was the weak link of the lineup. He usually will scale the walls, crowd surf or hang from the rafters to get the folks turned up by any means necessary. I think his pants might’ve been too tight to pull off one of his usual shows. And I don’t know if the Migos were mad at each other, or they just haven’t quite figured out how to perform as a group yet. The one who wears the 1990s mom jeans seems to get along with the other two –but there seemed to be some tension between the one who wears the 1950s sock hop sunglasses and the other one. It was a great show and was efficient as all get out from start to finish. Getting out of that parking lot was another story. I literally could’ve watched Super Jam all over again by the time I made it to the highway. Maxed out Marquee with Migos and S.L.I.M. Y’all already know Loosecannon S.L.I.M. has a habit of going hard with superstars for his birthday. His streak continued Thursday night as the rap trio Migos came through to kick it with him after Super Jam at The Marquee. It was packed as all get out and even though “Bad and Boujee” was my jam, I quietly don’t see what all the fuss is about. Regardless of how I feel, they are one of the biggest names in the rap game right now. Even though S.L.I.M. has been connected with them since they were unknown, it was no small feat to have them perched in his VIP booth.

‘Power’ premiere party got ghosted. I didn’t know what to expect when “Power” co-star Rotimi came through Marquee Friday night, but based on the visits of Tommy,” 50 Cent and Omari Hardwick, I was shocked to see empty booths up in there for the whole night. I haven’t seen the club so empty for a hit TV show cast member since there was an echo in The Coliseum for Yazz from “Empire.” Oh well… Rotimi seemed to take it all in stride. Hopefully y’all still have plans to tune in to “Power” for season four.

Everybody and their mama at Energy. The “L” (for loss) Marquee was made even worse by the fact that right next door it was packed to the gills for nobody in particular at Mood for Energy. The BFree and Elite St. Louis collaboration brought out all the beautiful folks. It was so crazy packed that they were sure to have the second level crackin’ too – which I don’t think Mood has done since New Year’s Eve. I must say that after the second close encounter with my kneecap thanks to the dance that the song is named after, that DJs should be required to offer a disclaimer when they are about to play “Mobb Out” when the club is super-packed. Big laughs at Bill Bellamy. Before I get too deep into things I must say that my

big laughs came more from the featured comedians – particularly host D. Lee (not the one who used to have a radio show and comedy club here in St. Louis) – for Bill Bellamy’s nearly sold-out four day run at Helium this past weekend. He had me howling y’all! So did the OG who he asked how long him and his lady had been together when he said “long enough.” But back to D. Lee, anybody that can have me buggin’ up over their bout with appendicitis has a special gift! East St. Louis’ own Willie Lynch Jr. Was funny too. U. City’s own Darius Bradford relied on his old faithful material for his first time at Helium, and the folks seemed to get life. I cackled when he told the folks they had no excuse to be dusty at this comedy show, because they were already in the mall and could take the outfit back after the show. Bill Bellamy is still as fine as ever – and was pretty funny too. That bit about freakin’ down an elderly woman named Phyllis was classic. Hats off to Arvin Mitchell and company. Since I’m talking about sold-out comedy shows, I might as well give some love to my boy Arvin Mitchell for having the Duck Room of Blueberry Hill on lean Sunday night. Folks were sitting on the steps because there were no more seats to be had or squeezed in. He had my boy Tahir Moore hosting the show. He has grown so much as a comic over the years, if I do say so myself. The whole line up of natives were hot, even newcomer Larry Greene but can somebody tell him to retire that “Get Out” bit? The show was a great homecoming-turned-lightweight-family-reunion for Arvin Mitchell. The folks were pleased (including Blueberry Hill owner Joe Edwards) and so was I. The day-to-night party with Tammy Rivera. I made my third trip to The Marquee in as many days to see how big of a draw the “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta” starlet Mrs. Waka Flocka Flame would be. I originally stopped through during prime day party hours (7-9) and had I not doubled back, I would have claimed Mrs. Flame’s visit to be a loss. But I made my way back through after Arvin’s show and she had a quite a crowd when it was all said and done. I even got a chance to see that St. Louis’ own Tiffany Foxx is still snatched. She quietly

thanks to that white

stole Tammy’s shine

catsuit.

Bre and Cori were among the beauties who packed the building for Energy Friday night @ Mood

Tiki and Khala joined the masses at Mood for Energy Friday night

Promoter Cisse with reality star Tammy Rivera and STL’s own Tiffany Foxx Sunday night @ The Marquee

Future with Tori, daughter of local rap legend

Jus Bleezy, during Future’s stop in STL to headline Super Jam 2017

Photo by Chris Hawkins

These lovely revelers were in the mix for Rock The Block bash Memorial Day weekend @ The Marquee

Rapper ASAP Ferg left his mark at Super Jam by jumping into the crowd Thursday night @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

NFL Hall of Famer Orlando Pace and his lovely wife Carla came to get some funk courtesy of Morris Day and The Time

Victoria and Brittany added to the lovely vibe @ Energy Friday night @ Mood

Comedian Arvin Mitchell on the mic for his sold-out headlining show Sunday night @ Blueberry Hill

Mike and Cara @ enjoying Morris Day and The Time @ District Rhythms @ Ballpark Village last week

LooseCannon S.L.I.M. and rap trio Migos partied to the max for the super promoter’s official b-day party and unofficial Super Jam 2017 after set Thursday night at The Marquee.

Photos by V Lang and Teddy Blackett

USDA celebrates National Homeownership Month

American staff

Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development Roger Glendenning kicked off National Homeownership Month on June 1 to celebrate the vital contribution homeowners have made to communities across rural America.

“Owning a home provides rural residents a secure environment where they can raise families, and it helps invigorate local rural economies that are vital to the long-term security and wellbeing of our nation,” Glendenning said. “Homeownership fortifies communities, creates jobs and strengthens the local businesses that support our towns.”

USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low- to moderate-income rural homebuyers. In 2016 alone, USDA worked with nearly 1,500 lenders to help 116,000 rural individuals and families buy homes.

USDA has helped more than 4.1 million rural residents buy homes since

the National Housing Act was passed 68 years ago.

Department of Agriculture employees will celebrate National Homeownership Month throughout June with events across the nation that demonstrate the Department’s longstanding commitment to provide affordable housing opportunities for rural Americans.

To learn more about USDA’s observance of National Homeownership Month, visit its Facebook page, follow @ USDARD on Twitter, contact a USDA Rural Development State Office near you, or call (800) 670-6553.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and highspeed internet access in rural areas.

For more information, visit www. rd.usda.gov.

Insulation workshop for building professionals

Throughout 2017, the High Performance Insulation Professionals (HPIP) and sponsoring partners are providing four hands-on regional workshops for contractors across the U.S. Wright City was selected to host one of the trainings. These professional training events are helping to change the face of building job safety and home efficiency; specifically related to high performance insulation.

Wright City’s local businesses Ozark’s Modern Insulation and Insulation Pros are nationally recognized for their excellence in the home building industry. They are jointly hosting the event in cooperation with HPIP and industry giants CertainTeed, Johns

Manville, Knauf Insulation, Owens Corning, Walls & Ceilings, and J & R Products, Inc.

Top local builders, insulators, building officials, architects, raters, home inspectors, and students will be in attendance.

The event will be held June 15-16. The first day of classroom training will be held at the DoubleTree Hilton Chesterfield and the second day consists of valuable job-site training at a location still to be determined, from 7:30 a.m. –noon Friday June 16, 2017. For more information, contact High Performance Insulation Professionals at 605-470-0600 or shelby@hpipros.org.

Montgomery Bank offers

‘New Start’ for home buyers Banks has education program to meet Community Reinvestment Act standards

The Montgomery Bank New Start affordable housing program has been created to provide the community with a program to address the needs for home financing in certain low-to-moderate income areas and for low-to-moderate income borrowers.

The intent is to help meet the more demanding standards of performance under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) by offering a mortgage product with obtainable, yet reasonable, standards which can be held in Montgomery Bank’s portfolio.

Montgomery Bank is committed to facilitating ownership for individuals

in all segments of our community who have the ability to repay, while maintaining safe and sound banking practices and our commitment to our shareholders. The program offers more moderate terms than traditional home financing methods, particularly with regard to loan-to-value and borrower qualifications. We have found that these underwriting standards work if complimented by Homebuyer Education,

n The program has helped stabilize lowto-moderate income geographical areas within our Assessment Area.

which is required for all purchase transactions under the New Start program.

Most borrowers that use this program should also be able to take advantage of down payment assistance and other subsidy programs available through local government agencies or nonprofit organizations.

The New Start program is also available to borrowers looking to refinance. The program does not allow for cash-out but can be utilized by borrowers

looking to convert an adjustable interest rate to a 30-year fixed rate. We are proud of the success we’ve seen from the New Start program. Specifically, two results stand out: the mortgages we’ve made under this program have performed well and the program has helped stabilize low-to-moderate income geographical areas within our Assessment Area.

We expect these results to continue and are committed to this program for the foreseeable future. Please inquire today by calling our mortgage originators at 314-957-4044.

How to protect your house from heavy rains

MSD offers tips homeowners can take during the

Be sure gutters are free of leaves, branches, and other blockages: Blocked gutters can cause water to cascade down the side of a structure or pond on a roof, both of which can cause rainwater to enter a home.

Clear downspouts and make sure they are directed away from your house.: Misdirected downspouts can focus water toward a home, causing flooding within the structure or foundation damage.

Clean window wells: Many homes have window wells outside their basement windows. Be sure these areas are free of leaves and other debris so they can drain properly and as quickly as

possible. If water accumulates, it presses up against the basement window, which

in turn can seep into or even flood your basement.

Clean stairwell drains: Homes that can be entered through a basement door will have a drain at the bottom of the stairwell. Make sure this drain is not blocked and is clear of leaves and other debris. Water accumulating in a stairwell can seep in and flood your basement.

Check sump pump

drainage hoses: Water from a sump pump should drain away from the house so that it does not flow back into the basement. Many sump pumps incorrectly lead to the basement drain – the pump’s drain should lead outside. It’s a good idea to have a backup pump in case the primary pump fails.

Clear drainage paths on your property: In many parts of our community, small creeks, streams, and other waterways provide stormwater drainage. Ensure that the path rainwater travels from your property to drain into these waterways is clear of possible blockages. Portable pools, loose recreational equipment, piles of yard debris (grass clippings, branches, etc.), and the like can block these drainage ways and stop water from draining as quickly as possible from your property. Remove these possible

wet season

blockages and ensure that rainwater has an unimpeded flow to the waterway.

Limit indoor water use: By limiting the use of dishwashers, washing machines, bathtubs, and the like during intense rainfalls, less demand will be put on the sewer system. In those parts of our service area with sewers handling both wastewater and stormwater, the ability to handle stormwater will be increased.

Clear streets and other areas of debris: Leaves, plastic bottles, branches, and other debris can easily block inlets. When high intensity rainstorms hit, these items are washed into the inlets. Items that make it into the sewer decrease the amount of water that can be handled. Items that don’t go into the sewer block inlets, which in-turn causes street and other localized flooding.

Keep local creeks & streams clear: Local creeks, streams, and other waterways provide stormwater drainage for many parts of our community. The vast majority of these waterways are private property. Thus, responsibility to keep these waterways maintained and clear falls on adjacent property owners or subdivisions as a whole. Ensuring that these waterways are clear of grass clippings, branches, fallen trees, and other debris will allow rainwater to be carried away as quickly as possible.

n Blocked gutters can cause water to cascade down the side of a structure or pond on a roof, both of which can cause rainwater to enter a home.

If you experience a basement backup, contact MSD’s 24-hour customer service number at 314-768-6240 or email customersrvc@stlmsd.com.

If you notice ponding or flooding on streets due to a blocked inlet during rainfall, please contact MSD’s 24-hour customer service number at (314) 768-6260 or email us at customersvc@stlmsd.com.

If drivers should come upon a flooded street, MSD wishes to remind the public that it’s not worth taking a chance – turn around a use an alternate route to your destination.

Buying a home: How to know how high to go

By StatePoint Media

Shopping for a home? Before you begin your search, it is important to figure out what you can comfortably afford.

“The interesting thing about homebuying is that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all process,” says Mike Dawson, vice president of Single-Family at Freddie Mac. “After all, it is your budget and these are your housing needs. Doing your homework to figure out what those needs are is the critical first step.”

Before you start shopping, learn how much you can borrow. Free online resources, such as Freddie Mac’s “How Much You Can Afford” calculator, found at calculators.freddiemac.com, can help you get a handle on this figure during the preliminary stages of your search. This estimate is based on income, fixed monthly payments such as auto loans and student loans, and the terms of the loan you plan to take out.

You may also consider speaking to a lender at this stage. If you qualify for a loan, he or she will provide you with a pre-approval letter stating how much home you can afford and the maximum amount you are qualified to borrow. Having this letter can help show the seller that you are a committed and qualified buyer. Keep in mind that the amount your lender is willing to lend is not always how much you should borrow. You should borrow only what you feel you can comfortably repay through monthly mortgage payments. Wait to take this step until you are actually on the hunt, as pre-approvals are usually good for only a limited time.

When determining your budget, consider the length of your loan and the type of loan you want. Do you want to pay back the money that you borrow over 15 years or 30 years? The longer your loan term, the smaller your monthly payments, but you will pay more interest over time.

The type of mortgage loan is import-

ant, too. With a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate stays the same through the life of your loan, as will your monthly payments. While this can offer some peace of mind, it is important to know that such loans tend to have higher interest rates because the lender is not protected against a rise in its costs over the course of your loan. On

n You should borrow only what you feel you can comfortably repay through monthly mortgage payments.

an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) however, the interest rate may re-set every one, three or five years based on the movement of a specific index and the terms of the loan. Homebuyers may have low interest rates when they first take out their mortgage loans, but the rates may increase over the loan term. If your rate changes at a

reset, then your monthly payment will change too.

For a full run-down on all things homebuying, visit myhome.freddiemac. com.

One of the most important aspects of homebuying is getting a handle on how much home you can afford. Do your research before you begin house-hunting, so you can be well-informed throughout the process.

Create a perfect outdoor escape in your backyard

By StatePoint Media

If there is anything better than heating up the grill and chilling drinks with close friends late into a summer evening, it is decorating the space in which it all takes place. As with all things summer, refreshing your outdoor space calls for a simple, relaxed approach. Here are a few ideas for making a quick splash.

Less is more, sometimes

As fun as it is to design for new things, subtraction is often where the real opportunity is hiding. Make a tired space feel new again by donating, repurposing or storing items that simply don’t serve a purpose or add anything visually.

Rethinking arrangements

There is more to design than placing chairs around a table or fire pit. Striking

the right balance takes some intentionality and thought. Incorporating strong elements of symmetry and repetition can do as much toward establishing a relaxing, inviting tone as an eclectic playlist or perfectly plated appetizers.

Identifying the focal point is a key early step. Often in backyard settings, it is a permanent feature, such as a particular view, landscape design or firepit. When this is not an option, or if the area serves a specific purpose such as dining, furniture can be used to create the same conversational effect.

Color and pattern

ing seat cushions and boldly patterned throw pillows is a quick way to express personality.

n One of the easiest ways to dramatically enhance an outdoor setting is often overlooked – lighting.

Most permanent fixtures and large outdoor furniture pieces trend traditional. Adding flourishes with vibrant contrast-

To customize your space, check out the Improvements line of outdoor furniture cushions and pillows, which offers an array of lively styles, patterns and color combinations. Their step-by-step outdoor cushion measuring guide makes finding the right-sized cushion easy, and quick and simple video instructions take the guesswork out of the process, ensuring the proper fit. For more information, visit improvementscatalog.com.

Lighten up

One of the easiest ways to dramatically enhance an outdoor setting is often overlooked – lighting. Good lighting

boosts safety and security. After all, summer is the season for tripping over pavers in the dark. And a thoughtful approach can be transformative – from illuminating paths through the backyard to setting a relaxing tone for a patio. Many solutions, such as higher-voltage lighting systems, call for a contractor’s expertise. Even some lower-voltage systems will require some additional equipment for proper energy control.

To keep it simple, solar is the way to go. Just make sure the photovoltaic cell is positioned to collect maximum sunlight during the day so it is ready to shine through the night. For example, the new Provence solar post and path lights from Improvements are a good way to accent landscaping while keeping pathways safe. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all template for the perfect backyard summer sanctuary. But with a creative mindset and a clear vision, you can transform your backyard into a unique casual space.