October 29 2015

Nixon sets 10 percent M/WBE goals Executive order established new state program for diversity contracting and compliance

St. Louis American See B1

The

CAC Audited OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

stlamerican.com

‘This is not safe for us’ Paul Berry III, a small business owner who grew up in Bridgeton, confronted Mark Hague, the EPA Region 7’s acting administrator, at a public meeting about West Lake Landfill on Monday, October 26.

“We don’t need any more words,” Berry yelled “We need action.”

Vol. 86 No. 30 COMPLIMENTARY

A century of grace, medicine and leadership Dr. Whittico’s 100th birthday celebrated

by Mound City Medical Forum

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

and the State of Missouri – and it did not come from the landfill owner, Republic Services.

Another woman called out that two of the names listed in the reference section were subcontractors paid for by Republic Services.

“I didn’t know they were folks from

This year’s Mound City Medical Forum scholarship banquet was a centennial birthday celebration for beloved local physician Dr. James M. Whittico Jr., who turns 100 on November 18.

“Though no one can ever fill the shoes of Dr. Whittico,” said Dr. Denise Hooks Anderson, the medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American, “we at Mound City Medical Forum hope, by telling his story, it will Dr. James M. propel the next generation Whittico Jr. forward.”

The longtime surgeon retired in May at age 99 after 65 years of active medical practice.

Dr. Whittico presented Mound City’s $2,500 James M. Whittico M.D. leadership scholarship award to Patrice Vallot of Saint Louis University. Two additional $1,500 scholarships were awarded to medical students Julian Clarke of Washington University and Alexis Webber of Saint Louis University.

His pastor, Rev. Robert C. Scott of Central Baptist Church, described Dr. Whittico as a great churchman who demonstrates his discipleship through his life and work.

“One as accomplished as Dr. Whittico

See LANDFILL, A7

See WHITTICO, A6

Photo by Wiley Price

Residents confront EPA official over West Lake Landfill

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American Paul Charp, a health physicist with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, faced a tense crowd of about 250 people at the West Lake/Bridgeton Landfill Community Advisory Group meeting on Monday, October 26.

Charp authored the report that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been referencing recently to say that the West

Lake Landfill – where radioactive waste has been illegally buried since 1973 – poses no health risks to the community.

“It has not migrated offsite,” said Mark Hague, the EPA Region 7’s acting administrator, at a press conference earlier on October 26. “The groundwater is not moving in a direction towards any residential areas.”

Charp had just begun his presentation when a woman jumped up from her seat and asked where the data for the report came from. He said it came from EPA, other federal agencies

n “You guys know a lot more about what’s been going on here because you’ve been living it.”

– Paul Charp, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Percy Green revisits the Arch As part of the ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Gateway Arch’s construction, Percy Green was presented with an award by the CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation on October 24 for his courage in climbing the Arch in 1964 to protest the exclusion of black workers from the project.

50 years after his courageous protest, what has changed in minority inclusion?

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

n “On paper, it’s a lot better, but raw analysis of the data shows it’s not a whole lot better.”

When asked to compare the St. Louis of today with that of 1965, St. Louis civil rights icon Percy Green said, “We are still dealing with the same issues.”

This Saturday, October 24, – Percy Green the 50th anniversary of the Gateway Arch was celebrated with a day of activities at Kiener Plaza downtown. As part of the ceremonies, Green was presented with an award by the CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation See GREEN, A6

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Struggling districts show improvement

By Dale Singer and Tim Lloyd Of St. Louis Public Radio Struggling school districts in the St. Louis area got some welcome good news with this year’s annual report card from the state.

Riverview Gardens, Jennings and St. Louis Public Schools all posted scores that would put them into the fully accredited range, with more than 70 percent of the 140 points possible on the Annual Performance Report (APR).

And even Normandy, which once again had the lowest score in the state (and the only one in unaccredited range), showed solid growth, rising from just 7.1 percent last year to 30.4 percent in its first year See DISTRICTS, A6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

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People magazine about Lamar shot and interviewed for PRIOR to all respect our, and most importantly our children’s Odom’s recovery after he was found the events that happened.” privacy, as we go through this difficult period.” unconscious at the Love Ranch, a She added, “I had to do a follow up According to TMZ, the Oscar-winning Nevada brothel where he had been for 5 minute phoner after the events only actress cited irreconcilable differences in her several days. While the couple were because I was contracted to. I cancelled divorce documents. in the final stages of a divorce that my book tour to avoid this attention.”

Berry, 49, and the French actor, 49, first met has now been put on hold, Kardashian on the set of Dark Tide in 2010, and secretly rushed to Odom’s side following his got engaged in 2011. It was the third marriage medical crisis.

Is NeNe back in the RHOA nest? for Berry and the first for Martinez.

She says she “will be there supporting him every step of the way,” Earlier this year reality star NeNe Halle but admitted to People there are no Leakes left “The Real Housewives Is a ‘Lisa Turtle’ Berry plans for her and Odom to get back of Atlanta” after complaining the sex tape coming soon? together. atmosphere had become “too toxic.”

“There are too many other important According to reports she will According to TMZ.com, former “Saved By things, too many medical things,” she said. “It’s make a surprise appearance on “The Real the Bell” star Lark Voorhies is not even in our brains thinking about us as a Housewives of Atlanta while the ladies trying to avoid a sex tape scandal couple or having a relationship right now. travel to Jamaica for the annual cast trip following her separation from The couple married in 2009 after dating for and the ladies have no idea she’s coming. husband Jimmy Green. The a month and then split in 2013 among reports Several outlets are saying that Leakes will celebrity news and gossip site says of alleged infidelity and substance abuse by be making an undetermined number of Green is shopping a homemade Odom. But the pair maintained they still care appearances in the new season. sex tape. She claims the tape was for each other. recorded “surreptitiously,” but he “The fact that he woke up was definitely says she knew the camera was a sigh of relief for everybody,” Kardashian Berry and Martinez call it quits rolling. said. “Every hour is different. It goes up The couple met on Facebook last and it goes down but he’s awake. He’s Halle Berry has filed for divorce from Lark year and married in Las Vegas this alive and that’s all I wanted, was for her husband, Olivier Martinez after two past April. She filed for divorce Voorhies him to be okay.” years of marriage. The couple announced after only six months of marriage, But while People’s cover their split in a joint statement on Tuesday. citing irreconcilable differences image on its website included “It is with a heavy heart that we have and asking a judge to deny him language saying that come to the decision to divorce,” the statement spousal support.

Kardashian “opens up about read. “We move forward with love and respect her bedside vigil and what’s for one another and the shared focus for what Sources: US Weekly, People.com, Twitter. next,” the reality star tweeted is best for our son. We wish each other nothing com, Instagram.com, TMZ.com Future that “my people cover, I but happiness in life, and we hope that you

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING Future says ‘no thanks’ after Blac Chyna tattoo reveal For weeks there have been rumors that rapper Tyga’s ex Blac Chyna was secretly dating rapper Future.

On Monday, the exotic dancer and former Kardashian BFF confirmed the news by showing off a new tattoo that reads “Future” on her hand. By Tuesday Future took to social media to express that he’s NOT in a relationship with Chyna – or anyone else.

“Single and focusing on what makes me happy,” the rapper posted on his Twitter account. “U kno I don’t expletive w no rumors.”

Since Future’s twitter announcement, the picture of Blac Chyna’s tattoo has conspicuously disappeared from her Instagram account.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

STAR under construction in Jennings

Lewis McKinney breaks ground on new senior residential facility

By Mariah Stewart Ferguson Fellow

I began with my phase-two development,” McKinney told The American.

The new development will have three stories and include space for recreation and wellness activities, a

$520.

The project was supported by the City of Jennings, St. Louis County, and the Missouri Housing Development Center (MHDC). McKinney’s corporation, LMAC Holdings

n “In doing this, I realized that continuum care also needed residential housing.”

– Lewis McKinney library, fitness center, computer facilities and family room.

The housing units will be approximately 850 square feet and include two bedrooms and one bathroom. The expected rent cost will start at $500-

LLC, was recently awarded $1.2 million in low-income housing tax credits from the Missouri Housing Development Center.

McKinney acquired the Ecclesia of Christ Church

campus in 2009, and has invested thousands of dollars into the property. It currently houses STAR Residences Adult Day Care Facility.

McKinney said the North County community lacks facilities for senior citizens to attend during the day.

“God has blessed me with the opportunity to give back to my community,” McKinney, a SLU basketball Hall-ofFamer, told The American.

Construction on the new development will launch in early November and completion is set for May 2016.

This story is published as part of a partnership between the St. Louis American and the Huffington Post.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Democratic candidate for president, shocked people when he noted that 51 percent of African-Americans aged 17 through 20 who have graduated high school or dropped out of high school are unemployed.

This level of unemployment is a death sentence for a generation – representing for too many, the dying of hope, potential and even, in an age of mass incarceration, freedom.

For all the progress we have made on race in this country, there is still a stark difference between black and white poverty.

As Emily Badger reports in the Washington Post, “The poverty that poor African-Americans experience is often different from the poverty of poor whites.”

A poor black family is much more likely to live in an impoverished neighborhood. The concentrated poverty, as Badger writes, “extends out the door of a family’s home and occupies the entire neighborhood around it, touching the streets, the schools, the grocery stores.”

A new report on the “Architecture of Segregation” by Paul Jargowsky for the New Century Foundation details the stark differences that exist in cities across the country. In metropolitan Chicago, for example, more than Columnist one in three poor African Americans live in what are called high-poverty census tracts Jesse L. (neighborhoods where the poverty rate is above Jackson 40 percent). That is 10 times the rate for poor whites.

We know the effects of separate and impoverished. Infants suffer bad nutrition, grow up surrounded by lead paint. Children navigate mean streets to go to impoverished schools. They lack after-school and summer programs. Families break apart.

Guns and drugs come in; jobs go out. There’s no affordable transportation to get to where the jobs are. Houses are abandoned. Hospitals close. Decent grocery stores are nowhere to be found.

As Jargowsky says, this isn’t really an accident. It is the product of systemic discrimination, of zoning laws that shield wealthy areas from the poor, of public housing that is concentrated in a few neighborhoods.

This could be different. In London, every region must have some social housing for poor and working-class people. Imagine if every suburb were required to provide a proportionate amount of housing for the poor and the lower-wage workers. Suddenly the poor would have access to better schools, better health care, safer streets, more role models and healthier (and less expensive) food stores.

This takes a plan, a plan that will meet great resistance.

Dozens of Chicago’s wealthy suburbs, Badger notes, have ignored state deadlines to produce affordable housing plans.

Poor African Americans are penned up, in poor neighborhoods and too often literally in jails and prisons. This is an imposition, not a fate, a policy choice that is morally indefensible and socially explosive.

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Rendering of the new Senior Transitional Accommodations & Recreation (STAR) Residences being built in Jennings by Lewis McKinney’s corporation, LMAC Holdings LLC.

By Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Guest columnist

S Y’

EX TR A

Jennings is welcoming a new 44-unit multi-family housing development into the city’s disinvested 4th Ward. On Thursday, October 22, the city celebrated the groundbreaking on Senior Transitional Accommodations & Recreation (STAR) Residences.

Developer Lewis McKinney, certified Minority Business Enterprise developer, began the venture in 2009. “This coincided with the desire to care for my own grandmother and parents,” McKinney said at the ceremony.

“I began to create a quality continuum-of-care campus in the Jennings community where seniors could live in quality housing with access to support services and age with dignity while living independently without leaving their own community,” said McKinney.

McKinney said STAR Residences works with programs to help bring wellness in nutrition, transportation services, and accessibility to healthcare to help seniors remain or become more independent.

“In doing this, I realized that continuum care also needed residential housing. So

Separate and impoverished

A3

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Editorial / Commentary A4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

North City is best moral and strategic choice for NGA places to live and work. Such federal space shall The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency conserve existing urban resources and encourage (NGA) is hosting a public forum regarding the site selection for its new NGA West headquarters the development and redevelopment of cities.”

Comparing north St. Louis to the open fields 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 29 at the St. Louis across the river in St. Clair County, said to be Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, 2012 the city’s closest rival for NGA West, it is clear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. – one of four which would “strengthen” one of the nation’s such meetings, corresponding to the four final most challenged cities and “encourage” its candidates to host the new facility. The location “development and redevelopment.” in the city of St. Louis under consideration is Similarly, Executive Order 12898, a directive 100 acres just north of downtown St. Louis at on addressing environmental justice in minority the intersection of Jefferson and Cass avenues and low-income populations, leaves only one adjacent to the former Pruitt-Igoe. Attendees at these public meetings will be encouraged to offer choice for the NGA. If the NGA considers, as directed, “the disproportionately high and their comments for decision-makers at the NGA; adverse human health or environmental effects this is our message to them. of its programs, policies Moving NGA West from and activities on minority its current location on the populations and low-income near South Side to a $1.6 populations,” it will move billion new facility on the these jobs and their attending near North Side would keep economic opportunities to the NGA’s current 3,100 jobs North St. Louis with its in the city. This would enable largely low-income, minority the city to retain the $2.19 population in such dire need million annually it collects of investment. As Richard from NGA employees in L. Trumka, president of earnings tax. That is by the 11.6 million-member far the largest economic American Federation of Labor impact cited for any of the and Congress of Industrial four sites in the NGA’s Organizations (AFL-CIO), recent impact study, and When: 4-7 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 29 wrote in his letter to the NGA given the city’s importance Where: Gateway Classic, 2012 advocating for the city site, to the region and the state, Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. “North St. Louis residents are this factor alone should Contact: 85 percent African-American, be decisive. The NGA has nextngawest@usace.army.mil the unemployment rate is an already acknowledged this astounding 22 percent and 45 fact by citing the city’s loss Mail: Next NGA West, U.S. percent of the population lives of revenue as a negative in Army Corps of Engineers in poverty.” its assessment of competing Kansas City District, Room In fact, the $5 billion AFL sites.

529, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas CIO Housing Investment Moving NGA West would City, MO 64106 Trust is prepared to invest do more than keep these in housing around the NGA jobs in the city. It would West site in North City. It has move these jobs – and invited specific financing proposals for the first countless collateral economic opportunities phases of 3,000 housing units that Northside and developments – from south to north. “For Regeneration plans to build in the area. Thanks the Sake of All” (2014) and the Ferguson Commission report (2015) stated in stark detail to efforts by Northside Regeneration and the the economic disparities in our region and the city, a tremendous amount of public investment concentration of poverty – and its many negative has been pledged. The State of Missouri has effects – in north St. Louis city and county. appropriated $360 million to prepare the NGA The federal government has recognized these West site and surrounding area, and the City of disparities and made moves to help the region St. Louis has approved a development plan that address them. The north city candidate for NGA includes $394 million in tax increment financing.

West is the only site under consideration that is We believe there is an imperative for named as one of the eight Federal Promise Zones investment here, with respect to national to help obtain federal assistance in tackling urban policy, that is both strategic and moral poverty.

– particularly given the perilous brink where More pointedly for NGA decision-makers, this region is perched now, as the whole world the north city site is the only candidate directly knows. Moving 3,100 existing NGA jobs out of applicable to two presidential executive orders the city of St. Louis – and losing the opportunity that should govern their decision. Executive to develop many more jobs in North City and Order 12072, establishing national urban policy to leverage these multiple sources of public and on the location of federal installations in cities, private reinvestment – so soon after the unrest in states, “Federal facilities and federal use of North St. Louis county and city would be both space in urban areas shall serve to strengthen foolhardy and unconscionable on the part of the the nation’s cities and to make them attractive federal government.

Meet the NGA

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Black jurors need not apply?

By Roderick Long Guest columnist If you’re black, you may have trouble getting on to a jury.

The way in which jurors are chosen in the United States is intended to ensure an unbiased jury; and part of that process is the right of “peremptory challenge,” by which the prosecution and the defense are each allowed to reject a certain number of potential jurors without having to prove them unfit. But some prosecutors, especially in the Southern states, appear to be using this procedure not to prevent bias but to guarantee it.

According to a study released in August, prosecutors in Louisiana have made use of peremptory challenges to reject black jurors three times as often as non-black ones. Other studies (including one from Michigan State’s law school) have found similar numbers for Alabama and North Carolina. In one Louisiana jurisdiction, public prosecutors “used peremptory strikes against 46 percent of the black potential jurors … and against 15 percent of others.”

The New York Times describes some of the reasons cited for rejecting blacks from juries: those rejected were “young or old, single or divorced, religious or not”; they “failed to make eye contact, lived in a poor part of town, had served in the military, had a hyphenated last name, displayed bad posture, were sullen, disrespectful or talkative, had long hair, wore a beard.”

In the North Carolina court system, grounds for rejecting

black jurors were couched in coded language, such as having “arms folded” or an “air of defiance.” I suppose we should just be grateful that “uppity” didn’t make it on to the list.

One apparent motive for the exclusion is the perception that black jurors are less likely to convict, particularly in death penalty cases. And it is certainly plausible that those who have been disproportionately oppressed by the “justice” system might be disproportionately skeptical of it. In a recent Georgia case, “prosecutors excluded every black prospective juror in a death penalty case against a black defendant.”

Given that blacks are disproportionately Guest Columnist victimized by cops and disRoderick proportionately incarcerated, the Long government’s practice in many Southern jurisdictions of excluding blacks from juries is especially troubling, and raises questions about the practice of peremptory challenge itself.

In his 1852 “Essay on the Trial by Jury,” the 19th-century American abolitionist, anarchist and libertarian legal theorist Lysander Spooner argued that allowing the state a say in the composition of juries was contrary to the proper function of a jury trial.

Since, Spooner reasoned, a jury is supposed to be “a fair epitome of ‘the country’ at large, and not merely of the party or faction that sustain the

measures of the government,” it follows that a trial by jury should be as far as possible a “trial by the country,” meaning that a truly representative jury can be expected to “agree to no conviction except such as substantially the whole country would agree to, if they were present.”

But this requires that “substantially all classes of opinions, prevailing among the people, will be represented in the jury; and especially that the opponents of the government … will be represented there, as well as its friends.” Thus, a trial would be “no trial at all ‘by the country,’ but only a trial by the government, if the government could either declare who may, and who may not, be jurors, or could dictate to the jury anything whatever, either of law or evidence,” since “if the government may decide who may, and who may not, be jurors, it will of course select only its partisans, and those friendly to its measures.”

The ability of governments to skew the judicial process in their own favor is ultimately a reason for challenging any and all government involvement in the legal system, which should ideally be rendered autonomous — a function of civil society rather than the state. So long as governments still run the courts, however, the ability of prosecutors (who are, after all, agents of the government) to control the composition of juries needs to be abolished.

Roderick T. Long is a professor of philosophy at Auburn University and libertarian blogger. Follow on Twitter @ RoderickTLong.

Commentary

Time for ‘Radical Reconciliation’

By Jamala Rogers Columnist

Last month, I wrote a column expressing my disappointment in the lack of stated commitment by leaders in the region at the release of the Ferguson Commission report. I wondered out loud why these leaders weren’t prepared to talk about how their respective offices would implement specific recommendations.

They have been offered an opportunity to do so this weekend. Under the banner of “Radical Reconciliation,” organizations and individuals will convene at the Beloved Community Conference for what I believe is a most important gathering for the region.

Sylvester Brown Jr. published a blog post that shared a similar lack of optimism in the political will to fundamentally transform the entrenched racist system that impacts all facets of life in this region. He writes that our dirty, racist laundry was “laid bare on the international stage” and the tried solution to invest in “rich white men with the hope that trickle-down economics will benefit everyone else” has never worked.

Both are true. So what are we going to do now?

Thousands of people participated in the Ferguson uprising, and thousands engaged in the public process facilitated by the Ferguson Commission. To me, this is an indicator that there are people who understand the current situation must change. However, there is a difference between those who are enlightened about injustices and those who are willing to fight to end those injustices.

“Radical Reconciliation” is for those who Columnist are willing to fight. Now it’s Jamala time to put Rogers up or shut up.

It’s time for accountability on all levels.

Several organizations that already have been doing the hard work of organizing and transformation over the years have been meeting to lift up the core areas outlined in the Ferguson Commission report and put some legs on them.

The report’s priority areas are “Justice for All,” “Youth at the Center,” “Opportunities to Thrive” and “Racial Equity.”

We’ll be rallying people to choose an area that they feel passionate about to put some work in.

Letters to the Editor Game-changer for North City The selection of North St. Louis as the new NGA’s site will be a major economic, social, and political stimulus for all of St. Louis and the entire metro area. Its North City residents and youth will strive and prosper. The area’s public schools will thrive, small neighborhood-based retail services will spring up, and other related NGA businesses will emerge, such as information technology, as a result of locating in the downtown section of North St. Louis.

The economic development for North St. Louis will be huge. It will not only be measured in words or financial benefits, for it will be life transformational. All of North St. Louis neighborhoods will be positively impacted. Since this part of the city and its population were allowed to die a slow and painful death more than 50 years ago, it is only fitting that this great infusion of jobs, technology and workforce development would be used to help restore this area.

It would greatly incentivize the remaining residents and the new ones that will be attracted to the area. They will be provided with better life choices and be able to live a life with dignity by obtaining career pathways jobs right in the very community where they live.

This is one of the best chances we have in eliminating the so-called North/South divide that has marginalized our great city for too long. We cannot pass up this opportunity to rewrite what was a painful history for one that is truly a positive game-changer for the lives of thousands of St. Louisans. North St. Louis should be the focus of concentrated sustainable development, and the time is right to do it.

Malik Ahmed, CEO Better Family Life, Inc. St. Louis

Thank you A BIG thank you to state Representative Clem Smith for his article, “Inequality in the air.” As Rep. Smith states, the city currently is struggling give its citizens a basic human right: breathable air.

Currently, there are three coal-burning plants in the St.

What is going to be very different about this conference is that key leaders in each of the above areas will be asked to come and make a public commitment – people like mayors, police chiefs, judges.

These people are major players in the quest for racial equity.

If they can’t commit to being partners in this journey for transformation with us, our work has just been made more difficult and we’ll have no choice but to include them as part of the problem.

Radical Reconciliation is being hosted by St. John’s United Church of Christ (4136 N. Grand Blvd.), which is pastored by Rev. Starsky Wilson, one of the Ferguson Commission’s co-chairs.

St. John’s has held Beloved Community conferences for the last five years, and this year made the strategic decision to focus on implementation of specific recommendations within the Ferguson Commission report.

The region has gone through painful turmoil since the police killing of Mike Brown. This will be the time to declare which side you’re on – the side of racial progress or racist domination. Yes, I think it’s that simple.

For more information on Radical Reconciliation, visit www.sjuccstl.org.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Louis metro area that have no pollution controls whatsoever.

None.

Environmental disasters in our area disproportionately burdens communities of color and low-income populations.

We cannot allow polluters and policymakers to continue to allow burning coal and pollute our air freely.

This is why I am in full support of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. It will challenge environmental racism, give health benefits and bring clean energy. I support the Clean Power Plan and urge our legislators, like Senator Claire McCaskill and Governor Jay Nixon, to support and defend it.

Samuel J Cummings III Sierra Club, St. Louis

No respect for patrol cops U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay’s commendation of the St. Louis County Police “collaborating to produce a wide-ranging, voluntary review … to make our community safer and to restore trust.” is best viewed in the context of reality.

The “positive roadmap” laid-out by the Justice

The largest weekly newspaper in Missouri 70,000 copies - CAC Audited 100% Independently owned & operated Continuously published, without interruption since 1928

Donald M. Suggs Publisher & Executive Editor Kevin Jones - Sr. Vice Pres. & COO Dina M. Suggs - Sr. Vice Pres.

Nathan B. Young (1894 -1993) - Founder N.A. Sweets (1901-1988) - Publisher Emeritus Bennie G. Rodgers - (1914 - 2000) Executive Editor Emeritus Melba Sweets (1909 - 2006) Editor Emeritus Editorial Chris King - Managing Editor Kenya Vaughn - Website Editor Earl Austin Jr. - Sports Editor Sandra Jordan - Health Reporter Rebecca S. Rivas - Senior Reporter Wiley Price - Senior Photojournalist

Department & the County P.D. includes much needed “core recommendations.” But a negative fact of policing in the St. Louis metro area remains unaddressed. Patrol officers have the vast majority of contact with the citizenry, but patrol is often overlooked when it comes to recognition.

The rewards in police departments (job assignment, promotion, acquisition of advantageous relationships, etc.) are usually attained by other than patrol officers.

So the tacit dictate for cops to achieve personal/ professional benefits is to extricate themselves from the patrol function as soon as possible. This intrinsic element of policing therefore runs counter to the general goal of community policing: building trust and relationships.

Until such time as the patrol function becomes a desired destination for cops, the foundation of community policing will be on a bed of sand. The fix: Establish career paths in the patrol function and eliminate nepotism, cronyism and favoritism within police departments.

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Lawrence Bryant - Photojournalist Denise Hooks -Anderson, M.D. Health Editor Jami Ballentine-Dolby Entertainment Danie Rae - Style Editor Dana G. Randolph Contributing Editor Fred Sweets - Contributing Editor Sales / Marketing Onye Hollomon- Sr. Acct. Exec.

Barbara Sills - Sr. Acct. Exec.

Pam Simmons- Sr. Acct. Exec.

Nevida Medina - Classified Ad Mgr Angelita F. Jackson - Graphic Artist Production Mike Terhaar - Art Director Melvin Moore - Graphic Designer Administration Robin Britt - Controller Cathy Sewell - NIE Manager Ishmael Sistrunk - Web/IT/ Promotions Coordinator Kate Daniel - Exec Assistant Loistine McGhee - Acct. Assistant Mary Easter - Receptionist

2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103.

Phone: 314-533-8000 / Fax: 314-533-2332

A5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

‘Perfect’ opening for Lewis & Clark Branch

By Kristen Sorth For The St. Louis American

People often ask what I learned during Phase 1 of the St. Louis County Library’s construction projects. My answer is always the same: the construction process is far from perfect no matter how hard you work, but what keeps us going is the thought of opening these beautiful buildings to the public. For the Library District, opening Lewis and Clark first was special because of the public’s desire for a new branch in their community.

I often thought about what branch openings would be like and had a vision in my mind, but nothing prepared me for opening Lewis and Clark on Wednesday, October 14. As library employees stood inside the branch waiting to Kristen open the doors, Sorth we could see people waiting on the other side of the doors to come in the building. I heard later that those outside talked about their excitement, and there was even a discussion of a happy dance.

As the doors were unlocked, staff burst into applause for the patrons. As they were walking in to building, they started clapping as well. It was magical to see the looks on their faces as they saw their new library and all it had to offer. The patrons were clearly proud that this building belonged to their community. While the construction process may not always be perfect, this moment certainly was.

On the first day, over 700 people visited the branch. The patrons toured the building, tried out the comfortable furniture, looked at the beautiful stained glass

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Great Candy Exchange The Delta Dental Health Theatre is hosting its annual Great Candy Exchange on Sunday, November 1, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Saint Louis Science Center. Unopened Halloween candy can be traded in for chances to win a variety of different prize packages that encourage healthy habits and active play. Admission is free.

Anyone who brings in a candy donation will receive $2 off parking in the Saint Louis Science Center parking lot. There is also limited, free parking at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. All candy collected through this event, along with toothbrushes, will be sent to U.S. troops through the USO of Missouri. Delta Dental of Missouri, Pediatric Dentistry of Sunset Hills, the St. Louis District Dairy Council and Crest Oral B are event sponsors. For more information, call 314-241-7391 or visit www.ddhtstl. org.

A mother worked with her daughter in the expanded children’s space in the new Lewis & Clark Branch of the St. Louis County Library when it opened on October 14. with light streaming through and admired the Cbabi Bayok artwork at the entrance to the children’s area.

Then they got down to the business of using the library. They checked out materials and used the computers, they scanned and faxed in the new business center, kids played in the expanded children’s area, people sat at new spacious tables with space to work and backpacks in mind, teens sat in the captain chairs and hung out in their teen space, patrons read in the quiet “living room” and they checked out more materials.

Statistics from the first four days are impressive. Patrons checked out 3,923 items, which is an increase of 10 percent over the same time last year. In addition, 92 patrons signed up for new library cards, which is a staggering increase of 119 percent over last year. Again, perfect.

The future of the branch holds so much promise. Programming begins in November with a wide variety of events for all ages including weekly story times for children ages 3-6 and lap times for children ages 0-36 months. Lewis and Clark will host a LEGO club at the branch starting on November 12 and our popular telescope lending program will be featured at the branch on November 16 at 7 p.m. when the branch hosts a Star Party with experts from the St. Louis Astronomical Society.

For adults, the branch will host bestselling local author Pat Simmons on Saturday November 7. Zumba and yoga classes will be offered at Lewis and Clark and computer classes beginning at the end of November on Word, Excel and classes related to job searching. The branch plans to offer an after school program

starting in January. Club 367 will include after school programming, homework strategies and assistance.

Next summer, Lewis and Clark will have free lunches available for children all summer long as part of SLCL’s partnership with Operation Food Search. There is something for everyone, perfect.

I heard two meaningful quotes from the public on opening day.

One person said, “To see that the library followed my suggestion is pretty awesome! It’s nice to know somebody listened and I had a part in making this happen.”

When asked about the new library another patron said, “It’s about the future. It’s about progress.

It’s ready for the 21st century.”

Perfect.

Kristen Sorth is director of the St. Louis County Library.

AKA hosts recycling event

The Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. invites St. Louis-area residents to “Unstash that Trash” during a recycling event in Chambers Park, 3100 Bell Ave. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

Individuals may drop off recyclables including electronics, clothing items, expired/unused medications, and batteries. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with vendors to learn more about recycling. There will also be interactive, fun activities and giveaways. For more information, contact Shira Truitt at 314­-514­-5375.

Home, Health and Energy Resource Fair The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County will host a Home, Health and Energy Resource Fair on Saturday November 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center, 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. The first 200 adults will receive a $10 gift card.

A6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

GREEN

“No one can ever fill the shoes of Dr. Whittico,” Dr. Denise Hooks Anderson, the medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American, said of Dr. James M. Whittico Jr. when he was surprised with a 100th birthday party by the Mound City Medical Forum on October 24.

Continued from A1

Photo by Wiley Price

WHITTICO Continued from A1

really could, as some do, have an air of superficial superiority, but he has an aristocracy of the mind without losing the common touch of the people,” Scott said.

“That sounds a lot like Jesus to me.”

The full-house event at the Airport Marriott Hotel included colleagues, nurses and community leaders.

Greetings, proclamations and supporting well-wishes were sent by the National Medical Association, Meharry College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, various fraternal and community organizations, and elected politicians, including U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, one of Dr. Whittico’s countless former patients.

“This gentle giant may have retired, but his life’s work will never stop,” Clay said.

“We love you, we respect you and we deeply

DISTRICTS Continued from A1

as the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Superintendents of those districts cite similar factors for their solid gains: close attention to data, stability in leadership at the district and building levels, and increased collaboration among districts.

Scott Spurgeon, whose unaccredited Riverview Gardens district earned 79.3 percent of its possible points

appreciate all you have done for us over the years.”

The most touching birthday tributes came from his children, Jarrhet and Joi Whittico.

“As your son, it’s been an honor and a privilege to share in at least half of this journey with you,” Jarrhet Whittico said.

“In your eyes there is blessed light, and in gratitude for you, for your many gifts, I say thank you for your great parenting, your warm camaraderie, your compassion and kindness, you excellent teaching, your strong example and, most of all, for your love,” Joi Whittico said.

When it was his turn to speak, Dr. Whittico said grace is the “nitty gritty of life” that’s kept him going and presented him with fortunate opportunities to benefit his fellow man.

“All of this has been made possible as a result of His amazing grace,” Dr. Whittico said. “And I don’t think He’s through with me yet. I think that there may be something left that I can do.”

– up from 45.4 percent last year – said it’s all about emphasizing fundamentals and paying close attention to what each student needs.

“We’re personalization with precision here,” said Spurgeon, who is in his third year at the district. “When students are at school, we know where they are percentage-wise. We know what their reading scores are.”

In Jennings, which is provisionally accredited, the progress report score continues to go up. Two years ago, it was 65.7 percent. Last year, it moved into the fully-accredited

range, at 78.2. And it was even higher this time around, at 81.1 “We expected our students to continue to do well,” said Jennings Superintendent Tiffany Anderson. “We feel we have a system that is effective, and if we will continue to work within the system, we will continue to see progress.”

Margie Vandeven, the state’s commissioner for elementary and secondary education, said that districts in Missouri have come a long way in the three years that the latest version of the state’s school improvement program

for his courage in protesting the fact that no African Americans were employed during the construction of the Arch. To call attention to the exclusion of black workers, Green and his friend Richard Daly scaled 125 feet up the partly constructed Arch.

“It was an attempt to shake up the white power structure,” Green said.

While Green was fired from his job at McDonnell-Douglas stemming from the protest – which paved the way for a landmark unlawful discrimination suit – Green’s actions did result in some AfricanAmerican contractors being hired.

Today, the $380 million CityArchRiver 2015 project – the renovation to reconnect the Arch and Riverfront to downtown St. Louis – is well underway. But tracking how many minority businesses and workers are being employed is a headache. The project is split up into 10 phases, and they all have different federal and local agencies leading them.

The National Park Service (NPS) is managing contracts for the construction of the South Park and North Park grounds, Luther Ely Smith Square, the museum, and the project that will tear down the parking garage.

However, NPS has no way of specifically tracking whether they are employing minority businesses or not, an NPS spokesperson told The St. Louis American.

The agency aims to employ 40 percent small businesses and five percent “small disadvantaged businesses” – with no specific category for minorities.

A St. Louis city ordinance requires contractors to hire 25 percent minorityowned businesses and 5 percent women-

has been in place. But districts can’t expect changes in their accreditation classification based on just one year of data.

“One APR does not constitute a sustainable trend of either improvement or decline,” Vandeven said.

The district report cards were delayed by a couple of months this year, primarily because the state changed the annual Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests last spring to be based on Common Core state standards. State law prohibits downgrading any district’s accreditation at this point based on test scores.

Because lawmakers voted for Missouri to move away from Common Core, new tests will be devised for next spring.

Test scores make up half of the 140 points for the report cards, with other factors such as graduation rate, attendance and college or career readiness make up the rest.

The state’s scoring method classifies districts with 70 percent or more of the 140 points available on the reviews as fully accredited. Districts scoring between 50 and 70

owned businesses. But that law gets trumped by federal regulations because the project is on federal land.

As far as boots on the ground, the federal government sets a goal of employing 14.7 percent minority and 6.9 percent women workers. For minorities, that is also lower than what the city outlines: 25 percent of labor hours for minorities; 5 percent for women; 20 percent for city residents; and 15 percent for apprentices enrolled in an approved training program.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) oversaw the “Park Over the Highway” portion of the project. MoDOT reported that about 16 percent of its workforce were minorities and 4.88 percent were women.

MoDOT awarded 20.65 percent of contracts (roughly $5.9 million of $27 million) to disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), which is a federal classification that includes both minorities and women. Again, there was no specific distinction for minority businesses.

Great Rivers Greenway is monitoring the Central Riverfront portion of the project. In their numbers, the nonprofit organization did specify contract dollars awarded to minority business enterprises (MBEs). The group estimated that about $6.9 million – or 31.75 percent of the contract dollars – will have gone towards MBEs when the job is completed next spring.

As of September 2015, minority workers made up 14.5 percent of the labor hours on that project.

When asked about the current situation of African-American employment and contracting, Green said, “On paper, it’s a lot better, but raw analysis of the data shows it’s not a whole lot better.”

– Umar Lee contributed reporting to this story.

Follow this reporter on Twitter @ rebeccarivas.

percent are provisionally accredited. Anything below 50 percent means unaccredited.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said just seven districts fell into the provisional accreditation range. At the other end of the spectrum, 35 districts earned a perfect score.

While state education officials cautioned that MAP test scores aren’t really comparable from last year to this year because of the change in tests, Vandeven said that the formula for determining the report cards takes that change into account.

“You have to look at each district and how they earned their points,” she said. “I am personally optimistic about a number of our districts that earned growth points.”

In St. Louis, Vandeven specified growth in English and math as well as an improved graduation rate. She said Riverview Gardens has worked closely with state education officials to focus on data.

As for Normandy, which completed its first year as a state-formed collaborative,

Vandeven said the district is still on a three-year timeline to show improvement. “I think we learned a lot from that first year of intervention,” she said, “and we’ve seen a lot of really strong movement forward.”

Though the state does not give charters an accreditation classification, of the state’s 34 charter schools, five scored in the unaccredited range of less than 50 percent, while 10 more were in provisionally accredited territory.

The St. Louis charters in the equivalent of unaccredited territory were Better Learning Communities Academy, Confluence Academies, Preclarus Mastery Academy and Construction Careers, which is now closed. Doug Thaman, who heads the Missouri Charter Public School Association, said nearly half of the charters in St. Louis scored over 70 percent on their report cards – the equivalent of full accreditation.

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

A7

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

LANDFILL

A resident who attended the West Lake/ Bridgeton Landfill Community Advisory meeting on Oct. 26 called foul on the recent federal study that concluded that West Lake posed no health risks. “This community demands the truth,” she said.

“And if we don’t get it, you will think the Black Lives Matter movement is a tea party next to this.” The meeting was held at the Machinists Hall on St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton at 6:30 p.m.

Continued from A1

Republic,” Charp said. “I stand corrected.”

He told the audience that he found some mistakes in the data. At that, a woman pointed out that much of the information was reported in 2000 – 15 years ago. He acknowledged that was true but said it doesn’t matter.

In the report, he said he recommended that the EPA sample offsite for contamination. EPA is responsible for monitoring West Lake Landfill because it is a Superfund site.

“We are the public health service,” he said. “We have no regulatory authority. We cannot tell the EPA, ‘You must sample.’”

That’s where public pressure would come in, he said.

“You guys know a lot more about what’s been going on here because you’ve been living it,” he said. “All I’m trying to say is what we have looked at, what we have noticed in the data. A lot of that information can be modified, massaged, treated and you can come up with different analysis.”

Dawn Chapman said Charp gave the same recommendation that the community has been demanding – that the EPA test offsite.

“If this is in pockets offsite, like it’s gotten offsite every other place in St. Louis, then this data doesn’t do anything to reassure people,” Chapman said.

Chapman was referring to the site on Latty Avenue, which was also a dumping ground for the 1940s waste from Mallinckrodt’s uranium production for atomic bombs – the same waste that’s buried in West Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) is overseeing the clean-up of that site. Chapman is among many who believe FUSRAP should take charge of West Lake.

Photo by Wiley Price

This summer, FUSRAP engineers found contamination in people’s backyards, away from the Latty Avenue site. A 2014 state report showed high rates of leukemia, breast, colon and other cancers in eight zip codes related to this site. The report also found high rates of brain cancers among children in the 63043 ZIP code, which is near the radioactive West Lake Landfill.

At the press conference, Hague said that there is a “broad body of evidence” that shows the contaminants at West Lake haven’t moved off site.

About a year and half ago, the EPA tested the Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Field using 58,000 data points and over 100 soil samples, he said,

and found nothing out of the ordinary. They also flew a plane that took “signatures” for radioactive materials.

“What we saw was consistent with what we knew was on the site, where we knew contamination exists, and in other areas there were no contamination,” he said.

However, in water tests, radioactive nuclides were found in the groundwater, he said, “but what might be from the West Lake facility and what is naturally occurring might require some further investigation.”

Ed Smith, of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, said in tests commissioned by the EPA, one well has been consistently shown to be impacted by

radioactive material through the groundwater. “That’s significant because that particular well is not in the area that is confirmed to be contaminated with radioactive materials,” he said.

The number of wells that have been contaminated have also significantly increased, he said.

At the community meeting, Charp told the audience that the contaminated water on the site was moving northwest, away from residential areas.

“That’s not exactly comforting because our tap water – 80 percent comes from the Missouri River, which is northwest,” one resident said.

Charp said that the water companies remove any radioactive particles, and they

are required to tell the public what they remove. But Charp said EPA would be better fit to answer that question.

At that point shouts for Hague to get on the microphone and answer questions had already been going on for about an hour. He finally took center stage at 8 p.m.

“We need to investigate the groundwater more thoroughly,” Hague said. “We are in the process of looking at that more carefully. It deserves more investigation.”

He couldn’t give a date on when they would start but promised to release that information soon.

Someone yelled out, “Put out the fire.”

He said he wanted to

talk about the “subsurface smoldering event” at the Bridgeton Landfill as well.

What people have referred to as an “underground fire” is a high-temperature chemical reaction about 1,000 feet from where the radioactive waste is buried, and it has been smoldering underground since December 2010. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) monitors the Bridgeton Landfill, where the fire is burning.

Hague said during the press conference that the fire was not moving “rapidly” towards the radioactive waste, but he could not say if it was moving or not. In 2013, MNDR said the smoldering event was moving towards the radioactive waste at a rate of 1 to 2 feet a day. The St. Louis American asked the department if the high-temperature chemical reaction is still moving, and a representative said that they could not answer because Attorney General Chris Koster is suing Republic Services for negligence at the site.

Hague said at the community meeting that they were working diligently to put in a barrier between the smoldering event and the radioactive waste. At the press conference, Hague said the agency would not have a plan for a “final remedy” for the landfill until the end of the calendar year 2016. That plan, meant to control the contamination, could mean capping or removing the waste.

Kirbi Pemberton said she was born and raised in Spanish Village. She wore a button of her young daughter, who died from one of the 27 diseases confirmed from “ionizing radiation,” she said.

“I have a 15-year-old who attends Pattonville High School, who had to quit field hockey because she missed five days of school from playing outside with headaches, sore throats and bloody noses,” she said. “And you want to tell me this is a safe environment. This is not safe for us. This isn’t right.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter @rebeccarivas.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

A8

Stenger proposes uniform police standards

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Belmar calls reforms ‘a long time coming,’ Municipal League pushes back

By Mariah Stewart Ferguson Fellow After decades of “fleece force” policing in St. Louis County, a new proposal is attempting to bring some uniformity to the region’s fragmented and inconsistent policing tactics.

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger introduced legislation Wednesday, October 21 that would require all 57 St. Louis County municipal police departments to meet uniform training standards.

Last year, the greater St. Louis area erupted in civil unrest after a white police officer fatally shot Michael Brown Jr., an unarmed black teenager. The unrest prompted the Justice Department and

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Officers from more than 50 police agencies, many from St. Louis County municipalities, responded to Ferguson protests, like this scene at the QuikTrip on August 11, 2014. New legislation proposed by the county executive would impose uniform police standards on all municipal police departments in the county. outside research groups to start probing policing practices in the region, and the results were not encouraging.

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) found last year that fragmentation makes the police departments “inefficient, undermines police operations, and makes it difficult to form effective law

enforcement.” A majority of the 57 municipal police departments patrol an area of less than one square mile.

The legislation requires all departments to establish use-of-force policies and to make them available to the public. It would require officers to graduate from a Peace Officer Standards and Training-approved center.

Other standards include background checks on all new hires and compliance with state laws on reporting trafficstop information. The bill also stipulates that departments should be able to accept and bond-out prisoners 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Chuck Wexler of PERF told The American his group found that agencies “were not thoroughly checking the backgrounds of officers who were getting hired in the county. So just requiring a professional background investigation and utilization of a licensed clinical psychologist will help to weed out problematic officers.”

Stenger said at a press conference on October 21 that his goal is to make sure all residents have equal access to consistent, high-quality law enforcement. St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar stood next to Stenger, showing his support.

“This has been a long time coming,” Belmar said.

Normandy Police Chief Frank Mininni, whose department got certified this month, said his department is already following the bill’s requirements.

“I would’ve stood next to Stenger during the press conference. This is the stuff we’ve been talking about for the last six years,” Mininni said. “It’s long overdue.”

Under the bill, Stenger said the county would effectively have to approve a city providing police protection for other cities. Stenger said the county charter and state law enable this binding legislation.

“The charter of St. Louis County says that we can legislate countywide into the municipalities when it relates to public health,” Stenger said.

“And there is perhaps no other issue that relates more directly to public health than law enforcement.”

The Municipal League, meanwhile, is pushing back.

First it asked the council to ignore the proposal, saying it should have been consulted, reported St. Louis Public Radio.

On Tuesday, October 27, Municipal League Executive Director Pat Kell met privately with Stenger, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

Ironically, given that Better Together St. Louis contracted with PERF to crunch and analyze the data on fragmented, unprofessional policing in the county, Kell told St. Louis Public Radio that the county and municipalities have to approach police reform “together.”

“To move to this next step and look internally at our police departments is only a good thing for the communities and a good thing for the public,” Kelly said. “So we are behind doing that. Our police chiefs are behind doing that.

But we need to do it working together.”

This story is published as part of a partnership between the St. Louis American and the Huffington Post.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

A9

Heatupstlouis.org Winterizing Utility Forum helps 5,010 people

Captain Garon Mosby, St. Louis Fire Dept. giving winter safety tips during a rotating classroom.

Heatupstlouis.org, the St. Louis region’s education, advocacy and utility assistance safety net recently held its 3rd Annual Winterizing Utility Forum at the New Northside Family Conference complex targeted at helping about 5,000 City and County elderly, disabled and low-income families get a jump on their 2015/16 winter heating bills. The charity still covers about 12 MO/IL counties, as well.

Ameren Missouri, the anchor sponsor; St. Louis County Planning/HUD; Laclede Gas/ Dollar-Help and St. Louis City’s Health Department funded the annual project for Heatupstlouis.org. About 70 volunteers from CAASTLC, St. Vincent DePaul, People’s, Urban League and Salvation Army, and Ameren MO partnered with Heatupstlouis.org and the Missouri Public Service Commission. More than $500,000 in grants were used to help reduced some of the charity’s clients’ utility bills, or re-connect their services, as well as provide financial literacy, health and safety tips initially in a classroom setting, where the heads of households were pre-scheduled in order to attend. Heatupstlouis.org encourages City and County residents needing utility assistance to contact during October and November, two LIHEAP agencies -- CAASTLC (county) or the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (city) or log-on to heatupstlouis.org or call 314-241-7668 for other partnering agency locations.

Brian Leonard, director of corporate contributions & community initiatives, Ameren Corp; Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., Heatupstlouis.org chair emeritus; chairwoman Melanie DiLeo; Tara Oglesby, VP customer experience, Ameren MO; and MO PSC Commissioner Maida Coleman with Ameren Missouri’s $150,000 contributions towards utility services on October 9.

Left: Leah Watkins, Clearesult Lighting and EEP Field Representative provide each Heatupstlouis.org participant with an Ameren energy efficient 4-bulb pack.

Volunteers Shontae Fluelen-Hays, program manager, severe weather, public health protection, St. Louis City Health Dept; Anthony Badino, director of special projects, St. Louis County Executive office; Andrea “AJ” Jackson, director of human services, St. Louis County and Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr.

Photos by Wiley Price

CAASTLC, a HUSTL partner Pat Bulejski (far left) consults with an Ameren volunteer and Ameren’s Connie Taylor (far right) supervisor, credit and collections.

Arlevia Sutherlin, LIHEAP specialist and Bill Barry, LIHEAP intake supervisor of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, a HUSTL partner helping clients.

MetroStLouis.org MK150052

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

A10

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Night at the Art Museum Welcomes Young Adults at “Art”

Tourist at home for the holidays

Photo by Dan Donovan

Carlton Mitchell, Intern, Contributing Writer

The Dark Side Festivities When: Friday, October 30 Time: 7:00–10:00 pm Where: Saint Louis Art Museum Admission: Free Many people have participated in the parties and events in and around St. Louis on first Fridays. Now, on the final Friday of every month, we invite you to discover the excitement and intrigue of SLAM Underground at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The free, monthly celebration features performances, cash bar with signature cocktails, and a variety of music from local performers like DJ Nune to18andCounting. Mark your calendar every last Friday of the month to join us for offbeat art tours, immerse yourself in one of the highenergy interactive games, and create your own

works to commemorate an arts-filled evening.

Most guests are in their 20s and 30s, but all adults are welcome.

SLAM Underground has a different theme every month and offers something unique for everyone. October’s SLAM Underground theme is “The Dark Side.” One can only imagine what will be lurking on “The Dark Side” during this “Night at the Museum.” Please come as you are or have some fun and dress in a light disguise, but leave the masks and fake weapons at home. Activities for the October 30 SLAM Underground include searching for shadows in the galleries, revealing the unknown with a fortune teller and dream analyst, and creating your own scary skulls. You will want to carve out time to watch live pumpkin sculpture demonstrations.

Now your mission is to invite some friends to get your party on at SLAM Underground on Friday October 30. Don’t worry if your calendar is full for October, SLAM Underground will return on November 27 with a different theme and new lineup of happening events. For more information about SLAM Underground and other museum programs and activities, visit www.slam.org.

In St. Louis, the countdown to Christmas begins with the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights (Nov. 21) at Union Station and Aloe Plaza.

Holiday traditions in St. Louis start with Festival of Lights

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is nearly upon us. We invite you to discover the upcoming events that make Christmas in St. Louis so special. While you’re baking cookies and wrapping gifts, make time to explore St. Louis by sledding on Art Hill, see the lighting displays and a Christmas show. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year starting with the Festival of Lights on November 21.

In St. Louis, the countdown to Christmas begins with the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights (Nov. 21) at Union Station and Aloe Plaza. This annual community celebration features musical entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and the lighting of the Salvation Army Christmas tree.

This year marks the 31st Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade, beginning at 8:45 a.m. and broadcasting on KMOV (Channel 4). More than 130 parade units ranging from musical floats to giant balloons along with marching bands will travel west from 7th Street and Market to Union Station, ending at 20th Street.

At the end of the parade Santa Claus will be present to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

Prior to the parade, the Third Annual Hungry Turkey 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. and benefit Operation Food Search. Both the Festival of Lights and the Thanksgiving Day Parade are hosted by the Christmas in St. Louis organization, in partnership with presenting sponsor Ameren Missouri and the City of St. Louis.

All of the twinkling lights. One of the most enchanting things about this time of year is all of the captivating lighting displays. There are so many options in St. Louis that will fill your spirit with wonder and joy. The 46th Annual Way of Lights takes visitors on a scriptural journey to Bethlehem and will be on display at the National

Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill. For 30 years, Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park has created wonderful family memories as the park is filled with millions of twinkling lights and various holiday scenes. Visitors are also invited to walk through the world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo and take in the wonderland of spectacular light displays that is Wild Lights.

And last, but certainly not least, Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden will give you the opportunity to stroll through the Garden at night surrounded by a spectacle of unique light installations.

Entertainment for your delight. Once you’ve seen all of the lights and you’re ready to take a break from Christmas shopping, you can go ice skating at Steinberg Ice Rink or Shaw Park Ice Rink. Steinberg Ice Rink in Forest Park is a seasonal favorite and the largest ice skating rink in the Midwest will open from mid Nov. through Feb. 25. The Shaw Park Ice Rink offers views of the downtown Clayton skyline and opens Nov. 27 (weather permitting).

The whole family will love seeing Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox in Grand Center on Nov. 30. There will also be a performance of The Nutcracker

by Saint Louis Ballet on December 17-23 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the Campus of UMSL. St. Louis has plenty of entertainment options to keep everyone engaged throughout the holiday season including: Elf: The Musical at the Peabody Opera House on Dec. 26 & 27, the sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Scottrade Center on Dec. 27, Winter Wonderland concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Dec. 15 and 16, Jazz at the Bistro Big Band plays Ellington’s Nutcracker on Dec. 21-23.

Children will also enjoy the Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station (Nov. 20- Dec. 30), holiday lights and a walking tour at AnheuserBusch Brewery Lights, and taking a trip to Santa’s Magical Kingdom located near Six Flags in Eureka.

Other cultural celebrations in St. Louis include the Chanukah: Festival of Lights celebration taking place at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Dec. 6 and the Kwanzaa celebration taking place at the Saint Louis Art Museum on Dec. 27.

To learn more about these events and to find more ways to explore St. Louis this holiday season, please visit www.explorestlouis.com.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

A11 State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) co-hosted a town hall forum on police work with Better Together St. Louis and the Police Executive Research Forum at the University City Public Library on Thursday, January 15.

Why Maria is running against Lacy now

State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal is serving her last term in the Missouri Senate, which does not expire until 2018. But she is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay in 2016, she said, because she thinks voters want change now.

“St. Louis is experiencing several challenges, and it’s obvious that we need a different direction,” she told The American in a phone interview on October 25.

Voting a man named Clay out of office in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District certainly would signal a “different direction.” The district has been represented by a Clay since before Chappelle-Nadal was born. The incumbent has held the office since 2001, and he succeeded his father, former Congressman Bill Clay, who first took office to represent the district in 1969.

The “challenges” faced by the St. Louis region, which Chappelle-Nadal thinks will give voters an appetite for change, are now well known, though at the moment her campaign is focusing on three: failing school districts, Ferguson unrest and the radioactive West Lake Landfill.

Normandy public schools – now the state’s only unaccredited school district, though it showed improvement in the last year – falls within Chappelle-Nadal’s 14th Senatorial District. In recent years she has teamed with Republicans in the Legislature to pass educational reform bills that Gov. Jay Nixon – the senator’s frequent nemesis – keeps vetoing, standing with the teachers’ unions that opposed them.

“It would be nice to have leadership in education at the federal level,” she said.

Asked what leadership at the federal level she would show in education that surpasses Clay’s efforts, she sounded like she had not yet polished that part of the stump speech. Rather than outlining federal legislation she would pass, she said, “We should have more resources from the federal government for tutoring for students who receive free and reduced lunch” and that “we should have a plan in place to deal with students who are grades behind.”

As for Ferguson, ChappelleNadal contrasted her front-line support for protestors – in the earliest days of the protest, she spoke of the youth in the streets as her own “children” – with Clay’s detachment on the safety of the East Coast.

Clay – rightly – takes some credit for the Department of Justice opening a civil rights investigation into Ferguson, because he wrote Attorney General Eric Holder a letter asking him to do exactly that, and Holder did it. The resulting report led to the firing or resignation of the Ferguson city manager, police chief, municipal judge, and a cop and city clerk caught sending racist emails. Ferguson is still negotiating a resolution with the DoJ. Chappelle-Nadal dismissed Clay’s successful advocacy with Holder as “paperpushing.”

“Paper-pushing was sufficient some time ago, but now we need more than just letters,” she said. “We need voices for people who have suffered so long,” at which point she returned to the “new direction” theme.

It remains to be seen how much voters will respond to her Ferguson narrative – by August 2016, when the Democratic primary will be held, voters may thirst for a “new direction” other than hearing about the

tear gassing of August 2014.

But the front-line Ferguson experience remains fresh for the senator, and many others who experienced it, and central to a sort of conversion narrative for her.

“The frustration, the sorrow, the despair,” she said. “People felt like not one person was listening to offer them credibility or love. When I was tear gassed nearly four days in a row, a lot of elected people were absent. On the first day of tear gassing, I was gassed for three and a half hours on a oneway street.”

For the record, Lacy Clay was tear gassed zero hours on any kind of street in Ferguson.

Other than show up on the protest front lines when it was hot – as U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings did when Baltimore erupted in April – what would she have done differently than Clay in Ferguson?

She said that under the state of emergency, “certain federal assets” were available to local governments that Clay did not access. She said she would have done more to see that local police departments got reimbursed for their service at Ferguson protests faster than they did. And she “would have demanded from the governor that we have social workers.

People were hurting.”

She did not specify any legislation she would push to address the criminal justice issues raised by Ferguson.

As for West Lake Landfill – the issue now getting her attention; she resigned from the University City school board, she said, to focus on it – she was clear what she would do that Clay has not done.

“A congressional hearing on the EPA should have happened a long time ago,” she said.

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the landfill, where radioactive waste was illegally dumped, as a Superfund site.

“The EPA has been inconsistent with its reporting,” she said. “I would hold them accountable for what they allowed to happen longterm. They’re not always forthcoming. They don’t find answers. We need a whole new EPA.” The senator might dismiss this, too, as “paper pushing,” but Clay has an extensive correspondence with the EPA concerning the landfill. On August 2, 2013, for example, he wrote a forceful letter and attached 25 pages of documents that hit all the points made by concerned residents today, asking then what they are still asking for now: that the Corps of Engineers take over remediation of the site and remove the radioactive waste before an underground hightemperature chemical reaction comes into contact with it.

The voices speaking at public forums today and finally beginning to be heard – Dawn Chapman, Ed Smith – were speaking to the EPA via Clay in August 2013. (They wrote their own letters, too.)

There are at least two ways to look at that. Either Clay and activists were ahead of the curve and the wider community is just now starting to catch on – or “paper-pushing” wasn’t enough and what is needed now is a new kind of hands-on, on-the-scene congressperson.

“You can have a representative who is silent but absent, or one who is involved at every single turn, especially when there’s a crisis,” she said.

“If people want a representative who is quiet but polite and doesn’t show up when there’s a catastrophe, that’s their decision. I think it’s time

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

people need a voice – a loud one!”

The reference to volume was a joke on herself. She does get loud, and how loud she gets does get talked about. She also has crossed a threshold of decorum that she is certain to hear about on the campaign trail. This is the sitting state senator who publicly dropped an F-bomb on a sitting governor.

She said she is prepared to

stare down that skeleton.

“I love to answer that one,” she said. Back to the tear gas on the one-way street: “What other senator was tear gassed for three and a half hours on a one-way street while the governor was at a state fair country music concert?”

What about the voters, maybe some older voters likely to vote in a primary, who say they understand about the tear gas – but we just can’t have a

congressman using that sort of language in public?

“With the characters in Congress now and what they do,” Chappelle-Nadal said, “that language would not prohibit a legislator from getting things done.”

6 of 7 confirmed to COB Six of the nominees to the Civilian Oversight Board for

the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were confirmed by the Board of Aldermen on Friday, October 23.

Ciera Simril (District One, or Wards 2, 3, 21, 27), Jane Abbott-Morris (District Two, or Wards 5, 6, 18, 19), Lawrence Johnson (District Four, or Wards 7, 8, 9, 17), Bradley Arteaga (District Five, or Wards 11, 12, 13, 16), Heather Highland (District Six, or Wards 14, 15, 20, 25), and Stephen Rovak (District Seven, or Wards 10, 23, 24, 28) were confirmed.

DeBorah Ahmed, appointed

by Mayor Francis Slay (with aldermanic and public input) to represent District Three (Wards 1, 4, 22, 26), withdrew her name after she was accused of having a conflict of interest.

She and her husband Malik Ahmed founded and run Better Family Life, Inc., which has received thousands of dollars in city money. Slay now needs to name a new nominee for the district.

COB members need to complete the Citizen’s Academy class offered by the police department before hearing their first case. They also have six months to complete training that includes instruction on police procedure, investigative techniques and constitutional rights.

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A12

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

ATF deploys ‘large contingent of agents and specialists’

Photo by Wiley Price

Rev. David Triggs, pastor of United Believers in Christ Ministries (formerly New Life Missionary Baptist Church) speaks at the faith community forum with fire and law enforcement investigators regarding the church arsons Tuesday, October 27 at Better Family Life in St. Louis.

$9K in reward money for tips that lead to prosecutions of church arsons

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American Members of the faith community met with police and fire investigators at Better Family Life on Tuesday, October 27. The investigators

are working to solve a string of church arsons in the St. Louis area. This forum followed a private meeting Mayor Francis Slay held on Monday with pastors from the six churches targeted by arson.

The investigation is being

jointly conducted by St. Louis city and county police, the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Dana Nichols, assistant special agent in charge for the Kansas City Field Division of the ATF, told The American that finding who is responsible for the church arsons is a priority and “a very large contingent of agents and specialists” are focused on this case. Nichols said the ATF had deployed certified fire investigators, an arson specialist and behavioral profilers, “as well as additional resources from the field division to work on this case and to work on this case only.”

Those in attendance at the Better Family Life forum received safety tips from the ATF tailored to places of worship. Some of the tips include: • Have a designated professional or person to handle church management and security; • Create a detailed written, photo or video inventory of the building contents and valuables • Keep sacred objects, musical equipment and other valuables locked away safely when not in use • Ensure good outdoor lighting • Keep unobstructed views of windows and doors to see suspicious activity, persons or vehicles • If feasible, install or upgrade interior and exterior video surveillance monitoring • If feasible, install or upgrade alarm systems, including roof access detection and silent panic buttons with direct connection to local law enforcement • Be aware of surroundings, know your neighbors and make detailed notes describing anything or anyone suspicious, including license plate numbers and key identifying characteristics.

The public was also urged to call 911 if there is an emergency, and do not attempt to intervene in potentially dangerous situations.

Rewards totaling $9,000 are being offered for tips that lead to prosecutions for the church arsons.

“The tips are coming in,” said Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department, “and each tip that comes in, they run it down or investigate it. But we need a lot more.”

Report suspicious activity to the Arson Hotline at 1-800-3927766 or to Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-8477.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

11 WEEK 7

ONE SMALL CHANGE is an ongoing series that challenges us to take very small steps toward being more environmentally-friendly. If we all participate then participate, thenONE ONESMALL SMALLCHANGE CHANGEcan canmake makeaabig bigdifference! difference!

SHOWERS PLANT ANOT TREE! BATHS

Trees amazing.

Not bath from time We allare enjoy a relaxing to time butabsorb it’s something we should only do they all the consider a “luxury” instead of an everyday extra carbon dioxide that ritual. us Cleaning is the largest harms and ourourselves planet, indoor our water but theyuse also of release oxygenat home, making up about 27 percent into the air. A single treeof our total water consumption.

But when can absorb as much as 48 it comes to the decision of shower versus bath the choice pounds of carbon dioxide is Showers almost half as much water as a perclear. year and can takeuse in one bath.

Meanwhile, average bathtub requires about 36 ton of carbon dioxidethe by the gallons of water!

That’s ton oftime, water by switching time it is 40 years old. At theasame thatsaved tree produces 260 to showers. pounds of oxygen per year! That amount of annual oxygen provides enough for you and one other person to breathe for the whole year.

In addition to your reduced water consumption, you’ll be saving your family By making one small change and planting one small tree you are some money on their energy costs. literally giving life to you and the planet. You can pick up a starter tree You probably don’t take many for about $20 at most and garden stores. cold bathshome or showers right?

All If thatof price taghot seems hightakes then consider that water energy it an investment; to heat up asowell-maintained by switching tree to canshowers increase property value by 14% you’ll be cutting your andenergy-consumption if properly located, canin reduce air half too. conditioning needs change by 30%. On topup.

This one small adds ofAcross all that, aatree provides a home for year you could save many species of birds and other furry more than six thousand gallons animals in your neighborhood. Don’t forget of water. they can be a lot of fun to climb too!

THIS CHANGESAVES THIS CHANGE SAVES 6,000+ 48 POUNDS OF CO2 & CREATES 260 GALLONS OF POUNDS OF O2 PER YEAR! WATER PER YEAR!

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

A12

NEWSPAPER IN

EDUCATION

Planting the Seeds for Success!

The weekly Healthy Kids page provides health tips on nutrition, exercise and more.

Nutrition

Resisting Leftover Candy

Exercise

Unplug!

And...

Halloween Safety Now is the time to talk about staying safe during your trickor-treating. Here are a few very important things to remember.

Healthy Kids PRESENT:

If you have a bag FULL of Halloween candy — what can you do to help you resist over-loading on sweets? Some tricks to follow are:

group that might appreciate your leftover treats.

Brush your teeth after you’ve had a piece of candy. Having fresh, clean teeth can help you resist eating another piece. Bonus — brushing also helps get the sticky sugar off of your teeth to help prevent cavities!

When you do have a treat, remember to do Weekly Newspaper in Education Program some extra, fun activities to burn off the extra calories.

Registered

Briana Davenport,

Can you think of other uses for your bag-o-candy?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Consider “donating” your candy to a food pantry, family shelter or other

Exercise Challenge:

not go outside and get some exercise? Try reducing your According to some statistics, TV watching by one hour the average American child each day, and spend spends as much as 4 hours a that hour throwing a day watching TV and another 2 football, riding a bike, hours playing video games and playing kickball or some having fun on a computer. That’s other fun outdoor activity with 6 hours each day! your friends. That one hour can Instead of spending so much make a big difference in how time in front of screens… why you look and feel.

Walk with a parent or older sibling.

Wear reflective clothing or something light/bright to be more visible to cars.

Carry a flashlight, if possible, to watch for obstacles while walking such as holes, fences, flower-pots, etc.

Do not eat any candy until your parent(s) have had a chance to “inspect” it.

Never go inside someone’s home.

Watch for cars! They might not see you in the dark.

Do you know other ways to help you stay safe?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 5

Healthcare Careers

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Healthy Snacks Pumpkin Spread Ingredients: 8 oz Low-fat cream cheese (softened) 1/2 Cup Pureed pumpkin (canned is fine), 1 Tsp Vanilla, 1 Tsp Cinnamon 1 Tsp Pumpkin pie spice, Apple slices Directions: Combine all ingredients until smooth. Spread on apple slices and enjoy.

Nurse and Clinical Supervisor

Where do you work? I work at Christian Hospital.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hazelwood East High School and received an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from St. Louis Community College – Forest Park and working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

What does a clinical supervisor do? I supervise staff and care for patients that have undergone open heart surgery. These patients may have medications infusing along with the wires and tubes inside of them that I have to manage as well.

Why did you choose this career? I chose to be a nurse because I wanted to help and care for people that are sick.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

My favorite part of my job is to educate patients and their families about pertinent information pertaining to the patients and their diseases. It is also gratifying to see the patients who come in really sick, go home to their families healthy.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

A15

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE STARS African -American Biochemist, MD, and Diabetes Expert James R. Gavin, III

Fairview Elementary School 3rd grade teacher, Jaclyn Overbey, shows

students Saniyah Gentry, Kylie Gray, Christopher Mitchell, Tahlis Gill, and Shawn Mitchell how to find certain types of sentences using the newspaper.

Fairview Elementary School is in the Jennings School District.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American.

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where a person’s body does not use glucose (also known as sugar) properly. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetic factors. It is not caused by eating too much sugar. Type 2 diabetes is usually linked to being overweight, along with poor diet choices (sugar, fats, fast foods, etc.)

and kidney disease. They are more likely to have high blood pressure and strokes. Diabetes also effects a person’s skin and the ability for wounds to heal.

Diabetes is not contagious.

In order to prevent type 2 diabetes, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and lead an active lifestyle.

When a person has diabetes, their pancreas is affected. A diabetic has to maintain a very careful and balanced diet to keep their body working effectively. They are in danger of high or low blood sugar effects. Diabetics are more likely to develop heart disease

For more information, visit: http://kidshealth.org/ kid/centers/diabetes_center. html#cat20491.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text to world connections.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT How to Sink a Marshmallow!

Background Information:

w What can you do to make it sink?

Will a marshmallow sink or float? What do you think? Do you believe it is possible to sink a marshmallow? In this activity, you will use trial and error to choose your course of action when you attempt to sink a marshmallow.

Work with a partner to create a list of 5 ideas.

e Try your five ideas from step 2. Which idea was most effective? Why?

Materials Needed:

r

• Marshmallow • Container of Water (glass, bottle, pitcher)

Compare your results with your classmates. Was anybody successful?

Process:

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete a prompt. I can make predictions and analyze results.

q Place the marshmallow in the container of water. Does it sink or float?

MATH CONNECTION

Counting Carbs!

Diabetics need to watch their carbohydrate intake. In this activity, you will focus on carbs. The American Diabetes Association suggests eating 45-60 grams of carbohydrate per meal, for a total range of approximately 150 grams of carbohydrates per day.

z

If your meal consists of the following, how many grams of carbohydrates did you eat?

Baked chicken: 4 oz serving, 0 carb grams Mashed potatoes: 4 oz serving, 25 carb grams Caesar salad with dressing: 3 oz serving, 5 carb grams Mixed vegetables: 3 oz serving, 8 carb grams A medium-sized roll: 2 oz serving, 22 carb grams Total grams of carbohydrates ______

x

If 1/3 cups of rice has 15 grams of carbohydrates, how many carbohydrates are in a 1 cup serving? ______

c

If you eat 1/2 bagel with 30 grams of carbohydrates and 1 tablespoon of jelly with 15 grams of carbohydrates, how many grams of carbohydrates did you eat? ______ How many grams of carbohydrates do you have left for the day? ______

v

A 16 ounce bottle of soda has an average of 48 grams of carbohydrates. If you drink two bottles of soda per day, how many grams of carbohydrates did you consume? ______ If you drink one bottle of soda per day, how many carbohydrates do you consume in a week? ______

Learning Standards: I can use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems. I can make text to world and text to self connections.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the American Diabetes Association:

Diabetes kills more Americans every year than AIDS and breast cancer combined.

1 in 10 healthcare dollars is spent treating diabetes and its complications, and 1 in 5 healthcare dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes.

Almost 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. As many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes by 2050, if present trends continue.

For more information, visit: www. diabetes.org.

James R. Gavin, III, was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1945.

Growing up, Gavin was very close to his grandmother whom he called “Mama Rennie,” and he looked forward to visiting her for fun adventures and story time.

One particular visit, Gavin was surprised to find his energetic grandma in bed. Mama Rennie explained to Gavin that she had diabetes and had to have her leg amputated (removed) due to complications from the disease. The following summer, Mama Rennie lost her other leg and became very ill and died. Gavin was very determined to learn more about diabetes and work to find solutions.

In 1966, Gavin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Livingstone College. He graduated magna cum laude. Magna cum laude is a Latin phrase meaning with high honors. College students who maintain very high grades will earn this honor. In 1970, Gavin earned a PhD in biochemistry from Emory University. Next, he focused on his diabetes studies with the National Institutes of Health and earned a medical degree from Duke University in 1975.

Gavin has worked as Senior Scientific Officer at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Maryland and Director of the National Institutes of Health Research Scholars Program.

He has served as president and professor at Morehouse School of Medicine. He has also been a Professor and Chief of the Diabetes Section, Acting Chief of the Section on Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, and the William K. Warren Professor for Diabetes Studies at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Gavin was a medical expert in the court case Kapche vs.

Holder. Jeff Kapche applied to work as a special agent for the FBI, but was denied due to the fact that he treated his diabetes with an insulin injection, instead of a pump. Gavin stated that Kapche’s diabetes was considered a disability under federal law. Therefore, the FBI could not use his medical condition as a reason not to hire him. Dr. Gavin is considered a national authority on diabetes.

Gavin has written more than 180 manuscripts, book chapters and scientific abstracts and has received the following awards and honors: Banting Medal for Distinguished Service, Association's Clinician of the Year award, Association's Public Policy Leadership Award.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activity One — Exercise Graph: Look through the newspaper ads for sports and fitness equipment or classes. Judging from the ads, what are the most popular forms of exercise? Create a bar graph to display the results.

What are the benefits of each type of exercise? Create a newspaper advertisement for the form of exercise you enjoy most. Include the benefits of that exercise in your ad (muscle tone, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, etc.)

Activity Two — Sports Expressions: Locate final scores of various games in the newspaper. Write an expression representing the difference of two final scores.

Have a friend find the difference to form a number sentence. Check your friend’s answer.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can create a bar graph to display information. I can write to persuade. I can write for a specific person and audience. I can make text to self connections.

A16

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

Business

Managing the great park’s money

B1

OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

People On The Move St. Louis Circuit Judge Jimmie Edwards participated in the two-day inaugural conference of the National Advisory Board on Community Engagement in Jimmie the State Courts Edwards October 15-16 in Washington.

Edwards sits on the 16-member board, which is part of the National Center for State Courts’ Conference of Chief Justices and National Consortium for Racial and Ethnic Fairness.

Stacey Easterling joined Missouri Foundation for Health as its new vice president of Programs. She will lead the design, development and delivery of the foundation’s Stacey program activities.

Easterling Most recently, she held the position of director of Program Growth and Development at Encore.org in New York. Prior to that she served as a program executive on the U.S. Aging Program at The Atlantic Philanthropies.

Photo by Wiley Price

Tamara Sheffield, senior vice president of Finance and Operations for Forest Park Forever, inspects the park with Jaimie Tyler, staff horticulturist. Sheffield is the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2015 Non-Profit Executive of the Year.

Tamara Sheffield is 2015 Non-Profit Executive of the Year

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Working within one of the city’s most “beautiful jewels,” Tamara Sheffield said she feels fortunate that she has been able to live out one of her personal mottos.

“I want to leave a footprint wherever I go,” said Sheffield, senior vice president of finance and operations at Forest Park Forever, “particularly one that makes the path better, easier to navigate or encourages possibilities for others.”

For the many people who love Forest Park, Sheffield’s work is quite literally leaving a better “path” for future generations.

The nonprofit Forest Park Forever is currently working with the City of St. Louis to complete $30 million in renovations for the approximately 1,300-acre park. Sheffield led the

n “I am a CPA learning about horticultural practices. It has made me more passionate about what I do.”

– Tamara Sheffield, Forest Park Forever

financial aspects on the $30-million bond deal with the city for that work, she said.

Since she arrived in 2011, she has improved the organization’s financial reporting and internal cash management practices, she said.

On Friday, November 20, Sheffield will receive The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2015 Non-Profit Executive of the Year award at the 16th annual Salute to Excellence in Business

Salute to Business

Awards & Networking Luncheon, which will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. The networking reception begins at 11 a.m., and the luncheon program at noon.

Lesley S. Hoffarth, president of Forest Park Forever, said Sheffield has many great personal memories of this park.

“To come to a place that means so much to St. Louis and be able to help this organization on our journey to take care of this park forever,” Hoffarth said, “it’s something that means a lot to her personally. I can see that every day in just the passion and excitement that she brings See SHEFFIELD, B6

Nixon sets 10 percent M/WBE goals Executive order established new state program for diversity contracting and compliance

Includes provision for ‘good faith waiver’ for missing inclusion goals

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American The State of Missouri is getting the comprehensive program to increase state contracting with businesses owned by minorities and women called for by the state’s 2014 Disparity Study and the Ferguson Commission’s 2015 report – at least for Gov. Jay Nixon’s final year in office.

On October 21, Nixon signed an executive order, effective immediately, directing all agencies of the Executive Branch of state government to “make every feasible effort” to meet new annual goals in procurement “of

goods and services” for minority-owned business enterprises (MBE) and women-owned business enterprises (WBE).

The new goals are 10 percent MBE and 10 percent WBE participation in state contracts.

n The new subcontractor goals will be determined after “evaluating the availability of M/WBE vendors in the applicable commodity/service and geographical area.

The order, Executive Order 15-06, creates an Executive Branch Contract Compliance Council that will review procurement efforts to assist in meeting these new goals, in cooperation with the Office of Administration and the Office of Equal Opportunity.

The order directed the Office of Administration (OOA) to administer “an electronic contracting system that provides access to state contracting information and collects measurable data to document the achievement of M/WBE goals.”

The new goals can be met “through the use of prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, joint ventures, or other arrangements that afford meaningful opportunities for M/WBE participation.” Whether M/WBE participation goals are met will be considered “along with other criteria” in awarding future bids.

However, the order includes a “good faith waiver provision” that holds harmless “prime contractors who make a good faith effort to take all necessary and reasonable steps to attain such percentages but are otherwise unable to achieve them.”

The order authorizes the establishment of See NIXON, B2

Otis Williams received the 2015 Joe Rinke Owner Award from the Saint Louis Construction Cooperative (formerly PRIDE of St. Louis Inc.).

He is executive Otis director of Williams the St. Louis Development Corporation. The Saint Louis Construction Cooperative is a voluntary local construction labormanagement organization. Monsanto received its 2015 Industry Impact Award.

Aurrice Duke joined Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri as its new chief marketing and communications officer. She will oversee internal and external Aurrice communications, Duke publications, digital media and public relations. Her previous position was the marketing and communications director for The Salvation Army of Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

Ted Thornton joined 1st Financial Federal Credit Union’s joint venture with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Education (SLATE) as a Ted full-time financial Thorton empowerment specialist working with youth. Previously he worked as a job coach for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He has seven years of teaching experience, most recently at Roosevelt High School.

Tishaura O. Jones was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Operation HOPE Midwestern.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, HOPE promotes financial dignity Tishaura O. through financial Jones literacy and education tools to underserved communities in more than 273 cities worldwide. Jones is treasurer for the City of St. Louis.

On the move? Congratulations!

Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@ stlamerican.com

B2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

Personal Finance

Moving soon? Keep costs under control

By Nathaniel Sillin Even if you’re only moving across town, it’s likely to cost more than you think.

According to the latest figures from the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an in-state professional move – based on 7,570 pounds of stuff – is $1,170. The average state-to-state move costs $5,630.

How can you control moving expenses? Start making a master checklist to collect data and consider all costs and personal aspects of a potential move. You may even want to include a proand-con list that addresses all conceivable economic and lifestyle outcomes – the real long-term costs and benefits of a move. After deciding whether the move is worthwhile, consider these subsequent steps: Seek solid advisors.

Whether or not you plan to sell a home with a licensed real estate broker or agent, most are open to do a market valuation of your property and suggest repairs or improvements that could maximize a sale price.

If you use a qualified financial planner or tax advisor, include that individual in early discussions on how a move might affect your finances.

Also, if you’re selling

NIXON

Continued from B1 “enforcement procedures” that set forth “consequences for failure to meet percentage commitments” for contractors who do not obtain such a “good faith waiver.” Those procedures and “consequences” remain to be determined.

Subcontracting was clearly the primary avenue

property, find an experienced real estate attorney to review broker and sale contracts.

Start making a master checklist to collect data and consider all costs and personal aspects of a potential move.

Get multiple estimates from movers. An early walkthrough at your home or apartment by two to three U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-registered movers (http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/ hhg/search.asp) can provide a reality check on how much you’ll want to take and whether you can afford luxuries like packing or storage. Online resources can also help you evaluate those estimates.

Watch for fraud. Recent news reports have highlighted a trend called “hostage load,” a practice whereby unscrupulous moving companies demand more money from customers before finishing a delivery.

Getting references from trusted friends and advisors is a good first step to finding the right registered mover for your relocation. DOT has launched the “Protect Your Move” (http://www.fmcsa.dot. gov/protect-your-move) site that allows you to download a moving fraud protection guide and offers tips on proper ways to investigate and hire a mover.

Start downsizing – now.

Getting early estimates from movers certainly helps you

envisioned for meeting the new goals. The order authorized the OOA and two of its divisions (of Purchasing and of Facilities Management, Design and Construction) to “encourage prime contractors to subcontract with M/WBEs on state contracts” and set subcontractor goals.

The capacity issue – a touchy one for majority contractors and minority subcontractors – was

decide what you’re really willing to take. If there are valuables you think you can sell, consult professional appraisers and even general marketplace sources like eBay to get a realistic idea of value.

Otherwise, consider garage sales and donations for the rest.

Insure what you’re moving. Whatever plans

addressed. The new subcontractor goals will be determined after “evaluating the availability of M/WBE vendors in the applicable commodity/service and geographical area as determined by the most recent disparity study and other applicable factors.”

The order touched upon several other issues of chronic concern to M/WBEs. Bid periods often sunset so quickly that only deeply networked majority companies are alerted to business opportunities with enough time to present a winning bid package. The order calls for an evaluation of “the possibility of lengthening solicitation periods for vendors, whenever possible, in an effort to increase M/WBE participation.”

The order also addressed the chronic issue of bonding capacity, frequently cited by M/WBEs as an impediment to their growth. The OOA is tasked with researching “bonding and financing programs for small vendors that enhance access to bonding and working capital in order to reduce barriers to business development and success” – and asked to “determine the feasibility” of developing a bonding and financing program for small businesses within the Office of Equal Opportunity

you’re making for home or renter’s coverage at the new destination, make sure you have proper coverage in place for the contents of your move. The Insurance Information Institute provides a useful guide (http://www. iii.org/article/getting-rightinsurance-coverage-moving) to properly insuring the possessions you’re moving.

Build a cash reserve for deposits, fees and incidentals.

Keeping moving costs low can help you handle dozens of smaller and sometimes unexpected expenses that crop up immediately before, during and after a move. Budget for those hidden costs which can include deposits, fees and multiple trips to the discount store, home center or grocery.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Gov. Jay Nixon spoke to the public at Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant on October 14, 2014, at the height of Ferguson unrest. On October 21, Nixon signed Executive Order 15-06, which answers the Ferguson Commission’s call for a statewide M/WBE participation program.

(OEO).

Similar feasibility research regarding establishing a Mentor-Protégé Program within OEO, matching “larger” firms with “emerging” firms, was also authorized.

Whether or not full-blown bonding or mentor programs are developed, Nixon directed the OEO to “provide outreach to M/WBEs to educate firms about the program, the state’s procurement process,

and business elements such as obtaining bonding, lines of credit, or other related services.”

“Outreach efforts shall also serve to foster enhanced working relationships between M/WBEs and prime contractors,” the order stated.

The co-chairs of the Ferguson Commission appointed by Nixon applauded the program as just what their report called for: the establishment of a statewide M/WBE program with an emphasis on capacity building, mentoring, and education about the state procurement system.

“The executive order implements one of the key recommendations of the Ferguson Commission Report,” Ferguson Commission co-chairs Rev. Starsky Wilson and Rich McClure said in a statement. “Active small businesses, ethnic diversity and minority business ownership, level of racial inclusion, and income inequality have been identified as key variables that influence regional economic growth.”

Certification and sunset The order addressed the issue of certification – how to decide what constitutes an MBE or WBE. It directed the divisions of Purchasing and of Facilities Management, Design and Construction “to identify and consult” with “other certifying entities” to facilitate M/WBEs participation in state contracts.

The certification provisions included one eye-opener. The order called for an evaluation of the state’s current M/ WBE eligibility standards to “determine what revisions, if any, should be considered

Bottom line: Thinking about moving? Give yourself adequate time and resources to plan all aspects of this major life and money event.

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

to applicable statutes and regulations.”

This included an evaluation of “whether M/WBE eligibility should be capped based upon a firm’s gross income and/or personal net worth.” M/WBE are sometimes grouped together as “disadvantaged business enterprises,” or DBE, and this provision raised the question whether a highly successful M/WBE should be considered “disadvantaged” enough to benefit from this program.

Who will pay for all of this new work the state will be doing around the issue of M/WBE contracting and compliance? The OOA was authorized to determine any need for “increased funding and personnel” to do the work set forth in the order.

Nixon said the goals and program set forth in the order are based on recommendations made by the state’s Disparity Study Oversight Review Committee that he appointed last year, and which issued a report on January 27. That report called for programs, similar to those established in the order, to “help eliminate the lingering effects of discrimination to ensure a level playing-field for all Missouri business owners.”

Nixon requested funding to support a disparity study in fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013. For fiscal year 2014, the General Assembly adopted his recommendation and appropriated funding to support a disparity study, completed in October 2014.

The new executive order had a sunset provision, albeit an ambitious one – when the OEO determines “that M/WBEs participate in state contracts at a level commensurate with their presence and capability in the state marketplace,” then the M/WBE inclusion goal program “shall be terminated.”

However, if by this ambitious standard the program is still deemed necessary on March 1, 2019, a new Disparity Study will be triggered and a new Disparity Study Oversight Review Committee will be appointed to review the results of that study.

That is, if this executive order is in effect. Nixon is term-limited and a new governor will be elected in 2016.

Read Executive Order 15-06 at https://governor. mo.gov/news/executive-orders/ executive-order-15-06 For more information on the 2014 Disparity Study and Oversight Review Committee recommendations, visit oa.mo.gov/disparity-studyinformation.

n “It’s all on me.”

– New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall, taking the blame for his team’s 30-23 loss to undefeated New England last Sunday

Sports

INSIDE

Look for Bradley Beal to have breakout season ~ See ‘Sports Eye’ page B4 ~ B3

OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

Prep Football Notebook

Rams Roundup

Upsets and surprises

Gurley powers Rams to .500

With Palmer L. Alexander III

With Earl Austin Jr.

Top seeds go down in defeat in district playoffs The district playoffs began last weekend on the Missouri side of the river and there were no shortage of upsets and surprises on the first Friday night of the postseason.

We usually see such surprise outcomes during basketball season during what everyone now refers to as “March Madness.” With so many surprises happening around the close of October of football season, one can call the opening round of the playoffs, “Halloween Havoc.”

Much of the upset activity occurred in Class 4, District 3 when Earl the field was Austin Jr. turned upside down as the No. 1, 2 and 4 seeds all went down to defeat.

The biggest surprise came when No. 8 seed Riverview Gardens stunned No. 1 seed Clayton 28-24.

Riverview Gardens had finished the regular season with a 0-9 record and had been outscored 181-42 in its last three games. n The That mattered biggest very little in surprise the postseason came when as the Rams No. 8 seed jumped up and bit the Riverview Greyhounds and Gardens earn a secondround date with stunned No. 1 seed St. Dominic.

St. Dominic Clayton knocked off 28-24.

No. 4 seed St. Charles 14-12.

In the other stunner in the district, No. 6 seed MICDS rallied to defeat No. 3 seed St. Charles West 38-27 in one of the best comebacks of the season. St. Charles rolled to a 27-10 halftime lead behind 296 yards rushing and four touchdowns from senior running back Dre Kelly. However, MICDS flipped the script in the second half as they outscored See PREP, B4

49ers up next after crushing Browns

Photo by Wiley Price

Gateway STEM quarterback Antonio Cunningham (6) loks for an open receiver during their firstround district playoff game againt St. Mary’s Friday night. Gateway STEM would go on to defeat St. Mary’s 45-20.

The St. Louis Rams came off the bye week and beat up the Cleveland Browns by a score of 24-6.

The Rams defense was in full attack mode, they hurried, hit, harassed, sacked and stripped Browns QB Josh McCown, who remarkably completed 26/32 with no interceptions. The Rams defense help put them out front with a 7-0 lead that wasn’t relinquished. Rams safety Rodney McLeod had a 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown thanks to a big hit by cornerback Janoris Jenkins jarring the ball loose.

The Rams defense totaled four sacks and four recovered fumbles.

Two of those sacks came Palmer L. from defensive end Alexander William Hayes, who has been one of the best free agent signings in the Jeff Fisher and Les Snead era. It was Hayes’ sack and strip of McCown that helped put the Rams in position to go up 10-0.

Poor Josh McCown. This marks the third straight time he has lost to the Rams. This was his third straight time playing the Rams with different teams.

He got beat in 2013 while playing with the Chicago Bears, lost a nail biter 19-17 in 2014 while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now this 18-point loss.

The Rams also got a huge day on defense from Mark Barron, who is getting more playing time since OLB Alec Ogletree is injured. Barron totaled 16 tackles included two for losses. He has stepped up his level of play as the Rams defense looks like it’s about to start warming up. And there is still a lot of time left in the season as the Rams presently sit at 3-3.

The Rams offense was powered by rookie RB Todd Gurley who finally got See RAMS, B5

In The Clutch With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Wild West on steroids, Warriors still best

Tuesday night the NBA Paul is often listed amongst kicked off its 2015-16 camthe top five or six players in paign, poised to be one of the the league. CP3 is undoubtedly most exciting seasons in recent an all-world point guard, but memory. Cleveland Cavaliers there’s virtually no argument star LeBron James still owns for him being the best player the title of best player in the in the game. Paul is entering game, but unlike the his 11th season in the past several seasons, league and has yet to he now has legitimate reach the Conference competition for the Finals, much less earned crown and they’re championship bling. all from the Western Furthermore, with Conference. The conBlake Griffin’s develtenders: reigning NBA opment as a shooter and champion and league ball handler, Paul might MVP Stephen Curry; be the second-best former Finalist foe Ishmael H. player on his own team. and scorer extraordiStill, with the Clippers’ Sistrunk naire Kevin Durant; litany of signings, they the future face of the league, could be the Warriors’ biggest Anthony Davis, who domithreat in the West. nates on both sides of the ball; During the offseason, the the undisputed beard chamClips re-signed DeAndre pion of the world and Euro Jordan. Though the signing step god James Harden; and was shady, Jordan is one of the the backcourt bully and triple best defenders and rebounddouble factory boss Russell ers in the league. They also Westbrook. All five players added Paul Pierce, Lance have a legitimate chance of Stephenson, Josh Smith, unseating King James as the Wesley Johnson and others gold standard. to become one of the deepest Some may gripe over Los teams in the entire league. On Angeles Clippers star Chris paper, the Clippers have all Paul’s exclusion from the list. the tools to finally get over

Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers have the most-improved team in the Western Conference, but the Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are still the best.

the hump. However, any team with Stephenson and Smith is going to go through some head-

aches. Plus, if Jordan wasn’t strong-minded enough to get through free agency without

being kidnapped by his team to keep him in town, he’s probably not the anchor you want to

n The Warriors were often touted as one of the best teams of alltime from a statistical perspective.

lead you to the promised land.

Back to the list, with Durant back from injury, the Oklahoma City Thunder immediately go from a team that missed the playoffs to a bona fide title contender. Durant’s absence helped Westbrook develop into a true leader as he single handedly kept his team alive down the stretch last season with a string of triple-double performances. With former Jazz center Enes Kanter on board, they now have a formidable center to place in the frontcourt alongside help-side defender extraordinaire Serge Ibaka. Durant’s absence helped other teams shine last season.

His return may put them back in their place.

See CLUTCH, B5

B4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

Sports Eye

Look for Bradley Beal to have breakout season With Alvin Reid

Many NBA experts are had averaged 15.3 points, 3.1 picking the Washington assists and 1.2 steals during Wizards to be a force in the the regular season. The point Eastern Conference with St. and assist totals were down Louis product Bradley Beal from his second year (17.8 and playing a major role.

3.5), but Beal missed the first With the 2015-16 season nine games of the season after now underway, Beal is telling suffering a broken wrist. the world to watch out for his After coming back, he was Wizards, based in part on what not 100 percent and his season the team accomplished got off to a slow start. before Wednesday’s “I survived the opening tip off. preseason. I’m not “I think this is injured, knock on wood. probably the best I’m happy. Everything’s preseason we’ve good. I’m healthy. I feel had since I’ve been and the sky’s the limit here,” Beal told the now. Now it’s time to Washington Post. show up,” he said.

“Just in terms of our Wittman said it’s Alvin camaraderie. Us coming Reid vital for the team for together as a team and Beal to play an entire us executing and being season as he did in the locked in and focused. From postseason. That will start with the start everybody was ready being more aggressive and to go. Everybody was willing getting to the free-throw line. to learn the new offense.”

“It’s about continuing where The new offense is why Beal he left off. What was he at and guard John Wall could (about) 15 points a game last become the most dynamic year? How do you make that backcourt duo in the NBA. 19 points a game? Well, free Coach Randy Wittman is throws. He’s going to make allowing them to step up the shots and get better and better pace, secure more from the threen “I’m healthy. I possessions and – point line. But most importantly feel and the sky’s it’s the other little – attempt more parts of his game. the limit now. three-point shots.

And I saw that last Now it’s time to During the year,” Wittman show up.” preseason, the said.

Wizards had the Beal also has – Bradley Beal NBA’s highest the incentive of offensive rating this being his (106.8 points per all-important 100 possessions) fourth season – and ranked fourth the last before in pace (104.45 possessions per he could command a major 48 minutes). salary increase with a new They were 19th in offensive contract. Reports are that the Wizards have no plans to rating and 16th in pace last re-sign him before the rookie season. contract extension deadline of “Everybody was willing to November 2. learn their new role and accept Beal confirmed earlier this their role and it’s been good,” month that he has not received Beal said. “We had some an offer from the franchise, mishaps here and there but it’s adding that his contract status a whole new thing. It’s all new would have no mental impact to us. It’s a growth experience on his game. He also realizes and now the real show starts.” that his contract situation could While there has been a be the result of the Wizards’ preseason improvement on not-so-secret plan to bid offense because of faster heavily for pending free-agent pace, other teams have taken Kevin Durant of Oklahoma advantage of their extra City. possessions. The Wizards By waiting to sign Beal in ranked 24th in total defense in the offseason, the team could the games that don’t count. have as much as $10 million Now in his fourth season, extra to offer Durant. the former Chaminade High In the meantime, Beal is School and Florida star ready to hit the court and took center stage during the Wizards’ two playoff series (10 prosper under Wittman’s new up-tempo offense. games) last year.

“In order for us to be Beal averaged 23.4 points, successful and for me to be the 4.6 assists and 1.6 assists player I always claim I want during the postseason. He

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal will be running a more up-tempo offense this season and the result could be a breakout year for him and his team. Beal shined in the NBA playoffs last season and hopes to carry over that performance to the new season. to be … I can’t take any nights off,” said the 22-yearold Beal. “I have to be ready to go every night and bring that killer mentality each and every game.”

David Lee now with Celtics While his role was greatly limited, David Lee was a member of the World

Champion Golden State Warriors last season.

A Kirkwood native who also attended Chaminade and Florida, as did Beal, Lee was traded to the Boston Celtics following the season. While he admitted that he would have preferred to remain with Golden State, he is “really, really excited” to be with the Celtics.

“Hopefully I’ll get a chance to play a little bit,’’ Lee said. “That’s different from last year. It was a

PREP

Continued from B3 the Warriors 28-0 and came away with the improbable victory. Sophomore running back Preston Buchanan scored on two touchdown runs, senior quarterback Lawrence Taylor ran for a TD and pass for another and senior Will McMahill caught the winning TD pass with 20 seconds left and sealed the win with an interception return for a touchdown.

In Class 5, Webster Groves has struggled to a 3-5 regular season with a young team in a rebuilding year. But the Statesmen rose up and stung Ladue 28-20 in the first round of the District 2 playoffs.

Webster Groves trailed 13-0 before roaring back with 28 unanswered points to take the first round the victory. The Statesmen will try to keep the magic going this weekend when they visit No. 2 seed Pattonville on Friday night.

Valiant in defeat Despite playing their final games of the season, a few players really stood out in last weekend’s playoff openers.

strange year last year, of course, with an unbelievable ending being able to contribute to a title. It was all worth it.”

Down 2-1 in the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach Steve Kerr turned to Lee for a spark in Game Four. He responded with nine points, five rebounds and three assists and the Warriors won 103-82.

After five seasons with the New York Knicks, Lee signed with Golden State

where he played five seasons.

He is in the final year of a contract that pays him $16 million a season, but he plans to continue playing after this year.

The Knicks are reportedly interested in re-signing the 31-year-old Lee for the 201617 season.

• Senior Dre Kelly of St. Charles West rushed for 332 yards and four touchdowns in the Warriors’ 38-27 loss to MICDS.

Ritenour (6-3) at CBC (10-0), Friday, 7 p.m. (Class 6, District 1)

• Sophomore Darries Rainey of Trinity rushed for 254 yards and three touchdowns, including a 99-yarder in the Titans’ 28-27 loss to Lutheran St. Charles.

• Senior Kai Collier of Fort Zumwalt South caught 11 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 38-28 loss to Parkway West.

• William Brown of Roosevelt rushed for 203 yards and a touchdown in the Roughriders’ 49-6 loss to Affton.

Top Games this Week

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on KETC channel 9’s mostpopular show “Donnybrook,” and is also a radio commentator and author.

Vianney (7-3) at Summit (8-2), Friday, 7 p.m. (Class 6, District 1) Parkway Central (7-3) at Fort Zumwalt North (9-0), Friday, 7 p.m. (Class 5, District 3) Vashon (7-3) at Gateway STEM (9-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

(Class 4, District 2) Lutheran St. Charles (7-3) at Brentwood (9-0), Friday, 7 p.m. (Class 2, District 5) Hermann (8-2) at Lutheran North (6-4), Saturday, 1 p.m. (Class 2, District 5)

Missouri District Semifinals

Illinois First-Round Playoff Games

SLUH (8-2) at Hazelwood Central (8-2), Saturday, 1 p.m. (Class 6, District 2)

Waubonsie Valley (5-4) at Edwardsville (9-0), (Class 8), TBA

Lafayette (7-3) at Kirkwood (8-1), Friday, 7 p.m. (Class 6, District 2)

Clinton (5-4) at Althoff (9-0), (Class 4), TBA

Marquette (8-2) at Eureka (9-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

(Class 6, District 2)

Breese Central (5-4) at Columbia (9-0), (Class 4), TBA

B5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

Lewis Hamilton rules Formula 1 Wins second-consecutive World Drivers’ Championship

place trophy that he kissed and tossed into air before catching it.

He then opened a magnum of champagne, swallowed a couple of big gulps before spraying Vettell, Rosberg, the audience and the Formula 1 women with the bubbly. After the race, Hamilton told Elton John he was ready to party.

John said he was performing that night.

The crowd swarmed onto the track chanting “Lewis,

By Frederick H. Lowe Of North Star News Lewis Hamilton stood on the top of his car before jumping into the outstretched arms of his excited racing team after winning his secondconsecutive Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship and his third title overall during Sunday’s United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

Hamilton, a black Englishman, defeated Nico Rosberg, his Mercedes AMG teammate and rival, who finished second. Sebastian Vettel, who drives for Ferrari, finished third. Hamilton won his first championship in 2008 and he also won in 2014.

With three more races remaining – Mexico, Brazil, Abu Dhabi – in the 2015 F1 season, Hamilton sealed the championship after accumulating 327 unassailable points. Vettel accumulated 251 points and Rosberg 247.

The 30-year-old Hamilton won 10 races this season and 43 so far in his career.

Rosberg, who began the race in the pole position, was a sore loser. Some spectators call him “Baby Rosberg.”

They posted photoshopped

RAMS

Continued from B3 into the end zone, as he posted his third straight 100-yard rushing game. Gurley has been better than advertised – he just hits the hole and takes off. He doesn’t waste time jitterbugging on the field.

Gurley hasn’t fully recovered from his ACL injury from last year, and the best is yet to come.

Nevertheless, the Rams still have to get others involved in the offense. The way that this defense has played all season, with better production up front this team could be 4-2 or 5-1.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

The San Antonio Spurs received high praise on everybody’s offseason list after signing LaMarcus Aldridge, the most highly sought after free agent, away from the Portland Trail Blazers. Aldridge joins the ageless wonder Tim Duncan to form the most highly-skilled front court in the game. Former Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard is now the leader of the Spurs team. At just 24-years-old, Leonard’s game is still improving every season. He’s a rare shutdown defender that can still put up 20 ppg, as evidenced during last year’s postseason. With Gregg Popovich calling the shots, the Spurs are the team everybody has to fear.

Harden’s Houston Rockets surprised many last season by winning 56 games and winning the Southwest Division.

They reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1997. Were Harden not hit with the Based God Curse by Lil B, who knows,

Lewis” to thunderous applause.

With his third World Drivers’ Championship, Hamilton becomes a member of a very select club. Hamilton joins 10 other F1 racers who have won three or more World Drivers’ titles.

The race was held a day after rain storm caused by Hurricane Patricia soaked the area.

Reprinted with permission from www.northstarnews.com.

St. Louis American Prep Athlete of the Week Lewis Hamilton leaped to the winners’ podium after winning the 2015 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship. photographs of him sucking on a pacifier.

After the race had ended, Hamilton tossed Rosberg the second-place Pirelli baseball cap. Rosberg, who was simmering in a comfortable chair, looked at the black and yellow cap before angrily

throwing it back at Hamilton.

Hamilton put on his first-place cap before turning his back on Rosberg and walking away.

Gleefully swinging his arms, a beaming Hamilton leapt and skipped to the winners’ podium where he was interviewed by singer Sir Elton John. Hamilton

Wideout Tavon Austin led all awareness at all – has no idea Rams receivers with just 43 where the first down marker receiving yards. Both Austin is while running his route. and Gurley had four For example, it’s n Poor Josh third and goal when catches each. The rest of the receivers QB Nick Foles is McCown. or tight ends were flushed out of the This marks silent – except for pocket and throws the third Jared Cook, who did a pass to Jared straight time Cook. The pass was something different; he has lost instead of dropping a incomplete, but pass he fumbled the to the Rams even if the play was ball, killing a Rams executed it was still with three drive. short of the goal different If William line. teams.

Hayes is the best As bad as some free agent signee people want the in their regime, Rams to cut him, then Jared Cook is he’s due a lot of the worst. He has problems guaranteed money. That may blocking, catching and securing be the reason he’s still on this the football. Has no field team.

the Rockets could be preparing for its championship ring ceremony. Harden played out of his mind during last season’s playoffs. Adding Ty Lawson to a team that finished as the #2 seed in the vicious Western Conference is a big deal, one that is often overlooked due to the more high profile acquisitions by the Clippers and Spurs. Whether Dwight Howard can stay on the court could determine how far the Rockets rise this season.

Finally, the defending champion Golden State Warriors will be looking to defend its title against all the aforementioned monsters. The Warriors made very few changes this offseason. The team’s goal was to keep together its core that won a franchise record 67 games last season and sent the best player in the game packing in the NBA Finals.

The Warriors were often touted as one of the best teams of all-time from a statistical perspective. Defensive menace Draymond Green was brought back and David Lee was set free. Otherwise, the Warriors will go as far as Chef Curry can take them. If opening night

is any indication, Curry could have an even better season.

The player with the video game skills put up 24 points in the first quarter versus the New Orleans Pelicans and ended the night with 40. More importantly, the team chemistry looked fantastic as the team zipped the basketball all around the court like the Harlem Globetrotters, despite the fact that Coach Steve Kerr was missing.

The Warriors will need Klay Thompson to find his game after a terrible NBA Finals. One thing the Warriors proved last season though is that the team is deep and talented enough to get the job done even when its star players are struggling. Between his unlimited range, lightning quick release, insane handles and dime-dropping abilities, Curry is unguardable. He leaves hopeless defenders dancing around like Drake. As long as his teammates continue to knock down open shots, the Warriors should go back-to-back and earn some more hotline bling in the process.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

thanked his racing team and his family. John then interviewed Rosberg who said he was disappointed to lose the race.

Vettel congratulated Hamilton on winning the World Drivers’ Championship and shook his hand. Hamilton was handed a Texas-size first-

I wish I knew what is wrong with placekicker Greg Zuerlein.

He has missed five field goals in the last two games. Wish I knew why Fisher keeps trotting him out for 60-yard kicks when he struggles to make kicks shorter than that. He missed that 63-yard kick by more than a mile.

Big division game against San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. Can the Rams move above .500 and put together back to back wins?

For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to youtube. com/stlamericanvideo. You can also catch me on weekly podcast @NTheZone with Arlington Lane II.

Breyanna Howard Miller Career Academy – Girls Volleyball The standout sophomore led the Phoenix to the Class 3, District 4 championship and a berth in the sectional playoffs last week.

A 5’8” setter, Howard recorded 10 kills and 11 assists as the Phoenix defeated Soldan 25-20, 25-13 in the district finals at Vashon. She had two kills and 14 assists in Career Academy’s semifinal victory over Vashon.

For the season, Howard recorded a team-high 119 kills and 428 assists to lead the Phoenix to a 19-11-1 season. She was also an All-Public High League selection in basketball as a freshman in 2015.

Jordan Wilkes Pattonville – Football The senior two-way standout led the Pirates to a 36-0 victory over McCluer in the first round of the Class 5, District 2 playoffs.

The 220-pound Wilkes caught seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

He scored on receptions of 11 and 39 yards. On defense, Wilkes registered a team-high six tackles and recovered a fumble.

For the season, Wilkes has 40 receptions for 578 yards and a total of 12 touchdowns. He is the Pirates’ leading tackler on defense with 88 stops. Pattonville will host Webster Groves in the District 2 semifinals on Friday night.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

Compass Retirement Solutions gives back

Donates to National Kidney Foundation, College Bound STL, Pink Angels Foundation focuses on helping baby boomers prepare for, and make their money last through, retirement. Over the Compass Retirement Solutions, past year, Mitchell has expanded LLC, recently hosted a client event his company by adding three new downtown at The Caramel Room team members and moving into a at Bissinger’s Historic Chocolate new office space. He was recently Factory. The event consisted of named one of the top 20 people dinner and dancing, and featured under 40 to know in entertainment from The Jazz Edge Orchestra. n “I am a first St. Louis by Gazelle magazine, and was “Not only was it generation featured on the cover an exciting affair for college of Town and Style clients, but for the community as well,” graduate, so I magazine.

He has maintained said Marvin Mitchell, recognize the the practice of hosting President and CEO of challenges in client events throughout Compass Retirement achieving a the years, but with Solutions. “Donations degree.” the company’s new were made to three growth, he rolled out local organizations, – Marvin the red carpet this time which each have Mitchell – literally. personal significance to “We value our the Compass Retirement clients and enjoy Solutions team.” spending quality time College Bound STL, with them,” Mitchell The National Kidney said. “Events such as this provide Foundation and the Pink Angels the opportunity to show our Foundation were each awarded appreciation for them and their $2,000 from Compass Retirement business. We look forward to Solutions. hosting future events and growing “These organizations are truly as a company, as well as servicing inspiring,” Mitchell said. “I am a a larger part of the community.” first generation college graduate, so I recognize the challenges in Compass Retirement Solutions achieving a degree. I have an aunt offers securities through The O.N. who passed from breast cancer Equity Sales Company, Member and another aunt who is currently FINRA/SIPC, 10845 Olive Blvd., awaiting a kidney transplant.”

Ste. 190.

Compass Retirement Solutions American staff

SHEFFIELD Continued from B1

to her job and passes that on to everyone she works with here.”

Not only does Sheffield manage finances, but she also handles all aspects of human resources management.

“To see her out in the park, working with our landscape professionals, planting bulbs or looking at a drainage problem

somewhere, it’s great,” Hoffarth said. “She comes back all energized, saying, ‘I love working in this place.’ She really feels like this was her calling.”

Sheffield said it’s her personal mission to ensure that they are being proper stewards of funds and are protecting the interests of the donors and community.

“I am a CPA learning about horticultural practices,” she said. “It has made me more passionate about what I do.”

Marvin Mitchell, president and CEO of Compass Retirement Solutions, presenting $2,000 to The National Kidney Foundation. The company also donated $2,000 each to College Bound STL and to the Pink Angels Foundation.

It’s also been an impactful experience for her to work around so many people who are just as passionate about maintaining the park, she said.

“We have a real story to tell about how we rally around each other to take care of this jewel,” she said.

Sheffield thrives in spaces where “there are no chartered pathways,” she said. She was the first African-American woman to become the audit manager in the St. Louis

offices of Arthur Andersen & Co. As an accountant, she was the first to lead a global employee program geared toward educating employees and communities about Biotechnology at Monsanto.

And at Forest Park Forever, she is paving out her vice president position, a role strategically added four years ago to prepare for the organization’s growth and continued presence in the community.

Hoffarth said Sheffield was one of the first people she hired when she became president.

Sheffield has been instrumental in developing the road map for how their organization will be working with the city in the future, she said.

“The experience that she has gained on the operations side of the house, coupled with the financial expertise she brought with her, is really the perfect combination of what we need right now for Forest Park Forever,” Hoffarth said.

The 16th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Friday, November 20 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon.

Tickets are $100 for VIP/ Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visitwww. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Check out the latest Edition of

PARTYLINE Page C10

Black

& Single

C1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

Ghosting for dummies

The single man’s first line of defense for avoiding assumed interest

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American Have you ever been in the early stages of getting to know a man and whenever you initiate a conversation about relationships n Don’t assume he shuts communication that every down to the point woman who talks where you bow to you about your out – or quietly enter a self-imposed love life is trywitness protection ing to ease you program?

I was aware down the aisle, it was a “thing”; but I didn’t know into her bed or there was a term out of your for it. It’s called bachelor pad. “ghosting.” While cute, the term provides a false sense of finesse.

“Mime walking against the wind” seems more appropriate – because we see exactly what these men are doing, and it looks so silly it’s ridiculous. I’m just saying.

Anyway, a friend of mine got “ghosted” twice in one week.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Stevie Wonder returns to STL to show Ferguson love

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American “I want to say a special prayer for those who have lost loved ones, for Ferguson, and I want to dedicate this show to a woman who has lost someone,” Stevie Wonder said as he greeted the crowd for the first time Sunday night at Scottrade Center.

This tour is the final “Songs in The Key of Life” performance – and St. Louis was top-ofmind for Wonder because of unrest that came to the region last year. “I wanted to bring the show here because now more than ever love’s in need of love.”

As his introduction hinted, “Love’s In Need of Love” kicked off the live offering of Wonder’s iconic album. Over the course of the nearly three-hour set, Wonder offered an epic night of classic soul, musical activism, religious experience and dance party.

The crowd of more than 12,000 fans was along for the ride from start to finish as he delivered on the promise of performing each of the 1976 album’s 21 tracks – and so much more.

Wonder is in a league of his own with respect to popular music. And he lived up to the assumptions and expectations surrounding his gift as he presented the album that catapulted him into his own category upon its release.

n “I wanted to bring the show here because, now more than ever, love’s in need of love.”

– Stevie Wonder His musical accompaniment was so robust, that it seems almost sinful to simply refer to them as “a band.” There were two drummers,

two percussionists, three keyboardists (including Wonder himself), a horn section with two saxophonists, a harmonica soloist, a choir of background singers – and an actual choir – as well as an orchestra and conductor.

They all worked in harmony to create an unforgettable musical experience that St. Louis audiences will reflect on as they did when Wonder pulled an all-nighter at the Checkerdome back in 1982. The crowd felt it all over with “Sir Duke” and created a sing-a-long experience with “I Wish” and “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”

At 65, Wonder’s vocals are still intact – though he gave his background singers plenty of time in the spotlight over the course of the night.

The highlight among them was the “Ngicuela Es Una Historia – I am Singing” performance.

But even his vintage voice paled in comparison to the instrumental prowess he displayed over the course of the evening through awe-inspiring solos, riffs, improvisations and chord progressions.

He rotated between three keyboard stations over the course of the evening. As he closed out “Easy Goin’ Evening (My Mama’s Call),” fans were blessed with an illustration of his harmonica skills with a virtuoso performance of a mashup between the “Star Spangled Banner” See STEVIE, C4

See SINGLE, C4

• Only Online •

Connect with Staci Static

From First Lady to STL Fashion week

Rising star Azede Jean-Pierre to compete for Caleres Emerging Designer Award

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American The Connect networking event will be taking place TONIGHT (Thursday, October 29) at the Barnett on Washington, 3207 Washington from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Staci Static from Old School 95.5 FM is set to host and the spotlight will be on young leader honoree Koran Bolden as he unveils his new smartphone app.

www.stlamerican.com

Azede Jean Pierre found her life’s work at the tender age of 17 when she dressed Atlanta’s then Mayor Shirley Franklin for the Mayor’s Annual Masked Ball.

“It really put things in perspective,” Jean Pierre said.

She was an artist who realized she was leaning towards style as she meticulously dressed the individuals in her drawings. Having the most

powerful woman in her city wear one of her designs was a sign of what was to come.

A decade later, an Azede Jean-Pierre label original was worn by First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of Essence Magazine.

Mrs. Obama was so impressed with JeanPierre’s dress last year she invited her to the White House Fashion Education Workshop a few months later – which featured some of the biggest names in the style industry.

See FASHION, C4

Azede Jean-Pierre designed the dress worn by First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of Essence Magazine.

She was so impressed with JeanPierre’s dress last year she invited her to the White House Fashion Education Workshop a few months later.

Calendar

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015 The Fox Theatre welcomes Gladys Knight and The O’Jays. See CONCERTS for details.

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

Fri., Nov. 20, 7 p.m., The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition’s Sizzling Celebration. Put on your Friday night best and dancing shoes to join us for a night of great food, great music, and special surprises. Event proceeds fund programs supporting St. Louis area families served through the Coalition. Moulin Event Center, 2017 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 367-8373 or visit www.foster-adopt.org.

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

concerts Nov. 13, 8 p.m., The Fox Theatre welcomes Gladys Knight and The O’Jays.

The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com or call (314 5341111.

Fri., Nov. 13, 8:30 p.m., Fuse TV Presents: Big Freedia - Bounce Shakedown Tour 2015, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com, www.ticketmaster.com or call (314) 726-6161.

Sat., Nov. 28, 8 p.m., The Fox Theatre welcomes Michael McDonald, for more information, visit www. metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Feb. 13, 7 p.m., St. Louis Music Festival starring Fantasia, Joe and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

For more information, visit www.thechaifetzarena.com Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Gary Clark Jr. - The Story of Sonny Boy Slim Tour, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com, www.ticketmaster.com or call (314) 726-6161.

local gigs Thur., Oct. 29, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents The Gene Dobbs Bradford Blues Experience, with special guest saxophonist Rhoda G. 3648 Washington Ave., 63108.

For more information, call (314) 842-2500 or visit www. thesheldon.org.

Sat., Nov. 7, 6 & 8 p.m., Love: A Cabaret Starring Dom Thomas. Featuring a full band; Dom will preform classic tunes from the american song book, as well as original music from his upcoming album “Sweet Dreams”. Discover

Dom’s love for life, family and music. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

For more information, call (314) 533-0367 or visit www. kranzbergartscenter.org.

Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m., Lexus Len’s “Wednesday Night Live” featuring: Cheryl Brown, Jeremiah Allen, Jeff Taylor, Gerald Warren & Amos Brewer, The Marquee, 1911 Locust.

special events Thur., Oct. 29, 5 p.m., LaunchCode Mentor Center Liftoff. Celebrate the opening of LaunchCode’s new Mentor Center. Plus food, drink, music, and swag. 4811 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.launchcode.org.

Fri., Oct. 30, 3:30 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts Halloween Costume Party.

Join us for an afternoon of spooktacular fun including games, treats, and more. Divoli Branch, 4234 N. Grand Ave., 63107. For more information, call (314) 534-0313 or visit www.slpl.org.

Sat., Oct. 31, 11 a.m., As You Go Events presents Operation 31: A Halloween Haven.

Get yourself all dressed up and bring the little ones out to a safe place for fun, trick or treating, activities and a costume contest. Bridgeton Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044.

For more information, call (636) 492-1750 or visit www.facebook.com/ AsYouGoEvents.

Sat., Oct. 31, 3 p.m., Play It Safe Halloween Fun Fair.

Bring the entire family out for fun activities, including a game truck, carnival games, crafts, a balloon artist, a face painter, prizes, food, the largest bags of candy in town, and much more.

Cardinal Ritter College Prep

American Foundation’s 11th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon. Four Season Hotel St. Louis, 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 5338000.

Featured Event Sat., Oct. 31, 8 a.m., Pursue Your Purpose presents The Beauty, Brains & Business Experience 2015. A day of networking, workshops and speaking opportunities with CEO & Founder of Pursue Your Purpose, Tamiko Cuellar. St. Louis City Hotel, 400 S. 14th St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 514-5604 or visit www.

PursueYourPurpose.com/BBB2015.

(In SPECIAL EVENTS)

High School, 701 N. Spring, 63108. For more information, call (314) 614-7282.

Sat., Oct. 31, 6 p.m., Jane Doe Advocacy Center presents the 3rd Annual Justice Gala.

The evening includes a murder mystery mock trial dinner theatre, open bar and silent auction. Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington Blvd., 63108.

For more information, call (314) 329-5339 or visit www. justicegala.com.

Sat., Oct. 31, 8 a.m., Beauty, Brains & Business Experience 2015. Come out for a day of networking, a mastermind session in strategically assigned groups, hot seat mini business makeovers, workshops and speaking opportunities with Event Host, Small Business Strategist and CEO & Founder of Pursue Your Purpose, Tamiko Cuellar. St. Louis City Hotel, 400 S. 14th St., 63103.

For more information, call (314) 514-5604 or visit www.

PursueYourPurpose.com/ BBB2015.

Sat., Oct. 31, 3 p.m., Play It Safe Halloween Fun Fair.

Bring the entire family out for fun activities, including a game truck, carnival games, crafts, a balloon artist, a face painter, prizes, food, the largest bags of candy in town, and much more.

Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, 701 N. Spring, 63108. For more information, call (314) 614-7282.

Sat., Oct. 31, 6 p.m., Jane Doe Advocacy Center presents the 3rd Annual Justice Gala.

The evening includes a murder mystery mock trial dinner theatre, open bar and silent auction. Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington Blvd., 63108.

For more information, call (314) 329-5339 or visit www. justicegala.com.

Sat., Oct. 31, 8 p.m., Three Sixty’s 4th Annual Haunted Heights Halloween Bash. Pick your poison with incredible drink specials, costume contest with spook-tacular prizes, frightful Halloween festivities and more. Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 1 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information,

call (314) 241-8439 or visit www.360-stl.com.

Sat., Oct. 31, 9 p.m., Voce Halloween Spooktacular.

We’re giving away a total of $500 dollars in prizes, free appetizers, DJ P on the ones and twos and he will be playing all of your favorite videos. 212 S. Tucker, Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 488-4196 or visit www.facebook.com/vocestl.

Sat., Nov. 7, 6 p.m. 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis Black Tie Gala, Hyatt Regency At The St. Louis Arch. For more information, call (314) 367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl.com.

Sat., Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Stepping Out for Skinker DeBaliviere – 7th Annual Homecoming.

Throw on your favorite pair of party shoes and share a good time with neighbors. Joe’s Café and Gallery, 6014 Kingsbury Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314) 8625122 or visit www.skinkerD. org.

Thur., Nov. 12, 9 a.m., St. Louis Professional Hiring Event. This is your opportunity to interview with 15+ Fortune 500 and industry leading companies seeking talented, experienced and enthusiastic sales, retail and management candidates.

Doubletree Westport Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146.

For more information, email esweeney@hirelive.com or visit www.hirelive.com.

Fri., Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Toast & Taste the 1970s. Guests will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while Millennium Productions plays tunes from the 1970s and beyond.

An auction will round out the evening. 1970s attire encouraged, but not required.

Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, 1200 Lynch St., 63118. For more information, (314) 460-6369 or visit www. kingdomhouse.org.

Sat., Nov. 14, 6 p.m., The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) annual gala, the Great Futures Gala, formerly known as All That Jazz, The “Great Futures Gala is the largest fundraiser benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis with close to $300,000 being raised for community’s youth.

Hyatt Regency at the St. Louis Arch in downtown St. Louis.

For ticket information, visit www.bgcstl.org.

Fri., Nov. 20, 11 a.m., World Wide Technology, Inc. presents The St. Louis

Nov. 26, 11 a.m.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dinner, Buffet Style, All You Can Eat! Adults, $12; Seniors (Age 62+), $10; Children 6 to 12, $5; 5 and Under, Free. Homemade Breads and Desserts. Carry Outs Available.

Raffle, Bake Sale, Games, Craft Booth. St. Ignatius Parish, Concord Hill, Missouri.

For more information call 636932-4445 or email thecarols@ saintig.com. Handicap accessible. (www.saintig.com).

comedy Thur., Oct. 29, 7 p.m., She Say He Say Sketch Comedy Show Premiere. The show is a blend of late-night talk TV, parodies, satire and special performances. A musical performance will be provided by actress and R&B/Soul singer, Crystal Haywood.

Emerson Performance Center, Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. shesayhesaycomedy.com.

literary Thur., Oct. 29, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books and Maryville Talks Books host author Geraldine Brooks, author of The Secret Chord. In perhaps her most ambitious novel yet, Brooks takes on one of literature’s richest and most enigmatic figures: King David, a man who shimmers between history and legend. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., Subterranean Books hosts author Yonason Goldson, author of Proverbial Beauty.

6275 Delmar Blvd., 63130.

For more information, call (314) 862-6100 or visit www. subbooks.com.

Sat., Nov. 7, 1 p.m., The Inspired Overflow Radio Show presents The 2015 St. Louis Christian Authors’ Book Fair. The fair will bring inspired authors and the readers who love their books under one roof. Mount Zion Christian Complex, 1444 S. Compton, 63104. For more information, call (314) 324-7248 or visit www.2015ChristianBookFair.

EventBrite.com.

Thur., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Toni Tipton-Martin, author of The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731 or visit www.left-bank. com.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

theatre Through Nov. 5, The Fox Theatre presents Matilda the Musical. Matilda is the captivating musical masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Nov. 6 – 7, COCA Theatre Company presents Songs for a New World. A contemporary pop/rock musical. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 5614877 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Nov. 6 – 8, The Fox Theatre presents Mamma Mia! 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341111 or visit www.fabulousfox. com.

Sat., Nov. 14, 6 p.m., Gifted Productions presents Our Money Matters the Musical.

Friendly Temple MBC, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 951-4097.

arts Through Dec. 13, COCA presents Daniel Burnett’s Denizen Kim. St. Louis painter, curator, and community-based artist Daniel Burnett will transform the Millstone Gallery with his large-scale wall paintings. The opening reception will be held Friday, Oct. 9, at 8:30 p.m. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 3837685 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Through March 2016, Pulitzer Arts Foundation hosts Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art. The Kota exhibition will run through March 2016. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

C3

lectures/ workshops Tues., Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis City Children’s Division Adoption Panel.

November is Adoption Awareness Month. The theme “All About Adoption” is meant to raise awareness in the community about the need for forever families for children who are waiting to be adopted. Central Library, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 3403472 or visit www.slpl.org.

Tues., Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Architects of Justice: Women and the Black Freedom Movement in St. Louis.

Lecture on African American women who spearheaded key campaigns of the St. Louis civil rights movement. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

Sat., Nov. 7, 9 a.m., TEDxGatewayArch presents Catalyst, an incredible day with local speakers and performers. Catalyst is to be held on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University.

Spend time between speakers mingling with TED-focused exhibitors and enjoying our delicious local snacks and drinks. Visit http:// tedxgatewayarch.org Mon., Nov. 9, 9 a.m. West County Democrats Speaker Series presents “Women’s Work: A Conversation on Race, Class, and Privilege Post Ferguson” featuring Amy A. Hunter, Director of Racial Justice for YWCA Metro St. Louis, United Food & Commercial Workers, Local 655, 300 Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO, 63011. For more information, visit http://www. westcountydems.org Wed., Nov. 14, 3 p.m., Education 4 All presents Involved Parent Squad MeetUp. “It takes a village to raise a

For more information or to register, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/stl.

Sat., Nov. 21, 11 a.m., A Health Care Forum.

4675 Page Blvd, 63113.

Representatives from Missouri Healthcare for All will share important updates on healthcare reform, relevant legislation in Missouri, and answer audience questions.

This event is for everyone who uses Medicare, Medicaid, or has other healthcare questions. FREE and open to the public.

spiritual Left Bank Books hosts author Toni Tipton-Martin, author of “The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks.” For more information, see LITERARY

child.” Join other like-minded parents in an interactive discussion and discovery session of who is best in your child’s village. CIC@CET Building, 20 S. Sarah St., 63138. For more information, call (314) 397-8757 or visit www.education4allinc.com.

Wed., Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m., The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Workshop. This free workshop is to help students and their families to understand how to navigate applying for financial aid. 8215 Clayton Rd., 63117.

For more information, call (314) 725-7990 or visit www. sfstl.org.

health Sat., Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m., LUNGevity Foundation presents Breathe Deep St. Louis. Creve Coeur Park, 13236 Streetcar Dr., 63043.

For more information, visit www.breathedeepstlouis.com.

Sun., Nov. 1, 1 p.m., Super

Sunday Marketplace Enrollment Kickoff. Come out for tailgate food, vendors, prizes, and information on obtaining healthcare coverage.

5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 3675820 x 2292 or visit www. mhdchc.org.

Tues., Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Myrtle Hilliard Davis Health Centers presents Marketplace Enrollment Awareness Skate Jam. Admission is free with music by DJ Solo, prizes, and food. Skate King Roller Rink, 2700 Kienlen Ave., 63121. For more information, call (314) 367-5820 x 2292.

Fridays, Nov. 6 – Dec. 18, 1 p.m., Diabetes Education Empowerment Program.

Join us for our diabetes selfmanagement workshop, which focuses on quality of life improvements to help better manage your relationship with diabetes. 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information or to register, visit www.mhdchc.org.

Saturdays Slide into Fitness.

This class focuses on good nutrition, healthy self-esteem, and fun exercises for 12 to 17 years old and their parents or legal guardians. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 679-7870 or email tprowell@stlouisco.com.

Sat., Nov. 21, 10 a.m., St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association presents The Care & Conquer Conference. This conference is for caregivers and individuals with earlystage dementia. Registration is required. New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147. For more information or to register, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/stl.

Mon., Nov. 23, 5:30 p.m., St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association presents The Care & Conquer Conference.

This conference is for caregivers and individuals with early-stage dementia.

Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., 63146.

Nov. 2 – 9, Church of God in Christ 108th International Holy Convocation. This year’s Convocation will feature dynamic speakers, including Bishop T.D. Jakes and Bishop Paul S. Morton and much more. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.cogic.org.

Sun., Nov. 8, 2 p.m., New Sunny Mount Baptist Church Anniversary/ Retirement Event Jazz Brunch. 4700 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 389-4544 or visit www. newsunnymountmbc.org.

Sat., Nov. 14, 6 p.m. UCM Banquet: Where Love, Justice and Mercy Walk Together with keynote speaker Pastor Dietra Wise Baker, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 DeMazenod Dr. Belleville,IL. For more information, visit ucmetroeast.org or call 314941 2614 Sat., Nov. 14, 7 p.m., The United States Naval Academy Gospel Choir In Concert, A Salute to America’s Heroes, St. Alphonsus Liguori ‘Rock’ Church, 1118 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO. 63106.

For more information, call 314-533-0304 Or visit www. stalphonsusrock.org

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

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STEVIE Continued from C1 and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” with a taste of “St. Louis Blues” sprinkled in at the end.

He then segued into a harpejji (a stringed instrument where sound is derived from taps) and performed a taste of “Overjoyed” and the Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions classic “People Get Ready.”

This set the tone for Wonder’s core messages and personal mantras of unity, faith and black pride. As he closed his performance of “Black Man” by affirming that black lives matter, he implied that all lives matter because Africa is the mother of civilization – and “everyone has a little black in them anyway.”

In addition to “Songs In The Key Of Life,” Wonder gave audiences a taste of his alter ego, DJ Tick Tick Boom. With DJ Tick Tick Boom’s interlude came a featured performance from St. Louis’ own Nelly for a taste of “Hot in Herre” and Slick Rick’s “Bedtime Stories.”

Stevie returned to his own skin for “Do I Do” and his “Superstition” grand finale.

Then fans danced out the door – and buzzed nonstop about having witnessed a piece of musical history.

Over the course of the nearly three-hour set, Wonder offered an epic night of classic soul, musical activism, religious experience and dance party.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

FASHION

n “I’m excited for the world – and St. Louis – to see what we have in store.”

Continued from C1 “I’m super excited that she and the White House support us in every way that they do,” Jean-Pierre said. “It’s always nice to have support, but especially the first lady. That’s a huge endorsement and I’m so grateful.”

Next Wednesday, November 4, Jean-Pierre will be in St. Louis to compete for the $25,000 Caleres Emerging Designer Award at Union Station.

The Saint Louis Fashion Fund Event will take place in conjunction with the Saint Louis Fashion Week lineup of festivities.

Jean-Pierre and four other top design talents were selected to compete in this year’s runway show competition.

The $25,000 award, the largest in STLFW history, is being judged by a panel of industry insiders who are also flying into St. Louis.

“I’m excited for the world – and St. Louis – to see what we have in store,” Jean-Pierre said.

Her ideas and concepts come from everywhere – nature, in particular. But St. Louis

Solange Knowles, First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Angie Harmon are among the celebs spotted wearing designer Azede Jean-Pierre’s styles.

SINGLE Continued from C1 One man she was dating.

They went out for dinner and he informed her that he’s been casually dating for the past several years since his divorce.

She asked if he ever planned to be in a committed relationship again.

This was after he asked her

“why a woman as fine as she is doesn’t have a man?”

They made it through dinner, but trust that he left her high and dry from that day to this one.

The gag is that she wasn’t looking for anything serious.

She thought that he was fun and would be a great “interim” to add to her rotation of casual date partners, but wanted to be 100 percent clear that they were both on the same page.

He’ll never know.

The second time took place with a man who was providing her with graphic design services. He met to show her some drafts, and it turned into a wonderful conversation about everything under the sun – from undergrad experiences to being single parents. She asked him if he was married or had a girlfriend. Not only did the tone of the meeting change, he never followed up with her on the work he was PAID to do.

Here’s the thing, fellas –

– Azede Jean-Pierre

fashionistas will see styles inspired by her native Haiti, and watch her rev up her collection on the catwalk.

“Mostly they will see how we send things down the runway and how different that is from what we market for sale,” Jean-Pierre said.

Rich textures, “fun and flirty” patterns, and even garments embroidered with proverbs from her home country will be a part of the lineup of looks.

“The way we represent style is to give you something you don’t typically see – something that makes you stand out from the crowd and a uniqueness that can really define you,” JeanPierre said. “Style is about the individual, your personality and how you express it. It’s how

you put things together.”

As a young designer of color, she’s seen the lack of diversity that has been the norm in the industry and is happy to compete for the Coleres Emerging Designer Award.

“We just want to be heard,” Jean-Pierre said. “I feel like we have a unique perspective, and I want to make sure that we are out there.”

every time that a woman asks a question about relationships, especially if the two of you are NOT dating, they aren’t running reconnaissance for the sake of making you their next boo.

It’s what we do – with you and each other.

A woman who would eventually become a good friend met to brainstorm about creative projects after we were introduced by a mutual friend.

Even though it was completely work-related – and I had only met this woman once before – she asked me if I was married. I said no. She asked if I was in a relationship or seeing anyone. I said no.

I knew she was married because of her wedding ring.

If I were among the “ghosting” community, I would have tossed the table over and sprinted out of the door like I was on fire to make it plain that I’m “not that way” and have no interest in being her secret lesbian sidepiece.

Instead, I told her about my love life – which really only took a second. I then asked her about her husband, how they met, how long they’ve been married and all of that. And that was it.

She never tried to get me.

And we ended up becoming good friends.

I’ve noticed this ghosting

Honoring an icon Later that evening, Saint Louis Fashion Fund will pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Jeigh Singleton, professor emeritus of fashion design at Washington University, during the Saint Louis Fashion Fund Gala.

He passed away in January 2015 at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer.

Over the course of his 30-plus year tenure, Singleton transformed Wash U.’s fashion design program into one that was highly respected in the extremely competitive world of fashion.

“It is a testament to his teaching that so many of his students – with whom he remained in close contact long after graduation – went on to build careers in the industry,” said Carmon Colangelo, dean of the Sam Fox School.

Many students who studied under Singleton matriculated to internships and employment at major fashion houses – including Michael Kors.

In 2009, Singleton received the inaugural Plaza Frontenac Fashion Achievement Award as part of Saint Louis Fashion Week.

The Coleres Emerging Designer Award will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4 at Union Station (1820 Market).

The Saint Louis Fashion Fund Gala will take place at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4 at Union Station.

For tickets or more information, visit www. saintlouisfashionweek.com.

phenomenon especially among men who have an especially high opinion of themselves coupled with an intense fear of commitment. Let me free you up right quick.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with self-actualization, but don’t assume that every woman who talks to you about your love life is trying to ease you down the aisle, into her bed or out of your bachelor pad.

Before your instincts give you the urge to make your “I’m just not that into you” dramatic grand escape ghost mission, be sure that she’s into you first.

Otherwise you just look like silly – or downright delusional.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 – NOV. 4, 2015

Celebrations Coronation

Birthdays

Dream come true

FREE OF CHARGE

Happy 10th Birthday to Cameron Jones on October 31... with one to grow on!

Kayla Houston (pictured at center), a student at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, recently had a dream come true to sing with superstar Stevie Wonder at his concert in Kansas City. Her grandmother is Sandra Houston, a congressional staffer with Congressman William Lacy Clay.

Miss Harris-Stowe Kuriston White and Mister HarrisStowe Timothy Moore share a fistbump at the HarrisStowe State University Majestic Assembly Coronation on October 21. Congratulations to both!

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Happy Birthday to Helen McCarter on October 28!

Reunions All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont High School – Class of 1980 has planned its 35 year class reunion.

However all BHS Alumni are welcome to attend. Fri, Nov 13 – Sun., Nov. 15, 2015 Hotel Lumiere; Info available on www.eventbrite. com; Search on Beaumont Class of 1980. We need your

home and/or email address immediately. Cutoff for reservations is Sat., Oct. 31, 2015. For more information, please contact: Terri Harris Pruitt: terrilynnhpruitt@att. net, 314-478-8923; Janice Lindsey Alphin: jmaphin1@ yahoo.com, 314-330-7881.

Call evenings only please.

Beaumont High Class of 1984 can stay updated via our Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984”. We meet the last Friday of every month.

Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Roosevelt High School Class of 1990 is hosting a “Rough Rider Alumni Reunion” and

is inviting classes ‘87-‘93 to join them Saturday October 24, 2015 from 7pm -1am at the Bus Drivers Hall located at 1600 S. Broadway St. Louis, MO 63104. Tickets are $10 in adv. and $15 at the door.

For more info, contact Talisha Shelton at (314)363-1064 or on Facebook @Roosevelt class of 90.

Soldan Class of 1965 presents: “On the Road Again” to Washington, DC. Cost: $479 per-person, double occupancy, 6-Days and 5-Nights, Thurs.

June2- Tues. June 7, 2016.

First payment due now $75 each person. For more information and reservations contact: Corinne Stuckes (636)-294-4373, Brenda

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, graduation, 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:

Yancey (314)-830-1334 or Isaiah Hair, Jr. (314)-3877592 email: cstukes@charter. net.

Soldan Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for: June 17-19, 2016 at the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa. In addition, the class will present a Harvest Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 at the Barrington Downs Clubhouse, 3898 Grand National Drive, Florissant, Mo. 63034. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased in advance only. No tickets will be sold at the door. B.Y.O.B. Set ups available. For tickets and more information call 314-385-9554 or 636-4862621.

St. Louis Community College needs your help identifying STLCC alumni.

Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www. stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

Sumner High School Class of 1966 is planning their 50th Class Reunion. Please contact Ella Scott at 314-436-1696, Els2188@sbcglobal.net with your name, address and email or join the Sumner Class of 1966 Facebook Group page.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability.

We prefer that notices be emailed to us!

However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate 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

Religion

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

Traci Blackmon to lead UCC Justice and Witness Ministries

Will commute from St. Louis, try to keep this as home base American staff

Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant and a frontline Ferguson pastor, has been appointed the acting executive of UCC Justice and Witness Ministries.

Justice and Witness Ministries, one of four covenanted ministries in the UCC, “helps local congregations and all settings of the church respond to God’s commandments to do justice, seek peace and effect change for a better world,” according to the UCC. Blackmon will be commuting in her new role, which she assumes January 1, spending two weeks a month in Cleveland, where UCC is headquartered, and two weeks in Missouri.

She will be responsible for staff at three separate offices: the headquarters in Cleveland, an advocacy division in Washington, D.C. and a retreat center in North Carolina. She told The American she has negotiated St. Louis as her home base through 2017, and though the decision is not hers alone to make, she would prefer to remain here.

“It is important that I stay connected to the heart of the people whose needs propelled me here,” she told The American.

Blackmon was a frontline Ferguson protest supporter who

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Rev. Traci Blackmon led a rally in Canfield Green Apartments last August during the height of Ferguson unrest. hosted Gov. Jay Nixon in her sanctuary on the day he first declared a state of emergency in Ferguson. Nixon later appointed her to serve on the Ferguson Commission.

“We need someone who puts their body on the line for others,” UCC Board member the Rev. Dwayne Royster told the UCC house publication. “Traci has become a voice for new civil rights in America.”

Her appointment was applauded at the top.

“Traci is a game changer.

If we are talking about our promise to live out bold public witness, this woman lives that out to a level of which we can all be proud,” said the Rev. John Dorhauer, UCC general minister and president. “This is a woman

who can make a difference.”

Blackmon is the 18th installed and first woman pastor in the 156-year history of Christ The King United Church of Christ, near the heart of the unrest in Ferguson.

“This is what I learned in Ferguson,” Blackmon told the UCC house publication.

“That the church is not a static organization that is transported from place to place, but rather that church emerges to meet the present needs of the people. The conversation must begin with a determination to listen and a willingness to be changed.”

Blackmon was ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and served for several years in ministry before stepping in as pastor of Christ The

King. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Birmingham-Southern College (1985) and a Master of Divinity degree (2009), with a coursework emphasis in Womanist Liberation Theology, from Eden Theological Seminary.

At Eden, Blackmon studied under UCC General Minister and President Dorhauer, and is looking forward to teaming up with him in service to the national church, UCC reported.

“I met John while I was still in seminary,” Blackmon told the UCC. “John taught a White Privilege class, and I was one of his students. Our class was small, intense and, at times, uncomfortable, as stretching often can be. Yet, John stayed with it. And he pressed us. And he challenged us. He walked with us. And he was changed with us.”

Before seminary, Blackmon served as pastor of Simpson Chapel AME Church in Columbia, Missouri. She is the founder of the Sista SOS Summit, an intergenerational symposium designed to assist women toward spiritual and sexual wholeness, and is co-founder of “When Women Gather...,” a monthly ecumenical gathering committed to the spiritual growth and development of women.

Blackmon has also ministered in a healthcare setting, as a licensed Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience.

“I have chosen to accept the challenge of acting executive minister of Justice and Witness at this time,” Blackmon told UCC, “because I believe the United Church of Christ is uniquely positioned to reimagine the welcoming table of Christ in ways that create space for all voices to be heard.”

The Message

Study God

A minister recently reminded me that being a Christian is part of an evolutionary process. Make no mistake about it, there will be problems along the way.

There is power in the process of trying to be faithful.

There is purpose behind our individual struggles of faith.

God is still in control and, at every stage of our lives, the test or the temptation is there to give us a chance to confirm and clarify our status with the Almighty.

You’re kind of on His team or not. You’re either practicing for the game, in the game, or wasting your time and that of your so-called teammates.

To a man or woman of God, life is a manifestation of knowledge that allows you to know God. Our purpose is to recognize who we are in relation to God and then act accordingly. Now God does give us assistance in the process.

In order to participate in any process, you must do something. In this case, you must do something in the name of God, period. It must be conscious. It must be deliberate. It must be inclusive of some understanding that Jesus would approve.

Maybe you remember something about the learning process in your youth.

To be successful, study was required.

Learning, real learning, did not happen by osmosis. It had identifiable results and measurable consequences. In school Columnist you had to pass a test. In life you grow James in faith and thereby in knowledge of the Washington truth, i.e. God is the reason.

The more you serve, the more you want to serve. How you serve is a byproduct of the gifts already given to you by Him. I think in church they say, “Come on, somebody.” Regardless of where you are in the process, you can’t go wrong because, hello, you’re in the process.

As the minister pointed out, there will be problems that arise along the way. These problems are understood and handled when you remember your purpose for participating in the first place.

Can you feel the power I was talking about earlier?

When you are fully engaged in the process of being a Christian, there is power to be had and shared when you realize you’re having success. And success has already been defined as understanding the war is already won.

Christ did that. These battles are mere formalities.

God is giving us more knowledge as we learn how to use His tools and understand how they help us study.

This is a class in spiritual understanding and the Bible is a terrific textbook. Find yourself a quiet place to study.

Prepare for your tests and graduate with testimony.

Just remember in these classes failure is possible, but dropping out is not an option.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2015

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Celebrity Swag Snap of the Week Rising rap star Dej Loaf was Erica posed with Hot 104.1’s A Plus at Pinup Bowl before she shut the stage down as the star of Harris-Stowe’s homecoming concert Saturday night.

Darice, Katlan and Whitney kept it super cute @ Style Code Saturdays @ Mood

Brandy and Deeana turned heads @ Mood Saturday

Charity, Brittany and Bridgette were just a few of the natural beauties in the building for Supernatural Saturday night @ Blankspace

Sydney and Pacia Anderson in the place for Supernatural Saturday night @ Blankspace

Host Dre’co, DJ Climate, and DJ Aye Eye kept the party going Sunday @ the Obar for The Surge

Life in the key of Stevie. Stevie Wonder and all of his sequined sleeve glory was everything I imagined him to be and more when he slayed the stage at Scottrade Sunday night. Now I see while y’all are still talking about that Checkerdome show 35 years after the fact. I’m going to be the same way about the Scottrade 2015. When I tell you I don’t even know where to begin with telling y’all how he and that 50-piece orchestra of a band and Mississippi Mass choir of background singers will be a tough act to follow for any show, at any point from here on out…please understand. It was so perfect that I can’t figure out what was the best moment over the course of his three-hour show. Although I’m torn between when he played that one instrument and his superstition grand finale – I might just go with him singing a little taste of Fetty Wap’s “Come My Way” while being fresh with his stage guide. It gave me life more abundantly.

I know the rest of the folks who didn’t go are tired of hearing about the show, but those of us who were in the building will never get tired of talking about it.

And he brought out all sorts of folks from every walk of life together. You saw folks in their black tie church anniversary banquet dinner gear, the “deodorant optional” hippie crowd and everybody in between up in the place. And the genuine consensus of their feelings about the show will be “Stevie don’t owe me NOTHING” as far as the ticket prices go – and that’s including the folks in the $200 seats. I have even more appreciation for him after seeing what his 65-yearold self threw down just after I got word that Janet’s whispering vocals would be on rest and we’ll have to wait to hear her breathy whimper crooning and dance combos at a date to be determined.

Stop it with the Stevie shade. So I know that more than a few folks were in their feelings – and felt the need to express such – about feeling cheated that Stevie Wonder didn’t do a snippet from all 57 of his albums at Sunday night’s show. So wait, “Songs in the Key of Life Performance” didn’t clue you in to what to expect…really, girl? If you seriously didn’t have any idea that the “Songs in the Key of Life” show was specific to the album, don’t buy another concert ticket in the near future. Instead, stockpile those coins and use them to hire a critical thinking/comprehension coach. Sorry to be so harsh – and repetitive – but clearly I have to make this plain. The only comparison I can think of is tuning in to Centric for a “Good Times” Marathon and being all bothered at the network for not playing ANY episodes of “The Jeffersons.” Yes, that’s how silly you sound.

HSSU Homecoming hype. Okay, now I know I haven’t mentioned HarrisStowe’s homecoming since, well maybe since…well, ever. But I would not be about that life if I didn’t tell y’all how Dej Loaf and the Migos had it deep up in the building at the gym for their concert finale of the festivities Saturday night.

It’s just my opinion, but I think $20 parking was a bit much for a college concert, but hey it’s not my yard. That’s about the only note I had for the show that packed just about everybody between the ages of 18-25 (i.e. the only folks who really know who Dej Loaf and Migos are). I really felt like some sort of elderly undercover crowd control officer in there, but it didn’t stop me from _______ (insert new slang for turning up). Anyway, I knew the concert was going to have the nightlife scene on lock by the way the barely grown girls were strutting down Laclede in those shag vests and short skirts. It had me thinking “I really hope I knew how to walk in heels by the time I was their age.” But then I remembered performing a full-fledged choreographed Napoleon Dynamite-esque routine to “Do You Wanna Ride in My Mercedes Boy” in white Payless pumps and a teal bridesmaid gown for my 8th grade prom. But back to Harris-Stowe. That rap concert was such a good look for them as far as connecting with the youth and I hope they’ll keep the youngins engaged next year too.

Supernatural strikes again. After tearing the club up with the toddlers at Harris-Stowe’s gymnasium, I stomped down to the south side for a taste of the latest installment of Supernatural with Nappy DJ Needles at the Blank Space.

Frohawks, locs, twists and textured updos were getting down on the dance floor as Needles demolished the turntables. I also saw more than a few members of Team Processed in the place. I decided they were in search of a 3D look book of potential options as they prepare to make the big chop as part of their 2016 New Year’s Resolutions. But chances are they just came for a good time – and the party didn’t disappoint.

Erica poses with Gabrielle and Remy as she kicked off a grand opening of her salon with a Sip and See event @ Style and Grace Friday Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

Nelly vs. Slim: The Sequel. It’s been all over the urban gossip sites –and the folks have kept me bothered asking my opinion about the slow-cooked beef between LoseCannon S.L.I.M. and Nelly on Instagram. S.L.I.M. may have been fishing by making Ashanti his #WCW, and Nelly took the bait and ran down Natural Bridge and Kingshighway with it. S.L.I.M. followed suit and it looks like Miss Jackson and ‘nem might be filing suit. Here’s my take: Nelly shouldn’t have gotten disgraceful by flinging the mother of S.L.I.M.’s child into their drama – especially if it’s over between him Ashanti and he has a new boo. S.L.I.M. should not have pulled that poor pre-op photo of Miss Jackson out of his bag of social media slander tactics. At first I felt like Nelly was more wrong for what he did with S.L.I.M.’s son’s mother – mainly because even if he’s crushing on your ex with a hashtag, he never said anything disrespectful about her. BUT…S.L.I.M. has evened the score on a social media blitz that does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. I said all of that to say, let’s go ahead and call it a day and get about the business of making headlines for making moves instead of making mess.

Tiara and Michelle were in their element Saturday night @ The Marquee

Birthday boy Jerome and Muffin celebrated with a host of his friends Saturday @ Mood

Kia and Tanjee took some time to unwind @ The Marquee Saturday

Teekal and Megan made it out to start their weekend off Friday @ The Marquee

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