CN: February 7, 2018

February 7, 2018

Growing in the saddle

Around Town Ferguson receives Downtown Revitalization Grant from Missouri Main Street. P.3

River’s Edge Trail at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area Reopens. P.5

School

“Be the Change.” P.8

Food

Doralyn Graefser (left) and Jill Kiernan stand with Saxon, a Jamestown New Horizons Pony.

Photo by Ray Rockwell

Jamestown New Horizons provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities

By Charlotte Beard Many North County residents are unaware that for 33 years 20 acres of rolling hills have set at 15350 Old Jamestown Road in Florissant to provide horseback riding lessons. These therapeutic and recreational lessons provided

by Jamestown New Horizons (JNH) are for children with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities.

JNH was founded in 1985 by Bonnie Grueninger who is the Program Director.

“My husband [Oliver] and I had run the Jamestown Riding School at this location for 22 years,” Grueninger shared.

Due to funding needs and other demands for continuing the school, they had to discontinue it but continued with the program they have today – Riding for The Disabled.

Grueninger explained how the horses were acclimated to be used with the disabled children for their JNH program.

“Since we had the Jamestown Riding School here, we had all these very well-trained school horses. But in addition to what those horses knew, they had to be introduced to the world of the disabled – squeaky wheelchairs and walkers that make funny sounds… crutches and braces…. We spent a lot of time introducing our horses to [those things], so they wouldn’t be frightened, and in a way that they would actually enjoy and come to [identify] wheelchairs, crutches and walkers

as [good things].”

Besides Grueninger, JNH is run by an executive director, who oversees the whole program and 11 board members. One of those board members, Tracy Graefser, started out as a parent who was seeking how JNH might serve her child’s love of riding horses back in 2014.

“I was doing a Google search trying to find somewhere for my daughter to ride. She rode her first pony when she was three years old at the local pumpkin patch, and she fell in love with horses. So, I was looking online…I found [JNH].”

Graefser contacted Grueninger and was invited for a lesson around the same time that she was seeking a doctor’s diagnosis about her child. After receiving the diagnosis that her daughter had ADHD with anxiety she decided to enroll her daughter at JNH. Graefser went on to share some of the ways the program has benefited her daughter, “I think horses have a special thing about them.

You can bond very quickly with a horse. These students…when they walk in they smile with excitement to get to be with their horses.

Horses mirror our feelings and behaviors.

My daughter has ADHD with anxiety. When she gets out there with that horse, if she’s anxious at all or if she is not focused in what she’s doing, that horse is going to mirror that

back at her. If the horse isn’t listening to her, it’s because she’s not focused. She [must] pull herself back and get herself focused, calm the horse down, and calm herself down to get back on track. It’s teaching her to deal with her disability because the horse is letting her know, ‘Hey. We gotta’ work on this here.’”

JNH has had a great positive impact on children who have participated. “A lot of these kids, they have so many factors with their disabilities that [limit them],” shared Graefser. “This allows them to feel positive and like they can really accomplish anything because they have a bond with these horses; they’re able to do things with the horses.”

JNH conducts three 12-week lessons per year, each occurring in the spring, summer, and fall. This year the spring session runs March through May. The summer session will take place starting in June through August, and the fall session will run September through November.

“The spring session for 2018 will begin on March 13,” stated Grueninger. “We give classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings because most of our volunteers work [during the day]. They either work or they are in school full-time. We are blessed to have incredible volunteers. We have eight See ‘SADDLE’ page 2

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Throw a hot-pot dinner party. P.9

Movie

‘Black Panther’ leads a bumper crop of 2018 Marvel movies. P.16

Weather FRIDAY Partly Sunny; Rain/Snow late 50/28 SATURDAY Chance of Rain/ Snow 37/22 SUNDAY Partly Sunny 36/19 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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Around Town

February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘SADDLE’ from cover volunteers that have been with us since inception. We do accept a few new volunteers each year. Every spring, summer and fall, we have volunteer training sessions.

The spring volunteer training sessions are held on the first two Sundays of March, and that’s March 4 and March11. Those training sessions run from 1 to 4 p.m.

Part of the training session takes place in the arena, and part of it takes place in the barn. In those training sessions, we introduce new people to the program, explain all the complexities that are involved, introduce them to the horses, and start training the new people how to be side walkers. Our returning volunteers also attend those training sessions and they can share a lot of their experiences with the new people. It helps to reassure them, because when you first start volunteering in this type of program, it can seem a little overwhelming.”

Grueninger also addressed the requirements for a disabled child’s participation in JNH’s program. Written permission to participate is required for safety measures from the child’s physician. The physician authorization is required in addition to information from them therapist, if one is utilized.

“We like to get feedback from that therapist,” Grueninger stated, “so that when the child first comes to us, we know as much about the child as possible. We work out individualized programs for the child.”

With a current 40 volunteers, Grueninger went further to explain some of the safety training that Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

volunteers receive.

“We pretend with the children that we have an emergency, maybe there’s a fire. We go through routines just like you do at the regular schools practicing in case you have a fire. If it ever should happen, not only the volunteers and the instructors know what to do, we want the parents and the students to understand it, too.”

“Many of our volunteers are either retired school teachers, or they have worked with children with disabilities,” stated Graefser. “As a parent, I think what really got me involved was I saw my daughter out there, and I saw all these other kids. I see them walk in the room, ready for their lesson, and they’re so excited.

Their smiles...the smiles just get me every time. JNH is like a family. Whenever people come in, we just accept everybody.”

Grueninger also stressed that the cost to parents to enroll a child is very reasonable.

“Our student fee for a 12-week session is $450.

Some of the programs in the state of Missouri charge that much for one lesson. We charge that much for 12 lessons, because we know that a lot of our students simply could not afford a high fee like that [for one lesson]. Some of our students get their funding through the St. Louis Regional Center, [and others] have their student fees paid by Missouri Department of Mental Health. [However], we carry many forms of insurance for everyone’s protection. Our children also [must] be

insured [as well as] our volunteers.

Grueninger is very proud of the annual summer camps – Horsemanship Camps. Open enrollment is to be announced in coming months for children who have autism, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities. “[The children] come in the mornings when it’s cool,” stated Grueninger, “because a lot of our children cannot tolerate those hot, sunny afternoons. It’s just too much for them. We do not have a nurse on hand [during the summer]. So, for that reason, we do not work with the children with physical disabilities for their own safety.”

Graefser shared an experience that she witnessed with another child, “We had a little boy, I think he was about five or six years old. He had never ridden a horse before; he got on the horse, and he just lit up. He said, ‘I’m riding a horse.’ He just kept repeating it. ‘I’m riding a horse.’ It’s those moments that just make this absolutely priceless. I think if anybody has any kind of passion for children, [JNH] would be something that would be worth checking into.”

For new enrollees or volunteers, it is advised that individuals watch the video online for familiarity with the service prior to contacting JNH. Enrolling students and volunteers interested in the spring session may visit the Students and Volunteers links at www.jnhgoneriding.org or call 314-741-5816 for more details.

Hazelwood East High girls’ choir to perform at National School Boards Association Annual Conference The Hazelwood East High School Girls’ Choir, under the direction of Robert Swingler, choir director, was recently selected to perform at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas on April 8. Hazelwood East Choir was chosen from among other schools throughout Missouri during a nomination process.

The criteria for this event includes, performing groups must represent a public school, have school board approval to represent their school district, and submit an audition tape for review by the selection committee.

Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Nettie CollinsHart was thrilled when she was informed that a Hazelwood school was selected to perform this year.

“I am very proud of our students for receiving this national recognition and for their hard work in creating an audition tape,” said Dr. Collins-Hart. “Being recognized by the National School Boards Association is a tremendous honor. More importantly, representing the 18,000 students and staff of the Hazelwood

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Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

School District is something to be admired.

“I am waiting with great anticipation to see and cheer our students and Mr. Swingler on, as they perform during the general session at this year’s NSBA conference. The entire Hazelwood School District community should be proud of the Hazelwood East High School Girls’ Choir,” she said.

The NSBA Annual Conference is a national event that brings education leaders together to help shape the future of the education.

NSBA represents state school boards associations and their more than 90,000 local school board members.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

St. Louis Teen Talent Competition kicks off its eighth year The Eighth Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition will begin Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 with 170 performers taking the stage in the preliminary round of competition.

“We are thrilled with the ongoing response to this event from students, parents, arts organizations and the community. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is happy to be able to provide the opportunity for students to perform at the Fox and on other stages around St. Louis. We’re delighted that we are able to put talented young people in the spotlight,” said Mary Strauss, President of the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FoxPACF) Board of Directors.

This year’s entries represent 69 schools in the bi-state metropolitan area, plus homeschoolers, and includes acts showcasing a variety of talents including baton twirling, martial arts, aerial arts, juggling, spoken word, acting, dancing, singing and a punk rock band. Acts may include up to six students performing as a group and can perform original or published material.

Students in this competition are vying for more than $40,000 in college scholarships, cash awards, and prizes as well as performance opportunities. In addition to the First Place $8,000, Second Place $6,000, and Third Place $4,000 scholarships awarded at the Final Round, restricted scholarship opportunities to Southeast Missouri State University and Webster University will also be available to students taking part in the competition. Each finalist will also be eligible for unique public performance opportunities within the St. Louis area.

Finalists from the past six years have performed at The Muny, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, Webster Groves Art & Air Fair, Taste of Maplewood, St. Louis African Arts Festival, Winter Opera St. Louis, and the Rising Stars Showcase.

Judges for both the preliminary and semi-final rounds of competition are professionals representing a cross-section of the St. Louis performing arts community and entertainment industry who give constructive performance advice to each act individually. Each round of competition will have a panel of at least four judges who will adjudicate and advance acts to the next round.

The two days of preliminary competition, at Robert G. Reim Theatre (Kirkwood) and Logan University (Chesterfield), will narrow the field from 128 to 36 acts. These acts will then compete in the semi-finals on March 25 at Kirkwood High School – Keating Center where the final 12 acts will be chosen to compete onstage at The Fabulous Fox Theatre as part of a professionally produced production, adjudicated by both St. Louis and national performing arts professionals on April 28. This final event is free and open to the public.

Registration for this competition was free and open to all high school students in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

Contestants must be enrolled in the ninth through 12th grades in the 2017-2018 school year and must attend a high school/home school within a 50-mile radius from the Arch in all directions.

Around Town

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Ferguson receives Downtown Revitalization Grant from Missouri Main Street The Ferguson Special Business District has been selected in a competitive application process to participate in a cost-sharing Affiliate Grant that provides training, mentoring and technical services to revitalization programs in Missouri’s historic commercial districts. The grant is provided by Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc. (MMSC) MMSC staff will visit with Ferguson’s downtown community leaders to evaluate existing and future needs of the downtown, and then schedule a series of customized training and mentoring sessions equipping them to concentrate on their local revitalization goals.

MMSC State Director Gayla Roten noted “Through this grant, we will work with Ferguson to unify their community towards the common goal of revitalization. We are very excited to see the community adopt Main Street as a way to energize and engage citizens.”

The goal of the grant is the development of a sustainable, volunteer-based organization that will carry out an economic development program based on the preservation of historic assets in the downtown, using the Main Street Four-Point Approach to Revitalization.

With support from MMSC, the Ferguson revitalization group anticipates: • Maximizing on the community’s strong and established volunteer base to revitalize the downtown district.

• Showcasing the many assets and benefits found in the historic district for Ferguson and the surrounding communities.

• Supporting entrepreneurship and private investment in the historic district.

During the next two years MMSC will provide Ferguson with training and mentoring to establish a revitalization organization that will engage the entire community as a participant and beneficiary.

The group also will attend regional revitalization workshops and conferences conducted by MMSC. The Affiliate Grant is a 40/60 match, requiring the community to contribute 40 percent of the cash value of the services. The total value of the grant in training and mentoring services is $24,000.

Ferguson also is now designated as an Affiliate in the Missouri Main Street Tier Structure which ranks progress on standards established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center. Throughout its history, MMSC has served over 178 Missouri communities.

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Around Town

February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Public invited to panel discussion on further unifying a region for growth through transit Public transit plays a critical part in our region’s transportation system. In recent months, elected officials, local stakeholders and community members created a collaborative network to address ridership issues, including enhanced safety and security measures. To help explore opportunities to further these collaborative efforts, Citizens for Modern Transit is bringing together local experts for a panel discussion, titled “Further Unifying a Region for Growth through Transit.”

The event is set for Thursday, Feb. 8, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the lower level auditorium at the BJC Learning Center, located at 8300 Eager Road in St. Louis. The event is free and open to the public.

Registration is required and can be completed at https://cmt-stl.org or by calling 314-231-7272.

Those in attendance will receive an update on the Northside/Southside MetroLink Study from Lead Consultant Dan Meyers of AECOM, before the panelists take the stage. Bethany Johnson-Javois, chief executive officer of St. Louis Integrated Health Network, will reinforce the intersection between healthcare access, equity and transit; Rudy Nickens, director

of Equal Opportunity and Diversity for the Missouri Department of Transportation will highlight how transportation can help build inclusive communities; and Jim Wild, executive director of East-West Gateway, will address the role collaboration plays in the establishment of a vision. The discussion will conclude with a question and answer session. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Collaboration serves as a rock-solid foundation from which to build,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Now, we must ensure all parties have a sound understanding of how transit access impacts the region, identify where the current system may be falling short and how to overcome it. This panel of thought leaders will help us identify next steps and work together to turn the vision into reality.”

To learn more about this panel discussion or Citizens for Modern Transit and its efforts to further transit development in the St. Louis region, call 314-231-7272, visit https://cmt-stl. org, find the organization on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @cmt_stl.

MDC offers free basic archery instructor training for teachers March 8 in Chesterfield

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Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Teachers learn archery skills during a Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program basic archery instructor training class.

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If you’re interested in boosting students’ selfesteem, improving focus, raising grades, and making kids want to go to school, there’s an activity that’s right on target to make all those things happen.

Archery has been proven to do all of the above for students who participate in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP).

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a MoNASP basic archery instructor training class for teachers from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 8, at Westminster Christian Academy at 800 Maryville Centre Drive in Chesterfield.

This is a free training class and is meant for teachers who are interested in incorporating MoNASP instruction into their school’s curriculum. Teachers must attend the entire training session to receive the Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) Certification. BAI training is required for schools to participate in MoNASP and to qualify for related grant money. MoNASP is taught as a two-week unit during the school day and makes the school eligible to compete

in a National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) tournaments on a local, state, national and international level. Schools must qualify for the NASP competitions.

MoNASP is the Missouri branch of NASP, which provides the BAI Certification. NASP is a national program that teaches International style target archery to students in grades 4-12.

Statistics show school archery programs improve school attendance, increase participants self-esteem and physical activity, helps kids relate to learning subject matter and gets them outdoors to discover nature. Participants also learn an activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives in the form of recreational target shooting or bow hunting.

To register for the workshop, visit https://goo. gl/8Us4rp . For more information, contact MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist at Dennis.Cooke@ mdc.mo.gov, or call 314-301-1500 ext. 4218.

Registration deadline is Feb. 28.

For more information about MoNASP, visit https://goo.gl/SRxq7T.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

SSM Health DePaul Hospital adding second biplane imagining device SSM Health DePaul Hospital is adding a second biplane imaging device to support interventional neurology and its Comprehensive Stroke Center. DePaul Hospital is one of only

two Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the region. The addition of another biplane device will further support services provided to the community.

Around Town

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Free tax preparation available for local low- and moderate-income households United Way 2-1-1 is partnering with local tax coalitions to provide free tax preparation services to St. Louis-area families with a household income of $54,000 or less in 2017. Last year, the partnership filed more than 18,700 tax returns in the St. Louis region, helping local low- and middle-income families receive nearly $18 million in tax refunds.

“This partnership is a valuable resource for the community as the local tax coalitions help thousands of people in the St. Louis region,” said Debbie Irwin, community economic development director, United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“Working families often struggle to save or make ends meet. We hope that the free services available through our partnership will alleviate a financial burden for a number of families this tax season.”

United Way’s tax coalition partners include Metropolitan St. Louis Community Tax Coalition, Gateway EITC Community Coalition, National Association of Black Accountants, and St. Louis Tax Assistance Program. In 2017, 657 volunteers worked through the coalitions to provide services for the region, helping local households save more than $5 million in tax preparation services.

The coalitions also focus on bringing awareness to local individuals and families who qualify to receive a refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit designed to help people increase their financial stability. The average national EITC refund in 2016 was more than $2,470. According to the IRS, in 2017, more than 25 million workers and families nationwide received over $65 billion in EITC.

Anyone interested in receiving tax preparation help and who is eligible under the $54,000 household income threshold may contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or visit www.211helps.org for information on qualifications, locations, dates and a list of documents required for services. Sites operate on an appointment or walk-in basis.

The following locations, dates and times are available for Saturday walk-in sites; call 2-1-1 for hours of operation. For all other locations and times, individuals may call 2-1-1. United Way provides information and referral to all free income tax sites in the greater St. Louis region through its United Way 2-1-1 call center.

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Super Saturday Sites (no appointment necessary) ST. LOUIS COUNTY Believers Temple Word Fellowship 2115 Chambers Rd, St. Louis County Beyond Housing 6506 Wright Way Dr., St. Louis County Blessed Teresa of Calcutta 120 N Elizabeth, Ferguson MET Center 6347 Plymouth Avenue, St. Louis County RTR/DCC (Deaf Community Center) 8764 Manchester Road, Suite 201, St. Louis County (Sign language interpreters available) Southern Mission Baptist Church 8171 Wesley, St. Louis County

MDC staff reopens River’s Edge Trail at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area After extensive work, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff has reopened the River’s Edge Trail at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake. MDC work crews completed restoration efforts on the trail last month and it is now accessible for hiking again.

“The trail was completely covered with debris, sand, and litter after the Missouri River breached our levee during the flood last spring,” said MDC Wildlife Biologist Jessi Tapp.

Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation The trail had been shut down The newly-reopened River’s Edge Trail at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake since that time. affords hikers with a number of pleasing views of the Missouri River.

Tapp explained that the silt and debris was so extensive the project required Missouri River along the way. use of a bull dozer and chainsaws to clear it “Everyone should be happy to know our trail completely from the trail. MDC crews also used has been officially reopened—and it looks great!” the opportunity to widen and improve the trail.

Tapp said.

The River’s Edge is a linear trail approximately The 4,318-acre Columbia Bottom Conservation 2.5 miles in length. The trailhead is located near Area is open year-round for hiking from a half the boat ramp, just off of the Confluence Trail, hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. and travels east along the Missouri River through The area can be reached by taking the I-270 bottomland forest on a natural surface path. The Riverview Exit and travelling approximately three trail ends at the Confluence Viewing Platform. miles north.

From there hikers can either backtrack or continue For more information about Columbia Bottom, onto the paved Confluence Trail and double back including a downloadable map of the area and to the boat ramp. The trail is predominantly flat trails, go to https://goo.gl/vGzvit. and easy, with a number of excellent views of the

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Around Town

February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

The Scholarship Foundation announces The Marita Malone Scholarship The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is excited to announce a $100,000 scholarship opportunity for area students. The Marita Malone Scholarship will provide $25,000 each academic year to cover the cost of college attendance, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses. The scholarship will be awarded to an African-American student from the city of St. Louis with significant financial need.

This substantial scholarship will help achieve positive educational outcomes for marginalized youth. In addition to the current scholarship gift, Dr. Malone

has established a trust that will at her death continue funding the “full ride” scholarship.

Marita Malone, PhD established this scholarship because she “wants to create opportunities for students of color from the city to realize their full potential.” Malone is a retired FBI special agent who subsequently was a lecturer and assistant professor at several universities. She understands first-hand the power of education, having received a scholarship that allowed her to progress in her studies. Both her work in criminal justice and her teaching at the

postsecondary level have made her well familiar with the challenges young people face navigating their way beyond high school.

The online application for the Marita Malone Scholarship is now open at Scholarship Central and the deadline to submit applications is April 16. Please review additional requirements for this scholarship opportunity contact The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

Business

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FCB Banks breaks ground on new location in Florissant

w w w. s e n i o r s h e l p i n g s e n i o r s . c o m / s t l o u i s c e n t r a l

www.facebook.com/mycnews Submitted photo

On Jan. 16, FCB Banks hosted a ground breaking ceremony for their newest location at 14040 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. This will be FCB Banks 15th location in the St. Louis Metro area. They plan to have the full service banking

facility open in spring of 2018. FCB Banks is a locally owned and operated community bank that offers a full array of consumer mortgages and commercial loans as well as extremely competitive deposit products.

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis kicks off 2018 Pro Bono Challenge

Submitted photo Dentons US LLP attorneys pose with the traveling trophy after being declared the “winner” of the 2017 Hon. Richard B. Teitelman Memorial St. Louis Pro Bono Challenge with the highest average hours per attorney: 55.2 hours of pro bono service per attorney.

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) kicked off its 2018 Hon. Richard B. Teitelman Memorial St. Louis Pro Bono Challenge at an awards banquet on Jan. 25 at the St. Louis Club in Clayton.

In 2017, BAMSL partnered with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri to implement this exciting program to encourage and support pro bono legal services, and to publicly recognize those lawyers and law firms who step up to the Challenge.

Thanks to the efforts of the 19 firms participating in the 2017 Challenge, 32,054 hours of pro bono legal work was provided to the St. Louis community in 2017. Each participating firm exceeded the goal of providing 10 hours per attorney of pro bono legal services.

“At a billable rate of $200 an hour, that translates to more than $6.4 million worth of donated attorney time,” BAMSL President Ed Dowd said.

“Thank you for such an amazing contribution to

our community. Thank you also to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri for its partnership in this great program.”

Participating firms pledge to actively encourage pro bono and strive to perform a total of 10 hours of pro bono on average per year per attorney located in St. Louis. For example, a firm of 50 local attorneys would commit to an annual total of 500 hours.

Dentons US LLP and Husch Blackwell LLP exceeded the American Bar Association’s model rule recommendation of 50 pro bono hours per attorney. Dentons was declared the “winner” of the 2017 Challenge with the highest average hours per attorney: 55.2 hours of pro bono service per attorney.

The Challenge was renewed for 2018, and formally launched at the Jan. 25 event, during which participating firms signed a ceremonial pledge that is on display at the BAMSL Bar Center.

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School

February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Leadership program challenges middle schoolers to “Be the Change”

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Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Ruby Jackson (center), teacher at the Normandy 7th-8th Grade Center, works with students at the Challenge Day program.

It’s been said before: middle school can be tough – but it’s not impossible.

Andrew Miller, principal at the Normandy 7th-8th Grade Center, has championed a variety of initiatives to help support students at his school: chess clubs, student newspaper, chicken coop project (for hands-on lessons in science, math and biology).

To kick off the school’s second semester, Miller and Kimberly Campbell, a counselor at the Normandy 7th-8th Grade Center, wanted to do something to foster a more collabor-

ative environment, a culture to encourage stronger leadership skills with their students.

Researching organizations with a track record of improving school culture, Miller and Campbell came across the Challenge Day program. They worked with another school counselor, Dretta Gray-Gilard, and Tim Kjellesvik, building director of Normandy Wraparound Services, to bring in facilitators to work with students.

“The Challenge Day program is a way to break down barriers and make our students feel closer to each other,” Miller said.

Challenge Day is a national nonprofit organization that conducts interactive workshops that promote love, acceptance and respect in schools, workplaces and community.

The Normandy 7th-8th Grade Center held its Challenge Days Jan. 3 and 4, with more than 200 seventh-grade students participating, along with school teachers and staff as well as representatives from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Beyond Housing, Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program, BJC Behavioral Health, and Preferred Family Health Care.

The Challenge Day organization research has shown that bullying, emotional trauma and violence can reduce learning, increase discipline problems and result in physical harm.

Kjellesvik said some N78C students have had their share of conflicts with each other, coming to terms with hurt in their own lives, and understanding how hard life can be for others.

Program facilitator Angela Aguilar shared her personal story of challenges she faced as a teen. She admitted to the group, that in middle school, she was a loner. In high school she was tired of being on the “outside looking in,” and started

hanging with the “mean girls” clique who were all about drama, fighting and putting people down.

Then one day, Aguilar said her friends turned on her and the bully became the bullied.

The taunting was so unbearable; Aguilar said by her senior year, she hated school.

Because of issues like these, Kjellesvik said school leaders hope what students learned as part of the Challenge Days will help them learn to be okay with themselves, to give themselves credit for being survivors, and provide them tools to be the authors of their futures.

Aguilar recited a list of “Challenge Day Norms,” or workshop expectations, ending with a quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

That quote seemed to resonate with students. Kjellesvik commented that some students said what they learned in the session may be the reason they were now more likely to stand up for someone being bullied and less likely to bully someone else.

N78C student La-Tavion Tompkins said it was also a great way to get to know other students better. Many students noted that they didn’t realize so many other students were facing similar challenges to theirs, Kjellesvik said.

“They learned new things about themselves,” Kjellesvik said. “They were able to share things about their lives they hadn’t shared before…and it felt good to get it out there.”

The N78C Challenge Day was made possible by grants through Challenge Day and Wyman, a not-for-profit organization that partners with Normandy Schools Collaborative to provide critical wraparound services for students and their families.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

Recipe:

Food

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THROW A HOT-POT DINNER PARTY

H

eat up your next get-together by inviting family and friends over to try a DIY trend, the hot-pot party. It can be easy to prep and your guests can enjoy cooking and customizing their own meals.

First, prepare a rich, flavored broth and serve steaming-hot in a slow cooker or multi-cooker.

Next, offer a selection of meat, seafood and veggies for dunking. Cook for a few minutes then garnish with sauces and various toppings to match individual tastes.

A traditional East Asian hot-pot broth is flavored with beef stock, soy sauce, chilies, ginger and garlic. Try a Mexican-inspired version by serving a spiced chicken broth with ancho chile pepper, cumin and oregano, or offer a taste of the Caribbean with a coconut milk broth and fresh papaya pica sauce.

Learn more about this hot-pot trend and all the latest flavor trends in McCormick’s 2018 Flavor Forecast at FlavorForecast.com.

Caribbean Hot-Pot Broth with Papaya Pica Sauce Prep time: 45 minutes | Cook time: 3 hours | Servings: 10

Asian Hot-Pot Broth with Tangy Chili Sauce Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 10

Ingredients: Hot-Pot Broth: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced 2 containers (32 ounces each) beef stock 1/4 cup red curry paste 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger 2 tablespoons lime juice Tangy Chili Sauce: 1/2 cup sweet red chili sauce

3 tablespoons lime juice 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced lo mein noodles, cooked assorted mushrooms, sliced (optional) baby bok choy, coarsely chopped (optional) crunchy Chinese noodles (optional) Directions: To make broth: In 6-quart stockpot over mediumhigh heat, heat oil. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in beef stock, curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder and ginger. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Stir lime juice into broth

before serving.

To make Tangy Chili Sauce: In small bowl, mix red chili sauce and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, pour broth into heated 6-quart electric slow cooker or hot pot. Cook steak in broth about 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches desired doneness.

Place lo mein noodles in bowls then ladle broth and steak over top. Stir in Tangy Chili Sauce and top with mushrooms, baby bok choy and Chinese noodles, if desired.

Puebla Hot-Pot Broth with Avocado Crema Prep time: 45 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 10 Ingredients: Puebla Hot-Pot Broth: 3 tablespoons ancho chile pepper 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons oregano leaves 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup finely chopped white onion 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 containers (32 ounces each) chicken stock 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 2 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut into 1-inch rounds 2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions: To make broth: In small bowl, mix chile pepper, ground cumin, oregano, paprika and salt. Set aside. In 6-quart stockpot on medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until softened. Stir in chicken stock, crushed tomatoes and 1/2 of seasoning mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes, adding corn during last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove corn to plate. Stir lime juice into broth.

Avocado Crema: 1/2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped 1 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon lime juice 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips 1 chayote, peeled and cut into matchsticks avocado, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) crunchy tortilla strips (optional)

Coat chicken strips with remaining seasoning mixture.

To make Avocado Crema: In food processor on high speed, process avocado, sour cream, lime juice, salt and garlic powder until smooth. Transfer to bowl; cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, pour broth into heated 6-quart electric slow cooker or hot pot. Cook chicken and chayote in broth 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Ladle broth with cooked chicken and vegetables into individual bowls. Top with Avocado Crema and avocado, fresh cilantro and tortilla strips, if desired.

Ingredients: Caribbean Hot-Pot Broth: 2 pounds smoked ham hocks 2 cups sliced yellow onions 1 cup diagonally sliced carrots 1/2 cup diagonally sliced celery 8 1/4 cups water, divided 1 container (32 ounces) chicken stock 1 whole chile pepper, such as Scotch bonnet or habanero 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon thyme leaves 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper salt, to taste 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 cans (13.66 ounces each) coconut milk 2 tablespoons lime juice Papaya Pica Sauce: 3 cups cubed fresh papaya 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup chopped, seeded Scotch bonnet (chile pepper) 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion 1/4 cup yellow mustard 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 pound uncooked bay scallops 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined cooked rice toasted shredded coconut (optional) fresh red or green bell pepper slices (optional)

Directions: To make broth: Place ham hocks, onion, carrots and celery in 6-quart stockpot. Cook on medium heat 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 8 cups water, chicken stock, chile pepper, bay leaves, thyme leaves, turmeric, allspice and pepper. Add salt, to taste. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour, skimming fat occasionally.

Remove cover and simmer 30 minutes, skimming fat occasionally. Remove ham hocks and skim fat. In small bowl, whisk cornstarch and remaining water. Add to pot with coconut milk. Cook on medium heat 30 minutes. Skim fat. Stir lime juice into broth.

To make Papaya Pica Sauce: In food processor on high speed, process papaya, vinegar, chile pepper, onion, mustard, salt, allspice, garlic powder, ginger and cloves until smooth. Transfer to medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes. Pour into medium bowl.

To serve, pour broth into heated 6-quart electric slow cooker or hot pot. Cook shrimp and scallops in broth about 5 minutes, or until cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Place some rice in bowl then ladle broth and seafood over top. Stir in Papaya Pica Sauce and top with shredded coconut and pepper slices, if desired.

10

Learn & Play

February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Valentine’s Day

Yeggs

John Hanna

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

ACROSS 1. Nerds 6. *Dad’s Valentine 9. *Seal with a kiss and do this 13. Marconi’s wireless telegraphy 14. Nightcap rocks 15. Relish tastebuds’ sensation 16. Fervor 17. “Le ____ des cygnes” 18. Togetherness 19. *Botanical Valentine’s Day gift, pl.

21. *Romantic taper 23. *Princess Jasmine’s love interest 24. Per person 25. Rub-a-dub-____ 28. Distressed cry 30. Asphalt alternative 35. Native-American storytelling tradition 37. Sound of impact 39. Royal headgear 40. Morally reprehensible 41. Type of rug 43. Tennis serving whiz 44. Painter’s support 46. Dust allergy trigger 47. It “was made for you and me” 48. *He played Lara Antipova’s lover, 1965 50. Swerve 52. Is, no longer 53. Fireplace part 55. Corn unit 57. *St. Valentine, e.g.

60. *Author of earliest Valentine’s Day reference 64. Chinese silk plant 65. Fluffy accessory 67. Window treatment 68. Change the Constitution 69. Annoying pop-ups 70. Implant 71. It can turn pumpkin into carriage 72. Fishing mesh 73. Relieves

DOWN 1. Steffi of tennis 2. “Me and ____ and the Dying Girl” 3. Cocoyam 4. Native of American Great Plains 5. Very much 6. 0.001 inches, pl.

7. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 8. Hajj destination 9. Head-hiding place 10. Bad to the bone 11. Post-it slip 12. Like some martinis 15. Broad-brimmed beachwear 20. Watts events, 1965 22. Make a scene 24. Hard to pin down 25. *Avian symbol of love, pl.

26. “Umble” Heep 27. Crafter’s wood 29. Impulse 31. Iranian coin 32. Cockatoo’s cousin 33. Rome’s Colosseum 34. *Paper greetings 36. Suggestive look 38. *Valentine’s Day Get-together 42. Medicinal worm 45. Up in the air 49. Tsetse, e.g.

51. Traveling entertainer’s helper 54. Opposite of rural 56. Aung San Suu Kyi’s home 57. Vicki Lawrence’s Thelma Harper 58. Echoed by the flock 59. Source of zest 60. Those in a play 61. Uber competitors 62. “The Three Musketeers” dueling sword 63. Bolsheviks 64. Like sashimi 66. Schiller’s “____ to Joy” See answers on page 13

Along came a spider My husband had one job to do…just one. Not a list of multiple honey dos such as, take out the garbage; open the pickle jar; here smell this and tell me if it’s rotten. No! That would have required an office assistant to keep track of the multiple duties, and it would have deleted too much time out of his football-watching season. So instead, I lowered my expectations and gave him one teensie, weensie thing to do and then he would be free to go back to his life’s passion.

It began like this: “A-a-a-argh!” I shrieked out in my best I’m-being-eaten-by-zombies voice. “There is a Godzillasized, multiple legged, many-eyeballed insectoid on my ceiling. It has crab-claw sized mandibles and is getting ready to spit face-eating acid at my head! Help!”

Crickets.

From the depths of my husband’s man-cave, “TOUCHDOWN!” I marched downstairs and stood in front of his flat screen blocking out the field goal kick.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?” he barked.

“I’ll tell you what the big idea is. I almost got murdered upstairs. I screamed for help and got nothing, nada-doodykins! That’s what!”

“You look pretty unmurdered to me right now.”

I grabbed the remote and put the game on pause then dropped it down into the unknown depths of my brassier and gave it a pat. “You’ll get this after you finish your assignment.”

Eye roll. “Now what? Do you want me to taste the cottage cheese to see if it’s still edible?”

“No. Grab your gun. There’s a giant intruder in the bedroom.”

I ignored his mocking laughter. We entered the room and I pointed upward.

“There! Kill!”

He gave it a once over and said, “Ya, that’s a biggun!”

“Hello? Why do you think I’ve been screaming my lungs out up here? Now make mashed potatoes out of that ugly sucker and be sure you squish the egg-sac or we’ll have its nasty bugeyed children running all over the place!”

He grabbed a tissue and positioned himself directly under the mammoth beast and prepared to punch, pinch and twist. But too late; I detected hesitation. A moment of little-girl fear penetrated his manly, muscular, maleness! For a nanosecond he imagined the toothy jaws of the spider clenching down onto his hand and delivering a paralyzing shot of poison into his thumb. He let out a tiny gasp.

The spider took the opportunity and flung down on its escape strand of silk. It then scuttled off underneath the safety of the floorboards.

The demon creepy-crawly is still running loose in the bedroom, but fortunately I am armed with a sturdy remote control at all times to pound it lifeless should it resurface.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation?

Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

Sports you see with Gary B...

Early Valentine’s present brings premier soccer for women This year will be the inaugural season for the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) who along with the St. Louis Lions of the Premier Development League (PDL) is both owned by Champion Sports Management, Inc. (CSM).

St. Louis soccer legend Tony Glavin and his partners founded (CSM) in 2005 to provide a professional setting for players that desire to excel and develop their soccer careers.

“I’m very excited about adding the women’s side to our St. Louis Lions. This will be a great opportunity for many young women to participate from our local high school, colleges and youth clubs, not only in the St. Charles area but the entire St Louis region.”

The independent league has over 100 clubs participating from all over the United States.

Sean Jones, President of the WPSL said in a statement, “We are proud to welcome the St. Louis Lions to the WPSL’s “Heartland” conference to showcase great women’s talent in the St. Louis area.”

The WPSL side will be coached by TGSC Assistant Club Director, Geoff Lorimier who has been with the club since 2001.

Check out the brand new website at www.STLLionsWPSL.com. * A kickin’ good time for the females Staff photographer goes to Bahamas with the LPGA The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) held a tournament in late January called the Pure Silk Tournament at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Ray Rockwell the Community News Staff Photographer, received a gift last year on Father’s Day from his family of six kids (Rob, Missy, Debby, Denny, Tim and Stacie), that was a card with enough money for a Dream Trip, “We want you to live out your dream and go to the LPGA in the Bahamas.”

Rockwell with his grandson, Noah, attended a tournament in Decatur, Illinois in June where the top10 players would qualify to play in the LPGA. Little did he know he would be up close to these and many other professional women golfers.

With about a month before his departure, he saw in the LPGA website a need for volunteers for the tournament. The “shuttle committee” drives players from one hole to the next tee box.

He applied and was awarded another part to his dream trip.

Rockwell commented, “To have the players you’ve watched on TV sitting next to you in a golf cart is amazing. On the first day American professional Cheyenne Woods got into the cart and she asked me, ‘how are you doing’? I said I’m living the dream, she replied, ‘So am I.’ The play-

Sports

11

– SUDOKU – Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Photo by Ray Rockwell Pictured are American’s Brittney Lincicome who won the tournament at 12 under par and Michelle Wie finishing tied for 11th.

ers were all so friendly and talkative.” * Thanks Ray for sharing your Dream Vacation River City Rascals baseball The River City club play their home games at Carshield Field with the first game on May 4.

For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com * Rascal baseball in 85 days

I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com

See solution on page 13

www.byerlyrv.com

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time.

He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.cedarhurstliving.com

12

What’s Happening

February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!

EVENTS

tion call 314-831-6121.

call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 7: Karaoke

Feb 16: Fish dinner

Fish dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 3 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 8: Open house

Feb. 17: Chili cook-off and desert competition

An open house takes place at North County Christian School at 845 Dunn Road in Florissant at 7 p.m. Visit the open house for an opportunity to see the school, review curriculum and meet staff, teachers and parents. For more information call 314-972-6227.

Feb. 8: Food packing event

Operation Food Search, a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host its “Share the Love” Rap ‘N Pack from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at OFS’ headquarters located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. The cost is $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Participants ages 21 years of age and older will help pack food for food insecure children and their families. Volunteers will enjoy upbeat music, appetizers and adult beverages. They will learn more about the nonprofit organization that feeds more than 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – onethird of which are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 31 Missouri and Illinois counties.

To sign up for the Rap ‘N Pack, visit http://www.OperationFoodSearch.org or call 314-726-5355.

Feb. 9: Valentine dinner/dance

Fanfare Band will entertain at the Florissant Valentine Dinner/Dance from 5 – 9 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center at #1 James Eagan Drive in Florissant. Cost is $12 residents and $150 non-residents. Price includes admission, dinner and light snacks.

Watch the performance or dance the night away! Everyone is welcome – residents and non-residents. Dinner of Passion Chicken, au gratin potatoes, vegetable Normandy, salad, rolls/butter and cherry pie will be served at 5:30 p.m. Light snacks will be on the tables and beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase. Tickets are sold in the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall at 955 St. Francois. There are no ticket sales at the door. Please call the Senior Office at 314-839-7605 for more information.

Feb 9: Country fried steak or meatloaf dinner

Country fried steak or meatloaf dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 10: Breakfast

Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 10: Flea market

Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 14: Ash Wednesday service

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Ave. invites the community at 11 a.m. for its Ash Wednesday Service. The service will include the imposition of ashes and communion. All are welcome to participate. Questions call 314-429-7464.

Feb. 14: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more informa-

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, at 315 Graham Road in Florissant, is hosting their Fourth Annual Chili Cook-off and Dessert Competition.

Doors open at 4 p.m.; judging begins at 4:30 p.m. You must deliver your entry by 4:30 p.m. for it to be judged. It is free to enter your chili or dessert and free to eat. Local celebrity judges will award first-place winners: $250 prize for best chili, $100 for best dessert and $50 in prizes for best kids dessert.

Feb. 17: Bunco tournament

Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce its annual Bunco Tournament at Florissant’s JFK Center at 315 Howdershell.

The price per player is $25. Players are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and bunco starts at 7 p.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle and cash prizes for the winners. Proceeds from the Bunco Tournament benefit local women and children’s charities. Past recipients include Helping Hand Me Downs, Girls in the Know, ALIVE (Alternatives to Living in Violent Environments), Dewight E. Patton Jr. Foundation, and Kathy J. Weinman Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence. Visit www. sorpoptimiststlouis.com for more information regarding registration and sponsorship. Feel free to email questions to info@soroptimiststlouis.com.

Feb. 17: Monthly writing workshop

Writing workshop at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring work to read and share with group. Free event sponsored by Write Sistahs Literary Group.

Email writesistahs@yahoo.com or call 314-210-4774 for more info.

Feb. 17: BB gun shoot

The Florissant Eagles #3638 will be holding an indoor BB gun shoot. All ages welcome and open to the public.

Must use house guns. Located at 15245 New Halls Ferry Rd.

Feb. 19: Alzheimer’s discussion

“Alzheimer’s – A Family Challenge” will be the program for the meeting of the Ferguson-Florissant Branch (North County) American Association of University Women. Mrytis Spencer, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Andrea Denny, JD, who work for the Knight Alzheimer Research Center of Washington University will be the program presenters. The meeting will be at 10 a.m. at Immanuel UCC at 211 Church Street in Ferguson. The program is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 314-5220413, 314-831-5359 or 314-831-6884.

Feb. 21: Heart screening

Free healthy heart screening from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Crystal Creek Rehab Ctr. at 250 S. New Florissant Rd. in Florissant.

Feb. 21: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 23: Fish dinner

Fish dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 3 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information

Boy Scout Troop 884 trivia night takes place at Trinity Church of the Nazarene at 3515 Shackleford Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Cost is $120 a table for eight people or $15 per person. Snacks and drinks are provided, no alcohol permitted. Bring extra cash for special games and mulligans. There will be silent auction gift baskets and attendance prizes. Contact Tina Thomas to reserve your table at 314-740-7607.

Feb. 24: Free concert

Free concert featuring Justin B. Funk & The Funk Session Band takes place at the Blockhouse Saloon at 8124 St. Charles Rock Rd. from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Free food until it’s gone.

Feb. 28: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 28: Snowman building contest

If you think you build the best snowman in your neighbourhood, then we have a contest for you. Until Feb. 28, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the JFK Center Office along with an application. Prizes will be awarded. The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter. For ages 15 and younger. Pick up an application, or visit our website, email a digital photo to jsteib@florissantmo. com, or send your picture with your child’s name, address, phone number and age to: Attn: Snowman Contest, JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant, Missouri 63031. For further information, call 314-921-4250.

March 2: Party On the Ice

Annual Party On the Ice youth event takes place at the James J Eagan Center Ice Rink in Florissant for fifth - eighth graders from 6:30 – 9 p.m. There will be DJ music, ice skating, pizza, soda, contests and door prizes. Cost for residents is $5 and for non-residents is $7.

Tickets required upon entry. Tickets available at the JJE and JFK Centers.

Call 314-921-4466 or 314-921-4250 for more information

March 17: Monthly writing workshop

Writing workshop at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring work to read and share with group. Free event sponsored by Write Sistahs Literary Group.

Email writesistahs@yahoo.com or call 314-210-4774 for more info.

March 31: Suits for soldiers

500 Suits For 500 Soldiers will take place at Greg Mans Farmers Agency at 9335 Gravois Road, Suite C in St. Louis. Since over one million military personnel will be making the transition to the civilian workforce in the next couple of years, Sons of American Legion Post 397 and H.E.R.O.E.S Care have 500 suits, shirts and ties to donate to St Louis veterans and active military to help their transition easier.

All veterans and active military can pick up a complimentary suit between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. They will also have free haircuts onsite, donated by Clipper- Mobile Salon and Farmers Insurance. First come, first serve between 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Veterans Affairs representatives will be onsite to answer questions. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact 314-638-8890.

April 28: Poetry and open mic

Poets, storytellers, dancers, singers invited for “Northern Lights,” a community arts program celebrating National Poetry Month and all arts in North St. Louis County. This event will be On Facebook live. Hosted

by Write Sistahs Literary Group at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant from 1-3 p.m. Email, call or text to sign up at writesistahs@ yahoo.com or 314-210-4774.

RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant. Donations accepted. Docents needed.

314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you!

No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314615-4516.

Mondays: Choral Art Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25. New singers are welcome.

Auditions are not required. See ww.concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane.

We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment ). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music.

We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30pm, games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 am at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

Doors at 7:30am, games begin at 9:30am. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs.

Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

Fridays: Celebrate Recovery

For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This Christcentered, 12-step program is based on the Beatitudes. We meet every Friday at 6:15 p.m. for dinner ($5); 7 p.m. large group meeting; 8 p.m. Small groups sharing; 9 p.m. dessert at First Christian Church of Florissant at 2890 Patterson Rd. in Florissant. For more information call 314-837-2269 or visit http://www.fccf.org/ or Facebook page Celebrate Recovery-FCCF.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support group

A Way with Words Grief Support Ministry meets the fourth Saturday each month at Community Christ Fellowship (in the rear) at121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Pat Ryan at 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 444 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Road between Sinks Rd and Lindbergh starting at noon until dusk every Sunday in February and March in the spring and every Sunday in October through the second-to-last week in November in the fall - rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737

HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center.

Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1.877.477.6954.

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed

4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314.653.5032.

2nd Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm.

Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

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

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

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

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123.

Nutrition Education:

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

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314822-2066 or visit WWW.NicotineAnonymous.org.

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health

What’s Happening

13

Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served.

Info: 314.344.6090.

Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765

Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse:

Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866.

SSM.DOCS to register or for more information.

12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.Nar-Anon. org

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177

SUDOKU answers from page 11

Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314953-6090

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

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits.

This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314.344.6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636.947.5617

Speaker’s Bureau:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477.

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

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February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

FOR RENT

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

HELP WANTED

SINGERS WANTED

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, J.L.

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, J.M.R.

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

$15.00 CALL

636-697-2414

Check it Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 7, 2018

15

CLASSIFIEDS

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Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc • Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

314-993-1833

www.DanneggerBrothers.com www.danneggerbrothers.com Insured | Experienced | Local | Quality

Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

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February 7, 2018 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘Black Panther’ leads a bumper crop of 2018 Marvel movies

M O V I E

By Steve Bryan

The Marvel Cinematic Universe roars back into theaters this year with “Black Panther,” a film that received praise and critical acclaim after its big Hollywood premiere. Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa, a prince from Wakanda, an African nation known for its technology and the rare metal called Vibranium. After the death of his father, T’Challa will become the new king while still performing his duties as the heroic Black Panther.

Two Marvel Comics legends, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, created the character in “Fantastic Four” #52 back in 1966. Over the last 50 years, he has been a member of the Avengers, fought alongside many Marvel heroes and even married Ororo Munroe, the mutant hero known as Storm.

The character currently has his own ongoing Marvel Comic book series and “Black Panther” marks his first solo cinematic adventure.

Boseman definitely was the logical choice to play the role, especially after portraying real-life heroes such as Jackie Robinson in “42” and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017’s “Marshall.” The actor first appeared as Black Panther in “Captain America: Civil War” and his new film takes viewers to the character’s technologically-rich homeland.

Black Panther will join dozens of Marvel characters in the upcoming “Avengers: Infinity War,” which could become the ultimate superhero adventure. Intergalactic bad guy Thanos (Josh Brolin) wants to collect all the so-called “Infinity Gems” in order to obtain incredible cosmic power. It will take the efforts of Iron Man, Captain America, the Guardians of the Galaxy and others to stop him. The after-credits scenes here could take three times as long to show up.

Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man is part of “Infinity War” as well a new adventure featuring Evangeline Lilly as his partner, the Wasp. The original “AntMan” was a fun romp with a lesser-known Marvel character, one that has

www.lindenwood.edu/itstime

been around for over 50 years. Director Peyton Reed has the right touch for this hero and wisely reassembled the original cast for “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”

One notable Marvel anti-hero may not be fighting Thanos this year, however. In “Deadpool 2,” "Black Panther" photo courtesy Marvel Studios Ryan Reynolds returns as Wade Wilson, the mercenary with a scarred face and incredible healing powers.

The original film exceeded all expectations with its sharp writing and Reynold’s hilarious performance as Deadpool.

The Walt Disney/Fox deal means that Deadpool could join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but perhaps not for “Infinity War.” In “Deadpool 2,” Josh Brolin does double-duty for Marvel as Nathan Summers, an important part of the X-Men universe. It’s good to see Brianna Hildebrand returning as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, an X-Man who can release explosive bursts from her body. Morena Baccarin returns as Vanessa, Wade Wilson’s love interest, and Leslie Uggams is on hand as Blind Al, Deadpool’s roommate.

Based on this lineup, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to dominate the box office in 2018.

“Black Panther” opens on Friday, February 16, 2018.

“Avengers: Infinity War” opens on Friday, May 4, 2018.

“Deadpool 2,” opens on Friday, May 18, 2018.

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” opens on Friday, July 6, 2018.

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.