CN: February 19, 2020

February 19, 2020

Staying fresh in the winter

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson. Pg. 2

Northwest News Rettsyndrome.org to host 13th Strollathon. Pg. 4

School Hazelwood Schools certify as State Schools of Character.

Pg. 6

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 Submitted photos

The Ferguson Farmers Market winter market takes place at St. Stephens Episcopal Church at 33N Clay Avenue.

Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

The Ferguson Farmers Market continues as an indoor winter market November through April with locally grown produce and other food items

Weather

By Charlotte Beard The Ferguson Farmers Market, founded in 2002, is known for being a Saturday morning tradition in Ferguson. Though its outdoor presence only lasts from May until October every year, it continues as an indoor winter market November through April of the following year one Saturday out of the month, 9 a.m. until 12 noon.

“The winter market is the third Saturday of every month,” shared Mary Haux, manager of the Ferguson Farmers Market. “The winter market takes place at St. Stephens Episcopal Church (at 33N) Clay Avenue. They are the

host. We have many of the same vendors – a few different vendors. It’s a much smaller space but St. Stephens is very accommodating and a community-oriented church. The produce and food items at the winter market are greenhouse tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, purple heart radish, turnip greens, curly kale, salad mix, arugula, spinach, chard, grass-fed beef, chicken, pork, eggs, fresh baked bread.”

When asked about the source of the produce, Haux stated, “EarthDance has their farm right here in Ferguson on Dade Avenue and they are organic. They grow every-

CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

thing right there on their farm. Howie Farms – some of their produce comes from a few different farmers but it’s all local and not far from Ferguson.”

According to Haux some of the participating vendors are routine vendors such as EarthDance and Howie Farms.

All vendors pay a fee to be hosted at the market, but they keep their own profits. The market is known for hosting an array of gift and specialty vendors. Currently the market See ‘FRESH’ page 2

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Around Town

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‘FRESH’ from cover is particularly seeking more produce vendors as well as vendors for cheeses, breads, and sweets/bakery items. Vendors can sign up for the Ferguson or Tower Grove markets at tgfarmersmarket.com. Haux states that Tower Grove is handling applications for both markets.

“Last year (we started) a partnership with the Tower Grove Market. We are under their umbrella of markets. It’s been nice to have their support. Our goal is to increase our vendors and customers; I think (the partnership) has been helping.”

Haux shared some of the other entities that have been annual vendors and help sustain the presence of the winter market.

“We always have a breakfast booth. This year it’s being run by a couple from St. Stephens. They offer things like gluten-free pancakes, eggs, sausage, etc. That’s always popular. We also have some nonprofit booths like the Ferguson Eagle Team. The Girl Scouts will be there with Girl Scout Cookies. It is a well-rounded market but smaller (during winter).”

Ferguson is gearing up for the soon return of its weekly Saturday outdoor market in May which is hosted on the grounds of PLAZA 501 at 501 S. Florissant Rd. This year the outdoor market will start May 2 and run through Oct. 31, including Independence Day. “During the summer, also unique to our

Submitted photos The Ferguson Farmers Market winter market takes place at St. Stephens Episcopal Church at 33N Clay Avenue.

market, we have events planned for every Saturday. We’re in the planning process right now but we will have local chefs giving chef demos. Last year we had (youth of Circus Performance) from the City Museum; we might try to have them back this year. And every August we have the German Fest. We have live music every week, too.”

Haux stated that Jerry Rabushka and Curtis Buckhannon of the Buckhannon Brothers have provided live music this winter season.

Ferguson Farmers Market is staffed by all volunteers, excluding Haux’s managerial

COMMUNITY VOICES

role.

“We have one shift of volunteers during the summer that gets (to the market) at 5 a.m. (to) set up tents for the vendors. Another shift comes in later to take care of things and then takes down the market when we’re done. I know many market vendors (must take) their own tent (to a market). Ours is kind of unique in that respect.”

Follow updates for the Ferguson Farmers Market’s vendors, entertainment, and special events on their website at https://fergusonfarmersmarket.com or look for their page on Facebook.

By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson

Breaking the cycle of domestic violence and abuse

Violence against women by their intimate partners is as old as recorded history and affects more women in the United States than any other form of violence. It is believed to be responsible for significant mortality, injury and threats to women’s physical and mental health. Each year, literally millions of women are wounded, crippled, disfigured, traumatized and maimed by male partners – or they die.

One way to break the cycle of domestic violence and abuse is to change our beliefs about this issue. Some of our beliefs are: • Domestic Violence is rare Although the statistics we have on family violence is not precise because many times it is not reported, there are many children, women and even men who are abused physically by family members or other intimate partners.

• Domestic Violence is confined to the low income Police records, victim service agencies, and research studies show that domestic violence exists in every socio-economic group, regardless of race or culture.

• Alcohol and drug abuse are the real

causes of violence Because a male abuser may be using drugs, it’s easy to conclude that these substances may cause him to be violent with his family members. Substance abuse or alcohol can increase the lethality of the violence, or offer the abuser an excuse to evade responsibility for his behavior.

Men are the abusers in the overwhelming majority of domestic violence incidents. He controls his actions, even when he’s drunk or high on drugs. He does this by choosing the time and place for the abuse to take place. Successful completion in a substance abuse or alcohol recovery program does not guarantee an end to the person being abusive. Domestic violence is a different problem than substance or alcohol abuse and should be treated separately.

• Women who are being abused can always leave The most common question asked about women in an abusive relationship is “Why doesn’t she just leave?” Most of the time shelters are full. Many family and friends may not be supportive. Faced with basic financial responsibilities, a woman with

children may not be able to support herself and her children alone. Also, there is a possibility she can increase her chance of more physical harm or even death if she leaves.

Life Source Consultants provides free support and confidential services for women and teens dealing with physical, mental, emotional, verbal, financial or sexual abuse. “Love Doesn’t Hurt.” Call 314-5240686.

Dr. Gloria J. Johnson is the Founder/CEO of Life Source Consultants, the first non-residential African American domestic and sexual violence organization in the State of Missouri. Motivated by a deep love and commitment to abused women and to forever change images and perceptions toward domestic violence, family violence and abuse, Johnson shares true life stories of victims in her book “I Cried Alone.” Johnson received a Master’s in Biblical Counseling and a Ph.D. in marriage and family counseling from Biblical Life College and Seminary.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’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 19, 2020

Around Town

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Citizens for Modern Transit to host event highlighting the impact of public transit on property values People in the St. Louis region know public transit creates jobs, promotes spending and stimulates local economies; but they may not be aware it also helps to increase property values.

Area residents are invited to learn more, as Hugh Morris of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) in Washington, DC, shares insight from a recent report, completed in partnership with the American Public Transit Association, at Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) next “Talking Transit” event. The event will be held on March 4, at 8:30 a.m. at T-REX at 911 Washington in St. Louis.

Morris will showcase the performance of residential and commercial property sales between 2012 and 2016 in areas near fixed-guideway transit stations and those without public transit access in small, medium and large regions – including Boston; Eugene, Ore.; Hartford, Conn.;

Los Angeles; Minneapolis–St. Paul; Phoenix; and Seattle. He will also discuss what this means for development near transit in the St. Louis market.

“Residents of the St. Louis region benefit from accessible public transit in more ways than we realize,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We look forward to Morris’ presentation and insights and what it means for current and future property values locally.”

Citizens for Modern Transit is hosting this event in conjunction with the St. Louis REALTORS and the American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter. Registration can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org. The cost is free for CMT, St. Louis REALTORS members and AIA St. Louis members, and $10 for non-members. A limited number of scholarships are available to those with personal financial constraints

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The Poetry Out Loud regional final was recently held at the Gary R. Gaydos Auditorium On Feb. 4, the St. Louis Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest was held in the Gary R. Gaydos Auditorium in the James J. Eagan Center. Florissant Mayor Timothy Lowery welcomed the nine St. Louis County contestants, their school coordinators, families and friends, saying they were “sharing the city’s vision for the use of this space to provide opportunity for the arts and education to flourish in our area.”

The evening’s contestants represented not only their nine schools but the 45 teachers, 115 contestants and 1,730 students that had earlier participated in their respective St. Louis County school’s Poetry Out Loud contest. Each contestant recites three poems in three separate rounds as a part of this national poetry recitation contest, which is a collaboration of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, The Missouri Arts Council, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies and at this level the city of Florissant. Originating in 2005, the contest is open to high school students in all fifty states.

At the end of the evening Regional Coordinator Nancy Crouse announced the top three winners: in third place, senior Maddie Hoffmann from Park-

way West High School, school coordinator Andria Benmuvhar; in second place, freshman Niah Ester from Parkway North High School, school coordinator Melissa Lynn Pomerantz; and in first place, Rachel Solverud representing Nerinx Hall High School, school coordinator Raeann Eschmann. This will be Rachel’s second trip to the Missouri State Poetry Out Loud Final, where contestants from approximately nine other Regional Contests throughout Missouri will meet to compete in Jefferson City on March 11 and 12 at the Harry S. Truman Building.

The state winner will represent Missouri at the national finals in Washington D. C. April 27-29.

Other contestants were Abigail Bennett from Affton High School, Troy Kozak school coordinator; Liam Taylor from John Burroughs, school coordinator Eleanor Des Prez; Celina Colon Perez from Hazelwood Central High School, Rebecca Weingart school coordinator; Joyce Sung from Parkway South High School, school coordinator Steve Wissinger; Isabel Simpson from Villa Duchesne, Elizabeth Yee school coordinator; and Nora Staley-Brain from Whitfield High School, school coordinator Tom Herman. The judges commented on the high caliber of all those participating.

The four judges for the St.

Louis County Regional, Renee Fenner, Pam Geppert, Noelle Jones and Michelle Paladin evaluated the contestants on their physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding, accuracy and overall performance. Students had positive things to say about their teachers and other mentors as well as their personal growth as participants in Poetry Out Loud. This is the fifth consecutive year for the Florissant Civic Center Theatre to host the St. Louis County Regional Poetry Out Loud.

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Northwest News

February 19, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Rettsyndrome.org to host 13th Strollathon Rettsyndrome.org will host its 13th annual St. Louis Strollathon on May 2 with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m. The one-mile family-friendly stroll, which will be held at the JCC-St. Louis located at 2 Millstone Campus Dr., includes a visit from Fredbird, entertainment and food. All proceeds will benefit Rett Syndrome research.

Last year’s event had 500 participants, and more than $700,000 total has been raised from the past 12 walks.

The Strollathon program, Rettsyndrome.org’s national signature fundraising event, has brought families together to fundraise and to strengthen the local Rett community since 2002. Strollathons have raised a grand total of nearly $15 million nationwide for research treatments and a cure in the last 18 years.

St. Louis features a specialty clinic to care for and support children with Rett Syndrome and Rett-related disorders. The clinic is a collaboration between Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis

Children’s Hospital. Patients and their families have the opportunity to meet with several health care providers including neurology, therapy, and nutrition along with other needed specialists. The clinic – which was named one of 14 Rett syndrome clinical research centers of excellence – has a team of specialists with substantial experience in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of individuals with Rett syndrome. By partnering with families and community healthcare providers, the clinic delivers care that is comprehensive and appropriate for a family’s individual needs.

Rett syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females and becomes apparent after 6-18 months of early normal development.

It results in a regression that leads to lifelong impairments. Those inflicted with this disorder have multiple dysfunctions: speech is lost, seizures develop and scoliosis occurs, many develop irregular breathing patterns, and more than half of the girls and women lose their

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Northwest Views:

ability to walk. Those diagnosed with Rett require maximum assistance with even the most basic daily activities.

The hallmark sign of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while awake.

Rettsyndrome.org is currently funding research to development compounds and interventions to treat and cure Rett syndrome. Rettsyndrome.org has supported the development of five compounds to date that have advanced to various stages of human clinical trials, and 2019 is expected to see the first FDA approved Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Rett syndrome.

Rettsyndrome.org is the world’s leading private, nonprofit organization that has funded more than $49 million for research to date.

Donations are appreciated to the Strollathon, which is free and open to the public. For more information, call Strollathon chair Joyce Opinsky at 314-346-1323, e-mail her at stlstrollathon@gmail.com, or visit the organization’s website at http://www.rettsyndrome.org.

Renewing hope for sick and injured children

By Dr. Nick Holekamp

www.providentstl.org

As the chief medical officer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, part of my job is caring for children who are recovering from injuries caused by their parents or caregivers. Lately, we’ve seen too many of these children: a shaken infant, a toddler beaten with a broomstick, another still in a coma weeks after being beaten at home, a threeyear-old child with leg burns from being dipped in hot water, a school-aged boy with intestinal injuries from being punched and kicked and a newborn baby addicted to heroin. At times, these children’s heartbreaking stories are enough to shake my faith in humanity.

But just when I am feeling most discouraged about our children’s future, I encounter someone who – by their love and kindness – gives me reason to hope. Holly’s mom is one of those people.

Holly is a two-year-old girl with Down syndrome. She has spent most of her life in the hospital with heart, lung, neurologic and intestinal problems and has endured many operations and complications. She has a breathing tube, a feeding tube, a colostomy, multiple surgical scars and she can’t eat or sit up on her own. She is often sick with fevers, rashes, or breathing problems requiring lab tests, X-rays, new medicines, and frequent trips to see specialists. But when Holly is feeling good and her brother kisses her loudly on the cheek, Holly’s exuberant smile lights up the room.

Recently, Holly’s mom worriedly asked me some tough questions, “Am I being selfish? Are we putting her through too much?”

The only way I could answer Mom’s heart-wrenching questions about Holly was to suggest we continue what we have done for Holly all along – give her the medical support and the time and space she needs to get better. More importantly, I told Mom to continue to give Holly the love and nurturing that her family has been so good at providing. To that she said, “Look at her, Dr. Holekamp. How could you not love her?”

With such a simple sentiment, she sparked renewed hope and reframed my whole view of sick kids and the people who care for them. I better understood that what she said about her daughter was true for every one of our patients at Ranken Jordan. The love Holly’s mom feels is the same love that makes parents sit by their child’s bedside day and night.

It’s also what drives the dedicated nurses, doctors, therapists, and support staff at Ranken Jordan every day, around the clock, to embrace the challenging work of caring for these children. And it’s what motivates our many kind volunteers to give their time to distract these kids from the pain of their injuries and the frustrations of dealing with new limitations.

Being surrounded by compassionate people who give so much of themselves every day at Ranken Jordan restores my faith in humanity. At the same time, the children we care for continue to inspire me.

How could you possibly not love these children who teach us so much about resilience and forgiveness? The answer is simple: You can’t.

Holly and her family are just one example of the courage, hope, and love that inspires all we do at Ranken Jordan. Despite challenging days, our Ranken Jordan team’s dedication to helping all children and families is unwavering. I’m so proud to be part of this team and grateful for the opportunity to witness the triumphs of life and to celebrate the incredible strength of the human spirit.

Dr. Nick Holekamp is Chief Medical Officer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’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 19, 2020

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School

February 19, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood School District recognizes teachers and support staff at Annual Founders Day celebration Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

The Hazelwood PTA Council held its annual Founders Day celebration on Feb. 6, recognizing the district’s Teacher and Support Staff of the Year award winners.

Trent Crenshaw, sixth grade reading and English language arts teacher at Hazelwood Northwest Middle School, was honored as the 2019-

2020 Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Tiffany Fane, instructional coach at Hazelwood East Middle School, was recognized as first runner-up; Ashley Smith, P.E. and driver’s education teacher at Hazelwood Central High School, was recognized as second runner-up.

As part of the evening, each school’s PTA chapter donated money to the HSD PTA Council Scholarship Program.

When combined with proceeds from the Hazelwood 70th Anniversary celebration in December, more than $24,000 was contributed to scholarships for graduating HSD seniors.

Community college recognizes Normandy for community partnership

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley recently honored the Normandy Schools Collaborative for its longtime partnership in the campus’ early college programs. Normandy received the Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award at the Jan. 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Normandy was recognized for being one of the first districts to sign on and consistently enroll high school students to simultaneously pursue their diploma and associate degrees. Normandy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles J. Pearson (center) is shown here with Dr. Rance Thomas (left), community leader for whom the award was presented, and Dr. Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Florissant Valley Provost.

New academic readiness program provides a free, fast jump start to college Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in schools, families, sports teams, and the workplace designated 81 schools and seven districts as State Schools of Character for 2020. Among those recognized in Missouri were Brown Elementary and Cold Water Elementary schools in the Hazelwood School District.

“I could not be more proud of this accomplishment and district recognition,” said Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, superintendent of the Hazelwood School District. “To have both Brown Elementary and Cold Water Elementary schools named as State Schools of Character demonstrates the hard work and focus on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.

“Our students, faculty, and staff are to be commended for being recognized at the national level for developing a culture of high expectations and excellence every day in their schools,” said Collins-Hart.

Since its inception, Character.org’s Schools of Character program has positively impacted nearly three million students, staff, parents, and other community members. Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development which has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behav-

ior, and school climate. Schools and districts announced today will be considered for Character.org’s highest distinction – National School of Character.

“We are pleased to announce today the 2020 State Schools and Districts of Character,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Character.org‘s Board Chair and Interim CEO. “These schools’ representatives, including educators, parents, and students, are working together to create stronger communities that exemplify the character strengths of honesty, caring, and responsibility.

We are honored to be validating their efforts and sharing their inspiring work with schools and school districts throughout the United States.”

To learn more about the schools chosen today and those in the midst of their five-year certification as State Schools of Character, please visit Character.org. Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character which includes providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership, and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.

The 2020 National Schools of Character will be announced in May 2020. Character.org will honor these schools and districts at the 2020 National Forum to be held Oct. 1-3 in Washington, DC.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 19, 2020

The 13th Annual Mayors’ Shamrock Charity Ball offers a festive evening of great music, food and raffle prizes The Mayors’ Shamrock Charity Ball, the premier green tie event of North St. Louis County, is scheduled for March 7, at Garden Villas North at 4505 Parker Road in Black Jack, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. All proceeds from ticket sales, event sponsorships and raffle drawings directly benefit Valley Industries Sheltered Work-shop, which provides dignified and meaningful employment for over 200 adults with developmental disabilities.

The Mayors’ Shamrock Charity Ball is a major fund-raiser for a nonprofit organization, and not a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for politicians. Much of the money collected is used to make Valley Industries the best place it can be for its workforce. In addition to being committed to customer satisfaction, Valley Industries is equally committed to all 200 employees. Their goal is to offer a high-quality employment program that builds morale and rewards hard work and productivity.

To encourage this level of worker performance, Valley Industries offers an Employee-of-the-Month Program and Perfect Attendance Program. The organization also uses funds from the Ball to host several events including monthly dance nights, barbecue days, as well as an annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Party.

Opening on March 13, 1967, Valley Industries began under the name of Florissant Valley Sheltered Workshop with only 15 employees. Today, the workshop employs more than 200 workers with developmental disabilities in a 60,000 square-foot facility in Hazelwood. On any given day, Valley Industries employees work on 15-20 different jobs. The organization specializes in contract packaging, kitting, shrink wrapping, collating, assembly, inspections, and blister

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pack-aging. Valley Industries is both ISO 9001:2015 Certified and FDA-registered, and they are committed to customer satisfaction through audited quality processes.

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What’s Happening

February 19, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Feb. 19: 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. 21: Pork steak dinner

Pork steak 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. 22: Heart fair

2020 Heart Fair Love Your Heart takes place at Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 11 a.m. Lectures are from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Screenings and informational booths are from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Space is limited and registration is requested, so call 314-747-WELL (9355) and register today. Free screenings for cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure, EKG (must register separately for EKG screening), informational displays, ask the experts, stress and heart disease information, refreshments and much more.

Feb. 26: 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. 26: Public hearing

The city of Florissantwill conduct a public hearing beginning at 6 p.m. at Florissant City Government Building, 1055 rue St. Francois in Florissant concerning the Fiscal Year 2019 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Florissant Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

For more information, contact Community Development Director, Carol O’Mara at (314) 839-7680, or comara@

florissantmo.com. A draft of the CAPER will be available for review.

Interested persons may review this report by contacting the Community Development Office at 314-839-7680 or TDD 314- 839-5142. Those who need assistance or auxiliary aids for the meeting should contact the Community Development Office in the Government Building at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 314-839-7680.

Feb. 28: Chicken dinner

Chicken 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. 29: Bingo

An inaugural bingo event, the Second Annual Blacklight Bash, hosted by Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis will take place at the JFK Community Center at Koch Park in Florissant. Proceeds will benefit the Live Your Dream Award. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and bingo starts at 7p.m. Tickets are $35/person and price includes beer, wine and soda. Over $1,300 in cash prizes, 50/50 raffle and basket raffles.

March 4: 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.

March 6: 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.

March 11: 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.

March 13: 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.

March 14: 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.

March 14: 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.

March 15: Snowman building contest

Looking for best snowman in Florissant. Build the biggest, have a theme and make it cute then enter the contest.

Build your most creative and unique

snowman and send in a photo. Until March 15, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the James J. Eagan Community Center at #1 James J. Eagan Drive Florissant, MO 63033 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 and 15 years of age or younger. For further information, call 314-921-4466 or 314921-4250.

March 18: 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.

March 20: 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.

March 21: Trivia night

Trivia will take place at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Rd. in Ferguson. Doors open at 6 p.m. trivia starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person (eight players per table) $200 per team. Soda and light snacks will be provided. To register call Rev. BJ Arnold at 314-5181505. All money raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

March 25: 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.

March 27: CultureFest 2020

CultureFest is a celebration of the many cultures of Christian Hospital staff, St. Louis communities and patients that takes place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Christian Hospital Atrium and Parking Lot at 11133 Dunn Rd. Community program booths, retail vendors, and health initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and equity will be present. There will be a world map for all participants to indicate their ancestral origins as part of CultureFest’s celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose will be provided. Food trucks will be present from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

March 27: 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.

March 30: Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner

Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner will be held at Hendel’s Restaurant at 599 St. Denis Street in Florissant. Cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner service will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets will be $50 per person and $100 per person for a VIP table.

To purchase a ticket, please send a check to: Historic Florissant, Inc., 1067

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 19, 2020 April 3: Fish fries

Our Lady of the Presentation Fish Fry takes place every Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. through April 3 at 8860 Tudor in Overland. Enjoy hand cut cod (fried or baked) shrimp and fish tacos with plenty of sides. For more information call 314-427-0486 x201.

Hospital Foundation’s Mental Health Scholarship Fund to provide services to those most in need. Health vendors will be onsite providing information on their services. Chances to win raffle baskets can be purchased at the event for $1 for one chance or $5 for six chances.

April 4: Mystery dinner theatre

RECURRING EVENTS

Mystery Dinner Theatre will take place at Unity Lutheran Church at 8454 Glen Echo Dr. in Normandy.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., play to follow. Cost is $25 per person. For reservations contact Carolyn at 314-837-4674 or email Altepeterc@gmail.com. All money raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

April 10: Fish fries

A fish fry will be held on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. through April 10 at American Legion Post 444 at 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. in Florissant.

April 25: Dueling pianos

Dueling Pianos will take place at Atonement Lutheran Church at 1285 N New Florissant Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., music goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction, wine pulls and 50/50. For reservations call Rick Brown at 314-249-3418. All money raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

May 15: Fish fry

Zion Lutheran Church Fish Fry starts on Feb. 28 and runs every Friday through May 15. Doors open from 4 to 7 p.m. Dine in or carry out cod, catfish, shrimp, chicken, drinks and sides featuring homemade desserts.

For more information call at Andi 314-522-0100.

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: Tax filing program volunteers

Seeking greeters, appointment schedulers, and tax preparers to assist older adults in the St. Louis County Tax Filing Program. Training and mileage reimbursement is provided. For more information and to start the volunteer application process, contact the County Older Resident Programs and ask for Mike Nickel at 314-615-4021.

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 trans-

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

portation 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: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

What’s Happening

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 vari-

ous functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

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 www.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 CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

May 31: 5K walk/run

Christian Hospital Recovery Center is hosting the first-ever 5K Walk/Run “Eliminate the Stigma” for Mental Health at 9 a.m. on the Paul F. Detrick Building parking lot at Christian Hospital at 11133 Dunn Rd. To register, visit christianhospital.org/5K. All proceeds go toward the Christian

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February 19, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Home Builders Association donates more than $10,000 to St. Vincent Home for Children On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), Immediate Past HBA President John Suelthaus of Kingbridge Homes (left) and HBA Executive Vice President Celeste Rueter (left) presented a $10,699 donation to Dr. Courtney M Graves, chief clinical officer for St. Vincent Home for Children, and Michael Meyer, chief development officer for St. Vincent.

The donation will be used to replace flooring in a residential unit that is worn and deteriorating. St. Vincent Home for Children’s mission is to provide love, security and professional treatment for troubled children and their families

Submitted photo

through a fully integrated program of services.

On-site residential and home-based programs are tailored for the various levels of support that the kids need and are created to be seamless, so that children and families have as much support as they need for as long as they need it.

The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

VOTE BEST OF NORTH COUNTY 2020 BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

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Vote for your favorite business in these North County zip codes and the

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Winners will be listed in a special section in Community News and awards will be presented at the Chamber luncheon on March 18.

Deadline to vote is March 1, 2020 You can vote online at www.mycnews.com or you can clip this and mail to: Community News, 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 Bank/Credit Union

Bar/Grill

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Ice Cream Stand

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 19, 2020

Recipe:

Fall in love with dairy again

Servings: 2

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month may be on your mind this February, but Lactose Intolerance Month is also on the calendar. Do you love the taste of dairy foods, but occasionally feel discomfort after eating them? Lactose intolerance is a type of food sensitivity, not an allergy or disease. The condition arises from not having enough lactase or the enzyme that digests lactose, which is the natural sugar in milk and dairy foods.

“Health experts note that because dairy foods provide many nutrients needed for a healthy diet, you should not give up dairy all together,” states Erin McGraw, Registered Dietitian with St Louis District Dairy Council.

Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup

Feature

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.

Pair this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a meal that will leave you feeling warm and comfortable on a cold winter’s night.

Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 (16-oz.) can of tomatoes (drained) 1 pinch ground red pepper 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil 2 cups milk, lactose-free Salt to taste Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional Directions: In a medium saucepan, cook onion in olive oil over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown or about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes and cook uncovered over medium heat for 10 minutes. Spoon ¾ of mixture into food

processor or blender container; puree until smooth.

Return puree to saucepan. Add red pepper, basil and milk to the soup. Heat until hot but do not boil. Season to taste with salt. Divide

soup into two bowls and serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Information (made with fat free milk): 220 calories, 8 gm fat, 30% DV calcium

To download a tip sheet on Lactose Intolerance, head over to the RESOURCES section at www.stldairycouncil.org.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 7

‘Fantasy Island’ moves from TV reruns to the big screen

O

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

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

n Valentine’s Day, one would expect highly romantic, heartwarming films to arrive in theaters, but there have been some notable exceptions.

In 2015, for instance, Dakota Johnson starred in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the big screen adaptation of the E.L. James best-seller.

Johnson played Anastasia Steele, an English Lit Major who meets a handsome young billionaire named Christian Grey. He has a rather erotic secret life that he wants to share with the quiet, bookish student.

Valentine’s Day 2020 saw the release of “Fantasy Island,” the big screen adaptation of the classic television series. On the surface, this sounded like a good idea and a good fit for Feb. 14. The show focused on guests who want to live out some fantasy or resolve a personal conflict, but there were dark moments.

In a segment called “Salem,” for example, a modern-day couple tired of immorality land in Salem, Massachusetts during the Witch Trials. When they help some people with modern medicines, they put their own lives

always good. In 1996, Steve Martin played the lead role in “Sgt. Bilko,” a big screen treatment of the classic Phil Silvers series. Bilko is a likeable con man who wants to line his pockets while avoiding his superiors. Martin is a great comic actor, but this adaptation didn’t attract a big audience. Tom Arnold’s starring role in “McHale’s Navy” the following year earned him the title of “Worst Actor” at the Stinker Awards.

Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures Blumhouse’s treatment of in jeopardy in this repressive society.

“Fantasy Island” does open the door for twists Blumhouse Productions, which produced on other classic television shows. MeTV, a the critically acclaimed “Get Out,” put a hor- free channel available via antenna, could be rific spin on their treatment of “Fantasy Is- a treasure trove of material for Blumhouse. land.” The wonderful Michael Pena takes on “Hogan’s Heroes,” a MeTV staple, is set in a the iconic role of Mr. Roarke, the genial host German POW camp and seems ripe for a sewho sets up all the fantasies. There’s a defi- rious adaptation. Despite its laugh track, the nite dark side to his work, however. In one prisoners routinely blew up bridges and facsequence, a woman wants to confront a child- tories to disrupt the Germans. hood bully, but a lethal aspect has been added Blumhouse has had success with “Get Out” to her fantasy. The guests must find a way to and the well-executed “Purge” movies. Desurvive fantasies that could kill them. pending on the success of “Fantasy Island,” Cross-pollination between movies and TV other classic shows may get the horror treatshows is nothing new, but the results are not ment in the future.

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Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Black History Month

‘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.

Moore On Life Sunday, Feb. 9 was National Pizza Day, or as I like to refer to it, What’s For Dinner On Tuesday?

I must have a pizza at least once a week or… what’s the use of living?

I’m not alone. As research shows, pizza is the single food that most Americans want to eat for the rest of their lives. Yes! I’m finally in with the cool group.

The pie beats out such popular food as: steak, tacos, pasta and even the beloved hamburger!

But beware. All is not roses and pepperonis.

Along with America’s love for this circular delight also comes…danger! Yes, pizza-related injuries have sky rocketed. Accidents involving pizza were up by fifty percent last year resulting in over 3,800 visits to the ER. Not that supreme double cheeses were suddenly arming themselves with pickaxes and hacking away at potential diners, no, the culprits were the pie-eaters themselves. Injuries ranged from hand burns from hot pizza pans to deep cuts from slicing the ‘za with one of those sharp hand-held circular pie-cutters. It then moved on to the obscure: a man eating pizza too aggressively ramming a fork into the roof of his mouth to a woman who swallowed her tongue ring while snarfing down a slice.

Curious-minded people might be asking themselves how all this information has been collected. I happen to know.

An organization known as the CPSC, which stands for: Cannot Provoke Sleeping Cats, handles the research. Why this organization is investigating pizza I’ll never know, but pizza and cats are my two main loves so I get the connection.

Hmmm, what’s that? Oh, it actually means,

By Cindy Moore

I heart pizza Consumer Product Safety Commission? Hmph, you obviously have never relocated a snoozing cat. Knowledgeable individuals know disturbing a sleeping cat causes five years bad luck as well as severe facial lacerations. There definitely has to be a commission looking into that.

Any who, for the sake of argument we’ll continue. The CPSC then compiles the data into its National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, after which the citizens of this country are brutally taxed for such nonsensical information.

Money for which, I might add, could better be used to purchase pizza on Tuesday and research into sleeping cat provocation!

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.

ACROSS 1. Sell illegally 6. Crime scene evidence 9. “From California to the New York Island,” e.g.

13. Berth deck in relation to poop deck 14. Poetic over 15. Chocolate cake ingredient 16. Like Solitaire player 17. Go a-courting 18. Packing 19. *”Go Tell It on the Mountain” author 21. *South Africa’s first black president 23. Bag, à Paris 24. Schooner pole 25. #1 on Billboards Chart, e.g.

28. One way to memorize 30. *Civil rights activist and Ferguson opponent 35. Single pip cards 37. Give a shot of novocaine 39. Call forth 40. Long John Silver’s walk 41. Sauna product 43. Dashing style 44. Pariah, for medical reasons 46. Back arrow key 47. As opposed to gross 48. Kane and Goldberg, TV characters 50. Georgia ____

university 52. Poseidon’s domain 53. MXN, as in currency 55. Snowman Olaf’s favorite thing 57. *2019 eponymous movie character 61. Errand runner, at court 65. Matter of debate 66. Harry Potter’s Hedwig 68. Ineffectual vomiting 69. Giblets part 70. *Famous movie director, Spike 71. Ruhr’s industrial center 72. Played at military funerals 73. Flow alternative 74. Nostradamus and such DOWN 1. Hunk of something 2. Flavored with kola nuts 3. Absent without leave 4. Gives a helping hand 5. Antebellum 6. Pillow filler 7. ____colonial or ____ classical 8. Oven emanation?

9. Lady’s man 10. Ne plus ultra 11. Famous Coward 12. Man Ray’s genre 15. Back of a saddle 20. Popular Byzantine artwork

22. Nile viper 24. Reminder of times past 25. *First African American to win Best Actress Oscar 26. More slippery 27. Allegro and lento, in music 29. *Nobel Peace Prize laureate, 1984 31. Like fair share 32. Arch and ball location, pl.

33. *On Debi Thomas’ foot when she won Olympic medal 34. Busybody, in Yiddish 36. Work detail 38. Bid, past tense 42. Coffee shop order 45. D’Artagnan’s weapon of choice 49. Get the picture 51. *Harlem Renaissance poet 54. Fur shawl 56. Canada flyers 57. Handle of #45 Down 58. Most populous continent 59. Invitation request 60. Regrets 61. Commoner 62. Diamond’s corner 63. Walkie-talkie word 64. Japanese money, pl.

67. *Du Bois SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9