CN: Mar. 13. 2013

March 13, 2013

A Spirited Spring Play Recipes

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Easy Green Velvet Cupcakes

Around Town

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Revenues Exceed Expectations

Around Town

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Trifecta of Easter Fun Shannon Burgdorf, Tom Bell, and Tanya Burns in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit.

Photo by Ray Rockwell

Alpha Players of Florissant haunt the stage with Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” The Alpha Players of Florissant will bring Noel Coward’s otherworldly comedy Blithe Spirit to life—and afterlife—at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre for five performances beginning March 15.

The classic farce centers on the tribulations of novelist Charles Condomine (Tom Bell), who dabbles in the occult with hilariously disastrous results. Researching a new book, Charles invites the eccentric medium Madame Arcati (J.S. Dent) to orchestrate a séance, assuming she will be a fraud. Following the séance, the ghost of Charles’ flirtatious first wife Elvira (Shannon Burgdorf) returns.

Elvira’s appearance throws the ordered life Charles leads with his strong-willed second wife, Ruth (Tanya Burns), into turmoil as Elvira tries to rekindle her relationship with Charles. The séance wouldn’t be complete without the skeptical Dr. George Bradman (Bob Veatch) and his enthusiastic wife, Violet (Jennifer Kerner). And of course, Ruth can’t manage the ensuing madness without the assistance of her maid, Edith (Rachel Wilder).

Director Judy Yordon and the cast will

have you laughing out loud and humming along to Irving Berlin as Charles, Ruth and Elvira try to figure out if they can all “live” together.

Performances are March 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and March 24 at 2 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Drive. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 314.921.5678 or at www.florissantmo.com. Single performance tickets are $16, with discounts for seniors, students, children 12 and under, and groups of 10 or more.

Recognized as one of the oldest community theatre groups in the St. Louis area, The Alpha Players is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering quality, family friendly, affordable theatrical productions and opportunities for local citizens to participate in the arts. Their first production, Visit to a Small Planet, was presented in 1958 when a group of Florissant residents decided they needed an outlet for their dramatic interests. In the early years, productions were held in shopping mall auditoriums. Eventually, in the 1970’s, the group became one of two resident community theatre groups

performing at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre, where it continues to present shows.

Over the last 55 years, the group has grown to producing three shows per See A SPIRITED SPRING PLAY page 2

School

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First at Chess Tournament

Jack the Giant Slayer photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Movie

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March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Vol. 92 No. 11

In This Issue...

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Around Town

North County news and other tidbits you need to know, like the latest app that will warn you about incoming tornadoes.

Business

Congratulations are in order for Black Jack Councilman Donald Krank and the Business Showcase and Taste of North County is still looking for vendors.

7 School

Scholarship news, Women’s History Month, a Chess Tournament win and more…

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Learn & Play

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Movie

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Sports

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Recipes

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What’s Happening

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Classifieds

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Over the Fence

New Sudoku puzzle, a great new read for elementary school-aged children and new information about protecting your children’s eyes.

Our film expert Steve Bryan reviews Jack the Giant Slayer.

Gary B. gives the weekend sports round-up with information about the Lindenwood Men’s Lacrosse, a former Ram’s coach, and more.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Flavorful Green Treats. the only events calendar you need to stay entertained all week long.

A SPIRITED SPRING PLAY from cover year and a membership of over 100. It boasts a supportive and dedicated season ticket base. Typically offering season tickets for sale in the June through August period, the Alpha Players season begins in October and ends in May. The upcoming season will be an exciting one with their October production of the popular musical Les Miserables.

While individual tickets are reasonably priced,

the best value is the season ticket for $34/adult or $32/senior or student. The season ticket provides select seating for 3 shows, an invitation to a special pre-season wine and appetizer party, and savings of up to 30% off individually priced tickets.

For more information on the Alpha Players, Blithe Spirit, and other productions, visit www.alphaplayers.org or Facebook (The Alpha Players).

Around Town Red Cross’ Tornado App As Red Cross Month kicks off, the organization is launching its official Tornado App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in tornado-prone areas.

The new Red Cross tornado app—available in English or Spanish—gives iPhone, iPad, Android smart phone and some tablet users instant access to local and real-time information. The app includes a high-pitched siren and “tornado warning” alert that signals people when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued in their area – even if the app is closed. An “all clear” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.

“As we know from Harrisburg, Joplin, and the Good Friday tornadoes in St. Louis, tornadoes can happen anywhere in our area at any time,” said Cindy Erickson, Regional CEO of the Red Cross. “This app helps us prepare for the threat of a tornado. If NOAA issues a tornado warning— the app will alert us with a siren.”

Other features of the app include: • Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts; • Enhanced weather maps; • One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends that they are out of harm’s way; • Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members; • Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity; • Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; • Locations of open Red Cross shelters; and • Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

The Tornado App is the latest in a series of free mobile apps created by the Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness. The suite includes apps for first aid, hurricanes, earthquakes, disaster shelters and wildfires.

Joe Morice is to Community News readers what Wilson was to Tim Taylor: enjoy a fresh perspective from our in-house blue-collar philosopher. This week’s topic is “Marriage Can’t Change Bad Habits.”

Check out our new online at www.mycnews.com/cc

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 13, 2013

Around Town

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Healing the Future with the Linns FRESH Renewal Center welcomes the Linns back to St. Louis as they present a workshop based on one of their books, Healing the Future: Personal Recovery from Societal Wounding. Dennis, Sheila, and Matthew Linn will share their journey in which they were nearly overwhelmed by the toxic aspects of our society. As they noticed what helped them, they hosted retreats on personal recovery from societal wounding.

As former chaplains and therapists, Dennis, Sheila, and Matt work together as a team, leading retreats and encouraging heartfelt companioning to integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness. They have taught courses on processes for healing in over 50 countries as well as universities and hospitals, in-

cluding a course to doctors accredited by the American Medical Association. They are the authors of 22 books, which have sold over a million copies in English and have been translated into more than 20 languages. Dennis and Sheila live in Colorado with their son, John; Matt lives in a Jesuit community in Minnesota.

FRESH Renewal Center is sponsoring the workshop May 3-4, 2013, at Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, at 6400 Minnesota, St. Louis. Registration is available at freshrenewal.org. Or, visit us on Facebook at Fresh Renewal. For more information, contact Carol Martin at 314.839.8828.

FRESH is an organization, founded in 1990 by Cheryl and Dick McKinley to serve persons recovering

from addictions and damaging dependencies. The 12Step emphases soon expanded to include all spiritual seekers.

Since the organization is not allied with any other organization or institution, FRESH, a welcome resource, serves individuals desiring to enhance their spiritual condition.

The FRESH Board of Directors is very active and intimately involved in guiding their mission of staying current, as the times and needs of the community change. The board and FRESH volunteers continue to kindle the vital beacon for group retreats, which has been maintained for over 22 years.

Revenues from Mayors’ Shamrock Ball Exceed Expectations Preliminary estimates indicate the 6th Annual Mayors’ Shamrock Ball held on March 2 to benefit Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop was the biggest and best ever. Event organizers report selling 468 tickets, which was an increase of 70 over last year’s totals. Estimated earnings are projected to be around $35,000 net, up nearly $8,000 than in 2012.

The biggest impact came from an overwhelming response from the North County business community. More than 77 sponsors signed up for the following donation levels: Event Sponsor - $5,000; Emerald Sponsor - $2,500; Pot of Gold Sponsor $1,000; Leprechaun Sponsor - $500; and Shamrock Sponsor - $250.

After accepting a beautiful award honoring The Delmar Gardens Family and Garden Villas North for being an Event Sponsor, Gabe Grossberg, president and CEO, announced the company’s 50th anniversary and its 25 years of service to the North County community. He also presented Valley Industries with an additional $2,500 donation. This was above and beyond providing the event site and other amenities.

Mr. Paul Detrick, past president of the Rotary Club of Florissant, received a similar Event Sponsor award for his organization. In 1967, the Rotary Club of Florissant became Valley Industries’ first donor. In 2011, the Rotary Club reached an impressive bench mark of $575,000 in donations to Valley Industries over the years.

The Emerald Sponsors included Ameren Missouri and former Florissant Councilwoman Karen McKay. In November 2011, Ameren Missouri donated a ½-acre parcel of land, valued at $60,000, to help create a second entrance at Valley Industries for better public safety and traffic flow. McKay donated all the gift baskets that were given away to guests as attendance prizes at this year’s event, and has been doing this every year since the event’s inception six years ago.

Several state, county and local elected officials were on hand to show support for Valley Industries. Some of them included Congressman Lacy Clay’s district manager Lou Aboussie, State Senator Gina Walsh – District13, State Representative Margo McNeil – District 69, and St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley.

The four North County mayors who were decked out in tuxedos and top hats as event hosts were Mayor Norman McCourt of Black Jack, Mayor James Knowles, III, of Ferguson, Mayor Tom Schneider of Florissant, and Mayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood.

Guests who paid $100 per ticket to attend St. Louis’ premiere “green tie” formal affair were able to walk around and sample delicious food, hors d’oeuvres, and pastries at several food stations and were also treated to top shelf entertainment throughout the night.

Each year, Valley Industries selects two Workers of the Year to be crowned King and Queen of the Shamrock Ball. This year’s winners were Mike Riner and Lynette Roberson. They were both dressed up as royalty with capes and crown/tiara, and given the honor of cutting the official Shamrock Ball cake. The runner-ups were Mark Averill and Mary Beth Webb.

Key Players of Hosting Cities: (from left to right) Karen Goodwin, City Clerk of Florissant; Mayor Tom Schneider of Florissant; Colleen Wolf, City Clerk of Hazelwood; Mayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood; Karen Robinson, City Clerk of Black Jack; Mayor Norman McCourt of Black Jack; Megan Asikainen, City Clerk of Ferguson, Mayor James Knowles, III, of Ferguson.

Other event features included a Party in the Penthouse, attendance and raffle prizes, as well as a grand prize drawing of a 32” flat screen TV donated by Garden Villas North.

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Around Town

March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood Offers a Trifecta of Easter Fun for Adults, Canines & Children The City of Hazelwood is offering people three ways to celebrate Easter in 2013.

The Hazelwood Parks and Recreation is hosting its 8th Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt on March 22, a Hunt for the Hounds on March 23, and an Easter Eggstravaganza on March 30. All three events will be held at White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Road. They are open to the general public.

ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT Adults, age 21 and over, can feel young again hunting for Easter eggs at their own party on Friday, March 22. They are welcome to bring their own beverages, coolers, lawn chairs, and blankets. Then stake out a place in the park where they can enjoy the festivities. As a friendly reminder, no glass containers are allowed at White Birch Park.

Registration begins at 7 p.m. with the actual egg hunt starting at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10 per person at the Hazelwood Community Center and Civic Center East. A limited number of them will be available until March 17 or until The City of Hazelwood hosts a “Hunt for Hounds” on Saturday, March 23, giving residents and guests an opportunity to they’re sold out. Everyone on the hunt grounds must have a ticket to turn in with the celebrate Easter with their four-legged family members. prize eggs they find.

Thousands of Easter eggs will be hidden throughout White Birch Park. Since the hunt begins after sun down, participants are reminded to bring a flashlight and a container to put their eggs in. Some of them will contain impressive prizes such as household items, electronics, and the latest and most popular CDs/DVDs. Other major prizes that participants might win include an adult bike, a Weber barbeque grill, a beer can cooler, and a Craftman’s tool kit. Plus, there will be a variety of small fun prizes given away ranging from a pair of scissors to a package of ink pens.

The program finale is a spectacular fireworks display. Radio ads will be aired on Y 98 FM to help draw a big crowd, so hurry and get your tickets now before they’re all gone. The event will go on rain or shine.

HUNT FOR THE HOUNDS Hazelwood is including man’s best friends in the Easter equation by hosting a Hunt for the Hounds on Saturday, March 23, at White Birch Park. Starting time is 10:30 a.m. Admission fee is $12 per pet. People are encouraged to bring their four-legged family members and have their canines search for eggs filled with doggie treats and prizes. In addition, the event features giveaways, prizes and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Canine participants must be kept on a lead and under control. No retractable leads please. Registration is limited.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Hundreds of children, ages 10 and under, hunted for thousands of eggs in Hazelwood’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza This is Hazelwood’s biggest and most popular Easter event of the year, scheduled in 2012. The children were divided up into five age groups, each offering a raffle to give away a boy and a girl bike. for Saturday, March 30. Hundreds of children, age 10 and under, show up to hunt for Easter eggs in five different areas according to these age groups: Under 24 months; Ages 2-3; Ages 4-5; Ages 6-7; and Ages 8-10.

Admission is free and open to the public. Starting time is precisely at 10 a/m. In addition to the traditional hunt finding thousands of eggs hidden in White Birch Park, kids will be able to enter a raffle for a giveaway of one boy bike and one girl bike in each age group, as well as meet the Easter Bunny for candy and photo opportunities.

Immediately afterwards, the Piwacket Children’s Theater will present Duck Ugly, a story about acceptance, in the Community Center’s gymnasium.

For more information on any of these Easter events, contact the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Office at 314.731.0980 or visit the City’s website at www.hazelwoodmo.org.

(from left to right) Abby and Aiden Young of Hazelwood run into the Easter Bunny at last year’s Easter Eggstravaganza and have their picture taken with him.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 13, 2013

Around Town

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Trout Season Open in Missouri The St. Louis County Library Foundation Gov. Jay Nixon officially kicked off the opening of 2013 trout sea- Presents Author C.J. Box son in Missouri at Montauk State Park, near Salem before traveling to Bennett Spring State Park, near Lebanon, to also fly-fish there.

For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov, stop by the St. Louis Regional Office at 2360 Hwy. D in St. Charles or call 636.441.4554.

St. Patrick’s Dinner Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, #1 Rue St. Francois, Florissant, will be hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Lunch/Dinner from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday, March 17. Home-cooked corned beef, potatoes and cabbage will be prepared by Irish shrine members. An entire dinner with a drink costs only $8. Sandwiches are available for $3, and children eat for $4. For those on their way to or from other events or in a hurry, take-out is available. Tours of the Shrine will be offered during the event as well as special book fair pricing of $4 per bag.

For more information, contact the shrine at 314.837.2110 or on the web at www.oldstferdinandshrine.com.

Fun for Seniors in Florissant First, Senior Citizens: Do you enjoy listening to live music? Do you like to dance?

The City of Florissant holds dances for ALL Senior Citizens—residents and non-residents. Many seniors enjoy just sitting and listening to the wonderful big band music. Come enjoy the sounds of the past at the James J. Eagan Center in Florissant from 7-10 p.m. on the upcoming dates: Saturday, April 6 with the Alley Kats and Saturday, June 8 with the Music Men. All dances are just $7 if purchased prior to the dance in the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall and $9 at the door. Light snacks of popcorn and potato chips are provided. Beer, wine & soda are available for purchase. Call the Florissant Senior Office for more information at 314.839.7605.

Second, the City of Florissant offers interesting day trips around the St. Louis Area. For more information call the Trip Line at 314.595.3636. Listed below are the two upcoming trips: 1. Tour of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and lunch at Cunetto’s on Tuesday, June 4 for $27 (Covers transportation, Tour of the Cathedral and Lunch) from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Take a tour of the Outstanding Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis and enjoy a wonderful Italian Lunch on “The Hill” at Cunetto’s – a St. Louis Tradition! Find out why Cunetto’s House of Pasta ranks as one of the top restaurants in St. Louis every year. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, April 30 at the Florissant Senior Dining Center from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for residents with a current resident card. If there are tickets left, a second registration will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at the Florissant Senior Dining Center for residents and non-residents. Cost for a non-resident is $29.

2. Always… Patsy Cline at STAGES and Amici’s Italian Restaurant on Wednesday, June 19 for $67 (Covers Stages admission, transportation and dinner) from 4:30-11 p.m. The touching and true story of country music legend Patsy Cline comes to life in the musical Always…Patsy Cline. Enjoy this outstanding musical and then a delicious dinner at Amici’s Italian Restaurant in Kirkwood. Tickets will be sold to Silver Words Club Members first on May 9. On May 10, residents and non-residents may purchase tickets at the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall. Cost for a non-resident is $69.

And finally, remember North County Happy Days? Authors Craig Kaintz and Bill Kasalko will be at the James J. Eagan Center on Thursday, April 25 at 1 p.m. to talk about their book Let’s go Cruzin’ Again: Remembering more North County Happy Days. This book captures hangouts, movie theaters, drive-ins, bowling alleys, skating rinks, 5 & 10’s and other ‘cool’ places, especially in Florissant and Ferguson. We will cruise through Chuck-A-Burger in Ferguson and have a pizza at Fratelli’s, Roberto’s or Pirrone’s – then top it off with a cone at Velvet Freeze or a malt at Green Lea or Bergjan’s. So sit back and reminisce with Craig Kaintz and Bill Kasalko at the James J. Eagan Center. This is a free event but there are a limited number of seats available. Call the City of Florissant Senior Office at 314.839.7605 for reservations.

The St. Louis County Library Foundation is pleased to present acclaimed crime fiction author C.J. Box for a discussion and signing of his latest thriller Breaking Point on Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m. at Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The program is free and open to the public.

Books will be available for purchase at the event from Barnes & Noble.

Critics called C.J. Box’s 2012 New York Times bestseller Force of Nature an “amazing” (Associated Press), “outstanding” (Minneapolis Star Tribune), “warp speed... showdown between good and evil” (The Denver Post). “This is the best Box I’ve ever read, and I’ve read them all” (Library Journal).

Breaking Point, however, takes Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett into uncharted territory. The question is: What will he do when he gets there?

When a family friend is accused of murdering two EPA employees over a tract of protected wetland, Joe begins to look into the case and finds himself in the middle of a war he never expected and never wanted. Powerful forces want the accused not just caught, but dead...and the same goes for anyone who stands in their way.

Program sites are accessible. Upon two weeks notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314.994.3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Get Outta Town: Night at the Arch Museum On Saturday, March 23, from 6-9 p.m., area residents are invited to saddle up for a Western adventure at the Gateway Arch, as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial presents the 3rd annual “Night at the Museum” event. Attendees will have the chance to meet a variety of historical characters and hear their tales of settling the American West. The evening of fun will also feature a variety of hands-on activities for children. Tickets are just $15 per person, and admission is free for kids two and under. The ticket price includes a tram ride to the top of the Arch and a hot dog dinner with chips and a drink for all guests. All kids ages 3-15 will receive one free child’s ticket for a future Gateway Arch Riverboat sightseeing cruise with their Night at the Museum ticket purchase.

Among the historical characters scheduled to be on hand for the event include pioneers, mountain men and frontier soldiers. All will be dressed in traditional 19th century clothing and will answer questions and share tales about what it was like to live and work in the American West. Kids will also have the chance to take part in several Old West-themed hands-on activities, including buffalo chip races, making their own branding irons, exploring a tipi and learning about keel boat cordelling.

Reservations for “Night at the Museum” are required. Tickets for the event are $15 dollars per person and can be purchased by calling 877.982.1410. Online reservations can also be made at www.gatewayarch.com. Those booking online will receive free parking at the Gateway Arch Parking Garage. Admission to the event is free for children age 2 and under.

The Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch are part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. During the winter months, the Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Night at the Museum is presented by the National Park Service; its cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association; and Metro.

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Business

March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Black Jack Councilman Donald Krank The City of Black Jack is proud to announce that Councilman Donald Krank has been appointed to serve as a member of the Missouri Municipal League Board for the 2013/14 year. Don has been a Black Jack City Councilman for the past 14 years serving Ward 1 and is the City Council Liaison on the Safety and Loss Prevention Committee and has served on the MML Municipal Administration & Intergovernmental Relations Committee for the past 5 years.

The Missouri Municipal League is a nonpartisan, voluntary association serving 660 municipalities. In addition to serving as a strong voice for Missouri’s municipalities, MML provides training, information sharing, legislative assistance, advocacy and administrative support for local officials across the state. For more information, visit www.mocities.com.

Mayor Norm McCourt said “Myself and the City Council are proud of Don and his accomplishments in being selected to the MML Board. Don works very hard for the City and for his Ward. This is a great honor for him and our City to be represented on the Board.”

TSA Opens Pre? to U.S. Armed Forces at Lambert The Transportation Security Administration has announced that active duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces are now eligible to participate in TSA Pre?™ at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The pre-screening program is currently available at Lambert’s Terminal 1, Checkpoint C (Air Choice One, American Airlines, Cape Air, Frontier Airlines, US Airways and various charter flights).

TSA Pre?™ is a pre-screening program that allows eligible passengers to volunteer information about themselves to expedite their screening experience when traveling at participating airports.

These passengers may be referred to the TSA Pre?™ lane where they will undergo expedited screening, which could include being able to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in carry-on.

“We have a large military presence in and around St. Louis, and we welcome the opportunity to become the eighth airport in the country to offer this benefit to the men and women who serve their country every day,” said TSA Federal Security Director William Switzer. “Starting today, they will be eligible for expedited screening through our TSA Pre?™ lane.”

In addition to St. Louis, service members may also participate in TSA Pre?™ when flying out of Charlotte Douglas International, Denver International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Seattle-Tacoma International and Washington Dulles International airports.

Active duty members of the military can present their Common Access Cards (CAC) to a TSA Officer in front of the TSA Pre?™ lane, where it will be scanned to determine if they qualify for expedited screening. TSA uses a CAC card reader and computer connected to a DoD database to verify the service member’s active duty status before they are cleared to receive TSA Pre?™ screening benefits. Eligible service members do not need to be in uniform to be considered for TSA Pre?™.

For more informatoin, contact Carrie Harmon, TSA Regional Public Affairs Manager: 303.204.2134.

Vendors Needed for Business Showcase and Taste of North County The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Florissant will co-sponsor the 25th Anniversary of the Chamber’s Business Showcase on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Community Center in Florissant. This year’s event will include a Taste of North County.

The Chamber is seeking vendors for the event. Single and double booths are available for both Chamber members and non-members.

For information on exhibitor fees, call the Chamber office at 314.831.3500.

Kids In The Middle Annual Gala Join the greater St. Louis business community at Lights, Camera, Auction on April 27 from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. at the Ameristar Resort Casino Spa located at 1 Ameristar Blvd. in St. Charles. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, raffles, silent and live auctions, dinner and an open bar. All proceeds from the Annual Gala will support kids “in the middle” of their parents’ separation and divorce.

KITM will present its Champion of Kids award to Steve Albart, vice president at Enterprise Bank. Albart has been a positive leader at Kids In The Middle for 14 years, serving on the board and the advisory council. This award acknowledges his efforts and support for the agency, which recently moved to its larger Maplewood location in order to serve its growing customer base.

The event co-chairs are Amy Blickensderfer, Chuck Dietrich, and Phil and Jenn Christofferson.

Reservations are required, and tickets are $150 per guest. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For further details about the event, call 314.909.9922 or visit their website at www.kidsinthemiddle.org.

NCI Seeks Nominees Nominations are due by March 15 Mark your calendars for NCI’s 36th Annual Breakfast on Friday, May 10 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel at 7:30–9:30 a.m. Once again, we will present awards to those individuals who have shown a strong commitment to the North County region through their business, civic and humanitarian acts. We need your help identifying these key individuals. Please consider nominating a company, service or person who is enhancing North County in one of these categories: Business Development, Community Development, Public Service or Leadership. All nominations are due

by March 15.

Annual Breakfast Sponsorship Packages are now available for this event, take advantage of this marketing opportunity for your organization, city or business. 500+ business, civic, and community leaders attend NCI’s Annual Breakfast each year. Join sponsor’s SSM DePaul Health Center and HDR Engineering and help honor others working on behalf of North County and draw attention to your business, municipality or service, while supporting the work that NCI does on behalf of the North County community. Additional sponsors for this event are: Christian Hospital – Corporate Sponsor; Ferguson-Florissant School District – Supporting Sponsor and Kent Miller Photography.

For more info, please contact the NCI office 314.895.6241.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 13, 2013

School

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Pattonville Takes First at Gateway Chess Tournament STLCC-Florissant Valley Celebrates Two teams from the Pattonville School District recently took first place trophies in their divisions during the 2013 Gateway Chess League Action Tournament at Saint Louis University on Feb. 9.

The event drew 235 competitors from around the St. Louis metro area, including 25 students from Bridgeway Elementary, Remington Traditional School, Pattonville Heights Middle School and Pattonville High School.

Teams from Pattonville Heights won first place in the eighth-grade and under team category and third place in the sixth-grade and under team category. Pattonville High School's team took first place in the high school division.

Pattonville senior Isaiah Gadson, who had six out of six wins, was the overall individual winner of the tournament and earned the first-place senior trophy. Keturah Gadson, an eighth-grader from Pattonville Heights, won fourth place in individual play in the eighth-grade and under division. Brett Cole earned a third-place junior trophy, and Ethan O'Dell earned a fourth-place sophomore trophy.

Earning medals in individual play from Pattonville Heights were: eighth-graders Aaron Clark and Josh Zahner; seventh-graders Patrick Hachmeister and Henry Behlman; and sixthgraders Jeffry Morgan and Trevor Vigus. Other

Women’s History Month

In celebration of Women’s History Month, St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley with host a variety of exciting events throughout the month of March. All events will be held on campus at 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson.

Highlights include “Who Does She Think She Is?” a film viewing and discussion about the societal push for women to choose between art and motherhood; Women Making a Change in Times of War, a presentation and viewing of the innovative way the women of Liberia tried to end the war that had cost them so much; and Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper: Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change, a presentation that discusses biographical details of Gilman’s life, the creative and literary elements of her short story, the socio-historical context of its moment of production, and its effects on the treatment of mental illness.

For more information visit stlcc.edu. members of the Heights team were: Justin Pruett, Nathan Skelton, Seth White and Savana Wooten.

Earning medals in individual play from Remington were: eighth-grader Jacob Andrews, sixthgrader Akhil Kondepudi and fourth-grader Lars Gindler. Other members of the Remington team were: Anna Kasprzyk, Joseph Kasprzyk and Romma Khuranna. Patrick Sepanski, a second-grader, represented Bridgeway Elementary School.

Earning medals in individual play from Pattonville High School were: senior Maulik Patel and sophomores Thomas Haake and Jason Jiang. Christine Gardner was also a member of the first-place team. Teachers Randy Gindler and John Sepanski are coaches of the teams from Pattonville Heights and Remington Traditional. Dr. Janet Baldwin is coach of the high school team.

Students Eligible for Scholarships High school students from the state of Missouri are now eligible for new, non-resident scholarships offered by the University of Memphis. Eligibility for the scholarship is based on the student’s academic credentials and state of residence.

Scholarship amounts vary according to ACT scores and high school grade point averages, but students must have a minimum score of 23 on the ACT and at least a 3.0 grade point average.

More information is available at nrs.memphis.edu or by calling 1.800.669.2678.

Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is recognized nationally for its academic, research and athletic programs. Today, the U of M educates more than 22,000 students, and it awards more than 4,000 bachelor, master, doctoral and professional degrees annually. Home to the largest honors program in the state, it is also ranked in the Top Ten for Student Internships by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit www.memphis.edu.

New Advocacy Organization to Support Missouri Public Schools Based on recent census data, 85 to 90 percent of children enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade in Missouri attend public schools. And yet, the public schools are in constant danger of being underfunded.

The Missouri Public School Advocates was founded to be a strong advocate for those students and schools, inform the public about threats to public education funding and to tell the success stories of Missouri’s public schools. For example, ACT scores and high school graduation rates in Missouri are going up, while the dropout rate is steadily declining.

Missouri Public School Advocates is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure the stability and strength of Missouri public schools. It was formed by

a group of distinguished Missouri educators.

The Missouri Public School Advocates Board of Directors is comprised of: - Gary Sharpe, President, former Executive Director of the Missouri Council of School Administrators - Jim Ritter, Vice-President, retired Columbia Public Schools Superintendent - Peggy Cochran, Secretary, former Missouri National Education Association Executive Director - Carole Kennedy, Treasurer, former President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals - Orlo Shroyer, former Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

- Dan Colgan, retired St. Joseph Public Schools Superintendent - Jim Kreider, former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives and current Executive Director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association - John Cary, current St. Louis Special School District Superintendent - Jim Dunn, former President of the National School Public Relations Association - Tom Cummings, retired North Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent - Sara Lampe, former teacher and principal, former state representative from Springfield, and advocate for at-risk students - Carl Peterson, businessman and former school board member in Ferguson-Florissant School District

- Sue Magruder, former elementary school teacher and college educator Sharpe states, “The association will recruit members throughout the state of Missouri and is open to anyone who is a supporter of the public schools. We plan to tell the public the story about the achievements of Missouri public schools and the present crisis regarding state funding for public schools. We plan to advocate strongly for the state to support the public schools and to oppose the state’s involvement in the privatization of the delivery of education services to students

through vouchers, charters, and tax credits. We are completely non-partisan but do plan to recruit public school supporters to run for public office.”

The organization is seeking opportunities to speak to interested groups to further explain their mission and to invite individuals to join. To contact Missouri Public School Advocates for a program or to become a member call Gary Sharpe at 573.230.3388 or email at garydsharpe@gmail.com, contact any member of the board, or visit the MPSA website at www.mopublicschooladvocates.org.

www.advancebeautywentzville.com

www.rayrockwell.com

www.lwcs.us

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Learn & Play

SUDOKU:

March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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.

Middle Pick:

“The Matchbook Diaries” Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.”

This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

See solution on page 13

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company.

Copyright 2013.

A great-grandfather passes along his life’s memories and mementoes in The Matchbook Diaries, a stunning book by Paul Fleischmann. Gorgeously illustrated by Batram Ignotille, it features pictures of art-museum quality.

An elderly gent welcomes his great-granddaughter into a room full of keepsakes, “Choose one, and I’ll tell you about it,” the man tells the child. Curious, the little girl selects some old matchboxes, not knowing that each holds a tiny treasure with a story to go along with it, objects that detail her great-grandfather’s experiences as a child and his immigration to America.

Nestled in the first matchbox is an olive pit, a tiny reminder of the times he went hungry in the old country. In the second matchbook there’s a crinkled photo of his father who went to America to work and then sent money home.

As the little girl opens each matchbox, her great-grandfather’s life is revealed. In the most unique of ways, his history comes alive in her eyes — and in ours too.

Protect Young Eyes in the Technology Age Whether it’s a tablet with an educational purpose or a big screen displaying the latest video game, the use of electronic technology is skyrocketing among kids. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages eight to 18 spend more than seven and a half hours with electronics every day.

Unfortunately, all of that screen time can cause eye fatigue, and ultimately have an impact on your child’s overall vision and eye health.

To view things closer, our eyes automatically adjust by drawing inward; our pupils get smaller to focus, and our eye muscles adjust so we can see a clear image. As a result, extended use of electronic screens can cause tired, blurry or irritated eyes.

Intense focus on a video screen also leads to a diminished blink rate, which can result in eye injuries.

Although there is no scientific evidence that com-

puters and handheld electronic devices directly cause vision problems, using these devices wisely can help prevent eye fatigue and strain, as well as associated headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes.

To help protect your child’s vision, consider these tips from Ameritas, a leading provider of dental, vision and hearing care plans: • Know that prolonged use of electronic devices can exacerbate underlying eye conditions, so electronics should be used in moderation. Limit screen time to two hours or less a day (including watching TV, playing video games and using mobile phones).

• Encourage intentional blinking while electronic Photo courtesy of Getty Images devices are in use to help refresh eyes with natural moisture that helps prevent bacterial infections, dry tronic devices are in use, such as squinting, frowning at spots and corneal breakdown. the screen or rubbing eyes.

• Reduce additional eye strain by managing glare • If vision problems or discomfort arise, schedule from windows and using low-watt bulbs in an appointment with an eye doctor for a professional light fixtures. evaluation.

• Keep computer screens 20 to 28 inches When taking into account time at the office in front away from the face. of a computer screen, many adults regularly use elec• Practice a rule of 20s to give eyes a rest. tronic devices for as long as, or even longer than, their Every 20 minutes, ask your child to look at children. Following the same advice not only sets a least 20 feet away for 20 seconds before re- good example, but it can help protect your own eye focusing attention up close again. health.

• Move around and change positions peFor additional information and tips for managing riodically while using a device. eyestrain while using electronics, visit www.ameri• Watch for signs of eyestrain while elec- tasinsight.com.

www.llywelynspub.com

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 13, 2013

Movie

“Jack the Giant Slayer”

An ambitious film with a reported budget of $300 million, Jack the Giant Slayer failed to attract large audiences during its opening weekend. That’s too bad because with Bryan Singer (X-Men) behind the camera, this film becomes a lively retelling of the classic fairy tale.

Nicholas Hoult, recently seen as the undead boyfriend in the dark comedy Warm Bodies, plays Jack, a young man whose head often gets stuck in the clouds. One day, Jack’s uncle gives him the family’s workhorse with instructions to trade the animal for roofing material. After making a deal with a frantic monk, however, Jack comes home with a bag of magic beans.

His accidental purchase work better than anyone could have hoped, creating a beanstalk of immense size and power. Jack’s adventurous spirit takes him high above his earthbound life into a world filled with immense dangers and even greater rewards.

Though this tale sounds familiar, the live-action adaptation of the classic story is bigger and more dangerous than the story on the printed page. Jack’s beans create a powerful, fast-growing stalk that lays waste to his uncle’s home. It also leads to a land in the clouds inhabited by an entire race of computer-animated giants.

Nicholas Hoult does a fine job in the title role, showing how Jack comes into his own when faced with life and death situations. Jack may seem out of his element at times, but he quickly rises to the occasion.

Eleanor Tomlinson also turns in a nice performance as Isabella, the King’s daughter and a woman who craves adventure. Isabella frequently leaves the castle without permission, seeking more than her royal lifestyle. She gets more than she bargained for, though, when she accidentally makes her way to Jack’s home in the middle of the night.

Stanley Tucci steals the movie as Lord Roderick, a man who says he wants to marry Isabella.

In truth, Roderick has plans for the magic beans and the giants.

Ewan McGregor rounds out the cast as Elmont, the leader of the Royal Guard who is as honor-

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13

able as Roderick is evil.

One has to wonder why director Bryan Singer and Warner Brothers decided to spend a sizeable fortune to bring Jack the Giant Slayer to the big screen. It’s an entertaining film, but not one that justifies a super-sized budget.

Jack the Giant Slayer, rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action violence, some frightening images, and brief language, currently is playing in theaters.

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.

Jack the Giant Slayer photos courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

www.byerlyrv.com

This Weeks Shelter: Almost Home Rescue & Sanctuary Wright City • 636.203.5800 • www.almosthomesanctuary.org If you’ve adopted a new family member that you saw in Community News, send us a picture of you and your new pal. Also include a brief story about your pet’s background and how they’re doing now. We’d love to share your happy story with other readers!

Community News, 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 or editor@ mycnews.com.

www.gibsonprinting.com

The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Please do your part to control overpopulation and to limit the number of unwanted animals. SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

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March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Gary Baute Former Rams Coach Honored As Irishman of the Year Last Saturday, the Cottleville St Pat’s Foundation bestowed to Coach Hanney (as he is affectionately known) the ‘Cottleville Irishman of the Year’ award. The presentation was at the inaugural ‘Green Tie Gala’ with Tim Schulte serving as the Chair for the event.

“The St. Pat’s committee and I were very proud of the event with a great turn out at Old Hickory Country Club.

Mayor Don Yarber of Cottleville presented the award in his usual witty manor. Mike Reiter, chair of the St. Pats Parade, helped me a lot with planning and announcements also. Coach Hanifan was very appreciative and thanked all present with a toast,” Schulte commented.

Groove Thang provided the entertainment and Old Hickory provided a great venue and accommodations.

Yours truly, Gary B, was the EMCEE. *Start Date in September*

Coach, Reiter, Mayor Yarber, and Gary B picture taken by Bev

Lindenwood Men’s Lacrosse Earns Fourth Victory On Saturday afternoon, the Lindenwood men’s lacrosse team won its fourth-straight game with a 21-5 victory over Fontbonne.

The Lions never relinquished their lead after scoring the first three goals in the contest. Going into the final period, Lindenwood held a 20-1 lead over the Griffins. Brandon Stuebing was the team leader with three goals and two assists in the game.

Carter McCracken also had three goals for the Lions.

This season, the Lions are averaging 17.20 goals per game. Joe Roy leads the team with 12 goals, and he has started in all five games for Lindenwood.

Lindenwood now has improved to 4-1 overall and will host the No. 1 team in the nation at Mercyhurst next Saturday. *Thanks to Jen Lawson, Sports Information-Graduate Assistant of Lindenwood*

www.TroyFunitureCo.com

Monsters Start Season Your Missouri Monsters (www.UILFmonsters.com) have been looking forward

to last Saturday for a long time. Many behind-the-scene activities had to be aligned all the way up to kickoff time.

The Family Arena in St. Charles did their part by completing an upgrade to the facility that will be enjoyed at every event held there. Two large screens placed high in the corners showed every play from the shots of five cameras orchestrated by Director Jack Gamble. A ribbon screen just about circles the facility just below of the upper deck. Its presence provides information and a fantastic light show.

Nikko Smith sang the National Anthem just after 14 motorcycles brought the dance team to the middle of the field.

The Monsters hosted the Corpus Christi Fury and wanted to make a good impression to the over 4,000 fans in attendance.

The game was pretty tight after the first quarter, but the Fury kicked it into high gear from there taking a 7437 victory back to the lone star state.

Several highlights in the game included: *Quarterback Darrell Jackson 13 of 28 with 132 yards, three touchdowns and interceptions *Wide receiver Gary Johnson catching two touchdown passes and returning a kickoff for a touchdown *Wide receiver Aric Evans (2012 offensive player of the year in the UIFL) and Tavares Woodley with receiving touchdowns The Team has a bye week, then travel to Dalton, GA, to take on the Georgia Rampage on Monday March 25.

After the road trip, the team returns home to the Family Arena on Monday April 1 to face the Windy City Hitmen.

Gary B and Mike Elam provided TV broadcast of the game. *The fans had a great time.* 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.mycnews.com • Community News • March 13, 2013

Recipes: Janet’s Notebook

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Flavorful Green Treats

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to have fun in the kitchen with the color of the holiday—vivid green .

by Janet Tharpe

Go green this St. Paddy’s Day with a colorful salad idea It’s more important than ever to go green in the kitchen. Why? Because it’s St. Patrick’s Day, of course! This time of year we love to embrace new and traditional Irish recipes alike, but darn it if all of those dishes don’t taste a wee bit better when they’re served up green.

For our St. Patrick’s Day salad course, we’re not only serving a green salad, we’re serving up Susan Feliciano’s Green Green Salad.

“I [originally] developed this salad for a St. Patrick’s Day party,” says Susan, who has won an impressive four Blue Ribbons for her recipe creations. “We all brought ‘green’ foods. This one is so good and definitely healthy.”

Most salads have the benefit of being green, but this one takes it to the max. While appearing simple at first glance, this salad absolutely perfects the art of simplicity. Susan’s combination of broccoli, cucumber, zucchini and peppers with crispy bacon creates an unlikely flavor powerhouse that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Just A Pinch member Andie Worth even comments that she adds yet another shot of green by serving the salad with her favorite Green Goddess dressing.

Here’s hoping the luck of the Irish smiles upon you this St. Patrick’s Day and for many meals to come!

Green Green Salad

Minty Velvety Treats “Food color and extract can transform an ordinary cupcake or cookie into a festive delight, worthy of any St. Paddy’s party,” said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens.

For a green twist on classic red velvet cupcakes, stir green food color into basic cake mix and add pure vanilla extract, sour cream and cocoa powder. Whip up minty green cream cheese frosting and decorate with green sprinkles or colored sugar to make them fun for kids of all ages.

For more St. Patrick’s Day ideas and recipes, visit www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpice, or www.Pinterest.com/mccormickspices.

Easy Green Velvet Cupcakes Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Makes 24 servings

Ingredients: - 1 package (18 1/4 ounces) German chocolate cake mix with pudding - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup water - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 bottle (1 ounce) McCormick Green Food Color - 3 eggs - 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract - 1 container (16 ounces) cream cheese frosting or Vanilla - Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows) - Green sprinkles (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat cake mix, sour cream, water, cocoa powder, oil, food color, eggs and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened, scraping sides of bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes.

2. Pour batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.

3. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove

from pans; cool completely on wire rack.

Frost with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Minty Green Cream Cheese Frosting: Stir 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract and 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Green Food Color into canned cream cheese frosting or Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened, 2 tablespoons sour cream and 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Ingredients: - 2 c fresh broccoli florets - 1 lg seedless cucumber, cut in chunks - 1 sm zucchini, cut in chunks - 3 green onions with tops, thinly sliced - 2 c shredded fresh spinach leaves - 1/4 c cooked, crumbled bacon - 1 c light ranch dressing - 1 green pepper sliced into rings - several large lettuce leaves - parsely sprigs Directions: 1. Line a large clear glass salad bowl with the lettuce leaves.

2. Mix together broccoli, cucumber, zucchini, green onions, spinach, bacon, and dressing.

3. Mound mixture in salad bowl on top of lettuce leaves. Top with green pepper rings and parsley sprigs. Refrigerate before serving. © 2011 Just A Pinch Recipe Club. Used by Permission.

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What’s Happening

Church Mar. 15, 22: St. Rose Lenten Fish Fries 4-7 p.m. Fish Dinners (Dine in or Take Home) At St Rose Philippine Duchesne School, 3500 St. Catherine St., Florissant, MO 63033. For info: 314.837.3410.

Mar. 15: Fish Fry 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Bellefontaine United Methodist Church, 10600 Bellefontaine Rd. St. Louis, Mo 63137. Entrees: catfish, fried & baked cod and chicken nuggets.

Dinner includes any two side dishes-cole slaw, french fries, spaghetti, green beans or okra. Single entree, $7, double entree: $8.50 Children under 6 years old free.

314.867.0800.

Mar. 16: Spaghetti Supper At Northside Christian Church, 9635 Lewis & Clark Blvd., St. Louis from 4 to 7 pm. The cost is $8 for spaghetti, bread, salad, beverage and dessert with all-youcan-eat spaghetti costing another $1.50. Call 314.868.5722.

Mar. 19: “A Call to Holiness: The Evolvement of the Roles of the Laity Since Vatican II” 7- 8:30pm. Presentation sponsored by St. Ferdinand and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Speaker: Fr. Jose Santiago, O.P. Place: Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1115 S. Florissant Rd. Fee: Donation. For information call 314.522.9264.

March 30: Annual Easter Egg Hunt At John Knox Presbyterian Church, 13200 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant. Games, crafts, lemonadeand& popcorn, story time, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Community is welcome.

Free. All activities in the Fellowship Hall. Please park and enter from back parking lot. For times and more information, email Deb. Marshall7@gmail.com.

March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

March 30: Easter Egg Hunt At Zion United Church of Christ (5710 N. Hwy 67) invites all children in the community to participate in their annual Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 11am. Please call 314.741.1590 with questions or visit www.zionucc1.org for more information about this free event. Come and join the fun!

Please bring a basket for your eggs. Sponsored by Zion Youth.

Apr. 6: Basement & Tailgate Sale At Northside Christian Church, 9635 Hwy. 367 (Lewis & Clark Blvd.), St. Louis from 8 am noon. $10 for a double parking spot to sell your own treasures.

Call 314.868.5722, to reserve your tailgate spot.

Saturdays: ESL Classes 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Chapel, 11100 Old Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis. Free. All are welcome. Info: 314.849.6949.

Events Fridays through Apr. 12: Fish Fry 4 – 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 444, 17090 Old Jamestown Rd., Florissant. Call 314.741.7786 for more information.

Fridays in Mar.: Tai Chi for Seniors At St. Catherine Retirement Community at 3350 St. Catherine St. Florissant. These FREE classes begin at 10:30 a.m. Reduce stress, strengthen joints, develop balance and coordination. RSVP by calling 314.838.3877.

Mar. 16: Soup er Scrapbook with Bishop John Wurm Ladies Auxiliary #2012 At Knights of Columbus from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Duchesne K of C Hall at 50 Rue St. Francois, Florissant. The price is $25 per person. For more information contact: Chris Herbert at 314.837.5526.

Mar. 18: Bissells of North St. Louis County: The Bissell name is synonymous with North County Learn more about this fascinating family and its impact on the settlement of the area through the portraiture of Jane Bissell by re-enactor Barbara Kay. This presentation will be performed at the March meeting of the American Association of University Women, Ferguson-Florissant Branch. The program will be at 7pm at Immanuel United Church of Christ (Education Building), 221 Chruch Street, Ferguson. For information, call 314.867.4755 or 314.831.5359.

This exciting presention is free and open to the public.

Mar. 18: St. Louis Theater Circle Awards Which will honor accomplishments in local professional theater. Box office opens at 6 p.m., pre-show buffet begins at 5:30 p.m. and the ceremony starts at 7 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre. Contact 314.838.9371 for more info.

Mar. 18: Ferguson-Florissant School District McCluer North Stars “Fitness and Funds” Event to supplement the athletics & activity budget. Sponsorships available (1 hours sponsorship $200 & 1/2 Hour sponsorship $125) For more info call 314.506.9233 and speak with Bruce Smith.

Mar. 22-24: Seussical the Musical In the Trinity Catholic High School gym 1720 Redman Ave. at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students 18 and under. Saturday’s show is a dinner theater and tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for children and students under 12.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m..

Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved prior to the Fri-

day and Sunday performances.

Dinner Theater tickets must be reserved at least a week prior to the performance. For more info contact Dan Grumich dgrumich@ trinitycatholichigh.org or call 314.7411333, ext: 223.

Mar. 23: Children’s Eggstravaganza At 11am at Black Jack City Hall, Lower Level. There will visits and pictures with the Easter Bunny along with an egg hunt for the kids. For more information on the event, please call Black Jack City Hall at 314.355.0400.

Mar. 23: Institute for Family Medicine Trivia Night At Epiphany Gym (3164 Ivanhoe Ave, St. Louis). Doors open at 6 pm and trivia starts at 7 pm.

The event includes 10 rounds of trivia, prizes, free beer, raffles, a silent auction and more, all for a great cause. Tickets are $25 for a seat, $150 for a table of six, or $200 for a VIP table of six. Proceeds from Trivia Night will support 15 community clinics at local schools, shelters and other social service organizations. Visit http:// ifm-stl.org/events/ or call Megan at 314.849.7669 ext. 104 for more information and to register for a table today.

Mar. 23: Snack with the Eater Bunny Tickets are available beginning Monday March 4 for the “Snack with the Easter Bunny” and egg hunt. This event will be held at the James J. Eagan Center from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The event is free; however, a current Florissant resident card must be presented to obtain tickets. Limit of 100 tickets will be made will be made available. Only children need a ticket. For additional information call the James J. Eagan Center at 314.921.4466.

Mar. 27: Second Annual Housing Resource Fair 4:30 - 7:30pm at the Bellefontaine Recreation Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Alderman Anthony Smith who is also a Coldwell Banker Gundaker agent has brought together 23 experts to assist the public with their hous-

ing needs and to provide guidance. Admission is free. To learn more about the event, contact City Clerk, Deni Donovan at 314.867.0076.

Mar. 27: City of Bellefontaine Neighbors 2nd Annual Housing Resource Fair 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Bellefontaine Recreation Center. For more information call 314.867.0076.

Mar. 27: Florissant Police Department Business Seminar 7:30-9 a.m. at the Florissant Police Station, 1700 North Highway 67.

Coffee and donuts will be provided. At this meeting, police officers will talk about the changes to the upcoming Valley of Flowers and how they might affect area businesses. Also, a Secret Service agent will give a presentation on counterfeit money at the March meeting. The Florissant Police would like to host the seminars quarterly. The dates for the rest of 2013 are: June 26 and September 25. Please RSVP to Officer Andy Haarmann at 314.831.7000 or email him at ahaarmann@florissantmo.com.

Apr. 20: Join the St. Louis Businesswomen’s Golf Association Are you a woman who enjoys playing golf? Join the St. Louis Businesswomen’s Golf Association (SLBGA). The purpose of the SLBGA is to meet the needs of working women and golf skills improvement, networking, playing opportunities, making friends and having fun. Membership allows you to participate at the golf events throughout the STL area often with discounts and other amenities. You need only sign up for those events you wish to participate approximately 7 days in advance. You can sign up with a group or by yourself and you will be paired with other members.

Find out more about the SLBGA at our annual Tee Off Meeting on April 20. For more info www.slbga.org.

Apr. 27: UCC Habitat For Humanity Fundraising Dinner At Zion United Church of Christ (5710 North Highway 67, 1/4 mile west of Jamestown Mall) Outreach Ministry will host a Fun-

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 13, 2013 draising Dinner to benefit Habitat For Humanity from 5-7 p.m. The menu includes: Pulled pork, bread, side dishes, iced tea, coffee, punch and dessert. Tickets are: $10.00 (adults), $5 (children under 10).

Call 314.741.1590 for tickets or reservations. www.zionucc1.org.

May 19: Kids In The Middle Cardinals Game At 1:15pm. St. Louis Cardinals VS Milwaukee Brewers. Tickets are $35 (List price is $63). Seats are in the Lower Left Field Box, Sections 169 & 170. Kids tube socks give-away and “run the bases” after the game.

First come, first served for best available seats. Call 314.909.9922 or visit www.kidsinthemiddle.org and click the “Upcoming Events” tab to purchase tickets by May 1.

June 1: Chili Cookoff The Clarksville Missouri State Chili Cookoff will replace the Clarksville Regional. Riverfront Park, Clarksville, Mo. Total prize money is $1500.

Calling All St. Augustine’s Classmates Planning is underway for an All School Reunion. If you attended St. Augustine’s School located at Herbert & Lismore streets in the city of St. Louis we want to hear from you. Please contact a member of the planning committee: Sandy Tricamo (‘66) 314.791.7714; Leo Neuner (‘65) 972.951.4853; Don Becker (‘68) 636.399.0088; Tom Hartnett (‘66) 314.623.9950. You can also register on Facebook as you reminisce viewing the old parish pictures which have been posted. Search for: St. Augustine Catholic School - St. Louis Mo. Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs 3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, MO 63044. Info: 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.

Inviting All Florissant Senior Citizens To Join One Of The Bingo Clubs With The City Of Florissant!!

Please contact the Florissant Senior Office for more information at 8397604.

• Monday Club: Meets every Monday for Bingo from 11:30-2:30 on the lower level of the James J. Eagan Center. Bring a sandwich coffee and tea are available. Interesting day trips to St. Louis Area locations are also scheduled.

• Florissant Older Adult Club: Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 11-1:30 on the lower

level of the James J. Eagan Center.

Bring your lunch! Bingo, Trips, Speakers and special events are planned.

• Wednesday Club: Meets every Wednesday for Bingo from 11:302:30 on the lower level of the James J. Eagan Center. Bring a sandwichcoffee and tea available. Interesting day trips to St. Louis Area locations are also available.

Last Saturday of Each Month: Writers Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Looking for new Authors and Songwriters.

Come join us and let us help you with your dream. We have Authors, Songwriters, Playwrites, Teachers and more. Meet at the Baden Liberary 8448 Church Rd. For more info call 314.388.2400.

GNCC Member Happenings Old Jamestown Association Join for only $10 per individual or $15 per family. Become a part of this network of residents who are informed about events and issues in the Old Jamestown Area. Questions? Email prautes@aol.com.

Health Mar. 13: Stroke Survivor’s Network 2:30 – 4 p.m. in the SSM Rehab Hospital Dining Room. A presentation and educational session for stroke survivors and their family members or caregivers. Call Chris Gonzalez at 314.447.9644 for more info.

Mar. 16: Health Screening 2 p.m. Free, Greater Grace Church, 2900 Pershall Rd. Ferguson. Enjoy food, door prizes, 50/50 Raffle. Call 314.731.5700.

March 19: Grief and Loss – Support Group 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Bridgeton Trails Library. Call 314.344.7080 for more info.

Hands-Only CPR Could you save someone’s life if their heart suddenly stopped? SSM St. Joseph Health Center is now offering FREE non-certificate trainAnswers from page 8

www.facebook.com/mycnews

What’s Happening

ing in hands-only CPR for individuals and their families. The training takes 15 minutes and is appropriate for anyone ages 10 and older. Eighty percent of sudden cardiac arrests happen in private or residential settings. Hands-only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for sudden cardiac arrest at home, at work or in other public settings. It can double or triple a victim’s chance for survival, according to the American Heart Association. Contact Rachel Sparks 636.947.5663 or Maureen Bell 636.947.5083 to schedule a training session.

Retirement Community, 11160 Village North Dr.. Laugh, reminisce and learn with OASIS during this discussion group program.

Enjoy fellowship and discussion on a variety of topics while making new friends or reconnecting with old ones. Attend one, or attend every month. Light refreshments provided. Dates and topics listed below. Call 314.747.9355 or 1.877.747.9355 to register.

Crisis Nursery The Crisis Nursery is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect by offering real help and real hope to families in crisis. The Crisis Nursery provides shortterm, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis.

Care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at five sites, serving families throughout the greater St. Louis, St. Charles, Wentzville, Southern Illinois and surrounding regions. For the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery 24-hour helpline, call 314.

768.3201. In St. Charles County, call 636.947.0600. Visit www.crisisnurserykids.org for program, volunteer and event info.

Apr. 9: AARP Driver Safety Program

By Dr. Arthur Visor, certified AARP instructor at Northwest HealthCare Community Room 1, 1225 Graham Road from 12:304:30 p.m. Learn about age-related physical changes and ways to adjust for these changes and reduce traffic violations and chances for injuries. Some insurance companies also offer a discount to participants. Space is limited, call 314.747.9355 or 877.747.9355 to register. Fee: $12 AARP member; $14 non-member (payable to AARP) the day of training.

Christian Hospital

To register call 314.747.9355 Mar. 21: Good Night’s Sleep OASIS Peer Led Discussion Group 1:30-2:30 p.m at Village North

Mar. 26: Diabetes Alert Day To celebrate, get a free diabetes screening anytime. Call 314.747.9355 or 1.877.747. 9355 for more information or to register.

April 18: OASIS Peer Led Discussion Groups At Village North Retirement Community, 11160 Village North Dr. from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Laugh, reminisce and learn with OASIS during this discussion group program. Enjoy fellowship and discussion on a variety of topics while

13

making new friends or reconnecting with old ones. Attend one, or attend every month. Light refreshments provided. Dates and topics listed below. Call 314.747.9355 or 877.747.9355 to register. “Two Ears and One Mouth: Being a Good Listener.”

Apr. 25: 9th Annual Hats Off to Women – HATTITUDE At Christian Hospital with screenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and a lecture at 6pm. For more information, contact Bret Berigan, bmb0914@ bjc.org Learn about women and heart disease and how attitude can have a big influence on your health.

The fun will begin with a special gift given to every woman who chooses to wear a hat. A goody bag will be given to all participants and a light, heart-healthy dinner will be served. Free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings will be available. Reservations: 314.747.9355 or 877.747.9355.

Tuesdays: Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting 6:30-8 p.m. A certified substance abuse counselor talks about the addiction of alcohol and drugs, warning signs and symptoms, treatment and recovery, how families are affected by addiction and common problems families experience during the recovery process.

Meetings are free and open to the public. Christian Hospital Building 2, Suite 401 (I-270/Hwy 367 interchange) For more information, call 314.839.3171 or 1.800.447.4301.

14

March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods.

Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run.

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Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

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Annual The 16th Fair Women’s Fit will be Fun, ! lous and Fabu

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Follow thes e tips to keep your family and pets safe from mosquitoes.

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Community Health and ment states the Environit is only the female mosquito that “bites” and she does so to obtain blood meal the needed While mosquito to lay viable eggs. more than drive es usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometime dang s may contract erous diseases. Hum ans malaria, yellow gue, and encephali fever, dentis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exception diseases, with of canine heartwor human encephalitis and m, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbreaks to borne encephali of mosquitis have occurred in periodically Missouri.

“Canine heartwor m is an problem, with endemic ers escalating costs to animal owneach warned. “Effective year,” health officials measures including mosquito control the eliminatio swamp areas, n of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission. ” toes: floodwate r and permanen If you believe mosquitoes. t water ing you have a mosquito Floodwater problem on mosquitoes their eggs on breedyour property, lay damp soil but are not where flooding sure, please call the will occur or, in some Department munity Hea cases, above of Comwater line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspectio other small n and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomme fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. nd a - National St. Charles in the larval County residents Friendship stages, broods greatest preventio can upload have the of mosquito n methods Day is Aues fingertips a two-minright at their toes are mainly . gust 5 and - property Proper maintenance of the pest variety, ute video the first to of the is the first step and are in light of emerge in the toward mosquito describi ng spring months. prevention. All trash Many of these a recent and mosquitoes refuse that how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to property friend lights ten miles or more drained, should be adequatel i n d i c ate s up their life y graded and a blood meal to prevent any ...3 women ............. to lay eggs. pools or puddles water that may to www.rastory.................. of last place high Cover County mosquitoten days or longer. diancer ibtheir eggs directly ..............6 v a l u e er.......... control officer McCauley lists on the water bons.com Schneid Barry .

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COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a unique business-to-business magazine featuring chamber of commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

Vol 9 No 28

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes.

Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months.

S LOU

Schneide

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have self-awareness will find the answers process! Women health, family, career, s on at the 2007 to question and more image, fashion, – Fun, Fit, and FabuFair at St. Women’s , Nov. 17, for Saturday lous – set nity College.

Charles Commu hip in partners the college St. Joseph sented by y and SSM take with JCPenne ospital West, will StuHealth Center-Ha.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC le. dent Center in Cottlevil Mall Drive out the area Mid Rivers through reWomen from day of education, for a fun, includwill gather food, and laxation, prizes, inars, a fashion show 50 ing nine mini-sem and more than speaker, and serand keynote g products vendors displayin vices. tal a continen seminars and exhibits and a fashion tickets include se cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-cour in show, keynote Grappa Grill by and catered t, exhibits, luncheon the breakfas consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. y will host ages year, JCPenne with styles for all fashion show,

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers.

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July 11, 2007

Mosquito Seas on

By Shelly A.

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

14, 2007 November 46 Vol. 86 No.

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16

March 13, 2013 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice

Marriage Can’t Change Bad Behavior My friends often tell me about their (or other people’s) various relationships. Some of these stories make absolutely no sense. For instance, a woman I know has been living with her significant other for several years. Because they didn’t get along for one reason or another, she moved out and bought her own house.

They’re still date mates, however. She said she loves him, but he just won’t change his bad habits. She didn’t elaborate on his bad habits, but I got the impression he was abusive at times.

Then she said, “If only he would only marry me, I’m sure all this would straighten out.”

I uttered my usual profound question: “Huh?” What makes anyone believe marriage would change undesirable behavior? I’ve always been under the impression from my own observations and experience that whatever undesirable quirks and behavior patterns one’s lover has, one might multiply them by at least five after marriage. That’s when some folks relax and diets go by the wayside along with various other civilized practices.

A phone call that was answered with a cheery “Hello Dear” might morph into “What the (bleep) do you want?”

We’re usually on our best behavior while dating. If we follow current trends of living together for a few

years, there remains the possibility of leaving if bad behavior or habits overwhelm. If marriage occurs, truth will out. We’ll see the real person emerge. The shapely adorable girl he married ate only green veggies and swilled diet drinks. Now it‘s Wendy’s hamburgers and donuts. Her svelte 115 might blimp up to 180.

The same with handsome Charlie. His fashionable lounge attire might become sleeveless undershirts, dirty gym shorts and sneakers with holes. He too may succumb to the diet of a domestic swine, beer and the disposition of a slum lord.

What makes these otherwise intelligent people believe marriage would change their unhappy or abusive relationships for the better?

When we’re young and fresh, we often be-

lieve marriage is the proverbial happily-ever-after life of contentment. One can understand this attitude, however naïve.

Without it, humans wouldn’t procreate.

What I fail to understand is how someone can believe a potential husband or wife who demonstrates the behavior patterns of badgers and shrews can be changed with a marriage certificate?

Until recently, I tried to look upon any relationship, no matter how bizarre or out of the ordinary, as “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” An abusive spouse means it’s broken.

Marriage is a great concept for young people who want to start families. Responsibility for rearing children should have some legal and moral backing. I also know that if they end in divorce, looking to immediately do it again puts the odds against them.

I’m told over 90% of second marriages don’t work. Perhaps those other 10% that work are because the partners know better than to think it will make someone change for the better. For that matter, trying to change anyone at all is extremely problematic at best.

“There’s a lot to be said for self-delusionment when it comes to matters of the heart.” -Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, Northern Exposure, First Snow, 1993 Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher.

He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating big machines.

He has no formal training as a writer, unless 60 years of writing about any and everything counts.

www.something-printed.com www.facebook.com/somethingprinted

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