CN: March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017

A walk through Florissant’s history Key citizens from the community’s past honored with plaques placed throughout the city’s Old Town district

Around Town NCCU honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Essay Winners. P.3

Community Voices

By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson. P.2

Healthy Living

By Nicholas Elmes It is not hard to find history in Florissant – all you have to do is take a stroll down St. Francis Street to learn something about the men and women who have contributed to the city over the past 241 years.

That is because about 15 years ago a group of citizens and local historians decided to honor key citizens from the community’s past with plaques placed throughout the city’s Old Town district, an effort that has now become known as the Walk Through History.

“People here, their roots run deep,” said Florissant Mayor Tom Schneider. “We have people who have been here for five generations. I think that by recognizing some of the key people from our history by putting it into a permanent plaque that it will inspire good citizenship from people of all ages by reflecting on those who went above and beyond.”

Photo by Ray Rockwell The program was the brain- Taking a stroll down the Florissant Walk Through History on March 8 are long-time Florissant residents Tom and Vicki Pulliam. They have lived in child of local historian Rosemary Florissant since 1977.

Davidson, who is now recognized with her own plaque, and former Mayor “There is John Mullanphy who was a very centuries.”

Robert Lowery. wealthy merchant and commodity trader Each plaque is unveiled with a special cer“They started out with some of the city’s back in the 1800s and gave a lot of his wealth emony during the spring and summer at founding fathers like Commandant Francois to St. Ferdinand Parish at the time.

Florissant’s Wednesday Night Out or, if the Dunegant dit Borosier who was appointed to “We also honored Johnny Londoff, Sr. who honoree was heavily involved in the local be the head of the civil and military govern- was started a very successful car dealership,” Rotary Club, in collaboration with a Rotary ment of the village of what was then called said Schneider. “He was a big booster of the Club lunch.

St. Ferdinand,” said Schneider. “He was the Variety Club which raised money for local Schneider said this year the city had a first person who was honored in the Walk charities back in the day and brought people unique list of people to honor ranging from Through History. Another of the early ones like the Rat Pack to the town. We also have historian Gretchen Crank to former presiwas Mayor Charles Castello.” the first woman plumber, Charlotte Ballard, dent Thomas Jefferson.

Castello was served as mayor in the 1800s, in the state of Missouri who had her own “Under his presidency, they acquired the being elected to the office 27 times and play- plumbing company here.”

Louisiana Purchase which brought Missouri ing a key role in bringing the West End NarIn total, the Walk Through History cur- into the United States,” said Schneider. “We row Gauge Railroad to Florissant. rently boasts 26 plaques to key historical will be putting his plaque at the corner of St. “We have also honored a number of other figures from the area, but new plaques are Francis Street and Jefferson Street.” mayors who made significant contributions added every year.

Schneider said the Walk Through History to the progress of the community through“We pick who we will honor through a is a great way of sharing the city’s history out the community for the past 200 years,” collaboration between local historians,” said with visitors to big events like the Valley of said Schneider, noting that the Walk Through Schneider. “I also get recommendations from Flowers, the Veteran’s Day Parade, the anHistory also honors a variety of businessmen families and people who have been around nual Fall Festival. and notable residents from the community. for a while, families that have been here for See ‘HISTORY’ page 2

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New solutions for ADHD. P.6

Business Sydney’s Closet to hold casting call for plus-size models . P.6

Learn & Play

Simplify fish Fridays with sheet pan dinners. P.11

Movie

‘Beauty and the Beast’: a tempest in Mrs. Potts? P.16

Weather FRIDAY Rain Likely 58/37 SATURDAY Chance of Rain Late; Sunny 60/39 SUNDAY Sunny; Chance of Rain 64/44 FirstWarn Weather

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

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Around Town

March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Growing up in an abusive home

By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson You may wonder if children are affected by the violence in their environment. Family violence affects children from every income level, race and religion.

Each year, millions of children witness violence in their homes. I have had clients tell me that because their children were infants or between the ages of one and three, they were not aware of the violence in their home. If a woman is being battered by her partner and has an infant, she may be unable to nurture and care for her baby the way she normally would. As a result, her baby may cry and be fussy a lot, or have problems with sleeping and eating.

Seeing or hearing violence among family members hurts children in many ways. Toddlers and preschool children may also experience problems with trouble sleeping or eating. They may cry a lot or cling to their mothers more than usual saying they just don’t feel good. Those that don’t know how to express emotions in any other way than through anger may do a lot of hitting, biting or kicking.

Many children experience guilt, sadness, feelings

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of powerlessness, or difficulty sleeping because they cannot rescue their mother from their abusive father or mother’s boyfriend. As adolescents, many begin to establish intimate partner relationships. Without outreach, prevention and education, there is a pretty good risk that they will be caught in a generational cycle of violence. The boys may put into practice the communication practices of verbal, emotional and/ or physical abuse they learned at home. They believe it is acceptable to hit people they care for in an attempt to get what they want, to express their anger, to feel power or to get others to meet their needs.

Boys can also get into trouble by deciding to protect their mothers and fight the abuser physically or with a weapon to overcome their feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness. Girls normally follow the same pattern of their mother or go to the extreme of becoming the dominant abusive partner in her relationships.

The good news is that the effects of domestic violence on children is not irreversible. There is help

for troubled families. With outreach, education and positive intervention, the cycle can be broken. Life Source Consultants provides free services for victims of abuse and their children. Crisis Helpline: 314-524-0686.

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.

‘HISTORY’ from cover “We have 10,000 people walking up and down the street then,” he said. “They get to see a lot of people who have made a significant contribution to the community.”

But the walk is also important for the city’s residents, according to Schneider who said he frequently runs into people who have learned something they did not know from the plaques “We just put in a plaque for Jay Russell, and some people did not know that he was in the state legislature for 28 years,” said Schneider. “They just thought of him as a tavern owner and for his pizza restaurant.”

He said that the Walk Through History was a way to make sure that the people who really made a difference were not lost to history.

This plaque honors former Florissant Mayor James J. Eagan.

Photo by Ray Rockwell “You might wonder why a street or a building is named for a certain person,” he said. “Maybe people who lived in that lifetime Schneider said his favorite plaques were the ones honoring Saint know, but then decades later they don’t know.”

Rose Philippine Duchesne and Father Pierre-Jean De Smet.

Schneider said that one of the hardest parts of managing the “That was a pretty special friendship that I mention all the time,” Walk Through History program was figuring out exactly what to said Schneider. “St. Philippine inspired him and he inspired her. put on each plaque.

There was a great friendship between the two of them. He loved “Every plaque has to be 75 words so you have to condense some- Florissant because it had the quality of hospitality.” one’s life into just 75 words,” he said. “It is amazing how profound That is a quality that has defined the community for centuries, you can be when you have to be concise. You really have to pick and all you have to do to learn about it take a stroll down St. Franout the important things.” cis Street.

Image courtesy city of Florissant

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 15, 2017

NCCU honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Essay Winners North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) presented its Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Oratory Contest Winners with their certificates and $100 checks at its delayed Dr. King Celebration on March 5.

This event was originally scheduled for Jan. 15 but was canceled due to icy conditions. This celebration is an annual event sponsored by North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice and St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. This has been a joint celebration for the last 18 years on the Sunday around Dr. King’s birthday. The title of this year’s celebration was “A Legacy of Service.” It was held at Third Presbyterian Church in Moline Acres, because the college had already prescheduled other events on the campus. The keynote speaker was Rev. Cedric Portis, Pastor of Third Presbyterian Church who is the pastor of one of NCCU’s 23

churches. As a result, the church’s choir provided the music for this event.

The awards were presented by Dr. Rance Thomas, President of NCCU who shared his experience with having dinner with Mrs. Coretta Scott King at the home of the President of Principia College in Elsa, Illinois12 years ago.

He said that “it was a great honor to dine and talk with her during the Distinguished Speaker event of which she was the speaker to present her with Elijah Lovejoy Memorial’s Human Rights Award. This happened just a few weeks after being elected President of the Memorial before an overflow crowd of more than 1,500 people. It was very moving and motivating to hear firsthand about some of the work of Dr. King. It was one of the most exciting experiences of my life.”

In spite of the delay and change of location, the event was well attended.

North County community gathers to Support Valley Industries at charity gala

Photo courtesy city of Hazelwood The Mayors of Black Jack, Florissant, Hazelwood, Ferguson and Bellefontaine Neighbors came together to present Valley Industries officials with a joint proclamation, congratulating Valley Industries on its 50th anniversary celebration and the 10th anniversary of the Shamrock Ball. This is the first time that five mayors from neighboring communities have signed a joint proclamation displaying their signatures and city logos.

The North County community came together in a big way to show support for Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop at this year’s 10th Annual Mayors’ Shamrock Ball on March 4. The event was held at Garden Villas North Retirement and Assisted Living Community in Black Jack. Nearly 500 guests attended this milestone affair which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ball and coincided with Valley Industries’ 50th anniversary. In addition, KSDK-TV, NewsChannel 5’s chief meteorologist Craig Moeller headlined the event as the program emcee and did a fabulous job keeping everyone entertained throughout the evening.

Event organizers believe their charity gala Saturday night was the biggest and best one yet. All proceeds generated through event sponsorships, ticket sales and raffle prize drawings directly benefited Valley Industries and help to defray its operating expenses. Over 61 local businesses, organizations, municipalities and food vendors purchased generous sponsorship packages.

“Over the past decade our Mayors’ Shamrock Ball has evolved into an upscale affair where anybody who is somebody attends this premier green-tie event of North County,” 2017 Mayors’ Shamrock Ball Chairman and Hazelwood City Manager Matthew Zimmerman said. “They come dressed up to enjoy an evening of great food, open bar, super raffle prize drawings, and fun dancing to the sounds of The Bob Kuban Band for a worthy cause.”

Mayor Norman McCourt of Black Jack, Mayor Tom Schneider of Florissant, Mayor Matthew

Robinson of Hazelwood, Mayor James Knowles of Ferguson, and Mayor Robert Doerr of Bellefontaine Neighbors are hosts of this yearly fund-raiser. This year, all five of them came together and presented a proclamation, congratulating Valley Industries on its 50th anniversary celebration and the 10th anniversary of the Shamrock Ball.

“I was totally surprised when Craig Moeller and the mayors asked me and our Valley Industries’ Board President Don Ceresia to come up front for a presentation. They presented us with a joint proclamation signed by each of them with their city logos printed on it as well,” Valley Industries Executive Director Jim Guyre said. “I believe this is the first-of-its-kind proclamation that has been issued jointly by five neighboring communities. I want to thank the city clerks of each municipality as well as the mayors for this treasured gift which I will proudly display at Valley Industries.”

State Representative Gretchen Bangert, Dist. 69, also made an appearance and presented Valley Industries officials with a House Resolution commemorating the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Valley Industries has been notified that Missouri Governor Eric Greitens is sending an official proclamation from his Office and State Senator Gina Walsh, Dist. 13, is sending a Senate Resolution.

Fifty years ago this month, Valley Industries first opened its doors for business under the name of Florissant Valley Sheltered Workship with only 15 employees. Today, the workshop provides dignified and meaningful employment for over 200 adults with developmental disabilities in a 63,000 square-foot production facility in Hazelwood.

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March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Beyond Housing receives Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence The Missouri Community Forestry Council and Missouri Department of Conservation have recognized Beyond Housing, a comprehensive community development nonprofit organization, with the Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence for their work in community forestry. Beyond Housing focuses its revitalization and community-building efforts on the 24:1 Community, the 24 municipalities that make up the Normandy School Collaborative (district) in North St. Louis County.

The Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence recognizes projects that demonstrate a sustained effort to care for the trees of Missouri.

“Beyond Housing has achieved more success in seven months (in regards to community forestry), than some cities do in seven years,” said Daniel Moncheski, Community Forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation. “I work with cities that range in population from 200 to 80,000 people. The buy-in for trees by the mayors in the 24:1 rivals the largest cities I work with. I pinch myself when I help out here to make sure this is real.”

Beyond Housing added community forester Doug Seely to its staff in 2016 after entering into a five-year, $500,000 cooperative agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation. In just the short time since bringing Mr. Seely on board, Beyond Housing has led the 24:1 communities in efforts to conduct routine maintenance of trees that have been neglected for years, hosted training workshops for community leaders and community forestry companies, and hosted two community tree planting projects.

“There’s great benefit in a healthy forest canopy in urban areas. Trees, parks and other green spaces increase property values, protect from soil erosion and protect homes and streets from the harsh effects of the sun,” said Doug Seely, Community Forester with Beyond Housing. “Our initiatives in community forestry have helped to create vibrant green spaces for the 24:1 Community and show how important the forestry canopy is when building a community that can sustain generations of families.”

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Understanding the difference between ‘watch’ and ‘warning’

www.metrotix.com

Severe weather season is upon us and now is the time to begin preparing. Missouri weather can deliver all the extremes from heat to cold, from snow to storms.

We have it all.

In an effort to better prepare yourself for threatening weather conditions, it is important to understand the difference between a “watch” and a “warning.”

During severe weather the National Weather Service along with the Storm Prediction Center will issue watches when conditions favoring severe weather is possible across an area. A watch means that conditions are right to support the development of severe weather in and around the watch box.

When a watch is issued this is the time to become prepared for the possibility of severe weather. A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather including the threat of damaging winds, large hail, and/or tornadoes. A tornado watch means that conditions are right to potentially produce tornadoes in and around the watch box.

A watch is not a guarantee that severe weather will occur, but it is possible.

During a watch it is important to monitor weather conditions, review your severe weather safety plans, make sure your NOAA weather radio is operational and if you are planning outdoor activities to know where to go and what to do if/when severe weather were to develop.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma is responsible for issuing severe thunderstorm and tornado watches.

A typical watch box includes about 20,000 to 40,000 square miles. Sometimes the watch boxes are smaller and sometimes they are bit larger. A watch is typically issued for about six to eight hours and will be modified as necessary during the watch time frame.

One thing to always remember about a watch – it means to prepare for severe weather, but as I mentioned, it isn’t a guarantee that severe weather will in fact occur

within the watch box.

A severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning means that threatening weather has been reported, detected by radar and severe weather safety plans should be activated. A warning means that severe weather is occurring or will occur in the warned area. This is the time to take action!

When the local National Weather Service issues the warning for severe weather it is indicated that winds of 58+ mph, hail of at least one inch (about the size of a quarter) or the threat of a possible tornado is anticipated from the severe storm.

At least one of these criteria must be met before a warning is issued.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. When a tornado warning is issued the area under the warning is in danger of a possible tornado at any time during the warning.

Warnings are issued by the NWS and relayed via media and NOAA weather radar. The warnings typically include smaller areas within or near the watch. Warnings are sometimes issued ahead of the storm for adjacent counties to provide the public with advanced warning of the impending severe weather threat.

Severe weather can occur at any time in Missouri. It is important to make sure you have a safety plan in place and know the difference between a watch and warning as this can help prepare you and even save your life.

Nick Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands the weather here in our area. He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net and you can always get the most up-to-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www. facebook.com/nickswx 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 • March 15, 2017

Yeggs

Around Town

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John Hanna

John Hanna is a part time, amateur cartoonist taking his first step into the world of print and online comic media. When he isn’t drawing or working at his second job, he can be seen in and around the St Charles area. If you like his work, that is good. If you don’t like it, that is good too.

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

F R E P THE

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E M I R EC T C

I’m getting highly suspicious. Every time I come home my husband’s intently watching the TV. Nothing out of the ordinary, except that football season is over. So, what is it that has his complete attention? Murder shows! Shows about people who have offed their business partners, their neighbors and their SPOUSES! Just to make sure, I have hidden all the blunt instruments in the house and replaced the sharp kitchen knives with plastic ware. One can’t be too cautious.

The other day he made me a fruit drink, out of kindness you many think? Ha! I’m on to his little plot. I’ve seen the anti-freeze smoothie episode.

The woman croaked after drinking such a concoction and there was no color, taste or odor.

“Mmm, this is delicious,” I say while pouring it down the sink.

I will no longer drive with my husband either.

I know he has cut the brake line and will merge into traffic after he jumps out of the car leaving me to face a head-on collision with a semi.

No more trips to the zoo. I saw the show where the guy hands his wife a cheeseburger then pushes her into the lion pit.

He will definitely question where the pillows and couch cushions have disappeared to – used in too many suffocations on those programs. I’m no idiot.

The other day he came in huffing and sweating.

No doubt from guilt. Most likely he’d been out purchasing a silencer or upping my life insurance policy.

www.MasterGCR.com

I was almost in the car going to hide out at my favorite department store where it’s safe. I forgot the keys and grabbed them when he came in.

“Where’ve you been?” I demand.

“Forgot it was garbage day. Got the can out just as they came by.”

“Hmph!” I say. No doubt a dry run for when he dumps my remains. I make a mental note to get rid of the garbage can.

I head out into the garage and stop dead in my tracks. “Where’s that bag I left on the hood of the car?”

“Wasn’t it trash?”

As I hear the rumble of the garbage truck in the distance, I think of the bag containing my return items and Kohl’s Cash inside. I didn’t see it coming. The room is spinning; I feel my life blood slipping away. He did it, that sneaky man finally did it.

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.

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Around Town

March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Fifth Annual Party on the Ice On March 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center Ice Rink the Fifth Annual Party on the Ice was held. This event was sponsored by the city of Florissant Parks and Recreation Department and the Florissant Police DARE Program, and approximately 150 students from

grades five through eight attended the event.

Participants skated, hung out on the ice, played games, ate pizza and drank soda in the warm up area. Jeff Dickson from Party Time DJ played their favorite music, gave game instruction sand announced contest winners.

Hazelwood West student moves to finals in Teen Talent Competition On March 4, 40 metro area high school acts competed in the semi-final round of the Seventh Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. St. Louis performing arts professionals judged the acts and narrowed the field to 17 acts (29 individual finalists) who will move on to the finals on April 8 at 8 p.m. at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, including Hazelwood West student Joe Flowers.

These acts are one step closer to performing on the Fox Stage and winning college scholarships, prizes and performance opportunities.

“We couldn’t be happier with the level of talent this year. While we usually only advance 12-13 acts to the finals, this year is an exception and we have 17 qualifying acts!” exclaimed Mary Strauss, Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Board President.

The final competition is a Broadway-style show that is free and open to the public. General admission tickets are required and available now at no charge at The Fabulous Fox box office and

through Metrotix.

More than $30,000 in scholarships and prizes will be distributed among the top competitors on April 8. Finalists will also have the opportunity to perform at area events throughout the year. 2017 public appearances scheduled to date include Webster Art & Air Fair, National Dance Week and the Muny.

The community response to this free event has been amazing and grown over the past six years with “sold out” crowds at The Fox. Additionally, each year 120,000 viewers have watched the Nine Network’s hour-long program on the competition. The Nine Network will once again broadcast an hour-long program on the 2017 competition.

Please note all seating is general admission.

There is a limit of 10 tickets per transaction. Seating is first-come-first-seated, and is not guaranteed. The theater will be over-sold to ensure a full house. Please arrive early.

New solutions for ADHD

By Dr. Rhodes DC, BCIM

www.stladhd.com

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that five million children in the United States have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). That’s about five percent of all children. While ADHD is most commonly associated with childhood, studies show that up to 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults. Often, children are prescribed stimulant medications as a way to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD as these medications help users to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. However, there are short- and long-term effects related to these drugs. The most common side effects of ADHD medications are decreased appetite, sleep problems, headaches, jitteriness, stomach aches and social withdrawal.

The long-term impact of these medications on a youthful, developing brain is not yet known.

With the side effects of medications, many parents are turning to a new therapy in the treatment of ADHD called Neurofeedback. More than 30 years of university-based research has demonstrated that the brains of children and adults suffering with ADHD produce a high amount of theta waves and too few beta waves, resulting

in an inability to concentrate and pay attention.

Theta waves are the predominant brain waves produced when we are just about to fall asleep; beta waves are produced when we are awake, alert and externally focused. Normal theta to beta ratios in adults is 2 to 1 and in children it is 2.5 to 1. Ratios higher than 3 to 1 suggest ADHD. In several different studies it was demonstrated that 86 percent of the children diagnosed with ADHD using traditional criteria had a theta/beta ratio higher than 3 to 1. When the brain becomes dysregulated, it sometimes produces a high level of theta waves in waking states. In these cases, it is associated with distractibility, inattention and daydreaming. In some cases, the individual will become hyperactive to compensate for the lack of focus.

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive procedure to teach children with ADHD how to control their own brain waves and reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with ADHD. For more information or to schedule your free parent seminar on either October 13 or 27, contact St. Louis Neurotherapy Institute at 314-983-9355 or visit www.stladhd.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 15, 2017

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Free your feet from pain Hammertoe is a deformity, in which the end of the toe is bent downward. Hammertoe usually affects the second toe; however, it may also affect the other toes.

The toe moves into a claw-like position.

The most common cause of hammertoe is wearing short, narrow shoes that are too tight.

The toe is forced into a bent position. Muscles and tendons in the toe tighten and become shorter.

Hammertoe is most likely to occur in women who wear shoes that do not fit well or have high heels, or children who keep wearing shoes they have outgrown.

At first, you may be able to move and straighten a hammertoe. Over time, you will no longer be able to move the toe. A corn often forms on the top of the toe. A callus is found on the sole of the foot. Walking or wearing shoes can be painful. Mild hammertoe in children can be treated by manipulating and splinting the affected toe.

Relieving Hammertoe Symptoms Changing your footwear may help relieve hammertoe symptoms: • Wear the right size shoes or shoes with wide toe boxes for comfort, and to avoid making hammertoe worse.

• Avoid high heels as much as possible.

• Wear soft insoles to relieve pressure on the toe.

• Protect the joint that is sticking out with corn pads or felt pads.

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• Exercises may be helpful. You can try gentle stretching exercises if the toe is not already in a fixed position. Picking up a towel with your toes can help stretch and straighten the small muscles in the foot.

If you have hammertoe or other foot pain, call Feet for Life Podiatry: • To get instructions on the best treatment.

• If your pain gets worse.

• If you have difficulty walking.

If the condition is treated early, you can often avoid surgery. Treatment will reduce pain and walking difficulty. For severe hammertoe, you will need an operation to straighten the joint. Most of the time, you will go home on the same day as the surgery. The toe may still be stiff afterward, and it may be shorter.

For more information contact Feet for Life Podiatry Centers at 314-983-0303 or see our website www.feetforlifecenters.com. We are located in University City/Clayton at 8637 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63124 .

www.feetforlifecenters.com

DNA test may reveal why you can’t lose weight Excess pounds do more than just increase your weight – they increase your risk of many other major health problems.

Overweight people are more likely to have heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer and depression.

And as a person’s BMI increases, so do the number of sick days, medical claims and healthcare costs.

And why is it that we’ve all seen people who eat a lot more than we do or eat fattening foods like ice cream, cake and whatever else they want and still don’t gain weight? Researchers have shown that genetics may play a huge role in this frustrating problem.

According to Dr. Brian Parks, study coauthor and a postdoctoral researcher at the Geffen School of Medicine, “We could potentially reverse obesity if we understand how genetic factors influenced so much of the population to become obese in the first place.”

On one level, your weight depends on the number of calories you consume, how many of those calories you store and how many you burn up. But each of these factors is influenced by a combination of genes and environment. Both can affect your physiology (such as how fast you burn calories) as well as your behavior (the types of foods you choose to eat, for instance). Genes can contribute to obesity is several ways. They can affect your appetite, metabolism, food cravings, bodyfat distribution and how we eat when coping with

stress.

Research suggests that genes can actually account for just 25 percent of the predisposition to be overweight, while for other genetic influences can be as high as 70 to 80 percent. Having a rough idea of how large a role genes play in your weight may be helpful in terms of treating your weight problems. Based on the results of your genetic testing, we will work with you to help you successfully achieve the results you want to see!

So take the guess work out of your weight issue! Call today and find out more about this doctor-supervised program and let us help you feel great about your weight. This program is based on your personal DNA! There are no shakes, no pre-packaged foods and this is not an exercise dependent program. Come in for a free body composition analysis.

Call 1-866-5-NEW-YOU or visit www.fatlossstl.com. Our office is located at 11710 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

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March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Home & Garden Section

Emmy-winning speaker Bobby Norfolk visits Townsend Elementary

in Classifieds page 15

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Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Emmy-award-winning speaker, author and storyteller Bobby Norfolk recently visited Townsend Elementary, in the Hazelwood School District, as part of their Black History Month program.

During his visit, Norfolk shared stories of the Underground Railroad and Anansi the Spider – Tales of Africa with the students. During his

storytelling, he encouraged student and parent participation.

“We are very thankful that Bobby Norfolk could visit Townsend,” said Dr. Patricia Wilson, principal of Townsend. “All of the students enjoyed his enthusiastic storytelling and they loved participating in front of their peers and parents.”

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Normandy students tackle the image issue at UMSL symposium on African-American males “When you look at yourself, what do you see?” Orlando Sharpe posed this question to the room of young men at a recent meeting at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Sharpe, the STEM Program Director with the YMCA, was one of the speakers at the recent UMSL Critical Issues Symposium: Images of the African-American Male. He and other speakers would talk with the young men about the image of the African-American male and how this awareness may help them create a way out Photo courtesy STLCC-Florisant Valley of negative circumstances.

“We have to affirm positive Terell Johnson, a Normandy 7th grader, was so moved by Dr. Otha Myles remarks, Johnson asked if he could get a high-five from the doctor. Johnson and Myles participated in the UMSL representation of black males,” symposium on the image of the African-American male.

Sharpe said. “That is how we change the narrative.” He encouraged the grade education. young men to start branding themselves with “I could not rely on my parents to help with positive images on their personal social media my homework, but I did not allow this to deterplatforms. An example of this is how Sharpe’s mine my future,” Myles explained. Describing son, at the age of nine, started a blog. He said his mother as his inspiration, at the age of 10, his son’s blog was a way for the youngster to Myles wrote a letter to the American Medical control how he is seen in public by controlling Association declaring he was going to be a docthe images shared online. tor.

The audience for the symposium included 75 Like Myles, some of the other students in the young men from the Normandy 7th-8th Grade room are enduring their share of hardships: one Center in the Normandy Schools Collabora- student has five siblings, his dad is incarcerated, tive, as well as male students from other area and his mother passed away two years ago. Inschool districts. The symposium was presented spired by the doctor’s story, Terell Johnson, a by the UMSL School of Social Work. seventh grader at Normandy, asked Dr. Myles if Harlan Hodge, a longtime youth mentor and he could shake his hand. Johnson stood in front entrepreneur, and Halbert Sullivan, a commu- of his friends and classmates and told Dr. Myles nity leader, spoke at the symposium, urging that he wants to become a veterinarian. students to not become victims of their envi“I was listening to what you were saying, and ronments. Sullivan, a former addict, started the it was kind of inspiring,” said Johnson. “When Fathers Support Center in St. Louis at the age I go home, I am going to write a letter [to the of 40. The FSS provides parent education work- veterinarian association].” shops and employment training to fathers in St. Christopher Mischeaus, a seventh grader Louis city and county. at Normandy, said he liked the speeches and “If I can make it out my trials, so can you,” learned he could achieve his dreams with hard Sullivan said to the students. work. Terell Johnson, the future vet, was inDr. Otha Myles, a physician at Mercy Hos- spired by Dr. Myles and wants to be a better role pital in St. Louis, and founder of the Brother 2 model to his younger siblings.

Brother Initiative, shared his story of growing “I felt confident speaking to Dr. Myles and up in poverty and relying on government assis- asking for a handshake,” Johnson said. “He let tance to survive. Myles was the 14th of 16 chil- me know, I decide how I live my life.” dren born to parents who only had an eighth-

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 15, 2017

Sydney’s Closet to hold casting call for plus-size models Sydney’s Closet, designer and manufacturer of plus-size special occasion dresses, will hold its first-ever open casting call for full-figured women ages 16 to 26. The online search – to discover fresh faces to model homecoming and prom dresses – runs through March 19.

“If you’ve got great curves, then we have the chance for you to pursue your dream of being a plus-size model,” said Phyllis Brasch Librach, head designer and president of Sydney’s Closet.

“No experience is necessary.”

To apply, visit Sydney’s Closet at http://www. sydneyscloset.com and fill out the online application https://sydneyscloset.com/pages/castingcall. Deadline for applications is Sunday, March

19 at midnight.

Select applicants will be called in late March for an interview at the company’s headquarters located at 11840 Dorsett Rd. in Maryland Heights.

“This is an opportunity to glam it up in front of the camera wearing fabulous evening dresses while a professional photographer captures your great curves,” Librach said.

Librach and her husband, Mathew, run the family business. Their daughter, Michelle Rosenfield, manages wholesale accounts. The company sells its fashions to more than 250 retailers across the United States and around the world including Canada, Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

NCI names 2017 Chairman of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors for North County Incorporated (NCI), a regional development association, has elected Scott Negwer, President, Negwer Materials, Inc., as the organization’s Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2017. This is a one-year term that began Jan. 1. Negwer succeeds Sean Hogan, who served as NCI’s Board of Directors Chairman in 2016.

Negwer has served as President of Negwer Materials, Inc. since 1995. Negwer earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Blackburn College and is a graduate of Lutheran High School North. Negwer has been an NCI board member since January 2015 and was previously on the board of directors from 2001 to 2003.

Negwer has served as a Vice Chair on the Executive Committee of the Drake Group since 2004.

Submitted photo Negwer has served on multiple boards including the Ferguson Scott Negwer, President, Negwer Materials, Commission, the Ferguson Center Committee, the Ferguson BusiInc., is North County Incorporated’s chairman ness District, and the Reinvest North County Advisory Board. of the board of directors for 2017.

NCI is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in 1977. The board is composed of community leaders and business owners.

om olley.c r t s e l r aintcha www.s

Business

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Schnucks announce community service partnership benefiting military service personnel Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Schnucks are teaming up to bring a sweet treat to military service members. For every $4 donation a Schnucks customer makes to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri through a Scan & Give campaign at checkout, a box of Girl Scout Cookies will be gifted to the USO of Missouri. The promotion is running in all 100 Schnucks locations and seven additional Girl Scout councils are participating. The three-week promotion ends on April 2.

“Schnucks continues to be very supportive of Girl Scouting and our mission of building future leaders,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “This promotion enables our community to support Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and potentially offers more community members the opportunity to provide a favorite national treat to our brave military service personnel.”

“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Girls Scouts throughout our trade areas,” said Joanie Taylor, Schnucks director of community relations. “As a company, we are dedicated to exploring new and different ways to partner with community groups, and this Scan & Give with the Girls Scouts and the USO is an excellent example of this commitment.”

Girl Scout councils of Central Illinois, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Eastern Missouri, Missouri Heartland, Southern Illinois, Southwest Indiana, Northern Illinois, and Wisconsin Badgerland are participating in the promotion, which will provide Girl Scout Cookies to their regional USO. To make a donation at the checkout, customers select a slip from the register tear pad and give it to the cashier to scan. The donation amount will be added to the customer’s bill. Store patrons have the option to donate in three different amounts up to $20.

“We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of this great partnership between Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Schnucks,” said Christine Trotter, USO of Missouri Director of Development.

“Our military truly appreciate these sweet treats and know that Girl Scouts are always thinking about them.”

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Sports

March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

See solution on page 13

www.treesbywoody.net

Sports you see with Gary B...

GAC Outstanding Boys’ 1 Basketball Athletes The following are the recipients of the first, second, All Academic and Sportsmanship teams for boys’ basketball of the Great American Conference.

1. GAC Boys Central - E.J. Bellinger (Ft. Zumwalt South); 2 Jaylen Sims (Liberty); Anthony Jones (Holt); Marco Powells (Ft. Zumwalt North) Not Pictured - Kaleb Overall (Liberty) 2. GAC Boys North - Trent Champagne (St. Charles West); 3 Caleb Strauss (Warrenton); Trevor Alberternst (Warrenton); Matt Burgess (Orchard Farm); Codi Whitlock (St. Charles) 3. GAC Boys South - Jake Hampton (Ft. Zumwalt West); Justin MatthewsWiliams (Francis Howell North); Mike Brohm (Francis Howell); Grady Daniels (Timberland); Brandon Bassham (Troy Buchanan) GAC Outstanding Girls’ Basketball Athletes The following are the recipients of the first, second, All Academic and Sportsmanship teams for girls’ basketball of the Great American Conference.

1. GAC Girls Central - Rachel Pudlowski (Ft. Zumwalt North); Hannah Karl (Ft. Zumwalt South); Kyra Hardesty (Washington); Reese Arnold (Washington); Jackie Arnold (Washington) Women’s college hockey playoffs at Family Arena The 2017 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four will be held Friday, March 17 and Sunday, March 19 at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The top four teams in women’s college ice hockey will come to the Gateway City to compete for the national championship. The two semi-final games will be played on Friday, March 17 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the championship will be on Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m.

Lindenwood University and the St. Louis Sports Commission host the Frozen Four competition.

Go to www.STLSports.org/wff for more information. * Elite women’s hockey Meet the indoor football organization and get free tickets The River City Raiders are a member of the Arena Pro Football league with home games at the Family Arena.

The team is inviting fans to come meet your 2017 River City Raiders players, coaches, and staff

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2

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2. GAC Girls North - Jenny Jansen (Warrenton); Kayla Nelson (Warrenton); Jamie Hopkins (Orchard Farm); Emma Poindexter (St. Charles West); Alexa Chairs (St. Charles) 3. GAC Girls South - Adene Edwards (Troy Buchanan); Tionne Taylor (Francis Howell); Natalie Rushing (Ft. Zumwalt South); Yani Curry (Francis Howell Central); Jordyn Armstrong (Timberland) A great amount of gratitude goes to Paul Boschert Athletic Director, Fort Zumwalt West High School who is the President of the Gateway Athletic Conference. * Bright future for these athletes Submitted photos

Tuesday, March 21 from 8 - 10:30 p.m. at Lamborghini Gold Coast Athletic Centre in historic St. Charles. Lamborghini is located at 49 Lawrence Street in St. Charles. Fan fest admission is free.

Fans can get autographs, photos and get to know the players, coaches and staff from 8-9 p.m. Practice will begin after that and fans are encouraged to stick around to watch.

Your Raiders staff will also have free tickets for the home opener Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Family Arena verses the Alabama Outlawz.

Go to www.IndoorRaiders.com for more information. * Football is back

1999 for the paper.

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, has hosted many radio shows from Health to Sports to Baby Boomer news. He was the EMCEE of the River City Rascals and St. Louis Swarm basketball team inaugural seasons and broadcasting for the indoor football teams over a decade. Has been writing sports since

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 15, 2017

Recipe: Simplify fish Fridays with sheet

I

pan dinners

f you’re observing Lent, Friday fish dinners could be in your future, but that’s no reason to feel limited by what you can cook. Seafood pairs well with all sorts of flavors – from chili seasoning to lime extract – and bakes quickly on a sheet pan with minimal cleanup.

Follow these simple tips from Dr. Wendy Bazilian, McCormick Health Advisor and Registered Dietitian, to get your family asking for good-for-you proteins like salmon and shrimp all year long: • While lemon is a great complement to seafood, think about pairing with other citrus flavors like

Learn & Play

11

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Hobbies

orange and lime. Try marinating shrimp in a mixture of lite coconut milk, lime extract, ginger and red pepper.

• Add colorful vegetables like zoodles or asparagus to your sheet pan to boost both seafood and vegetable servings. You don’t need a spiralizer to make zoodles because many grocery stores offer pre-made zoodles in the produce section.

• Keep shrimp in your freezer to pull out for stir fries, pastas or this Coconut Lime Shrimp with Zoodles recipe.

Explore more recipes to enjoy during Lent, spring and beyond at McCormick.com.

Coconut Lime Shrimp with Zoodles Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

I ngredients: 1/4 cup coconut milk (regular or lite) 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon pure lime extract 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 small zucchini, cut into thin noodles with spiralizer 1 medium yellow squash, cut into thin noodles with spiralizer 1 medium carrot, cut into thin noodles with spiralizer 2 tablespoons oil

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. In large, re-sealable plastic bag, mix together coconut milk, ginger, garlic powder, crushed red pepper and lime extract. Add shrimp; turn to coat well.

Refrigerate 15-30 minutes. Remove shrimp from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. In center of large, shallow, foil-lined baking pan, arrange shrimp in single layer.

In large bowl, toss vegetable noodles and oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat well. Spread noodles around shrimp in pan.

Bake 10-15 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through and noodles are tender. Serve shrimp over vegetable noodles.

Test kitchen tip: For faster prep, use 4 cups store-bought spiralized vegetable noodles instead of spiralizing them yourself.

Orange Chili Sheet Pan Salmon Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

I ngredients: Nonstick cooking spray 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons pure orange extract 2 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips 1 package chili seasoning mix 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Spray foil-lined, 13-by9-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In small bowl, mix together oil and orange extract. Place salmon and vegetables on separate sides of baking sheet. Brush vegetables with 1 teaspoon extract mixture. Brush both sides of salmon with remaining mixture.

In small bowl, mix together seasoning mix and brown sugar. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons seasoning mixture over vegetables. Sprinkle both sides of salmon evenly with remaining seasoning mixture.

Bake 20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are tender.

ACROSS 1. Tetanus symptom 6. Second mo.

9. Wild guess 13. Ottoman Empire bigwig 14. Unit of length of yarn 15. *Rock collector’s pick-up 16. Blockbuster starring Sigourney Weaver 17. “____ the President’s Men” 18. Lively 19. *Bibliophile’s pastime 21. *Knit or purl 23. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 24. *Birdwatching site 25. Prohibit 28. *Coin collectors amass it 30. Red Sea nation 34. ____ Andrews, sportscaster 36. ____meter or ____scope 38. Caterpillar hairs 40. Cogito ____ sum 41. *Collector’s item to a philatelist 43. One of deadly sins 44. Respected Hindu 46. Boris Godunov, e.g.

47. Buenos ____ 48. Spaghetti ____ 50. In a frenzy 52. Actor Stallone 53. Quiet time 55. Lamb’s mother 57. *Crossword, e.g.

60. *Hobbyist, technically 64. East Asia country, pre-1945 65. Grass bristle 67. Cagey 68. Abraham’s sacrifice 69. Be a witness 70. “Siddhartha” author 71. “Don’s ask, don’t ____” 72. Shape with an ax 73. Domains

DOWN 1. Practice in the ring 2. Opposite of sun-kissed 3. Most populous continent 4. Storage place, pl.

5. “Flashdance” song 6. *Vexillology subject 7. Underwater electricity generator 8. *Model-builder’s wood 9. Let it stand, to proofreader 10. Cleopatra’s necklace 11. Egyptian hieroglyph for “life” 12. Turkish title of respect 15. Kerri Walsh’s moves 20. Some tides 22. “___ your hand at...”

24. ____ verb, like “ask around” 25. *What an apiarist likes 26. Woven wall hanging 27. *When backyard astronomers gaze 29. Cobblestone 31. Mix together 32. Tiny purses 33. Like Flonase 35. Type of film 37. Mosque V.I.P. 39. *Crafters’ e-outlet 42. Preface 45. Novelist Honoré de ____ 49. 1/100 of afghani 51. Zambian or Malawian money 54. Fido’s restraint 56. Olden day anesthetic 57. Assume a posture 58. Russian mountain range 59. Eagerness 60. Again 61. Alleviate 62. Celestial bear 63. Whiskey grain, pl.

64. *Model-builder’s purchase 66. Diminutive See answers on page 13

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What’s Happening

March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS March 15: 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 16: Blood pressure check

Free blood pressure check at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant. Call 314-831-3752 for more information.

March 17: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 17: Corned beef and cabbage lunch

Corned beef and cabbage lunch for veterans and family starting at 10 a.m. at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

March 17: Bingo

Bingo from 2 – 3 p.m. at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant. Call 314-831-3752 for more information.

March 18: Fundraiser event

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Operation Food Search, a hunger relief organization that provides food to the area’s hungry, will host its fourth Purses for Pantries fundraiser at the River City Casino & Hotel Event Center located at 777 River City Blvd.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for a silent auction followed by a luncheon at noon and a live auction at 1 p.m. Both the silent and live auction feature a variety of designer and designer-inspired purses for purchase including evening clutches, vintage pocketbooks and trendy tote bags. Auction items also include restaurant and spa gift certificates, as well as many other surprises. The event has raised more than $150,000 over the past three years and all proceeds will be used to supply backpacks and summer meals and to support other childhood hunger relief programs. Tickets are $50 per person, and reserved tables for 10 are available. For more information, call 314-726-5355 or visit http://www.

OperationFoodSearch.org.

March 18: Fundraiser gala

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter (AAFA-STL) will hold its signature gala, Orchid AAFAir at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event will feature a live and silent auction, dinner, program presentation and an awards ceremony. AAFA-STL will honor Susan Stith, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Corporate Giving at Express Scripts, and Robert Fruend Jr., Chief Executive Officer of St. Louis Regional Health Commission, with this year’s “Orchid Award,” for their steadfast commitment and service to the organization and St. Louis community.

Our AAFA-STL Board President &

Partner at Deloitte, Brett Johnson and his wife Theresa Johnson, along with Kevin V. Roberts, Senior Vice President & CFO of BJC Healthcare, will serve as co-chairs for this event. Funds raised from the gala will help support AAFA-STL’s life-saving programs. For tickets and other information, please visit http://aafastl.org/orchid.

March 20: Ferguson-Florissant AAUW meeting

“Women of the Dred Scott Decision” will be the program for the meeting of the Ferguson-Florissant AAUW. Ruth Ann Hager will make the presentation. Hager retired from the St. Louis County Library’s History and Genealogy Department and has written a book about the Dred Scott case.

The American Association of University Women meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Educational Building of Immanuel UCC Church at 211 Church Street in Ferguson. The program is free and open to the public. For more information call 314-522-0413, 314831-5359 or 314-831-6884.

March 22: 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 24: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 26: Fundraiser event

Bring the family to the Leaps of Love Spring Fundraiser to benefit children with cancer and their families at Rose Hill at 11122 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur from 2 – 4 p.m. There will be free admission, vendors, karaoke, door prizes, auction and more. For more information contact Kathy Hubbard at 314-378-6129 or kkfundraising2014@gmail.com.

March 26: Fundraiser event

Leaps of Love Spring Fundraiser-Family event to benefit children with cancer and their families takes place from 2 – 4 p.m. at Rose Hill at 11122 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. The event is free to attend and donations will be accepted. There will be over 40 vendors to shop for Mother’s Day. For more information contact Kathryn Hubbard, Avon Independent Sales Rep, at 314-378-6129 or kkfundraising2014@gmail.com.

March 29: 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 31: Fish fry

Fish fry 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 31: Fundraising gala

Guests are invited to unmask their merriment when the Center for Hearing & Speech hosts Twilight Masquerade, its annual fundraising gala at Hollywood Casino St. Louis Banquet and Rotunda Rooms at 777 Casino Center Dr. in Maryland Heights from 6:30 - 10 p.m. All proceeds from the gala support the programs, services and clients of the center. Tickets for the gala are available at three levels.

The New Orleanian for $90 includes dinner, dancing and drinks; The St. Louisan at $150 also includes a tax-deductible donation; and The Venetian at $900 reserves a table for 10 attendees. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the center’s website at http://www.hearing-speechstlouis. org/whats-happening.php or call 314968-4710. The event includes food, drink and entertainment as well as bidding on live and silent auctions.

Free parking will be available in the main parking lot and hotel garage, as well as valet parking. The entrance to the gala is through the main casino lobby.

April 1: Rummage sale

Large indoor rummage sale takes place from 7 - 11 a.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant.

April 1: Fundraising banquet

Ferguson Youth Initiative’s “All Hands In” Banquet will be hosted at the Norwood Hills Country Club (at 1 Norwood Hills Country Club Dr. in St. Louis County). The cost to attend is $50 per adult, or $30 per teen and college student. Each annual banquet creates and opportunity to showcase youth’s involvement, and to share their ideas with the broader community. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this event can www.fyifergyouth.org for an information packet and registration. Anyone needing more information can contact FYI’s executive director, Aaron M. Harris, at 314.749.5379, or e-mail him at aaron@fyifergyouth.org.

www.stangelawfirm.com

www.VillaAtRiverwood.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 15, 2017 April 1: Trivia night

Florissant Valley Kiwanis will host its seventh annual trivia night at Hazelwood Community Center-White Birch Park at 1186 Teson Road in Hazelwood. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person/$120 per table (eight per table maximum). Popcorn, soda and beer included. You may bring your own food and beverages. Net proceeds support children and children’s charities. Make check payable to Kiwanis Club of Florissant Valley with table leader’s name to Randy McDaniel, Director of Finance, city of Florissant, 955 rue Saint Francois, Florissant, MO 63031. For more information, contact Myra at 314-9215120 or Denise at 314-303-7717.

April 2: Quarter auction

KofC Bishop Wurm Assembly Ladies Auxiliary Third Annual Quarter Auction takes place at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church Hall at 2650 Parker Road Building #9 in Florissant. Doors open at 12 p.m., auction runs from 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Price of admission ($10) buys you one auction paddle or $50 buys an all-inclusive paddle good for every auction item. (Only 25 paddles will be available for $50, first come first serve.)

Auction items each range from $.25 to $1. Call Chris Herbert at 314-6507622 to purchase your tickets and/or to reserve your table. Tables are seats of eight-10.

April 5: Women’s Interfaith Conference 2017

The 37th Annual Women’s Interfaith Conference, “Women of Faith: Responding Faithfully in a Changing World” will gather from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dar al Jalal Masjid (Mosque) at 8945 Dunn Road in Hazelwood.

The conference costs $12 per person, including lunch. When you register please indicate your preference

for either the tuna or the tossed salad meal provided (upon request you can receive a Vaad Certified Kosher Meal). After the panelist presentations there will be time for questions from the audience. Registration can be completed online by going to www. womeninterfaithstl.org, clicking registration and simply entering the necessary information. For those not applying online please contact Jerri Livingston at 314-469-3553. Due to a space limitation of 240 persons, to guarantee your reservation, payment must accompany your completed registration form. Your reservation must be postmarked by March 27.

April 7: Scholarship and awards gala

The Jennings School District will be hosting its Fourth Annual Gala Arts Extravaganza at Norwood Hills Country Club at 5 p.m. This event will include musical performances and an art exhibit from Jennings students, as well as a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Jennings School District, post-secondary education, and Jennings Hope House, which is a homeless shelter for families. The theme for this year’s Gala is “Enlightened, Empowered, and Engaged.” Several partners from different industries will be recognized for their support and assistance to the Jennings School District. Individual tickets are $50 and sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $1,500. In addition to supporting the students of Jennings, sponsors will receive a table of eight for dinner and media exposure. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Jennings School District website at www.jenningsk12.org or call 314-653-8003.

April 8: Job fair

Christian Care Home at 800 Chambers Rd. in St. Louis will be hosting a job fair from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come

www.stlcompost.com

dressed professionally, bring resumes and be prepared to interview.

Openings in the following departments: Nursing—RN, LPN and CNA, Housekeeping/Laundry, Dietary and Maintenance.

April 8: Christian concert

A Christian concert takes place at 6 p.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant. There will be two bands and light refreshments available at intermission. Admission is three cans of food for the TEAM food pantry.

April 8: Legacy fundraising dinner and silent auction

North County Christian School (NCCS) will host their annual Legacy Dinner and Silent Auction at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The fundraising dinner will celebrate the ongoing legacy of excellence in Christian education established by the school in its 55 year history. Current families, alumni and community friends are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $25 per person and will be sold through April 5 or as long as they last. Call 314-9726227 for more information or to purchase tickets. NCCS is located at 845 Dunn Rd in Florissant.

April 14: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday until April 14 at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Church at 3500 St. Catherine Street in Florissant from 4 - 7 p.m.

What’s Happening

noon until dusk. They are located at 15245 New Halls Ferry Rd in Florissant. No bull barrels. For more information call the Florissant Eagles at 314-838-3470.

April 21, 23: Choir concert

Choral Arts Singers, Francis Howell North High School Concert Choir, and members of the St. Charles Symphony will perform Joseph Haydn’s “Kleine Orgelmasse mass in B/Bflat Major” and other selections on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 3866 S. Old Hwy 94 in St. Charles, and April 23 at 2 p.m. at Assumption Chapel at 403 N. Main in O’Fallon. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children (ages six-18). For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

April 22: Trivia night

The annual trivia night fundraiser for TEAM Food Pantry will be held in the parish hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 751 N. Jefferson St. The trivia night is being sponsored by the Florissant Rotary Club. Entry fee is $200 per table with a maximum of eight people per team. Entry fee includes beer, soda, water, popcorn and attendance prizes. Tickets may be purchased in advance or the night of the event. First come basis – only 500 tickets available. Doors open at SUDOKU answers from page 11

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6:15 p.m., trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Checks should be made payable to TEAM Food Pantry and mailed to Pat Piotrowicz, TEAM Trivia Night, 9 Beaujolais, Florissant, MO 63031. To register, sponsor, or make a donation, please contact Pat Piotrowicz at p.piotrowicz1@yahoo.com or 314-2221362.

April 22: Gardening demonstration

Come join the Gardeners of Florissant as they welcome members from The Rose Society of Greater St. Louis for a hands-on rose pruning demo at the Florissant Civic Center Rose Garden at 1 James J Eagan Dr. in Florissant. Instructions will be given at 10 a.m. You will then be able to prune rose bushes either on your own or with the aid of a rose society member. Stay as long as you like. Learn how to prune a rose for a healthy new growing season. Randy Hoffmann, a member of both clubs, will lead the seminar. Randy has a Bachelor of Science Horticulture degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

What to bring: hand pruners, gloves and (optional) a bucket to collect your clippings.

Contact Randy Hoffmann at 314-521-6824 for more information; leave a message.

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

April 14: Fish Fry

American Legion Post 444 in Florissant Valley will host a fish fry every Friday from Jan. 27 until April 14.

April 15: Meat shoots

The Florissant Eagles Meat Shoots take place every Saturday from Feb. 11 through April 15. It will run from

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March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 15, 2017

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March 15, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

“Beauty and the Beast”

D

M O V I E

By Steve Bryan

‘Beauty and the Beast’: a tempest in Mrs. Potts?

isney’s new live-action adaptation of their animated “Beauty and the Beast” stands to knock out the competition at the box office.

With Emma Watson, Josh Gad and Kevin Kline in the cast, this is a definite crowd pleaser with a built-in audience. Fans who grew up with the original are almost sure to take their children to see this one.

Some die-hard Disney lovers aren’t happy about a few pre-release revelations, though. In the adaptation, the always enjoyable Josh Gad plays LeFou, the sidekick of this piece’s villain, Gaston (Luke Evans). Unlike the typical bromance in most films, LeFou is in love with his egotistical buddy, making him one of the first openly gay characters in the Disney Universe.

That revelation has some folks up in arms, pointing to a possible LGBT agenda. Surprisingly enough, the same argument was made over “Frozen,” a monster hit from the House of Mouse. Russian authorities are even talking about a ban of the film. On the home front, at least one Alabama theater owner has said he will not show it at his drive-in because of the relationship between LeFou and Gaston.

Having an openly gay character in “Beauty and the Beast” is a bold move for the studio, which has been conservative about such things in the past. The legendary Walt Disney tried to keep things safe and familyfriendly, especially with projects like Disneyland. In the 1980’s, Disney did start the Touchstone label for edgier material, but still kept their animated projects as kidfriendly as possible.

The reimagined LeFou does represent modern society, though, as same-sex marriages and partnerships become more common. The venerable Walt Disney Studios is simply changing with the times. Even last year’s monster hit “Zootopia” featured two characters that apparently were in a same-sex marriage.

Emma Watson, much beloved as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” franchise, also found herself awash in a sea of criticism. The actress plays the coveted role of Belle in the adaptation and photos of her in the gold ball gown are stunning. She seemed like the right choice for one of Disney’s most beloved heroines.

Recently Watson, a self-proclaimed feminist, posed for a photo shoot in “Vanity Fair.” The shoot, to be honest, was well-done, but some fans took exception to her exposing her cleavage. They felt that such exposure contradicted Watson’s strong feminist beliefs. She’s a UN Goodwill Ambassador, but she’s being taken to task for one photo.

When it comes right down to it, all this furor is just a tempest in

Mrs. Potts, the teapot. “Beauty and the Beast” is a movie, plain and simple. People can and will express their feelings at the box office, but this film will be highly successful despite the outrage.

“Beauty and the Beast” opens on Friday, March 17.

“Beauty and the Beast” photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures 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.

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