CN: April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

Change coming to Normandy schools

Around Town

By Bob McGartland. Pg. 2

Special Section

Summer Camp Guide. P.6

Features Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Normandy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Pearson (standing) answers a question from parent Gregory Robinson at the recent Viking Vision Community Engagement meeting. Parents, community members and staff had the opportunity to discuss the upcoming changes to the district as well as ideas to stem bullying in the schools.

In a recent public forum, leadership of the Normandy Schools Collaborative discussed new district initiatives that involve realigned schools and boundaries

By Charlotte Beard Continually building on its Normandy Pillars (Accountability, Collaboration, Professionalism, Trust and Respect), Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC) hosted an evening Viking Vision Engagement Series discussion on April 2 which was hosted by Dr. Charles J. Pearson, Superintendent of Schools with assistance from Dr. Phil Pusateri, Assistant Superintendent-Operations & CFO. The discussion was open to the public at Lucas Crossing Elementary School and included district initiatives: 1) the new “elemiddle” model, 2) realigned school attendance boundaries, 3) new school start and dismissal times, and 4) anti-bullying efforts. Handout information was also provided to attendees with referral to the district’s website for more details.

The “elemiddle” model will be implemented in fall 2019. This new model for the district allots for grades 1-6 to be reconfigured to consist of grades 1-8. This plan was previ-

ously introduced to the community and NSC Leadership came prepared with Q&A based on questions previously received from parents and community members.

The decision to implement the change came after leadership conducted a study of its student performance data. NSC consistently found that academic success was hindered upon reaching the middle school years. As a result, NSC investigated alternative school configurations that would meet both the academic and social needs of its students.

The community engagement sessions that took place prior to the “elemiddle” decision did yield concerns about pre-teens and teenagers being in the same school with younger children. That concern has been addressed with a school configuration that will keep the older and younger students separated. The community is encouraged to check the district’s website for further details.

Due to the passing of Proposition N in

2017 which provided $23 million to improve the learning environments, the district will have the space for seventh and eighth graders to return to the elementary schools. In addition to facility add-ons for two of the elementary schools, Normandy Kindergarten Center (formerly Bel-Nor Elementary) will receive classroom upgrades to reconfigure it to the ‘elemiddle’ model. The kindergarten and pre-school students will attend the new Early Learning Center scheduled to open in the fall.

The new model does call for a realignment of where students will attend school.

NSC leadership states, “Because there will no longer be a 7th-8th Grade Center, we are going to return to a true neighborhood school concept where students in grades 1-8 will attend the school closest to their homes. The Joint Executive See ‘CHANGE’ page 2

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Around Town

April 10, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Governing Board approved the realigned school attendance boundaries which will determine if students (grades 1-6), based on their current residence, will stay at their current schools and which students will need to transfer to the school closest to their home.

This process will also determine which current seventh graders will go to which elementary/EleMiddle school. The realignment of attendance boundaries will also determine who will attend Bel-Nor, which will also be a grade 1-8 school beginning fall 2019. Information regarding school assignments will be shared with families in early 2019.”

With the realignment changes also comes new start and dismissal times for all NSC students in fall 2019. The five EleMiddle schools (Bel-Nor, Jefferson, Lucas Crossing, Obama, and Washington) will start school at 7:45 a.m. and be dismissed at 2:52 p.m.

The Early Learning Center will have two separate start and dismissal times. Preschool/pre-K students will attend school 8:15 a.m. to 3:22 p.m. and the kindergarten students will be on the same schedule as the high school and the Center for Academics and Social Advancement (CASA) attending 8:45 a.m. to 3:52 p.m.

Previous concerns for older students riding the bus with younger students have been addressed.

NSC leadership states, “To encourage positive student behavior choices while on

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Normandy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Pearson (standing) answers a question from parent Gregory Robinson at the recent Viking Vision Community Engagement meeting. Parents, community members and staff had the opportunity to discuss the upcoming changes to the district as well as ideas to stem bullying in the schools.

the bus, we are working with our staff to enhance training for bus drivers in behavior management, and de-escalation, possibly hiring additional bus monitors for 20192020, and planning start-of-year overview sessions for students on bus behavior, etiquette, and expectations.”

Pearson also shared that parents can expect letters in July about the details of bus stop locations for the school(s) their child(ren) will attend.

The evening’s engagement series ended with open and group discussions on best practices for bullying prevention in the district.

Pearson stated that the district does not have huge issues with bullying occurrences; however, he expressed that an “issue for one child is enough to be a huge issue.”

For one of the exercises, attendees were encouraged to leave NSC leadership with their personal best practices for establishing parental accountability in the home. NSC plans to compile the feedback to utilize with the district’s current prevention initiatives.

For a complete Q&A and other information on the grade 1-8 configuration, visit the Grade 1-8 EleMiddle page under Academics & Student Support Services on the website www.normandysc.org.

COMMUNITY VOICES A season for growth

By Bob McGartland During this time of year, many Christians observe the 40 days prior to Easter known as Lent. As Christians, we are asked to actively participate during Lent by praying, fasting and almsgiving. These practices help the individual focus less on our self-desires and give more attention to God and helping others. The Lenten season also allows us time to reflect where we are in our spiritual journey. We can get rid of old habits and develop new habits in order to grow in our spiritual life.

Our human existence is about growth.

Since the moment we were born growth and change happen. From when we were very little into our late teens, there’s great physical and mental development that take place. As we enter our adult life, over time, we start to become complacent.

When our body has physically stopped growing, maintaining physical health needs to continue. How is your workout program or exercise routine going?

Where are you with your intellectual

development? Taking any new classes or reading some great books lately? We are ending the first quarter of 2019. Let’s be honest, how many of those New Year’s resolutions we made in January are still in place now?

Author, Matthew Kelly puts personal growth in this context; “becoming the best versions of ourselves.” This applies to all areas of our lives. The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of ourselves. We all have untapped potential no matter our age or certain types of challenges we may have. Change happens every day. We grow older, our hair starts to turn gray, a few more wrinkles become part of our face. We have little effect on most changes that come our way, but at the same time we have the greatest effect on the how we are going to become the best versions of ourselves. As we move from being complacent to tapping our potential we create growth within ourselves.

Then, collectively, we can infuse posi-

tive energy and growth into the places we work, the organizations we serve, the communities we live in and relationships that surround us.

There are certain seasons in our life that spur us towards growth. Let’s take each day in this season and beyond, to continuing growing so we can become the best version of ourselves.

Bob McGartland is the owner of Robinwood Automotive and Tire Service and 27 year-long resident of Ferguson with his wife Peggy and their daughters Maggie and Kelly. He is co-founder of Angels at Work, co-chairman of The Taste in Ferguson Event and board member of the Ferguson Special Business District.

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 • April 10, 2019

Around Town

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Plastic Bag Awareness Day set for April 13 in St. Louis Concerned about contamination in recycling, experts in the St. Louis region have declared that Saturday, April 13, is Plastic Bag Awareness Day. The OneSTL Materials and Recycling Working Group says plastic bags too often make their way into residents’ recycling bins. Once at the recycling sorting facility they jam equipment and put workers at risk for injury.

“We’re going all out to educate people that plastic bags cannot be recycled in your home or workplace bin,” said Jenny Wendt a member of the OneSTL Materials and Recycling Working Group and Senior Project Manager at University City. “It can be confusing because many plastic bags have a recycling symbol on them, but that just indicates what type of plastic the bag is made of – not that it can go in your home recycling bin. Plastic bags have to be recycled separately. Plastic bags and other plastic film should be brought back to grocery and retail stores for recycling.”

OneSTL has partnered with numerous retail stores and business districts to spread the word. Dozens of volunteers will be stationed at stores throughout the day, handing out flyers and answering questions about recycling. Some stores will hand out free reusable shopping bags and other giveaways.

The outreach is part of the group’s Recycle Responsibly campaign. While education is needed on many different recycling issues, the problem of plastic bags in residential recycle bins is the highest priority.

“Plastic bags are the biggest contaminant in residential recycling,” said Rachel Greathouse, Recycling Program Specialist for Saint Louis City Recycles. “Many people are trying to do the right thing by recycling, but they might not realize how putting the wrong things in their recycling bin can prevent the sorting process from working correctly. We need to recycle responsibly.”

In addition to putting workers at risk, plastic bags often ruin baled paper and other items that could otherwise be recycled. Many people like to bag their recyclables and then put them in their recycling dumpster or rollcart, still in the plastic bag. This is also harmful. All plastic bags must stay out of recycling bins, Greathouse said.

Participating stores for Plastic Bag Awareness Day include all four Straub’s locations (Central West End, Clayton, Webster Groves and Town & Country), Local Harvest

Saturday, April 13, is Plastic Bag Awareness Day.

Submitted photo

in South St. Louis, Pete’s Market in University City, Lucky’s in Rock Hill, the Fenton Walmart, and the Kirkwood Dollar Tree. Dierbergs has signed on as a partner to promote the plastic bag awareness message in store signage and on social media and their website. Various business districts in the region, including The University City Loop, Kirkwood, South Grand, Maplewood and Clayton, are also giving out reusable bags or other discounts or prizes in partnership with this educational campaign. Stores in the Loop in University City are offering the first 500 guests a free trolley ride ticket when they bring their own shopping bags. In South Grand, visitors can snap a photo using a reusable bag and tag @SouthGrandSTL and @BrightsideSTL to be entered to win a $50 gift card to a South Grand store of your choice. Other stores along South Grand will have specials for shoppers with reusable bags, too.

For a list of plastic bag recycling drop-off locations, visit RecycleResponsibly.org and click on the link to Plastic Film Recycling.

www.ssmhealth.com/NorthPediatrics

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Aound Town visit us at

April 10, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

– WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MYCNEWS

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers The North County Meals on Wheels provides a valuable service to our community. The all-volunteer program delivers hot nutritious meals Monday through Friday to approximately 150 people generally limited by medical conditions.

The service allows some of our residents to live at home who might otherwise have to make other

arrangements. Currently the program is in dire need of drivers. Volunteers usually drive once a week and deliver meals on one of 17 different routes in North County. It takes about an hour and a half and drivers are usually done by 12:30 p.m.. For more information call 314-953-6800.

Your help can make a difference in someone’s life.

Learn cane-pole fishing with MDC at free classes held in Forest Park www.LifeCareCenterofBridgeton.com

www.byerlyrv.com

There’s no better way to get back to the basics of fishing than using an old-fashioned cane pole.

No high-tech graphite rods, no fancy spin-casting reels, just the fundamentals of fishing – a snapshot from a simpler era. Cane pole fishing is an easy, affordable, non-mechanical way to experience the sport at its purest. It can also be an effective way to catch fish.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding a Basic Cane Pole Fishing class in April at the Fish Hatchery Lake in Forest Park.

The class is free, but advanced online registration is required by using the link provided below. The Class takes place Saturday, April 13 from 9-11 a.m.

Registration is at https://bit.ly/2uh6ekw These fishing classes will include all the basics of cane pole fishing, including proper fish handling.

MDC will provide everything needed. The class is open to ages six and up; participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation license which can be purchased online at https:// Distill fishing down to the basics by learning to fish using a cane pole tinyurl.com/h329hvc. at a free class at the Fish Hatchery Lake in Forest Park.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis celebrates steel topping out on Teen Center of Excellence

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis celebrated the “topping out” of structural steel on the $12.4 million Teen Center of Excellence in Ferguson. Cranes hoisted a steel beam, topped with an American flag, evergreen tree and bearing the signatures of donors, community partners, board members, club members, employees and construction workers, to the top of the building. The city of Ferguson and its fire department showed their support for the project by flying a large American flag from their ladder truck during the event.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is excited to reach this milestone regarding the construction of our Teen Center of Excellence.

The topping off ceremony gives us a chance to include our Club members and supporters in this important community resource. It symbolizes the role and responsibility we all have to foster hope and opportunity for all children,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

According to KAI Senior Project Manager Jeremy Lammers, construction of the $12.4 million facility is on track to open in the fall of 2019.

“Predominantly, topping out ceremonies are reserved for projects that hold significant meaning to the organization and, most importantly, to the community,” said Lammers. “Completing the steel for this building gets us one step closer to opening the new Teen Center of Excellence that will be serving the youth of Ferguson and its surrounding communities. KAI is excited to be a part of this project and helping transform this community.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, in partnership with The Striler Group, KAI Build and Arcturis, broke ground on a $12.4 million Teen Center of Excellence in Ferguson mid-September 2018. The center will offer afterschool and summer programs to teens and youth (ages 12-18) in the North County area. The Teen Center of Excellence, one of the first in the country, is being built on the site of the former Ferguson Ponderosa, will be 26,856 square feet, have three levels and include a nutrition education center, outdoor garden, gym, intellectual commons, teen lounge, auditorium, outdoor basketball and activity court, music and art studio, office space and maker space.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 10, 2019

Northwest News

Acoustic musical artist performs at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center April 26 The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will welcome popular northwest musical artist John Nilsen to a live performance at its Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center April 26 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Nilsen, a noted pianist and acoustic musician, comes from Portland, Oregon.

For this multi-media engagement, Nilsen will compliment his nature-inspired music with the spectacular landscape and wildlife images of MDC Photographer Noppadol Paothong.

According to Nilsen, “As a performer, I like exploring beyond the boundaries of my recorded songs. It gives me the chance to offer something special, spontaneous and personal to my audience. The entire performance hinges on the connection not only between the players, but with the audience as well.”

Nilsen began studying classical piano at age six. Since then, his music has touched the lives of

millions of listeners through his CDs, radio, concerts, and his record label, Magic Wing. He gains inspiration for some of his music through the beauty of nature.

Based out of Oregon, Nilsen is a sought-after performer throughout the U.S. He has performed in all 50 states and toured the United Kingdom as well, and averages 225 live shows each year.

Notable album releases by Nilsen on the Magic Wing label during his nearly 35-year career include, “Places I Go,” “Local Ocean,” and the folk-rock CD, “John Nilsen and Swim Fish.” More details on Photo courtesy MDC Nilsen’s work can be found at johnnilsen.com.

Attendance for the John Nilsen concert is free, but advanced online registration is required at https://bit.ly/2TA9W7q.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.

www.treesbywoody.net

Northwest Views: Cleanse your mind this spring season

By Jessica Denham Spring has finally arrived, and with the start of the season comes a sense of renewal. As the daylight hours become longer, flowers begin to bloom and warmer weather settles in, we begin to feel upbeat and energized. It’s the perfect time to focus on productivity, which is more likely to be mastered if we can declutter our lives, while cleansing our minds. While I am no decluttering guru like Marie Kondo, here are some common-sense tips to get you motivated: Get organized. One obvious way to achieve this cleansing is through the traditional spring-cleaning method. Studies have shown that having a clean and organized physical environment can also make a person more relaxed and at ease. So, go ahead and donate the items that are taking up valuable space and grab your duster and vacuum and get to work on giving your home the deep clean it deserves.

Stop procrastinating. Have a long to-do list that you’ve been putting off? Focus on prioritizing the tasks that are most important to you. Also, grabbing a pen and paper to write those tasks down can help relieve a lot of the energy spent on trying to remember and clear up some space in your mind.

Make some time for yourself. Having too many commitments can cause a lot stress and work for your brain. Revisit all your commitments and evaluate them. If any of them are no longer serving you, remove them. This will help free up time and reduce stress.

Focus on your health. One of the best ways to boost your energy and create a happier you is

by making sure your health is in check. Evaluate your diet to see if a change is needed, and start a new fitness routine or set a goal. It’s also important to get enough sleep every night.

Unplug. Technology is wonderful, but time spent on your smartphone, tablet or computer in your free time can distract you from accomplishing your goals or doing something for yourself.

Try limiting tech time, when possible, and reduce the amount of time spent on social media. Doing so will make you feel so much more productive and energized and may help you to connect with those around you.

Incorporating these tips into your spring-cleaning routine will help to make sure your brain is functioning as efficiently as possible. Your mind is a garden, so clear out the weeds this spring and let it thrive.

With more than 12 years of public relations and communications experience, Jessica Denham is currently Public Relations Manager for WGU Missouri. Prior to joining WGU Missouri, Jessica served as an account manager with the American Red Cross. Jessica holds a Master of Business Administration from Webster University, a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from DePaul University. Jessica also dedicates a great deal of time to programs that help young men and women increase their self-esteem.

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.

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April 10, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Boys & Girls Clubs summer camps for kids and teens

Submitted photos

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) offers one of the most affordable, comprehensive, extended, high quality summer day camp programs in the St. Louis region. Summer campers, ages 6-16, are exposed

www.girlscoutsem.org/camp

to a variety of learning and participate in educational, recreational, and social activities as well as field trips, social recreation, and cultural activities on-site and in the community. Camps also includes a nutritious breakfast and lunch.

BGCSTL will have summer camp at eight locations and offer youth what they need and want most: trained professional staff who respect and listen to them; a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves; and interesting, constructive activities that channel youth energy into challenging pursuits. Summer will truly be a fun and dynamic experience that will spark creativity, engagement, and explorations!

Swimming, teen and STEM programs, college and career readiness programs, sports

as well as field trips are just a few of the things campers can experience.

Summer campers who are interested in writing, producing or singing will enjoy a Music Studio program led by Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriter Alonzo ”Zo” Lee. Students will be fully engaged in the songwriting/ recording process and create a song from start to finish. While youth who aspire to become coders, graphic designers, 3D animators or game developers will have access to our newly opened Best Buy Teen Tech Center at our Herbert Hoover Club. The center is an interactive and innovative fully equipped space with everything needed to engage youth ages 10-16 with STEAM activities including a music studio, 3D printer, t-shirt press maker, coding stations, state of the art computers, monitors and virtual reality headsets.

Registration is now open at www.bgcstl.org or call 314-335-8000 with questions.

Girl Scouts have lots of summer fun in store www.bricks4kids.com/stl

www.challengerSTL.org

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is more than a century young and while our programming is always evolving, one thing has stayed the same. We have the wonderful role of facilitating life-changing experiences through the power of our Traditional Camp program.

This summer send your girl on an adventure she will always remember. At Traditional Camp, she will take aim at the archery range, paddle on the lake in a canoe and build lifelong friendships with fellow campers. This is her moment to take action and create her next BIG adventure.

Join us!

Kathy Dabrowski Director of Camping Services

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 10, 2019

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Normandy teacher, alumna shares love of music in classrooms and concert halls To Suzanne Palmer, music is everything. But so, too, is interacting with people from all walks of life.

Palmer, a Normandy High School alumna, teaches music at Jefferson Elementary School. She’s taught in the district since 1999, and for the past four years, she’s also directed the nonprofit Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis.

The choir’s primary purpose is to break through racial, economic and cultural barriers with song. It’s meant to show audiences how much they have in common. To get them singing. To get them talking. To increase their understanding of themselves and each other. And, most of all, to bring healing to a metropolitan area whose divisions still run deep.

“We’re just people who love people,” she said.

The group puts together two major performances a year, a Christmas concert in early December and a spring concert in early May. In between, members perform at venues around the city as requested. Their music is primarily African-American gospel and spirituals, although about 30 percent of the choir is made up of men and women from a broad range of ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Since Palmer has been at the helm, the choir has grown from about 50 members to about 80. And it only seems to be getting larger.

“Every time we go out and spread the love, we get more members,” she said.

Although Palmer was subject to a rigorous auditioning process for her role, choir membership is open to everyone. It doesn’t matter who they are, where they come from or how well they can sing. The group practices for two hours once a week at Second Baptist Church in Clayton. They’re even situated close to a MetroLink stop so members without their own transportation never have to miss a beat.

The choir began in 2007 under the leadership of Cecelia Stearman, who recognized the need for such a group in the St. Louis area. Originally from Mississippi, Stearman saw many of the same kinds of racial tensions unfolding locally as she had in her home state.

“She wanted to bring people together, and I’m continuing with that,” Palmer said.

When she replaced Stearman in 2015, Palmer had just ended a 25-year run with the Fabulous Motown Revue – a side gig that took her all over the country and parts of the world, and even to Washington, D.C., during President Barack Obama’s historic inauguration festivities in 2008.

Although the Revue was fun and exciting, the constant travel, in addition to a full-time teaching job, a husband and three children, had become too much to juggle. But then Palmer heard about the choir opening.

“I thought, yeah, I really want this,” the Mizzou graduate recalled. “When I let (the Revue) go, the door closed but the window opened.”

And, even though Palmer said she realizes she probably could have left St. Louis – and Normandy – long ago, she also knew her talent could be put to use right here at home. Normandy is where she first learned to play the flute in the sixth grade, it’s where she graduated from high school, and it’s where she’s spent many joyful moments with generations of music students.

“I knew I could do more good if I stayed in touch with the children here,” she said.

To learn more about the Community Gospel Choir, visit communitygospelchoir.org.

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Normandy music teacher Suzanne Palmer performs a routine with her class at Jefferson Elementary School. Palmer is also the choir director for the Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis.

www.bgcstl.com

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What’s Happening

April 10, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS April 12: Fish fry

Immanuel Lutheran Chapel, at 11100 Old Halls Ferry Road will host a fish fry from 4 – 7 p.m. Dine in or carry out. For more information call 314741-4700 or visit www.ImmanuelChapelStL.org.

April 12: Movie screening

Parker Road Baptist Church, at 2675 Parker Road in Florissant, will be showing the “Jesus” movie at 7 p.m.

This moving account of the life of Jesus. Admission is free.

April 12: Adult Easter egg hunt

Hazelwood’s 15th Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt will take place at White Birch Park at 1186 Teson Road from 7 to 9 pm. The hunt grounds will be located in the back of the Community Center this year with parking available in the upper lot. All participants must be age 21 and over.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased at Civic Center East or the

Hazelwood Community Center. Ticket prices are $12 for residents or $15 for non-residents.

April 13: Breakfast

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

April 13: Flea market

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

April 13: Shred event

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

West Community Credit Union invites community residents to shred their personal documents for free.

On-site shredding will be provided at their Florissant branch located at 18 Mullanphy Gardens Shopping Center in Florissant from 9 a.m. to noon.

For a comprehensive list of what to shred, visit www.westcommunitycu.

org or call 636-720-2400.

April 13: Easter egg hunt

Children can enjoy a few fun activities and visit with the Easter Bunny before heading outside for an Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., egg hunt begins promptly at 11:45 a.m. at the James J. Eagan Center. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Tickets for residents are $2, for non-residents are $5 and are available at the JJE and JFK Centers.

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

April 17: Easter egg decorating

Easter egg decorating will take place at two times, from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. and from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center Room A&B. Each child will be give one dozen eggs to decorate and take home. Dye and other fun decorations will be provided, along with a light snack and drink. Tickets for residents are $5 and for non-residents are $7 and are available at the JJE and JFK Cen-

ters. Call 314-921-4466 or 314-9214250 for more information.

April 17: 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.

April 19: 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.

April 20: Easter egg hunt

The city of Hazelwood’s Easter Eggstravaganza takes place at White Birch Park. Starting time is 10 a.m. sharp. Admission is free and open to the public. The park will also be divided up into five sections for the following age groups: Under 24 months; ages 2-3; ages 4-5; ages 6-7; and ages 8-10. In addition, raffles for one boy bike and one girl bike will be held for each age group. During the event, Mr. Easter Bunny will be hopping around the park greeting all the kids, passing out candy and posing for photos.

April 22: AAUW meeting

The topic of domestic violence will be addressed at the AAUW Ferguson-Florissant Branch (North County) meeting 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 314-921-7109, 314-522-0413, or 314831-5359.

April 23: Card and game party

Annual card and game party will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 3400 St. Gregory Lane in St Ann. Doors open at 11 a.m., games start at noon. The cost is $7, which includes cake and coffee or tea. For reservations call Mary Cornwall at 314-4283236 to reserve your table.

April 24: 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.

April 26: Chicken dinner

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

April 26: Fish fry

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The American Legion Post 444, at17090 Old Halls Ferry Road in Florissant, will host its annual fish fry each week on Friday‘s until the week after Easter from 4 - 7 p.m. Menu will be baked fish, deep fried fish, spaghetti, cold slaw, baked beans, hush puppies and French fries. The post is still open.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 10, 2019 April 27: Trivia night

The Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser for TEAM will be in the parish hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 751 N. Jefferson Street in Florissant. This event is being sponsored by the Florissant Rotary Club. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m.

Entry fee is $200 per table for a maximum of eight people per table/team.

To register, sponsor or make a donation, please contact Pat Piotrowicz at patpiotbh@gmail.com or call 314629-7103.

April 27: Florissant Garage Sale

Florissant residents can haul down the clutter from their attics and treasures from their garages and organize accumulations from their barns for the Ninth Annual Florissant Garage Sale. The Garage Sale will be held at the James J Eagan Ice Rink area from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Each applicant will only receive one space. This is open to Florissant residents and non-residents to receive a space to sell. Applications will be available at the JJE and JFK Center and on our website www. florissantmo.com. Space is limited.

The fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents per table. Registration has already begun for residents and for non-residents it begins on March 15. The Florissant Garage Sale is free to attend. For additional information

call 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466.

April 27: Shred event

The Eighth Annual Florissant Resident “Free Document Shredding Day will be held at St. Ferdinand Park from 9 a.m. to noon (or until trucks reach their capacity). Bring your sensitive tax, bank or financial records from home to be shredded right in front of you. You may bring up to five bags or boxes. The event is also open to the public.

May 3: Casino night/poker tournament

The CP Charities Fifth Annual Casino Night/Poker Tournament takes place Orlando Gardens in Maryland Heights. Doors open at 6 p.m. This event is to benefit The Kaufman Fund.

Go to www.TheKaufmanFund.org for more information.

May 17: Golf tournament

Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis (SIGSL) is hosting the Grace Zykan Memorial Golf Tournament at Eagle Springs Golf Course. Individual entry fee is $100 for adults and $80 for high school and college players.

Registration and lunch begins at 11 a.m., shotgun start scramble at 12 p.m. with dinner and awards at 5 p.m.

Eagle Springs Golf Course is located at 2575 Redman Avenue in St. Louis.

For more information please contact Pamela Lee 314-398-3940 or send an email to info@soroptimiststlouis.com or visit their website at http://www. soroptimiststlouis.com/.

May 18: Rummage sale

Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Avenue, one block from Ritenour Middle School, will hold its Spring Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 25: Greif support group

Find help after the death of a loved one at, Grief Share, a special seminar/ support group designed to help you heal from the loss you have experienced. The group meets from 10 - 11:30 a.m. every Saturday through May 25 at the Florissant Church of Christ at 16460 New Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. Contact 314-837-8000 to sign up. For more information visit www. florissantchurchofchrist.org.

What’s Happening

through May 25. There is a barrel length maximum and choke maximum of .670. 16 gauge and 20 gauge shells are available. Shoots start at noon and runs until dusk. Great meat prizes awarded and beer specials with big money rounds at the end. The Florissant Eagles are located at 15245 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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

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

Monthly: Free legal services

Every month CORP Legal Services provides: legal document preparations such as wills, deeds and power of attorneys at no cost to St. Louis County seniors 60 years and older.

There is an income limit. Contact the coordinator at 314-615-0931 for more information.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-2

May 25: Meat shoots

The Florissant Eagles have started the meat shoot season on Saturdays

www.pallotinerenewal.org

www.essehealth.com

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Business

April 10, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

CONSTRUCTION

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OFF

INCLUDES:

KITCHEN REMODEL BATHROOM REMODEL ROOFING | SIDING | GUTTERS FLOORING | PAINTING

111 Westport Plaza Dr St. Louis, MO 63146

314-492-0236

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, is welcoming a new executive director, Arthur Williams, Jr. Williams most recently served as executive director for Delhaven Manor Nursing Center in St. Louis. Prior to that appointment, he was marketing director for The Valley – StoneBridge Senior Living in Florissant, Missouri. He also has previous experience as marketing director at Life Care Center of Florissant. He has more than 15 years of experience in health care and also has a background in the U.S. Army serving stateside.

“I enjoy helping folks who can’t help themselves,” said Williams.

“Arthur’s professional experience in human resources management, as well as his experience in marketing services for the aging population, makes Arthur an asset to lead the team at Life Care Center of Bridgeton,” said Julie Collins, vice president for Life Care Centers of America’s Missouri Region.

Submitted photo

Dow Enterprise

and Tax Service, Inc. at 1135 N. Hwy 67 St. in Florissant and would like to invite anyone interested in accounting or tax services to stop by or call 314-831-6000. Curless has 29 years of experience as a tax preparer and the company has been here for 42 years.

In 2017 and 2019, County Accounting was voted the “Best Of ” in North County in the “Accounting” category.

Submitted photo

New owner purchases Florissant’s County Accounting New executive director appointed at Life Care Center of Bridgeton Randy Curless has recently purchased County Accounting

www.centralbank.net/cash-help

www.EyeCare.UMSL.edu

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 10, 2019

Recipe: Go big on brunch A SMALL BRUNCH BITE: A full brunch menu calls for small bites on the side to complement the multitude of flavors brought on by a variety of brunch dishes.

For a clever option that’s quick to make, these Mini Hash Brown Casseroles provide a morsel

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– SUDOKU –

bursting with flavor to pair with just about any morning meal. Made with refrigerated Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, which are pre-shredded for a faster fridge to fork kitchen experience, you can make a batch of the tasty cups in less than an hour.

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.

Mini Hash Brown Casseroles Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24

Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated shredded hash browns 1 pound sausage roll 4 large eggs 1/2 cup milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup ham, cubed 1 cup red pepper, diced 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.

In skillet, cook sausage according to package directions.

browns, butter, ham, red pepper, black pepper and cheese; mix.

Remove hash browns from refrigerator and let rest.

Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins.

In bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add hash

Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake 27-30 minutes. Serve warm.

Find more brunch solutions and recipes at simplypotatoes.com

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Box office success ‘Unplanned’ generates controversy, debate

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

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

ure Flix Entertainment, a studio known for releasing faith-based such as “God’s Not Dead,” has an unexpected box office success in “Unplanned.” Based on the experiences of Abby Johnson, who had been one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors, the film contains graphic scenes showing an abortion and earned an “R” rating as a result.

Abortion is a hot-button topic and people are strongly divided over this medical procedure.

Some notable Hollywood films have covered the topic of abortion before “Unplanned.”

In 1982’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” for instance, Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) becomes pregnant after an encounter with the fast-talking Mike Damone (Robert Romanus). The young man promises to drive her to the clinic and pay for part of the procedure, but he never follows through. The abortion sequences are somewhat downplayed here.

A pre- “Spider-Man” Tobey Maguire was front-and-center in “The Cider House Rules,” which was based on the novel by John Irving.

Maguire played Homer Wells, a young orphan trained in obstetrics even though he never went to high school. His mentor, Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine), also teaches him how to perform abortions, even though Homer is not in favor of them. When he travels out into the world, his skills and ethics

“Unplanned” photo courtesy Pure Flix Entertainment

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are put to the test.

Actress Ellen Page starred in 2007’s “Juno,” the story of an unplanned pregnancy. Page plays the title role, a teenager who becomes pregnant by one of her friends. She goes to a clinic for an abortion but changes her mind once she gets there. “Juno” is considered a coming-of-age comedy, but it has serious overtones. It focuses more on alternatives to abortion such as adoption.

“Dirty Dancing,” a very successful comingof-age film, contains a subplot featuring dancer Penny Johnson (Cynthia Rhodes). While working at a resort in 1963, Penny discovers she is pregnant by one of the wait staff and

wants to get an abortion. Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey) borrows money from her physician father (Jerry Orbach) for the procedure, but Penny is injured during the abortion but Dr. Houseman steps in to help her.

“Unplanned” is the latest film about abortion and has stirred up some controversy and debate. Apparently, the social media network Twitter, which normally welcomes movie promotion, temporarily shut down the film’s account. Unlike some of its predecessors, this film is more intense and graphic when it comes to the actual procedure. With strong voices on both sides, the debate and controversy is sure to continue.

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April 10, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

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

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H

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April 10, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Space

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life Fast foodie connoisseurs in Australia aren’t laughing it up as hoped after an April fool’s joke turned sour – sour as the pickle burger the restaurant promised, which turned out to be an attempt at light-hearted fun.

McDairyKing offered a sandwich stuffed mile high with pickles, cheese and ketchup then sent the picture out to the Twitter-sphere on April 1. That should have been clue number one. The executives sat back to hear the laughter and applause and pat themselves on the back. The laughter and applause soon fell silent. And the only thing they felt in their backs was the sharp end of a silly gag that fell as flat as the pickle slices.

First came the hopeful tweets:

In a pickle

• My life had no meaning. The future looked dismal. And then a glimmer of hope—the McPickle burger was created. McDairyKing, you saved my life.

• Our vegetarian dinners were a mish-mash of boring meatless meals: tofu, kale casserole along with the occasional bean sprout burrito. The evening supper looked dark and depressing but, the promise of pickle sandwiches saved our monotonous dull routine. Happy dancin’ in our kitchen!

• Ever since mad cow disease hit the newsstands with tales of people’s brains turning into cowpie mush after eating meat, I’ve never touched a burger. Thanks McDairyKing for bringing me

out of a bleak existence.

• But soon the gig was up. The curtain lifted on the hoax and it did not tickle the giggle bones of the receivers one bit. Nay, they were as fuming mad as a mad cow with mad cow disease on branding day.

The angry Tweets came out immediately: • The only thing left on my bucket list was to have a pickle burger.

Life no longer has meaning. Darkness is closing in. The end is near.

• Is nothing sacred? My mouth watered for this delicacy only to have my hopes destroyed. Cruel and sadistic!

• Fun suckers…dream dashers! What’s next? I suppose you’ll be telling us there are no unicorns!

Who knew people actually had such a fondness for pickles.

Good thing they cancelled their next prank: Mermaid McNuggets.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

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

ACROSS 1. Not slouching 6. However, poetically 9. “Poor me!”

13. Yo-Yo’s instrument 14. Read-only storage 15. Clear the chalkboard 16. Macho one 17. Gobbled up 18. Prepare for winter takeoff 19. *”2001: A Space ____” 21. *First man in space 23. Rocketman’s title 24. Green gemstone 25. Middle-earth creature 28. Dharma teacher 30. *Like space 35. Actress Gilbert 37. Heartburn relief 39. Parent, to a child 40. All over again 41. Pertaining to Os 43. Rani’s dress 44. Great reviews 46. 1,000 grams 47. Moon pull 48. *NASA’s human spaceflight program 50. Major European river 52. Huxley’s choice 53. Bookie’s quote 55. Two halves 57. *Robotic space explorer 61. *Kennedy Space Center location 65. Pleasant smell 66. Be indisposed 68. “____ death do us part” 69. Manicurist’s office 70. Court 71. Underwater breathing organs 72. Benevolent fellows 73. Car nut 74. Conversation starter

DOWN 1. Acoustic phenomenon 2. Lou of The Velvet Underground 3. Abounding with elms 4. Teacher’s audience 5. Throat lymph node 6. Carhop’s carrier 7. *Like Venus 8. *____ Centauri or ____ Nebula 9. *____ 51 10. Bear’s den 11. Fungal spore sacs 12. “As ____ on TV” 15. Push one’s way into 20. One of the Muses 22. Internet pop-ups 24. Comfy nightwear 25. City in Japan 26. Piled up, as in debt 27. Words to live by 29. *Falcon Heavy entrepreneur 31. *Kind of frontier?

32. 21st century letter 33. Smart candy?

34. ____-and-true 36. Military no-show 38. Place for a house plant 42. Business-oriented programming language 45. *”For the Benefit of All,” e.g.

49. “___ to Joy” 51. As much as necessary 54. A southern ____ 56. Bert’s partner 57. Bud holder 58. Instead of written 59. Part of an egg 60. Singer-songwriter Tori 61. Use a cat o’ nine tails 62. It will 63. Popular pickling herb 64. Additionally 67. Promise to pay SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9