CN: August 9, 2017

August 9, 2017

Food pantry on the brink

Around Town Suicide prevention awareness fundraiser to take place in Florissant. P.3

Community Voices

By Orvin Kimbrough. P.2

Food

Back-to-school power for body and mind. P.5

School Photo by Charlotte Beard Ron Bickerstaff, Operations Manager of the Ritenour Co-Care Pantry stands next to a freezer full of food. The Ritenour Co-Care Pantry is one of the few food pantries in the area to provide frozen meat.

The Ritenour Co-Care Pantry may be forced to close its doors soon

By Charlotte Beard A recent announcement by an Overland food pantry to close its doors to 600 families has caught the attention of the community.

The Ritenour Co-Care Pantry, which mostly resembles the inside of a neighborhood corner store with fresh produce, meats and other grocery items, is completely volunteer driven.

Marsha Brown, Executive Director, who recently announced her September resignation due to her overwhelming concern about the state of the pantry, discussed the urgency. The pantry needs $60,000 for operational costs and $100,000 total for at least two positions.

At the time of this interview there was $9,000 in the pantry’s bank account. In the fall [season] the facility rental is stated to increase.

Brown stated, “There is nobody here that’s paid…nobody. We do [this] Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We need volunteers.

We need canned goods right now.” The pantry had a large supply from December 2016 to July 2017 due to the Ritenour School District’s large can drive. The pantry received 27,000 cans. Other canned good sources came from what remained after the surrounding police districts’ creations of 2016 Christmas baskets for residents in need.

“The donations that are coming in right now,” Brown stated, “I’m holding until we know that we’re going to be able to stay open and I don’t know if that’s going to happen. I am hoping it will. If we don’t get to stay open then [the donations are] going to be sent back

to the people.” Brown stated that they currently have enough funds for approximately two to three months.

Volunteers needed When Brown was asked about the volunteer needs she stated, “When we have the store open six times a week – we [need to] have people stationed in [the shopping area] to help people read the signs that state how much food they can have for their size family, to guide them, to get more stuff to put on the shelves—to replenish, and to be friendly because it’s hard to come to a food pantry, especially right now. It’s like a funeral right now. The other job we have…when our big food trucks come in on Monday and Friday around noon we have about three hours of intense work…going through those pallets and disseminating all that food and getting it in storage or stocking it to get ready for the next day. We can use anybody that walks in.”

The pantry is open three days a week – twice each day for food pick-up appointments.

Besides the unpaid executive director, the other mainstay positions are staffed by volunteer retirees. The manager of the Ritenour Co-Care “store-like” pantry oversees the volunteers who assist those who come in during their scheduled appointments to shop for food. The other position that is dedicated to managing the incoming deliveries, assists volunteers in knowing where to stock incoming food.

Ron Bickerstaff, the operations manager for the pantry, will remain in his volunteer position if the pantry gets the needed funding to sustain itself in overhead and operational costs.

“Marsha is our executive director, but because we have so few volunteers, she hasn’t been able to focus on that aspect of her job here,” Bickerstaff stated. “She’s back here putting meat in the meat freezer and she gets it organized. [She is] handling volunteers instead of doing the real work that is connected to an executive director – which is fundraising and outreach. Because of the lack of volunteers, her and I both [have put in] an incredible amount of work.”

A community in need Besides other operational functions, Ron handles monthly scheduling of food pick-ups for the 600 families that are assisted by the pantry.

When asked how Ritenour Co-Care determines who needs help, Bickerstaff responded, “Let me ask you a question. Who would want to come to a pantry? We have a trust in people who come here. We have a very important rule for our volunteers here. Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Volunteers are not allowed to take any of the food. Every bit of food that comes here goes out with the people who come by for food. There are volunteers who actually shop here [those in need]. And See ‘PANTRY’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 96 No. 32 | 636-379-1775

Back to School. P.6

Movie

Are movie theaters on the way out? P.16

Weather FRIDAY Mostly Sunny 83/65 SATURDAY Chance of Showers 82/62 SUNDAY Chance of Showers 82/62 FirstWarn Weather

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

2

Around Town

August 9, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES An alternative vision: reshaping the region

By Orvin Kimbrough For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a hometown booster; someone who believes in the St. Louis region and promotes it vigorously as a destination to raise families, plant jobs and achieve dreams. While this is a true reflection for some, for far too many this is not reality.

For many, their neighbors and families are broken under the weight of poverty, unemployment or underpaid jobs, daily violence and crime, and communities scattered with derelict properties and abandoned plants.

Earlier this year United Way released the Basic Living Measure, which found that 43 percent of all St. Louis metropolitan area households do not have the monthly income to meet their basic living expenses.

This means that nearly half of all households in our region are challenged to afford necessities like food,

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

housing, transportation, healthcare and child care.

How can we expect to be a thriving, competitive destination when our statistics reflect a region that is on the decline or standing in place?

To grow our region, we have to take radical steps and we have to work differently. Working differently means adopting a regional point of view when it matters most – like attracting new business and talent.

To grow our region, we have to focus on our young people. The St. Louis region should become the best place for kids to grow up. If we focus on child wellbeing, young adults coming out of our fine colleges and universities will want to plant roots here. We must grow our talent pool by giving youth opportunities to succeed.

To grow our region, we have to recognize the growing racial divide. To outcompete other thriving me-

tropolises, we must commit to the long-term work of racial reconciliation that only comes when we care about others and dare to be in relationship together.

And, we must embrace the features and the people that make each of our communities unique.

Solving our toughest problems and positioning for growth requires that we reshape the contours of regional relationships and conversations. Now is the time.

Orvin Kimbrough is President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. Follow his blog at http:// reimaginingourfuture.org.

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.

‘PANTRY’ from cover the way we deal with that situation is that we tell them you can’t volunteer and shop here on the same day so that there is not even an appearance of in propriety. That’s part of the trust relationship we have built with our community.”

Brown added, “Most people won’t take as much as they’re allowed because they don’t want to seem greedy. I read a study a while back that said people in poverty when they think about food they think ‘is there enough?’ People who are middle class they think ‘is it good?’ People who are wealthy they think ‘how is it presented?’

Ritenour Co-Care is associated with the St. Louis Area Food Bank and Operation Food Search, along with some other contacts in securing food for families. One of the other sources is Papa John’s Pizza not far from the pantry on St. Charles Rock Road.

Bickerstaff stated that Papa John’s saves all their mistakes or pizzas that people don’t pick up. They put them in their refrigerator and keep them for the pantry to pick up on Wednesdays.

“So, every Wednesday night,” Bickerstaff shared, “[for] people [who are] coming in [we tell them] ‘everybody is getting a pizza tonight.’”

Brown emphasized the importance of people understanding the uniqueness of the pantry and why they are finding themselves unsustainable without funds and consistent volunteers.

“We have a perishable food pantry – we have cold storage. We are not like the normal pantry that has only cans. We have a huge walk-in cooler and a huge walk-in freezer and a whole bunch of other coolers and freezers that we have perishable food in. That’s the main thing that people get here – we don’t have much canned stuff right now at all. We have three ice coolers that are full of meat. People don’t think pantries have this but St. Louis Area Food Bank and Operation Food Search provide us with grocery stores that give to us. We have a pipeline to perishable food here and we have people who are hungry that need nutritious food—that’s expensive. They get an overflowing basket—they choose their own food. When they walk out of here they probably have $200 worth of food in their basket.

That saves them on their rent, bills, gas, utilities or whatever but they don’t have to spend it on food. We help a little bit to reduce the stress of being in poverty…a little bit…not a

Photos by Charlotte Beard These stocked shelves are in the Ritenour Co-Care Pantry which will have to close its doors due to lack of funding.

lot,” he said.

A tremendous loss Bickerstaff, shared what the impact would be if the community lost the pantry that had been in existence for 30 years and grown from starting out in the closet of a basement at the Overland Presbyterian Church.

“It would be devastating…they would be scrambling to get another source. We don’t give them enough to live on for a whole month. And that is not really our intention – to support someone. We have about 1,600 families in our database. We only have 600 families come in per month,” he said.

Even greater than the impact to Ritenour Co-Care’s own recipients of losing the pantry is the domino effect Brown mentioned to other pantries. She shared that it has a partnership with Overland Baptist Church. The church uses its van to take any extra food that can’t be stored at the Ritenour pantry to other community pantries.

Brown shared that there are approximately 100 people on the waiting list in the Ritenour district, the only district the pantry serves. They feed those people with pallets of food received from the St. Louis Area Food Bank every fourth Tuesday of the month,

via what is called the Mobile Market. People who move from the Mobile Market (waiting list) are guaranteed an appointment to come in and get a shopping basket of food once a month with access to a variety of more food.

In a recent meeting, the St. Louis Area Food Bank confirmed for Brown that Ritenour Co-Care is providing 10 percent of all the food that the Food Bank gives to all pantries in North County.

“We provided $1.3 million [in food] each year to this community for the last two years,” she stated.

Both Brown and Bickerstaff agreed in their responses that operational funding for the facility and expenses without funding for the needed consistency in staff or vice versa would not make Ritenour sustainable.

Both are needed.

“There are community leaders, regional leaders and corporations that are meeting next week to try to talk about how they can help with this,” Brown shared at the time of the interview. “We’re hopeful that something will come out of that to keep us going and we can have an assurance of at least one paid person. We need to pay somebody to be an employee because we need consistency.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 9, 2017

Around Town

Suicide prevention awareness fundraiser to take place in Florissant The Ninth Annual “Light the Darkness” Suicide Prevention Awareness Fundraiser includes a 5K race and one mile fun run as well as a men’s and coed softball tournament and BBQ hosted

by Florissant’s Youth Advisory Commission. This event takes place Sept. 16 at St. Ferdinand Park.

The 5K race and one mile fun run start time is 7 p.m. Cost is $25 until Aug. 24 then $30 Aug. 25 through race day. Registration will take place 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. at St. Ferdinand Park.

The Ninth Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Fundraiser featuring a brand new glow run through parks and trails of Florissant. This fundraiser, hosted by the city's Youth Advisory Commission, is held in loving memory of a local teen, Alex McArthur, and raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In this year's fun run, participants will "Light the Darkness" to bring awareness to suicide signs and prevention. All participants registered by Aug. 24 will receive a one of a kind glow in the dark event

t-shirt in their requested size. Those who register after Aug. 25 will receive a t-shirt as available. Every participant (in both events) will also receive two glow in the dark bracelets and a custom glow in the dark finisher’s medal to celebrate the moment they cross the finish line. Additional glow items will be available for purchase, but runners are encouraged to get creative and have fun with this new theme. This event is not officially timed; however, a timing clock will be on display at the finish line if you wish to check your own finish time. There will also be lighted balloons available for purchase, which will be released together at the conclusion of the run in memory of all loved ones lost.

Visit or call 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466 to sign up. For a link to online registration, visit www.florissantmo.com, click the Recreation tab, and click “Suicide Prevention Awareness Fundraiser” under Topics of Interest.

www.esbc.edu

Ronald McDonald House Charities expands Family Room Program Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of St. Louis is opening its fourth St. Louis-area Ronald McDonald Family Room and is in need of volunteers. The new room will open on the third floor of the new tower in St. Louis Children’s Hospital later this year and is anticipated to serve an additional 5,000 families per year.

The existing Family Room at Children’s will remain open and be dedicated to families with children in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The Ronald McDonald Family Room Program provides families with daily essentials in a comforting environment just steps away from their child’s hospital room. The spaces, staffed completely by volunteers, are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for families to relax and refresh during long days at the hospital. Amenities include: showers, laundry facilities, a small kitchen with snacks and coffee, television, computers with internet access, and a quiet area.

“Volunteers are crucial in providing these ser-

vices to families. Their role in making very difficult times a little more comfortable for parents and loved ones is truly significant,” says Dan Harbaugh, President of RMHC St. Louis.

RMHC is currently accepting applications for volunteers to serve in the Family Rooms at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Three-hour shifts are available for both individuals and pairs on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

In addition to the new room, there are three other Family Rooms in St. Louis located inside St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Mercy Children’s Hospital and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The existing Family Room at St. Louis Children’s Hospital will receive a makeover as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

For more information or to begin the volunteer application process, please contact Family Room Program Manager Courtney Fisher at cfischer@rmhcstl.com.

www.getnorris.com/asb

www.TheVillaAtRiverwood.com www.TheVillaAtRiverwood.com

www.byerlyrv.com

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Around Town

August 9, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Pedal the Cause funds eight new cancer research projects Research on upper gastrointestinal cancer, breast cancer and leukemia are among the eight newly-funded projects announced by Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation earlier this month. Pedal the Cause is the major contributor of

funds for these grants, which seed some of the most promising and innovative ideas in cancer research.

These grants were made possible by the support of the almost 4,000 Pedal the Cause participants who donated $3,300,029 to Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 2016. To date, Pedal the Cause has donated over $15.8 million to these beneficiaries, funding 92 cancer research projects – 64 adult and 28 pediatric.

One ongoing project, led by Jason Mills, PhD, MD, is working to identify the genes that may start cancers in the stomach, colon, liver and pancreas, to find drugs targeting those genes to stop cancer before it starts. These gastrointestinal cancers are 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 among the most common and deadliest.

Another project, led by Michael Rettig, PhD, is aiming to develop a new method to harvest healthy blood stem cells from the bone marrow of donors to use as transplants for patients with leukemia. This new method may also be useful is getting leukemia cells out of the bone marrow and into the blood, where chemotherapy drugs are

more effective.

“Our patients are counting on us,” says Dr. Timothy Eberlein, MD, Director, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor; and Bixby Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine.

“That’s why we’re working so hard to bring better treatments to patients faster. Research support is essential to making that happen. We’re grateful to the Pedal the Cause community; their sponsors, participants and donors for their hard work, fundraising and generosity.

Because of their support, Siteman is able to fund these groundbreaking research projects that will move us to the next level of cancer prevention and treatment.”

“In this period of diminished federal funding where support typically gets funneled to already proven concepts, many potentially new ideas get pushed aside,” says Pedal the Cause Executive Director, Jay Indovino.

“After seven years of funding new ideas, we are beginning to see real advancements in immunotherapy, genomics and individualized treatment that is changing how doctors treat patients. It is truly exciting, and all of those who contributed to Pedal the Cause in 2016, and since our beginning in 2010, have played an important role in these advancements.”

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Why do we name hurricanes?

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I recently received an email from a reader asking the question, “Why do we give tropical storms and hurricanes names and how are the names chosen?” The first thought that came to mind is, “Wow! People do read my column and second, they ask questions and I love questions!”

So, why do we name tropical storms and hurricanes? This could be a short answer, but let’s dig in. Tropical storms and hurricanes are given distinctive names to simply avoid confusion and to streamline communication when forecasting and tracking these storm systems. We don’t name winter storms (even though some media outlets do so for dramatic reasons) and we don’t name severe storms – their longevity is shorter and quite honestly, it would get confusing to name every thunderstorm that develops. Could you imagine the warnings that would come across your NOAA weather radio and the local television stations? It would be confusing – so we just name tropical storms and hurricanes to keep it simple.

We can trace back the naming of storms back to the 1800s when storms in the West Indies were named after particular saint’s days, such as Hurricane Santa Ana which hit Puerto Rico in 1825.

Fast forward to the 1950s and tropical storms and hurricanes weren’t always named the way they are today. In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1950s that tropical storms and hurricanes were tracked by year and the order in which they occurred. It was learned over time that using short, easily remembered names were ideal to use to track and inform people of these storms – especially when two or more them were active at the same time.

So in 1953, the United States began using female only names for storms and it wasn’t until 1978 that male names were introduced to name hurricanes in the Pacific. Finally, in 1979 male names were introduced for storms that formed in the Atlantic.

The names of hurricanes used are assigned through a strict procedure created by the World Meteorological Organizations. Atlantic hurricanes use a set of names that rotate on a six year pattern (so this year’s list will be

reused again in 2023) and the only time that a name is changed out – for example Hurricane Andrew and Katrina are retired names because they were so deadly and costly that the future use of the name would be inappropriate. Several other names have been retired as well – so a new name replaced the one being retired.

There are five letters of the alphabet that are not used in naming of tropical storms and hurricanes – Q, U, X, Y and Z are excluded from the list. In the event that in a given year all 21 names are used any additional storms will take on names from the Greek Alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta…). There have been years where the Greek Alphabet was used to account for more than 21 names storms in a given year.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, so if a storm forms in the off-season it will assume the next name on the list based on the calendar year. If a tropical storm or hurricane were to form on Dec. 15 it would assume the name of the current year (2017), but if it formed on Jan. 10 it would take on the name from the 2018 year list. Essentially, when the calendar rolls over to a new year – that is when the names of the hurricanes would change as well.

This year Tropical Storm Arlene formed on April 19 and lasted until April 21 and was only the second Atlantic tropical storm to form during the satellite era. The use of Arlene will be reintroduced in 2023 when the list is recycled.

Thanks for the question and if you have a question about weather—feel free to email me at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net 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 • August 9, 2017

Recipe:

Back-to-school power for body and mind

Nutritious, well-rounded meals are essential for growth and proper brain development. A complete midday meal also helps boost mental and physical power so kids can keep on learning until the afternoon bell rings.

It’s not always easy to find new and appealing ideas to fuel kids’ bodies and minds as they head back to school, but programs for families and educators such as the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge can help.

“Families are looking for ways to start the year on the right foot and the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge offers everything they need in one spot,” said Trish James, vice president of Produce for Kids. “Families want to know their kids are receiving the right brain food to get them through

the day. Our registered dietitian-approved meal inspiration, tips and ideas provide the foundation families need for success.”

In addition to kid-tested, lunchbox-friendly recipe ideas, the program provides resources and lesson plans for educators who want to create activities to inspire healthy eating in the classroom.

This year’s program also includes a partnership with The World of Eric Carle, allowing students to win copies of his popular collection of children’s books. Additionally, every online pledge results in a $1 donation to Feeding America programs that support families and children.

Look for recipes, tips and ideas on Instagram and Twitter using #PowerYourLunchbox, and more about the program at poweryourlunchbox.com.

Banana Sushi Rolls

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Ingredients: 1 large (8-inch) whole-wheat tortilla 3 tablespoons peanut butter, divided 1 banana, peeled 1 strawberry, sliced 1/2 kiwi, sliced 1 tablespoon shredded coconut Directions: Lay tortilla on flat surface. Spread with half of peanut butter. Place banana on one end of tortilla and roll up. Cut into even slices and place strawberries and kiwi slices on top.

Microwave remaining peanut butter on high 30 seconds, or until melted, and drizzle over banana sushi. Top with shredded coconut.

Brown Bear Bento Box Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

Directions: Spread soy butter on graham crackers. Arrange banana slices and blueberries to create eyes and noses to resemble bear faces. In another container, add colorful fruit, such as raspberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, honey-

dew, blueberries and blackberries, to create a rainbow fruit salad.

Suggested Side: 1 tablespoon ranch dressing and three mini sweet peppers, sliced into strips.

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Ingredients: 1 tablespoon soy butter 3 graham cracker squares 3 banana slices 9 blueberries variety of colorful fruit, chopped

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August 9, 2017 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

St. Louis Christian College: fulfilling higher education goals in North County

www.stlchristian.edu

Submitted photo

Kids across the community will soon be back in the classroom. Do you have an unfulfilled higher education goal? St. Louis Christian College has flexible degree programs that can help.

Programs include traditional day, adult evening,

online, and a special eight-week free tuition class on the life of Jesus called Jesus 101. Apply today at stlchristian.edu or stop by the campus at 1360 Grandview Drive in Florissant.

Hazelwood School District Back-to-School Fair attracts nearly 6,000

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Nearly 6,000 students, board of education members, administrators, parents, and other members of the community attended the Hazelwood School District’s 11th Annual Backto-School Fair on July 29. For the first time, the fair simultaneously took place in each of the district’s three corridors: Hazelwood Central High, Hazelwood East High, and Hazelwood West High Schools.

The event featured information booths for each of its 32 school sites. School staff provided details about uniform policies, school supplies, clubs, and other extracurricular activities. In addition, student groups and volunteers provided entertainment, prize drawings, barbecue, popcorn and giveaways.

The school district also collaborated with community partners who provided valuable resources to Hazelwood School District families.

“We are grateful to all vendors who helped to make this year’s fair a tremendous success,” said

Kimberly McKenzie, HSD director of communications. “A special thanks to the Black Jack, Florissant Valley, Hazelwood, Spanish Lake, and Robertson Fire Protection Districts for donating back packs and school supplies to our families during the fair. We also appreciate Infiniti Styles Barber and Salon for providing free haircuts and styles to students.”

McKenzie was excited about the new concept of bringing the fair closer to residents, with the ultimate goal of building coalition in each of the District’s three corridors.

“As a district, we are appreciative of the communications team, principals and their staff for coming together to make the 2017-18 Back-toSchool Fair bigger and better than ever. Now we look forward to officially welcoming our students back on Aug. 15,” said McKenzie.

The first day of school in the Hazelwood School District is Aug. 15.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 9, 2017

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Hazelwood New Hazelwood School District teachers excited School District about upcoming school year offers physical On Aug. 1, the Hazelwood School District held their annual Hazelwood Nafitness classes tional Education Association (HNEA) for adults and luncheon to welcome all new teachers to district. The luncheon was a part of a senior residents the five-day new teacher induction held by the In keeping with the Hazelwood School District’s number three goal of increasing parent and community engagement, the district will host aerobics classes for adults and senior residents. Aerobics classes will begin on Aug. 28 and take place every Monday and Thursday from 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Classes will take place at Lusher Elementary School at 2015 Mullanphy Rd. in Florissant.

Classes will run through Dec. 4. The cost is $48 for adults and $24 for seniors.

“These classes will be an exciting blend of low impact aerobics including muscle toning and conditioning,” said Susan Pellegrino, aerobics instructor.

“Aerobics are a fun approach to total body fitness.”

To register, please contact Alecia White at 314-953-5045.

school district.

During the induction, teachers learned about curriculum, special education, and benefits.

Tyler Harris, a first year art teacher expressed excitement about his future at Hazelwood Central High School. “I’m excited to see what my students are actually going to create in my class and to see how well my students actually respond to my projects.”

New teachers believe establishing trusting relationships with students is the key to success. Jackie Linck, a former building aide with McNair Elementary, will be starting as a kindergarten teacher at the elementary school this year. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with students and establishing a fun learning environment for them,” she said.

While the response to open teacher positions had been sizable, Julia Burke, associate superintendent for human resources, is thrilled with the experience and technology skills that the new teachers will bring to Hazelwood classrooms this fall.

“The district has hired more than 160

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

new teachers this year, leaving just seven vacancies left to fill,” said Burke. “The average experience of Hazelwood’s newlyhired teachers is eight years, with 49 of them holding master degrees or higher.

They are highly-qualified, tech savvy, and they all have teacher certifications. I am excited for our students and I take pride

in the caliber of talent that will help prepare our students to be college and career ready.”

The Hazelwood School District is one of the largest school districts in North County with nearly 1,300 teachers and 2,100 staff.

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August 9, 2017 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood School District celebrates the solar eclipse On Aug. 21, a solar eclipse will occur across the United States and the Hazelwood School District is just above the line of totality. To celebrate this rare event, all students and staff will have the opportunity to view the eclipse. In anticipation of the solar eclipse, parents are provided with three options: 1) Allow their child to participate in outdoor instructional activities.

2) Follow the district’s attendance policy and keep their child at home. Doing so, will be counted as an excused absence.

3) Parents may opt their child out of outdoor activities by filling out the required form provided on the district’s website by Aug. 20. If parents choose this option, their child may view the eclipse supervised and indoors via livestream feed provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Enjoying the eclipse safely is one of the school district’s high priorities. Students, teachers, and staff will watch videos on how to safely watch the eclipse. The videos are available on the district’s website. Eclipse glasses will be provided to all students and staff. The glasses are approved by NASA. For more information, please visit the Hazelwood School District’s website at www.hazelwoodschools.org.

www.neighborhoodhouses.org

State representative puts focus on empowering young people with back to school fair

www.rgsdmo.org

State Rep. Steven Roberts has made youth empowerment a top priority during his legislative service in an effort to bring about positive change in St. Louis. Roberts was a special guest speaker for the graduation ceremonies at Pamoja Preparatory Academy and Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School earlier this summer, where parents and teachers shared the struggle many students have in obtaining the basic school supplies they need.

One of the efforts Roberts has made outside of the legislative arena is to organize a Back to School Fair that will be held on Aug. 12 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Yeatman-Liddell Middle School located at 4265 Athlone Avenue in St. Louis to benefit elementary and middle school students in the 77th district. The goal of the program is to provide the necessary school supplies and to connect young people with community partners who can provide encouragement and mentorship. Supplies are limited, and parents who intend to bring their children to the fair are encouraged to RSVP to lysyin. lobster@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-1400 with the student’s name, grade and school.

“It was important to me to have students meet the men and women in uniform who protect and serve their communities, I am honored to have the St. Louis Firefighter’s as well as St. Louis City and County Police Officers Associations participation and help in sponsoring the event.”

“Providing youth with opportunities and the tools they need, is critical to their success. That is why I am partnering with the Little Bit Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on being a dedicated provider to fulfill students’ essential needs – be it physical, emotional or behavioral,” said Roberts, D-St. Louis. “Our goal is to help transform young people into self-confident, motivated, ready-tolearn students. We’re fortunate the corporate environment here in St. Louis is dedicated to giving back to the community.”

www.ExploreCatholicSchools.org

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 9, 2017

Back to school renaissance One of the first steps toward implementing a renaissance for Catholic Schools in North County has been taken: a new Director of North County Elementary Schools joined the Catholic Education Office this summer. Rick Danzeisen will provide leadership and support to all North County Catholic elementary schools and the Federation of Catholic Schools as the Archdiocese’s Renaissance for Catholic Education gains momentum.

Danzeisen has served as a Catholic School principal for 35 years, most recently at Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington, Missouri. He brings enthusiasm and expertise to the table, as he will be working together with the school principals, pastors and director of advancement to continue the collaboration of Catholic schools in North County, which has been ongoing since 2005.

“For many years now, we have been working hard at working together to continue excellence in Catholic education here in North County,” said Fr. Mike Henning, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and pastor representative for the Federation of Catholic Schools. “Having a director from the archdiocese focused on the unique opportunities and challenges for our north county schools is another milestone in this collaboration.

We are excited to have Rick join this important work.”

Danzeisen will spend much of his time on location in the 10 Catholic elementary schools in North County. He will provide support and guidance to principals at all parish schools on administrative and curriculum issues, and identify programs and resources that are needed to ensure that all families in north county have access to excellent and affordable Catholic schools.

“I am very excited and honored to be the new Director of North County Catholic Elementary Schools,” said Danzeisen. “I look forward to working closely with principals and pastors to ensure viability, affordability and accessibility of Catholic education for all children in North County” This new leadership position is one of several recommendations that Archbishop Robert J. Carlson approved in April 2017 after a series of meetings in January and follow-up Q&A led by the Archdiocese School Oversight Committee.

While all nine schools in the federation are currently parishbased, schools that will change with the formation of the new

partnership model school to be established between St. Ferdinand, St. Norbert and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne parishes and the Archdiocese.

The school will be one educational entity, governed by the members of the corporation (pastors, the archbishop, and superintendent of Catholic education) and a board of directors, and operated at the sites of each of the three existing schools. As a designee of the Superintendent of Catholic Education, Danzeisen will work with those pastors and principals to plan all the details, including the formation of a board of directors this fall, to ensure a smooth transition to the new partnership school, set to begin with when enrollment for 2018-19 starts in early 2018.

The recommendations also include a study of the Archdiocesan Elementary School (AES) model to be completed

by October 2017. The AES model, which means that the school is run completely by the Archdiocese through the Catholic Education Office, is currently in use at three schools outside of North County.

In addition, starting in the 2018-19 school year, all schools will have access to funds from the archdiocese to enhance the quality of educational and religious education programs in North County. More details on the recommendations and history is available at www.FederationofCatholicSchools.org/ renaissance.

In 2010, after several years of exploring ways to collaborate, the pastors of the Northeast Deanery first signed the agreement on the Federation of Catholic Schools. The federation helps all parishes, even those without schools, stay close to the mission of Catholic education in North County through collaborative programs such as Professional Learning Teams for teachers, Sacramental Preparation Retreats for second, seventh and eighth grade students, joint marketing/advertising programs, and opportunities to seek grant funds in support of collaboration.

The federation agreement is renewed annually and now includes Blessed Teresa of Calcutta School and Parish, Christ Light of the Nations School (Holy Name of Jesus Parish), Holy Trinity Parish and School (joined for the 2017-18 school year) Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and School, Sacred Heart Parish and School, St. Angela Merici Parish, St. Ann Parish and School (joined in 2016-17), St. Ferdinand Parish

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www.nccsedu.org

Submitted photo New Director of North County Elementary Schools Rick Danzeisen will provide leadership and support to all North County Catholic elementary schools and the Federation of Catholic Schools as the Archdiocese’s Renaissance for Catholic Education gains momentum.

and School (St. Martin De Porres Parish), St. Norbert School and Parish (St. Sabina Parish) and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish and School. To learn more about the programs and goals of the Federation, or for application and enrollment information for any of the nine schools, please visit www.ExploreCatholicSchools.com. www.hazelwoodschools.org

www.lindenwood.edu

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Learn & Play

August 9, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Back to School

Yeggs

John Hanna

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

ACROSS 1. Pink, as in steak 5. “Death ____ for Cutie” 8. Rum cake 12. Czech or Serb 13. “____ and hearty” 14. Equipped with feathers 15. Weather ____ 16. Seed covering 17. Desktop pictures 18. *The boss 20. 32-card game 21. Delhi dresses 22. How the weasel goes 23. Develop, as in story 26. Covered porch 30. Jersey call 31. *Storage 34. Garden ear 35. Wet nurses 37. Owned 38. Ohio metropolis 39. Ingrid Bergman to Isabella Rossellini 40. Saudi Arabia money, pl.

42. Masseuse’s office 43. Pastoral 45. Right to enter 47. Lincoln lumber 48. _____ New Guinea 50. *Paper mistake 52. *Learning space 56. South Pacific sailboats 57. Angler’s decoy 58. Arm bone 59. Black Beauty, e.g.

60. Singer Tori 61. Skirt opening 62. 15th of March 63. Who’s from Mars?

64. Hippocrates’ promise, e.g.

DOWN 1. A requested response 2. Wing-shaped 3. Feminine of raja 4. Be that as it may 5. Plural of carpus 6. Batman to Bruce Wayne 7. *End of class notice 8. *Worn to school 9. Dwarf buffalo 10. Out of shape 11. *Found in the back of many yearbooks 13. Bob, e.g.

14. Golfer’s sun protection 19. “When a Stranger _____” 22. p in mph 23. Savory taste 24. Wanderer 25. Like beer head 26. Sacred Hindu writings 27. Relating to Scandinavia 28. What ball does on New Year’s 29. Pavlova and Karenina 32. Swanky 33. Mary ____, businesswoman extraordinaire 36. *Special permission 38. Singular of asci 40. Equip with sails 41. Memory failures 44. These lips sink ships 46. Enrico, of operatic fame 48. D’Artagnan’s hat decoration 49. Hammerin’ Hank 50. Trampled 51. Bygone era 52. Chowder protein 53. Paella pot 54. Dealing with a problem 55. *Calculating subject 56. *Between Sigma and Epsilon See answers on page 13

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Vegetable roulette It’s mid-summer and you know what that means…vegetable roulette. Now I’m all for getting a ripe tomato or a nice bell pepper from someone’s garden, but why is that I always wind up with a bag of giant mutant zucchinis the size of watermelons on my front porch? They have been left there anonymously in the dark of night without even the courtesy of a return-to-sender-if-not-completely-satisfied note.

Be warned, once this invasive species enters your vegetable patch it is virtually impossible to remove. So, gardeners everywhere are creatively sneaking them into everything to try and eliminate them. You’ll find them in soups, stews, breads and brownies, inside your unlocked car and tucked into unsupervised baby strollers.

I used to not answer my door when I’d see a neighbor hefting a cartload of the stuff up my driveway hoping they’d move on to then next house. Instead, I got a load of the veggies piled high on my porch or stashed into the mailbox.

I have a sneaking suspicion these zucchs have been re-gifted and passed around from neighbor to neighbor. I also suspect these same desperate neighbors are making fruitcake out of them and will continue to pass them around from house to house at Christmastime.

In the meantime, what am I supposed to do with a vegetable someone has let grow to the size of a canoe; hollow it out and make a canoe?

This growth spurt most likely happened when the veggie first blossomed. At that point, they should not have delayed – this is picking time!

Most likely, the gardener observed this, but was

momentarily distracted by a phone call and before she had time to say, “Sorry, wrong number,” the vegetable had grown to the size of a chunky toddler.

These prolific breeders are the rabbits of the vegetable group. One day you have a seedling and the next day it’s exploded with little baby zucchies. But do not make the mistake of watering them or they’ll make more dreadful reproductions quicker than sequels to “Rocky.” And for the sake of all that is good, green and holy don’t even think of fertilizing them. One squirt of Miracle Grow and you’ll have more squash babies than Kardashians at a Botox sale!

So if you are accosted by these vegetable unloaders, do what I do…post a sign. It clearly states, “For every zucchini you give me, I give you two cats.” So far no veggies and my kitties still have a home.

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

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

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 9, 2017

Sports you see with Gary B...

Gregory excels At USATF Danielle ‘Dani’ Gregory of Lake St. Louis set a record recently on her way to winning the girls 15-16 age division title in the hammer throw in the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships at the University of Kansas’ Rock Chalk Park.

Gregory, will be a junior at Liberty High School in St. Charles County, took the lead on her second of six attempts and finished with a toss of 167 feet, 9 inches, that set her age group record in the meet.

Her 167’9” also was better than the mark of 160’9” that won the women’s 17-18 age group title.

Earlier this summer, she won the Great Southwest Classic in Albuquerque with a personal best of 173’4” that stands in the top 10 in the nation for high school girl’s throwers.

Gregory trains with ‘Throw for the Road Hammer Club’ under Gary Cooper in Troy. Earlier this month, she won the USATF Region 9 title at Lindenwood University with a throw of 167’9”.

Another Throw for the Road Hammer Club member — Chandler Hayden of Pittsfield, Illinois — finished second in the women’s 17-18 hammer throw. Hayden’s mark was 155’2”.

Dani took first in New Mexico on June 2 at the Gardenswartz Great Southwest Classic with a throw of 173’4” that made her the No. 1 sophomore in the country and No. 9 over all. She was also award the Outstanding Field Performance Female award among a lot of competition.

Olympian Deanna Price started at ‘Throw for the Road Hammer Club’ as well. * Thanks for the information from Gary and Todd Gregory River City season ending in less than a month The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League with home games at Car Shield Field in O’Fallon.

Still six and one half games out of first place, the team is fighting hard to reach either the top of the league or a playoff spot. Several games have slipped away but skipper Steve Brooks has confidence.

“We gave away a couple games this week but we have had great run here so far in the second half of the season,” Brook said. “We got to move on and do whatever it takes to have a good series against Evansville and try to put us in a good position for

Sports

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– SUDOKU – the last 25 games.”

NEXT HOME GAMES • Tuesday/Wednesday, Aug. 15/16 against the Gateway Grizzlies • Tuesday/Wednesday, Aug. 29/30 against the Florence Freedom All games at 6:35 p.m., 4:05 p.m. on Sundays Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for more information. * Pressure is on

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.

Rascals’ Kerrigan heading to the Twins The River City Rascals announced that left fielder Jimmy Kerrigan has been purchased by the Minnesota Twins.

Kerrigan is just another Rascal to advance to a major league organization over the past years. He led the Rascals in nearly every offensive category, including batting average at a .328.

The 82 hits is good for second in the Frontier League and the .328 average places him tenth at the time of the contract purchase.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity the Rascals have given me,” Kerrigan said. “They gave me a chance to chase my dreams, and I am excited to start the next chapter with the Minnesota Twins organization. I wish the Rascals the best of luck as they make a playoff run.” * Follow that dream

See solution on page 13

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

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.treesbywoody.net

www.dschuster.com

www.Promenaders.SquareDanceMissouri.com

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What’s Happening

August 9, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Aug. 9: 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.

Aug. 11: Country fried steak or meatloaf

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

Aug. 11-12: Doggie pool party

The city of Florissant will be having a Doggie Pool Party at the Koch Park Family Aquatic Center Aug. 11 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations and recently bathed. All dogs must wear an ID tag and be on a leash unless swimming.

All current vaccination records, including DHLPP or DHLP and rabies shots are required to swim. These must be written records. Tags are not proof. All humans must sign a waiver.

Owners must clean up after their dog.

Cost is $10 for dog and owner and $3 for each additional guest.

Aug. 12: Breakfast

Sept. 9: Grandparents Day celebration

DeSmet Retirement Grandparents Day Celebration takes place from 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m. There will be Cindy’s petting zoo and pony rides, Wendy Fritter with Unleashed Music DJ, Florissant firefighters grilling hot dogs and burgers along with face painting and balloons.

Florissant Police Department will have an informational table for the kids, the Dare Car/officer and Eddie the service dog. Florissant fire truck firemen will also be present.

Sept. 14: Square dance lessons

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.

Square dance lessons begin at Church of the Master at 1325 Paddock Dr. in Florissant from 7 - 9 p.m. Registration closes Sept. 7. Casual attire and cost is $5 per person per night. Call 314-8392134 or 314-837-4729 to register.

Aug. 12: Flea market

Sept. 14: Art fundraiser

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.

Aug. 16: 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.

Aug. 17-19: Book sale

Friends of Ferguson Library (FLIERS) will hold a Library Discards Only Book Sale on Aug. 17 from 4 - 7:30 p.m., Aug 18 from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Aug.19 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ferguson Library Auditorium at 35 No. Florissant Road. There will be all categories of books for adults and children’s books for all ages. Books have been removed from library inventory, come and browse, all very good bargains. For more information contact J. Norberg at 314-521-4663.

Aug. 18: Senior citizen gala

The 17th Annual Senior Citizen North County Gala “One Magical Evening” will feature the outstanding 18-piece band – the Sentimental Journey Band & Strolling Magician, Steve Barcellona and take place from 7 – 10 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Community Center at #1 James Eagan Drive in Florissant. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at any of the participating cities as well as the Florissant Senior Office through Aug. 15. Call the Florissant Senior Office, 8397605, for more information. The cities of Florissant, Ferguson, St. Ann, Hazelwood, Bridgeton and Maryland Heights plan this wonderful dress-up event for North County senior citizens. Attendance prizes will be given away, hors d’oeuvres will be served, and dance angels will be available.

Aug. 18: Pork steak

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

Aug. 23: 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.

Aug. 25: 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. www.aperioncare.com

tion call 314-831-6121.

Aug 30: Karaoke

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

The Eighth Annual Art from the Heart is a special fundraiser benefiting the local nonprofit, Friends of Kids with Cancer takes place at Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis at 13700 Manchester Rd. in Ballwin) from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.. The event, sponsored by Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis, features a silent auction of over 60 pieces of art created by kids with cancer in St. Louis. Friends’ Art Therapist, Tasha, works with these kids throughout the year on their artwork for this fundraiser. 100 percent of proceeds support Friends’ Art Therapy program. Tickets are $50 per person.

For more information visit https:// www.friendsofkids.com/art.html.

Sept. 15-16: Table and tailgate sale

A table and tailgate sale takes place at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church at 2615 Shackelford Road in Florissant from 7 a.m. to noon both days. Indoor table sale runs both days, suggested donation is $15 per table. Parking lot tailgate sale runs one-day-only on Sept.16, suggested donation is $15 for three adjacent parking spots (you will have to provide your own tables).

Rain-out dates will be Sept. 22-23. Call the church at 314-831-1300 for more details and to sign-up.

Sept. 16: Prostate cancer awareness walk

The End of Prostate Cancer joins forces with St. Louis Urological Surgeons and Arch Cancer Care to host the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk this September. The goal is to create Generation ZERO – the first generation of men free of prostate cancer. Participants will run and walk together on Sept.r 16 to fight a disease that takes the life of an American man every 20 minutes. Run/walk participants will receive tech shirts, refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with others who are impacted by prostate cancer.

Funds raised for this year’s run/walk event will go toward national efforts to provide research for new treatments, to enhance patient support resources, and to educate men and families about prostate cancer. The race will take place at Creve Coeur Park - Sailboat Cove. For more information, visit www.zeroprostatecancerrun.org/ stlouis.

Sept. 19: Introduction to square dancing

Free modern western square dance introduction classes sponsored by West County Spinners Square Dance Club begins Sept. 12 and 19 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in the gym at 14088 Clayton Rd. in Chesterfield just East of Hwy 141. The square dance program continues subsequent Tuesdays at $60 per person for twelve weeks or $6 a lesson. Children ages 8-18 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Wear casual clothes and be prepared to have fun square dancing. Register or just show up. For

information, contact Jim and Crystal at 314-753-6674 or www.westcountyspinners.com. Couples and singles of all ages are welcome, no experience is necessary.

Sept. 26: Caregivers conference

A complimentary caregivers conference is being held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Christian Hospital Atrium (11133 Dunn Rd.) to provide support and resources to those who assist with transportation, shopping, personal needs, meal preparation, housekeeping, paperwork, medication, companionship or safety supervision. The conference is presented by AARP Missouri Real Possibilities, Christian Hospital Auxiliary and Christian Hospital Foundation. Registration is required as seating is limited. Register online at https://aarp.cvent.com/MOcaregiversconf2017 or call 1-877-926-8300. A complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees and valet parking will be available, compliments of Clayton Valet. The conference features keynote speaker Amy Goyer, who is a caregiver, consultant and author. Other speakers and highlights include: Mid-East Area Agency on Aging; VOYCE; Christian Hospital physical therapist; Memory Care Home Solutions; Christian Hospital Palliative Care; Meditation/relaxation exercise; veterans’ benefits and resources; and a variety of resource information tables. Resource table sponsorships are available at http:// christianhospital.org/caregivers or call 314-653-5162.

Sept. 30: Charity golf tournament

The Hazelwood School District Foundation will host its Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Old Florissant Golf Course at 50 Country Club Lane in Florissant. This event will take place with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost of the tournament is $100 per golfer. This cost includes entry into all events, 18-holes of golf, cart, breakfast, snacks, lunch and a chance to win several prizes. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the following programs: Hazelwood Bright Futures, HSD Food 4 Thought, and Care to Learn-Hazelwood, which share the same mission – to help provide basic necessities for students in areas of health, hunger and hygiene. To register your team or for sponsorship information, contact Alecia White at 314-9535016 or by email at info@hazelwoodschools.org.

Oct. 2: Golf tournament fundraiser

Operation Food Search, a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host its 24th annual golf tournament with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. The tournament will be held at WingHaven Country Club, St. Louis’ only Nicklaus Design Course, located at 7777 Winghaven Blvd. in O’Fallon. Tickets are $300 per golfer and include 18 holes with golf cart, golf goodie bag, and lunch and dinner. A live and silent auction will be held during the barbecue dinner. Proceeds will go toward ending childhood hunger and family food insecurity in the St. Louis bi-state region. For ticket details or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.OperationFoodSearch.org.

Oct. 7: Arts and crafts festival

St. Ann Catholic Church at 7530 Natural Bridge Rd. in Normandy is hosting an arts and crafts festival from 10 a.m.

– 3 p.m. The proceeds from the festival support the efforts of the St. Vincent DePaul conference in helping neighbors in need. At the festival there will be presentations on praying with art and insights into the artwork of the St. John’s Bible. Artists are invited to sell their artwork and sacred art at the festival. Table rental for artwork displays is $30 per table. Table rental payments are collected at the church office. For more information call 314-385-5090.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 9, 2017

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Twoto-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314615-4516.

bers Road in Bellefontaine Neighbors.

Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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

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

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

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

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

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

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

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604.

Mondays: A cappella singers

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous Informational Meeting takes place every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at 7222 N. Lindbergh Blvd. (behind the Holiday Inn Express off the Taylor Rd. exit) in Hazelwood. This free meeting is for anyone who is interested in learning more about Alcoholics Anonymous, how it started, what it’s all about and how it works. This is an hour-long meeting with a short presentation, followed by a question and answer session with current members.

For more information call 314-7314854.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center).

For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

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

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, 800 Cham-

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

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

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4pm, Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

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

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

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

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

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2pm, Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

Fridays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some

Saturdays: Grief support group

What’s Happening

not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital

SUDOKU answers from page 11

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

11:30am-1pm, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

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

Sundays: Meat shoot

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

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

Every Sunday: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, 1 – 4pm, through October. Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314.921.7582, vicray01@aol.com

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

www.rivercityrascals.com

Do-Dads

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

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314.741.3737

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

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

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

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed

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

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

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are

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www.LifeCareCenterOfFlorissant.com

August 9, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

EVENT

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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.

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

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

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August 9, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Are movie theaters on the way out?

M O V I E

By Steve Bryan

When television made great inroads in the 1940’s and 50’s, theater owners saw attendance drop as families got their entertainment at home. Some were concerned that TV sets could conceivably mark the end of movie theaters. In response, owners began hosting raffles and other giveaways to bring audiences back into their auditoriums.

More than sixty years later, those dire predictions may be coming true. After announcing a “very challenging third quarter” regarding their earnings, AMC Theaters saw their stock price drop approximately 26 percent on Aug. 2. As CNBC pointed out, the company is looking towards promotions, “strategic pricing” and cutting costs, operating hours and staff.

Other publicly-traded theater chains also took a hit from Wall Street after AMC’s announcement. Despite blockbusters such as “Wonder Woman” and the ever-reliable releases from Marvel Studios, people are simply preferring to get their cinematic fixes at home. A reasonable investment in a big-screen TV and a decent sound system seems to be enough for many people.

In truth, the shift to home theaters has been going on for quite some time. Apple, which had a record day on the market while AMC tanked, also changed how we watch movies with the iPod, iPhone and iPad. The creation of iTunes allowed music and movie lovers to buy individual songs for their hand-held devices. Stores such as Suncoast Motion Pictures, Musicland and FYE couldn’t compete and shut their doors.

AMC’s revelation really is a caution-andwarning for the industry. Content providers will continue to do well because Netflix and Amazon provide viable outlets for them. For

the price of just one movie ticket per month, you can stream old TV shows, classic movies and new original content from Marvel Studios.

“Luke Cage” and “Daredevil,” for instance, have been getting serious buzz on social media.

So, is it really the end of AMC, Regal Entertainment and all the rest? Not necessarily, but the chains must change their policies. Some have tried to attract guests with high-end auditoriums featuring plush seats, great sound and a wait staff. These amenities don’t come cheap, however, making date nights a more expensive proposition.

AMC is on the right track with their “Classic” line of theaters. These locations show first-run movies at reasonable prices and offer deals on concessions. This appeals to moviegoers looking for value for their entertainment dollars.

They want a clean, safe place to take their fami-

www.BJCMedicalGroup.org/Hazelwood

lies and not spend their entire entertainment budget in a single day.

Corporate giants such as Apple, Netflix and Amazon will continue to influence the movie industry, so theater owners must adapt to survive. Otherwise, AMC’s Aug. 2 announcement may become a too-regular occurrence.

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