CN: December 13, 2017

December 13, 2017

Jumping for better health

Around Town Florissant announces Christmas lights and tree disposal program. P.7

Community Voices

By Dr. Miranda Ming. P.2

Photo illustration by Bigstock

School

Hazelwood Central students take part in SLU’s Immersion Language Day. P.8

Food

Annual city-wide Double Dutch Showcase emphasizes physical activity and better health for participants of all ages

By Charlotte Beard Since 2015, BJC School Outreach and Youth Development has teamed up with St. Louis Public Schools for the city-wide annual Double Dutch Showcase event. This year the event was held on Dec. 9 at Wohl Recreation Center at 1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd.

Members of the BJC outreach, Kara Hughes – Community Health Educator, Brittanie McMullen – Community Health Partner, and Erica Oliver – Community Health Partner, shared the mission behind the annual showcase.

[St. Louis City Division of Recreation and Tandy Recreation Center] provide support by hosting the event. They bring the jump ropes and they provide snacks for all of the participants. The show case takes place yearly during the late fall/early winter season. People can visit the BJC.org site for more details.

The Double Dutch Showcase event was birthed out of the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative, of which BJC is one of its facilitators. The HSHC initiative facilitated a community healthy living index – an assessment – in each of its participating communities in St. Louis city. The assessment revealed desires to have more opportunity for physical activity and something that would involve all ages. As a result, an action plan was developed that also incorporated a city-wide event. Double Dutch jump roping was something brought up by

A very versatile holiday. P.9

Movie

Family drama to dominate ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi.’ P.16

Weather Submitted photo Participants compete in the BJC School Outreach and Youth Development city-wide annual Double Dutch Showcase event.

several people in several of the communities.

Out of this discussion was birthed the idea to have an all-ages Double Dutch event for the entire city.

The overall purpose of HSHC, which was created and is funded by Missouri Foundation for Health, is to increase access to healthy food, create environmental change, connect programming to neighborhoods, and introduce or strengthen policy.

BJC outreach sources shared, “We are one of 12 collaboratives across the state of Missouri. In our collaborative there are the three of us, which make up the community side of Health Schools Healthy Community (HSHC). Then there is a team through St. Louis Public School District that represents the school side of [HSHC]. But we do often work as one big team together.”

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Around Town

December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES Jennings High School works to establish a culture of accountability and expectations

By Dr. Miranda Ming How can we offer healing to family members and classmates lost by gun fire? How do we educate students on the importance of financial literacy? How do we ensure that we address the issues of sexuality and sex education as it applies to our youth? With so many issues plaguing our community it is easy to lose focus.

This loss of focus often manifests itself in the school’s culture and environment. At Jennings Senior High School, the focus continues to be on establishing a culture of student accountability and high expectations.

As we attempt to educate students of color and to interact with their parents and other community members, we must create an environment of structure, nurture, and high expectations. What does this look like in a community in pain and economically struggling?

Let’s begin the educational journey. It has simultaneously been rewarding and challenging. The twowoman administrative team at Jennings High School serving over 740 students, leads by creating a vivid picture of a future immersed in student and staff successes. We believe that opportunities and choice are ignited by passion. By providing a holistic approach to

education with a school based health clinic on site, free meals for all, placement in college, careers, military or workforce for high school students, and educational opportunities offered six days per week. We continue to remove the enemy that prevents good from becoming premiere in the lives of those we serve. The enemy is the obstacles, trauma, and barriers faced when attempting to promote academic success. We continue to confront the steps and behaviors required of the entire school community in order to create and move toward achieving its vision, mission, and goals.

We lead by example. First, we provide the empathy, insight, familiarity and compassion for those who follow us. Leadership at Jennings means encompassing the courage to confront the times of complex change.

Our community continues to evolve and the needs of those we serve are growing exponentially. We must become the one who does not say yes to every person, program, and initiative. We must have the courage to let go of all that does not work toward the benefit of children. We are leaders who seek the independence to lead and think outside of the box supported by ac-

countability, responsibility, ownership, and evaluation.

So we circle back to our original questions, how can we offer healing? How do we meet the growing needs of a community in pain? We continue to come equipped and ready to serve children by any means necessary.

Dr. Miranda Ming, Assistant Principal at Jennings School District’s College & Career Prep Academy is a devoted educator. She joined the administrative team with vast experience in student achievement and engagement as she generated an average of over 90 percent proficient and advanced college prep students and over 60 percent proficiency for career prep students on the end of course exams. She attended Alabama A&M University, but obtained her Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate Degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis.

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.

Dollar General now open in Jennings

Filing for candidacy for Hazelwood mayor opens

Dollar General’s newest store at 9448 Lewis And Clark Blvd in Jennings is now open.

“Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products,” said Dan Nieser, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “We hope our area customers will enjoy shopping at Dollar General’s new location.”

Traditional Dollar General stores employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the need. Anyone interested in joining the Dollar General team may visit the Career section at www.dollargeneral.com.

The city of Hazelwood will hold an election on April 3, 2018, for the office of mayor for a three-year term. Candidates seeking election must file a petition and Declaration of Candidacy with City Clerk Christine Thomas at 415 Elm Grove Lane.

Filing is now open and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2018.

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and a registered voter. They must also have lived in the city for at least two years immediately prior to the election.

Nominating petitions for mayor shall be signed by no less than 50 and no more than 100 registered voters eligible to vote for the candidate.

For more information, please contact City Clerk Christine Thomas at 314-513-5020.

‘JUMPING’ from cover Leanne White, Project Director with St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) for the HSHC initiative, oversees the needs of the schools involved in the school-specific projects. White also shared that approximately 20 teams were involved this year in the Double Dutch Showcase. Since the first year of the event, she states it has just about grown to the level of reaching attendance capacity.

White shared the impact the yearly event has had for SLPS. “[Students] are invited to the event along with any of their family members or friends to participate in a healthy activity during a weekend event. [It] supports what we are talking about in our initiative—increase physical activity…better access to nutrition education. It also impacts our students because our physical education teachers across all of our 45 elementary schools teach a jump rope unit in November to prepare the kids that want to participate in the event.”

In addition to the jump roping, the gym is filled with hula hooping activity. Simultaneously attendees get to experience a community room filled with vendors brought in by the BJC outreach. Among the vendors are health care providers, Gateway Greening – which focuses on gardening and urban agriculture for communities – and other health fair related entities.

The annual Double Dutch Showcase is just one of the many projects that receive the funding under HSHC. The next city-wide event will take place May 4, 2018—“Let’s Move! Move Your Body.”

The flash mob event will be in collaboration with Ballpark Village.

Further details can be obtained by e-mailing HSHC@bjc.org or by visiting bjc.org for developing details on the flash mob and other events.

BJC outreach stressed the desire to have more residents involved

Submitted photo Participants compete in the BJC School Outreach and Youth Development city-wide annual Double Dutch Showcase event.

in the monthly meetings HSHC has in each of these communities: Bevo Mill and Carondelet, Forest Park Southeast and Shaw, The Greater Ville, The Ville and Carr Square. The community meeting dates, times and locations vary by community; citizens can e-mail HSHC@bjc.org to obtain information relative to their community.

“HSHC initiative, not only in this event, but overall the whole initiative has grown exponentially,” stated White of SLPS. “I feel like we are really making an impact in these different communities in the city of St. Louis.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 13, 2017

Around Town

The 20th Annual Christmas in Old Town celebrated with Santa and tree lighting ceremony

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Christmas in Old Town and tree lighting ceremony took place on Dec. 2 to officially start the holiday season.

The city of Florissant and Old Town Partners had another festive Christmas in Old Town event and tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2 to officially start the holiday season.

The fun began at 2 p.m. at Florissant City Hall, with Santa, hot chocolate, face painting, cookie decorating, story book reading, crafts by the St. Louis County Library and Mrs. Claus creating balloon art. The event was very well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time with all the activities that took place.

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

The tree lighting ceremony began at 5 p.m. with Mayor Thomas Schneider, Council President Jackie Pagano and Councilman from Ward 4 Jeff Caputa wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on behalf of the administration, Chief Lowery, city council and Judge Boyle. The 2017 Valley of Flowers Queen Megan Pilla and her court also said a few words to the crowd before Queen Pilla switched on the lights to everyone’s delight and the Florissant Barber Shoppers then led the gathering in Christmas carols.

Pooper Troopers sets goal of 50,000 diapers for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery In 2015, the Emge family began an endeavor that has grown even bigger than they could have imagined. They collected 10,000 diapers in 2015, 35,000 in 2016 and this year “Emge Cares” hopes to gather 50,000 diapers for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

Erwin Emge, retired from the O’Fallon Volunteer Fire Department after 35 years, and his wife Janet, a surgical nurse at SSM St. Charles, were approached by their three adult children to re-think their Christmas traditions. Justin, Colleen and Jacob wanted to use the families’ time and energy to help others; and the Emge Cares Pooper Trooper Diaper Drive was born.

As the diaper drive grew, the Emges began researching worthy nonprofits. The more they learned about the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, the more impressed they were. The nursery’s mission, to prevent child abuse and neglect, the nursery’s method, offering short-term care to children whose parents are experiencing a crisis involving homelessness, illness, overwhelming parental stress, or domestic Submitted photo violence, and the nursery’s need for almost 5,000 diapers every month was a perfect match Erwin and Janet Emge’s grandson, Nate, helps with diaper collection. for Emge Cares.

The Pooper Troopers have strong community Everyone) is collecting diapers for the Pooper Troopers support: Erwin Emge says, “There are three things every • The O’Fallon Fire Protection District offered up four engine houses as drop off locations and child deserves: 1. a dry bottom, 2. food in their three departments donated a total of $1,300 for tummy and, 3. loving arms to hold them. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery provides all three but only diapers and wipes.

• SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles is with our help. We hope everyone will consider helping with 1 and 2. We are at 50 percent of our also a drop off location.

• Ellbee’s General Store in Wentzville has helped goal of 50,000 diapers by Christmas. We could with promotion of the diaper drive and is a drop- sure use everyone’s help.”

To donate online go to the Emge Cares wishlist off location.

• The Emge Elementary school S.H.A.R.E. on Amazon: http://a.co/7edkuu6, or find drop off program (Sharing, Helping And Respecting locations at www.poopertrooperdiapers.com.

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December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Trails continue expansion Great Rivers Greenway pedestrian bridges near completion as part of a trail to connect St. Peters and St. Charles with St. Louis County

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Photos by Ray Rockwell The mile-long pedestrian and bicycle trail that will include separate bridges across Highways 364 and 94, also known as the Page Avenue extension, is part of the regional Great Rivers Greenway district. Landscaping work is ongoing and the trail should be completed by the end of the year.

By Brett Auten

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

A project geared to provide more direct and safer access for cyclists and pedestrians is chugging right along.

Work began in mid-March on a mile long pedestrian and bicycle trail that will include separate bridges across Highways 364 and 94, also known as the Page Avenue extension.

The project is part of the regional Great Rivers Greenway district and once completed will allow for access for walkers and bicyclists northwest of the two busy highways to an existing trail segment on the other side.

According to Seth Treptow, Communications Manager of Great Rivers Greenway, the bridges will be functioning soon.

“We’re still doing some landscaping,” Treptow said.

“We expect it to open by the end of the year.”

The new trail extension will end at Old Highway 94. From there, people will be able to use city streets to bike to Schaefer and Wapelhorst parks in St. Charles and Laurel Park in St. Peters. Plans are afoot for a new trail along part of the route to the St. Peters park.

The mission for Great Rivers Greenway is to connect the St. Louis region with greenways so people can explore their rivers, parks, and communities, to make it a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Other greenway segments slated for design and engineering in the next two years include a connection between Olive Boulevard and Creve Coeur Park and Olive Boulevard and the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur.

“We’re just excited to provide a safe connection that will allow more lives to be enjoyed outside,” Treptow said. “There are so many benefits, including that this is access you couldn’t have before.”

The Centennial extension segment is costing about $5 million.

In addition to the bridges, the trail extension includes a path between the two spans, a rest area, and landscaping native to the vicinity. The price tag also covers constructing retaining walls, grading and building up abutments.

Centennial Greenway: Katy Trail to Heritage

Museum is a 2.3-mile paved trail that provides a link between the Katy Trail and St. Charles Heritage Museum Park to the west. It also connects to St. Louis County’s 4.5-mile paved Creve Coeur Connector trail extending from Creve Coeur Park that features a separated lane on the Page Avenue Extension Bridge for people walking or riding bikes to cross over the Missouri River between St. Louis County and St. Charles County. You can walk, run or ride all the way from Heritage Park to Creve Coeur Park or take the Katy Trail to explore historic Main Street in St. Charles and Frontier Park.

The master plan for the Centennial Greenway is a 17-mile corridor that stretches between Forest Park in the city of St. Louis and St. Charles County.

The greenway will connect the communities of University City, Olivette, Ladue, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights and St. Peters in St. Charles County. A portion of this greenway follows the same route of the 1904 Olympic marathon held in St. Louis as part of the World’s Fair.

“There are still lots of pieces that still need to fall into place,” Treptow said. “It comes down to finding the right corridors to work with and that they meet requirements and that the access is right.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 13, 2017

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation funds Kids In The Middle Kids In The Middle (KITM) recently received $5,000 from The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation. These gifts will allow Kids In The Middle to continue to offer group and individual counseling services to children and families in need or who otherwise may not be able to afford them.

“Ninety percent of our clients receive some sort of financial help,” said Chief Executive Officer Meredith Friedman. “It’s important

for children and families to get the counseling they need when they’re going through such a transition.”

Celebrating their 40th anniversary, KITM helps children and families transition to a new way of life before, during and after separation and divorce, for the sake of creating healthier futures for all involved. KITM is located at 2650 S. Hanley Rd. in St. Louis. For more information, visit www.kidsinthemiddle.org.

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Lady Veterans celebrate annual Christmas party

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Auxiliary Ladies participated in a Christmas party for the Lady Veterans at the Missouri Veterans Home on Hwy 367 on Dec. 4. Auxiliary Ladies are Carole Sohn, Mary Jane Paulsell, Rosella Ruesch, Rosemarie Hauck and Ann Mohan.

Mohan is the Chairperson for VA&R with the Auxiliary and she has a Christmas party every year, along with putting on a bingo day every three months. Mohan is 91 years old and she continues to participate in the all these activities.

29th Project Lift-Off Holiday Party enjoys continued success

www.LifeCareCenterOfFlorissant.com

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider stands with some of the kids that came to the 29th Annual Project Lift-Off.

Over 515 kids came to the 29th Annual Project Lift-Off Holiday Party was held on Dec. 2 at the James J. Eagan Center which was started

by Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider back in 1989 when he was a councilman. The event is a drug free, alcohol free and tobacco free youth holiday party sponsored by the city of Florissant, Youth Advisory Commission and D.A.R.E. At the event was a large crowd of fifththrough-eighth graders as they participated in

many activities that were available for them.

There were plenty of fun activities like ice skating, swimming and games. Party Time DJ rocked for dancing and plenty of pizza and soda was consumed.

Todd Schmidt the Director of Parks, Superintendent of Recreation Cheryl Thompson, Center Director Brendan Kane and all of their staffs contributed in making the 29th Annual Project Lift-Off another success.

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December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

State board votes to classify Normandy Schools as Provisionally Accredited

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

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Normandy Superintendent Dr. Charles Pearson gives a celebratory hug to long-time Normandy principal and alumna Robin Vaulx-Williams after learning of the state Board of Education’s vote to classify Normandy as provisionally accredited. Also pictured are (from left): Rev. Cedric Portis, JEGB president; Tina Clark-Scott, assistant superintendent of Academics and Student Support Services; Catheline Jones, English language arts curriculum coordinator; and Olga Hunt, science curriculum coordinator.

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The Missouri State Board of Education voted 8-0 to classify the Normandy Schools Collaborative as a Provisionally Accredited school district.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) made the recommendation for Normandy to be reclassified at the Dec. 1 State Board of Education meeting in Jefferson City.

Dr. Charles Pearson, Normandy Superintendent of Schools, appreciates the support the collaborative has received from the state, and most importantly, the students, staff and families.

“This has become a mission for our teachers and staff,” said Dr. Pearson. “It has been challenging at times and rewarding, but our collective goal is to provide the best education possible for our students. Becoming accredited was the short-term goal, so we will take a breath and appreciate this accomplishment and return home to continue the work: to provide our students with an education that gives them tools to be successful and productive when they graduate.”

This is the third year in a row the collaborative made double-digit improvements on the Annual Performance Report (APR) which DESE uses as part of its system to gauge student learning and education quality. In 2017, the collaborative earned 87.5 points out of a possible 140 on the APR. In 2014, the collaborative only earned 10 points. In 2015, the district quadrupled that number earning 42.5 points. Last year, the collaborative earned 76.5 points on the state’s report card for public schools.

In 2014, DESE dissolved the Normandy School District and re-established it as the Normandy Schools Collaborative. The new entity is led by the Joint Executive Governing Board (an appointed board which replaced the elected school board) who selected Dr. Pearson as superintendent. Since then, the collaborative has focused on improving instruction and school climate, and establishing a strong leadership team with the fundamental goal of increasing student academic performance.

Some of the improvements include: • Establishing a Kindergarten Center and moving sixth graders to the elementary school.

• Reinstating Advanced Placement, dualcredit/dual-enrollment courses at the high school.

• Implementing small group instruction for English language arts, reading and mathematics.

• Establishing ‘data teams’ at each school to evaluate student progress and implement

support and additional instruction for students who need it.

• Incorporating ‘wraparound’ services throughout the collaborative to help support students and families, and remove social/ emotional obstacles to student learning.

• Providing trauma-informed training for all staff to better address some of the issues students may bring to schools.

With the reclassification, Normandy is no longer required to participate in the student transfer program. The state law requires unaccredited districts to pay tuition for its students to transfer to surrounding accredited districts. Normandy also pays for transportation for transfer students to attend schools in the Francis Howell School District in St. Charles County.

The collaborative has reached agreements with the current receiving school districts to allow transfer students to continue through the end of the 2017-2018 school year while capping the tuition amount at $7,000 per student. Some districts will allow the transfer students to attend their current school until they reach the next transition point; high school students may stay at their school until graduation.

“Three years ago, there were families who left the district, but we also had more than 3,000 students whose families did not,” Pearson recalled. “Those families who decided to keep their children with us gave us an ultimatum – make this school district better. We have made significant progress and will continue to do the work. We have 3,200 students and their families counting on us to do what’s necessary to become fully accredited.”

That work includes the planning and construction of a new Early Learning Center which will house the collaborative’s PreK and kindergarten programs. Normandy is also changing the configuration of its elementary schools from grades 1-6 to grades 1-8. In preparation for the return of the seventh and eighth grade students, the elementary schools are being renovated and expanded, with Jefferson and Washington also having new library media centers and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) studios added to these campuses. The new construction and expansions are made possible by the voters approving the no-tax-rate increase bond issue, Proposition N, in April 2017.

The new Early Learning Center and the elementary school expansions are scheduled to be complete by the 2019-2020 school year.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 13, 2017

Around Town

Florissant announces Christmas lights and tree disposal program Meridian Waste Solutions, Inc. will once again offer the “Christmas Tree Disposal” program to Florissant residents having real Christmas trees. Also the city’s health department will be accepting Christmas tree lights for recycling purposes from residents as well.

Residents can dispose of their Christmas lights for recycling in St. Ferdinand Park near the Health Department Building and will go until Jan. 7, 2018. The Christmas tree disposal program will include curbside pick-up of real Christmas trees during the holiday season and go through the month of January. Meridian Waste Solutions, Inc. will be providing this service “free

of charge” to any Florissant resident regardless of their having weekly yard waste service. Any Florissant resident wishing to take advantage of this free service must place their tree at their curb on the day of the week that yard waste pickup is normally provided in their neighborhood.

Trees must be free of all contaminants, such as garland, tinsel, lights and ornaments. Recycle, reduce, reuse for a better environment for all.

For additional information or questions, call the Florissant Health Department at 314-8397654 or Meridian Waste Solutions, Inc. at 314291-3131.

Vantage delivers Thanksgiving dinners throughout St. Louis Vantage Credit Union delivered Thanksgiving dinners to local food pantries and organizations throughout the St. Louis area as part of its Holiday Giving Campaign. Monetary donations were collected throughout the month of November and used to purchase 16 complete Thanksgiving dinners.

“We are dedicated to supporting the communities we serve by not only providing a comprehensive offering of financial services, but also by giving back throughout the year in meaningful

ways,” said Rachel Parrent, Director of Marketing & Business Intelligence, Vantage Credit Union.

“One of the ways we help those less fortunate experience an enjoyable holiday is through our Thanksgiving dinner donations.”

Vantage will continue to give back throughout the rest of the 2017 holiday season. Donations are still being collected at all branch locations to support local charitable organizations and provide gifts for children through the Cardinals Care organization.

Meet Oakley, The Child Center, Inc. newest facility dog

The Child Center, Inc. welcomed the arrival of their newest facility dog, Oakley.

The Child Center, Inc. welcomed the arrival of their newest facility dog, Oakley. Oakley can perform over 40 commands but his primary job at The Child Center, Inc. is to provide comfort and support to children who are talking about the details of their abuse during a forensic interview.

The Child Center, Inc. added its second facility dog to its list of services that have long included forensic interviews, child and family advocacy, and therapeutic services for child victims of sexual and physical abuse. Oakley, a three-yearold black Labrador, is trained to comfort children and their caregivers in addition to the agency’s other facility dog Reka, a four-year-old brown Labrador.

“The presence of Oakley during a forensic interview is a source of comfort to a child when they are sharing a traumatic experience to a perfect stranger,” explains Cammie Maue,

Submitted photo

Oakley’s handler.

Maue, a forensic interviewer with The Child Center, Inc., trained with Oakley for several weeks to become his handler. Oakley also lives with Maue full time.

“With the addition of Oakley our agency can now offer comfort to the child and the caregiver simultaneously, and allow them to be with the child during the entire court process if needed,” she said Champ Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit organization that places skilled facility dogs with professionals who utilize their dogs’ special skills in healthcare facilities, courthouses and children’s advocacy centers, trained Oakley.

You can follow Oakley on Instagram @oakley. cac and friend him on Facebook @OakleyMaue to keep up with his antics and stories about being a facility dog.

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School

December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Hazelwood Central student attends the Music Educator’s National Conference

Monsanto Fund awards $9,500 to the Hazelwood Central RoboHawks Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Tarran McClure, Hazelwood Central High School senior, was selected to represent the Hazelwood School District (HSD) at the Music Educator’s National Conference in January, 2018.

McClure was selected after auditioning for the all suburban choir. Due to his level of performance during the audition, he was eligible to audition for the All State Choir. Students are able to receive All State eligibility after students have been noted as one of the top 20 performances in the All Suburban choir audition.

“I am proud of Tarran and his hard work and effort,” said Toni Towns, Central High School choir director. “Tarran received exemplary and superior ratings on the audition and deserves to represent the Hazelwood School District at the conference.”

McClure will represent the District during the Music Educator’s National Conference on Jan. 24-27.

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Students at Hazelwood Central High School have found outside support as they use robots to build skills in science and engineering. The Monsanto Fund recently awarded a one-time $9,500 grant to the RoboHawks to support their FIRST Robotics activities and encourage local students who participate in the program.

“We are extremely grateful for our partners at the Monsanto Fund,” said Dr. Nettie CollinsHart, superintendent of schools. “Grants like this, help build coalition and capacity in our schools and help our students to reach their full potential. On behalf of our students and staff, thank you to the Monsanto Fund for your generous donation.”

The RoboHawks will use support from the

Monsanto Fund grant to participate in FIRST Robotics and its educational programs and competitions. FIRST challenges teams to design, build, and program their own robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors – immersing young students in real-world engineering experiences.

“It is essential that today’s students learn STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, as they will be the next generation driving innovation and overcoming challenges through big ideas,” said Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund program officer. “Monsanto Fund is committed to investing in the next generation of scientists and engineers like those at Hazelwood Central through hands-on education programs

Hazelwood Central students take part in SLU’s Immersion Language Day

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

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Hazelwood Central High School students, who are enrolled in Spanish and French classes, participated in an interactive and immersive day at Saint Louis University (SLU). The purpose of this trip was to explore the impact of language in our community, St. Louis, and around the world.

Hazelwood Central is a partner school for the 1818 Advanced College Credit Program at SLU. The program provides an opportunity for qualified high school juniors and seniors in Spanish and French classes to experience the rigors of college course work.

During the event, students learned about various foreign languages. They also heard from SLU students and alumni about career opportunities.

In addition, students experienced a college lan-

guage class in Spanish and French, taught by SLU faculty members.

Students had the opportunity to interact with college professors and ask questions about future career opportunities including obtaining minors in Spanish and French.

At the culmination of the program, participating school districts competed to show off their skills and knowledge of languages. Central High students achieved first place in trivia at the Immersion Language Day. The winning team included: Brandi Bradford, Dominic Cannady-Lindner, Darreon Carbin, Jasmyn Harris, Denae Howard, Caitlyn Kirksey, Leah Puckett, Alana Watson, and Tayla Whitley.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 13, 2017

Recipe:

Food

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A VERY VERSATILE HOLIDAY

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hen planning this year’s holiday menu, consider building meals around a versatile main course that you can dress up or down and then integrate into easy leftover dishes. A ham is a perfect solution because it works equally well as the centerpiece of an elegant meal or as savory sliders to serve with chutney or hot mustard.

Beyond versatile ingredients, a winning holiday menu relies on proper preparation, and that’s why quality cookware is essential.

An option like Anolon Gourmet Cookware is designed for superior performance that can help bring joy to cooking and features heavy-duty pan bodies and comfort-grip handles for safe and secure lifting and leverage. The aesthetically pleasing cookware’s premium-quality, nonstick surface provides lasting durability, effortless food release and easy clean up – perfect for the busy holiday season.

Explore more cookware options to serve up your holiday best at anolon.com.

Country Ham and Cheddar on Biscuits Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware | Servings: 24

HAM IT UP (OR DOWN) Ham is an ideal holiday protein because you can serve it as a centerpiece dish or as part of a more casual meal and still achieve great results either way. Make the most of this holiday favorite with these tips: • Be sure to get a ham big enough for leftovers. It’s just as good sliced up for sandwiches or fried with eggs as it is when presented in its full glory out of the oven.

• Think beyond the main table. A glazed ham is pretty on the table, but it’s also delicious when served casually, for example on a sandwich bar with savory rolls, tangy mustards and other condiments.

• If your holiday plans are up in the air, go ahead and make a ham in advance to keep on hand for casual meals during the busy holiday season or for a quick meal with unexpected guests.

Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware | Servings: 14-16

Ingredients: Chutney: 1 t ablespoon olive oil medium Anolon skillet 1 s mall onion, finely chopped 2 t easpoons fresh ginger, minced 3/4 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup dried currants 3 t ablespoons water 2 t ablespoons raspberry vinegar 2 t ablespoons sugar 1/4 cup apple jelly 1 t ablespoon country Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt Biscuits: 2 c ups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 t easpoon coarse ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 t easpoon salt 8 t ablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk, plus 2 tablespoons Anolon large nonstick baking sheet 1 l arge egg yolk, beaten 12 ounces country ham, thinly sliced 6 s lices (about 6 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese Directions: To make chutney: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and ginger; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes.

Add curry powder and cinnamon; cook, stirring, 30 seconds.

Stir in currants and cook until slightly softened, 2 minutes.

Ingredients: 11-12 pounds shank half bone-in cooked ham large Anolon roasting pan 4 cups cola, divided 2 cups orange juice, divided 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup Dijon mustard Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Trim skin and excess fat off ham. With sharp knife, score ham all over in diamond pattern. Place ham in roasting pan then pour 1 cup cola and 1 cup orange juice over it. Cover pan with aluminum foil and roast 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Add water and vinegar and cook until currants plump slightly, about 3 minutes.

Stir in sugar and cook 1 minute.

Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes. Stir in jelly, mustard and salt; refrigerate until ready to serve.

To make biscuits: Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pepper, baking soda and salt. Using pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until mixture is moistened.

In bowl, knead dough 3-4 times to bring together. Press dough into disk and wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 20-30 minutes.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using 2-inch fluted biscuit cutter, start at outside edge of dough and cut out biscuits and set on baking sheet. Gently press dough scraps together and roll again to 1/2-inch thickness. Repeat to cut out 24 biscuits total. Brush tops of biscuits with egg yolk.

Bake biscuits in center of oven until puffed and tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 15 minutes.

Split biscuits in half and set aside. Lay ham slices on cutting board in single layer. Using 2-inch fluted biscuit cutter, punch out 24 ham circles and place each on bottom half of biscuit.

Lay cheese slices on cutting board and punch out 24 circles to place each on top of ham. Spoon chutney evenly on top of each biscuit then replace top half of each biscuit.

Note: Biscuits can be assembled several hours ahead of serving and kept in refrigerator.

While ham roasts, in medium saucepan, combine remaining cola, orange juice, brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat and cook about 45-48 minutes, until reduced to 1 cup and mixture is slightly syrupy.

After ham roasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, remove foil and baste with glaze. Continue roasting and basting ham every 15 minutes with glaze until it is glossy and instant read thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 145 F, about 1 hour and 15-30 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

www.ElderCareLaw.com

10

Learn & Play

December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Happy Holidays

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.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Keyboard shopper ACROSS 1. Oscar, e.g.

6. Debate position 9. Judicial document 13. Hawaiian veranda 14. Deadeye’s forte 15. Capital of Egypt 16. Lumps of something soft 17. Beluga yield 18. Ar on table of elements 19. *First state to officially recognize Christmas 21. *Country which produced first artificial Christmas trees 23. Boiling emotion 24. Grain in “The House That Jack Built” 25. Equinox mo.

28. *On Christmas it often includes ham or goose 30. In style 35. Twelfth month of Jewish year 37. *Max and Santa’s Little Helper 39. Jack Black’s Libre 40. Saturnalia’s place of origin 41. Rat’s world 43. Movie spool 44. Actress ____ Perlman, pl.

46. Angler’s decoy 47. Partner of “void” 48. “A Connecticut ____ in King Arthur’s Court” 50. Speed of object divided by speed of sound 52. A layer in plywood 53. Please do not delay 55. *”____ the season to be jolly...”

57. *Beloved Montgomery Ward creation 61. *”Christmas Carol” author 65. Avoid, as in taxes 66. ENT’s first concern?

68. Alfred Hitchcock in his own movie, e.g 69. What tailor did 70. #19 Across abbreviation 71. Driver’s 180 72. Sin over cos, pl.

73. Blade drops 74. Mexican coins

DOWN 1. Aquarium dweller 2. Room border 3. Dwarf buffalo 4. Torah teacher 5. Divest one of a gun 6. “For” in Spanish 7. Orinoco or Grande 8. Opposite of alpha 9. *Like holiday memories?

10. Capital of Latvia 11. Wedge in a golfer’s bag, e.g.

12. Broadway recognition 15. Dairy aisle package 20. Bribes of rewards, in the olden days 22. Liberty Tree, e.g.

24. “Naked Lunch” creatures 25. *Like Christmas 26. Greeting in the land of “Mele Kalikimaka” 27. Part of cow’s stomach 29. *Yuletide 31. Repair, as in socks 32. Freeze over 33. Conch, e.g.

34. *Poisonous Christmas berry 36. Plumbing problem 38. Red Cross supplies 42. Abdominal muscles 45. *Like a letter mailed to Santa 49. Sixth sense 51. Diaphragm spasm 54. Best way to shop?

56. *The kids do it in openng of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 57. Catch your breath 58. Iris holder 59. Dracula’s bane 60. Words from Wordsworth 61. Big attraction 62. Outback birds 63. Infamous emperor of #40 Across 64. Daughters’ brothers 67. Belgian brew See answers on page 13

Cyber Monday came and went. I’m supposed to believe that it was some kind of big deal. Meh! I think it’s just a passing craze; kind of like pet rocks and mullets.

Old fashion shopping is an experience which incorporates all of the senses – something a computer can never do.

Smell - I need to physically smell the product.

I need to wander over to the perfume aisle and squirt various costly scents on little paper strips and inhale deeply, then sniff coffee beans to clear my sinuses, then perfume, coffee beans, perfume, beans, until I have huffed in so many beans and vapors I start hallucinating about Starbucks serving Eau de toilette lattes.

Taste – I need to know there is a handy food court in proximity to my stores. After a fourhour stretch of extreme shopping, I must be confident that I can find a six-pack of corn dogs on a stick within walking distance for an immediate energy boost (along with a bad case of the stomach burbles for the next 24 hours).

Touch – I love the feel of the shopping cart handle in my grip. Even though, I usually end up with that noisy wobble-wheeled cart. It loves to squeak out and announce I have entered the aisle…just in time for all shoppers to turn and stare as I reach for the hemorrhoid ointment.

See - I need to fill up my shopping cart with loads of unnecessary clothing items. I then need to spend a full hour in the fitting room in front of an extra-large, full length mirror which exposes every lumpy defect in my rear end section.

Next, I need to complain to management about how their sizing coding is flawed and has gone up

again this year as I put all my items back on the take-back rack.

Hear – Finally, how can I hear the announcement of a special two-for-one, blue light super sale through a screen? Intercom announcements like these start the adrenaline pumping and the shopping carts racing heading for chaos and combat. There’s nothing like the thrill of the race and the fight to end up buying something I don’t need because I’ve been zombified into the sneaky retailer’s evil trap. I usually leave with a black eye, but manage to snag the last commemoratory Elvis gravy boat or fish taxidermy kit at rock bottom prices.

Why would I want to miss all of that when I could wear my pajamas without brushing my teeth and sit in a chair all day eating donuts ordering things which magically appear on my doorstep?

Hmmm? My senses tell me I’ve got to seriously rethink this cyber shopping thing.

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 • December 13, 2017

Sports you see with Gary B...

Hazelwood Central High School retires the jersey of former player who went on to play professionally

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Florissant’s Hazelwood Central High School retired the jersey of former pro basketball player and Hazelwood Central High Alumnus, Demetrius Alexander. At a recent varsity basketball game he was presented an award and his basketball jersey was retired at a ceremony prior to the game.

The athletic director at Central High Josh Martin made the presentation to Alexander.

“Demetrius was one of the best players to ever grace Hazelwood Central High School basketball court,” said Martin. He was a leader on the team and in the class. We were honored to commemorate his accomplishments on and off the court by retiring his jersey.”

After high school, Alexander played basketball at the University of Alabama before playing for several pro teams. He finished his pro career with an overseas basketball club in Israel. * Thanks to Christopher Erbs Digital Communications Specialist II and Master of all Things Digital Communications and Marketing Department at Hazelwood School District Baseball Rascal’s hire VP of ticket sales The River City Rascals, your professional baseball team located in O’Fallon, welcomed David Schmoll as the new Vice President of Ticket Sales. David comes to the Rascals from the Mississippi RiverKings where he most recently served as their general manager.

David graduated from Murray State University with a degree in political science and is a native of Fenton, Missouri.

He interned with the St. Louis Blues and Indiana Ice before moving to Southhaven, Mississippi.

“We are very excited to welcome David to the Rascals family” said Lisa Ferreira, General Manager. “David has a strong background in sales and leadership that will be instrumental to the organization as we prepare for our 20th anniversary season.” * New guy on the block

Sports

11

– SUDOKU – Lindenwood hockey team wins last game before 2018 second half Lindenwood University’s women’s hockey team survived a barrage of shots early in the game by the Minnesota State club in Mankato, Minnesota. The Lady Lions then took control of the second part of the game in a 4-1 nonconference victory over the Mavericks.

State took 20 shots in the first 20 minutes, with eight of those shots going on goal. Goalkeep Jolene deBruyn turned away all eight shots and Lindenwood’s defense played a big role with eight blocks in the first period.

Surviving the period with no score, Minnesota gained a five-on-three power play for 80 seconds early in the second period. The Mavericks attempted five shots in that span, but deBruyn made three saves and defense Ally Larson blocked two shots.

Finally after many shot-on-goal by State, Lindenwood took control with back-to-back goals in less than a minute. Sierra Burt scored first and Britannia Gillanders put the Lady Lions up by two and by the end of the second period they had a 2-1 lead going into the final period.

In the final period, the Lady Lions received two insurance goals from Kirsten Martin.

Minnesota State finished the game with 69 shots, including 36 on goal.

The lady’s hockey team will head to Anaheim, California after the first of the year to continue the season. * Looking to keep it going

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

See solution on page 13

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

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time.

He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.byerlyrv.com

www.cedarhurstliving.com

12

What’s Happening

December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Dec. 13: 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.

Dec. 14: Open house

DEPJ Youth Mentoring Ctr. will host an open house from 5 – 7 p.m. There will be refreshments, a raffle and giveaways at 432 Chez Paree Dr. in Hazelwood. Call Tadessa Murray at 314-736-5458 for more information.

Dec. 14: Open house

DEPJ Youth Mentoring Center will host an open house from 5 – 7 p.m. at 432 Chez Paree Dr. in Hazelwood.

There will be refreshments, a raffle and giveaways. Call Tadessa Murray at 314-736-5458 for more information.

Dec. 15: Letters from Santa

For a personal reply from Santa, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Santa c/o JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant MO 63031. Please include some personal information about the child.

Santa will respond with personal letters throughout the holiday season.

All letters need to be received by Dec. 15 for Santa to have enough time to reply. For more information call 314921-4250.

Dec. 15: Coat drive

Coat drive for St. Patrick’s Center is currently taking place at Crystal Creek Nursing and Rehab, at 250 N. New Florissant Rd. in Florissant until Dec. 15. All gently worn/new coats for those in need are accepted. The “coat bin” is in the main lobby.

Dec. 15: Dinner

Diner TBD 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.

Dec. 20: 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.

Dec. 22: Chicken parmesan or alfredo or spaghetti dinner Chicken parmesan or alfredo or spaghetti dinner 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.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service

Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Avenue invites the community to join us for a traditional Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m., with pre-service music beginning at 10:45 p.m. The service includes communion. All are welcome. The night concludes with the traditional candle lighting and the singing of “Silent Night.” Call 314-429-7464 with questions.

Dec. 27: 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.

Dec 29: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner 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.

Dec. 31: Winter coat drive

Crystal Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing at 250 New Florissant Rd. So. in Florissant will be starting its One Warm Coat Drive from now through December. All gently used or new coats donated will be provided to St. Patrick’s Center for those in need.

Drop off of items can be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

Dec. 31: Tax preparation volunteers needed

Every Wednesday and Saturday TAP is providing free tax preparation starting Jan. 23, 2018. The pro-bono TAP organization is asking for volunteers now to be greeters, preparers, reviewers, or a data entry person, for four hours per week. Volunteer now at www.stlouistap.org (eight locations) or for more information call 314-786-2782. E-mails can be sent to stl.tap.overland@gmail.com

Feb. 28: Snowman building contest

If you think you build the best snowman in your neighbourhood, then we have a contest for you. Until Feb. 28, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the JFK Center Office along with an application. Prizes will be awarded. The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter. For ages 15 and younger. Pick up an application, or visit our website, email a digital photo to jsteib@florissantmo. com, or send your picture with your child’s name, address, phone number and age to: Attn: Snowman Contest, JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant, Missouri 63031.

For further information, call 314-9214250.

RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment #1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant. Donations accepted. Docents needed.

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

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients.

Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: 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 314-615-4516.

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

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

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

We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment ). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

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.

information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

(Take

off

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, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

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.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604.

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: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: checks

Blood

pressure

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

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

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 Christ-centered, 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: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

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

Saturdays: Grief support group

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.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 13, 2017

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

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

Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314.953.8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314.653.5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit WWW.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served.

Info: 314.344.6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314.738.2599.

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 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.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

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

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636.947.5617

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group

Speaker’s Bureau:

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm.

Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314.344.6873.

6:30 - 7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

314.344.7024 for info or 314.344.7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314.653.5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314.344.6157.

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866.

SSM.DOCS to register or for more information.

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314.344.6177

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636.949.7159

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314.993.5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

12:30 - 2pm, 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.968.3477.

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9am, 314.355.1516, Helpline 800.272.3900

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314.383.4765

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support

Group

Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1pm, 314.340.6389

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636.755.3034

What’s Happening

Meetings

Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.

Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free

Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters.

636.921.9920.

SUDOKU answers from page 11

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church 12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9pm, www.Nar-Anon.org

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group

Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease

Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314953-6090

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30-7:30pm, 314.839.3171.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits.

This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314.344.6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636.947.5466.

The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members

If you would like to become a member please call 636.916.9664.

Gateway to Hope Program

The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or www.gthstl. org.

Every Wednesday Take Pounds Sensibly Group

Off

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 414 S. Church St., St. Peters. Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m. Business mtg at 10 a.m. Call 636.397.1727 or 636.272.4995 for more info.

Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Mtg. Christian Hospital. 314.839.3171.

Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS

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December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

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

SINGERS WANTED

HELP WANTED

www.dawcstl.com 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.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H.

Do you have lots of unwanted “Stuff?”

Let help advertise your sale!

Call Brooke at 636.697.2414 STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

$15.00

CALL 636-697-2414

Check us Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 13, 2017

15

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www.cozyhomecleaners.org

Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

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December 13, 2017 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Family drama to dominate ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

M O V I E

By Steve Bryan

T

hough it has its critics, Walt Disney Studios has been exceptionally good to the “Star Wars” crowd. Within the last two years, it gave fans Christmas gifts in the form of “The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One.” Each one did exceptionally well at the box office, with the one-shot “Rogue One” reportedly taking in over a billion dollars in gross revenues. Even the much-maligned “Han Solo” movie should do well now that Ron Howard is leading the effort.

Therefore, it’s safe to say that “The Last Jedi” will become another license to print money for Disney. Fans have been picking apart the trailers, including the last official one, for a long time. Based on the footage, Mark Hamill, who didn’t appear until the final moments of “Force Awakens,” has a lot more to do here, including training Force-sensitive Rey (Daisy Ridley). She even demonstrates power levels that frighten the seasoned Jedi Knight.

Once again, family drama may dominate the storyline. In 1980, “The Empire Strikes Back” revealed that Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker was Luke’s father (he didn’t learn Leia was his sister until “The Return of the Jedi”). Ben Kenobi kept all those details secret from his young friend. It took until the third episode, “Revenge of the Sith,” for audiences to witness the birth of Luke and Leia and how they were separated for their protection.

It’s not surprising, then, that Rey’s bloodline has come under scrutiny. While holding the lightsaber that belonged to Luke and his father, Rey remembered being left behind on Jakku as a ship flies off, but audiences didn’t see who was flying the craft. Some believe Luke is her father, others believe she is Obi Wan Kenobi

reincarnated.

Another popular theory, supported in part by the trailers, is that Rey is the sibling of Ben Solo (Adam Driver), who goes by the name Kylo Ren. Ben tried to resolve his own inner turmoil by killing Han Solo (Harrison Ford), his father. The final trailer shows him preparing to attack a ship containing Leia (the late Carrie Fisher), his mother. One released scene shows Rey apparently reaching out to Kylo Ren for guidance.

So how does Finn (John Boyega), the renegade Storm Trooper turned hero, fit into all this? Finn did a credible job defending and protecting Rey until Kylo Ren cut him down during their fight. Finn’s use of the lightsaber made many wonder if he is “Force sensitive” and related to Rey in some way. A few scenes in

the final trailer indicate he may now be working with the First Order, though.

There will hopefully be some answers and inevitably more questions provided when “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opens wide on Dec. 15.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios 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.

www.StCharlesChristmas.com