CN: Dec. 14. 2011 by Community News

December 14, 2011 Vol. 90 No. 50

Remember those in need this Christmas with a donation to TEAM.

Donate and Help!

Florissant Joins TEAM Effort Information from the city of Florissant and TEAM.

IN this Issue

Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, along with the city of Florissant, have thrown their full support behind collecting non-perishable food items and are joining The Emergency Assistance Ministry (TEAM) food drive. These items will be collected until December 21, 2011. Schneider said there is an ever-increasing need to support local food pantries. The city will have four drop off sites: the Florissant Police Department (North Highway 67 and North New Florissant Road), the James J. Eagan Center (Waterford & Parker Road), the John F. Kennedy Center (Howdershell & Charbonier) and Florissant City Hall (955 rue St. Francois). "I ask that you help support this food drive and try and donate as much as you can to help those that need our help during this holiday season,” Schneider said. “I am making this plea to all citizens of Florissant who are gainfully employed or have the means to purchase food for those who cannot." In addition to a critical need for food, there is always a need for funds to maintain the basic operations of the food pantry and to purchase food in bulk. To aid in providing financial assistance, Mayor Schneider designated dress down days for Florissant employees (the two remaining dates are December 16 and 21). All monies collected will go directly to TEAM. Area residents who wish to donate but cannot get to one of the drop-off sites should call the mayor’s office at 314.839.7601 and a volunteer will pick up the donation and deliver it to TEAM. TEAM Food Pantry is a volunteer organization providing supplemental food and basic household items to needy families on a once-a-month basis. The Emergency Assistance Ministry opened Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Christmas Traditions . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

for business in October 1986, but started in the hearts of a group of Christian clergy of the Florissant/Hazelwood area a year earlier in attempting to collectively meet the needs of the needy and hungry in the area. At first they went by the name Florissant Care Center, but the name was soon changed to the acronym TEAM to be more inclusive. TEAM has support from the St. Louis Foodbank, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, postal workers, fire stations, schools, organizations, businesses and arranges for almost daily pick-ups from the local supermarkets. Despite the donations, in 2010, TEAM spent $122,900 to supplement the food donations to provide the families a variety of foods. By early 2011, the efforts of TEAM have been expanded to serve an average of 37 families per day using more than 120 volunteers. Space has continued to be a problem for the storage of food and household items to meet the increased demands. The garage has been utilized for food storage since November 2008. In addition, TEAM rented two PODS for two months following the Girl Scout PerSports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Shelly Schnieder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366

sonal Care Drive and the Letter Carrier Food Drive to handle the temporary overload. In addition to food distribution, TEAM also provides utility and rent assistance, emergency assistance

for prescriptions, emergency lodging, and referrals to other helping agencies. For more information, visit www.teamfoodpantry.org.

Movie Talk

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Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Learn & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . 13-14 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

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Visit with Santa

December 14, 2011

Ameren Missouri Donates Parcel of Land to Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop

St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley joined other lo- entrance will make our parking lot safer by improving the flow of cal dignitaries and officials of both Ameren Missouri and Valley traffic and making things less chaotic.” An African American SanIndustries Sheltered Workshop for a Transfer of The workshop specializes in kit building, collation, assembly and ta will be at Jamestown Mall Land Deed ceremony held at Valley Industries’ facility in disassembly, packaging, shrink-wrapping, blister packaging, mailfrom December 17 through Hazelwood. Ameren Missouri donated a half-acre parcel of land ing and UPS/FedEx shipping, cleaning, and commercial laundry. It December 24. Area residents (approximately 22,000 square-feet) was the first sheltered workshop in the are invited to visit with Santa to Valley Industries, which is directly St. Louis area to achieve ISO 9001:2008 and have their photos taken southeast of the workshop’s facility in certification through BSI America, Inc. with him. Santa will be availHazelwood with an estimated propThis international standard of qualable during the following erty value of $60,000. ity excellence is recognized in 143 times: This parcel of donated land will be countries. Dec. 17: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. used to improve traffic flow and safety According to Valley Industries ExecDec. 18: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Valley Industries’ workers by addutive Director Jim Guyre, “Our workDec. 19: 5 to 8 p.m. ing a second entrance onto McDoners are very good at what they do. No Dec. 20: 5 to 8 p.m. nell Boulevard. Currently, there is job is too big or too small. They really Dec. 21: 5 to 8 p.m. only one entrance that handles a high enjoy coming to work every day and Dec. 22: 3 to 8 p.m. volume of traffic every morning and being productive citizens of this comDec. 23: 3 to 8 p.m. afternoon when five Metro buses, munity.” Dec. 24: Noon to 4 p.m. nine Oats Vans, seven Call-A-Ride ve- Valley Industries Executive Director Jim Guyre and Board of Directors presiSt. Louis County executive Charlie Each child will receive hicles, as well as more than 30 private dent Hank Bruemmer shake hands with Ameren Missouri Senior Vice Presi- A. Dooley praised Valley Industries reindeer ears and a candy automobiles transport workers to and dent of Customer Operations Richard Mark after finishing the transfer of land for its efforts in providing value to the cane compliments of Jamesdeed from Ameren to Valley Industries. from the facility. The second entrance North County region. town Mall. Jamestown Mall will allow the workshop to direct the traffic around the front of “When you give someone a job, you bring value to that person’s is located at the corner of the building in order to make the parking lot safer for workers. life. What they’re doing here at Valley Industries is extremely imOld Jamestown Road and Also, it will create an accessible driveway for large trucks to deliver portant and speaks to every individual in our community,” he said. Lindbergh. production supplies and pick up finished products at the loading “Everybody has value and the right to be given an opportunity to docks behind the building. work toward their full potential. Valley Industries is doing a tre“We’re in the business of mendous job, there’s no doubt about it.” providing dignified, meaningDooley also commended Ameren Missouri for being an active ful employment for nearly 200 corporate citizen in the St. Louis region. adults with developmental “We always talk about the St. Louis metropolitan area being a disabilities. And, this includes great community. The reason for this is because we have some making it safe for our workers great corporate sponsors who have stepped up to the plate each to arrive and leave our facility,” and every time. And, Ameren Missouri is one of them. We can alsaid Hank Bruemmer, Valley ways depend on Ameren being somewhere and bringing value to Industries Board of Directors our local neighborhoods,” he said. president. “Most of the people In reference to finalizing the transfer of the land deed to Valley who work for us can’t drive, so Industries, Ameren Missouri Senior Vice President of Customer they depend on various forms Operations Richard Mark said, “This is a perfect example of how of transportation. The second two corporate neighbors can work together in producing a successful outcome.” In addition, he mentioned Ameren’s concern for the safety of Valley Industries’ workers as one of the determining factors in donating the parcel of land. Our number one priority at Amewww.jenningshistory.org ren is safety. We want every one of our workers to go home safe every day. At each Ameren meeting, we begin with a safety www.blackjackfire.org message.”

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December 14, 2011

Community News

Missouri State Parks Welcome Dogs to Stay the Night If you want to take your "best friend" along on your best vacation, Missouri State Parks will provide both you and your dog a place to stay the night. Beginning in January 2012, Missouri State Parks will make lodging units available to people who want to travel and vacation with their dogs. With the new Cabins for Canines program, specific lodging units will be available for use by dog owners. The program includes units such as outpost cabins, camper cabins, yurts, single-unit cabins, fourplexes and duplexes. "Missouri State Parks wants everyone to know they are welcome to visit our outstanding state park system. Our new Cabins for Canines program is reaching out to those who love state parks but also love to bring their pets with them," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Previously pets were not allowed in any state park building, including lodging units. With the new program, 30 percent of lodging units will be made available for owners with dogs, following certain guidelines. "A por-

tion of our lodging units will be available to dog owners and a portion will remain canine-free, giving us a balance to accommodate everyone who wants to come to a state park," Bryan said. Implementation of Cabins for Canines program will begin Jan. 1, 2012, for state-operated facilities including outpost cabins, camper cabins and yurts. Implementation of the program in lodging facilities operated by private concessionaires will be phased in during 2012 based on availability and fully implemented in 2013. For more information on parks offering lodging facilities for dog owners, visit mostateparks.com. The number of dogs allowed per cabin is limited to two, regardless of size. For visitors bringing canines as overnight guests, there will be a minimum fee of $15 per dog, per night collected at check-in time. The perdog, per-night fee may vary depending on the type of unit chosen. An additional fee may be assessed when extra cleaning is required. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs inside and outside the unit.

Dogs should be attended at all times while inside the unit and at all locations in the park. When guests must leave the dog unattended, they must be placed in a crate or kennel. A crate or kennel will be provided for each unit free of charge as a courtesy to guests. With the new program, dogs are allowed only in the designated lodging units and may not be taken in any other park building. This program applies to canines that are not considered service animals assisting guests with disabilities. For more information about Missouri state parks and facilities available in the Cabins for Canines program, call Missouri State Parks toll-free number at 800.334.6946 (voice) or 800.379.2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

Area Residents Invited to Holiday House at Cannoli’s Cannoli’s in Florissant recently invited four area civic groups to come in and decorate for the holidays. Tony Petty, owner, said the restaurant features street scenes that lend themselves to being decorated, just like any local subdivision or city street. “Cannoli’s has long used this unique design to sponsor a charitable contest with several different groups competing for monetary rewards provided by Cannoli’s,” Petty said.

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Local members of the Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, Soroptimist International and Lions Club worked to transform the cityscape scenes of Cannoli’s into a holiday wonderland. Petty said area residents are invited to come in and vote for their favorite. The winning organization and the runner-up will receive a monetary donation.

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Community News

December 14, 2011

Special Citizenship Assistance Event for Adult Immigrants and Refugees On Wednesday, December 21, from 12:15 –2:30 p.m., the International Institute of St. Louis (3564 S. Grand Blvd.) is hosting an informational event for lawful permanent residents ages 18 and older who would like to become U.S. Citizens. This free event will provide information on: • Benefits of US Citizenship • Requirements to Become a Citizen • Process to Become a Citizen • Do’s and Don’ts to Ensure Citizenship • Services to help permanent residents with naturalization Interpreters and translations will be provided for Al-

banian, Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese, Farsi, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese speakers. Many immigrant and refugee permanent residents face challenges in starting and completing U.S. citizenship requirements because of limited English, uncertainty about naturalization requirements and application process, and lack of information about naturalization instruction and application resources. Attendees to Path to Citizenship event will learn critical information from US Citizenship and Immigration Services representatives. In addition, they will learn about naturalization assistance services that are avail-

able at the International Institute as part of its new 2-year St. Louis Citizenship Project, one of 42 projects nationwide funded through the FY2011 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Citizenship. Thanks to the award, the Institute has expanded its citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to serve all adult LPRs in the St. Louis region who need assistance – especially those with special challenges of limited English and literacy skills including refugees, the elderly, victims of domestic violence, and those permanent residents who lack resources.

County Library Creates Blankets for the Needy St. Louis County Library will participate in Warm Up America again this year, helping construct blankets for the needy. Handmade afghan squares, gloves, hats, socks and other materials will be accepted for donation at all St. Louis County Library branches. The squares will then be joined to other donated squares by SLCL craft groups to make full sized afghans for those in need. This is the library’s fourth year participating in

Warm Up America. Customers and staff of the library have produced hundreds of handmade squares for this project both at home and during needlecraft programs. The afghans are donated to local charity organizations such as Lydia's House, CASA of St. Louis, Peter & Paul Community Services and Pathways Community Hospice, which distributes them to their clients in need. Those wishing to participate are asked to knit or crochet a 7x9” block using worsted weight acrylic yarn. The blocks can be dropped off at any St. Louis County Library branch. The library will work with craft groups to join the

blocks together to make full size afghans. The library will also accept gloves, hats and socks. (More information about what gauge needles are preferred is available by calling 314-994-3300.) Representatives of the recipient agencies will come together to receive the items on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Warm Up America is observed nationally by knitters and crafters as a way to help less fortunate Americans stay warm during the winter. In 2011, the library donated 626 afghans and handmade items to the program. For more information please call 314.994.3300.

Winner of “Recycling Becomes Me Student Essay Contest” to Receive $500 Scholarships The Saint Louis County Department of Health is sponsoring the “Recycling Becomes Me Student Essay Contest.” Winners will receive a $500 scholarship from Curbside Value Partnership. The recycling-themed contest is an opportunity for students to write about how they’ve made recycling a regular part of their lives. It is open to any Saint Louis County students in grades 10 through 12. Essays should be no more than 1,000 words in length and must be submitted no later than January 20, 2012. Essays can include pictures. Contest entries should be e-mailed to Gloria Cohen, Environmental Representative, at gco-

www.bridgeatflorissant.com

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hen@stlouisco.com. Winners will be announced on January 31, 2012. Educators, school counsellors, and students can find contest details at: www.RecyclingBecomesMe.com/contests.asp People may also contact Gloria Cohen by phone at 314-615-8957 for more information. The Recycling Becomes Me Initiative is Saint Louis County’s first-ever countywide recycling education campaign. It was launched to illustrate how residents can personalize recycling and make it part of their everyday lives. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.RecyclingBecomesMe.com or explore its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RecyclingBecomesMe.

December 14, 2011

Community News

Industry Officials Think STLCC’s Center for Workforce Innovation Will Strengthen Economic Competitiveness One such endeavor is STLCC’s new Center for Workforce Innovation, which vice by company representatives as instructors and advisory board members. houses some of the college’s newest and most cutting-edge workforce training proIn addition to Boeing, many of the partners have lent their expertise to assist with grams, including several that were targeted in the Training for Tomorrow Initia- program design at the CWI. Those partners include GKN Aerospace, Essex Industive, as well as other innovatries, Hussman, the United Auto Workers, Carpenters Intertive instructional spaces and a national Union, Better Family Life, Inc., the St. Louis County public access computing cenWorkforce Division, and the St. Louis Agency on Training ter. Training for Tomorrow is and Employment. a $12 million initiative to help “To ensure Missouri’s future economic competitiveness, we Missouri community colleges have to be producers of high-tech business services, and we create or expand training procan’t do that without a strong workforce,” Nunn said. grams that prepare students for While one goal of CWI programming is to build career jobs in high-tech fields that are pathways that lead directly to employment for participants, expected to contribute to ecoanother objective is to drive participants toward further edunomic recovery. cation and credentials, including certificates and degrees at College officials and industhe community college level, as well as articulation to fourtry representatives believe the year institutions. programs offered at the CWI For Florissant Valley, the CWI provides opportunities to will strengthen economic comenhance programs that were initiated at the Emerson Center petitiveness, particularly in the for Engineering and Manufacturing (ECEM), which opened manufacturing sector. in 2003. “Instructional spaces are in“We’re going to be able to expand some of those programs St. Louis Community College's new Center for Workforce Innovation offers programs designed around novative in design and use, labs that started over there and provide benefit to the students the needs of the industry sector that will prepare students for jobs in high-tech fields. are designed around the needs actually in those degree of the industry sector, and they also serve as flexible space that allows us to custom- programs,” said Marcia Pfeiffer, Florissant Valley ize programs to meet specific employer needs,” said Rod Nunn, STLCC’s vice chan- president. “Our vision when we moved down the cellor for workforce and community development. “The programs themselves are path several years ago after the ECEM opened was innovative in their scheduling and their availability to our partners or companies to continue developing cutting-edge programin the community. We will be offering on-time, on-target and on-site training to ac- ming that is offered through that kind of highcommodate the evolving demands of business and industry. The strategic alliances tech facility into activities that support the newest are so incredible behind what you see in this facility.” job opportunities – certainly the Aerospace InstiOne of the CWI’s centerpiece programs is the St. Louis Aerospace Institute. It be- tute is going to be doing that. The composites lab gan in 2007 as a pre-employment program for Boeing, delivering technical instruc- here is a lone-of-a-kind lab in this region.” tion in aerospace structures. In 2009 the training expanded to include mechanical/ electrical systems. A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor laid the groundwork to further expand this program to the general aerospace industry cluster as well as establish composites material training capability. It also includes new composites fabrication and assembly labs. “Boeing is committed to partnering with educational institutions like St. Louis Community College to create programs geared toward enhancing workforce development,” said Bill Schnettgoecke, vice president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security Supply and Operations Chain and Senior St. Louis Site Executive. “The customized training program is one example of the tremendous success achieved through industry-academic partnerships. This once five-week sheet metal assembly riveting program has since expanded to 10 weeks to include basic aircraft mechanical and electrical training, and has produced more than 100 graduates who have been trained in key skills needed for the aircraft assembly process. Not only do programs like this help the individuals who benefit from the training, they also benefit the aerospace industry as a whole – filling a need for skilled talent and developing After raising five children on her husband’s income as a teacher, the work force of the future.” Grace Poland knows all about tight budgets. For more than 20 years, the college’s Florissant Valley campus has worked with WCD to collaborate and provide training to the “I’m here on a school teacher’s retirement,” she says, “and it’s still community, as well as some of the largest manufacturers and small very affordable for me. It’s such a good deal; sometimes I can’t businesses, skilled trades and other community partners. The partbelieve I’m here!” nership with Boeing began in the mid-1980s, with an associate degree program to meet professional certification requirements for At Hidden Lake Senior Living Community, engineering and technical staff of then-McDonnell Douglas. It has you can enjoy: grown to include high-performance employee training, and ser-

“Where else can you find peace of mind at such a great value?”

Maintenance-free living Wellness-inspired lifestyle g Neighbors who quickly become friends g Priority access to healthcare if ever needed g g

“I can’ t believe I’m here!” Call today to compare your current expenses to what it would cost to live at Hidden Lake. 314.363.6216 Grace Poland, loving life at Hidden Lake.

11728 Hidden Lake Dr. n St. Louis, MO 63138 www.HiddenLakeLiving.org HiddenLakeLiving.org Independent Living

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Community News

December 14, 2011

Pattonville Siblings Share Distinction of Earning State President Office Pattonville High School is working to develop teachers of tomorrow, and the state and nation are taking note. For the past four years, the Missouri Future Educators Association (FEA) has selected a Pattonville High School student to serve as its state president. Sophomore Joe Johnson was recently elected as the 2012-2013 state president for the Missouri FEA. His sister, Chrish Johnson, is the current state president and was recently notified she is one of two candidates for the central regional vice president of the National FEA. The student leadership of the National FEA is comprised of one president and four regional vice presidents. Election for offices will take place during the National FEA conference in Baltimore, Maryland in February 2012. Previous Pattonville students who served as Missouri FEA president were Mallory Arens in the 2010-2011 school year and Tiffany Laughlin in 2009-2010. The Pattonville FEA currently has about 20 student members. As part of the Pattonville FEA, students work with teachers as mentors. In addition, they can enroll in the Child Development II and/or Education and Teaching courses at Pattonville High School to intern with an elementary school teacher in the district to experience teaching as a career. FEA also sponsors guest speakers in various positions in education at its meetings, and members attend state and national conventions to expose them to current trends in education, network and experience the benefits of being active members in professional organizations.

Ritenour Names New Theater Manager The Ritenour School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Timothy Daly as the new theater manager at Ritenour High School (RHS). Daly will manage the new 792-seat theater in the auditorium addition at RHS, including technical work with sound and lighting, set design, oversight of district and community scheduling of events and facility management. The auditorium will open in January 2012. A dedication ceremony and open house is scheduled from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January. Daly has more than 16 years of professional experience in virtually every aspect of the theater business. He has served as a theater manager, stage manager, technical manager, rigger, electrician, carpenter, props master and set designer for productions across the country. Most recently, Daly was the Theater Manager for St. Louis Community College (2007-2011). He managed an 800-seat theater and served as technical director for four shows per year. From 20052006 Daly owned and operated the Lemming Armada Theater Company in Belleville, Ill. He was also a theater teacher at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. for four years (1999-2003), teaching acting, design, production and theater history. Daly holds an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and Theater Arts from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Hazelwood High Schools to Receive New Libraries, STEM Labs The Hazelwood School District Board of Education recently approved the schematic designs for upgrades at all three high schools as part of Proposition H. Proposition H is a $120 million, no-tax-rate-increase bond issue for facility updates passed by District voters in November 2010. This phase of construction will add new libraries, update heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, modernize science labs and classrooms, improve wiring for up-to-date technology and add other benefits. Work

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is scheduled to begin next April at Hazelwood Central and Hazelwood East high schools and next May at Hazelwood West High School. “Overall, the construction at the high schools is significant in that it will bring the libraries at Hazelwood East and Hazelwood West up to Missouri standards,” said Tom Mangogna, construction project manager. “In addition, it brings all three high schools up-to-date with science and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs. That’s very important based on what students are able to learn.” At Hazelwood Central High, a 23,000 square-foot science lab addition is planned, along with a 60,000 square-foot major building renovation. The school’s main office will be reconfigured for better public access and to consolidate its functions. Halls B, C and D will be linked together to improve building safety, security and to improve passing period times. “We are linking those halls so people don’t have to make the long trip around to get from one hall or wing to another,” said Mangogna. Other improvements include

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replacing folding partitions and accordion walls with permanent walls, fire alarm upgrades and upgraded classroom power and data infrastructure. There will be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance with regard to the swimming pool, physical education lockers and showers. There will also be general improvements such as new floor tile in the commons, repainted walls, ceilings and hallway lockers. This work ties to two HSD Values – “We will form partnerships with parents and community members to ensure the success of each student,” and “We will commit to implementing innovative solutions while dismantling ideas that are no longer working for students.” At Hazelwood East High, there will be a 16,000 squarefoot library addition on the ground floor at the front of the building and adjacent to the auditorium. The current library space will be converted to additional classrooms and offices for the guidance department. There will be new STEM studios, health occupation, Project Lead the Way and home repair classrooms. See NEW LIBRARIES, STEM LABS page 16

December 14, 2011

Community News

Festival Hours

Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30pm-9pm Christmas Eve ~ Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday Noon-5pm December 24, 11am-2pm Escape the hustle and bustle with sparkling lights, late night shopping and dining. Open until 9pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday thru December 23

Santa Parade

Saturday & Sunday • 1:30pm Begins at 1000 South Main and ends at 200 South Main

Santa Send-Off December 24 • 1:30pm

Begins at 1000 South Main and ends at 200 South Main

“The Complete Works of Christmas” A Comical Interactive Christmas Mystery

December 18, 2011 5:30 pm • $62.50 per person The Grand Opera House & Banquet Event Center

Reservations Required - To Purchase Tickets: 636-255-6155

omes To Life C t s a P Where Christmas

November 25 - December 24, 2011 222 North Main Open During Festival Hours

ST. CHARLES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

636-946-7776 | www.historicstcharles.com historicstcharles.com

Train lay-out depicts a Victorian winter scene, Circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy , Polar Express and lots more. Miscellaneous HO, O , N and G guage. Admission: $2 Adults $1 Children (3 to 12 years)

Community News

December 14, 2011

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions

Welcome to St. Charles Christmas Traditions! Information from www.stcharleschristmas.com

Christmas sparkles each year in his-

All photos courtesy of Karen Godfrey

toric St. Charles, Missouri during our one-of-a-kind Christmas Traditions festival. While you’re making holiday plans, escape to an old-fashioned Christmas with storybook characters, Victorian carolers, and Santas from around the world. There’s no better place than Main Street during a Christmas festival for a holiday stroll with your loved ones. Underneath a canopy of twinkling lights,

stroll a while. Duck into a shop or two for a little holiday shopping. Then, take a break at one of the many restaurants, dessert cafes or coffee houses. For a complete schedule, please visit www.stcharleschristmas.com. And when Santa has to leave on Christmas Eve, join us for the Santa Send-Off at 1:30 p.m. We’ll bid Santa goodbye during this last parade of the season and wish him the best as he heads back to the North Pole.

Breakfast with Santa December 17 Come enjoy breakfast at the beautiful Mother-In-Law House Restaurant for an upclose-and-personal visit with Santa. Bring your holiday wish list. Plus, don’t forget the camera to capture all the holiday fun. Doors open at 9 a.m., and breakfast is served at 9:30 a.m. Parking is free on the street and nearby lots. Tickets are $15 and reservations are required. But hurry! Only a limited number of tickets are available. To order tickets, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636.255.6155 or via email at KGodfrey@historicstcharles. com.

The Complete Works of Christmas!

www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

December 18, 2011 Someone has killed the Grinch and now Santa’s on Trial! Who can imagine the jolly old elf with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly could ever be a murderer? Come help us discover the real killer. Tickets are $62.50 and reservations are required. But hurry! Only a limited number of tickets are available. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 6 p.m. Parking is free on the street and nearby lots.

December 14, 2011

Community News

SAINT CHARLES Christmas Traditions

To order tickets, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636.255.6155 or via email at KGodfrey@historicstcharles.com.

The Santa Parade The highlight of any visit to Historic Main Street has to be the Santa Parade. The Santa Parade starts at the corner of Boone’s Lick and South Main at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and sunday during Christmas Traditiosn and features more than 40 costumed Victorian Carolers and Legends of Christmas who all come together for this magical event. The Santa Parade is led by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp and culminates at the corner of South Main Street and First Capitol in Berthold Square where you will be treated to a short show featuring the talented Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corp as well as all the rest of our International Christmas Characters. After the show don’t miss out on the opportunity to interact with all the Santas as well as collect their Character Cards.

Decorations Saint Charles is one of America’s great Historic Districts. There is no other place quite like South Main Street, which features 10 blocks of historic buildings, some dating as far back as the late 1700s. For Christmas Traditions, we pull out all the stops to create a festive setting the whole family can enjoy. With more than 10,000 feet of fresh greenery, 150 wreaths, 1,200 hand-tied red velvet bows, and thousands of white lights in the trees and on the buildings, you just can’t help but get caught up in the holiday spirit. In the daytime, the crisp reds and greens provide a colorful backdrop as you walk the brick streets enjoying all that Christmas Traditions has to offer. And in the evening, the white lights make a nighttime stroll or drive down Main Street one of St. Louis’ best free light displays. The holiday decor on Main Street is just one more way that Christmas Past Comes To Life in Saint Charles during Christmas Traditions.

Photos with Santa Capture memories of your family’s visit to Saint Charles in a special photo with Santa. Set against a classic holiday backdrop in lower level of the

Tourism Center at the corner of Main Street and First Capitol Drive, our Victorian Santa will bring a touch of class to this treasured memento, all at a greater value than mall photos. Photos are $12 for the first and $8 for the second. They are 5 x 7 and come in a lovely gold foil-trimmed frame. You may also purchase more photos with Santa in varying sizes online or by visiting The Tintypery at 510 S. Main Street. Photos with Santa will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Carriage Rides Take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping and enjoy a relaxing, complimentary carriage ride down Main Street! Our complimentary carriage shuttle will be available (weather permitting) during Christmas Traditions on Wednesday and Friday Nights, as well as Saturdays and

Sundays. The carriage rides are courtesy of the SBD and the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau. To reserve a carriage for a special event or evening during the holiday season, please call 636.398.4123.

Trains on Main Be sure to visit Trains on Main located at the “North Main Train Station” at 222 N. Main Street. This year’s display will include a Victorian winter scene, a circus scene, Katy coal train, Union Pacific Big Boy, Polar Express, and so much more. Features HO, O, N and G gauge trains. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Proceeds benefit the Frenchtown Heritage Museum. Trains on Main is open during regular festival hours. For more information, call 636.724.2106.

Community News

Sports

December 14, 2011

Sports You See... With Gary B. Rascals Trade ‘Pitcher Of The Year’ Josh Lowey Heading To A Different League The Rascals have traded Lowey to the Wichita Wingnuts from the American Association for first baseman Gerardo Avila. The team’s ace pitcher compiled a 28-9 record a little over two years while playing in O’Fallon. He has appeared in three Frontier League Championship series, won the Championship series MVP award in 2010, and won the Frontier League Pitcher of the Year award in 2011. Manager Steve Brook comments, “…Josh simply got to a point in his career when it was time to move on. He has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the Frontier League. Moving to an older league like the American Association will provide him the opportunity to showcase his talents in several other markets and hopefully earn a shot with an affiliated organization.” (info from Rascals website) ~~~Hope to see you in the ‘Bigs’ someday Former Player From Timberland High In The New York Spotlight Montee Ball Now Plays Halfback for the Wisconsin Badgers This past weekend all eyes were on the TV waiting to see who would win the coveted award that is presented to the best college football player, the Heisman Trophy. Of the five candidates, Ball as a Junior, ran up against some tough competition. As it ended up he placed fourth certainly not what he wanted but just to be a part of the award ceremonies was an honor for him. The 5’ 11” 180 lb. Wentzville resident who just turned 21 is majoring in Sociology in Wisconsin. ~~~A great accomplishment

High School Basketball Challenge December 15, 16, & 17 The Family Arena will host the GAC/Suburban South/West basketball forum with over 30 local high school teams in attendance. Thursday and Friday the games start at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 am on Saturday. Cheerleaders, dance teams, booster clubs, pep bands, coaches, parents, and basketball fans of all ages, will participate in this exciting event as they cheer their favorite teams to victory. Go to www.FamilyArena.com to get all the details. ~~~Round ball marathon Rams Have Half Their Games At Home Hoping The 12th Player Will Spark A Victory Or Two With the first string (Sam Bradford) and second string quarterbacks (A.J. Feeley) seeing limited practice last week, the third stringer (Tom Bradstater) has been taking the majority of snaps at practice. With the season pretty much a disaster, I’m sure the organization will not push Bradford the first round draft choice two years ago, into the game unless he is very close to 100%. This is a great opportunity for backup players to strut their stuff and make a statement. Check the Ram’s website to get the details on the game this past week as the paper went to press before it started www.stlouisrams.com NEXT RAMS HOME GAMES: December 18: Noon, against the Cincinnati Bengals January 1:Noon, against the San Francisco 49ers (end of regular season) ~~~Great opportunity for second and third string players

Editorial

“Over the Fence” Christmas Holidays are Too Short The cold, gray days of winter usually cause depression among us mortals, but it’s offset by the Christmas holidays. Of course, not for everyone when you consider the people that can’t afford buying their loved ones gifts or those who put Christmas shopping on a level of close combat. I won’t even mention Personal Property Taxes and Real Estate taxes coming due. For me, it’s the lights. I chided the workers that were hanging Christmas lights on the trees on Main

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Street in St. Charles before Thanksgiving. I teased a bit disdainfully, “We’re a little early, aren’t we?” They ignored me. They had heard this before, I suspect. On one of those cold, gray, wet days, I regretted complaining. At dusk the lights came on and it was a real pick-me-up. Christmas and New Year’s are a great time for most of us but then January comes. Kids go back to school and parents are faced with credit card bills and a long, dull winter. Reality hits where it hurts. It dawns on us there won’t be much in the way of happy holidays the rest of the winter. Some of us grab at anything to take our minds off Missouri winter. The Super Bowl might infuse some joy but not for St. Louis football fans. The Rams probably cause more depression than failing 401k‘s. One grouchy fan griped that they must be in league with the Prozac pharmaceutical. For me, winter is not welcome. I’m an outdoor guy but riding a motorcycle in freezing weather doesn’t work. Neither does shoveling snow. Most retired folks try to move to a warmer climate. Florida has more retired people than Cuban exiles and underworld criminals. They probably also have more funeral homes than any other state. Retired people

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moved there to avoid northern winters. The last time I was there, the only people under 40 were working service trades like restaurant servers, bartenders, utility workers, grave diggers… Florida is too crowded for me and I can’t afford hurricane insurance. Perhaps the southwest, but fire insurance costs are soaring after last summer. The other states in the Deep South might work but I don’t speak southern very well. They might think I’m a Packer fan or that I hate grits. I could get hurt. These realizations are depressing me even more than cold, gray wet days. What’s a retired guy to do? My friends wanted me to vacation with them in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. They talked of luxury resorts on the ocean with beautiful beaches and warm sunshine. They told me it was only $1800 dollars for a week including airfare. I shrieked, “That’s even more expensive than Christmas holidays and almost as short! Forget it! I‘d rather dose up on anti-depressants.” Besides that, I didn’t know anyone to share the expenses with that could afford it or would pay it if they did. I suppose there are cheaper vacations to exotic places to lift my winter spirits. Mexico might offer free vacations if I agreed to smuggle drugs on the return trip. I understand Belize welcomes Americans avoiding DUI prison terms and the living is cheap. Of course, it probably means a oneroom shack near the jungle but perhaps I’m being picky. The poorer parts of Central and South America are rampant with drug cartels murdering anyone they think might be a threat. I’d hate to be mistaken for a DEA agent. I guess I’ll stick around Missouri, ingest Prozac and leave my Christmas decorations up until June. No wonder bears hibernate.

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Editorial

December 14, 2011

Community News

Common Sense is in danger Our son, Christopher, worries me sometimes. While our younger children, Michael and Samantha, tend to hold on to the majority of their half of the paycheck, Christopher’s half of his paycheck virtually burns a hole in his wallet, via the debit card. He enjoys his Dr. Pepper, and going to open gym at least once a week for something called “Parkour.” I worry this young man will never be able to actually save money for things that matter – a car, a home, retirement, etc. He’s not so different from many Americans who have eyes bigger than their wallets, so I think a motherly lecture on Common Sense is due. I understand wanting something so bad you can taste it. That’s perfectly human. What I cannot understand is signing your life away because a slick and well-trained sales person tells you that you won’t have to pay a dime until 2014. Live for today, right? Never mind that when you’re 65 you’ll be living in a cardboard box. What happened to the language of Common Sense? She says things like, “I’ll have to review these documents first,” or “This seems too good to be true,” or “Something in my gut tells me that I won’t be able to afford personal property taxes, insurance and gasoline for this $40,000 vehicle. Why are we so willing to ignore the gut feelings and sell our future (and quite possibly our souls) and our children’s future to keep up with the Joneses? Our grandparents had the right idea. The time to buy is when the cold hard cash is in your quivering hand. Delayed gratification, not instant insanity. Is this really the life we want for our children? Common Sense is suffocating my friends. We’ve buried her alive under a mountain of big-screen televisions, the newest and most gadget-stuffed cell

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phones, and the latest must-have designer fashions. Ask yourself a few questions. If I lost my job tomorrow, how long could I afford to live in my home? Do I have the cash to pay for the James Bondish cell phone (and the 2-year contract that accompanies it), or will I just charge it? If I die next week, will my children inherit a pile of debt along with Grandma’s pearls? Common Sense. For too long Americans have looked past her to Lady Luck. Lady Luck is long gone, riding into the sunset with the Wall Street executives in Bentleys and Lamborghinis. Common Sense still has a pulse, albeit weak and thready. There is time to revive her. It will take tough love on our part, for our sake and the sake of our children. It will take saying the word, “No,” over and over when confronted with the latest and greatest. It will take a willingness to regain control over our own financial situations and lives. Cash for Clunkers was nice, and there were some wonderful incentives for first-time home buyers. There are lots of people and more than a few plans out there designed to stimulate spending and get America moving in the right direction, and I applaud the ideas. I just pray that each of us takes a good hard look today at what we can realistically afford, and if it’s things we really need to fulfill our dreams. We’ve allowed things to become more important than people, and we’ve devalued values. It’s time to let Common Sense, not nonsense, back into our hearts and minds. She’s not new, nor is she hi-tech or come with 85,000 “apps.” The good news? Common Sense is ready and waiting, and she’s free!

A Holiday Table Full of Flavor With Pure Maple Syrup (Family Features) Whether you invite a few friends for cocktails and snacks, or you’re hosting the whole crowd for a holiday meal, add warmth and richness to special dishes with pure maple syrup from Canada.

Maple and Mustard Pork Crown Roast Makes 18 portions Ingredients: - 1 10-pound pork crown roast - 6 cloves garlic, cut in half lengthwise - 1 cup pure maple syrup from Canada - 1/2 cup red wine - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, parsley, thyme), divided - 1/2 cup Dijon mustard - 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter, divided - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2/3 cup chicken stock - 1/2 cup butter

Directions: 1. Put roast in large roasting pan. 2. With sharp knife, prick meat in 12 places; insert a garlic slice in each incision. 3. In bowl, mix maple syrup, wine, onion and 1 tablespoon herbs; pour over pork. 4. Refrigerate 30 minutes, spooning marinade over pork every 10 minutes. 5. Preheat oven to 350°F. 6. Pour marinade from pan into bowl; reserve. 7. Pat roast dry with paper towels. 8. In small bowl, mix mustard, 2 tablespoons butter, salt and pepper. 9. Spread entire roast with mixture; sprinkle

with remaining herbs. 10. Bake 60 to 75 minutes, or until 160°F internal temperature. 11. Remove roast from pan to serving platter; loosely cover with foil. 12. Place pan on stove; add reserved marinade and chicken stock. Over medium-high heat, stir constantly until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. 13. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup butter; pour sauce around the roast. If desired, garnish with fruit and herbs.

Maple and Dark Chocolate Cake Makes 8 portions Ingredients: - 1 1/3 cups chocolate wafer crumbs - 2/3 cup chopped walnuts - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided - 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons strong coffee - 2 packets (1/4 ounce each) plain gelatin - 1 cup pure maple syrup from Canada - 1 cup milk Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. In mixing bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, walnuts and butter until well blended. Firmly press onto the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan; bake 10 minutes. Allow to cool. 3. Meanwhile, in small pan over low heat, heat 1 cup cream just until it steams. Remove from heat, add chocolate and coffee; whisk until smooth. Allow to cool 10 minutes; pour over the crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. 4. In shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup cold water; evenly sprinkle gelatin over water and set aside to soften, about 1 minute. 5. In medium pan, over low heat, heat maple syrup, milk and 1 1/4 cups cream until steaming. Add softened gelatin; stir until dissolved. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour; pour over the firm chocolate layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

6. Run a knife along edge of cake; remove sides of pan and place cake on serving plate. If desired, decorate top with chocolate wafers and maple candy.

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Community News

December 14, 2011

Middle Pick:

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

“The Lost and Found Pony”

Learn & Play Statepoint Crossword Theme: Holiday Movies

“The Lost and Found Pony,” is a sweet tale told from a pony’s point of view by author/ illustrator Tracy Dockray. This beautifully illustrated picture book is reminiscent of the classic story, “Black Beauty.” A dapple-gray pony is born on a farm to a mare not much bigger than him. Like all youngsters, human and horse, the pony can’t wait to grow up – but he doesn’t grow very tall. He remains small of stature, but to his delight his future is bright. The pony becomes a surprise birthday present for a girl who is tiny too, but who has huge affection for her new friend. The two have great times together taking part in horse shows and jumping competitions. But that all changes one day when the girl falls off the pony and is hurt. The little pony is sold to a traveling circus; then he is sold again, his fate mirroring Black Beauty’s painful path. All is not lost in this book with a sweet ending and purpose. Eventually the little pony’s journey becomes a smooth ride once again.

ACROSS 1. Happens in back 6. *"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" originally aired on this network 9. Popular white fish 12. Before Part II 13. Follows soh 14. "Put your thinking ___ __" 16. Madama Butterfly's soli, e.g. 17. a.k.a. Tokyo 18. Not together 19. *Boy who's told, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid" 21. *Misfit ungulate 23. Actor ___ Holbrook 24. ____ in captivity 25. Western European Union 28. 100 centavos in Mexico 30. Start of basketball game 35. Chunk or lump 37. Rounded protuberance 39. Young eel

40. Ayatollah Khamenei's home 41. "World" in Italian 43. Troubled currency 44. Drinker 46. Thick, messy substances 47. ____ Alda 48. Attitude of admiration 50. Place for mutinous sailor, e.g. 52. Old age, archaic 53. Kids often say this to claim something 55. "But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all ..." 57. *This happened on 34th Street 61. Koko or Sampson, e.g. 65. Lobe at back of palate 66. "To Kill a Mockingbird" author 68. *"The _____mare Before Christmas" 69. Lively dance 70. Not in good health 71. "_____ as a whistle" 72. Maiden name indicator 73. Newt in terrestrial stage

74. Laughing predator DOWN 1. Boxer training 2. "For" in Spanish 3. Seed cover 4. Type of infection 5. Unfortunate outcome 6. Toward the lee 7. *Like Billy Bob's Santa 8. Laundry, e.g. 9. Chief or top dog 10. October stone 11. Village or hamlet in South Africa 14. Attendant to Tiger, e.g. 15. ___ degree 20. Part of small intestine 22. Last month 24. Rubs elbows with 25. *Like Bing Crosby's Christmas 26. Plural of #43 Across 27. Unfit or inappropriate

29. Smoke plus fog 31. Type of bargain 32. Immature ovum 33. Like domesticated cat gone wild 34. Compound leaf of a fern 36. Location of MCL 38. O in B.O. 42. Twig of a willow tree 45. Member of military police in Britain 49. One thousandth of an inch 51. *His heart was two sizes too small 54. Misrepresent

56. Poet Dickinson 57. Type of shot to criminal 58. Director Reitman 59. ____ of thumb 60. Medicinal plant 61. Pepper or bombard 62. "A Death in the Family" author 63. Conjunction used in comparatives 64. Sicilian volcano 67. *Will Ferrell character in 2003 See Answers page 14

Movie “The Sitter” “The Sitter” is one of those movies where all the funny moments can be seen in the coming attractions trailers. Mercifully short at about 90 minutes, this would-be holiday comedy is the cinematic equivalent of finding a lump of coal in your stocking. Jonah Hill plays Noah Griffith, a suspended college student with a strong interest in astronomy. While staying with his mom, Noah reluctantly agrees to babysit the kids next door. The children are all crying for attention and act out in various ways, especially the highly-destructive Rodrigo (Kevin Hernandez). In an irresponsible move, Noah agrees to run a dangerous errand for his would-be girlfriend, which means loading the kids into the minivan and heading to New York City. As the evening progresses, Noah

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gets further away from his lady love as he and his three charges land in one dangerous situation after another. Twenty-five years ago, Elisabeth Shue took some kids on a late-night Chicago road trip in “Adventures in Babysitting.” Jonah Hill and director David Gordon Green attempt the same kind of road trip in “The Sitter,” but without the same charm and humor contained in that 1980’s comedy. Hill’s character is a walking contradiction. It’s never clear, for instance, why he was suspended from school. When he runs into Roxanne (Kylie Bunbury), a college friend, she mentions that she always thought he was smart and funny. Noah also wants Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox only good moments for Hill’s character happen when to view a rare astrological event, but his late night adventures keep he interacts with the sweet college friend Roxanne. Otherwise, he’s just playing an older version of his “Suhim away from the telescope. Director Green also puts Noah into highly perbad” character. There’s a decent movie hiding somewhere in “The improbable situations, including running afoul of a drug dealer named Karl (Sam Sitter,” but it’s impossible to find amongst the sexual Rockwell). It’s hard to believe that Noah can situations and foul language. As he did with the absurd get into this much trouble with three kids in period comedy “Your Highness,” director Green goes the back seat and even harder to believe that for the easy jokes instead of developing the characters. he can escape without putting himself or the That’s too bad because Noah Griffith had the potential to be a pretty decent guy. children in the morgue. “The Sitter,” rated R for crude and sexual content, Earlier this year, Jonah Hill showed solid acting ability in “Moneyball.” “The Sitter” pervasive language, drug material and some violence, marks a big step backward for the actor. The currently is playing in theaters.

December 14, 2011

Church

email jhs1972@gmail.com.

Mondays in Advent: Waiting with Mary Advent Prayer Series 7 to 8 p.m. at the Pallottine Renewal Center Chapel December 12, and 19. Info: Angela at 314.387.7100.

Inviting All Florissant Senior Citizens To Join One Of The Bingo Clubs With The City Of Florissant!! Please contact the Florissant Senior Office for more information at 8397604. • Monday Club: Meets every Monday for Bingo from 11:30-2:30 on the lower level of the James J. Eagan Center. Bring a sandwich - coffee and tea are available. Interesting day trips to St. Louis Area locations are also scheduled. • Florissant Older Adult Club: Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 11-1:30 on the lower level of the James J. Eagan Center. Bring your lunch! Bingo, Trips, Speakers and special events are planned. • Wednesday Club: Meets every Wednesday for Bingo from 11:302:30 on the lower level of the James J. Eagan Center. Bring a sandwichcoffee and tea available. Interesting day trips to St. Louis Area locations are also available.

Every Thursday (through December 1. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Grief Share Support Group At Ferguson Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave. Ferguson, Mo. Info 314.522.3388 or leecedra@sbcglobal.net. Jan. 7 and every 1st Sat. of the month all year long: Basement/ Breakfast/Tailgate Sale At Northside Christian Church, 9635 Hwy. 367 (Lewis & Clark Blvd.), St. Louis, MO. Pancakes & sausage or 2 biscuits & gravy, juice & coffee. Extra sausage is 50 cents more. Church basement sale with lots of new items and tailgate sale to sell your own treasures. Times: Basement/Tailgate is 8 a.m. - Noon; Breakfast is 8-10:30 a.m. Breakfast is $4. A double parking spot for tailgaters is $10. Call 314.868.5722, to reserve your tailgate spot. Events Dec. 16 & 17: Bake and Gift Sale 3 - 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on December 17 at Ferguson Library Auditorium, 35 N. Florissant Road. Proceeds benefit Library Friends, Ferguson. Jan. 7: Trinity Trivia Night 7 p.m. in the TCHS cafeteria. Doors open at 6 p.m. $120 for table of eight. Beer and soda provided. Must be 21. Proceeds benefit production of Godspell in February. Reservations: Diane Merz at 314.869.6371 or dianemerz@sbcglobal.net. Sept. 22, 2012: Jennings High School Class of 1972 Reunion To be held in St. Charles, Mo. We need your current contact information. Please call 636.583.9778 or

1962 Hazelwood High School Reunion Graduates from the class of 1962 are invited to attend the 50th Reunion in June 2012. Please contact Shirley at 314.799.1147 (cell phone) for more info.

3rd Thursday of each month: 12:15 NARFE Chapter 1229 - Meeting for all Active and Retired Federal Employees At Golden Corral, 1850 Zumbehl Road, St. Charles, MO. For more info, call Sandy Luber at 636-4624297. 1st and 3rd Wed.: 7 p.m. St. Charles Area Wood Carvers Diverse group of people has a wide variety of carving skills ranging from novice to professional. Meetings include brief business mtg. followed by carving session. At Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project, 7295 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles. Visitors always welcome! Every Weekend: Orchard Farm Radio Controlled Flying Club Public invited & welcome every weekend to watch our flying model airplanes. Bring the family. Directions to the field at www.orchardfarmrc.com or call 636.300.1480. Every Thursday Evenings: 7:30 p.m. St. Charles Municipal Band Frontier Park, .stc-muny-band.com Every 3rd Monday of the Month: 6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Watch Visit our wesite for location, http:// ca.groups.yahoo.com/group.neighborhoodwatch_FlorissantMO or call 314.830.6042.

Health and Meetings St. Chatherine Retirement Community Events 3350 St. Catherine St., Florissant. To RSVP to events call 314.838.3877 Dec. 15, 22 & 29 Tai Chi for Seniors - FREE classes 10:30 a.m. Reduce stress, strengthen joints, develop balance and coordination. Dec. 15: Blood Pressure Clinic 10 a.m. Refreshments served Dec. 20: Entertainment by “Boeing Balladeers” 6 p.m. St. Catherine Dining Room. Refreshments served Every Monday* and Friday : FIT TO GO Exercise - FREE classes 1 p.m. Classes are led by a personal trainer with the use of weights and resistance bands that will be provided! Be prepared to GET FIT! No class on Monday, Dec. 26. A make-up class will be held on Wed., Dec.28. *No meeting in Dec: Project Hands Volunteers needed to knit, crochet, and quilt for various chil-

1967 Hazelwood High School Reunion: We are looking for classmates of Class of 1967 Hazelwood High School. We are having a 45th reunion in 2012. Please contact Kay at 1967hhshi@gmail.com or 636 745-2601 for more information. Every Saturday: 8-10 a.m. Chess Chess is played every Satuurday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or later, at MidRivers Mall in the food court. Come join us for some interesting games!

Community News

dren’s organizations-the last Friday of every month* SSM DePaul Healthy Happenings Every Monday (6-7 p.m.) and Tuesday (noon -1 p.m.) in October. Weight loss HMR Program Orientation. Register at 1.877.477.6954. First and Third Mondays: Sharing Losses through Bereavement 1 – 2:30 p.m. SSM Home Care & Hospice, 1187 Corporate Lake Drive. For families and friends who want to help understanding and coping with the death of a loved

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Community News

December 14, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS one. Register at 314.SSM.DOCS (776.3627). Volunteers needed at Christian Hospital Christian Hospital is calling out for volunteers that can do a significant amount of walking to run errands within the hospital. Discover the rewards of volunteering! If you’re looking for a rewarding way to spend your time, volunteering at Christian Hospital is an ideal match. Volunteer positions are available in many different areas. You’ll meet a variety of interesting people while making a difference

in our community. Applications are available at www.chrisitianhospital.org in the Volunteer Office, located off the hospital’s main lobby. For more information, call the Christian Hospital volunteer office at 314-653-5032. 12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Can email for further information: metrostlouissia@ gmail.com. • Every Sunday: 6:30-8 p.m. 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City;

lower level of Holy Communion Episcopal Church; contact 314993-5421. • 1st and 3rd Monday: 9:30-11 a.m. 500 Medical Dr in Wentzville; doctors dining room of St Joseph Hospital; contact 636-561-1407. • 1st and 3rd Tuesday: 12:30-2 p.m. 320 N. Forsyth Blvd in Clayton; lower level in Samuel United Church of Christ; contact 314968-3477. • 2nd and 4th Tuesday: 6:30-8 p.m. 2 Progress Point Parkway in O’Fallon, MO; 4th floor conference room of Progress West Hospital; contact 636-561-1407. Support Groups Every Wed.: 7:30 - 9 p.m. Naranon 7:30 – 9 p.m. New Choices NarSUDOKU Answers from page 12

Anon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church, 12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, Mo 63043. Info: email MoreInformation@att. net or visit www.Nar-Anon.org.

This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For info, call 314-839-3171.

Thursdays: 6:30 - 8 p.m. GriefShare Support Group At Fergus on Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson, Mo. 63135. Support group for those who have lost a loved one. Info: Lee Cedra at leecedra@sbcglobal.net.

Diabetes Basics Proper diabetes treatment and education can help you learn to live well with diabetes. Call 314.344.7024 for info or 314.3447220 to enroll.

Mon. & Thurs, ongoing: 11 a.m. 12 p.m. Breathe Designed for people with pulmonary disease – participants focus on deep breathing, exercises and relaxation. Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104. $30. Call 314-953-6090 to register or for more information.

Di ab e tes S elf Man agem ent Training A series of four classes over a sixmonth period of time. Call Central Scheduling to make an appointment at 314.344.7220. The classes are covered by most insurance plans. Nutrition Education SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you. Call 314.344.6157 for information.

Wednesdays: 6:30-7:30 p.m. STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group

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Community News

December 14, 2011

NEW LIBRARIES, STEM LABS from page 6 A 7,500 square-foot auxiliary gymnasium will be added plus additional locker rooms on the building’s northeast corner. The school’s exterior front will be revamped with a new center entry plaza and vehicular drop-off area, new main office and new clinic area. There will be ADA elevator access to all floors in the north wing as well as ADA access to the fine arts wing, auditorium and gymnasium. Hallway lockers, walls and ceilings in the north wing will receive fresh coats of paint and remaining chalkboards will be replaced by markerboards. At Hazelwood West High, construction includes a 53,000 square-foot building addition and 100,000-square foot major building renovation. There will be a new main entry plaza and entrance, a grouped science/STEM Studio, a pool lift as part of ADA requirements, fire alarm modernization and newly painted hallway lockers, corridors and other areas. In the STEM studio concept, the lower level will feature physics and engineering class-

rooms, the first floor will have chemistry and physics classrooms while the second floor will feature biology and health occupations classes. A new library will be added at the front of the building on the first floor. The current library space will become classrooms. Other features will include a relocated main office, a central elevator, a central staircase, access to visual/performing arts level, controlled after-hour access and more. “There will be easier student traffic flows in all of the high schools, people will get from one place another more easily,” said Mangogna. Weather permitting, construction at Hazelwood Central High is expected to end in the summer of 2013 while the work at Hazelwood East and Hazelwood West high schools is scheduled to finish by the summer of 2014. In other Proposition H work, Mangogna said elevator construction at Townsend and Walker finished in mid-

October. Starting in early October, construction crews began building elevators at Armstrong, Brown, Cold Water, Jana, Lawson, McCurdy and McNair elementary schools, with construction planned to finish by winter break, depending on the weather. This summer, Prop H renovation work began at five elementary schools – Barrington, Cold Water, Garrett, Townsend and Walker. At Barrington, chalkboards were removed and replaced with marker boards. In addition, Cold Water and Garrett underwent chalkboard and asbestos floor tile removal, and markerboards were installed. At Townsend and Walker, the District removed old heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and replaced them with new systems. Townsend and Walker also received new data and voice lines for computers and telephones and older parts of the buildings’ fire alarm systems were replaced to match those added during an earlier construction phase.

2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide

www.rhf.org

The 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, a 160-page travel companion with information on everything from attractions and must-see sites to lodging options and regional maps, now is available. Although we’re still a few weeks away from the official start of winter, now is a great time to start planning your summer vacation. The Official Missouri Travel Guide can help; you can pick it up at a variety of locations across Missouri, including MDT’s seven Official Welcome Centers, MDT’s Affiliate Welcome Centers, local chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus. If you’d like to order a copy of the 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, you can do so online at VisitMO.com, and by calling 800.519.4800. “Although we live in an era of smart phones and GPS devices, there’s something comforting about having the printed Travel Guide to carry along with you on a trip,” says Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “Our Travel Guide offers information about the unique and affordable places for visitors to enjoy in Missouri, whether they’re interested in the outdoors or museums, or just looking for a place to spend a quiet weekend.” In addition to listings of tourism-related businesses around Missouri, the Travel Guide features dozens of color photos showcasing the state’s tourism assets. There are area-specific feature stories for each of Missouri’s five vacation regions: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast and Southwest, along with stories related to live entertainment venues, things you may not know about Missouri, and destinations that feature ziplines, scuba diving and haunted sites. For more information about the 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide, please contact MDT Communications Director Sarah Luebbert at 573.522.5501 or at Sarah.Luebbert@ded.mo.gov.