August 4th, 2011 edition

Clowning with books

Donald White uses magic and a clown character to

Keeping

children safe –and cool

Lydia Banks,age 10,played in the sprinkler from a St.Louis Fire Department pumper during the People’s Health Center’s Keeping Our Children Safe National Night Out event at its Delmar location.

Amnesty Week offers relief from warrants

‘Away to reengage in the courts in a non-threatening way’

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

“The beauty is the $100 is applied to the fine or the court cost.”

– James Clark

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the municipalities in the St. Louis area would come together to pardon all misdemeanor warrants (like overdue parking tickets) for just one day? Your wish is granted, St. Louis residents. On three days –August 6, 10 and 13 – area residents can join in line with thousands of people who come out to be forgiven of court offenses through the Better Family Life St. Louis Metropolitan Amnesty Program. Between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 6, residents can go to St. Louis Community College at Meramec- Theatre,

Best Ram, ever

Marshall Faulk enters Hall of Fame

By Mike Claiborne For The St.Louis American

One of the most elite fraternities in the world has made a call, and one of our own has answered.

This Saturday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will induct its newest members into its hallowed shrine. This year, St. Louis’Marshall Faulk will be part of one of the greatest classes inducted in recent memory, entering along with Richard Dent, Shannon Sharpe, Chris Hanburger, Les Richter, Ed Sabol and Deion Sanders. For Faulk, his journey was not easy. Born and raised in one of the tougher parts of New Orleans, Faulk found sports to his liking from day one. Football stood out for him at an early age. He eventually became one of the most sought-after high school seniors in the country.

During the recruiting process, Faulk quickly learned that most schools wanted him to do it their way, as many had the grandiose idea of converting him from running back to anything but that. Bad idea, as Faulk was going to play by one set of rules, his.

Enter San Diego State, a school where some did not even know they played football, and the one school that assured Faulk he could do anything he wanted on the football field.

After Faulk’s freshman year, the whole coun-

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis

American

“I’ve done a variety of things, but in all of that, I just view it as a teacher with more responsibility.”

– Joyce Roberts,2011 Lifetime Achiever

Joyce Roberts’home in North St. Louis City is full of life, literally. On every surface sits a pothos vine, hardy succulent or some other happy house plant. All of her life, Roberts, a retired school administrator, has planted seeds of education in the minds and hearts of St. Louis students. So it’s not surprising that her home is a garden like the community of educated young people she’s sowed. On September 16, Roberts will receive the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. The dinner and gala will be held at the America’s Center. Before retiring in 2005, Roberts served as assistant superintendent for professional development at the St. Louis Public School District. Her career spanned from teaching preschool to leading the national awardwinning Pierre Laclede Elementary School as principal for 10 years.

“I’ve been a teacher for two-thirds of my life, and I am still excited about the possibilities it brings,” she said. “I’ve done a variety of things, but in all of that, I just view it as a teacher with more responsibility.” Teaching was something automatic for her, starting at a young age, she said. The greatest influence on her life was her mother.

“She believed in the power of education,” Roberts said. “She only finished the 12th grade, but it was instilled in each and every one of us that education would allow us to do and be anything of our choosing.”

After attending Harris-Stowe and Truman State universities, she began her teaching career at Pierre Laclede. When the school district made some

This Saturday,St.Louis’Marshall Faulk will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Giving back – with bikes

Larry Hughes and members of his foundation were on hand in Forest Park recently to give a group of 50 kids at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club brand new bikes and helmets.“As a child,I spent time at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club,”Hughes said.“I want to encourage children and their families to eat healthy and to participate in physical fitness activities every day!”

ROBERTS

Continued from A1

personnel shifts, Roberts was moved to another school.

“It was a great feeling to come back to the place where I started and serve as the principal for 10 years,” she said. Under her leadership and the hard work of the staff, parents, and community supporters, the students at Laclede made a huge leap in academic achievement.

In 2003, the state recognized the school as one of the top 10 most improved schools. After receiving the Missouri gold-star recognition, the school received the Blue Ribbon U.S. Department of Education national recognition. At that time, Roberts said, President George W. Bush was running for reelection and had initiated the No Child Left Behind criteria. Bush made a personal visit to the Blue Ribbon school award winner.

“Having the president of the United States come to recognize us for being outstanding achievers I would say would be the proudest moment in my career,” she said.

The biggest lesson of her career is that the best kind of leader is a servant leader.

“What you’re doing is outside of you; it’s bigger than

you,” she said. “It’s the ability to move people to do the work. And the best way of doing that is to serve with humility and integrity.”

Roberts said her role as a leader was to build capacity in others and to allow them ownership in the effort. In a 2005 video of Pierre Laclede, produced by the SLPS district, various teachers affirmed Roberts as this type of leader.

“Pierre Laclede is an outstanding school because we have a strong leader,” said Lavena Tomlinson, then a third-grade teacher, now deceased. “She lets you choose your path, and then she’ll help you in anyway she can.”

“She is not one of those principals that beats you down,” said Deborah Faye Dampier-Byrd, teacher. “She allows you to be in your position and take flight.”

Robert A. Hudson, a retired school administrator, said he followed Roberts throughout his career because he believed in her leadership. At one time, they were principals together. Then when Roberts became assistant superintendent of low-performing schools, she asked him to come out of retirement to lead Carnahan High School and then again in the Wellston School District.

“She was a successful principal because she worked hard,” he said. “She believed

in students and teachers. She set up a program where students could achieve.”

Even in retirement, Roberts stays active as a consultant for several school districts, including SLPS and Riverview Gardens. She is the CEO and founder of For Kids’Sake, a nonprofit to help staff undergo professional development.

Besides spending more time with her granddaughter, she is also completing her dissertation at UMSLfor her doctorate of education and administration. She said she hopes the dissertation will give insight into effective ways of closing the achievement gap.

Mentoring and coaching school leaders is at the top of the how-to list.

“Principals are responsible for a host of things,” she said. “As a new person coming in, it’s an awful lot to do. When you don’t exactly get it right and you are not encouraged in the right way, you may lose your footing. School districts should redouble their efforts to ensure that’s not happening.”

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will be held Friday, September 16, at the America’s Center, with the reception starting at 6 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. For tickets, please call 314533-8000.

Conluence prepares irst graduating class

Charter school serves 3,2000 students

American staff

It’s back to school time and schools everywhere are preparing to welcome students, but none like Conluence Preparatory Academy in downtown St. Louis. This year, Conluence Prep students are being welcomed with additional state of the art classrooms, science labs and media rooms.

What tops most students’ wish list is the new roof top gym. The gym – scheduled to be completed in December –will allow students to have a space, illed with school spirit, to host home sporting events, practices and dances. The rooftop gym will be completed just in time for the start of basketball season.

“The school spirit is becoming palpable in the building,” says Dion Edwards, Operations Manager. “Students and staff are getting ready for a great year and it shows in their excitement for the coming irst day of school August 15.”

This year, Conluence Prep will graduate its irst class of seniors. The school plans to graduate 90 seniors.

“Everyone is talking about it, from prom plans to graduation and scholarships,” says Edwards. “It’s just a really exciting time to be at Conluence Prep.”

Conluence works closely with community partners, such as the YMCA and St. Louis

ArtWorks, to help students gain experiences that enhance their academics and personal growth. Also, the school has signiicantly expanded its guidance and counseling department to help students make decisions that will prepare them to gain admission to and succeed at college.

“It’s important for all of our students to begin 9th grade with a vision of where they will be in four years,” says Principal Kacy Seals.

“Our goal is to help them understand how attainable and

valuable college is to them and their families.”

Seals, a veteran principal in St. Louis, is leading Conluence Prep toward reaching its mission “to enable and inspire every student to develop fully his or her intellectual capacity and commitment to active citizenship.”

With more than 15 years of experience as a professional educator, Seals has been acknowledged as a true advocate for her students. Most recently, she was awarded the Seymour Sarason & Ted Sizer Award

for her “dedication to ighting for students in St. Louis” and nominated for the Missouri High School Principal of the Year Award.

“My philosophy as a leader is that it is important not to shy away from transparency and understanding,” says Seals.

“If we expect to get the most out of students academically, we must build positive relationships.”

One important relationship is with parents. Seals encourages parent involvement, even at the high school level. All parents are welcome and invited to join the school’s parent organization.

In addition to its college prep curriculum and ACT prep classes, the high school also offers a sports program that includes football; crosscountry; basketball; and track. After-school programs include cheerleading; green club; step team and student government.

Conluence Academy has consistently been one of the top performing charter schools in the city. Begun in 2003, Conluence Academy is sponsored by Missouri University of Science and Technology and serves more than 3,200 students on its campuses in the downtown, South City, Walnut Park and Old North St. Louis neighborhoods of the city of St. Louis.

Conluence Prep is enrolling students for 9th-12th grades, with a limited number of spaces remaining. Tuition is free and transportation is provided. To visit the campus or enroll, call 314-588-1088 or visit www.conluenceacademy. com.

Design for summer

Ninth Grade Orientation for incoming freshmen

American staff

Ninth Grade Orientation for incoming freshmen to the Hazelwood School District will take place at Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood East and Hazelwood West high schools on August 12 from 7:25 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

Students must be registered for the 2011-2012 school year before attending orientation.

Students will meet teachers, counselors and school administrators, receive class schedules,

take tours of the building, learn school expectations and meet new classmates. Lunch is provided and transportation will be provided to eligible bus riders. To participate, students must complete a registration form and pay a $5 fee by August 3. Registration forms are available on school web pages at www. hazelwoodschools.org. For questions, please contact your student’s high school.

Micah Jones, a sophomore, works on a project in Art and Design, a summer class at Hazelwood West High School. The class, taught by Elizabeth Dorman, teaches fundamental techniques.

Kacy Seals is principal of Conluence Preparatory Academy, which will graduate its irst class of seniors this year.

Back to School: Social and Digital Media forAcademic Success

Special to the American

Just because the carefree days of summer come to an end doesn’t mean you need to give up your favorite social media platforms. True, getting caught in embarrassing Facebook pictures or inappropriate Twitter feeds might inhibit your academic success, but using these platforms can actually help you. These tips will help you use social and digital media to your advantage:

• Social media can be quite overwhelming; the trick is to focus on a couple key platforms and really target your use. Don’t like too many groups, just pick what’s important to you, this way you won’t get overloaded with news and updates.

• Twitter is great because it can help you keep in touch with the administrative staff of your university/college. Through their feeds they can keep you up to date on campus news and events, and even on “did you know” type items like school policies. You can also use Twitter to pose a question to other students at your school to start conversations and make change in your university/college.

• Find out the rules and regulations around the use of social media in your school. There are limitations as to how much information you can divulge without going against privacy policies. Many platforms are great tools to create study groups or be in touch with class members. But, remember: don’t share notes or essays through these methods. Plagiarism is against school policy, no matter the vehicle.

• Take advantage of the wealth of information social and digital media can provide. Using search engines like Quora or Google can optimize your primary research and can

make a difference between a B or an A.

• Digital media tools are also a great way to help you get ahead. Tools like an iPad or Evernote can help you during those times where your professor goes over things so quickly that you can’t quite catch what they wrote or said. (Evernote is a suite of software for your smartphone that enables you to take notes and archive anything you’ve missed through voice recording and photos of handwritten notes.)

• Focus Booster is a great app that can help you organize your study time and break time. Based on a countdown, you set the timer to suit your needs: i.e., 20 minutes of study time and a ive minute break, etc. Knowing a break is coming can help you stay on task. For Mac users, using the Self-Control App can help get your attention away from browsing time-wasting websites. This self-set site blocker can optimize your work time by restricting your access to distractions.

• Use Google calendar. This

Churches host back to school events

American staff

Solomons Temple Church will host a Community Back to School Rally from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 6 at the church, located at 5569 Page Blvd. Bishop James E Holloway Sr. is Founder and Pastor and 1st Lady Linda D.Holloway is Co-Pastor. Visit www.solomonstemplechurch.org or email solomons@i1.net. And Christ Deliverance Ministry is hosting itsAnnual Back to School Rally/Health Fair on August 13 from 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m. Overseer Tommie C. Ringo is the Senior Pastor and Cynthia Ringo is the Pastor of Christ Deliverance Ministry. T here will be free school supplies (grades K-12), free health screenings, itness, free food and fun. There will also be a barber & beautician available for kids and youths only (hair must be clean). The guest speaker will be Sultan Muhammad, CEO of Real Talk, Inc. and author of My Transformation from the Gang Mentality. His book has been endorsed by many educators.

Hazelwood Backto-School Fair

tool can be easily synced to your phone, where you can transfer important times and dates as well as your class schedule. You have no excuse not to attend class when you have this trusty app in your back pocket! Also, Google docs can help you get through group projects without disputes. Each team member can upload their work on Google docs, and other members can edit and create other work without having to physically meet during crunch time.

Soapbox is an online platform for community based change that allows each person to get their idea into the hands of key decision makers. Each user can submit and vote on any idea in order to bubble up the collective voice of the users. For more information, visit www.hitsend.ca.

Hitsend is one of 24 companies currently incubating at Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone. For more digitallythemed back to school expert tips, visit the Back to School page at www.ryerson.ca/dmz.

Saturday at St. Louis Mills during sales tax holiday

staff

Hazelwood School District and PTA Council will hold the ifth annual Back-toSchool Fair for parents and students at St. Louis Mills on Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will take place during the state of Missouri Back to School Sales Tax Holiday weekend. The HSD Back-to-School

features

booths for 30 school sites with details about uniform policies, school supplies, clubs and activities, as well as booths from District departments such as transportation, child nutrition services, residency and more. Drawings will be held for prizes donated by Old Navy, Cabela’s and Plan Nine Skate Park. Carter’s is providing discount coupons. Scheduled to perform are step teams from Arrowpoint and Brown elementary schools, the drum line from Larimore Elementary School, and the Pridettes of Hazelwood West High School. The Back-to-School Fair is free and open to all District parents and students. The fair is supported by the Hazelwood School District and the Hazelwood Parent Teacher Association Council.

Solomons Temple Church

The Hazelwood Central High Sschool Hawkettes performed last year at the Hazelwood School District and PTA Council’s Back-to-School Fair.

SLPS Back to School Festival Saturday at Chaifetz Arena

fair

cuts Free backpacks illed with school supplies will be distributed to students while supplies last. In addition, games, rides,

Admission to the festival is free; however, all in attendance must register. Attendees are encouraged to avoid the registration lines on the day of the event by pre-registering online at www.slps.org. The event is supported by valued community partners such as AmerenUE, Chartwells, Save-a-Lot and the Urban League. For more information, visit www.slps.org or call 314345-2520.

The irst day of classes in the district is Monday, August 15.

Students and parents made the most of the St. Louis Public School District’s Back to School & Community Empowerment Festival last year.

Don’t eat the Satan sandwich

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver from Kansas City dubbed it a “sugar-coated Satan sandwich.” New York Times op-ed columnist Joe Nocera declared it a “jihad on the American People.” Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor under President Clinton, said it was “ransom paid.”

They are all talking about the latest bill to be signed by President Obama to both raise the debt limit and cut spending. It’s all doom and gloom, unless you agree as I do with Tulane professor Melissa Harris-Perry, who said, “The voice and the power belong to you.” That would be us, the majority.

The deal that was struck has little to do with balancing a budget and putting the country on a sustainable and solid inancial footing. It called for $2.4 trillion in cuts from the hides of working and middle class folks. There was no attempt to address revenue options. That would mean rich folks have to open up their pockets and pay up. The Tea Party represents a small but vocal minority in this country, but they are proving to be a formidable bloc. The Republicans can seem to rein them into the fold and this latest victory will certainly embolden them further. Tea Party ideologues were willing to push the nation to default its credit rating and jeopardize the entire economy in order to get its way. The radical right clearly has President Obama by the crotch.

mega proits in their safety net. Our safety nets are being eliminated.

The elite rich didn’t have to worry about making a sacriice. They have once again been protected by a Congress that no longer acts on behalf of even their own districts which are suffering multiple economic woes created by the wealthy in their games of inancial roulette.

Sadly, some of us of have bought into their wicked argument that there’s too much spending, that the burden of all these social programs is weighing the economy down. Yet the tax rate for the country’s richest is the lowest ever as these parasites have constantly igured out loopholes to keep from paying their fair share. It is estimated that minimally $100 billion is uncollected from these corporations and individuals who then add it to their empires. Their

The deicit reduction is being shoved on us by the same people who created the inancial meltdowns. Wall Street has taken no responsible for its role in the recession. These same people don’t intend to take a hit in these worrisome inancial times. If it means defunding the programs so desperately needed because of the inancial debacle they created, so be it. What just happened in Congress and will continue if we don’t stop it is an unspoken austerity program. When you hear the term austerity, you should start to shudder because it will destroy poor people and bring working people to their knees. Think mass unemployment, mass homelessness, mass hunger and mass hopelessness. Austerity measures historically have an adverse impact on the most vulnerable populations so that those in power can maintain their current standard of opulent living.

We see the full picture of the Republican plan including the intentions of their incorrigible Tea Party children. They have given us the sandwich and the Kool-Aid. Soon we will feel the brunt of the plan. It will not be enough to organize food pantries and free clinics. The People will have to step up its game and organize for a direct and swift strategy to wrestle our power from the hands of a few.

Jamala Rogers

Cong. Emanuel Cleaver

OBITUARIES

Edward K. Parson

Edward “Ed” Kenneth Parson, passed away Friday, July 22, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospital South, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 59. He survived 16 years following a heart transplant in June of 1995. Beloved husband of Beverly Parson (nee West) for 39 years, dear father of Leslie, son of Barbara Parson (nee Greer) brother of Barbara Dunn, Marlene Coleman, Byron Parson, Carol Parson, and Renee Henderson. After the heart transplant, Ed retired after many years as a State Farm claims adjuster and Insurance Agent. His new “vocation” was to devote the rest of his life to his wife and daughter. His dream was to see his daughter graduate from high school and college. He fought a valiant battle to live long enough to fulill his wish. He was a kind, compassionate and gentle soul that enjoyed life. His love for life, family and all those he encountered was his legacy to us for which he will always be remembered.

A “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm, Friday, August 5, 2011, at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 South Hanley Road, Richmond Heights, MO 63144.

Ed’s favorite place to visit was the Missouri Botanical Garden. In lieu of lowers, the family has requested that donations be made in honor of Edward K. Parson for a “brick paver” to be placed in the Kemper Memorial section of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Contributions may be made online at www.mobot. org, or mailed to the Tribute Fund in Memory of Edward K. Parson, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299. Condolences may be offered at www. mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO.

Ernestine Webb

Ernestine Webb, passed into eternal life Sunday, July 31, 2011. Loving wife of Howard Webb; dear mother of Celeste (Kareem) Williams and Vincent (Tisa) Vaughn ; stepchildren,Anthony (Sherry) Webb, Howard Webb Jr., Michelle Mouton, Antiontte (Todd) Howard, Lynn (Marcus) Parker; dear sister of Carolyn L. Johnson and Allen Triplett; dear grandmother of Travin Vaughn, Latonya Nevels, Tikiera Smith, Corey Smith, and eight step-grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011; visitation 1011:50 am, funeral immediately following at Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, 4673 Labadie Ave St. Louis, MO.

Elmer Jamall Stephen, Jr.

Sunrise: August 17, 1987

Sunset: September 8, 2010

When heaven gave out sons, I was truly blessed indeed. My loving son was my best friend, and he illed my life with joy. We miss him so much. He was always a devoted son and father. He was special to everyone, warm-hearted, funny, and kind to all. There is a void in our hearts because he was loved by all who have ever known him. He leaves to cherish his memory: Katherine Sipes, mother; Ja’kylah Augustine, daughter; Trina Foster, iancee ; John Sipes (Renee), brother and sister-inlaw; Jon-Jon, RJ and Ashley Sipes, nephew and niece; John Williams, grandfather; as well as many aunts, uncles and a host of family and friends.

Kathy D. Foushee

Kathy D. Foushee (nee Johnson), Kathy lost her courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, July 28, 2011. Beloved wife of James G. Foushee; cherished mother of Victoria and Bianca Foushee; loving mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Lametria Williams and precious Nana of Zoey Williams; dearest daughter of Robert and Saundra Johnson of Rancho

Cucamonga, CA; and dear daughter of the late Charlotte Johnson of St. Louis, MO; loving sister and sister-in-law of Robert and Dina Johnson, and Byron and Christal Sanders of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; dear sister of Brittany Johnson and Jataun Shelton; very special daughter-in-law of James and Carolyn (Clear) Foushee and dear sister-in-law of Rob Foushee; our dear stepsister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Attention St. Louis American Readers

As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel@stlamerican.com.

Philos host pageant fundraiser

Zeta Sigma Philo will host its biennial “Little Miss/Master Philo Pageant” Scholarship/Beneit Fundraiser, Silent Auction and Rafle 3-7 p.m. Sunday, August 7 at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman. The Little Miss/Master Philo Pageant is a fun-illed, family oriented event. The pageant will feature; The Institute for Jazz Study and Performance (CWAH) and “40 Corners” Hope in the Hood (Marsha Cann). Refreshments will be served.

Tickets are $10 at the door. In conjunction with “Soles for Little Souls,” organizers ask that guests bring a new pair of shoes for grade school and high school students.

Although it’s dificult today to see beyond the sorrow, looking back in memory has help comfort us tomorrow. If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. Your intelligence, courage and love, in my heart I’ll always hold dear, and whenever I need to draw upon them, I’ll know that somewhere you are near. Heaven now has called Jamall back September 8, 2010,

Edward K. Parsons

Ernestine Webb

Elmer J. Stephen Jr.

Kathy D. Foushee

Ifs, ands, buts, Slay, Sherman & Aereotropolis

In last week’s EYE, there was a statement that stirred some controversy among regular readers of the column.

The statement: “If Slay and Rainford were wrong on the Fire Chief Sherman George case, and more recently wrong on the speed bumps in O’Fallon Park bill (to name just two examples), they were right on Aerotropolis and the China Hub, and are substantially right on the details of how this deal should go down to have the maximum positive impact on this region.”

It inspired a letter to publisher and executive editor Donald M. Suggs from activist attorney Eric E. Vickers. As is Vickers’ habit, he copied a string of elected oficials, journalists, activists and fellow travelers.

“While we obviously disagree on the economic feasibility of the Aerotropolis – including disagreeing on whether it will be of beneit to the black community – how could The American so easily throw Sherman George and those of us who proudly stood with him under the bus by the Political EYE stating: ‘If Slay and Rainford were wrong on the Fire Chief Sherman George case...’?” Vickers wrote.

“And how could The American so dismissively denigrate the black community’s intense protest over this egregious discrimination by characterizing Slay’s act as merely ‘his bungling of the Chief George case...’? If the Aerotropolis initiative is so potent as to cause The American – the black community’s leading and staunchest advocate of Chief Sherman

George – to revise and seemingly reverse its perspective on this deining issue, then I would suggest that there is no greater threat to the black community than Aerotropolis.”

Vickers concluded: “For no ecomomic development legislation is worth the loss of our dignity.”

Among those copied was managing editor Chris King Knowing Suggs would not see the email right away and wanting to respond immediately, he wrote the following to Vickers et. al.:

“Reverse the perspective? The piece says Slay was wrong on Sherman (and Antonio’s speed bump bill) and it stays on his resume, but he is right on Aerotropolis and the China Hub. Let’s at least get upset over something we actually have said. There is no reversal on the Sherman George story. Simply an attempt to point out there is a new chapter, and it’s critical.”

Vickers responded, in part,

“The EYE piece does not say anywhere that Slay was wrong on Sherman George; indeed, it specicially says, ‘If Slay and Rainford were wrong on the Fire Chief Sherman George case...’Why the ‘if’?”

The answer is that one meaning of “if” is “even though.”

The word “if” does not always connote a conditional case. The EYE called a logician, David Griesedieck, a teaching professor of philosophy at UMSL, and read him the sentence to see if he followed the logic that Vickers missed.

“Clearly, that sentence states that the mayor was wrong on

Sherman George, but right on these other matters,” Griesedieck said. “It’s not that the second is conditioned on the other. You’re making outright assertions that he is right in one case and wrong in the other. If you’d used ‘even though’ or ‘while’ instead of ‘if,’ yeah, then there would have been no ambiguity, but for all practical purposes the meaning is clear as stated.”

When Suggs got around to answering his email, he was thinking along the same lines as the logician.

“The American has been and continues to be a staunch supporter of Sherman George. Perhaps we should have written the words ‘given that’ rather than ‘if,’” Suggs wrote. Before Suggs soars off into the Aerotropolis matter, which forms the bulk of his response, we might also answer Vickers’ objection to the language choice in Slay’s “bungling of the Chief George case.”

This language is consistent with all of our coverage of this incident. In the EYE and on the Editorial page, The American

has pointed out repeatedly that every St. Louis mayor eventually has to confront the issue of racism in the St. Louis Fire Department. That department has long been a bastion of the rawest racism. Slay and his chief of staff Jeff Rainford bungled it – they messed it up. They promoted a black man (Charles Bryson) to demote the city’s irst black ire chief. That was a botched job. It does not, as Vickers claims, “dismissively denigrate the black community’s intense protest” by saying Slay and Rainford botched the job of managing a perennial problem in city politics.

Back to Suggs, responding to Vickers and attempting to outline a bigger picture.

“However, The American also has an obligation to advocate for policy issues that we feel offer a substantive opportunity to bolster the region’s economy,” Suggs wrote. “A growing regional economy does not ensure African Americans more employment opportunities, but a lagging regional

economy certainly diminishes access to sorely needed jobs for our people.”

Suggs then took it where he often takes it – to China – in a comparison he was using long before the Midwest-China Hub idea was loated.

“It was the Chinese Communist leadership, hardened by a long bloody struggle, who declared in 1978 that their country must compete in an imperfect world. So it is with regions in a global economy,” Suggs wrote.

“Not to compete is to fall further behind. In pursuit of more jobs, we can not control who would also beneit, perhaps undeservedly. Since we can not dictate the process nor the terms, we are left to endorse the concept of the value of improved air service as an essential component of establishing the region as a global multi modal cargo hub and high value assemblage location. The American chooses to be a part of the public conversation about macroeconomic factors that shape the economic future of a region and directly impact the

lives of our people in the real world.”

Hudson explores state Senate run

Redditt Hudson, the program associate for the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri, has formed an exploratory committee to test the waters on a run for a state Senate seat in the 2012 Primary Election. In the past, Hudson has been asked to run for a political seat but thought that it was not the right time, particularly with a young family. Recently he was approached again by a number of community leaders and now feels its the right time to look into the matter seriously. “I’ve discussed it with my family, and they are very supportive,” Hudson said. “I’m honored by those in the community that have urged me to seek public ofice, knowing that they are all people who are as committed as I am to making our lives and our children’s lives better.”

The budget situation room

President Barack Obama met with Congressional Leadership in the Cabinet Room of the White House to discuss ongoing efforts to ind a balanced approach to the debt limit and deicit reduction on July 13. Pictured, from left, are: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The deal was inally concluded this week.

(Oficial White House Photo by Pete Souza)

BUSINESS

AUGUST4 – 10, 2011

Women of Achievement honors 2011 Class

Recognizing leadership in volunteer service in St. Louis

American staff

Over 750 supporters gathered in the Ritz Carlton recently to honor 10 community volunteers for their work in supporting non profit organizations in our region.

Carol Daniel, of long-term supporter KMOX, severed as Mistress of Ceremony and entertained the large crowd while highlighting the effort of this year’s class.

“We are thrilled with the size of the crowd today,” said Suzie Nall, 2011 Women of Achievement Luncheon Chair. These women have done so much for our community, it is no surprise that so many would be on hand to support and congratulate them for their service.” The 2011 Class includes:

COCAbiz explores innovation and business

COCAbiz – COCA’s new creative business training division – will present a twoday conference August 29-30 featuring bestselling authors on creativity and innovation, arts-based workshops that teach business skills in new ways, breakout sessions with St. Louis’top innovators, and group challenges and discussions with St. Louis corporate and civic leaders. The first Business Creativity Conference, dubbed “Play at Work,” will feature Kevin Carroll (Rules of the Red Rubber Ball); Peter Sims (LittleBets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries); Dan Roam (The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems andSelling Ideas with Pictures); and IDEO’s Iain Roberts, who speaks about the intersection of digital and physical media and opensourced innovation. Working lunches are facilitated by St. Louis’“thought leaders” and innovators at St. Louis’most successful companies.

Breakout sessions include: Lead and Follow Strategies for People Managers, Innovation and Improvisation, Client Communication and Understanding Through Writing, and Group Negotiation/Building Trust Through the Dulcimer Jam. The two-day fee is $875 (discount available for non-profits, students and groups of 5 and up). For more information, call 314.725.6555 ext. 129 or visit www.cocabiz.com.

Lisa Boyce Youth Enrichment St. Louis City

Karen Castellano

Community Service Town and Country

Margo L. Deloch Humanitarian Concerns St. Louis City

Diane Katzman Creative Philanthropy Ladue

GARNISHINGTHE GOLDENYEARS

Center

for Responsible Lending report points out debt traps for seniors

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau begins operations, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) is releasing new findings on the growth and effects of a new short-term and high-cost loan product. Big Bank Payday Loans, a new CRLresearch brief, details how mainstream banks have entered the triple-digit interest rate payday loan market with a product that on average virtually guarantees repayment within 10 days. Yet for consumers, these loans lead to 175 days of indebtedness for the average borrower – twice as long as the maximum length of time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has advised. With many banks allowing up to half of a customer’s monthly direct deposit income, or up to $750, an average 44 percent of a

Charlene Crowell

Do we want our young people growing up to believe that 400 percent loan interest is the best that they can expect?

loan than bank customers as a whole. Even without bank payday loans, more than 13 million older adults are considered economically insecure, living on $21,800 per year or less. One-fifth of older households have annual incomes below $50,000 but report spending more than 40 percent of their income on debt payments. Senior women whose lower lifetime earnings result in diminished pension benefits are at acute financial risk – as are African-American seniors with on average only one-sixth of the wealth of older whites. Although state and federal laws protect Social Security benefits

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Sandra Jordan, health reporter for The St. Louis American, won a national finalist award in the Feature division of the 2011 A. Philip Randolph MillerCoors Messenger Awards. Jordan was recognized for her article “Stroke on the First Date” from the Feb. 17, 2011 edition of Your Health Matters in The American. The honor was presented at the recent National Newspaper Publishers Conference in Chicago. Jordan has been recognized all three years the award has been given.

Calvin Nicholas, a former associate principal of Normandy High School, has been named principal of the school . Nicholas, who most recently served as principal of the district’s Positive Alternative Learning Center, served asNormandy High’s associate principal during the 2008-09 school year. Prior to joining the district, he was academic dean of B.E.S.T. Academy at Benjamin S. Carson in Atlanta and assistant principal at the Capitol Pre-College Academy for Boys in Baton Rouge.

Louise Reeves has been recertified by CFRE International as a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She is principal of L. Reeves & Associates, which provides Non-Profit Management and Fundraising Service to a variety non-profit organizations. She joins over 5,300 professionals who hold the CFRE designation. She has held the CFRE certification for over 20 years and was the first African-American woman in St. Louis to attain this international certification.

Cheryl Harris recently earned her doctorate in education from Maryville University. The instructional specialist at McNair Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District administrator, she took classes such as advanced school district finances and urban policies and leadership. “The finance class helped me understand funds beyond our building – bond issues, how our district is funded, where the money comes from and tax levies,” she said.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

National BarAssociation convenes in Baltimore

Thousands of members of the National Bar Association, the professional association for African-American lawyers, gathered in Baltimore, Md. from July 31-August 4 for its 86th annual convention. It commenced with a joint-town hall meeting with the American Bar Association entitled, “The War Against Foreclosures: Combating Foreclosures and the Mortgage Crisis in Communities of Color.” Other showcases included “The New Civil Rights Frontier: Deconstructing the School-toPrison-Pipeline. and an “Executive Director’s Forum” featuring National Basketball Players Association’s executive director William “Billy” Hunter and National Football League Players Association’s DeMaurice Smith.

Other participants included Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One; Allison Brown, executive director, Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division; Kim Keenan, General Counsel, NAACP Legal Department; George W. Madison, General Counsel, United States Department of Treasury; and Angela Rye, General Counsel and Executive Director, Congressional Black Caucus.

Community college enrolling for Woman EntrepreneurProgram

St. Louis Community College will offer its award-winning Woman Entrepreneur program this fall at the Meramec campus, 11333 Big Bend Road in Kirkwood.

Woman Entrepreneur is a small business curriculum designed to assist women wanting to start a new business or expand their current business. This 15-week program addresses business planning, hiring practices, strategic planning, marketing and sales, legal issues, tax requirements, and finance and asset management. The fee of $495 includes all course materials. Enrollment is limited; applications are due by Sept. 3. For more information, contact Marie Peters at mpeters83@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7707.

Sandra Jordan

Calvin Nicholas

Cheryl Harris

Louise Reeves

Current and former Women of Achievement Valerie Patton,Carol Weir,Margo DeLoch,Cheryl Polk,Katie Harper Wright and Bessie Peabody.

What stock and bond alternatives do I have?

Many prudent investors may have at least some of their holdings in stocks, corporate bonds, or both. In fact, when most people think of “investing,” they think of Wall Street and the stock markets.

Many fail to realize that there are a number of ways to invest in stocks besides owning individual shares.

Mutual Funds

Amutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Investors purchase shares of the mutual fund that is managed by a professional investment company.

Atypical mutual fund may hold dozens of different securities. That offers some measure of diversification — a sharp decline in an individual security wouldn’t be nearly as damaging to your portfolio as it would be if you only owned a few securities. Diversification is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee against loss. Mutual funds are profes-

sionally managed. Fund managers devote their attention to buying and selling securities according to the goals of their funds. And mutual funds often have a minimum investment of only $1,000 — some will accept even less. The return and principal value of mutual funds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Bond funds are subject to the interest-rate, inflation, and credit risks associated with the underlying bonds in the fund. As interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall, which can adversely affect a bond fund's performance.

Variable Universal Life Insurance

The insurance companies have developed some innovative products that enable you to invest in a wide range of securities — including stocks — through your life insurance

PERSONAL FINANCE

By Charles Ross

policy. Avariable universal life (VUL) insurance policy operates much the same as a “traditional” universal life policy. In exchange for premiums, the insurance company provides a death benefit. And, just like more traditional life insurance policies, the cash value within the policy accumulates tax deferred. When considering this product, you should have a needfor life insurance.

Charles Ross

gains and losses realized by the underlying securities. The cash value of a VULpolicy is not guaranteed. The investment return and principal value of the variable subaccounts will fluctuate. Your cash value, and perhaps the death benefit, will be determined by the performance of the chosen subaccounts.

Variable Annuities

But here is the unique difference: you decide how the premium is divided among the subaccounts. With most policies you can select from several different investment subaccounts (or investment options). These investment options allow you to participate in the market and experience the

Withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges and are taxable if you withdraw more than your basis in the policy. Policy loans or withdrawals will reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit, and may require additional premium payments to keep the policy in force. There may also be additional fees and charges associated with a VULpolicy.

The insurance companies have developed another interesting product: the variable annuity. With a variable annuity, you invest a sum with an insurance company, just as you would with a fixed annuity. But instead of investing your money in its general account, as with a fixed annuity, the insurance company invests it in a separate account. Like a variable universal life insurance policy, this separate account is made up of a number of different investment subaccounts. You specify how much of your annuity will be invested in the various subaccounts. Your return will be based on the performance of the investments you select. There are contract limitations, fees, and charges associated with variable annuities, which can include mortality and expense risk charges, sales and surrender charges, investment management fees, administrative fees, and charges for optional benefits. Withdrawals reduce annuity contract bene-

and values. Variable annuities are not guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency; they are not deposits of, nor are they guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or savings association. Withdrawals of annuity earnings are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to surrender charges plus a 10 percent federal income tax penalty

WOMEN

Continued from B1

Becky Kueker Volunteer Leadership Maryville, IL

Lisa Nichols Youth Dedication Chesterfield

Pam Toder Women’s Health Ladue

Corinne Walentik, MD, MPH Health Leadership University City

Carol Weir Senior Health Advocacy St. Louis City Fran

For over 56 years, Women of Achievement has recognized women who have a record of leadership in volunteer service to the greater St. Louis community, including Illinois. Each year, 10 women are selected and honored at a luncheon.

In 1955, the St. LouisGlobe Democrat newspaper created an awards program that became known as the Women of Achievement Award, to recognize and honor the achievements of women who, through their volunteer efforts, have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life in the St. Louis community. The St. Louis Women of

Achievement organization, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1993 by former Women of Achievement who wished to ensure the longevity of the award for future generations of St. Louis area women.

The organization’s Board of Directors, comprised of past recipients of the award, continue to plan and implement the nomination, selection and award presentation process ensuring that this award will continue to enhance and honor the women volunteers in the St. Louis metropolitan region who positively impact the community for many years to come. For more information, call 314-539-4015 or visit www.woastl.org.

TRAPS

Continued from B1 indebtedness for both borrowers still opens. The irony to these lending abuses are occurring against a financial backdrop of nearly $6 trillion in lost American household wealth since 2006, an unemployment rate hovering north of nine percent, and nearly half of Americans currently lacking the financial capacity to cope with an unforeseen but costly emergency.

Add to those troubling statistics, a $10 fee for every $100 borrowed and automatic repayment to the banks with an opportunity to add more fees if accounts become overdrawn and people of all ages just become poorer with payday loans.

Youthful vigor might enable younger borrowers to take a second or temporary job to end the payday debt trap. But as a country do we want our young people growing up to believe that 400 percent loan interest is the best that they can expect?

Or what’s an older person to do? Do we really want to become a country that allows

lenders to tarnish what ought to be golden years for older Americans?

Now that a federal consumer watchdog agency – the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is available to work with state officials to end financial abuse, a lot of work awaits the bureau. In the meantime, CRLis calling for federal regulators to: Use immediate supervisory and enforcement authority to stop the banks it supervises from making payday loans; Impose a moratorium on payday loans offered by banks under its supervision while data collection on the impact of this product on consumers is further refined – particularly its impact on communities of color; and Limit high-cost, short-term single payment loans to 90 days’indebtedness or six loans per year – whichever is less. We’ll soon see if anyone is listening.

Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications manager for state policy and outreach. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

“It’s part of my dream to win a ring.”

–

INSIDE SPORTS

Marshall Faulk: Hall of Famer

His 12,279 yards rushing, 6,875 yards receiving and 136 touchdowns are a testament to his overall greatness.

Washington University scholar Gerald Early has a new collection of essays,“A Level Playing Field:African-American Athletes and the Republic of Sports”(Harvard University Press).

Alevel gaze at sports

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

As a young, unknown junior faculty member at Washington University, Gerald Early taught introductory black studies to countless undergraduates. I enrolled in one of these courses in the mid-‘80s and recall Early facilitating a discussion about young African-American males’fixation on playing sports. The consensus among the white students was that young blacks made a mistake in pursuing careers in sports when the odds of success were so slim.

By Palmer L.Alexander III

For The St.Louis

American

With new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels now in the fold as primary play caller, maybe we’ll have a chance to see some of the things that made Gilyard such a threat in college.

As another hot weekend has come and gone and returned unmercifully, the St.Louis Rams got in a couple of good practices in front of a nice crowd in Earth City. Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo was very appreciative of the fans that showed up and braved the heat to support this 2011 St.Louis Rams team. And this team is quickly starting to take shape before our very eyes. There are going to be some fierce battles for playing time on both sides of the football. At the position of wideout, you have 12 players vying for a position on the opening day roster. One of those players, Mardy Gilyard, looks like he’s in terrific shape. With new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels now in the fold as primary play caller, maybe we’ll have a chance to see some of the things that made Gilyard such a threat in college. Other notables in the wideout department, rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, looked okay. It looks like they are still adjusting to NFLspeed. Danario Alexander looked good and took a lot of reps with first unit. The Rams also added wideout Mike SimsWalker, and that might mean no Mark Clayton anytime soon. His

Rams rookie Mardy Gilyard makes a catch on Monday during a workout in Earth City.Gilyard,who played college football for Cincinatti,could be a good match at wideout with new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. See RAMS, B4

Now the most distinguished professor of the humanities at Washington University, Early is still opening eyes with edgy insights about race and sports.

Early disagreed. The mistake, he said, was not preparing a back-up plan by getting a decent education while working towards a career in sports. That was a good but forgettable point, and I probably would have forgotten it, had Early not gone on to say, “What am I going to tell these guys? ‘Be me’? I’m not going to tell them to ‘be me.’” He went on to discuss candidly how long it had taken him to become a humanities professor, how uncertain his future was and how little he was paid. I have been listening to Gerald Early, closely and with admiration, ever since.

Now a highly successful author, scholar, academic and administrator – arguably the most distinguished professor of humanities at Washington University – Early is still opening eyes with unexpected, edgy insights about race and sports. This happens on every page of his new collection of essays, ALevel Playing Field: African-American Athletes and the Republic of Sports (Harvard University Press).

ALevel Playing Field is really two collections spliced together. The first half is a series of scholarly lectures Early gave at Harvard University, the second half a group of essays commissioned by less academic venues. He adds an introduction that presents the collection as a unified whole, though they read as stand-alone essays with overlapping subject matter. What really unifies them is Early’s piercing, unpredictable intelligence. As he did in a striking essay about Barack Obama he crafted for a volume of essays he edited last year for Daedalus

With Earl Austin Jr.

Rafael Furcal, new Cardinals shortstop

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

SLU announces open practice schedule

American staff

The Saint Louis University men’s basketball will be holding open practices in August as it prepares for its five-game exhibition trip in Canada. The open practices will be held at either Chaifetz Arena or Chaifetz Pavilion and are free to attend. Complimentary parking is available in the Fred Weber VIPLot, unless otherwise noted.

The Billikens’five-game tour in Canada begins on August 22 when they will face

EARLY

Continued from B3

the University of Windsor in Ontario. On August 23, the Billikens will play against the University of Western Ontario. SLU will then travel to Ottawa for three games against Carleton University from August 25-27. Here is the practice schedule:

Wednesday, Aug. 3: 1-4 p.m. (at Chaifetz Arena)

Saturday, Aug. 6: 9:30 a.m. to noon (Chaifetz Pavilion), parking available in Olive/Compton Garage.

was designed around its single essay on professional football.

This image presents Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh as a sort of twoheaded hydra, a striking visual counterpart to Early’s probing essay about the 2003 incident when Limbaugh lost his new job as ESPN football commen-

Sunday, Aug. 7: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Chaifetz Arena or Chaifetz Pavilion).

Wednesday, Aug. 10: Practice for season ticket holders (RSVPto billikenclub@slu.edu or 314977-8180, 314-977-8180)6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (reception and meet and greet with players and coaches, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., practice) at Chaifetz Arena.

Saturday, Aug. 13: Practice for Billiken Club members

tator after making a comment about McNabb and his race.

Limbaugh said McNabb was overrated because the liberal media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed – a statement that stirred no on-air rebuttals from his fellow panelists (two of them black), but sparked a controversy that soon had everyone apologizing and ESPN sending Limbaugh

(RSVPbillikenclub@slu.edu or 314-977-8180, 314-9778180). 9:30 a.m. to noon at Chaifetz Arena.

Sunday, Aug. 14: 4:30 to 7 p.m. (Chaifetz Arena)

Tuesday, Aug. 16: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Chaifetz Arena), Practice for faculty/staff and former players.

Wednesday, Aug. 17: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Chaifetz Arena), Practice for sponsors and donors of SLU Athletics

back home.

Like the classroom discussion I recall from 25 years ago, this was a forgettable incident that is made memorable by the fact that Gerald Early had something to say about it. Typical of his mature voice –and Early has evolved as a writer, growing more comfortable in a conversational tone, more in control of his erudition – he weighs the event from all sides, finding something surprising from every vantage point. He points out that the black co-hosts came under fire for not calling out Limbaugh on the spot, though Limbaugh had indicted the liberal white media, and so really the white commentators, if anyone, dropped the ball of rebuttal. Even Limbaugh comes off as a human being with a point of view that can be defended, at least in this case, though Early seems to disclose how he really feels about the matter, and the man, in a wicked closing line about the pundit’s dismissal: “Let the fat man swing.”

RAMS

Continued from B3

knee has yet to fully recover. The defense practiced with a lot of poise and comfort. With several veterans like James Hall, Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher already acclimated to the scheme, the Rams can creep up higher in overall defense. The Rams signed linebacker Zac Diles as a free

Lest anyone think they don’t need to read a book of essays that rehashes familiar incidents like that, trust me. Whether Early is writing about a recent racial flap, Jackie Robinson’s testimony about Communism before Congress

Early writes with the sublime confidence and raw candor of a man –very specifically, a black man – who has paid his dues.

or the myths of the black quarterback, he offers up a neglected or forgotten fact – and an insightful way of conceptualizing race, sports and how they intersect that will leave you rethinking things. This book stretches the mind of a sports fan the way a brilliant coach expands the game of an athlete. One example among hundreds: “High-performance athletics is perhaps the most the-

agent and agreed to terms with defensive tackle Justin Bannan (6’3”, 310 lbs.). The Rams are hoping to use his athleticism, especially against the run.

Rookie Robert Quinn missed practice over the weekend. He did sign his deal after he terminated his agent, but wasn’t able to practice. Also he has a little knee injury that occurred prior to the draft. He and the Rams feel that injury is not an issue and he’s excited about hitting the practice field

atrical and emotional form of ritualized honor that we have left in the world.” Afew complaints, to keep it real.

For a book written by a noted editor and published by a distinguished university press, it has a number of typos and infelicities. We are told Eagles coach Ray Rhodes was fired after “the 1998 game when the Eagles went 3 and 13” (make that “season”). We learn something else about “Eagles offensive Ted Marchibroda” (make that “offensive coordinator”). Early closes an essay on Curt Flood by observing that, thanks to his legal case, “the situation in baseball significantly changed for the better for the players” –a clunky line Early would mark as “awkward” in an undergraduate’s essay. As he would this line, which sounds translated badly from another language: “Flood’s case carried not any of this resonance.” Even good editors need good editors.

ASAP. The Rams also signed guard Harvey Dahl and traded guard John Greco to the Cleveland Browns.

Newly acquired free agents safety Quintin Mikell and cornerback Al Harris were on the sidelines for practice. That’s mainly because any veteran who signs or re-signs a deal cannot officially practice until the new collective bargaining agreement has been signed.

Kwamain Mitchell of the Saint Louis University Billikens

Stars win gold at Show Me Games

Congratulations to the Team St.Louis Stars fifth-grade boys basketball team on winning the gold medal at the ShowMe State Games in Columbia last weekend.The Stars defeated the MO Assault 34-26 in the championship game of the Competitive Division.The Stars finished the weekend with a 6-0 record.The team members are:(Front Row)Tai Griffin,Jalen Lewis,Denavanne Austin,Lavel Harris,Dillon Scott.(Back Row) Troy Griffin,coach,Kenneth Strawbridge,Jr.,Preston Buchanan,Dominic Mitchell,Kobe Smith,Brenden Gillmann,Josh Hagene.

Pinkel recruits homegrowns

Continued from B3

from one decade ago provided the STLwith one world championship, two Super Bowls and some of the most entertaining football that this league has ever seen.

In the middle of it all was Faulk, who was one of greatest combination running backs ever to play this game. His 12,279 yards rushing, 6,875 yards receiving and 136 touchdowns are a testament to his overall greatness. Toss in the fact that he was also one of the most knowledgable players in the game, and you have the complete package. He was a tough competitior who could also dazzle the masses with his exquisite moves on the field. Yes, waking on up on a Sunday morning anticipating what No. 28 was going to do at the Dome always made for a bright day in St. Louis.

Congratulations to Marshall Falk: Hall of Famer.

The University of Missouri football program received a verbal commitment from Ritenour High defensive tackle Edmund Ray. The 6’5” 290pound Ray is one of the toprated high school linemen in the state of Missouri. He chose Mizzou over Kansas, Kansas State, Illinois and Indiana. Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel has done a good job of getting some of the top in-state talent to stay home. He also got earlier commitments from linebackers Michael Scherer (MICDS), Donavin Newsom (Parkway North) and top-rated lineman Evan Boehm of Lee Summit West. The state of Missouri is loaded with top prospects in the Class of 2012 and Pinkel appears to be getting his share.

Youth make championship

Congratulations to the Baylor Youth Foundation 17U boys basketball team on their national runner-up finish at the

Amateur Athletic Union Silver Division National Championships in Orlando, FL. Baylor finished 7-1 in the tournament en route to advancing to the championship game, where they were defeated by the Prymetyme Youth Organization (Ill.). The finals were broadcast on ESPN3, so it was some more great exposure for our ballers from the STL. The team members are Nick Deloth (Lindbergh), Andrew Drone (Gallatin Co. Ill.), Demetrius Floyd (McCluer), Raheim Holloway (Jennings), Antonio Hopkins (Vashon), Darrell Johnson (Parkway North), Paul McRoberts (Soldan), Matt Qualley (Francis Howell), Joseph Reed (Home School), Pete Sanders (Soldan), Max Wegener (Eureka), Travon Williams (University City). Baylor’s head coach is Arnaud “Boobie” Jones.

Eagles win invitational

The St. Louis Eagles Basketball Club brought home two championships from the

Kansas City Prep Invitational last weekend in Shawnee Mission, KS. The Eagles defeated Team Nebraska 66-56 to win the 16U title. East St. Louis standout Deshawn Munson had several highlightreel dunks in the championship game. In the 15U championship game, the Eagles (White) team defeated the Eagles (Blue) team 75-58.

YWCAgrooms teen entrepreneurs

Hosts YW-Teens Emerging Entrepreneurs Institute summer program

Special to The American

YWCAMetro St. Louis offered high school-aged girls an introduction to business ownership this summer. The YW-Teens Emerging Entrepreneurs Institute took place July 11 - July 22, at the YWCAPhyllis Wheatley Heritage Center in Midtown St. Louis.

The academy is an intensive two-week program that teaches basic principles of starting and running a business, provides real-world business experience, and strengthens entrepreneurial skills.

“YW-Teens’focus is the development of girls and teens,” says Shalia Ford, YWCAyouth division director.

“By introducing business ownership concepts through entrepreneurship, they’ll actu-

ally receive many transferable skills that will increase their likelihood of future success in both their personal and work life.”

Ford said the institute was conducted in partnership with local entrepreneurs and business professionals. It also included attending a panel discussion on entrepreneurship conducted at the Washington University Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, making this an experience often not available to young people.

Students interacted with local entrepreneurs and learned how to develop and present an actual business plan. They became part of a network of fellow entrepreneurial students and business professionals from throughout the St. Louis region. At the conclusion of

the institute, each student or team of students made a formal presentation of their business plan to a panel of judges.

“We are hopeful that as a result of participating in our program, young women will become the next generation of emerging entrepreneurs in the St. Louis region,” Ford said.

The YWCAYW-Teens program helps girls, ages 1118, recognize and develop leadership skills, self-awareness, and promotes positive decision-making habits through a series of developmental initiatives that are conducted throughout the year.

For more information about YW-Teens, contact Ida Casey at 314-531-1115, ext. 279, icasey@ywcastlouis.org or visit www.ywcastlouis.org.

Financial Focus

By Andre Nelson, financial advisor

YWCA Metro St.Louis offered high school-aged girls an introduction to business ownership this summer with the YW-Teens Emerging Entrepreneurs Institute.

Baby showers and b-days

new docs at

Happy 95th Birthday, yes we said 95th, to Farrell Chatwell. A milestone not to be ignored, friends and family celebrated at an all-male gathering hosted by Jim Proctor on July 16 at his lovely home in the CWE. Farrell’s son in law Damion Trasada says the group enjoyed great food catered by Homestyle Catering St. Louis, good old-fashioned guy talk (sports, politics and the good old days) and great music .Well-wishers included; Jonathan Reed, Ronald Bohlen Jerome Williams Sr. Gary Watkins, Paul Randolph Floyd Lewis Joe Dorsey, Ronnie White, Melvin Sanders Lowell Christian Bernard Randolph Sr. and Charles Shaw St. Louis University School of Medicine held its annual impressive White Coat Ceremony on July 31, 2011. The ceremony for friends and family of the incoming medical school class of 2015 was held in the beautiful St. Francis Xavier College Church on St. Louis University’s Campus. According to SLU Medicine Associate Dean/Associate Professor of Multicultural Affairs Dr. Michael Railey, the incoming class is very enthusiastic and diverse. Nicely inscribed on the invitation to Family and Friends: The White Coat Ceremony creates a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine from the very start of medical training. Congratulations to Arielle V. Randolph, Mallory Hubbard, Kevin Smith, Tiffany Adams, Jonathan Buck and their 170 classmates! The special cloaking ceremony was conducted by the Dean and faculty of

The life and rhymes of a Tribe Called Quest

& Life:

Soul opener

Grammy-award winning singer John Legend set the tone for Sade’s first return to St. Louis in more than a decade. More than 8,000 music lovers were on hand as Legend and Sade served up a brilliant mix of R&B and soul that blended the old with the new.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

At a time when gangsta rap ruled the airwaves, thanks to Ice Cube, NWA and a syndicate of mostly West Coast rap groups, a network of New York rappers rose from the ashes of hip-hop’s roots and brought the fun back to the game. New York’s The Native Tongues (which included A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Jungle Brothers and Queen Latifah) offered a much-needed alternative to the gritty street sagas of their West Coast counterparts.

Their sound was a breath of fresh air with positive messages, funky dance music and even the all-but-extinct expression of genuine affection for women.

A Tribe Called Quest were without a doubt the most valuable players of Native Tongues and would go on to receive the bulk of the critical and commercial success, thanks to songs like “Check The Rhyme,” “Bonita Applebum,” “Can I Kick it” and other groundbreaking experimentation found on the group’s ive albums. By 1998 it was all over for

See TRIBE, C7

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

uses magic and a clown character to spread the joy of reading

By Chris

Take it from Hootz the

learning to read – and to enjoy reading – at an early age is no laughing matter.

“We have to motivate and encourage youth to read and to utilize local libraries starting in Kindergarten, in early childhood,” said Donald White, who has performed in St. Louis as Hootz the Clown for 15 years.

“It’s important to develop a love of reading from an early age, because it usually carries through to the later years.”

White does his Hootz the Clown act in public schools and libraries. In his Read a Book Program, he does a 30 minute comedy and magic presentation.

“It’s all geared toward getting their attention and stressing reading,” White said. “I did see the need to reach children and inluence them in a positive manner. I knew reading is a problem for a lot of kids.”

Reading was an important part of his own life and personal development, starting with his childhood collection of comic books, “everything they are making a movie out of now,” he said.

“My mom would tell me to go to bed, and I’d be under the covers trying to inish the story,” White said. “In school, my reading was always higher than grade level.”

White grew up in North St. Louis near MLK and Union, graduating from Sumner High School in 1973. He began to dream of a clown and magic act by watching children’s television, such as Captain Kangaroo and the locally produced Corkey’s Colorama and Captain Eleven’s Riverboat

He was a member of the live audience for the taping of one episode of Captain Eleven’s Riverboat. The studio was crowded and he was seated in the overlow area, but he did get to meet an actor who played some of the imaginary characters. That was when the entertainer bug bit him. Later, he met a mentor in magic, Harold D. Russell, a pioneering local African-American magician, now

King Of The St. Louis American

Clown:

Legendary poet Shirley LeFlore, director Lyah Beth LeFlore and producer Marsha Cann offer insight during rehearsal for ‘Rivers of Women,’ a stage adaptation of Shirley’s work that fuses music, dance, poetry and prose for an ode to the feminine spirit. Photo by Wiley Price

Vickie Newton, Dannielle WelchBenson and Shameem ClarkHubbard at Dannielle’s baby shower at Maggiano’s Little Italy.

Beats, Rhymes

The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest opens at The Tivoli tomorrow (Aug. 5) with special guest Phife Dawg.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR

2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Thurs., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., BudweiserSuperfest presents Jill Scott’s SummerBlock Party hosted by Doug E. Fresh and featuring Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For more information, visit www.livenation.com.

Fri., Aug. 5, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Notes from Home Concert Series presents the Grammy Nominated “Super Dynamic Duo” Don and Alicia Cunningham, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Sat., Aug. 20, The Heart of a Champion, this live concert will raise money to benefit local students through the Vatterott College Scholarship Fund and will include performances from National Recording Artists Nelly and Monica. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. To purchase individual tickets and/or to learn more about package opportunities please visit: www.vatterott.edu/nelly.asp

Sun., Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Hot 104.1 presents SuperJam 5 with the return of the I Am Still Music Tourwith Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, FarEast Movement and Lloyd, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Tickets available at livenation.com, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the Verizon Wireless box office.

Sat., Sept. 17, (Tickets on sale Mon., Jun. 6 at 10 a.m.), Yo Gabba Gabba, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com

local gigs

Happy Hourfeaturing Cheryl Brown, Tony Simmons, & Amos Brewer, The Loft, 3112 Olive. Free Food, No Cover Charge, Mature Atmosphere Only.

Aug. 14, 2 p.m., Pand R Events presents Soulful Second Sunday, The Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis, MO 63106.

Aug. 28, A-List Band SummerNights Concert Series featuring Live Music R&B, Motown, and Jazz, Quintessential Dining & Nightlife, 149 N. Main St., St. Charles MO 63301.

special events

Fri., Aug. 5, 6 p.m., Howard Alumni Wind and Jazz Soiree, Proceeds benefit the Frankie M. Freeman and Wayman F. Smith Scholarship Fund. Featuring live jazz by Lamar Harris Live and Silent Auction Open Wine and Beverage Bar. The Eleven, 360 N. Boyle. For event information call (630) 697-9641 or email stlhualumni@yahoo.com

Fri., Aug. 5, 8 p.m., Platinum Group, Inc., 13 Black Katz and Kappa Alpha Psi present “Ala White Penthouse,” with a live band and a DJ, Renaissance St. Louis Airport, 9801 Natural Bridge.

Aug. 5 – Aug. 7, 5 Star Events presents the 3rd Annual Rock Da Boat Weekend in Lake Ozarks, MO. Pajama Party, BBQ, Yacht Party, Live performance by Pieces of a Family “featuring Marvin Hitman Rice”, Pool party. For more info contact Tiffany Anderson at 314322-5094 or go to www.rockdaboat.eventbrite.co m.

CALENDAR

Aug.21,Hot 104.1 presents Super Jam 5 with the return of the I Am Still Music Tour with Lil Wayne (above),Rick Ross,Keri Hilson,Far East Movement and Lloyd.See CONCERTS for details

Sat., Aug. 6, 12 noon, Hempstead Alumni’s 2nd annual picnic in Hempstead school yard located at Minerva and Hamilton. Let’s enjoy each other like before, please bring coolers, tents, and games. Also, please bring school supplies for donation (greatly appreciated). For information call Michael Butler 306-5722, or send email to Hempsteadalumni@sbcglobal.net

Through Aug. 12, Best Dance & Talent CenterDance & Activity Camp, (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.- Fri.) Best Dance and Talent Center, 105 Northwest Plaza. For more information, call (314) 739BEST(2378).

Sat., Aug. 13, 6 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Eta Chapter presents 30th Annual Midwest Marchdown Scholarship Step Show 2011, Saturday, August 13, 2011, The Pageant In The Loop, 6161 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO. For more information, call (314) 565-2260

Sat., Aug. 13, 8 p.m., , “Immortal Passion! AFiery Concert of African Dance, Music, & Legendary Tales of Women from Africa, America, India &Japan!” Produced by Malena Amusa & AddLife! Studio, this enchanti-

ng concert of super dancers, songsters, and musical magicians aims to awaken every powerful and creative bone in your body! At Legacy Books & Cafe, 5249 Delmar Blvd. $15/ at the door. For more info, visit www.addlifestudio.com or call (314) 458- 4282.

Sun., Aug. 14, 10 a.m., Better Family Life’s Peacefest, (12 noon, St. Louis Metro Car Show and Display, 2 p.m. Peacefest Concert, 5 p.m. Who’s Who in Black St. Louis Celebrity Softball Classic), St. Vincent Park, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, 63133.

Sun., Aug. 14, 2 p.m., Craig Blac’s 10 Annual Community Cuts ForKids will be held at the following locations:Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, 2901 N Grand Blvd, St Louis; The Monsanto YMCA, 5555 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112;-The Mary Brown Center, 606 South 15th Street, East St Louis, Il 62207 (10a-6p at this Location). Barbers and stylists interested in volunteering can visit www.craigblac.com or e-mail craigblac@gmail.com.

Sun., Aug. 14, 4 p.m., Alpha Omega Theta Christian Fraternity, Inc. Inaugural Annual Community Outreach Day, Heman Park in

Pavilion N/O at the intersection of Midland Avenue and Shaftesbury. During this event, they will provide music, food, and refreshments as we offer prayer and words of encouragement to people from the community. For more info please contact Keven Webb II at (314) 323-4531.

Sun., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors), J.R.L.W. presents ASpecial All-Star Explosion Body Blast 2011, Club Illusion, 526 E. Broadway, East St. Louis, IL. Call (314) 868-9564.

Tues., Aug. 23, 7 p.m., The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, the Midwest’s premier a cappella choir, is seeking experienced singers. While auditions are being scheduled for all voice parts, the ChamberChorus is especially seeking basses. Openings are available for the ChamberChorus’s 20112012 Tributes season: Oct 2, Nov 20, Dec 18, Feb 19, Apr 22 and May 27. Holy Communion Episcopal Church in University City. For more information and to schedule an audition, call 636-458-4343 or visit the Saint Louis ChamberChorus website at www.chamberchorus.org

Sat. August 27, 7a.m. - 7p.m., Neighborhood Flea Market, Saint Louis ConnectCare. Proceeds benefit uninsured/underinsured patients at Saint Louis ConnectCare. Space will be available to residents on the northeast parking lot at Delmar & Belt. Call Judi at (314)8796494 for details.

Sat., Sept. 3, 9 a.m., AAA Education is the Key to You Success PrayerBreakfast and Awards Program, All Faith Banquet Hall, 4301 State Street East St. Louis, IL 62205. $500 Scholarships awarded to two 2011 from East St. Louis Senior High,School Dist. #189. Special Awards will be presented to two Outstanding Citizens of East St. Louis, IL. Deadline for nominations August 20, 2011 ( limit 1 page and to East St. Louis Citizens only). For more information, call 314243-3188 or 618-271-2190.

Thurs., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Episcopal City Mission Gala Fundraiser“Moment in Time,” Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clayton, MO. For more information, call (314) 436-3545.

Wednesdays through August, 5 p.m., The Downtown CID is introducing a NEW Downtown-wide Happy Hour, Wednesday Night Out,

The Happy Hour will be from 5-7 pm and over 20 participating Downtown bars and restaurants will offer $4 signature cocktails, $3 wines, $2 beers and half-priced appetizers. To see if your favorite restaurant/bar is participating, visitwww.downtownstl.org/we dnesdaynightout.

comedy

Sat., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m., Urban Vibe Entertainment presents THE COMEDY EXPLOSION featuring Earthquake, Adele Givens, Nephew Tommy, J. Anthony Brown, Tony Rock. The Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Fox Concerts presents Chris Tucker, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

literary

Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books presents a signing and discussion featuring Preston Lauterbach and his book The Chitlin’Circuit and the Road to Rock and Roll, Left Bank Books – CWE, 399 N. Euclid Ave. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com. Thurs., Aug. 11, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Subterranean Books are pleased to present award-winning St. Louis suspense writer Scott Phillips for a discussion and signing of “The Adjustment.”

www.aspoonfulohoney.com.

SIUE’s SummerShowbiz

2011 season closer, Meredith

Willson’s all-time American musical classic, The Music Man. The Fine Arts Box Office phone number is 618-6502774. Tickets are on sale now!

The Fine Arts Box Office at SIUE is located in the Dunham Hall Building, room 1042B, justeast of parking lot E. Check us out at www.siue.edu/summerarts.

Through Aug. 6, Hawthorne Players will present the musical “Annie,” The Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Road and Waterford Drive. For more information, call (314) 9215678 or visit www.hawthorneplayers.com.

Aug. 6, 10 a.m., Families region-wide will get to check out the offerings of the newly reconstructed Delta Dental Health Theatre and gain access to a free, medieval-themed outdoor festival on the grassy lot just down from the theatre at the corner of First and Lucas streets. Delta Dental Health Theatre, 727 North First Street. For a complete list of planned activities for this rain or shine event, visit www.ddhtstl.org.

Mon., Aug. 29, 7 p.m., Hawthorne Players auditions forHerb Gardner’s Tony Award winning play “I’m Not Rappaport,” Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Road and Waterford Drive 63033. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Parts for five men and two women, including an 80year-old African-American superintendent of an apartment building. For more information visit: www.hawthorneplayers.com or e-mail: hawthorneplayers@att.net

arts

August 5 – September4, The Gallery at The Regional Arts Commission presents Critical Mass Creative Stimulus 2011

featuring the art of Emily Hemeyer, Sarah Paulsen, Alex Petrowsky & Lyndsey

Scott Curated by Sarah Colby, Opening Reception: Friday,August 5: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Gallery Talk Thursday, August 186 p.m. (reception 5:30 p.m.) The Gallery at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd.

Through August 14, Cryptic: The Use of Allegory inContemporary Art with a Master Class from Goya.This exhibition will feature the work of six contemporary artists – Folkert de Jong, Hiraki Sawa, Allison Schulnik, Dana Schutz, Javier Tellez, and Erika Wanenmacher –paired with works by Spanish master Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis,3750 Washington Boulevard. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Through Aug. 21, Jacoby Arts Center7th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, Opening Reception, Friday, July 15, 5 –8 pm, The Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.jacobyartscenter.org

Through August 28, PPRC

Photography Project: BarnesJewish Hospital Center for Diversity & Cultural Competence, an exhibit at two locations. LOCATION 1: Through Aug. 28 at PPRC

Photography Project Gallery, 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63121.

lectures

Sun., Aug. 14, 3:00PM Gitana Productions presents Conversations from World St.Louis featuring Dan Rugomba. Born and raised in the Congo, Dan tells a powerful story of his escape from certain death and journey to St. Louis. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For reservations call 314-7216556 or visit www.gitana-

The

inc.org.

Through Aug. 18, Along with the National Black MBA Association-St. Louis Chapterand Marks & Associates, ITEnterprises at the University of MissouriSt. Louis will sponsorthe Entrepreneurial Boot Camp The boot camp is a comprehensive three-part program designed to help participants understand the market for starting a business, determine the type of business that best suits them and how to navigate a path to ensure success. Industry experts will facilitate the workshops. Email stlblackmba@charter.net to RSVPor for more information

health

Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. The Metropolitan Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will sponsor its 5th Annual Community Health Fair “Living Healthy Today For A Better Tomorrow,” Monsanto YMCA, 5555 Page Blvd. Free

patients up to speed on how to best manage their diabetes when they go out on the town. Sweet Tomatoes 9846 Watson Rd. Call (314) 338-3460 or email stldiabetes@gmail.com

Sat. Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m., St. Louis Free to Breathe 5K Walk benefitting the National Lung Cancer Partnership in Creve Coeur Park - Tremayne Shelter,2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. in Maryland Heights, Mo. Registration is $20 -adults & $10 -kids, until Aug. 15. More info at ww.FreeToBreathe.org.

Sat. Aug. 20, 9 a.m. - 9th

Annual 100 Black Men Prostate CancerSurvivors &Awareness Walk, Kiener Plaza, downtown St. Louis. Warmup is 7:30-8:00. For more information, call 314367-7778 or visit http://100blackmenstl.org.

health screenings, school supplies, food, etc. Call 563-9403848 or 314-368-4670.

Sat. Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 4p.m.Kingdom of Healthy Smiles Family Fun Day celebrating the grand re-opening of Delta Dental Health Theatre. Families are invited to check out the renovated theatre and go to the grassy lot at the corner of First and Lucas Streets for a special medieval-themed outdoor festival. Canned food donations will be accepted on this date for Operation Food Search. For more information, call 314-241-7391 or visit www.ddhtstl.org.

Sat., Aug. 13, 9 a.m., The Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Annual Health Fair, Olivet M.B. Church, 12200 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033. Call (314) 837-8418.

Aug. 18, Dining Out With Diabetes, The Saint Louis Diabetes Coalition as part of its Kick Diabetes Program is hosting a dining out educational event to keep diabetes

Sat., Aug. 20 – Sun., Aug. 21, The Missouri Black Expo 2011 ‘A20 YearCelebration of Hope! MBE Health Fair’ featuring Yolanda Adam’s Health Camp, America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.

Wed., Aug. 24, 1:30 p.m., Fourth Wednesday Lecture Series presents Programs Offered At NAMI St. Louis by Joyce A. Johnston, Directorof Programs, Place: Grace Hill Murphy O’Fallon Clinic, 1717 Biddle.Call (314) 962-4670.

Tues. Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – St. Louis Regional Health Commission 10th Anniversary Summit, The Chase Park Plaza HotelKhorassan Room. 12 Noon key note address and lunch. Free registration at http://stlouis-regional-healthcommi.ettend.com or call 314446-6454x1101.

Tues. Sept. 13, 2nd Annual Health Missouri Health Literacy Summit, “Health Literacy Tools forBuilding a Patient-Centered Health Home, Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia, Mo. Keynote speaker is Dr. Howard K. Koh, 14th

assistant secretary for Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Registration $150 ($175 after August 15). For more information, go to http://www.healthliteracymissouri.org.

Fri., Aug. 5, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Believers Temple Word Fellowship presents It’s the All in the Family SummerConcert Featuring the Bethany and Black Brothers, 2115 Chambers Rd. Tickets available at Family Christian Bookstore, Transformation Bookstore and Believers Temple. For more information, please call 314 388-0801.

Aug. 6, 10 a.m., United Methodist Church presents a Back To School Party with Safety Town, 801 First Capitol Drive. For more information, visit www.fumcstcharles.org

Sat., Aug. 13, 7 a.m., Lay Ministry of Coleman-Wright C.M.E. Church Tailgate Sale, Coleman-Wright C.M.E. Church, 9777 Halls Ferry Road. For more information, call (314) 315-2803. Sun., Aug. 14, 9 a.m. Celebrating ourLegacy, Embracing ourDiversity Women’s Day Service, St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave. For more information, call (314) 385-8900. Aug. 6 – Aug. 20, 7 p.m., New Horizon Church presents an Old Fashion Tent Revival, 206 Emerling Dr., 63121. For more information, call 314.524.1244.

Aug. 5, Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of ATribe Called Quest opens at the Landmark Tivoli Theater with a special red carpet event (6350 Delmar) and after party at Sol (4239 Lindell, begins at 9 p.m.) will be hosted by Phife Dawg.

Sheldon Notes from Home Concert Series presents the Grammy Nominated “Super Dynamic Duo”Don and Alicia Cunningham. For more information,see CONCERTS.

My YES experience

My favorite YES experiences in the summer time was when the kids came to the Science Center and learned interesting things about science. I loved working with young kids and teens my age because I learned things while teaching them and it was a good experience that I would like to keep doing. The kids were so happy and excited when the pop rocks went off, and they wanted to learn more and do more fun things we taught. They were smiling and saying, “Do it again!” They would even be jumping up and down and asking “How did that happen? That’s a moment that I will never forget.

getting smart because I told her she had to participate. She got mad and rolled her eyes at me but I had learned to be the bigger person and kept doing what I was doing.

My patience with the kids was cool because I had to learn how to control my self and not let the kids get to me, because it’s my job and I would be stepping out of my place. A lot of kids tested me like this one little girl I remember who came to me and was

Latrina Vance

To prepare for our activities before the kids came we practiced the games and activities with each other to see if it was really going to work. Also we’d write on the board what each of us was going to do and how its going to go so we wouldn’t mess up and be confused when the kids came. Also we had to come up with the questions and answers so when we did the experiences we could ask them what they thought about the activity- how it went and whether they would like to do it again.

Overall my experiences in the YES program were good and I enjoy working there and with kids, and being a YES teen.

POTPOURRI

Continued from C1

the medical school. Arielle was excited to have Grandfather and Father Drs. Bernard C Randolph Sr. and Jr. present her white coat. Mother Andrea Haynes and sisters Naima and Camille Randolph were there to share the proud moment along with Mema Billie Jean Randolph, Uncle Paul and cousin Dana Grace Randolph Other notable well-wishers included Ron, Linda, George and Gared Roby, Randall, Randi and Loren Cahill and Jeanine Young Mallory, a member of St. Louis’ politico Hubbard family and a long line of respected East St. Louis’ ministers, has always felt destined for success. She hopes to open a clinic in Abuja, Nigeria in the future. Jonathan was pleased to have Dad Dr. Stanley Buck present his coat. Stanley and Victoria Buck have had a busy summer.

Daughter Jennifer Buck is off to Atlanta as a freshman at Spelman College while daughter Christina Buck has landed in Florida as a irst year FAMU

LEFLORE

Continued from C1

tion offers her words, wit and wisdom.

“I’m watching like an audience, not like a writer,” LeFlore said. “I’m really enjoying it.”

Platinum R&B artist Monifah will star, alongside Leah Stewart, Nicole Thomas and Kelley Jenkins. Rivers of Women also will mark the directorial debut of best-selling author Lyah Beth LeFlore.

“They have free reign,” Shirley said. “I trust Lyah, and I trust Marsha.”

Director Lyah is her daughter, and producer Marsha Cann is a surrogate daughter of sorts.

The two met when Marsha was a student at Washington University and a member of the founding company that would evolve into the Black Rep.

Once a regular student of Shirley’s poetry workshops and theatrical offerings, Cann – now a seasoned performer/director/ producer – is paying forward the lessons she learned from Shirley to a new cast of artists.

At rehearsal on Thursday at

Law School student. Baby Blake Benson is on his way….. due in September 2011 to Dannielle WelchBenson, Brian Benson and big brother Bryce Benson. One of Dannie’s BFFs Crystal IsomAdu (Durham, NC) lew to St. Louis to shower the Mother2-Be on July 23 at Maggiano’s Little Italy. Crystal served as hostess to approximately 50 guests including family and close friends. You know the food was delicious. The table centerpieces and room decorations provided by June Tiller in baby bluebell blue were gorgeous. BFF Shonda Smith (Kansas City) served as Mistress of Baby Shower Games and you know how we all love those games, they were actually fun. In addition to Maggiano’s fare guests enjoyed monogrammed take away cupcakes and each received two beautiful blue martini glasses as shower gifts. Grandmother to be Celestia Welch was beaming! A few of the guests enjoying the festivities included Shameem Clark Hubbard, Honorable Darlene Green Trish Lawal Pat Clark, Natalie Earl, Loretta Green, one of our favorite an-

the Nu-Art Gallery, Cann and Lyah offered notes to the small ensemble of characters charged with portraying several generations of women.

Scenes span from beauty shops to prayer circles. Adjectives from “godly” to “gossipy” to downright “devilish” describe the women of Shirley’s world. They make for relatable experiences with our girlfriends and female “frenemies” that have crossed all of our paths at some point in life.

“We know how to boogie with the boogieman, we know how to stomp with the devil and sing with Angels without a cracked note,” the cast recited in one particular scene, while another highlights the power of a woman’s prayer.

“So many women lived inside of all of us, and I think that’s what’s so exciting about being a woman,” Shirley said.

“I think that’s also so tragic, because most women don’t know how many women live inside them so they can’t handle themselves.”

Through Rivers of Women Shirley hopes to offer women a dose of embracing their many facets.

Alexis Welch Stoudemire and April Welch, both of Phoenix, AZ. Literary news from Gail and Wendell Allmon. Daughter Wendi’s hubby Arem Duplessis (Design Director for the New York Times Magazine published with the Sunday New York Times) recently contributed an assessment piece for Ebony magazine’s July 2011 issue titled “Rebuilding Detroit.” Arem’s contribution can be found on page 105 of that issue. We are also glad to hear that Ebony and Jet Magazines are no longer facing bankruptcy. J.P. Morgan’s special investments group has invested millions in Johnson Publications. Founded by the late John H. Johnson in 1942, the funds will help both publications implement an aggressive turnaround plan that will allow them to increase ad revenue, circulation and beef up marketing efforts. Retweet/Update……Carrousels celebrate in Toronto June 23 – June 26, 2011. The Charlotte Chapter hosted. Native St. Louisans Vivian Lyons Williams and Debbie Mann Gibbs are members of the Charlotte chapter. St. Louis chapter members celebrating at the Carrousels annual conclave in Toronto were; Sandra and Nat Murdock, Staci G. Clayborne, chapter president Andrea Johnson- Lee , Ruth and Floyd Lewis, Peggy and James Proctor and Frances and Charles Gooden. Potpourri correspondents Gwen Key and Sandra Murdock said the group enjoyed a weekend of exciting activities.

Blessings!

“I take into account the psychology of these women,” Shirley said. “So many of our women, especially in earlier days, there was no place to get help – except for around the kitchen table. That was your support group.” More than anything, Shirley wants women to be uplifted when they see their many selves on stage next week.

“I look at the power women have. We give birth to the world. We give birth to women who give birth to men – who ind women to give birth to their offspring,” Shirley said. “And I do think that looking at women universally, but especially African-American women, that she has been the channel of creation. She has also been the channel of love, even though she didn’t know it. And we are the vibration of peace.” Rivers of Women will take place Aug. 12 – Aug. 13 at the Missouri History Museum and takes place in conjunction with the American I Am: The African American Imprint. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Three generations at SLU: Dr. Bernard Randolph Jr., Arielle V. Randolph, Dr. Bernard Randolph Sr., with Dr. Michael Railey in the back.

chors KMOV’s Vickie Newton, Ashley Kelly Lisa Brown (Kansas City) sisters

By Melanie Adams

African- American identity for summer camp

The History Museum’s Corner Pocket Program

When I was not visiting family in Georgia, I spent my summers at camp. In the late 1970s summer camp was all about the great outdoors. We slept in tents, learned how to identify poison ivy (usually too late), and ate food cooked over an open ire. In other words, I learned a lot of skills that haven’t really come in handy since (except the poison ivy). Regardless of what I learned during those summers, I loved my camp experience. Camp allowed me learn how to be independent and meet kids from other parts of New Jersey. Because of my positive camp experiences I always thought it was important to make sure students had an opportunity to attend some type of summer camp. For the irst time this summer, the History Museum offered a camp type program to a group of students. I say “camp like” program because the program was very different than my own camp experience.

The students participated in the Corner Pocket program. This week long series was run by professionals from Urban Artists Alliance for Child Development who work in the areas of writing, documentary ilm making, and even podcasting. The students used the museum’s exhibit, “America I Am: The African American Imprint” as their inspiration to explore their personal identities as African Americans.With their permission, below are their impressions of the America I Am exhibit. During the walk through of the exhibit I felt very informed because I learned about different historical events I was never taught in school. During the beginning of the exhibit I felt sad. Closer to the end of the exhibit I felt thankful because if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be where we are today.

My thoughts and feelings about the 1st half of the exhibit are kind of ironic because America was labeled the “land of the free” yet slaves were not free. As we moved through the second half of the exhibit, it displayed the modern day civil rights movements with MLK, Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. These people inspired me to stand up for what’s right.

What I experienced was the feeling of how are people or African slaves had to like and ight for what was right and as I went in there I felt like all the faces were telling a story on their own

TALENT

This Week in Black History

August 6

1870 – In one of the most brazenly racist incidents of the post-Civil War period, white conservatives and racists employed assassinations and widespread violence to suppress the Black vote and take control of the Tennessee legislative from a coalition of Blacks and progressive whites. The violence and the election effectively ended Reconstruction in the state.

1962 – The predominantly Black Caribbean island of Jamaica proclaims its independence from Britain.

Davis was charged with providing the guns for the bloody escape attempt but she would later be found not guilty.

August 8

and that is what made me enjoy the fact that they all made it easier for our generation to live by passing and making laws or by standing up for what’s right. I mean they had no option but to be taken away from their homes, their former lives and they were forced on a boat piled on top of each other.

When I irst walked into the exhibit, a part of me wanted to go back in time but as a different person. I would have liked to be able to be there for the hard times during slavery all the way till the end. But at the same time I’m glad I wasn’t there because I probably wouldn’t be here now. As I walked through the exhibit, everything seemed to slowly turn around. I started to see more good than bad. I saw things that contributed to African Americans getting education and getting some kind of good in their lives.

To culminate their week long experience, the students will be sponsoring a Back to School Summit at the museum on Wednesday, August 10th at 6pm. This engaging program features performances from students from the Corner Pocket program as well as the museum’s own Teens Make History. There will also be performance slots available for teens to sign up that evening.

The students in the Corner Pocket summer camp program learned skills that will help them as they continue to navigate towards adulthood. In a few years when they look back on their experience, I hope they will have fond memories of the time they spent at the Missouri History museum and the things they learned.

Back to School Teen Summit

Wednesday, August 10th at 6pm FREE

had not progressed at all. At least I was doing something positive.”

In the History Museum’s Corner Pocket program, students used the museum’s exhibit, “America I Am: The African American Imprint,” as their inspiration to explore their personal identities as African Americans. deceased.

“We were very good friends. He instructed me in a lot of magic. He steered me toward the Society of American Magicians, and I became member,” White said.

In terms of being a black clown, however, he has pretty much had to go it alone. His community has not always been completely understanding or accepting.

“I’ve had neighbors laugh at me when I left house. I’d go speak to them and they’d be laughing. They thought I looked ridiculous, what have you,” White said.

“Then, I’d go do a party and come home, and they’d still be sitting out front. They really

Even out in the clown community, around other working clowns, White mostly goes it alone as a black man.

“It’s a scarce thing, not normally seen,” he said of black clowns. He did come across one other black man who does a clown character at a convention in Detroit. There was not a tremendous amount of exchange between the two men.

“He was just doing parties, no educational value,” White said.

African Americans, of course, have had to overcome the American minstrel tradition, where white men put on black face and performed racist parodies of black men. Perhaps a black man in white face conjures up memories of the minstrel stage?

“This generation doesn’t even know about minstrelsy,” White said.

“I use a clown-like character, but I’m not a minstrel. I’m promoting something positive, which is reading. And educators have overwhelmingly agreed my program has a positive impact.”

In addition to his live performances, White has published a book, Hootz the Clown Visits the Library, which is available in local libraries, and released a Hootz the Clown CD, I Like to Sing

He does have one remaining ambition, however, that dates back to his childhood spent watching television in North City. He said, “I’d love to see Hootz the Clown in a local TV children’s show.”

For Hootz the Clown bookings, call 314-550-4162 or email Bae31399@aol.com.

August 7

1970 – Four people, including the presiding judge, are killed during a courthouse shootout in Marin County, California. A group of Blacks led by 17-year-old Jonathan Jackson stage an assault on the courthouse in a bid to free Jackson’s brother – famed Soledad Brother and militant activist George Jackson. Jonathan was among those who died. Professor and communist Angela

TRIBE

Continued from C1

Q-Tip, Phife Dawg and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Thanks to creative differences and inighting, a group of high school friends who had inluenced a generation had become a casualty of the music industry.

“It felt like my parents were getting divorced again,” actor/ director Michael Rappaport told audiences of The Tribeca Film Festival just before the ilm premiered at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. “I really wanted to go back and ind out what the story was.”

In his directorial debut, the acclaimed actor bought their story to the big screen with Beats, Rhymes & Life:

1865 – Explorer Matthew Henson is born in Baltimore, Maryland. Henson would become the irst person to reach the North Pole on April 6, 1909. However, it was his boss Robert E. Perry who would receive widespread public recognition and a presidential citation for the honor. But in later years, records would show that Henson actually beat Perry to the top of the world. Henson would comment that when Perry discovered that he had beat him to the North Pole, he became “hopping mad.” Years would pass before Henson would gain some recognition for his accomplishment. Nevertheless, to this day, most history books still continue to give the honor to Perry.

August 9

1936 – Sprinting sensation

The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest. The ilm kicks off at the bitter end and backtracks for 25 years of making music. Q-Tip vs. Quest would have probably been a more appropriate title.

“He’s a [expletive] nut,” Jive Records executive Barry Weiss said of Q-Tip in the ilm.

Rappaport illustrates the group’s inluence through interviews with a host of artists, such as Mary J. Blige, Mos Def, Beastie Boys, Pharrell Williams, ?uestlove, Wu-Tang Clan, Ludacris and Common.

“A Tribe Called Quest was to hip-hop what The Beatles or the Rolling Stones were to rock & roll,” Rappaport said of his subjects. Rappaport opted to cover more life than beats or rhymes. Audiences get insight on the intimate details of fourth member Jarobi White’s

Jesse Owens wins a total of four gold medals at the Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Born in Lawrence County, Alabama Owens gained international fame for his victories in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, the long jump and the 4x100 meter relay. His victories undermined Adolph Hitler’s claims of white, especially German, superiority over all other peoples.

August 10

1867 – Famed Black Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge dies in Poland. Aldridge was born in New York where he developed a love for the theatre. But prejudice in America forced him to go to England to practice his craft. Despite running into racism there as well, he was able to ind work. He came in for harsh criticism when paired with white female actresses. But after performing Shakespeare’s Othello, he was proclaimed “an actor of genius” by several newspapers. [Note: There is some authority that claims Aldridge actually died on August 7th

personal decision to leave the group early on, Phife Dawg’s life-threatening battle with diabetes and Ali’s turmoil with being caught in the middle between Phife and Tip as the group reunites for 2008’s “Rock The Bells” tour. Money woes, health issues and the complications of the industry offer a reality check to those who believe (thanks to current rap stars) that it’s all bottle-popping’ and big money. But, somehow, the music falls by the wayside.

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest opens at the Tivoli tomorrow (Aug. 5) at 7:30 p.m.(6:30 p.m. red carpet event) with special guest Phife Dawg. He will also host a special premiere after party at The Old Rock House (1200 S. 7th St). Doors for the party open at 9 p.m.

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Cynthia and Otis Gillon

Cynthia and Otis Gillon will celebrate eight years of loving marital bliss on Aug. 6, 2011. Shortly after their marriage, Cynthia and Otis adopted a group of four siblings—Tierra (12), Shanice (10), Angelo (9) and Mia (8). God is amazing in their lives!

Beaumont High School Class of 1976 will have its 35-year reunionAugust 19-21, 2011. Fri. Aug. 19: meet & greet hospitality suite St. Louis AirportRenaissance Hotel, Sat. Aug. 20: a DinnerDance St. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel Penthouse & Sunday August 21st worship & picnic. For more detailed information pleaseemail

Honored Miss Missouri Pre-Teen

Madison Shead, 13, daughter of Bruce and Deirdre Shead of Kirkwood, won the state title of 2011 National American Miss Missouri PreTeen during a pageant held in Columbia, MO. She was awarded a cash prizeand a paid trip to the National Pageant being held in Los Angeles, CAduring the Thanksgiving Holiday, where she will represent Missouri.

bhs1976@swbell.net or visit our website at http://desyco.tripod.com

Harris-Stowe State University is calling on the classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011, with the class of 1961 being the “Golden Class,” for its 50-year reunion at the annual Gold Gala in October.If you or anyone you know is a member of any of these graduating classes and would like to participate, please contact the HarrisStowe Office of Alumni Affairs at (314) 340-3390 or alumni@hssu.edu

Northwest Class of 1981 30year reunion; Oct. 7th - 9th, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel at Westport, 1973 Craigshire,

Honored Super student

Samuel Bluiett, Jr. is a 7th grader in the Hazelwood School District. He has been recognized by the United States Achievement Academy as a student of excellence in Honor Roll, Citizenship and Perfect Attendance. Samuel also received the President’s Education Award in recognition of Outstanding Academic Excellence.

Birthdays!

Nazaree Glasco — August 1

Cynthia A. Holmes — August 2

Monica M. Norton — August 5

St. Louis, MO 63146. $75 per person, $140 couples. Meet and Greet 6-10 pm, Friday the 7th (at Doubletree); Dinner Dance; 6-12 pm Saturday the 8th (at Doubletree); Church to be announced Sunday the 9th Contact Donna McRae 314369-2748, Karen Neal 314477-5435, Danette Sanders 314-805-7271 & Sharon Watson-Scott 314-484-7067 for more details.

Soldan High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 50 year Golden Anniversary High School Reunion, September 9, 10, 11, 2011. Events: Fri., Sept. 9—meet and greet; Sat., Sept. 10–Picnic and evening Dinner/Dance and Sunday morning breakfast. The picnic will be held at Irv Zeid Park in Olivette; all other events will be at the Embassy Suites St.

Dorothy Hughes and Nathaniel Heavens were married on Sat., July 25, 2011 at Lively Stone Church of God by their pastor, Bishop Alphonso Scott. We love you and congratulate you, Deacon and Sister Heavens. To God be the glory! Wedding Just married

Louis-Airport Hotel, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., St. Louis, MO 63044. Please contact Ronald E. Jackson 314-992-0533 or email Lynn Steele – steelelynn@aol.com

Soldan is having it’s 7th AllClass Alumni Picnic on August 13, 2011 at Blachette Park in St. Charles, MO, from 10 am-6 pm.Open to all alumni of Soldan High School and guests.Their will be food, prizes, giveaways, live entertainment, music and dance.$10 Adults, $5, children 4-12 years of age, 3 yrs & under free. T-Shirts with the year on the sleeve are $13. For information call: (314) 869-8283, or (314) 524-4060. The deadline isAugust 30, 2011.

SumnerHigh School Class of

1987 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 25-year reunion. We are in the process of planning. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Please emailyour information to:sumnerco1987@gmail.com

Vashon High School classes of 1961 are finalizing their 50 year reunion activities to be held Aug. 19-21, 2011. For more information on fees and location, contact first Ella M. Jones at 314-355-4094, Constance S. Strawbridge at 314-724-6954 or John LaGrone at 314-382-1529.

Washington School Reunion August 4th to 7th 2011 at the Devine Holiness Church in Carthersville, MO for more details please call(314) 3554798.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

RELIGION

Massacre of Muslims could happen here

Extremists in the U.S. also have targeted multiculturalism

EugeneRobinson Washington Post

The monster who slaughtered at least 76 innocent victims in Norway was animated by the same blend of paranoia, xenophobia and alienation that fuels anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States. Yes, it could happen here.

One could argue that it already did, in Oklahoma City. The difference is that Timothy McVeigh’s apocalyptic anger was diffuse and non-speciic. Anders Behring Breivik – who has acknowledged detonating a powerful fertilizer bomb in central Oslo and then killing scores of teenagers and young adults on a nearby resort island – was focused like a laser beam on what he saw as the “threat” posed by Islam.

The judge who presided over Breivik’s arraignment Monday said the accused mass murderer “believes that he needed to carry out these acts to save Norway (from) cultural Marxism and Muslim domination.”

In a 1,500-page screed setting out his philosophy, Breivik referred favorably to the work of several well-known anti-Muslim polemicists in the United States – zealots who usually boast of their inluence but now, for some reason, seek to deny it.

Breivik quoted Robert Spencer, a writer who runs a website called Jihad Watch, more than 60 times. Spencer is the author of such books as Stealth Jihad: How Radical Islam Is Subverting America without Guns or Bombs, Religion of

Peace?: Why Christianity Is and Islam Isn’t, and The Truth about Muhammad: Founder of the World’s Most Intolerant Religion. On his website, Spencer responded that “the Breivik murders are being used to discredit all resistance to the global jihad and Islamic supremacism.”

He sought to draw a parallel: “Charles Manson thought he heard instructions to kill in the Beatles song ‘Helter Skelter’ and committed mass murder. There were no instructions to kill in the song.” The comparison is absurd, of course. There’s nothing in “Helter Skelter” about Sharon Tate or any of Manson’s other victims; the angriest line is “You may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer.” Spencer’s oeuvre, by contrast, is all about how Muslims supposedly threaten all who love peace and freedom. In his manifesto, Breivik

also cites the Atlas Shrugs blog run by Pamela Geller, who was one of the most vitriolic opponents of the proposed Islamic center and mosque in Lower Manhattan. On Sunday, Geller wrote that the “Islamic/leftist machine” is trying to blame the massacre on “those of us who are working diligently to educate the people.”

Who, then, was responsible for Breivik’s rage? “Anders Behring Breivik is responsible for his actions,” Geller wrote. “If anyone incited him to violence, it was Islamic supremacists.”

At least one anti-Muslim blogger had the decency to acknowledge feeling “terrible” about being cited in Breivik’s writings. The anonymous “Baron Bodissey,” who runs a website called Gates of Vienna, wrote that Breivik “is a monster and deserves just as little pity as he gave to his innocent, unarmed victims.”

Unfortunately, the blogger went on to write that Breivik’s “total lack of respect for human life is not, however, something he can have picked up from me, or from any of the other Islam-critical writers I know. ... Indeed, the lack of respect for human life is often one of the great shortcomings of Islamic culture that we have consistently pointed out.”

Think about the implications of that last sentence. If Muslims have no respect for human life, then why should anyone respect their lives? Or, for that matter, the lives of the government oficials who invite Muslims to live among us? Or the lives of the sons and daughters of such traitorous quislings?

Breivik apparently saw the Muslim presence in Norway and the rest of Europe as a result of immigration and “multiculturalism” – and as a threat to indigenous civilization and culture. It is true that European societies have struggled at assimilation; witness the growth of right-wing, anti-immigrant political parties across the continent. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that Europe’s adjustment to its new diversity will take time and effort.

But the reality here is completely different. Assimilation is something the United States does as well as any country on Earth. Our proven ability to transform immigrants into Americans gives us a competitive advantage at a time when the populations of developed nations are aging rapidly.

One reason the world’s best and brightest still want to come here is that the Constitution protects freedom of worship. No matter what the prejudiced purveyors of anti-Islam vitriol might say, this guarantee covers Muslims just like everybody else.

Unity in service to others

ByTerrellCarter For The St. Louis American

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:1-4

Terrell Carter

As a way for us to show appreciation to God for His grace, Paul compels us in Philippians 2:1-4, to be uniied in our service to Christ and our fellow man.

At the beginning of this passage, Paul uses the grammatical condition “if…then” to encourage uniied service. If something has happened in our lives, then there is a certain way that we should live in response. In using this technique, Paul is saying that since believers have experienced God’s grace, then we have the opportunity, and obligation, to

be uniied in certain ways. Since we have experienced God’s grace through Christ, His true love that does what a person needs and not necessarily what a person wants, and a new partnership with the Holy Spirit and other believers, then we should be uniied in thought and deed, uniied in love for others (as Christ loved us), and uniied in our intent and purpose in life. Paul tells us what unity looks like. Unity is not selish or motivated by selish ambition or conceit. Instead, it treats other people with humility and esteems other people better than itself. Unity does not just look after itself. Instead, it looks out for the interests of others.

We have experienced the grace of God, and in response to that, we should work together for God’s kingdom. Paul says that we should have this attitude because Christ had this attitude. Unity has the same mind that Christ has. Since we have been blessed by God, we should be a blessing to others. We should be uniied as brothers and sister in Christ, as a church, to work together and serve each other for God’s glory and the growth of His kingdom.

Send your Message column (no more than 500 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

The casket of Bano Rashid, an 18-year-old Mus-

lim girl originally from Kurdistan, is carried to Nesodden church during her funeral ceremony near Oslo, Norway. The leader of the Labour Party’s youth wing in Nesodden, near Oslo, she was killed in a July 22 massacre targeted at Muslims and Marxists.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Studying science careers in summerschool

Middle schoolers visit Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, Technology

Special to The American

Sixty-five Gateway Academy students from Hazelwood North and Hazelwood Northwest middle schools visited the Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology on the campus of Saint Louis University. Gateway Academy is the summer session of the District’s Gateway to Technology (GTT) program and its partially funded by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Phyllis Fairman and James Muska, teachers at the two schools, along with orchestra teacher Monica Holy, accompanied groups of sixth- and seventh-grade students as they visited three campus sites – the biomedical engineering building, McDonnell-Douglas Hall and Oliver Hall. The field trip exposed the students to new career fields in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and provided them with an opportunity to see how parts of a college campus function.

“The most important part was that the students were able to experience lessons that are impossible to have in our classrooms,” Muska said.

“Every student was able to fly the jet simulator and some began to feel the effects of vertigo as their eyes overrode what their body felt.I think the students now have biomedical engineering and material and aviation science on their

career ‘radars.’” Each group spent approximately 45 minutes in each building. In the biomedical engineering building, they visited laboratories that are involved in research, tissue engineering and biomechanics.

In McDonnell-Douglas Hall, students experienced two simulations – jet flight and air traffic controller. With a flight instructor beside them, students learned the basics and took turns flying a plane as they learned about the controls

Interim Dean Dr.K. Ravindra,holding model airplane, explains a point to visiting students from Hazelwood North and Hazelwood Northwest middle schools during a tour of the supersonic wind tunnel laboratory on the campus of Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology.In the background is Hazelwood Northwest Middle School’s Gateway to Technology teacher Phyllis Fairman.

real pilots use in the cockpit.

“One thing I didn’t know before was there is a lot of cause and effect on airplane,” said sixth-grade student Kayla Singleton. “One simple move can affect the entire plane.”

“I learned that when you want to get a pilot’s license, you have to fly a pretend plane (simulator),” said sixthgrader Lindsey Curran. “It makes you feel like you’re really driving a real plane.”

In another room, students watched as Professor Stephen Magoc ran a computer program that showed daily activities at a fictional airport on four different monitors.

Before running the program, he explained the importance of air traffic controllers who use the same terminology when directing traffic.

“What would happen if they didn’t?” Magoc asked.

“The planes might crash,” one student replied.

At first, it seemed like nothing happened but with a little patience and closer examination of the screens, little things, such as fuel and other ground support vehicles moved in the foreground on the tarmac. After a few minutes, the radar showed two inbound aircraft. Afew moments later, students could see them in the sky on one of the monitors. Acargo aircraft landed, complete with small puffs of smoke as its tires met the runway.

Oliver Hall houses a supersonic wind tunnel. College students build model aircraft and run aerodynamic tests on them in the wind tunnel to see if their designs will fly safely.

Interim Dean Dr. K. Ravindra worked with the middle school students in a structures laboratory. Ravindra described the lab as “a place college students use to break stuff.”

Student engineers test the load limits of objects – metal beams, rods and other structural items – in the lab to determine how much stress they can withstand. Ravindra grabbed a rubber

band from a table and showed students what they already knew - how easy it is to snap the band due to its elasticity. He talked about stressing objects but made it clear he meant it in a different context than to be stressed out. He called for two volunteers. Sixth-graders Jonathan Davis and C.J. Patton demonstrated a load limit test involving balloons and plates with nails. One plate had a single nail driven through it while the other one contained 72 nails. The single nail burst a balloon fairly easily while Davis had to apply small weights to the other plate before a balloon popped; the load was spread over a wider area and needed more force to break the balloon.

“Did you know you can snap this aluminum rod like the rubber band?” he asked the group.

The students appeared doubtful so Ravindra gathered them around a machine. He placed the rod between two holders and started the machine, which began pulling the bar apart. On a computer monitor next to the machine, students could see how many pounds of force the machine applied to the bar. It snapped after passing the 3,700-pound mark, ending the students’ doubts.

In the supersonic wind tunnel lab, students saw hundreds of model airplanes built by previous aviation students and displayed on the walls. Ravindra told the students that each of the designs was refined in the wind tunnel, which generates air speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.

“I learned that planes take awhile to make,” said sixthgrader Zack Notz.“At first they need to make a model and paint it and everything.Then they test them in an air tunnel to see if they work or not.”

“It takes about two weeks to create a model and 10 years to go from a model to the actual vehicle,” said Ravindra.

“I think this was a great trip for the Gateway Academy,” said Fairman.“I loved all of the hands-on activities and demonstrations.The students were able to test and put stress on an object, observe how to set a bone, how tissue is made, howa wind tunnel is used to test a model airplane and what it’s like to be in a control tower. We finished making balsa wood bridges before the trip and the college had a device to test model bridges. Some of the students alsosaw model rockets similar to the ones they completed in camp.” Gail Stewart, the District’s special areas coordinator, said all of the students in the program plan to take either GTT or Project Lead the Way classes in the fall.

“This helps them see other types of career opportunities available to them and they see the relationships between what they learn in their core classes and college and career preparation for STEM careers,” said Stewart.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Wowed by the one-note wonder. Okay, so y’all know I make no secret about my lightweight stalker status when it comes to John Legend. Needless to say, I was one of only 8 of the 8,000 who actually came to the show speciically to see him Thursday night at the Scottrade. How do I know? Because when he irst graced the stage in his little Teddy Ruxpin inspired three-piece suit and hush puppies, I had ive rows to myself. Anyway, he came out with some serious heat with a rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”

But as much as it pains my soul to admit it, he had all but put me to sleep by the end of the fourth song. He obviously opted for curves over singing chops in his latest group of background singers. While they worked up a sweat with mermaid-style full-body slow winds and some mean hand choreography, they gave me nothing but off-pitch whispers on the harmony side of things. John Legend’s vocals were on-point as usual, but the overall energy of his set was on yawn! I never thought I would see the day that he would mail it in, but it was absolutely the case.

The woman and band of the hour were quite the contrary. Sade and her trademark Wet-n-Wild red lips, hoop earrings, shogun ponytail and Rabbi inspired wardrobe stifly took to the stage to “Soldier of Love.” I was quietly ready to charge the entire evening to the game. But by the time she was done serving it up with her “Cherish the Day” encore I had rubbed a pistachio I found in the bottom of my purse across my mouth and let my bun down to pay homage.

The brilliant set changes and breathtaking band had me so gone that I forgot that Sade only has three notes in her vocal music repertoire and limited hip swivel variety. The show made it clear that the charisma, stage presence and seductive energy she’s been serving up for three decades ARE NOT TO BE SLEPT ON. And for her irst visit to the Lou in more than ten years she gave up enough to tide the folks over for another twenty! As far as technique, she has a one-octave range and no fancy feet to speak of. But whatever she had in her, she put her ankle in it and laid it all across the stage. Her show made for a magical reunion between her and her fans. Shoot, she even made a new one…and that would be me!

Lackluster Legend at Lola. As I booked it straight to Lola from the Scottrade for the oficial John Legend afterparty, I was expecting to be stampeded by a maxi dress maia of women scaling the walls to invade the singer’s personal space. I hate to use own catch phrase against him, but the spot was just ordinary people. I’ve decided he was worn out from the Ambien he must have accidently slipped himself just before the show. Even though he was counting down the minutes, he couldn’t help but nod his head to the beat as DJ Nune GOT.IT.IN! And I also saw Mr. Legend covertly catching life from the dynamic duo dance-loor stylings of CJ Conrod and some random Becky that could best be described as Dirty Dancing: Cabanne Nights meets Jungle Fever The Musical. I don’t know exactly what rhythm she was following but she let forth a whirlwind of hunches that wreaked havoc and created a path of destruction to anyone – man, woman or tran – that got in her way. Everyone else ran for cover but Conrod was playing storm chaser and John Legend got a gag or two out of it.

What I don’t understand though is that since there was no pandemonium to be had with the regular at best sized vibe why he couldn’t come out and mingle with the non-masses? Oh well, at least he stuck around for a while and posed for several cell phone frames. Now that I think about it, I beat him to the punch!

The battle for the opening act. Before I get to the mess of it all, I’m going to give big ups to Theresa Payne – who will be hitting the stage tonight as the oficial opening act for the Budweiser Superfest tonight after earning her spot Saturday night at the Loft. It was a tough choice, but I’m thrilled with the outcome.

Okay, on to what I know you came to this page for. The night got off to an ordinary start – with the exception of a few wayward notes by contestants. But then DeAndre Perryman and his genetic predisposition to do the most took the stage in what seemed to be a subdued showcase for his standards. Then he called his FIANCEE to the stage….and proposed. I was like “wait a minute, if you call her your iancée, doesn’t that mean you’ve already proposed?” I gave up trying to igure it out as she tugged at her FBI informant inspired hat overwhelmed with raw emotion. I’m assuming at least part of this theatrical “special moment” was to give him some kind of edge. But a little birdie told me that the little stunt actually worked against him.

But the drama came with the nail-biting decision between Monya and Ms. Payne. Monya was gracious and encouraging as she took second. I wish that I could say the same for some of her support audience. A group that came to rep team Monya booed Theresa. Then this woman hemmed up the hosts, the judges and anybody else who would listen to voice her disgust from the time the announcement was made until about an hour later. I would have called security on her the way I heard she was cussin’ and carrying on, but that’s just me. Anyway congrats to Theresa, Monya, DeAndre and honorable Mention Mai Lee and thanks to MySpace Music, Budweiser and Café Soul for making the night possible.

Absent forAlexander. The suspense was so thrilling over at the Opening Act that I messed around and missed Alexander O’Neal serving it up for the silver foxes over at Envy. But I did manage to make it to the meet and greet. He looked like he’s trying to live right (though the evening was still young) and was happy to fellowship with the ive or so fans that got there bright and early. Farewell Reesha. Another one of my favorite folks is leaving the Lou and she went out with a soulful bang Monday night at the City (big ups to J. Spain for the club’s makeover). I must say I was blown away by Tiffany Elle and the girl who ripped a John Legend medley better than he did when he was at the Scottrade. But I’m scratching my head at the way Tish Haynes brought the house down. Girl, why didn’t you do

competition? Okay,

at

THAT

the opening act

back to the matter at hand – let’s

stars in

Deshonne and Katrina Friday night @ 609

Kevin Johnson and Arika Parr of Majic 104.9 for the Budweiser Opening Act Saturday night @ The Loft

Keisha and Chiri with singer John Legend Thursday night @ Lola

Soul singer Theresa Payne showcases her golden microphone as winner of Budweiser Opening Act Saturday night @ The Loft

Tasha and Leon at 609 on Friday night

Mocha latte and DJ Jewel at the Loft Friday night for the Eye Candy

Milan and J. Spain Monday night @ The City

Kristie and Brandon @ The Oficial John Legend after party Thursday night @ Lola

Erica and Lauren Renee at the Loft for the Eye Candy party Friday night

R&B singer Alexander O’Neal eagerly posed with fans before his show Saturday @ Envy

Larry and Becky Blue Thursday night @ Lola

Reesha received love from family and friends at her farewell party Monday night @ City

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Even a little ‘sugar’in yourblood is bad

By Consuelo H.Wilkins,MD

I always look forward to attending the National Medical Association's annual convention and this year was no exception. The theme for this year's convention, 'Health Equity: Lead, Reform, Deliver', is very timely as we try to address health disparities with the era of health care reform.

Of course, the convention is also an opportunity for me to network with colleagues and to see friends from school and medical training. I was delighted to spend some time with a good friend from medical school who I hadn't seen in a few years. She is a very genuine person so it's easy to skip the small talk and get to the more important things going on in our lives.

As usual, we had a great time. Laughing and reminiscing with her warmed my heart. Although I was just a year ahead of her in medical school, she often refers to me as her mentor. The truth is that I've learned as much from her as she has from me.

Among the many things that we discussed during our reunion was our personal health. In the middle of breakfast, she told me that her hemoglobin A1c was

6. I paused and my eyes opened wider. I was thinking we're too young for you to have an A1c of 6!

Ahemoglobin A1c, often called A1c, is a lab test that measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood over a 3 month-period. The A1c is commonly used to monitor blood sugar control in people who have diabetes. Anormal A1c (most labs) is 4.0-5.9% so her A1c was just above normal.

Just before I could tell her that she had to do something about it, she smiled and said 'but I lost some weight and now it's 4.8.' I smiled back.

Consuelo H. Wilkins,M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Some people may wonder why I would be so concerned about an A1c of 6% because it's barely above the normal range. Of course, my friend who is also an internist knows why. An A1c of 6% corresponds to an average fasting blood sugar of 126, which is the cut-off for a diagnosis of diabetes.

Even if she didn't have diabetes, she may have prediabetes, which is als

known as 'impaired glucose tolerance'.

Prediabetes is a condition in which there is an elevated blood sugar but it is not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Prediabetes has gained increasing attention because it is now recognized that the complications of diabetes often begin before the diagnosis of diabetes is made. In prediabetes and even in early diabetes, there are usually no symptoms of the elevated blood sugar. However, the elevated blood sugar can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.

More than 50 million Americans have prediabetes and African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics are at increased risk of developing the condition. Because there may be no symptoms of prediabetes, it is important to be tested if you are have certain risk factors. You should be tested for prediabetes/diabetes if you are age 45 or older and overweight or if you have an elevated blood pressure (higher than 135/80) regardless of your age.

If you are younger than age 45 and overweight or if you are age 45 or older

with a normal weight, you should discuss testing with your health care provider. You may need to be tested if you have high cholesterol, a family history of diabetes, a history of diabetes during pregnancy or if you gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

Testing for prediabetes and diabetes is usually done using either the fasting blood glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test. Both test require an overnight fast and the oral glucose tolerance test checks the fasting blood sugar then checks the blood sugar 2 hours after drinking a special glucose drink.

Treatment of prediabetes begins with diet and exercise. If diagnosed and treated early, you can prevent or delay the diagnosis of diabetes and the long-term complications of the disease.

As we continued our breakfast, my friend warned me about the amount of sugar in the syrup that I picked up for my waffle. I turned the bottle around to show her that it was sugar-free. We laughed together and I thought about how proud I am of her personal and professional accomplishments.

Consuelo H. Wilkins, M.D., is medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American and associate professor of medicine and psychiatry, Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, at Washington University – St. Louis

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American August 4, 2011

YourHealth Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Consuelo Wilkins, MD, Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Sonia Dulaney, Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

From Crohn’s to colorectal cancerand back

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

“I might be frightened, but I’m not scared,” Rahn Ramey said last week, from his home near New Orleans.

Ramey, an award-winning comedian and a St. Louis native has kept fans laughing over the years through appearances on cable television programs, club circuits and at the old Maurice’s Gold Coast and the Funny Bone here in the Lou. He stayed true to form during interview on the afternoon before his surgery for colorectal cancer.

When you think of very unfunny topics – this one has to be near the top of the list.

“They are about to remove my side colon, my rectum and my anus,” Ramey said.

He will have to use colostomy bags, but Ramey said he already knows who offers designer covers.

When you are talking rectums, colons, fissures, fistulas, abscesses; wounds where the sun doesn’t shine; and knots on your butt that won’t heal – it’s T.M.I. for the squeamish indeed, but Ramey wants to keep it real and save lives, particularly “the brothers” – African American men, who Ramey said refuse go to the hospital.

“I am talking to so many men that I know, who are my peers, and people who I’ve lost to cancer,” Ramey said, as he played out this scenario when an “Imaginary Brother” tells him he is diagnosed at stage 4.

“When did you find out?” Ramey asks.

“Two weeks ago,’Imaginary Brother says.

‘Wait a minute!’Ramey responds.

“My elbow fell off,” adds Imaginary Brother.

‘And you didn’t go check?’” Ramey asks.

For Ramey, his cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago follows 20 years of living through the pain, chronic bouts of diarrhea and debilitation of Crohn’s Disease, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that can affect anywhere along the digestive tract from your mouth to your anus, but typically affects the small intestines and colon.

“I was on the road and my stomach was jacked up. It was like, in ’88. And then I started losing weight,” Ramey recalled. “That line from your navel to your pubic hairs – I was having pains in there and blood in my stool – and either diarrhea or constipation.”

Ramey said he was a little chunky “back in the day” and admits he was not one of the most health-conscious human beings on the planet.

“When a brother started losing weight, and started getting some attention, I thought I was looking cute, I didn’t think nothing was wrong,” Ramey said. “I would eat anything that I want;

would do anything that I want.”

About six years ago and after a 14year hiatus, Ramey started having bouts with Crohn’s again.

“I was at home – I was feeling really good. I didn’t pay attention to the diet and I didn’t do the things I was supposed to do,” Ramey said.

Two-thirds of his intestinal tract was

Local comedian Rahn Ramey was diagnosed with colorectal cancer a few weeks ago.Ramey has lived for 20 years through the chronic bouts of diarrhea and debilitation of Crohn’s Disease.

removed in 1992. Ramey said no one knew that he “had to wear a bag to “do his business in” for three months at that time. In the last couple of years, Ramey has undergone 10 procedures because of bowel issues.

“From the Crohn’s disease, scar tissue forms and it would actually close up your butt and they’d have to go in and open up your butt – that’s as delicate as I can put it,” Ramey said.

High fat diets; a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps; ulcerative colitis; or being age 50 and older are some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Persons with Crohn’s Disease are at a higher risk for complications, including colon cancer. Although not the case for Ramey, the Mayo Clinic says about 90 percent of people with inflammatory bowel disease never develop cancer.

Doctors say most colorectal cancer is caused by polyps that turn cancerous over time. The CDC said of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.

However, it is considered highly curable when caught in early stages. Ramey said his was caught early.

“They are doing this as a precursor, because of what’s cancerous around it so it won’t have the cancer grow,” Ramey said.

The American Cancer Society reports that African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the U.S.

“It can be more aggressive in African Americans and the disease takes place earlier than in non-African Americans,” said Dr. Joel Riley, a gastroenterologist at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in St. Louis.

Some groups, including the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy advise earlier screening for African Americans, but check with your

Photo by Julie Megill

HEALTH BRIEFS

The National Children’s Study in St. Louis observes child health and development

The National Children’s Study’s Gateway Study Center in St. Louis is recruiting and enrolling women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. To enroll, women must live in certain parts of the City.

The National Children’s Study is the largest study of child health and development ever to be done in the United States and it will look at how the environment and family health history affect children’s health. The study will collect information about where kids live, learn and play in order to answer questions about childhood health and disease, for example to learn about what increases the risk of learning disabilities, birth defects, autism, asthma, diabetes, and ADHD.

“The ultimate goal of the study is to improve the health and well-being of children. Participants will be part of a program that we believe will guide public health policies and the treatment of children for generations to come,” said Louise Flick, DrPH, principal investigator for the National Children’s Study Gateway Study Center and Professor of Epidemiology at Saint Louis University School of Public Health.

The Study is observational only; researchers won’t ask participants to do or take anything experimental. Researchers ask participants to live their lives and share information about their child’s health as they grow. Information will be collected from the time the mother is enrolled until the child turns 21 years old.

Other large, long-term studies have been done on heart health and women’s health, but never on child health and development.

The Gateway Study Center is committed to the opportunity for all eligible women to participate in this Study. Vetta Sanders Thompson, PhD, Investigator for Community Engagement and Outreach, at Washington University in St. Louis, George Warren Brown, is coordinating efforts to inform all segments of the community about the Study and obtain input on barriers to participation that can then be addressed.

“The Framingham Heart Study is how we learned about the connection between cholesterol and heart disease,” said Allison King, M.D., MPH, co-principal investigator with Washington University School of Medicine. “It is time that we learn more about how future generations of children can grow up in a more healthy way,” she adds.

Recruiters are also going door-to-door in the randomly selected neighborhoods that were chosen to participate in the Study and at physician’s offices and clinics.

For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/3nwk8a5or contact Nikki Weinstein, community liaison, at 314-993-5234 x113 or weinsteinn@battelle.org

Salt intake impacts prenatal kidney development

Anew study from researchers in Europe has drawn an association between pregnant mothers’sodium intake and their newborn’s kidney development. Findings from researchers from the University of Heidelberg and the University of Aarhus in Denmark, is published in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology –Renal Physiology

According to the study, either too much or too little salt during pregnancy had an adverse effect on the prenatal development of the offspring’s kidneys. The consequence of such disruption can lead to high blood pressure in later years.

Research involved feeding mice low, medium and high sodium diets during pregnancy and lactation, and then measuring blood pressure over several weeks for male offspring and the amount of sodium and the expression of proteins involved in kidney development.

The researchers found that the number of glomeruli (the main structural unit of the kidney) during weeks 1-12 were significantly lower, and the measured blood pressure for males after the fifth month was higher in offspring of mothers on high- or lowcompared with intermediate-sodium diet.

If researchers can infer the findings in the animals in this study to humans, both too low and too high salt intake during pregnancy would be a risk factor for hypertension and renal damage in the offspring.

Influenza vaccine during pregnancy protects newborns

Infants born to mothers who received the influenza (flu) vaccine while pregnant are nearly 50 percent less likely to be hospitalized for the flu than infants born to mothers who did not receive the vaccine while pregnant, according to a new collaborative study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and colleagues.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends influenza vaccination for anyone older than 6 months of age, but specifically singles out target groups, including pregnant women, who have a greater risk of influenza-related complications.

“It is recommended that all pregnant women receive the influenza vaccine during pregnancy because it is known that pregnant women have increased morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum period if they get the flu,” said Katherine A. Poehling, M.D., MPH., an associate professor of pediatrics and lead author on the study. “We also know that mothers pass antibodies through the placenta to the baby. This study showed us that receiving the influenza vaccine during pregnancy not only protects the mother, but also protects the baby in the early months of life.”

The study appears in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Infants less than 6 months of age have the highest rates of flu hospitalization among all children, Poehling explained, yet the influenza vaccine is not licensed for or effective in infants that young.

The researchers analyzed data collected by the CDC-funded New Vaccine Surveillance Network over the course of seven flu seasons between 2002 and 2009, before the H1N1 pandemic. The data included information about 1,510 babies who had been hospitalized with fever, respiratory symptoms, or both within the first six months of life and had undergone laboratory testing for influenza infection.

The investigators found that infants born to mothers who received the influenza vaccine during pregnancy were 45 to 48 percent less likely to be hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza.

Poehling says, “vaccine recommendations for OB/GYNs have changed over the last decade, so everyone is having to learn new recommendations and adjust. This is a relatively new activity for OB/GYNs.”

RAMEY

Continued from page 3

provider to make sure that the services is covered in your health care plan.

Without higher risk factors, the general recommendation for colon cancer screening begins at age 50; with future intervals determined by the doctor and depending upon results.

“They say you are supposed to get a colonoscopy every 10 years? Let me tell you something: a lot can happen in 10 years,” Ramey said.

Screening options include a stool blood test, a flexible sigmoidoscopy - which examines only the lower part of the colon through the rectum or a colonoscopy - which exams the entire colon. Based on your personal health history, the doctor will decide which test is right for you.

Acolonoscopy is a same-day procedure performed while the patient is sedated. The worst part of the test is the preparation the day prior –drinking a whole lot of something as recommended by your doctor’s office to act as a laxative to clean your digestive tract. The prep is the roughest part – but it’s also crucial to a successful screening.

“The most important thing is to follow the instructions to have the cleanest prep possible,” Riley said.

Doctors use a special pliable scope to travel through the intestinal tract to look for abnormalities – like precancerous polyps, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis; or diverticulitis, which are weakened areas appearing as pouches from the outside, that look like holes inside the lining of the intestinal tract; inflammatory bowel disease and other colon abnormalities.

When doctors find polyps during a colonoscopy, they are removed and tested to see if they are cancerous. Polyps that are benign and left unchecked can turn into cancer over time. Persons who’ve had polyps removed are checked more frequently – and how often varies individually and is determined by the doctor.

“Ageneral screen is 10 years; a family history is five years; follow-up can be five years or less, depending on what was found,” Riley said. “And then you need to discuss with your doctor the need for follow-up after polyps are found.”

Riley said it’s very important for patients to follows up as recommended for them by their physician rather than basing their approach to follow-up examinations on the actions of other people.

The other important point Riley stresses is for persons to know their own body; look at their stools; and pay attention to symptoms that there could be a problem in your colon.

“Blood in the stools; anemia; a change in bowel habits; unexplained weight loss – these are the things you can talk to your doctor about,” Riley said.

Ramey is recuperating at his home for the next several weeks. He was in a lot of pain the day he came home after spending a week in the hospital, but he and his wife both are looking forward healthier days ahead.

“It’s got challenges, but we are making it,” his wife, Nelita Ramey said. “”I know he is going through a lot just with recovery, but when I just think back at what he’s been going through the last year, year-and-a-half, or whatever –it’s just got to be a better quality of life.”

And from a man whose serious mission is to find humor where it exists, Ramey’s experience may be fodder for new material in his next comedy show. He said he is planning an appearance in St. Louis this fall at the Funnybone in Westport.

For more information about Crohn’s Disease, contact the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America at www.ccfa.org.

For more about colorectal cancer, visit http://tinyurl.com/colorectalcancerfacts.

Rahn said he can't counsel but he can give you his testimony about Crohn's Disease and colorectal cancer. Send your well wishes, questions and comments to rahn@rahnramey.com.

Could quick weight loss damage yourheart? Your Health Questions Matter

V.M. wants to know:

“I was watching one of those “Extreme Makeover” weight loss programs and this one lady lost like 100 pounds in three months. She did it by exercising and a nutrition plan and coaching, but isn’t losing a lot of weight that fast dangerous? I had heard that very quick weight loss could damage yourheart.”

The answercomes fromStephen Scott, M.D., medical directorof the SSM Weight-Loss Institute.

The short answer to your question is that the concern for the amount of weight you lose in a short timeframe depends on how much you weigh to start. Losing 100 pounds in three months for someone over 400 pounds is not unusual, but it would be for someone who is 200

pounds.

When losing weight, three aspects must be considered to ensure the weightloss is safe and effective.

First, a person must take in an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals for the body to stay healthy and function normally.

Second, one needs to consume the right amount of protein to keep your energy level high enough to burn off fat and not muscle. Vital organs like your heart are considered muscle, and while it’s rare to burn that type of muscle initially, it could happen in the long-run.

Third, rapid weight-loss can put the body into starvation mode and lower one’s metabolic rate. If the rate is lowered, then it will be harder to drop weight now and in the future. Therefore, consuming an adequate amount of calories and protein will keep the body out of

starvation mode while still allowing a person to lose weight.

Partaking in a highly regulated and supervised program with a doctor and diet or exercise coach will help a person maintain a healthy state while dropping pounds quickly. Such programs are available at places like the SSM Weight-Loss Institute, which offers both surgical and non-surgical weight-loss options to best match your needs.

Do you have a health-related question? Let us hear from you. Email your question to yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com. Rather than a personal reply, a health professional will provide an answer that we will share with all readers in a future issue of Your Health Matters.

Stepped-up vaccine series forhepatitis B is effective during pregnancy

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center maternal-fetal specialists have confirmed a potential new protocol to protect pregnant women who are at risk for hepatitis B, a health problem that affects 2 billion people worldwide.

An accelerated hepatitis B vaccination schedule for high-risk pregnant women was found effective and well-tolerated. The findings appear in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

While the normal threeshot regimen of hepatitis B vaccine for adults – given over a six-month period –has long been recommended for pregnant women, that schedule often proved unmanageable in the course of a pregnancy.

“It’s difficult to get all three doses in pregnancy, and people tend to get lost to follow-up, especially high-risk populations,” said Dr. Jeanne Sheffield, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern and lead author of the study.

the maternal-fetal medicine fellowship program. “We’ve already received a number of requests for our specific protocol from physicians who see high-risk patients and are interested in starting a vaccination program.”

While the normal three-shot regimen of hepatitis B vaccine for adults – given over a six-month period – has long been recommended for pregnant women, that schedule often proved unmanageable in the course of a pregnancy.

The research team stepped up the process for pregnant women and used the normal three-shot dosage given to adults over a 12-week period. That regimen is the shortest recommended schedule in non-pregnant adults that still offers protective long-term immunity.

“Now that we’ve shown it’s efficacious in pregnancy, people are interested,” said Dr. Sheffield, who also heads

In the U.S., nearly 1.5 million people live with chronic hepatitis B infection, and it is the underlying cause of 3,000 deaths per year. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended in 1993 and in 2007 that pregnant women at risk for hepatitis B should receive vaccination.

Dr. Sheffield said, however, that health care providers seldom offer the hepatitis B vaccine series to reproductive-aged women because of lack of physician and patient education, patients’fear of vaccination and its purported side effects, and the overall reluctance to vaccinate pregnant women.

Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports pregnancy is not a contraindication to hepatitis B vaccine, limited data were available on its use in pregnancy.

In the current study, conducted at Parkland Memorial Hospital, researchers enrolled high-risk women with a current diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, injection drug use or both, over a six-year period. Of 200 women enrolled, 168 received all three doses of the vac-

cine.

Researchers found that race, maternal age, tobacco and alcohol use, and gestational age at first vaccination did not affect the development of antibodies against hepatitis B – using the accelerated schedule. Obesity did have a negative influence, however.

The accelerated schedule in pregnancy had seroconversion rates (90 percent) that were comparable to the standard

schedule in healthy adults. The study also showed no increase in preterm delivery rates or neonatal intensive care admissions.

“The vaccine was well-tolerated in our pregnant women, and no serious adverse events were reported,” Dr. Sheffield said. “Initial concerns about the ability of a pregnant woman to mount an effective immune response to a vaccine are largely unfounded. It’s doable.”

Sat. Aug. 6, 10 a.m. – 4p.m. – Kingdom of Healthy Smiles Family Fun Day celebrating the grand re-opening of Delta Dental Health Theatre. Families are invited to check out the renovated theatre and go to the grassy lot at the corner of First and Lucas Streets for a special medieval-themed outdoor festival. Canned food donations will be accepted on this date for Operation Food Search. Fore more information, call 314-2417391 or visit www.ddhtstl.org.

Sat., Aug. 13, 9 a.m., The Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Annual Health Fair, Olivet M.B. Church, 12200 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033. For more information, call (314) 837-8418.

Sat. Aug. 20, 9 a.m. - 9th Annual 100 Black Men Prostate CancerSurvivors &Awareness Walk, Kiener Plaza, downtown St. Louis. Warmup is 7:30-8:00. For more information, call 314-367-7778 or visit http://100blackmenstl.org.

Sat. Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m. - St. Louis Free

CALENDAR

to Breathe 5K Walk benefitting the National Lung Cancer Partnership in Creve Coeur Park – Tremayne Shelter, 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. in Maryland Heights, Mo. Registration is $20 – adults & $10 –kids, until Aug. 15. More info at www.FreeToBreathe.org.

Tues. Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – St. Louis Regional Health Commission 10th Anniversary Summit, The Chase Park Plaza Hotel -Khorassan Room. 12 Noon key note address and lunch. Free registration at http://st-louis-regionalhealth-commi.ettend.com or call 314446-6454x1101.

Tues. Sept. 13, 2nd Annual Health Missouri Health Literacy Summit, “Health Literacy Tools forBuilding a Patient-Centered Health Home, Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia, Mo. Keynote speaker is Dr. Howard K. Koh, 14th assistant secretary for Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Registration $150 ($175 after August 15). For more information, go to http://www.healthliteracymissouri.org.

Sat. Sept. 17, 8 a.m. NCCS 5K Charity Run forthe National Children’s CancerSociety, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Pre-registration is $20 and race day is $25. Race begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call 314446-5222 or email jmeurer@theNCCS.org or register online at www.theNCCS.org/5Kcharity run.

Thurs. Sept. 22, 6 p.m., Saint Louis University School of Public Health Annual Scholarship Dinnerand Awards Ceremony, Busch Student Center. Tickets are $75 per person. Featured speaker is Michael Fraser, Ph.D., C.A.E., CEO of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. For more information, call Grace Findley at 314-977-8302 or email ghutchi3@slu.edu.

Saturdays, until Sept. 24, 1-3 p.m., free pediatric health clinic that is studentrun by the Human Resource Center. Free school physicals, immunizations, and other health screens by SLU and Cardinal Glennon physicians. The clinic is located at 1371 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112. For inquiries, call 314-389-0008.

Sat. Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m. - Sista Strut 2nd Annual 3K Breast CancerWalk at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Individual pre-registration is $15. For more information, go to www.kmjm.com.

Sat. Oct. 1, 3 p.m. - Walk forLupus Now, by the Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter in Carondelet Park in St. Louis. The walk begins at 4:00 pm, rain or shine. To register, visit www.LFAHeartland.org

Sun. Oct. 9, 9 a.m. – Central West End 5K Run to the End – Just forthe Health of It. Event starts at the corner of Maryland and Euclid avenues in St. Louis. Cost is $25 per person by Sept. 30 and $30 the week of the race. For more information, call 314-361-9400 or visit http:www.healthliteracymissouri.org.

Fri. Oct. 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Saint Louis ConnectCare Cocktail Party, annual fundraising event for St. Louis ConnectCare, at Highland Golf and Tennis Center in Forest Park. Event

includes entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar; silent and live auction. Ticket prices are $100 –Regular; $125 - Friends; and $150 –V.I.P. For more information, contact Rosetta Keeton at 314-879-6231 or rxk2630@stlconnectcare.org.

Sat. Oct. 15, 8th Annual CCDC Health Fair by Calvary Community Development Corporation, 2822 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in St. Louis. For more information, go to www.calvarycdc.org.

Sat. Oct. 29, 9 a.m. – Making Strides Against Breast CancerRun/Walk in Forest Park /Upper Muny Parking Lot–St. Louis. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at http://tinyurl.com/ACSmakingstrides.

Sundays, 10 a.m., Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m., “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Help fora drug-free life - chemical dependency information meeting. Call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at the Grace Hill Murphy-O’Fallon Health Center, 1717 Biddle St. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, contact Allen Daniel, 314-814-8579.

Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.

Childhood asthma linked to depression during pregnancy

Anxiety, stress and depression during pregnancy may lead to a greater risk of asthma for your child. Study results are published in the July issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“Approximately 70 percent of mothers who said they experienced high levels of anxiety or depression while they were pregnant reported their child had wheezed before age 5,” said Marilyn Reyes, lead author of the study.

“Understanding how maternal depression affects a child’s respiratory health is important in developing effective interventions.”

The study of 279 inner-city AfricanAmerican and Hispanic women was conducted before, during pregnancy and after birth. The study results support growing research that the prenatal period is a time when children are particularly susceptible to asthma-related risks. While somewhat similar findings have been reported in non-minority populations, this study at the Columbia Center for

Children’s Environmental Health is the first to report an association between stress and wheeze in minority populations.

“The symptoms of pediatric asthma can range from a nagging cough that lingers for days or weeks to sudden and scary breathing emergencies,” said allergist Rachel Miller, MD, study senior author. “With the right treatment, your child can sleep through the night, avoid missing time from day care or preschool, and breathe easy.”

Common asthma symptoms include

coughing, especially at night; wheezing or whistling sound, especially when exhaling; trouble breathing or fast breathing that causes the skin around the ribs or neck to pull in tightly; and frequent colds that settle in the chest. If your child’s symptoms keep coming back, it might be asthma. If you think your child may have asthma, see an allergist. To learn more about asthma and allergies, and find an allergist near you visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

Men’s health and wellness tips

I feel fine, why should I try to be healthy orvisit a doctor?

Just because you may feel fine doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to live a healthy lifestyle. Many diseases including some cancers can be caused by a combination of many different factors. Some of these factors you cannot control, like getting older. But, you can control other factors such as diet and exercise. Ahealthy lifestyle can reduce your chance of getting chronic diseases like heart disease and some cancers. Also, keep in mind that certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so doctors check-ups help diagnose issues early or before they can become a problem.

If I want to be healthier, where should I start?

The most important thing is to make being healthy a part of your daily habits. Including healthy activities as a part of your regular routine can make it easier to keep up with those activities. For example, take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. This will boost your heart rate, burn fat and build muscle overtime. Also, don’t take on more than you can handle.

For some men, the first step might be to visit a doctor to get a check up and learn your key health numbers. These numbers can include your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose (sugar) levels, and your weight and height. Your doctor can also perform cancer screening tests. These test help to find cancers early when they are most treatable.

Where can I find a doctorand more information on men’s health?

Visit www.siteman.wustl.edu. Try our online tool to test your disease risk www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu.

If you need help finding a doctor, visit www.211.missouri.org or call 2-1-1 from most landlines (1-800-427-4626 from cell phones). Visit www.cdc.gov/men for men’s health information.

Send yourquestions about cancerto SCC-PECaD, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, or PECaD@siteman.wustl.edu. Look forfuture articles in HealthMatters.

PROFILING PEOPLE IN HEALTH

Passion to help people inspired careerchoice

Mary Payne

Position/Where:

Human Resources Manager for the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH)

St. Louis Connection:

CareerHighlights:

Has worked for MFH for 9 years and currently serves on HR committees with the Human Resources Management Association (HRMA) and the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR).

Awards:

Has received a Professional Human Resources Certification.

Education:

• Webster University: M.A., Human Resources/ Management degree

• University of MissouriSt. Louis: B.S., Management/Marketing; Minor, Psychology

Personal: Family, church, fraternity orsorority affiliations: Payne a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Grew up in St. Louis City and attended St. Louis Public Schools.

Yourjourney to success that got you where you are:

“As a child my parents were my role models.They influenced me to pursue higher education and strongly encouraged me to pursue my dreams without ever giving up.”

In college, Payne’s role model was her work-study supervisor, JoAnne Westbrook, benefits manager, UM-St. Louis.

“Ms. Westbrook’s encouragement coupled with my passion to help people inspired me to pursue a career in HR.

“Dr. Amanda Murphy, former President/CEO, Hopewell Center also served as a role model.Dr. Murphy gave me my first management opportunity in the field of HR.Dr. Murphy hired me as the HR Director and in working closely with her I learned how to operate with integrity, and the meaning of servant leadership.”

Mary Payne

Photo by Wiley Price

Breast Cancer

Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. The hospital has a geriatric psychiatric unit dedicated to serving the mental health needs of geriatric patients. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program is for patients with chronic mental illness. The program offers support and education to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-839-3171 or 1-800-4474301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons who have been affected by criminal acts. Emil peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call

HEALTH RESOURCES

the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, open-to-the-public Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m., overseen by certified diabetes educators to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627).

Free, diabetes education program held at various locations by the Diabetes Network of St. Louis. Participants will be offered testing and support for diabetes control. Six sessions will cover monitoring your blood sugar, controlling complications of diabetes, taking care of your feet, living a healthy life through diet and exercise, and personal goal setting. Call Coco Bopp 314-747-9533 for more information.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (like fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For an appointment, call 314-768-7899.

Fitness

Coed Jazzercise - $1 per session on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Tabernacle Christian Life Center, 1350 S. Lafayette in Florissant, Mo. (behind Yacovelli’s). For more information, call 314-921-6825.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-11.

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8

a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of The Empowerment Network, located on the lower level at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis, provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. Also available are free mammogram and PSA testing certificates, for use at any Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center. For more information, call 314-385-0998.