December 20th, 2012 Edition

Merry Christmas!

House of Deliverance dedicates new sanctuary

of

By Bridjes O’Neil For The St.Louis American

Teacher given Golden Apple

Rhonda Stovall honored for using American in classroom

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

Missouri

State University freshman

Heather Rowland is pursuing a career requiring medical knowledge, skill and compassion – prompted by a tragedy in her family, when her grandfather was killed through senseless street violence.

Rowland said the experience also led to an intense interest in

– Heather Rowland

“Medical personnel took over 40 minutes to arrive on the scene,” she said. “This always brought up the question of why it took so long to get there and who could’ve done something.

adapted it to using the newspaper in their classrooms. The program, in its first year of existence, rapidly grew to one of the largest NIE programs in Missouri, providing free newspapers to more than 5,000 students in 203 classrooms. One teacher, in particular, stated she was “passionate” about using The St. Louis American in her classroom, using it “five times per week.” According to Gateway MSTElementary School

Donation funds renovation of Most Holy Trinity school

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St.Louis American

Students at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School in the Hyde Park neighborhood are now able to check out and read books from their own library for the first time in the school’s more than 150-year history.

The Archdiocesan-based Most Holy Trinity school has been a staple in the community since 1848 and now serves a diverse group of students. “The children never could have dreamt of a resource like this in their school,” said Kim Lenz, development director at Most Holy Trinity. “There was never a functioning room where chil-

See LIBRARY, A6

Elder Eric Battle assists his father,Bishop Jesse Battle Jr., senior pastor at House of Deliverance,in burning a document that symbolizes the church’s mortgage as part of four days of dedication services for the new sanctuary.

Photo by Wiley Price

Heather Rowland, Deaconess

Nylah Johnson,5,a student at New City School,enjoyed

warm weather with her father Nate Johnson recently during an arts and crafts fair held in Greg Freeman Park. Chillin’ with Dad

Photo by Wiley Price

journalist made off-color remarks about Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III.

anniversary. Bishop Battle estimates that a total

1,500 people attended the services. House of Deliverance worshipped with guest pastors Bishops James Johnson of Bethesda Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, Larry Jones of Greater Grace Church, Alphonso Scott of Lively Stone Church and Cornelius Showell of International Bible Way Church. They each presided over a service at House of Deliverance and were joined by members of their own

Keyshia Cole cranks up about not closing the show

Keyshia Cole was supposed to perform in Oakland at KMEL’s House of Soul concert but refused to go on after learning she wasn’t the headliner.

In a series of tweets that have since been deleted Cole goes off.

“EVERY [expletive] YEAR I do something major for my city! @KMEL has the nerve to tell me at the last minute they want me to open for the Weeknd “Then @106kmel tells us last minute if I don’t then there’s no show! Then still uses my name when I refuse! I feel so [expletive] disrespected. And now people in Oakland think I flaked!!! #STRAIGHTBULL [expletive]!

The only reason I’m speaking, don’t people thinking I flaked. No disrespect to The Weeknd. Why the hell would @106KMEL ask me to open for him in my home town! Where I give

Is Kim K. crushing Kanye’s brand?

Insiders claim Kanye West’s brand has taken a hit because of his association with Kim Kardashian.

“His personal life is overpowering his music,” an industry source told the New York Daily News. “Every time he plays, people are wondering if Kim is going to be there. It’s not a good thing for him, especially if he wants to be taken seriously.”

In the beginning of their relationship, West tried to put his foot down when it came to appearing on the Kardashian family’s shows.

“He made it clear to her he doesn’t want to be on her show, but Kim gets upset so he caves in,” adds the source

The latest sign the public is turning against West was when a massive portion of the audience walked out during his performance at the Dec. 12 Hurricane Sandy benefit concert at Madison Square Garden — and collectively dissed his kilt

“Literally half the audience got up to go to the bathroom and it was the talk of the men’s room,” one attendee told Confidenti@l’s

Marianne Garvey.”

“He has been meeting with top-level music executives seeking advice,” says the source. “He’s not

happy with the direction things have been going.”

Rihanna and Breezy call it quits again

The volatile couple had reconciled earlier this year, but Rihanna took to her Instagram account on Tuesday to post a message which appears to confirm reports that she and Chris Brown are on the outs.

Rihanna wrote: “Being single sucks. The only thing I get to do anymore is whatever the [expletive] I want to do (sic).”

The 24-year-old was said to be left reeling recently after her on/off boyfriend Brown was pictured partying with scantily-clad girls on tour in Paris and enjoying a meal with his ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran in Dubai.

writing: “Examine what you tolerate, “Goodbye [expletive],” Rihanna tweeted. “You give, you get, then you give it the [expletive] back” and ‘’Claps for the basic b****** (sic).”

She also posted “Never underestimate a man’s ability to make you feel guilty for his mistakes,” via her Instagram.

She uploaded a photograph to Twitter of a heartfelt letter, thanking fans for their constant support and telling them to stand up for what they believe in and refusing to be defeated by mistakes and “curve balls”.

The handwritten note contains the lines: ‘’There’s no question that life throws us curve balls, we do our best to deal with them, take the lessons and keep it moving without regrets... She also took to Twitter to vent her feelings,

Lamar taking Liz to court for reality show clearance?

Last year LA Clipper Lamar Odom’s children’s mother, Liza Morales, accused Lamar of only wanting to see their children if they could appear on his reality show with Khloe Kardashian According to Page Six, Lamar is going to court to force Morales to allow the kids to appear on the show. Odom has taken Morales to court to set a “parental access schedule” over their children, 12-year-old daughter Destiny and 9-year-old Lamar Jr. The athlete reportedly wanted to adjust his custody deal with Morales so he could have the children appear on his E! reality spinoff show with Kardashian, “Khloe and Lamar.”

A source told the gossip column that “Odom filed a petition to establish time sharing of the kids and agree on finances and child support.”

Sources: NY Post, New York

Stomp the Classic

Gateway Classic accepting scholarship apps until

Jan. 31

American staff

On Saturday, December 8, The St. Louis Outlet Mall (formerly the Mills Mall) and Matthews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club were the places to be for kids.

n Two 4-year, $40,000 scholarships (maximum of $5,000 per semester) covering tuition and room/ board will be awarded.

The St. Louis Outlet Mall was the site of Radio One’s annual Jingle Jam Christmas Party. Hot 104.1 & Foxy 95.5 on-air personalities, staff, local rappers, and St. Louis Gateway Classic’s Mister Gateway Classic, Tey Hoskins, were joined by Sesame Street’s Grover to make hundreds of children, teens and their parents’ Christmas shopping a little brighter and livelier this year. Tey assisted children in the Yuletide Crayon Coloring contest and directed children as they eagerly awaited their photo op with Grover. Radio One, a Gateway Classic partner in education, introduced Tey on stage and recognized him for his scholarship accomplishments.

Next, it was on to the Matthews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club where Darrin Henson, star of the Showtime series Soul Food and Box office hit “Stomp the Yard,” presented an all-day “House of Hip Hop” workshop under the direction of Phyllis Johnson to raise money for the MathewsDickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Mister Gateway Classic Tey Johnson and Miss Gateway Classic Erin Sanders were in attendance. Erin joined Tey after performing earlier that morning as a participant at the Matthews-Dickey Sheer Elegance Fashion Show & Luncheon.

“The Gateway Classic is committed to the community by to supporting our local boys and girls clubs and proud to be a sponsor of this fundraising event for MathewsDickey. We encourage all our scholarship recipients to do the same and give back whenever possible,” stated Rich Gray, foundation president & CEO. Tey and Erin assisted with registration activities, worked with the children and were recognized for their scholarship accomplishments during the final Showcase portion of the program. They also had an opportunity to meet Darrin Henson, who congratulated them and gave them some beneficial college/career motivation and advice.

The Mister & Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Program provides high school students who are juniors the opportunity to pursue their college education and receive a college scholarship. Two 4-year, $40,000 scholarships (maximum of $5,000 per semester) covering tuition and room/board will be awarded

Editorial /CommEntary

Slay stands up for inclusion

All three members of the city’s chief fiscal body, the Board of Estimate & Apportionment, are currently campaigning for public office.

Comptroller Darlene Green and Mayor Francis G. Slay are up for re-election, and aldermanic President Lewis Reed has filed against Slay in the mayoral primary. As such, all are competing for attention and, ultimately, votes.

Just as their campaigns were being officially announced, a political football was put in place for any and all candidates – namely, the struggle over minority inclusion in the $158 million tax increment financing (TIF) deal for the CORTEX development. Each of these elected officials has a bully pulpit and substantial power to approve, or obstruct, development in the city. Any one of them could have seized CORTEX as a campaign issue and either pushed for minority inclusion guarantees, or argued for their limited importance relative to pushing for a major development in the city that will make the city more competitive in the life sciences.

Only one of these elected officials seized the political opportunity and showed leadership on this issue: Mayor Slay. And he stood up, not for the developers, but for the minority inclusion advocates.

Last week Slay issued Executive Order No. 46, which expands the city’s workforce diversity program (previously established by a 2009 ordinance) to cover TIF projects in the city valued at $1

million or more. The workforce goals are for 25 percent of labor hours to be performed by minorities, 5 percent of labor hours to be performed by women, 20 percent of labor hours to be performed by city residents, and 15 percent of all hours to be performed by apprentices enrolled in an approved training program.

Slay sent his enforcer, chief of staff Jeff Rainford, to state his position emphatically at the public hearing regarding the CORTEX TIF. Slay himself, in an interview with The American, adopted an aggressive tone that we find familiar, though it is profoundly refreshing to see it adopted in favor of something very important to us and our community. “Up front, this is a condition for us to provide tax increment financing,” Slay said. “If you don’t want to meet these goals, then we don’t have to provide you with the TIF you’re seeking.”

This is a new position for this mayor. Such a move directly addressing AfricanAmerican concerns is more characteristic of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley or Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino than Slay during his entire 12-year tenure as mayor of a city that in that time has gone from majorityblack to plurality-black. Goals are only goals, of course, though that is all the mayor is empowered to set forth – and a new disparity study conduced by NERA Economic Consulting for the Missouri Department of

City Register Parrie May watched last week as Mayor Francis G. Slay signed Executive Order No. 46, which expands the city’s workforce diversity program (previously established by a 2009 ordinance) to cover TIF projects in the city valued at $1 million or more.

Transportation found that diversity goals do in fact produce diversity results. Also, goals are no stronger than compliance efforts to enforce them. This new diversity program will be implemented by the St. Louis Development Corporation and the St. Louis Area Agency on Training, two agencies under mayoral control that have not been known for showing spine toward developers in the past. However, the blunt, non-nonsense tone that Slay has adopted is encouraging for those of us who wish to see these goals monitored and enforced to the full extent of the law.

While we understand why Slay would take this stance in the context of his current re-election campaign, we are at a loss to understand why the African Americans on the Board of E & A – and, especially, Slay’s opponent, Lewis Reed – would stand idly by and yield this opportunity for leadership to the mayor. If Reed wants to compete seriously against Slay in the mayoral primary, he needs to wake up now and show more assertive leadership on issues that impact the AfricanAmerican community. We also wonder when County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, the African American chief executive of St. Louis County, follows Slay’s leadership and sets similar diversity goals for projects in the county that enjoy any form of public subsidy.

Wonderland on a cliff

Are you as sick of the “fiscal cliff” as I am? Actually, that’s a trick question. You couldn’t possibly be. Having to read and hear all the constant blather about this self-inflicted “crisis” is an onerous burden, I’ll admit. But just imagine having to produce that blather. Imagine trying to come up with something original and interesting to say about a “showdown” that has all the drama and excitement of, well, a budgetary dispute. As if this weren’t bad enough, it happens that both of the protagonists – President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner – have reasons to wait until the last possible moment to agree on a deal. Obama believes time is on his side, while Boehner needs to show the troops that he will fight on the beaches, on the landing grounds, in the fields and in the streets ... This could go on past Christmas, at which point many of us will be looking for a real cliff to jump from.

For all we know, Obama and Boehner may be working on some grand fiscal bargain that will overwhelm all opposition with its scope and audacity. Then again, in their one-onone meetings, they might be discussing their golf swings. The fact that we’ve learned essentially nothing about their private conversations is either a very good sign or a very bad one, depending on which uninformed “analyst” or “observer” you choose to believe.

But the utter lack of reliable information doesn’t stop us from talking and writing about the state of play. Boehner sounds flustered, so that’s a bad sign – unless he just wants everyone to think he’s flustered. Obama seems unworried, so that’s a good sign – unless he’s just hiding his inner Cassandra.

Numbers are being tossed around that have no basis in reality. I’ve heard television commentators confidently predict that we’ll end up with an agreement for about $1.2 trillion in new revenue over the next decade. Why that figure?

Well, we know that Obama began by demanding $1.6 trillion, and that Boehner began by offering $800 billion, so if you split the difference you get

n This could go on past Christmas, at which point many of us will be looking for a real cliff to jump from.

$1.2 trillion. This makes perfect sense – in some parallel reality.

Anyone who thinks Washington is a split-thedifference kind of place hasn’t been paying attention. It’s more of a take-no-prisoners kind of place, and my guess is that meeting in the middle is one of the least likely conceivable outcomes. But what do I know?

Among the uncertainties is what would really happen if the White House and Congress fail to reach a deal. Would we be taking a swan dive into the abyss?

Corporate America has been lobbying for some agreement that would cut

government spending and raise new revenue. The Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs, wrote a letter urging the president to “demonstrate that principled compromise is once again possible and that the American political system that underpinned the economic success of our nation and others can function as designed.”

The letter argues that “political paralysis” in Washington fuels “global uncertainty that discourages businesses from investing and hiring new workers.” I would call this the “just agree on something, anything” school of thought.

But as I recall, our elected officials did agree on something: That the Bush tax cuts, the payroll tax cut and other measures would expire in January, and that huge and unprecedented budget cuts, especially in defense spending, would take effect. The fiscal cliff wasn’t formed by plate tectonics or volcanic eruptions. It was made by Congress and the president.

So really, how seriously are we supposed to take the warnings of doom coming from Capitol Hill and the White House? If Congress didn’t want taxes to go way up and spending to go way down, why did it pass legislation ensuring these things would happen? And why did Obama sign those bills into law if they’re such a guarantee of unmitigated disaster?

Here is one observation about the fiscal cliff that is based not on guesswork but on empirical fact: The politicians who brought us to this precipice are the same politicians we’re counting on to keep us from tumbling into the void.

The great American healthcare experiment is continuing to develop. The next stage is starting, so this is a good time to look back before we look ahead.

How did our healthcare get so tied up with our employment?

In World War II, to preserve funds for the war effort, the government froze wages.

To compete for workers, employers began to pay for health insurance, supported with business tax deductions. This quickly became an unfettered marketplace, with virtually no regulation on price or quality. Premiums began rising and problems emerged. Employers could no longer afford to fully cover their employees. The elderly became increasingly unable to afford medical care. Many of our parents and grandparents fell into medical poverty, and even more were simply unable to afford any care. Diseases went untreated, often with disastrous consequences.

The next experiment was proposed in the 1960s: the government would provide healthcare coverage, called Medicare, to all Americans beginning at age 65. No longer would our elderly need to sell their homes to scrape together the resources for life-saving medical care, living in poverty for their final years. It was a humane and compassionate solution to an unacceptable social injustice, and has saved countless millions of lives. While the senior population immediately embraced Medicare, many medical organizations lobbied extensively against it, perceiving a threat to their autonomy.

One of the few groups that immediately took a strong leadership position in favor of Medicare was the National Medical Association (NMA). I should disclose to you that I am a Past President of the NMA. We supported Medicare when it began, and continue to proudly support it today.

Although Medicare did not pay physicians well, costs continued to escalate. In response, insurance companies developed the “managed care” experiment. They promised physicians that if we discounted our fees, they would direct more of their patients toward us.

The insurance companies could not possibly deliver on this promise. Discounted fees became the new normal. As reimbursement fell, physicians began to spend less time with each patient. Patients found it increasingly difficult to find care. Medical care was arbitrarily cut to reduce costs. Managed care became rationed care, and America didn’t like it.

The next major step is the Affordable Care Act, an important step forward, but much remains to be done.

When picking a doctor, we will still need to look to our insurance company to determine if that doctor is “in network.” Prevention may soon be free, but treatment will continue to bankrupt many. Despite Massachusetts’ healthcare reform, they have more citizens than ever declaring bankruptcy due to illness.

Most Americans, including

most doctors, now feel that a plausible strategy to achieve universal health coverage is to improve Medicare and provide it to all Americans. This is often called a “singlepayer” model as the only payer of healthcare services would be our government, not our employers or insurance companies. Coverage would be for everyone, young and old, in sickness and in health.

Most economists tell us that this solution would actually cost less than we spend today. We’d spend more to cover today’s uninsured, but we’d save even more through simplification and coordination. People could afford to go to their physician for regular maintenance and preventive care. We should be able to decrease many causes of preventable sickness and death. We would save lives.

Those who argue against a single-payer plan claim it would bankrupt the country. They’re wrong; almost every industrialized country provides universal health coverage from birth to death, at a fraction of what we spend.

Insurance companies claim that single-payer will not work. I wonder if their skepticism is related to the fact that this plan would marginalize their role. We need to keep this in mind when we hear their fears. We need to remind them that most other modern countries already do this. Of course it would work; it already does. I would like to see us have a single-payer with universal comprehensive health coverage for all Americans. This is an idea whose time has come.

Embracing diversity

I applaud the efforts of Mayor Slay for supporting and promoting diversity in our workforce by extending the city’s diversity program to major TIF projects. We have a wonderfully diverse city but a history of awarding contracts to only a select few. It’s an important step to take and acknowledge that minorities and women have been underrepresented in the construction fields, and an even bigger leap forward to take action to remedy what is a serious problem.

Our city is blessed with thousands of skilled minority and female contractors and laborers who are capable of producing outstanding quality work on any of a number of projects that would be paid for by Tax Increment Financing. I’m excited to see they will now have an opportunity to help develop and revitalize our wonderful city that is home to a broad array of people from all walks of life. I thank Mayor Slay for embracing diversity that will help make St. Louis the exceptional city it deserves to be.

State Rep.-elect Jamilah Nasheed St. Louis

Risk, not energy efficiency

Last week, the Missouri Public Service Commission issued a Report and Order on the latest Ameren Missouri rate case. I dissent because the return on equity (ROE) the majority allows does not provide adequate consumer beneit that should accompany reduced business risk.

I agree with my colleagues about the importance of energy eficiency and applaud the decision to refrain from increasing the ixed customer charge. By not increasing the ixed customer charge,

the Commission supports the Missouri Energy Eficiency and Investment Act’s direction to maintain and enhance customers’ incentive to use energy more eficiently.

Increasing the ixed customer charge would have gone a long way toward undermining the customer incentive to use energy more eficiently. But this rate case was more about risk and less about energy eficiency. The Commission over the last several years has made it easier, faster and less risky for Ameren Missouri to collect money from its customers.

For instance, we authorize cost-recovery mechanisms that allow the company to account for storm costs and vegetation management costs. Additionally, we allow Ameren Missouri to recover fuel costs quickly outside of a general rate case. These mechanisms that allow for recovery of costs outside of a general rate case serve to reduce Ameren’s business risk.

The ROE is supposed to be a relection of that business risk. Also, shifting risk away from the utility shifts more risk to the consumer. The ROE we authorize should appropriately relect that shifting of risk.

We haven’t done so in past rate cases and, unfortunately, we haven’t done so in this case.

To the extent that the authorized ROE is lower than Ameren’s past ROE and lower than the national average, that is more a relection of market forces and lower costs of capital in general than it is a relection of the reduced business risk associated with risk-reducing cost recovery mechanisms. I believe the Commission has not reduced Ameren’s authorized ROE commensurate with the reduced business risk accompanying the numerous risk-reducing cost recovery mechanisms the Commission has authorized. As a result, consumers will pay more than they should.

Commissioner Robert S. Kenney

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

County Police awarded for Heroin Education Initiative

The St. Louis County Police Department’s Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force will received the 2012 “Outstanding Community Prevention Effort Award” in Washington D.C. as a result of their heroin initiative “Not-EvenOnce” campaign in the St. Louis Metro area. The task force is made up, not only of St. Louis County Police Officers, but officers from eight other area municipal police departments.

The award was presented by President Barack Obama’s drug czar, Director Gil Kerlikowske of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.It is given to the task force that exhibits outstanding results in community support, assistance and education in utilizing the cooperative spirit and tenets of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The goal of the “Not-EvenOnce” program was to prevent young people from experimenting with heroin, and to reduce the overall number of heroin overdose fatalities in St. Louis County. After rising to a total of 91 deaths in 2011, heroin fatalities in St. Louis County have decreased by 30 percent to date in 2012.

Laumeier receives $445K gift

Laumeier Sculpture Park received a $445,000 gift from the Estate of Warren F. Vaupel to be held in trust for support of longterm exhibitions, education programming and operations. Vaupel was a former St. Louis resident who passed away in July 2010 in Seattle. Monies received will be used to fund exhibitions, K-12 and adult education programs, Laumeier’s primary programming areas, and operations.

Dr. Nash, Joe Wiley join Walk of Fame

The St.Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation honored Dr.Helen Nash and Joe Wiley in its 2012 Walk of Fame induction.Dr.Nash was a pioneer as an African-American woman in medicine and was the first African-American woman to join the attending staff at St.Louis Children’s Hospital in 1949 and become president of the medical staff in 1977.Wiley was owner of Quest Management Consultants and is considered one of the most influential black business leaders.This year marked the 11 year anniversary of the Walk of Fame at 2012 Dr.Martin Luther King Dr.

County Library extends hours

St. Louis County Library will extend hours at the Meramec Valley and Eureka Hills branches, and introduce year-round hours on Sunday at four branches starting January 1, 2013. The changes are made possible by the passage of Proposition Lin November.

The branch hours at Meramec Valley and Eureka Hills will now match the rest of the system: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The following branches will be open year-round on Sunday from 1–5 p.m.: Danile Boone, Florissant Valley, Headquarters and Tesson Ferry.

Proposition L, approved by 58 percent of the voters on November 6, increases the library’s tax ceiling by 6 cents to 26 cents per $100 valuation. The increase will fund new branches where needed, repair and remodel others and enhance service at all 20 locations. Planning for the new projects will begin in 2013.

Had I done enough to empowerthem?

By Brittany Packnett For The St.Louis American

I am not a black man.

My brother is. My father was. So are Derrick, Nikko, all three Jameses and 32 of the other 3rd graders I taught in my years as a Teach For America corps member.

Just two months ago, I returned here to St. Louis, my hometown, to serve as executive director of Teach For America in the region. It’s an organization that recruits, trains and supports educators to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity.

As I think about the big challenges in this work, I think often of Derrick, Nikko, and their peers. And in a country that is so quick to regard young black men as lost causes, I can’t help but wonder if I did enough for those brilliant boys entrusted to me.

This question was front and center for me at this year’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. For the second year running, Teach For America convened hundreds of its AfricanAmerican staff, corps members and alumni at the event, taking the opportunity to reflect, grow, challenge and support one another.

Throughout the conference, even as I savored the opportunity to be with so many others who share both my racial identity and passion for creating a just world for kids who look likeme, mostly, I thought about the boys I taught. And the same question plagued me. Had I done enough to empower them? Years from now, would they have a place at a gathering of burgeoning black leaders like this one?

As a third grade teacher, I was keenly aware of the high stakes in my classroom.Today, there are more African-American men in prison than college. Only by ensuring that all children in this region have the skills and ability to graduate from the colleges of their choice and compete in a global marketplace will we begin to change this unacceptable reality. We have a moral and economic imperative to provide every student the rigorous academic preparation needed to do just this. An excellent education can change their futures and that of our region.

Teach For America is committed to partnering with communities, parents, principals, pastors, district leaders and elected officials to meet the needs of our students. To do this, we must build a pipeline of educators capable of recognizing the unique challenges facing young black men in this country.

The fact that I am not a black man does not excuse me from this. It doesn’t excuse any of us.If we do not intentionally address the needs of our black boys, we will continue to allow stereotypes and the racism of low expectations to eclipse their potential. That makes us part of the problem.

As I look towards a New Year here in St. Louis, I know students like Derrick don’t need to be saved. They just need for those of us committed to social justice to continually consider the unique barriers they face.

Nikko reminds us that, if we are to achieve the change we seek, we must make his needs central to our work, to continue the quest for answers even as we end the search for silver bullets.

All three Jameses need us to remember that being honest, culturally competent and anti-racist is the only way to get to the future we envision. They deserve our very best.

Brittany Packnett

LIBRARY

Continued from A1 dren could go and check out books or for the teachers to use as a resource.”

The newly renovated library is housed in what was once two cold and dingy storage areas located in the school’s basement.

“We sat in an empty room on the concrete floor,” Susan Ludeman, third grade volunteer at Most Holy Trinity, remembered.

Last fall, Susan and her husband Danny Ludeman, president and CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors, donated an undisclosed amount of funds to renovate the space, which took about a year.

Lenz emphasized that the library renovation project was extremely “children-focused” and completed in a “non-corporate” fashion.

To add an artistic touch, Susan Ludeman enlisted the help of her friend Dana Stiebel, who painted a colorful mural on the library’s wall based on a book of poems by T.S. Elliot, “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.”

Although it’s still located in the basement, the new library is now “warm and welcoming,” Lenz said.

Prior to the school having access to its own library, teachers and students took advantage of other free resources like the St. Louis Public Library (SLPL). On one occasion, a librarian from the SLPLvisited the school and read to small groups of children.

“I was in the library with the kids, and they’re just so excited to be down there, just so eager to expand their world,” Susan Ludeman said. “It really is a very rewarding and fulfilling thing for me and I think it’s making a difference in their lives.”

When the community got wind of the project, they were generous with their support.

Recently, a caravan of Most Holy Trinity volunteers drove west from North St. Louis city to St. Anselm Parish & Elementary school in Creve Coeur, where they picked up 1,000 donated books. The books were collected during a recent book drive held by the Catholic Youth Council of St. Louis.

During a three-day scholastic book fair sponsored by the

“I was in the library with the kids, and they’re just so excited to be down there, just so eager to expand their world.”

– Susan Ludeman

University of Phoenix held in the new Most Holy Trinity library, each child was given a

book voucher they could use to purchase books. Most Holy Trinity received a portion of

the book fair’s proceeds, which school officials used to purchase additional books

One boy’s hopes were dashed when his parent said they couldn’t afford to buy the book he had selected. It was a book from the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.

Pat Mooney, a volunteer librarian at Most Holy Trinity, consoled the child by saying, “We have the entire set in the

BATTLE

Continued from A1

church.

Bishop Battle, who personally celebrated 49 years at the pulpit, preached the dedication service.

Regina Swink, chairman of the finance committee at House of Deliverance, described the services as an opportunity for “thanksgiving.”

Swink said church members were grateful to have secured a “well-equipped” place of worship under the leadership and “vision” of their senior and elder pastor Eric Battle.

library. You can come in here any time and sign out any of these books.”

She remembered how the little boy’s eyes widened when he asked, “Any time I want to, I can take these books?”

Most Holy Trinity currently has 5,000 books If you would like to make a book or monetary donation, contact Kim Lenz at (314) 241-9165.

“We have always helped with the economic struggles of our membership.”

– Bishop Jesse Battle Jr.

It was time, Elder Eric Battle said, to reflect upon the church’s history. The chapel at the new location blends both old and new because it’s dedicated to the memory of the church’s founding pastor, the late Bishop Jesse Battle Sr. According to Elder Battle, it’s still a work in progress and will contain many of the late Bishop’s personal artifacts, like his preaching robes.

Bishop Battle said the church needed some major work, which is probably why it sat on the market for so long.

“We did about $700,000 worth of renovations, which a smaller or more financially strapped congregation could not have done,” he said.

For many years, the late Bishop Battle had plans to build a school on the church grounds, but obstacles impeded his progress, according to his son. Bishop Battle kept his father’s dream alive in his continuous search for an “ideal” location that had a smaller sanctuary but larger educational facility than the previous location on Natural Bridge.

It will be a “slow process,” Bishop Battle said, to get the school up and running by next September. He has begun the process of partnering with educational officials to develop the curriculum. He said recruitment for the school will initially focus on children within the congregation. There wasn’t an actual “mortgage burning” because the property was paid for in cash. The funds were acquired from the sale of its previous location at 9350 Natural Bridge Rd. to Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church last December. However, a document was burned to symbolically “solidify the fact that God has really done this thing for us,” Swink said.

Because the church isn’t bound to a mortgage, Swink said, it will free up money that can be used for outreach purposes. At the end of last year, for example, church members received a check through a socalled “in-house stimulus program.” The check amounts ranged from $200 to 4,000 dollars and were disbursed from funds that were not needed to satisfy the church’s budget. Bishop Battles plans to continue the program again this year. “We are a regular black church, which means among our membership are people who are not doing as well,” Bishop Battle said. “We have always helped with the economic struggles of our membership.”

Visitors are welcome at House of Deliverance at 9355 St. Charles Rock Rd. For more information, call 314-9421515.

Students at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School in the Hyde Park neighborhood enjoy books in their new library,which was funded through a donation by Susan and Danny Ludeman.

TEACHER

Continued from A1

teacher Rhonda Stovall, the newspaper has become “part of her curriculum.”

Stovall said she uses The American’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) page each week in her fifth grade class. One of their favorite parts of the STEM page is the “Inventors & Inventions” piece.

“I encourage my students to think about the historical time period in which many of the inventions were created and how their world was so different than ours,” Stovall said. Her class researches the careers of each week’s highlighted inventors. Stovall also uses the math and science portions of the page as tie-in activities, hands-on applications and as a source of review.

But teaching using the newspaper doesn’t stop there for Stovall. She said she uses TheAmerican as her opening “Do Now” activity, which is the first assignment that her students have daily.

“My students peruse the newspaper and locate an article of interest that they would like to discuss, summarize, graph data from or use in class,” said Stovall.

She uses the newspaper as part of her foundation.

“I directly tie my newspaper activities with the Missouri Standards, Common Core Standards, as well as the SLPS district’s CLEAR guide,” said Stovall. “I use the newspaper to teach text features, so that my students become young adults and adults who ready the newspaper on a daily basis.” For her efforts, last week Stovall received The St. Louis American’s first Golden Apple Award. The Golden Apple Award is presented to one outstanding teacher, each semester, who is consistently and successfully using The St. Louis American’s NIE program in his or her classroom with tangible results.

NURSING

Continued from A1 support over the next five years to assist future nurses in their education and training.

“The Deaconess Scholarship has allowed me to cut back on federal loans, thus enabling me to concentrate more on my grades rather than the increasing interest rates,” Rowland said. “It’s a blessing, really.” Although it’s a toss up, Rowland is currently leaning toward trauma nursing.

“My students cut the newspaper to find verbs, nouns, adjectives,” she said. “I use the newspaper during my guided reading time to encourage reading at a higher level for my proficient and advanced students, as well as to encourage my basic readers by selecting articles I know will interest them.”

During the campaign for the November 2012 election, Stovall’s classroom used The St. Louis American to help prepare for a mock voting exercise in class.

“The Deaconess Scholarship has allowed me to cut back on federal loans and concentrate more on my grades rather than interest rates.”

“My plans upon graduation are to either join the United States Army as an Army nurse or to work at any local St. Louis hospital,” Rowland said.

– Heather Rowland

She added that she would like to work at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital or in another country to help those that are in desperate need of help.

“Nursing is one of the few careers based off of compassion given toward others,” Rowland said.

The Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to 10-15 students annually (average award: $6,000). Students must be permanent residents of the St.

Louis metropolitan area and pursuing nursing degrees (RN, BSN) at an accredited, nonprofit school. Awards are based on financial need, strength of character and academic potential. All correspondence will be communicated by email, so it is important to have a valid email address when you start the application process. To apply, students must complete two applications by April 15: the Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship and The Scholarship Foundation Interest-Free Loan in Scholarship Central at www.sfstl.org.

Students selected to receive the Deaconess scholarship may also be given an opportunity to accept or decline an interest-free loan or other grants through SFSTL.

Additional information may be obtained by calling The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990 or via email at info@sfstl.org.

For applications, select the link “Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship” at https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/

“I use the newspaper to teach text features, so that my students become young adults and adults who read the newspaper on a daily basis.”

– Rhonda Stovall

“We used the newspaper to understand the platform of each candidate and their overall predicted impact on the economy,” Stovall said. “My students have written their own editorials in response to questions and views written in the newspaper.”

But Stovall uses more than the paper’s news and opinion pages. “I have used the Business section to discuss the economy and the recession,” she said. “I use the Sports section to discuss data and high-

lights. I have used the Classified section to educate students about finding jobs and the skills needed to land a job.” Stovall said her class also uses TheAmerican’s “Your Health Matters” section in a unique way.

“Many of my students have family members who have illnesses that are discussed in the health section,” said Stovall.

“We have created brochures in class that reflect the health tips featured in the section.

Students were asked to place

bursts into tears as she is presented with The St.Louis American’s first Golden Apple Award by Gateway MST Principal Rose Howard.

the name of the relative impacted on the brochure and distribute it to that particular family member.”

In addition to her award, Stovall received a $250 Visa gift card for additional resources for her classroom and a $100 Visa gift card for her personal use. Stovall’s classroom will also be sent on a field trip to the Saint Louis Science Center, with all expenses paid for by The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

Gateway MST Elementary School teacher

Rhonda Stovall

United Way holds thank you celebration

St. Louis continues to lead nation in

African-American giving

The United Way of Greater St. Louis recently held a celebratory reception for its African American Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) members. Co-chairs Maurice and Brenda Newberry announced that 2012 was a ground-breaking year for the CCS, raising a record $2.2 million. The CCS again remains number one in the nation for the highest philanthropic contributions of African Americans to an annual United Way campaign. In addition, a record 44 African Americans were members of the United Way’s de Tocqueville Society component, each giving $10,000 or more to the campaign

Ed Adams and Michael Holmes

Dorris Walker-McGahee and AnneMarie Clarke

Barbara Bowman and Francella Jackson

Brenda Newberry, 2012 African American Leadership Society co-chair and Johnetta Carver

Darcella Craven and Dewitt Campbell

Linda Robinson and Tony Taylor

Deborah Patterson, The United Way’s Orvin Kimbrough and Maxine Birdsong

Dr. Henry Givens and Larry Thomas

Kristen Tatum and James Tatum

T.C. Slater and Sherita Haigler Darius Chapman, Anisha Morrell and Mike McMillan

Reuben and Garrett Shelton

Stacy Edwards and Gail Holmes

Maurice and Brenda Newberry, 2012 African American Leadership Society co-chairs along with former chairs of the Society, Michael and Gail Holmes, Wayman and Susan Smith, Minga and Johnny Furr, Larry Thomas and Patricia Smith Thurman

Clifton and Tanisha Hatten

Dotti Pennington and Earl McDowell

Susan and Wayman Smith, Jan Banks and John Shivers

Patricia Smith Thurman and Ruby Curry

Kennard Tucker, Ron Sherod, Michelle Tucker, and Alex David

Emily Roberts-Pitts and Richard Pitts

Rod Jones, Michael Holmes, Brenda Mahr, Darlene Sowell and Rodney Hare

Obituaries

Jeffery Artell Hudson

Jeffery Artell Hudson was born on November 25, 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Presley Sr. and Ernestine Hudson. He was the youngest of four children.

Jeffery attended Southwest High School, where he developed a love for basketball, wrestling, and art, and even offered an art scholarship.

With an energetic attitude and a smile that would light up any room, Jeffery was always full of life.

Early in life he met and married Doris (Dottie) together they reared four loving and devoted children. He later met and married Torri Everett, although both marriages were dissolved, they all remained the best of friends.

He eventually joined the St. Louis Fire Department in 1993 where he served for 18 proud years. His love for his job inspired him to have hopes of making Captain, for which he was studying for up to his passing. Along with being a fireman, Jeffery also explored several successful business ventures, such as Hudson Auto Sales, and his many home proprietorships.

He professed his love for Christ at Little Bethel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Buster Ollie, he later joined Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop William Scott where he remained a member until his passing.

He leaves to cherish his memory: children, Tia, Donnella, Sherita, and Jeffery; his parents, Presley Sr. and Ernestine Hudson; goddaughter, Jakayla; brothers, Presley Jr. and Andrew; sister, Veronica

(Paulette); grandchildren, Aniya, Demar Jr., Dahlia and DonVeion Jr. (DJ); special friend, Kamina; his ex-wives and friends, Doris and Torri; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his St. Louis City Fire Department Family.

Robert Westley Frederick 1926-2012

Robert Westley Frederick’s journey through his eightyseven years began on September 4, 1926. He was the second son and third child of James Davis and Mary Ellen (Johnson) Frederick. The years of his childhood were spent in the lower part of Southeast Missouri, commonly referred to as the “bootheel” of the state, where he was first a student in Dunbar Elementary School, a one-room school where his father was the main teacher. On occasions, however, his mother would assume the teaching responsibilities while his father tended to the farming duties as a sharecropper.

Elementary school was followed by high school training at Hayti Central High, at that time a two-year high school for colored children, and next at Washington High School in Caruthersville, MO, a four-year high school that served children of color who lived in the three counties of the lower part of the “bootheel”.

Robert continued his education and preparation for life by enrolling in Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in September 1943. His field was agriculture with a major in animal science. While at Tuskegee he became an air force cadet and was a member of the last class trained at the Tuskegee Army Airbase.

Robert continued his army air force training during the summer of 1947 as a special cadet at the West Point Military

Academy. In 1948 he left cadet training and worked as a vocational agriculture teacher for veterans in southeast Missouri and adjacent northeast Arkansas. He resumed his military career in 1950 and served tours of duty at Fort Monmouth, NJ, Fort Gordon in GA and the Army General School at Ft. Riley, KS. During this period of time he transferred to the Army Signal Corp. Robert left military service in 1953 with the rank of first lieutenant.

Robert led a full, active and productive life. He obtained further degrees at Webster Groves University in Management and Business Administration; was employed in various capacities by federal institutions such as the Aeronautical Chart Plant, the Corp of Engineers of the Department of the Army; he was a successful entrepreneur having started several business ventures including a current income tax service; he was a fifty-year active member of his church, St. Paul AME, and also helped to mentor youth through the Boy Scout and other youth programs.

And so on Sunday, November 25 Robert answered the call to come home. Robert leaves behind innumerable relatives and friends whose memories of him will continue to be cherished. They include his grandson Sam Williams Jr. and his wife Constance, great

grand- children Sam Williams III, Lauren and Chris Williams, sisters Dorothy Walker and Irma Kendrick, brother Lafayette Frederick and wife Ann; nieces Judy Bruce, Gerri Bolden, Lori Frederick, Jatona Walker, Frederique Browne, Ann Parsons, Gwendolyn Rose, Karla Miller, Genora Boykin, Karen Law; nephews David Frederick, Lewis Frederick, Herbert Frederick, Jr.; close friend and business associate Stephanie Johnson, former spouse Dorothy Taylor and her children whom he served as a committed father figure; and other relatives and friends.

Alice Borroum

Alice Borroum was born Alice Jackson on December 26, 1936 to Sendia and Joe Jackson in St. Louis, Missouri. She passed on November 22, 2012 at the age of 75 after a recurrence of cancer.

Alice was the youngest of 5 children: Arthur Mae (Shead) Herron, William Shead, Clarence Shead, and Johnny Jackson. She attended St. Nicholas elementary school, Rosati-Kain high school and transferred to Vashon high

school after freshman year.

Alice enrolled in nursing school at O’Fallon Technical Center through St. Louis Public Schools and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She received her certification and licensure from the State of Missouri in 1963. She later went on to Hubbard Business College to further her education.

On November 25, 1988

Alice married Leroy Borroum and became a stepmother. She had a special place in her heart for children.

Alice is survived by her husband Leroy, her stepdaughter Earline Wood,

step granddaughters, Alexxis Borroum, Avi-el Borroum, Elisha Wood, and step grandson Hilton Wood. Alice had one step great granddaughter Demetria Brown. She leaves many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dear Alice, we love you deeply and sincerely miss you. Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 2pm. in Room C of the Bridgeton Community Center, 4201 Fee Fee Road, Bridgeton, Mo. 63044.

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.

Jeffery Hudson

Alice Borroum

Paul Mckee’s eminent domain urban legend

The EYE would like to share a story told about Paul McKee Jr. by someone who knows him well that may provide some insight for the wider public about the kind of political operator he is.

It is said some years ago that McKee and other business leaders in St. Charles County called a meeting with their state legislators. The business leaders briefed the area’s state legislators on their verdict as to who had the votes in the Republican caucus to nab the top legislative spots in the Missouri House and Senate in the next session. The business leaders, who had in effect paid to elect these representatives, told them they had a high degree of confidence in their findings. They then pointedly suggested that the legislators get behind these front runners now so they would have good relationships with the people who would be steering legislation in Jefferson City.

The business leaders then took a straw poll, asking who these legislators planned to support for their legislative leadership. Some legislators said they planned to support different candidates than the ones the business leaders said would win, whether out of personal loyalty or a different sense of who had the votes.

These legislators were told point-blank that they should reconsider their support, and those who did not line up with the business leaders would not be not invited to further meetings with them.

The business leaders were

accurate with every prediction as to who would be handling legislation in the next session. Not only did they then ignore the legislators who did not back the winning horses when given a chance, they began to recruit and fund opponents to oppose them in their next Republican primary.

This story says a great deal about McKee. He is shrewd, blunt and action-oriented. He comes right at you and attempts to win you over before, if necessary, he warns you that he is going to go right through or around you. This direct approach to politics that he honed in St. Charles County was what he brought to the city of St. Louis when he began his Northside redevelopment project. It earned him some enemies, but it should not have branded him as evasive.

‘will not ever’

Michael R. Allen, the independent researcher who outed McKee’s land-banking on the North Side (and by now has assumed stances on multiple sides of McKee’s project), blogged a response to the EYE’s previous column on McKee. Whether intentionally or not, Allen’s blog post is positioned to keep alive the urban legend that McKee intends to employ eminent domain in the Northside redevelopment.

McKee’s counsel Paul Puricelli addresses this matter bluntly to the Missouri Supreme Court in a brief

currently before the court.

W. Bevis Schock and other attorneys for the intervenors in the suit filed against Northside raised the same specter of eminent domain repeatedly in their court filings. Puricelli, representing McKee, quotes from the redevelopment agreement: “The use of eminent domain will not be allowed pursuant to this Redevelopment Plan.” The plan also states, as Puricelli reminds the court with direct quotation, that Northside “has not identified any owner-occupied residences for acquisition through the use of eminent domain.”

Schock in his brief and Allen in his blog indicate that the city still retains powers of eminent domain, so eminent domain still could be pursued for Northside. McKee’s counsel bluntly dismisses that possibility: “Northside would have to petition the Board of Aldermen for that power and, as Northside represented in the Redevelopment Plan and countless times thereafter: Northside will not ever seek the power of eminent domain to uproot citizens of North St. Louis from their homes” (emphasis in the original). This is not a promise

On Friday police board chair Richard Gray announced that Sam Dotson will be the new police chief of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The current police board will administer the department until local control becomes effective next summer.

Photo by Wiley Price

whispered in a North City church on Sunday morning. This is bluntly stated in a legal brief stamped as received by the Missouri Supreme Court. “Northside will not ever seek the power of eminent domain to uproot citizens of North St. Louis from their homes.” Truly, the EYE is at a loss to know what more McKee can do to slay this urban legend. Does the man need to publicly slice off a finger or toe and seal the deal in blood?

4.99 percent of nothing

The EYE does acknowledge an imprecision in saying that the Land Assemblage Tax Credit legislation also forbids use of eminent domain on the Northside redevelopment. What the legislation does is severely restrict possible use of eminent domain in any development that gets the tax credit. It states that if more than 4.99 percent of the parcels acquired within the project area are acquired using eminent domain, then the area is not an Eligible Project Area and none of the parcels acquired (with or without eminent domain) qualify for the tax credit.

So McKee is entitled to pursue eminent domain to acquire up to 4.99 percent of the redevelopment area, though he has not made any attempt to date – and he is on record with the City of St. Louis and the Missouri Supreme Court as stating “Northside will not ever seek the power of eminent domain to uproot citizens of North St. Louis from their homes.”

Slay’s chief

When local control passed on the November ballot, the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners was still considering the appointment of the next police chief. This means that suddenly a board of mostly gubernatorial appointees was left as a de facto lame duck empowered to pick a police chief who, as of next summer, will be someone else’s management problem. The current police board structure will be dissolved, leaving its current ex officio board member, Mayor Francis G. Slay, managing the police chief via his director of public safety. Slay – speaking to The American, as he has recently

learned to do – said after the election that it was important for the police board to choose a chief who would work well with his administration, since the chief would soon be working for him. So there was no surprise last week when the board announced Sam Dotson as the new police chief. Last seen in uniform at the rank of captain, Dotson has been working for the mayor on loan from the police department as Slay’s director of operations. As Dotson noted to The Beacon, police chief is a kind of demotion from his current position. Now, Slay’s public safety director Eddie Roth reports to Dotson as director of operations, but after Dotson suits up as top cop on January 1 he will report to the public safety director. Jerry Berger speculates that new public safety director will be Richard Gray, who chairs the police board that appointed Dotson. Hmmm.

Dannielle didn’t spill

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be fraudsters!

Dannielle Benson, owner of Dankar Enterprises, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and restitution of $223,546 for bilking the City of St. Louis in her contract to provide parking services as a Treasurer’s Office subcontractor. Benson billed the city to pay ghost workers and a ghost lobbyist who did no work. The feds threw the sentencing guidelines at her because she refused to cooperate and implicate others in her scheme. That means former Treasurer Larry Williams and the never officially identified ghost lobbyist are likely to skate free. This must be disappointing for the PostDispatch, which has been preparing a prison cell for Williams for years. Perhaps the Post also will now be moved to issue a retraction to Rodney Hubbard Jr., the man the Post identified, according to only anonymous sources, as the fraudster ghost lobbyist.

SCIENCE CORNER

Who Wants To Be A Rocket Scientist?

The following definitions will help you understand the basics of rocket science.

Aerodynamics—This is the study of the motion of air and other gases and how they affect the motion of objects moving through them.

Drag—This is a force that acts against an object in motion, slowing it down.

Lift—This is the force that acts on an rocket’s fins to push it upward.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

in this experiment, you will create a rocket. Your goal is to get your rocket to travel a long distance. You will modify (change) the rocket to determine which style works the best while applying your background information of rocket science and cause and effect.

Materials Needed:

Plastic Drinking Straw Scissors Paper Scotch

Tape Ruler Knife Tape Measure Glue

Procedure:

q Measure a rectangle that is 2 inches tall and 8 inches long. Cut it out, curl it around your pencil to create your rocket body. Use scotch tape to hold the shape.

w Cut 4 small triangles of the same size and shape. glue these to the base of your rocket body to create “fins.” Your fins should create a + shape that allows your rocket to stand on its own.

e remove the pencil and insert the plastic drinking straw, lining it up with your rocket body.

r Blow into the straw to launch your rocket.

MATH CONNECTION

Let’s talk about length. You know that 12 inches = 1 foot, and 3 feet = 1 yard, and 5280 feet = 1 mile. Using these measurements, answer the following questions.

Questions:

q if you walked 11/2 miles, how many “feet” did you walk? __________ How many yards did you walk?

w if you threw a football 30 yards, how many feet did the football travel? _______________

DID YOU KNOW?

Propulsion System—This is the engine used to power a rocket.

Thrust—This is the force that causes rockets to move forward.

Velocity—This is the speed of an object.

Learning Standards: i can develop and use new vocabulary terms.

Questions: How far does it travel when you shoot it straight up? How far does it travel when you shoot it straight out? Launch your rocket three times and measure the distance with the tape measure. record your results.

y Next, you will experiment with the size and shape of your rocket fins. What happens when you change the size and shape of the triangles used to support the base of your rocket?

u finally, you will give your rocket a “nose” by twisting the end of the paper. Launch this final rocket three times and record the length the rocket travels.

Questions: What did you observe? Did the size and shape of the fins affect the distance the rocket traveled? Did the length of the nose affect the distance? Which angle for launch gave the most distance—launching straight up, straight out, or somewhere in between?

Learning Target:

i can follow sequential (step by step) instructions to create an experiment. i can record observations and make changes based on my observations.

e How many yards are in a football field? _______________ Convert that number of yards into feet ________________

Did you know that 1 mile = 1.609 kilometers? if you traveled 5 miles

Learning

oswald S. “ozzie” Williams was born on September 2, 1921, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in New York City. As a child, he loved to design and build things, especially model airplanes. Williams decided that he wanted to be an engineer when he learned that engineers design things.

After graduating from high school in 1938, Williams enrolled in New York University to study engineering. The dean of NYU tried to discourage Williams from joining because of his race, but Williams persisted and graduated from NYU in 1943 with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Williams was the second African American to receive a degree in aeronautical engineering, but the first to be hired by republic Aviation. Although the company did not want to hire an African American, Williams impressed them during his interview.

During World War ii, Williams designed the P47 Thunderbird, an escort plane used to protect bombers. He was responsible for estimating and calculating the lift of the plane’s wings, its propelling forces, and its drag. This aircraft played a very important role in World War ii in 1947, Williams earned his master’s degree in aeronautical engineering and went to work for Babcock and Wilcox Company. Next, he worked for the U.S. Navy Material Catalog office. in 1950, Williams went to work for greer Hydraulics, inc., and developed the first experimental airborne radio beacon, used to locate airplanes that have crashed. in 1956, Williams began work in small rocket engine design for the company of Thiokol Chemical Corporation. five years later, he was hired as a propulsion engineer for grumman Aerospace Corporation (a NASA contractor). While there, Williams managed work for the Apollo spacecraft. His design allowed the crew of Apollo 13 to make it back safely when the ship’s main rocket exploded in flight. If you’d like to learn more about Williams and the Apollo 13 mission, check out the following resource: http://kidsahead.com/subjects/12-space/articles/488 Learning Target: i can read a biography to learn about African American contributions in math, science, and technology.

MAP CORNER

Cause and Effect. Cause and effect is all around you. Understanding this concept will help you in language arts, social studies, and science, in particular. A cause is something that makes something else happen. An effect is what happens as a result of the cause. Ex: Sean overslept and missed the bus. The cause is the fact that Sean overslept; the effect is that he missed the bus. Cause and effect is not always negative. Consider this example: Natasha created flash cards and studied for her science test; she made an A. Here, the cause is that Natasha studied and the effect is that she earned an A. Understanding cause and effect will help

you understand what you read and it will help you understand events in social studies and science. Let’s practice! Use the newspaper to find three examples of cause and effect. Compare your results with your classmates.

Learning Standards: i can identify cause and effect.

AfriCAN AMEriCAN AEroNATiCAL ENgiNEEr O.S. “Ozzie” Williams

Build A Straw ROcket!

Parker James 8, a third grader at Barack Obama Elementary School, in the Normandy School District, performs an experiment that tests how many drops of water can be placed on a penny, as teacher Jason Thompson looks on. Also observing is Parker’s mother, Yolonda James.

Photo by Wiley Price Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email:kjones@ stlamerican.com

Are there any more bad men out there?

That was the anxious question to his parent by a child who attends Sandy Hook Elementary School. Last week the school was the targeted by Adam Lanza, a lone gunman, who took down 20 kids and six adults at the school. Lanza killed his mother before heading to the school. His own death is being ruled a suicide. An emotional President Obama faced the nation for the fourth time in two years regarding mass shootings in the country. During the same period, there were actually a total of nine such mass murders by mainly white, male shooters. So the answer to the question, “Are there any more bad men out there?” is the question on all our minds. When will he strike again? Where will he strike? No public venue has proven to be out of bounds – schools, shopping centers, holy structures, college campuses workplaces, courthouses, military bases, restaurants.

Each year in this violent country, over 100,000 people are victims of guns. About one third of these encounters is lethal – suicides, homicides and accidents. Police shootings are also included.

Jamala Rogers

I’m not trying to take anyone’s gun from their cold or warm hands, nor do I think gun control is the totality of the solution. We can start with dispelling the myth that guns are needed for defending one’s home. Most of the lethal deaths in or outside the home have little to do with this basic right. It has everything to do with emotion. American has an anger management problem. Each one of these killings was a member of someone’s family, of a community. Yet society continues to give credence to lives based on circumstances, locale, race and age.

The common thread in all of the mass shootings for the last decade is that all the madmen have been heavily armed, most of them with legal weapons. And most armed with assault weapons.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has one of the strongest lobbying machines in the country. However, I expect with 20 little ones as part of the latest carnage that the gun advocacy group will have to bend some on their rigid stance against any kind of gun control.

Many residents of Newtown, CT echoed the sentiments that such shootings don’t happen in a place like theirs. This view has all kinds of implications given the suburb is 95 percent white, 75 percent of the families are headed by two parents and the median income is around $100,000. Struggling, single mothers in Chicago and the barrios of Los Angeles also love their children deeply. Right now all of us have a target on our back when we come out of the house. So let’s join hands and see how to seriously tackle this deadly issue in a rational manner.

Obama responds to school shootings

‘We’ve endured too many of these tragedies’

By Barack Obama U.S. President

This afternoon, I spoke with Governor Malloy and FBI Director Mueller. I offered Governor Malloy my condolences on behalf of the nation, and made it clear he will have every single resource that he needs to investigate this heinous crime, care for the victims, counsel their families.

We’ve endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years. And each time I learn the news I react not as a President, but as anybody else would – as a parent. And that was especially true today. I know there’s not a parent in America who doesn’t feel the same overwhelming grief that I do.

The majority of those who died today were children –beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. They had their entire lives ahead of them – birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers – men and

n “Each time I learn the news I react not as a President, but as anybody else would – as a parent.”

women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams. So our hearts are broken today – for the parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children, and for the families of the adults who were lost. Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their

Salvation Army opens veterans apartments

children’s innocence has been torn away from them too early, and there are no words that will ease their pain.

As a country, we have been through this too many times. Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago – these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these

Maj. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, chief of staff, United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, says hello to Army veteran John Burton as Salvation Army major Neal Richardson looks on in St. Louis on November 8. Couch was on hand for the ribbon cutting of the Salvation Army’s brand new 48 unit apartment complex for veterans. The $9 million facility will provide permanent housing for vets as well as transitional housing for veterans recovering from addictions or conditions like post traumatic stress disorder. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

children are our children. And we’re going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.

This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we’ll tell them that we love them, and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another. But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight. And they need all of us right now. In the hard days to come, that community needs us to be at our best as Americans. And I will do everything in my power as President to help. Because while nothing can fill the space of a lost child or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need – to remind them that we are there for them, that we are praying for them, that the love they felt for those they lost endures not just in their memories but also in ours. May God bless the memory of the victims and, in the words of Scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

Remarks made Friday, December 14 in the wake of an elementary school shooting in Newton, CT.

Willard Moore III,a senior at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy,was elected as the national President/ Chief Executive Officer for the National Black MBA Association Leaders of Tomorrow program.

STL student elected national president

Will Moore will lead Leaders of Tomorrow for Black MBAs

American staff

Willard Moore III was recently elected as the national President/Chief Executive Officer for the National Black MBAAssociation Leaders of Tomorrow program. He will plan and oversee the nation-wide community service project conducted next spring by over 150 high school students in their respective cities. Moore has been a member of the NBMBAASt. Louis Chapter’s Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program since 2009. As a LOTmember, he successfully completed the 2011 Boot Camp in Atlanta, Georgia; 2012 Success Camp in Indianapolis, Indiana; and, led the chapter’s

CORTEX

TIFapproved

CEO says project will comply with mayor’s executive order for workforce inclusion

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

CORTEX president and CEO

Will Moore is the 18-year old son of Denise Williams and is a senior at Clyde C.Miller Career Academy.

2012 Case Competition team at Emory University, Atlanta. He is the 18-year old son of Denise Williams and is a senior at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy.

Established in 1970, the National Black MBAAssociation is dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of intel-

lectual and economic wealth in the AfricanAmerican community. With 45 professional chapters, 26 collegiate chapters, a membership base of more than 8,000, and partnerships with more than 400 of the country’s top business organizations and 100-plus business schools, the association has inroads into a wide range of industries as well as the public and private sectors.

The purpose of its Leaders of Tomorrow Program is to provide mentors and resources to high school students in the community at-large. The program promotes education and assists

See MOORE, B6

STARKSSTEPSDOWNAS ANNIE MALONE CEO

Darryl Wise, former VPof programs and planning, will succeed her

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Deborah Tansil Graham was appointed Executive Director of Development for The Salvation Army Midland Division where she will oversee regional fundraising, marketing and communications. Previously she was Director of Alumni and Community Relations for University of Missouri–St. Louis; Regional Director for the UNCF in Minneapolis; Manager of Public Events and Programs for Missouri Botanical Garden; and Director of Student Activities for St. Louis and Maryville universities.

Chuck Berry will receive the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award from the Arts and Education Council. The pioneering rock & roll songwriter, guitar player and bandleader will be celebrated at the 2013 St. Louis Arts Awards, January 21, 2013, at the Chase Park Plaza. Berry is one of seven honorees who will be honored at the kick-off to the Arts and Education Council’s 50th Anniversary.A&E funds nearly 70 arts and arts organizations in the 16-county, bi-state St. Louis region.

Wesley Bell was honored by North County Inc. as one of 30 Leaders in their Thirties making a difference in North County. Bell is Program Coordinator the Criminal Justice and the Legal Studies Programs at St. Louis Community College –Florissant Valley. North County Inc. is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

African Americans on St. Louis Magazine’s ‘PowerList’

St. Louis Magazine’s December 2012 edition recognized “100 People Shaping St. Louis Today,” among them David Steward, Lewis Reed, Antonio French, Kelvin Adams, the Clay family, Jimmie Edwards, Arnold Donald, Virvus Jones, Tishaura O. Jones and Donald M. Suggs.

Project Management Institute’s local branch awards Ameren

Dennis Lower told the commission he would abide by the order, and the commissioners unanimously (8-0) approved the TIF.

By 8:10 a.m. on Dec. 12, the Tax Finance Commission meeting hall was already standing room only. And still lines of African-American construction workers and business owners were streaming through the door. Mayor Francis G. Slay’s chief of staff Jeff Rainford walked up to the podium and made a historic announcement. In one blow, his statement muted the potential uprising that was stirring in the room.

“The mayor issued an executive order yesterday,” Rainford said. “It is Executive Order Number 46. It is important enough that I think we will be talking about that number for a long time to come.”

The order extends the city’s existing workforce goals on public works projects to all TIF projects

See CORTEX, B6

Angela L. Starks, chief executive officer of Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, has stepped down and Darryl L. Wise, formerly the agency’s vice president of programs and planning, will succeed her. The announcement was made Monday by Aaron E. Phillips, board chairman of Annie Malone, who said Starks’retirement was effective December 15. Starks has headed the agency as CEO since 2010, and joined Annie Malone in 1980. She said she has “no specific future plans beyond moving to Florida and enjoying family.”

Malone, demonstrated exemplary leadership and keen insight across a broad range of Annie Malone’s operation, including program policymaking, program supervision, and fundraising,” said Phillips. “We will miss her.”

“We will continue our legacy with a new leader who also has seen some significant changes at Annie Malone and in the social service industry.”

– Aaron E.Phillips,board chairman

“With over 30 years of service, Angela has made numerous contributions to Annie

“I hold dear to my heart the relationships I have established while at the agency over the years,” Starks said. “I also believe Annie Malone is well positioned to continue its mission of improving the quality of life for children and families by providing social services and meeting the needs of those in crisis.”

Her successor, Wise, joined Annie Malone in 2007. He has provided leadership and direction to the agency’s Continuous

The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Project Management Institute awarded Ameren Missouri the 2012 Project of the Year award for effective project management in the construction of the Maryland Heights Renewable Energy Center.

The energy center began operations in the summer of 2012 and can produce enough renewable energy from landfill gas to power approximately 10,000 average Missouri homes. Upon completion, the energy center was 17 percent under budget and 108 days ahead of schedule.

The Maryland Heights Renewable Energy Center now goes on to compete for the Project of the Year award against companies internationally in the summer of 2013.

State revenues up 7.2 percent over previous fiscal year

The State of Missouri’s 2013 fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections increased 7.2 percent compared to fiscal year 2012, from $2.84 billion last year to $3.04 billion this year. Net general revenue collections for November 2012 increased by 6.0 percent compared to those for November 2011, from $583.6 million to $618.7 million.

Chuck Berry

Deborah Tansil Graham

Wesley Bell

Darryl L. Wise

Angela L. Starks

Erroron yourcredit report? Here’s help

By Jason Alderman

If you’ve ever tried to remove inaccurate of fraudulent information from your credit report and gotten the runaround, take heart: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now on the case. In July 2012, the watchdog agency, formed as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, gained authority to supervise all of the major consumer reporting agencies. The CFPB now advocates for consumers who have complaints regarding interactions with credit bureaus and identity theft protection services. This adds to the agency’s consumer grievance oversight which already included mortgages, bank accounts, con-

sumer loans and private student loans.

“Credit reporting companies exert great influence over the lives of consumers,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray in announcing his agency’s new responsibility. “They help determine eligibility for loans, housing, and sometimes jobs. Consumers need an avenue of recourse when they feel they have been wronged.”

You can seek assistance from the CFPB if you have issues with:

ï Incorrect information on your credit report;

ï How a consumer reporting agency is handling its investigation of your complaint;

ï The improper use of a credit report;

ï Being unable to get a copy of a credit score or file; and

PERSONAL FINANCE

ï Problems with credit monitoring or identity-protection services.

Here’s how the new system works:

If you believe your credit report contains incorrect or fraudulent information, you should first file a dispute with and get a response directly from that credit reporting company before contacting the CFPB. The same goes if you have an issue with how the company is handling its investigation of your grievance – for example, if they don’t respond in writing within 30 days.

If, after filing your grievance, you are dissatisfied with the resolution, you may file a complaint with the CFPB

using any of the following methods:

File online at www.cfpb.gov/complaint

Call toll-free at 855-4112372

Fax it to 855-237-2392

Mail to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, P.O. Box 4503, Iowa City, Iowa, 52244. Once your complaint has been logged, you’ll be given a tracking number to check its status. Each complaint will be processed individually and sent to the credit bureau in question for response. The CFPB expects companies to respond within 15 days with information about the steps they have taken or plan to take. You’ll have the option to dispute the

company’s response to your complaint.

Credit reporting companies issue more than 3 billion consumer credit reports a year and maintain files on more than 200 million Americans. Among other things, they track the number and types of credit accounts you use, how long they’ve been open and whether you’ve paid your bills on time.

“The consequences of errors in a consumer report can be catastrophic for a consumer, shutting him or her out of credit markets, jeopardizing employment prospects, or significantly increasing the cost of housing,” noted the CFPB’s announcement.

You can order one free credit report per year from

the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. (Order through www.annualcreditreport.com; otherwise you’ll pay a small fee.) Proactively ordering your reports on a regular basis can help identify bad credit behavior and spot fraudulent activity or errors before they can damage your credit. To learn more about credit reports and scores, visit the CFPB’s website, www.cfpb.gov. Another good resource is What’s My Score (www.whatsmyscore.org), a financial literacy program run by Visa Inc.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Practical Money.

Leading change in the pharmacy profession

American staff

Lakesha Butler, clinical associate professor in the School of Pharmacy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is passionate about improving the level of patient care for underrepresented minorities. It is one reason that she was an excellent candidate to participate in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program,

SIUE faculty joins Business Diversity Initiative Fellows

according to Dr. Gireesh Gupchup, dean of SIUE’s School of Pharmacy.

“The initiative works on strategies, solutions and programs in the area of workforce diversity and inclusion through training and consulting.”

– Valerie Patton

“She also enjoys mentoring underrepresented minority students,” said Gupchup, who nominated Butler. “The St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program would allow her to channel that passion and lead change in the pharmacy profession.”

Butler is one of 66 people, representing 39 organizations

in the bi-state area, who were chosen to participate in the yearlong program, said Valerie Patton, vice president of Economic Inclusion for the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) and executive director of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative.

“The program will be a good fit to develop my leadership skills, to build relationships with other professional minorities in the St. Louis region and to learn strategies to engage SIUE in more expansive diversity initia-

American staff

The gap between the incomes of Missouri’s richest households and middle-income households had the 7th largest increase in the nation,according to a new report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Economic Policy Institute.

tives,” Butler said. Currently, she teaches in the School of Pharmacy and has coordinated the school’s Summer Diversity Camp for the past several years and serves as faculty advisor to the Student National Pharmaceutical Association.

Butler is also a clinical pharmacist at the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in St. Charles. The free clinic serves uninsured residents of St. Charles County. “I work alongside physicians and nurse practitioners, and they depend on me

for medication management and diabetes education for their patients,” she said. SIUE’s School of Pharmacy is committed to improving the health of minority populations. “We are just beginning our efforts as a new school and hope that some of our programs, such as the Summer Diversity Camp, will eventually help in this process,” said Gupchup. Butler is expecting that the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program will help empower her to be a better educator and pharmacist.

The St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative is a 12year-old project that was funded by Civic Progress,

Income gap grows in Missouri

“Growing income inequality in Missouri is compromising the ability of all Missourians to succeed,” said Amy Blouin, executive director of the Missouri Budget Project.

“As policymakers prepare for a new state legislative session, they should prioritize investing in the services that lay the foundation of opportu-

nity for all Missourians and avoid shortsighted tax changes that only benefit the wealthy.” As of the late 2000s (2008-2010, the most recent data available), a snapshot of how households at different income levels are doing in Missouri provides a troubling picture of income inequality:

“Policymakers should avoid shortsighted tax changes that only benefit the wealthy.”

– Amy Blouin,Missouri Budget Project

The average income for the richest fifth of households was 7.3 times greater than the poorest Similarly, income gaps between Missouri’s high- and middle-income households are large:the average income of the richest fifth of Missouri households was 2.6 times that of the middle fifth.

The gap between the very richest and the poor is even larger:the top 5 percent of Missouri households had an average income 11.7 times that of the bottom fifth.

The report, Pulling Apart: A State-by-State Analysis of Income Trends, released in Missouriin coordination with the Missouri Budget Project, finds that low- and moderateincome Missouri families did not share in the most recent economic expansion.Over the course of the last economic cycle, from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, income gaps widened:

which consisted of 30 large companies and employers in the St. Louis region, according to Patton. The initiative became part of the RCGAon Oct. 1, as first announced at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2012 Salute to Excellence in Business.

“The initiative works on strategies, solutions and programs in the area of workforce diversity and inclusion through training and consulting,” Patton said. “The program also addresses the interests and challenges of professionals of color as they work to develop and advance their careers.”

For more information, visit www.stlbizdiversity.com/.

The incomes of the richest fifth of households grew by 6.9 percent while those of the poorest fifth fell by 8.8 percent In the late 1990s, the incomes of the richest fifth of Missouri households were 6.5 times the incomes of the poorest fifth, but by the mid-2000s that ratio had grown to 7.6 Income inequality in Missouri grew not only between low- and high-income households but also between middle- and high-income households.Middle-income households saw their incomes fall by 4.6 percent (-$2,898), while the top fifth saw their income rise by 6.9 percent ($10,318).

“The drop in incomes among Missouri’s poorest households is particularly troubling,” said Amy Blouin, executive director of the Missouri Budget Project.

“Income inequality makes it harder for Missouri to create the future workforce we will need in order to compete in tomorrow’s economy.Falling incomes make it hard families to focus on education, kids often struggle in school and there’s evidence this affects their future prospects.”

Many of the reasons for growing income inequality are outside of the control of states. However, Missouri policymakers can take a number of steps to help address the disparity between the rich and poor. Recommendations include making Missouri’s tax system more progressive, so that lowincome people are not paying a higher share of their income in state taxes, and investing in the services that benefit all Missourians and support working families.

The joint CBPP/EPI report, as well as a press release and state fact sheets, are available here: http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index .cfm?fa=view&id=3860.

Lakesha Butler

PREP BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

Holiday hoops feast

Tournaments galore in STL

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St.Louis American

The Christmas holiday season brings us an abundance of gifts and cheer, but is also brings us a bevy of basketball tournaments for the high school hoops glutton.

Much of the holiday tournament action will get underway after Christmas Day, but there will be some action getting started on Saturday at MICDS and Visitation.

Here are some of the dates for the upcoming holiday tournaments:

Normandy (Dec. 26-29) – Top Four

Seeds: 1. Soldan, 2. Chicago Marshall, 3. Normandy, 4. Hazelwood East. Championship Game, Saturday, Dec.

29, 5:30 p.m.

Meramec (Dec. 26-30) – Top Four

Seeds: 1. CBC, 2. Hazelwood Central, 3. DeSmet, 4. Washington. Championship Game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 7 p.m.

MICDS (Dec. 22-30) – Top Four

Seeds: 1. Ladue, 2. SLUH, 3. Westmister, 4. Duchesne.

Championship Game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Collinsville (Dec. 27-29) – Top Four Seeds: 1. Belleville East, 2. Chatham-Glenwood, 3. Springfield Southeast, 4. Lincoln (Ill.). Championship Game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m.

Visitation Girls (Dec. 22-28): Top Four Seeds: 1. Visitation, 2. St. Joseph’s, 3. Blue Springs, 4. Nerinx Hall. Championship Game, Friday, Dec. 28, 8:45 p.m.

Mascoutah Girls (Dec. 27-29): Teams to Watch: Nashville, Belleville East, Althoff, Breese Central, Belleville West. Championship Game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

Props to Ramey

Congratulations to Terrell Ramey and his staff at Rameybasketball.com

See PREP, B5

Asports fan asks us all to show some love this holiday season

INSIDE SPORTS

Just for a short time, I challenge you to cheer for everybody on the field, wish them well, pray for their success and thank them for the memories.

ease from which we all occasionally suffer and simply support the men and women who entertain us on a nightly basis. Let’s give the gift of holiday

Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

TheTampa Bay Rays’James Shields' (right) throws a punch at the Boston’s Coco Crisp during a brawl between the two teams.Tragedies both national and personal inspire our columnist to put aside the bickering and brawling over sports this holiday season.

With Earl Austin Jr.

University City senior forward Sammiyah Clay (14) and Clayton Greyhounds Caroline Avery (20) reach for the rebound during Friday night action at University City.The Lady Greyhounds of Clayton would defeat the Lioness of U.City 40-27.

Photo by Wiley Price

With Mike Claiborne

Parkersuspended from ESPN minstrel show

I am sure at some point you have heard the term “you cannot teach stupid.” If you haven’t then please allow me to introduce you to Rob Parker.

He is the new face for the term. Parker is an alleged “sports journalist” who got himself in a spot of trouble last week with some rather off the mark, should I say way off the mark comments about Washington Redskin quarterback Robert Griffin III. Parker really stepped in this time by questioning the “Blackness” of Griffin.

tion at all. I’m just trying to dig deeper into why he has an issue. Because we did find out with Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods was like, ‘I’ve got black skin but don’t call me black.’ Rob Parker sealed the deal on stupidity with his comparison of brothers ...

“He’s not real. OK, he’s black, he kind of does the thing, but he’s not really down with the cause. He’s not one of us. He’s kind of black but he’s not really, like, the guy you want to hang out with because he’s off to something else,” Parker said of Griffin III on the the ESPN train wreck called First Take Adaily show that has morphed into a sports talk version of an episode of Atlanta Housewives or perhaps the Jerry Springer Show. There is more though.

But my question, which is just a straight honest question: Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother?”

Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother? Yeah.

Parker then proceeded to state Griffin wasn’t “down with the cause.”

Yep, this all took place on one show. Then it all came to an end when ESPN suspended Parker indefinitely.

Who put this idiot up to saying what he said about Robert

Parker went on to apply his own litmus test for Griffin in stating what he is looking for in a man of color. “Well because that’s just how I want to find out about him. I don’t know because I keep hearing these things. We all know he has a white fiancée. There was all this talk about how he’s a Republican, which, I don’t really care, there’s no informa-

With the track record Parker has in being out of line, what made ESPN think he was the right guy in the first place? You may remember Parker’s antics in Detroit when he was a columnist for the Free Press. Parker posed a question to Rod Marinelli, then head coach of the Detroit Lions about his defensive coordinator. The Lions were winless for the season, and the defense like the offense was struggling mightily. Marinelli’s son in law, Joe Barry, was the defensive coordinator at the time. Parker asked Marinelli did he wish his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator. An attempt at humor that failed miserably is what Parker said in his apology. He was later fired. Who put this idiot up to saying what he said about

Rob Parker

was suspended indefinitely by ESPN for launching an insulting tirade against Washington

ing

wondering if

Griffin III? I personally do not think Parker could have pulled this off by himself. This First Take show is all about get an eyebrow to raise by saying something that is somewhere between outspoken to out of control. There are plenty of people who are behind the camera who incite this sort of antic in order to create controversy. So why was Parker the only one under this well deserved bus? If we are in the sports business, why has it become an issue as to who someone sleeps with or votes for? Instead, should we have a greater concern if Griffin III and others like him can read a defense or pick up a blitz? The cause, you asked? I wonder how many charitable things Parker has ever done in his life to help the cause?

While Parker was out of job before ESPN hired him to do their dirty work, it’s sad that he would have to stoop to such levels to be heard. Even the bombastic Stephen A. Smith wanted nothing to do with the issue when the question was posed to him. For Parker, my hope is his suspension will lead to termination. He has lost all privileges to call himself a journalist, let alone and AfricanAmerican journalist. He should know better. He should also know it is quite hard for people of color to get a position like his, and this is the best he has to offer his colleagues? Oh, I did not forget about ESPN. They have gone out of their way to exploit, cajole and embarrass African Americans. Few have survived there without having to do their own personal minstrel show in order to keep a job. Aside from Michael Wilbon, Herman Edwards, John Saunders and a handful of others, most have done what the man says to stay on the air with regularity. As for the analysts, many of them former athletes, they have been able to expound on their respective sports and that’s it. ESPN is the kingmaker, for sure. It is too bad that they do not look beyond the likes of Rob Parker to have a more credible throne.

Mike Claiborne

Griffin III?

(left)

Redskin quarterback Robert Griffin III (above),question-

his “Blackness”and

Griffin is a “cornball brother.”

Vikings crush Rams’playoff hopes

By Palmer L.Alexander III

The St. Louis Rams’playoff hopes, dreams, and aspirations were just obliterated by Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings last weekend. Peterson gashed the Rams defense for 212 yards on 24 carries. However, on two of his 24 carries he amassed 134 yards in the 36-22 win against the Rams. On Peterson’s first eight carries he had eight yards. The Rams defense was stout and refused to give way early in the contest. And that was until Rams coaching staff on defense decided to guess that the

PREP

Continued from B3

for putting on another successful Midwest Showdown Shootout event last weekend at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. There was some pretty exciting action at the event, led by victories from local teams Maplewood and Madision Prep. Maplewood scored a huge 48-43 victory over a powerful Memphis East team in the nightcap. Senior guard Kahlid Hagens scored a game-high 29 points to lead the Blue Devils. Madison Prep clobbered Rahleigh-Egypt (TN) as the dymanic duo of Kevin Baker and Martavian Payne combined to score 45 points. The Bears are now 7-0 on the season. Baker scored a game-high 23 points.

Record 40 points

The top individual performance of the day came from Fort Zumwalt North junior guard Chaz Glotta, who scored a event-record 40 points to lead the Panthers to a 79-62 victory over Riverview Gardens.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

cheer to those who put their successes and failures on the line in prime time every night. Sure there are a few spoiled, overpaid, annoying people in the sports world, but there are also plenty in the ‘regular’world too. They make life more interesting. For every one of them, there are countless hard-working, dedicated athletes that rarely see the court, field or ring, nor the fame and acclaim.

In Kansas City, Jovan Belcher could not suppress the demons or personal pressure and committed senseless acts that will permanently affect the lives of his family. In Dallas, St. Louis native Jerry Brown lost his life from the passenger seat of a drunk-

Vikings would pass on first and 10 from their own 18 yard line. The end result was an 82yard run that let the air out of the Rams defense, and the entire Edwards Jones Dome on fan appreciation day. Why would the Rams coaching staff deviate from what has been working for them over the last three weeks? It just didn’t make any sense whatsoever. Of course, the young Rams are improving and pulled out a couple of tough wins. But, they also need the coaching staff to stick with what’s been working. Before the Vikings took the lead and never looked back,

Game

of the day

The top game of the day came between Cahokia and Evansville Bosse. The visitors from Indiana scored a thrilling 73-72 victory on a last-second dunk by junior All-American point guard JaQuan Lyle. Senior guard Keenan Minor led the Comanches with 31 points.

All-time leading scorer

Congratulations for Edwardsville girls star Emmonnie Henderson on becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. Henderson recently passed the mark, which was held by former Tigers’standout Kim Jackson in a victory over Belleville East. Henderson has signed to play at the U. of Louisville.

North County Tech champs

Congratulations to North County Tech on winning the championship of the LutheranSt. Charles Tournament. North Tech defeated host LutheranSt. Charles 63-30 in the championship game. Ni’Sean Rigmaiden was the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. It was the first

en driver. In Newtown, Conn., 27 were killed when a shooter expressed his grievances by opening fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School. On a personal level, I lost a friend, Darryl Wells Sr., this week after he passed away suddenly after a pickup basketball game. These people have families and friends whose lives will never be the same. These are instances of life and humanity. While we toss around terms like “do or die” and “desperation,” we lose sight of the true value of life. Don’t get me wrong, sports are an important part of our culture. They help us to build teamwork and camaraderie. Sports often provide an escape from the harsh realities of the world. The mere sight of a familiar hat, T-shirt or jersey can create a bond between two people who may have never otherwise spoken. But remember, these are

INSIDE

Continued from B3 are ones that she is passing along to her readers through this wonderfully-written 132-page book.

I’ve known Angela since she was a little girl running behind her twin brothers, Ronald and Rodney, who were also standout players at Lafayette. She grown into a beautiful and talented young lady who has a passion to help young people develop into the best that they can be. She started her own organization, Major Game LLC, to further her mission to mentor young people through basketball and life skills development.

You can order your copy of The Game Changing Assist on line at www.angelalewis.com.

Throwing and Growing

The Myrle Mensey Foundation’s “Throwing and Growing” is putting on

RAMS ROUNDUP

With Palmer L.Alexander III

the Rams opening drive ended abruptly. On the first offensive series, the Rams came out in shotgun formation. That was totally opposite of what we’ve seen over this recent three game winning streak that had stoked the fan base to even think about a possible playoff run.

I thought the Rams would run the ball more and try to

control the clock and keep the ball away from Adrian Peterson. That never happened. The Rams were down so fast by the end of the second quarter 30-7 that they had no choice but to throw the football. And from a statistical standpoint Sam Bradford had a great day with a career high 377 yards and three touchdowns. However, Bradford fumbled a snap,

threw a pick six, misfired on a few throws, and was sacked four times. But when the pocket breaks down, Bradford goes into the fetal position. And that’s why some fans are upset with him. Especially, after watching how Christian Ponder avoided a sack and scored the first touchdown of the contest. Nevertheless, even with the Rams playoff hopes gone they still can finish with a winning record if they win their last two games.

tournament win for the school in more than 30 years.

College front

On the college front, former O’Fallon High standout Roosevelt Jones had 16 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and

games. They are entertainment. They are a business.

Let’s honor those whose lives have been lost by pouring positivity into the holiday season. Let’s applaud the teams and athletes that spend their lives creating joyful memories for us. I’ll always remember moments like “The Tackle,” Ozzie Smith’s “Go Crazy” HR, David Freese’s Game 6 walk-off in 2011 and many more. Each one of us has great sports memories that will last us a lifetime. It’s easy to jeer and criticize sports figures and has even become a profitable business model. But just for a short time, I challenge you to cheer for everybody on the field/court, wish them well, pray for their success and thank them for the memories they create every day. If I can rock a Kobe Bryant T-shirt, sport LeBron James’shoes and tweet a sin-

two blocks to lead Butler to an 88-86 upset over No. 1 Indiana last Saturday in Indianapolis.

(You can catch Earl Austin Jr’s daily basketball reports on his website, www.earlaustin jr.com or on twitter.com/earlaustinjr).

cere “Merry Christmas” to Floyd Mayweather Jr., certainly you can put a kibosh on your sports gripes for a few days. Let’s show our children that it’s not all about winning or losing, it’s not even about how you play the game. It’s about life, camaraderie, sportsmanship, entertainment and building great memories in the name of sport. God bless you all, and I pray you have a bicker-free, holly, jolly and Merry Christmas!

But when the pocket breaks down, Sam Bradford goes into the fetal position.

Congrats to North County Tech I’d like to personally congratulate Don Boyce and the North County Tech Golden Eagles on winning the Lutheran (St. Charles) tournament last weekend. And I also would like to wish all our readers and my colleagues a Merry Christmas.

Jerry Brown Jr. mourned in

St. Louis

Officials wheel the casket of Jerry Brown Jr.to a waiting hearse during his funeral at the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in St.Louis on December 15.The Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad nose tackle was killed in an Irving car accident on December 8 when his best friend and t eammate Josh Brent hit a curb,flipping the vehicle.Brown,25,was a St.Louis native who graduated from Vashon High School.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN Nakia

Prep Athletes of the Week

Wilson

Hazelwood East – Girls Basketball

The talented senior guard led the Spartans to the championship of the Fort Zumwalt North Tournament last week.

Wilson averaged 21 points a game in the Spartans’three victories while hitting 10 of her 15 attempts from beyond the 3-point line. In the championship game, Wilson scored a game-high 31 points to lead East to a 62-50 victory over Hazelwood West. Wilson hit 11 of 20 from the field, including an impressive six-for-seven performance from 3-point range.

In the semifinals, Wilson had 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and three 3-pointers in the Spartans’60-44 victory over host Fort Zumwalt North. Wilson is averaging a team-high 16.1 points a game in leading the Spartans to an 8-1 record.

Palmer L. Alexander

Photo:UPI/Bill Greenblatt

that are valued at $1 million or more. The announcement came moments before CORTEX, a $2.2 billion research-park project, presented a TIF proposal for $168 million in tax incentives to the TIF Commission.

“The first such project will be CORTEX,” Rainford said. “But it won’t be the last.”

Many of those who filled the extra seats at the meeting were part of the St. Louis Economic Fairness Coalition –which consists of MOKAN, the St. Louis Clergy Coalition, Metropolitan Congregation United (MCU), Construction Prep Center, the AfricanAmerican Chamber of Commerce and others.

Yaphett El-Amin, executive director of MOKAN, an advocacy organization for minority and female workers and business owners, spoke before the commission.

“Today MOKAN is here to express our support for the inclusion of minorities and female workers within the CORTEX project,” El-Amin said. “We see today a need for goals, but as your commissioner asked, how are we going to ensure that the compliance is

MOORE

Continued from B1

there, and that we make sure people are actually working on these projects? We are asking for you to keep your eye on the prize, so that these workers can have the opportunity to be productive citizens and provide dollars back into the city as they work on city projects.”

For the past few months, community leaders and elected officials have asked CORTEX to establish inclusion goals for not only construction jobs but permanent employment at the research park as well. Now under the executive order, CORTEX must award 25 percent of all labor hours to minorities and five percent to women, 20 percent to city residents and 15 percent to apprentices.

Aweek before, TheSt. Louis American reported that CORTEX had not yet set workforce goals.

CORTEX president and CEO Dennis Lower told the commission he would abide by the order, and the commissioners unanimously (8-0) approved the TIF. Yet it wasn’t without several inquiries from the TIF Board members about how CORTEX leaders would meet the city’s new workforce goals.

TIF Commissioner Ken Hutchinson asked how CORTEX plans to monitor the pro-

leaders by providing scholarships and information on scholarship availability, business and careers and provides leadership opportunities through workshops and community service. Students meet with mentors’bi-weekly beginning in the winter 2013. Participating students will be selected for the 12th Annual Case Competition and the 35th National Black MBA Association conference – LOT Success Camp in Houston, Texas. For information about the local LOTprogram, visit www.stlblackmba.org or call 636-230-2404.

Quality Improvement process, overseen all accreditation efforts and helped to develop measurable program outcomes for the children, youth and families served.

“Over her remarkable career Angela has overseen momentous transitions at Annie Malone,” Phillips said of Starks, “and though sad to see her leave we will continue our legacy with a new leader who also has seen some significant

ject’s developers. Lower responded, “Prior to the executive order yesterday, which we are just learning as you are learning about what that is, we had put in thirdparty monitors written into the agreement with each developer,” he said.

Now with the order, Lower said he will have to revisit the agreements.

“Anticipating that this is a long-term effort and commitment, I have included in my budget for next year adequate funds to be able to retain a person who will focus full time on inclusion for CORTEX,” Lower said. “Now what that means in the light of Executive Order 46, I’m not sure.”

The commissioners encouraged Lower to still require third-party monitors and to hire a full-time person on inclusion.

The TIF proposal involves several projects, including a new administration building for BJC HealthCare, lab space and offices for Wexford Science & Technology, and an orthopedic surgery center for Shriners Hospital for Children.

In the presentation, Lower stated that over 25 years, the project would generate 26,000 construction jobs and 13,000 permanent jobs.

changes at Annie Malone and in the social service industry.”

Wise has more than 15 years experience as a social worker doing individual, group and family counseling, legal resource referral, conducting training and development programs and organizational performance improvement. He is a licensed clinical social worker, holds a master’s degree in social work from Washington University, a master’s of business administration from Lindenwood University and a bachelors of science degree in administration of justice from Culver-Stockton College. He is a member of the American Evaluation Association and the St. Louis Outcomes and Evaluation Network.

Financial Focus

By Andre K.Nelson, AAMS

take on too much investment risk, you can also go to the other extreme by investing too conservatively. If your portfolio contains a preponderance of investments that offer significant preservation of principal but very little in the way of growth potential, you may be endangering your chances of accumulating the resources you’ll need to achieve your longterm goals.

Am I

overall investment strategy.

ï Am I investing too conservatively? Just as you can

‘Sons of St. Louis’ reunite

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“God has really blessed both of our careers,” said Marcus Baylor. “And we haven’t played together in 15 years, so we felt like it was time.”

Baylor and Shedrick Mitchell went to high school at McCluer together, they moved to New York City to attend the prestigious Mannes School of Music together and they’ve grown to become two respected members of the music industry. Next week they come home and take the stage together.

As a drummer, Baylor was a part of the iconic Yellow Jackets jazz band and served as musical director for Cassandra Wilson. Mitchell was an integral element of Maxwell’s music and the final keyboardist for Whitney Houston. Their respective resumes and credentials would inspire envy among even the most established of musicians.

But on Thursday when they come to Jazz at The Bistro, the plan is present the city with a love offering of music that speaks for itself in their “Sons of St. See JAZZ, C4

Contemporary Style

Styles that sizzle for the season

By Danie Rae, Style Broker For The St. Louis American

It’s common knowledge that a lady’s hair is our main accessory. Some of us change it as often as we change our undies. During the holidays it becomes a hundred times more pertinent that our hair be on point. This is the time when we go to a million parties, see relatives, and take pictures.

With that being said, you know how crucial it is to dish on the latest trends, do’s and don’ts, and inspiration for hair during this holiday season. Hair maven Hope Lynn (aka “Hope the Hair Pope”) – owner of “Hair Brokers,” a freelance firm for hair stylists and product distributors specializing in hair care methods for women of color – is rocking with the three “Bs”: BUNS, BLONDES and BOUFFANTS this holiday season. She lends her talents to showcase a couple of hot holiday hairstyles.

Florissant resident and St. Louis native Donna Carothers, assistant director in the Office of Alumni and Community Relations at the University of Missouri–St.

Louis, was asked to lend a helping hand.

Carothers was selected as a volunteer decorator after submitting an application showcasing her floral design skills to the White House. She was one of just 85 volunteers nationwide to receive an invitation. When White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard contacted Carothers to volunteer, she recalls

Men who cheat

Jacqueline Craig capitalized on the modern scenery of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis to create ambience for her Antiquity Fashion Show Sunday night. Young Addy Co. Clothing’s “No Gray Shade” was among the lines showcased by some of St. Louis’ most talented designers in front of a standing room only crowd.

Straight talk on infidelity

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

So I accidently got caught up in my first taste of ABC’s “Scandal” a few weeks back. I could take or leave the show – actually I did leave since I haven’t watched since. But that scene where the President character professes his love to Olivia lingered in my spirit.

“I don’t understand, if you love this woman so much then why are you insisting she go against her moral fiber by sleeping with a married man?” I said to myself. “No, better yet … if you love her so much, why not leave your wife – considering that your marriage is the only thing standing between happily ever after?” It took me so much convincing (mainly on the anonymity tip), but I was able to strong-arm a few cheating men out of their perspectives.

Now I must say that I am antiinfidelity, but I figured coming from an antagonistic place wouldn’t have given me any answers. So I we just conversed in the most non-judgmental way.

Guy #1 has been married for nine years and doesn’t keep a steady woman (well, other than his wife). He dates casually and has sex with these women, but it’s “never anything serious.” The monotony of monogamy seems to work his nerves.

Guy #2 has been married for 13 years and cannot stand his wife. From the sounds of things they are only married because neither wants to give the other the satisfaction of leaving. He’s had four serious relationships over the course of his marriage – even considered leaving his wife for one of his girlfriends.

Guy #3 is the strangest of the pack. He is four years into his second marriage and has had the same girlfriend for both of them. He feels like his girlfriend is his soul mate, but is afraid that if they marry it will ruin their relationship … plus his girlfriend lives out of town.

“I really thought that I could do

See SINGLE, C4

See STYLE, C4

Florissant resident Donna Carothers was selected as a volunteer White House decorator for the holidays after submitting an application showcasing her floral design skills. Her team was responsible for decorating the East Room.

The Sons of St. Louis Reunion, featuring Marcus Baylor and Shedrick Mitchell, plays Jazz at the Bistro Thursday, Dec. 27 with two shows at 7:30 and

Photo by Wiley Price

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.

holiday haps

Dec. 21 – 22, Jazz St. Louis present Dogtown Allstars with The Funky Butt Horns Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Dec., 21 – 23, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Macy’s presents Holiday Celebration. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or visit www.stlsymphony.org.

Fri., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Marquise Knox: Christmas Blues. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Fri., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., Berkeley Alumni Class of 82 hosts All Class Christmas Party. Machinists Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 479-0110 or (314) 3021339.

Fri., Dec. 21, 9 p.m., Metro’s Finest Annual Holiday Bash. There will be food, raffles, giveaways and dancing all night with DJ Charlie Chan Soprano.The Coliseum Music Lounge, 2619 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 761-9599.

Sat., Dec. 22, 9 a.m., Don Brown Chevrolet Toys for Tots. We need your help to make a difference in a child’s life this Holiday season. Please come by and help by making a donation. 2244 S. Kingshighway, 63110. For more information, call (314) 772-1400.

Sun., Dec. 23, 12 noon, GaudyGirls.com Holiday Trunk Show, DeLeo’s Cafe & Deli in Florissant (2782 N HWY67, 63033).

Through Dec. 23, St. Louis

Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949.

Tues., Dec. 25, 10 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton hosts Christmas Day Brunch. Treat you and your family to an unforgettable holiday brunch Christmas Day, with sumptuous favorites for every member, young and old. 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, call (314) 863-6300.

Fri., Dec. 28, 12 p.m., Missouri Botanical Gardens presents Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits. Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that means “first fruits,” and this contemporary African-American holiday centers around the feast table of the harvest. AKwanzaa ceremony highlights a day of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays and authentic African drumming and musical performances. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, call (314) 577-5100.

Mon., Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents New Year’s Eve Celebration Music director David Robertson will lead the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and a selection of surprise guests in a “dance card” of music. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700.

Through Dec. 23, The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company presents AGnome for Christmas. When Lulu’s quirky father fails to sell yet another of his odd inventions, the pair must move to more meager accommodations. Lulu’s about ready to give up, but when magical things start happening, it seems that this farm might be home to more than meets the eye. The Heagney Theatre at Nerinx in Old Orchard, 530 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925.

CALENDAR

Through Dec. 31, 43rd Annual Way of Lights Christmas Display. Adrive through scenic fantasy of over one million lights that wind past electro-art sculptures, lifesize figures and displays that depict the Christmas Story. Tree & wreaths displays, an interactive children’s village, camel rides and an indoor laser show add to the festivities. 442 S. Demazenod Dr., Belleville, IL. 62223. For more information, call (618) 397-6700.

Mon., Dec. 31, 6 p.m., Grand CenterArts & Entertainment hosts First Night Saint Louis. Awinter celebration featuring visual and performing arts, musicians, storytellers, dancers, magicians, actors, puppeteers and visual and media artists. Children’s fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and Grand Finale Fireworks at midnight. 3526 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 289-8121.

Mon., Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m., New Year’s Eve Family & Friends. Three-course meal, champagnetoast at midnight, live D.J., and photographer. Crowne Plaza Hotel-Airport, 11228 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more information, call (314) 239-0263 or (618) 5304800.

Mon., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., New Year’s Eve at Orlando’s Event Center. Buffet menu, DJ entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. 8352

Watson Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 8423316.

Mon., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Master’s Touch New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 869-9090.

Mon., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., All-N1 Entertainment & Soundproof Mobile DJs present New Year’s Eve Party. Come bring in the New Year withfriends & family. Event includeslive band & dj, champagne toast at midnight, and photos. Comfort Inn, 9600 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 497-9396 or (314) 276-7619.

Mon., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Jive & Wail New Year’s Eve 2012. The best piano players in the country will be jamming all night with percussion, to provide the best live entertainment option in all of the Lou for NYE! Let us take care of you on the biggest party night of the year. Constant live music with a countdown and champagne toast at midnight will be unforgettable. 1227 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 781-7000.

Mon., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., 2nd Annual New Years Eve Speakeasy Ball: From Prohibition to Rat Pack. Hottest jazz bands in town, hors d’oeuvres, dance contest, costume contest, and prizes!

and formerdrummerof the 2-time Grammy Award-winning jazz quartet, The Yellowjackets presents The Sons of St. Louis Reunion. The band will feature another St. Louis native keyboardist Shedrick Mitchell (member of Whitney Houston’s last band, Stevie Wonder, and Maxwell), and guest songstress Jean Baylor (formally member of Zhane, Marcus Miller, & Yellow Jackets). Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 There will be 2 shows 7:30 & 9:30 and tickets are available at www.metrotix.com or (314) 534-1111 by phone 9am-9pm (In person Fox Box Office Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat.10am to 2pm) $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

The Deco Fortress, 3624 S. Broadway, 63118. For more information, call (314) 5391142.

Mon., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Puttin on the Ritz: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Style. Ring in the New Year in style and dance the night away to live entertainment. The RitzCarlton Lobby Lounge, 100 Ritz Carlton Dr., 63105. For more information, call (314) 863-6300.

Mon., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Mad Art Gallery presents Carnevale: NYE 2013. Mask Up this New Year’s Eve for a dramatic Venetian Carnival themed party. 2727 S. 12th St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 771-8230.

Mon., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Hard Rock Café’s Rockin’New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring The Dirty Muggs. 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 6217625.

Mon. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. The Fountain on Locust presents New Years Eve Speakeasy Spectacular. AProhibition Bootleggers Ball! We’re gonna party like it’s 1929. Dance, drink, and get your fortune told. 1920’s attire admired but not required. 3037 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 535-7800 or visit www.fountainonlocust.com.

Mon., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., The Beggar’s Carnivale presents The 2nd Annual Beggar’s New Year’s Ball. Anon-stop frenzy of all-encompassing, sensory-overloading, interactive event featuring some of our most beloved acts, wild routines, and an overwhelming circus of mayhem. Casa Loma Ballroom, 3354 Iowa Ave., 63118. For more information, call (314) 865-0819.

Mon., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., New Year’s Eve at Three Sixty. Ring in 2013 at Three Sixty with an over the top New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a DJ and an extravagant laser light show. One S. Broadway, 63169. For more information, call (314) 6418842.

Through Jan. 1, 27th Annual WinterWonderland. Slowly meander one mile through over a million twinkling holiday lights fashioned into over 30 display areas of favorite characters and festive scenes as well as a canopy of lights glistening through out 75 acres of forest. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available every night and Saturday nights are reserved for carriage rides only. Tilles County Park, 9551 Litzsinger Rd., 63124. For more information, call (314) 615-7275.

concerts

Dec. 21 – 22, Jazz St. Louis present Dogtown Allstars with The Funky Butt Horns Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org

Thurs., Dec. 27, Marcus Baylor, a St. Louis native

Dec. 28 – 30, St. Louis Symphony presents Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Experience Pirates of the Caribbean on the big screen paired with the epic score performed by the STL Symphony bringing The Curse of the Black Pearl to life. It’s a swash-buckling adventure your family won’t want to miss! Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700. Mon., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Master’s Touch New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 869-9090.

Fri., Feb. 15, 8 p.m., New Jack Swing Valentine Jam featuring Dru Hill, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Guy, SWV, and Al B Sure, Chaifetz Arena. Tickets available at MetroTix.com, by phone at 314-534-1111 and at the Chaifetz Arena Box Office.

local gigs

Fri., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., Dirty Muggs Jingle Jam Show. Ssevens at Casino Queen, 200 S. Front St., East St. Louis, IL. 62201. For more information, call (618) 874-5000.

Dec. 28 – 29, Jazz at the Bistro presents Good 4 the Soul. This explosive four-piece outfit draws upon jazz, funk, fusion, gospel and R&B repertoires to deliver a powerful and unapologetic sound that excites and thrills. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111.

Sat., Jan. 5, 7 p.m., Saxophonist Fred Walker Saxy Jazz Music Show. Van Goghz Martini Bar & Bistro, 3200 Shenandoah Ave., 63104. For more information, call 9314) 865-3345.

special events

Dec. 20, 8 p.m., L.O.U.D.— Turning Up fora Cause! with performances by Tiffany Elle, Vega Heartbreak, Mai Lee, Theresa Payne, Darris Robins, William H., Jzanell and hosted by Thelonius Kryptonite. DJ Tab will be the guest DJ for the night. Sponsored by The Black Rose Band, Kollier Rose Public Relations, CS Graphics and Living Sweet.

Sat., Dec. 29, 9 p.m., Firebird hosts Comedy in the Lou Celebration of the comedic talents residing and working in St. Louis. From sketch to stand-up, improv and everything in between and out-ofthe box you’ll walk out of the show knowing where and when you can find what makes you laugh in the Lou. 2706 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5350353.

Tues., Jan. 1, 10 a.m., Life Time Fitness presents Commitment Day. Hundreds of thousands of Americans will kick off the New Year by participating in a simultaneous 5K-run/walk event spanning 35 cities. Participants receive a Limited Edition Commitment Day T-shirt and a 2013 Commemorative Commitment Journal. 3058 Clarkson Rd., 63017. For more information, call (636) 227-0200.

Hard Rock Café’s Rockin’New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring The Dirty Muggs.See HOLIDAY HAPS for more information.

Fri., Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m., WestminsterChristian Academy hosts Hoop it Up.

Fifth and sixth grade students are invited to play games in the gymnasium, watch a girls varsity basketball game, get to know the coaches and players, and learn about our state-ofthe-art sports facilities while enjoying pizza. 10900 Ladue Rd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 997-2900.

literary

Fri., Dec. 21, 6 p.m., Legacy

Books Café hosts author Tony Gunn Jr author of The Erratic Regret.Come out and be the first to get your book signed, meet the young author and hear about thejourney of a 16-year-old book writer. 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 482-9037.

Wed., Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Poetry

Talk by author and artist

Glendon McFarlane author of Musical Lyrics in Art and Poetry. Expressive Poetry with musical rhythm and cultural lyrics and language. Glendon McFarlane changes the mood from humor to faith and culture. From lovely colorful landscapes, portraits and still life in a variety of media, to poetry with a variety of taste and styles. Jamestown Bluffs Branch St. Louis County Library, 4153 N. Highway 67, 63034. For more information, call (314) 498-3085.

Wed., Jan. 30, 7 p.m., Friends of the University City Public Library hosts an evening with authorTerry BakerMulligan who will read from herbook, Sugar Hill: Where the sun rose over Harlem: Amemoir. Ms. Mulligan was born and raised on Sugar Hill in Harlem. She lives in St. Louis and in May 2012 won an Independent Publishers Award for adult multicultural nonfiction for her memoir. Copies of Ms. Mulligan’s book will be available for purchase and signing after the event. Refreshments will be served. For further

information: Patrick Wall, 727-3150, pjwall@ucpl.lib.mo.us.

arts

December21, Framations Art Gallery will host their seventh annual photography exhibition, This juried exhibit encourages artists to enter recent work to be on display for the 5 week exhibit, hosted at Framations, on Historic Main Street in St. Charles. Artists from across the St. Louis region will have work represented. The exhibit will begin with an Opening Reception on December 21 from 6-8pm and will continue through January 24. Framations will also be holding their second annual Food Drive to benefit St. Louis Area Foodbank. The Food Drive will run from December 14 - 21. For each non-perishable food, toiletry or baby care item donated, the donor will receive an entry into a drawing for one of ten $10 Gift Certificates to Framations. The drawing will be held at the reception on December 21 at 7pm. The Reception will be also be an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase art created by artists in our community. For more information about this and upcoming exhibits,visit framations@earthlink.net or www.framations.com or call 636-724-8313.

Through Dec. 22, The St. Louis University Museum of Art presents Persuasive Politics 2012: Presidential Campaign Memorabilia. A George Washington coat button; an “I Like Ike” cigarette pack; and a Votomatic voting machine (with butterfly ballots) used in the 2000 presidential election in Palm Beach, Florida, are among more than 700 campaign items ranging from the historic and stoic to the contemporary and whimsical. 3663 Lindell Blvd., 63156. For more information, call (314) 977-2666

theatre

Through Dec. 23, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Foreigner. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-7340.

Through Dec. 23, The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company presents AGnome for Christmas. When Lulu’s quirky father fails to sell yet another of his odd inventions, the pair must move to more meager accommodations. Lulu’s about ready to give up, but when magical things start happening, it seems that this farm might be home to more than meets the eye. The Heagney Theatre at Nerinx in Old Orchard, 530 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Marquise Knox: Christmas Blues.See HOLIDAY HAPS for details.

Through Dec. 30, Bissell Mansion Restaurant and DinnerTheatre presents MurderMystery Dinner Theatre: AChristmas Sleighing. Help Fred Scrooge and Granny track down the killer in this interactive comedy/murder mystery served with a 4course meal. 4426 Randall Place, 63107. For more information, call (314) 533-9830.

Through Dec. 31, The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn presents MurderMystery DinnerTheatre: The Christmas Killer. 3322 DeMenil Place, 63118. For more information, call (314) 664-8024.

Jan. 5 – 6, COCAFamily Theatre Series presents In the Loop. Dance concert showcasing the talents of COCAdance and the COCAHip-Hop Crew. Wildly entertaining show fea-

turing contemporary dance and commercial hip-hop, choreographed by internationallyknown visiting choreographers and COCAfaculty members. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555.

Through Jan. 6, Fox Theatre presents Wicked. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix.com

lectures

Wed., Jan. 2, 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., Purcell & Amen LLC presents Estate Planning Myths – Why Most Estate Plans Fail, and What to Do About It. Topics include: Why you can’t make decisions for your spouse if he/she is disabled, why you can’t make

decisions for your children when they are over age 18, and how to take care of your disabled child. 10805 Sunset Office Dr., Suite 100, 63127. For more information, call (314) 966-8077.

Dec. 21, American Heart Association hosts Basic Life Support forHealthcare Providers CPR Class. Course covers CPR, AED, and relief of choking for adult, child and infant modules. Atwo-year American Heart Association certification card is distributed at the end of class. Cabela’s Conference Center, St. Louis Mills Mall, 5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., 63042. For more information, call (314) 7914009.

Dec. 21, 12:30 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive, Christian Hospital is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive, open to the general public. Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd. 63136. Registration: www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: christianhospital: or contact Sandy Roy at slm9123@bjc.org

Sun., Dec. 23, 4 p.m., Prince of Peace Church Christmas Concert. There will be selections for all musical tastes as we celebrate the festive season with songs that will leave you with a strong dose of the Christmas spirit! 9350 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 6692419 or visit www.princeofpeacembc-stl.org.

Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m., The Worship CenterChristian Church Bible Trivia, How well do you know your bible? Well put your knowledge to the test. Join us us for a relaxed evening of fellowship. 11339 St. Charles-Rock Rd. at the corner of Fee Fee (diagonal from Walgreen’s).

HOLIDAYS

Continued from C1

being “completely overjoyed” and “very honored.”

“I was proud to represent my home state and privileged to serve the first family during this holiday season,” said Carothers.

This year’s theme is “Joy to All,” as chosen by First Lady Michelle Obama.

“It celebrates the many joys of the holiday seasons: the joy of giving and service to others; the joy of sharing our blessings with one another; and, of course, the

STYLE

Continued from C1

Up dos or DON’T

Up dos have come a long way from the “French Roll.” Many up styles are now incorporated with braids, twist, and blingy hair ornaments to enhance the “wow” factor of the up do, making it compliment any special occasion. The classic bun has always been a crowd favorite, but during the holidays, adding a twist is the route to go.

“The messy bun is a season must for anybody looking to switch up a more traditional look,” says Hope “It’s important to keep your look relevant.”

Colour Me Bad

Adding a little spice can make one naughty or nice, depending on what hues or tones are used to change the hair. It should compliment your overall style, and accentuate your skin tone and eyes. Color – if applied and maintained by a salon professional – can be the difference between a bomb hairstyle, and a bombed hair wreck.

“You can still have color

joy of welcoming our friends and families as guests into our homes over these next several weeks” Mrs. Obama said at the holiday press preview. In total, the volunteers decorated about 54 trees and public areas within the White House. Carothers’ team was responsible for decorating the East Room, the largest in the house. It included four 15-foot-tall trees. Other areas pay tribute to the holiday legacies of former first ladies, while others honor the service and sacrifice of the armed forces and their families.

“I’ve made many new friends and cherish the opportunity to have worked closely with some of the best

with a relaxer, but when wanting the lighter shades you would want to remain relaxer free,” says Hope. “Color can liven up any hairstyle. It keeps it exciting and fresh!”

BIGGER and Better

Big hair is always “for the win”! It can be an alternative to the traditional up do for any special occasion. It will always be a style staple, especially for the ladies with thinner stresses.

The more voluptuous hair can compliment any face structure, by hiding flaws and highlighted attributes. Whether it’s worn tapered in the back and sides with a bouffant front, or long and layered, the bigger the hair the better. Even if you wear your hair in its natural curl pattern, picking or teasing the hair out, giving that halo effect, makes a statement.

“Big hair is classic and glamorous,” says Hope. “I love hair pieces! It can useful for different reasons: volume, length, or color with buns, bouffants, and blondes! Hair pieces can create all of these looks. Volume can be added to create big, big hair, length can be added to create the hair being pulled up in a bun. And if you are not a natural blonde, colored pieces can be added if you are not wanting

designers and artisans across America,” said Carothers. “It was an unforgettable experience, a dream come true.”

For more information on the White House décor, visit Joy to All: First Lady Michelle Obama Previews the 2012 White House Holiday Décor, or watch the “White House Christmas 2012” television special on HGTV. Check local listings for show times and dates.

And watch Bo, the first dog, make a final inspection of the White House holiday decorations at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lce5gWKgMXI.

to take a risk on the integrity of your hair! All of these looks are great holiday fun!”

Girls Run the World

Without forgetting about the little sisters staying cleverly cute, making sure their hair is healthy and manageable is key. Hope is always pushing the girls to express themselves through they’re hair. “My daughter Haley is a creative spirit! She inspires me to stay cutting edge and hip,” says Hope. “For the holidays, I let her play with hair color, different textures, and styles, while still being age appropriate.”

Hope Lynn’s holiday hair must HAVES!!!

- Kenra 25 “Holding Spray”

- Mizani “Coconut Soufflé”

- Scruples “ Repair Shine”

- BaByliss “ 1 ½ in C styler”

- BaByliss “ ½ mini straightner”

For more info on the latest hair care, contact Hope Lynn at Hopelynns@sbcglobal.net or follow her on Intsagram @ hopelynns.

Models: Iris McClendon, Camille Marks, Haley Rose Hair: Hope Lynn

Make-up: Danie Rae

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

SINGLE

Continued from C1

it, but after a few years in, it started to feel like work,” Guy #1 said.

“Actually, it felt like working for years straight without a day off or a vacation or any kind of downtime. We fell off. She was so caught up with being ‘the wife’ that she slowed down with all the great things that made her my lady. Pretty soon she was all of the stereotypical things that make a ball and chain. I felt smothered. I met somebody. It felt good, so I did it again.”

According to him, his wife doesn’t know that he’s not faithful. He loves his wife, but admits if he knew where things were headed going in he never would have gone through with it. He doesn’t see leaving her as an option now that they have children.

“People always assume it’s the child support, but I love my kids and I love the fact that I

JAZZ

Continued from C1

Louis Reunion” performance.

“It’s just us coming back to share with them and say, ‘This is what you all put into us – and we were blessed to be able to present this all over the world,’” Baylor said.

“We came through the jazz scene, and there are people who saw us as kids that can come and see us come full circle. The city gave us our first opportunity to play. It really gave us a chance to break into the music business, because we were both kids playing gigs.”

Now Baylor sits on the other side of the stage and the feeling of standing where his eyes were once focused with admiration and inspiration is something he can barely find the words for.

“I’m really amazed and blessed on how God has blessed me,” Baylor said. “Not to sound cliché but it started as a dream – looking at these guys coming to town and I wanted to

can see them every day and it’s no tension or drama,” he said.

“If I leave, I already know it won’t be a peaceful break. I will be the bad guy. I’m just now getting back close with my son (from a previous relationship) because of how the relationship ended with his mother – which had nothing to do with him.”

n “If they think it’s something more than what it is, then it’s on them.”

And before you ask, yes, he cheated on his son’s mother.

“But what does that have to do with him?” he said.

I figured by his tone, it was time to pull back before he clammed up.

According to him, the relationship was over and he was just easing into the next relationship and got caught by her in the process. This time he has every intention of staying a

be like them. And to come back home and be on the same stage as some of the greats … I’m still amazed.”

Baylor made the decision to perform annually in St. Louis last year. And as he and his wife Jean tore it up on stage, the audience was standingroom-only with a few folks standing outside listening in.

“We have some originals. We have some covers that the people can rock to,” Marcus said of the upcoming show.

“There’s going to be some Christmas stuff. We have some stuff up our sleeves. Jean is going to be singing, and she’s really excited.”

His wife Jean – an accomplished musician in her own right, both as a solo artist and member of the platinumselling R&B duo Zhane – is beyond excited.

“St. Louis is like my second home now,” Jean said. “Last year we had so much fun, and this year we added a second set because it was so packed out.

I love the concept that Marcus came up with, ‘The Sons of St. Louis.’ Marcus and I both love

husband when he strays. He wouldn’t offer a specific count of the women he’s seen over the course of the unfaithfulness. I think he thought I would judge him.

“I don’t know, a few,” he said.

“How do you feel about the women you carry on with outside of your marriage?” I asked.

“They’re cool,” he responded. “I wouldn’t settle down with any of them.”

“Nobody? Why not?”

“No,” He said, in a matterof-fact way. “Because I’m married.”

Really?

Wait, it gets better. He said the women he dates aren’t even an option because it would be hard for him to really be with someone who dates married men.

“I let them know pretty early on what’s up,” he said. “If they think it’s something more than what it is, then it’s on them.” No, really?

Ladies, take note … and tune in for Guys #2 and #3.

inspiring younger musicians.”

They had to relocate from Lola to the Bistro and add a second show to accommodate the crowd.

“I want them to be emotionally and spiritually uplifted during this time of year and in light of everything that has happened – not just over the last couple of days,” he said.

“Coming back home to play at the Bistro that feels like my living room. It’s like me having a party and a get together with friends coming. So bring your sons, bring your daughters and kids because they can be inspired to say, ‘Hey, maybe I want to do that.’” The Sons of St. Louis Reunion performance will take place on Thursday, Dec. 27 at Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Avenue, There will be two shows 7:30 and 9:30 and tickets are available by visiting www.metrotix.com or calling (314) 534-1111. For more information on Marcus and Jean Baylor, visit www. Ilovejeanbaylor.com or www. marcusbaylor.com

Art Museum Kwanzaa Extravaganza Saturday, December 29th

The Saint Louis Art Museum invites you to participate in its two-part Kwanzaa Celebration! Join the Art Museum for a free Kwanzaa Performance Extravaganza on Saturday, December 29 at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road, located just west of the St. Louis Galleria. Headliners will include Ngoma in Motion, LIVITY featuring dancer Anneliese Hubbard and storytelling by multi-talented Kunama Mtendaji.

The Art Museum will continue the Kwanzaa Celebration from 1:00 pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, December 30. Families and individuals of all ages are invited to explore art and culture with our Treasures of Kwanzaa Seek & Find Gallery Tour inspired by the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Following the tour, we invite you to make your own special zawadi (gift) shekere using an authentic gourd, beads and cowry shells.

The Art Museum’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration, presented in collaboration with the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is designed to enhance cultural awareness of history and heritage through art. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. an international organization of more than 200,000 collegiate and professional women is a public service organization that embodies an Arts and Letters Commission to promote interest in African and African-American history and culture through the arts.

For more information about the Saint Louis Art Museum Kwanzaa Celebrations being held Saturday, December 29 at the Ethical Society and Sunday, December 30th at the Art Museum, you can call 314.655.5444 or email renee.franklin@ slam.org.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 29, 2012

Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Road (free parking) FREE PERFORMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

Showtime: 7 PM - 8 PM

(Auditorium Doors Open at 6 PM)

First Come; First Served, NO TICKETS REQUIRED

African Drumming with Ngoma In Motion African Dance with LIVITY

Storytelling with Kunama Mtendaji

African and African American Inspired Refreshments follow performance

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 2012

Saint Louis Art Museum Forest Park

FREE KWANZAA ACTIVITY: The Treasures of Kwanzaa Drop in anytime 1PM - 4PM

Celebrate African and African American Art through Gallery Tours Inspired by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa Make your own Zawadi Shekere with African designs, beads and shells

For more information and a complete listing of programs at the Saint Louis Art Museum, please visit www.slam.org.

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Jennings High School Class of 1973, Planning is in progress for the 40th reunion to be held next summer. For more information see the Facebook Group: Jennings

High School Class of 72 73 and 74, and the Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/grou p/jenningsclassof73/. Email: jenningsclassof1973@yahoo. com to update your contact information to ensure you will receive all reunion updates.

Jennings Class of 1983 alumni, we are in the process of planning our 30th class reunion. We are looking for the Warriors ‘83. Facebook: Jennings High School Class of 1983, 30th Reunion. For more information contact Yolonda FountainHenderson (La La) at 314-868-2761 or Carmen Ford Keaton at 314-

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Birthdays!

We wish you the best of the best!Happy 36th Birthday to Rejji Lairy-Griffinon Dec. 16. We love you! Your husband, children & Tee Tee

Happy 14th Birthday to Chelsea Ganai Powell on Dec. 21! We love you!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to the love of my life, my beautiful daughter Riana Roberts. I hope you enjoy driving your new car! Love you, Dad

Happy 29th Birthday to Jerri Lynn

O’Neal on Dec. 23. Wishing you a wonderful day and many, many more years of happiness. Love you! From your family

Happy Birthday to Mrs. Ira ColemanHalbert who will be 90 years old on Dec. 24. We invite all of her family and friends to come out in celebration and join us as we worship God on Sunday, Dec. 23 at Friendship M. B. Church, 1700 Tudor Ave., East St. Louis, ILat 10:30 a.m., where Rev. Tonnie P. Bradford is the pastor. We are excited to come together at Friendship M. B. Church where her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will accompany her to service.

363-5172.

SumnerHigh School Class of 1963 is seeking all classmates for its 50th Class Reunion June 14 - 16, 2013 at Sheraton Westport Chalet, 900 Westport Plaza. You may contact any of the following classmates: Jacqueline Vanderford @ 314.265.9541 email: jvanderford63@att.net, John Abram @ 314.276.0741 email: AbramJD50@aol.com, Camillia Banks email: camibanks@gmail.com, or Terri Cobb @ 314.868.0233.

SumnerClass of 1976 Annual Holiday Social

Wednesday, December 26, 2012, 6 pm untilat the Loft Jazz Club, 3112 Olive Street. Jazz Band (7-9:30 pm), Free Food (while it lasts), NO Cover (all night), Drink Specials (6-7 pm), OPEN Kitchen.Please RSVP ASAPwith B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

Vashon Alumni Association Holiday Skate Party Saturday Dec. 29, 2012 at St. Nicks, 1805 Lucas, 8pm11pm,admission is$5.00, free skate rental, all ages are welcome to come and have a great time.

Vashon High School, Class of 1978 will be celebrating its 35th year reunion July 1921, 2013. Please contact Zaro McPherson (314) 285-3350, or Vareda Madison at (314) 381-5250 or geddyupgang@yahoo.com. Please leave name and number.

Vashon High School Class of 1984 will host a Skating Fundraiser on December 8 at St. Nick’s, 701 N. 18th St, 69 pm, $5 donation. We are also planning our 30th year reunion. Please contact us at vashonclassof1984@yahoo.c om or visit us on Facebook: Vashon Class Eighty Four.

FREE OF CHARGE

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

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

Riana Roberts

Chelsea Ganai Powell

Ira ColemanHalbert

Baptist Laymen partner with Habitat for Humanity

Christian Education 2012 BuildPartnership builds home in Carondolet

American staff

Just in time for the holiday’s, Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, has completed and dedicated five new two-story houses in the Carondolet neighborhood. Among them is a house built with the tireless labor of Deacon Delester Jefferson, chairman of the National Baptist Congress Missouri State Laymen. As this was a move of solidarity among the Laymen, Deacon Jefferson and the MO State Laymen were joined by Laymen from Southern Illinois and the states of Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi along with many local NBC Church Volunteers.

Months before the 107th National Baptist Congress (NBC) Congress convened in St. Louis this past summer, the NBC Churches and the Home Mission board began raising funds to support the financial portion of the sponsorship. While at the same time, the Laymen and church volunteers were busy working to build the house. During the Congress, a blessing ceremony for the house was led by the local Host Committee Chair Rev. Dr. Sammie Jones and the Build-Partnership Chair

Rev. Dr. Ronald Bobo. Rev. Jones and Rev. Bobo were joined by the administrators of the National

Deacon Delester Jefferson, chairman of the National Baptist Congress Missouri State Laymen; home buyers

Boniface Ndagijimana and Brigitte Nizeyimna; and the Rev. Dr. Ronald Bobo, Build-Partnership chairman.

Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Dr. Julius Scruggs, National Convention President; Dr. George Waddles, NBC Congress President; and Dr. Elliot Cuff, Congress Dean. The administrators congratulated the local leadership and expressed their proud appreciation for a lasting gift to the local community; and the legacy that the buildpartnership will have as a testament to the NBC faith and mission.

After the conclusion of the big meeting, Deacon Jefferson, along with the Laymen and the many church volunteers, labored throughout the recordbreaking summer heat to adhere to the build-schedule and complete the house. At the dedication, the home buyers were presented with the keys to

their new home and a personal Bible. The dedication was celebrated as “glorious day” by all.

Independent

Catholics relocated

After spending the past year meeting in rented worship spaces, St. Catherine of Siena American National Catholic Church is making the move its own worship space. In order to accommodate the substantial growth of the parish, St. Catherine of Siena American National Catholic Church will be moving to the historic Danforth Chapel of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ located at 826 Union Blvd. Masses began on

Saturday, December 15.

“We needed a space which could accommodate our growing parish and increased social justice outreach ministries,” said Connie Butler, board president. “We needed a space to call our own which would allow for continued growth.”

“Given our common commitment to the inclusiveness Jesus himself embodies, I consider it a joy and a privilege to share our building and our mission with our sisters and brothers from St. Catherine of Siena,” the Rev. Dr. Allen Grothe, Senior Pastor of Pilgrim, said.

“We look forward to exploring and discovering all the ways in which God would use us to support each other and to minister together, making of our shared space a center for ongoing outreach to this world which God so deeply loves.”

The Church will now offer two masses each weekend, Saturday Evening Vigil and Sunday Morning. The liturgical schedule will also include monthly First Friday devotions, Lenten Stations of the Cross, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novenas, weekly Sacrament of Reconciliation, bible study, adult religious formation, youth programs and increased social justice outreach.

“We encourage any Catholic who is struggling with their faith, those who have given up on the Church, and those who have been excluded for one reason or another, to come and experience St. Catherine of Siena ANCC,” said Connie Butler.

For more information visit www.SaintCatherineSTL.org.

InspIratIonal Message

Praying in the morning

Our corporate chaplain is responsible for this one. It’s all about praying in the morning.

I remember him telling me that this was something he was trying to develop the habit of doing and upon further review, I’ve decided to try it too. As a concept, it’s actually pretty easy to do. In the morning I am not usually in need of anything but I am understanding now that calling upon the Lord is an act of spiritual clarification.

From evening prayer to dawn’s affirmation of God’s power, I probably take this time as much for granted as anyone.

After some Morning Prayer practice, it’s becoming apparent that I need to thank God for seeing me through the night. At this point I ask Him to order my steps, guide my thoughts and allow me to do something during the course of the day to give indication of a deep appreciation for letting me wake up.

If you allow yourself to concentrate on what God has done for you on any given day, then it becomes obvious that He is indeed here and working wonders on your behalf. If you do not believe, try this. At the end of today, take a moment and reflect on those things that you can think of that prove God was walking with you all day. Now start with this morning because you really

didn’t have to wake up. If you hadn’t noticed, some people didn’t. If you drove, flew, took a cab somewhere and arrived safely, you might want to give God a little credit for being accident free. You might have even passed one on your way. Can you remember seeing anyone in need of food, clothing, a few dollars, maybe a bath? But it wasn’t you? All “natural disasters” missed your house. No floods? No tornadoes? No hurricanes? No earthquakes? While I’m at it, how’s your family? Are your kids healthy? Are they simply alive and still breathing today? Can you begin to see where I’m coming from? God’s Hand is everywhere in your life today, if you just stop being busy and take a good look. Now out of any sleep I’m awakening from comes a hand palms open with a praise that goes something like this: “Thank you Father God for seeing me through the night. Stay with me and remind me during the course of this day of your infinite blessings bestowed upon me. Let me do something. Let me say something today to make you proud and show you my appreciation of your giving me the time and opportunity to demonstrate who I am and whose I am to the world.”

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican.

James A. Washington

American staff

Rhea Willis is Special Ed Teacherof Year

The St. Louis Public School District has presented the 2012 Dorothy R. Moog Special Education Teacher of the Year Award to Ms. Rhea Willis from Beaumont Career and Technical (CTE) High School.

Athird generation educator, Ms. Willis has broken down education barriers by teaching students with and without disabilities together as the chair of the school’s Science Department.

“I pondered how to get students to engage together in a cooperative learning activity and decided to have them participate in a kinesthetic lab rat dissection activity,” said Willis.

“There were 35 students, some with disabilities and some without, working together as a team with differentiated worksheets and instructions that met each individual’s learning ability. You couldn’t distinguish which students had disabilities and which students did not. It was a wonderful experience.”

Willis joined the district in as a Special Education teacher in 2003; previously she worked eight years at the St. Louis County Special School District. She was recommended by Michael Brown, principal of Beaumont CTE High School; Ms. Linda Harding, Special Education Department Chair at Beaumont CTE High School; and Ms. Alverta Mooney Smith, RN and Health Careers Specialist/Health Sciences/Certified Nurse Assistant at Beaumont CTE High School. As the 2012 Dorothy R. Moog Special Education Teacher of the Year Ms. Rhea Willis was honored with an awards reception and presented with a $500 award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation.In addition, she was presented with a trophy, a plaque, and a $500 award for classroom supplies and/or professional development through the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.

Culinaire Academy announces classes

L’École Culinaire Academy announces a new selection of more than 50 classes this January and February designed for professional and amateur “chefs” regardless of skill level. Participants can expand their cooking abilities and advance their techniques while learning a variety of recipes for entrees and desserts, wine appreciation and everything inbetween. Classes are taught in the industry-current kitchen at L’École Culinaire Academy, 9200 Olive Boulevard, Suite 108, in Olivette. For those who want to learn how New Year’s bubbly is made and what makes it taste so good, the Academy is offer-

ing “Sparkling Wine Tasting and Production” on January 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The January class schedule at the Academy is loaded with tips to begin the new year.

“You

On January 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. one can learn to create roasted pork belly, carnitas, and grilled pork tenderloin in the “All Things Pork” course. “Super Superbowl Snacks” courses are offered on Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Jan. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. to expand expertise in crafting delicious finger foods to enjoy while

– Rhea Willis

watching the game. “Cooking should be fun and rewarding for all ages and skill levels. Classes like these allow everyone to experience the joy and fun that cooking evokes, and offer the opportunity to try out new things.” said Chef Matthew Borchardt, Director of L’École Culinaire Academy.“Our classes will equip the everyday chef with the skills, recipes and confidence to prepare delicious meals and treats.”

The February schedule

delivers the interesting seasonal class “Mardi Gras Favorites”, offered Feb. 2 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Students will learn to prepare delicious Creole cuisines including traditional craw fish etoufee, jumbalaya, and red beans and rice.

From Feb. 11 through 12, 6 to 9 p.m., the “Date Night Spain” course coaches students through a Spanish meal made of Manchego and Piquillo pepper crostini, shrimp and chorizo skewers, accompanied by asparagus with jamon.A

Rhea Willis of Beaumont Career and Technical (CTE) High School is the St.Louis Public School District’s 2012 Dorothy R.Moog Special Education Teacher of the Year.

“Valentine’s Day Cookie Exchange” course is offered for kids on February 9 from 10 am to 1 pm. All classes are taught at the L’Ecole Culinaire Academy for Culinary Development in Olivette. To register for a class, to view a full list of classes and schedules and for more information, visit www.lecoleacademy.com or call 314-264-1999.

L’Ecole Culinaire Academy offers gourmet cooking courses designed for the public. Classes range from cooking to wine tasting; ice carving to baking.The 2,000square-foot facility is equipped with high-end residential appliances to give students the feel of a home kitchen.L’Ecole Culinaire Academy is located at 9200 Olive Boulevard, Suite 108, in the Shoppes at Price Crossing, Olivette.More information about the Academy can be found at www.lecoleacademy.com or by calling 314-264-1999.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Black and White Ball 2K12. I’m a creature of habit, but Nelly’s 7th Annual Black and White Ball moving to the Science Center actually worked quite well. Truthfully, I was expecting more celebrities (local and national), but the folks are going to have a great time no matter what. And the event is for a worthy cause, so I can’t really be mad if money that could be used for more scholarships wasn’t wasted on bringing a few A or B list folks to town.

Steven Jackson and Orlando Pace were in the house – and they are two of my favs – along with a big chunk of the immediate and extended Derrty Ent Family and some other folks as they helped Lindenwood University welcome the newest recipients of the full scholarship that Nelly provides to students each year.

I must admit I was a bit underwhelmed when I found out Taylor Dane was the special guest performer, but she sounded good though – and was in great shape for a woman of a certain age. But any lack of energy displayed by the crowd because most of them weren’t born when Taylor Dane was in style Nelly and the ‘Tics more than made up for when they got hold of the microphone. I was surprised that I didn’t see JD though.

Black and White Ball’s fashion feedback. 2K12 was obviously the year plenty of the ladies decided that they were going to walk the fine line between seductive and skank. Too bad most of them fell over the fence right into the “looser” side of things. But April Bobo actually got it right with her peeka-boo extremely fitted mid-length gown. One wrong pivot could have put her lady business on frontstreet, but she was really serving! And who told all of these girls that boots and evening gowns were what was hot in these streets? I saw about twenty pair (from goth, to Jodeci to Rick James thigh highs) and each time I was more irritated.

And who was the poor child that looked like she cut one side of a black dress and a white dress and sewed them together….girl goodnight.

Now that the bad news is out of the way, let’s talk about the fashion winners. I don’t know her name, but the curvy girl working for Ahmet with the white strapless gown and the black skinny belt was making it look easy to be a voluptuous diva. Kim (don’t know her last name) was working the mess out of that white jumpsuit.

Shaki’s eye makeup had me perched at the Mac counter Monday morning.

As usual, Seviin Li was life in the flesh with her evening wear from head to toe. And Majic 100.3.4.9 FM’s Michele was glammed to the gods!

But if I had to pick a total package for the girls, I would go with LaTonya White. She was the amazon goddess in the halter gown that was white at the top and black towards the bottom. As far as the men, I’m torn between Skylar (a.k.a. Skylar the Styler) and Abe from Starpower.

Abe’s black and white hounds tooth everything probably sounds extra, but it really worked for him.

Skylar’s black velvet smoking jacket and scorpion broach had a group of One Direction/Justin Beiber-lookin’ fellas come up and tell him “his look rocks.” And Nelly’s formal get-up was not to be slept on either!

A boo for Bilal. Okay, I know the true fans are going to disagree, throw shade and accuse me of not knowing about true artistry, but I did NOT live for Bilal’s set at the 2720 Thursday night. And I LOVE him. It was all going so well as the locals (Nune, Thelonius Krypto, Theresa Payne, Tiffany Elle, 18 and Counting, Black Spade, Needles) absolutely served on stage. The first 127 seconds of Bilal’s show was killing it, but then he walked on stage and started what can only be described as mumble singing that had me thinking he was singing the music in reverse. His band was beasting though! If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have known one song from the next. And the way he mailed in “Sometimes” and “Soul Sista” had me ready to cry. The crazy thing is, I felt like I was on another planet because the crowd seemed to really be into it.

More beats and lyrics please. So we can go ahead and be safe in saying that Gentleman Jack’s Art, Beats&Lyrics is one of the events that everyone looks forward to each year. People who I haven’t seen since…well, the last Art, Beats&Lyrics were deep up in the building. But riddle me this: what did that band that was on stage serving up Nickelback with a side of Blink 182 have to do with anything? I guess they were singing lyrics if you want to be technical, but that’s not what we came for. The artwork was great and the crowd was even better, but was I the only one quietly disappointed upon learning that Dres from Black Sheep and Dres the Beatnick were not the same person?

Throwback hip-hop group Nice and Smooth took to the stage and by the second song in I was looking for Nickel 182 to come back.

AndwhenNice,orSmooth,startedgoingonaboutBET(orasheputit:Black Enslavement Television) for taking “Teen Summit” and Donnie Simpson off the air, I almost grabbed the mic and said “girl, welcome to 1996!”

Shock G stepped to the mic and had obviously borrowed President Obama’s security team for the evening and just didn’t do it for me as himself and Humpty Hump at the same time. As usual, the energy of the overall experience was about that life, but this time the actual show part…not so much.

Holidays with the 100. As y’all make your final holiday party rounds, be sure to save a space for the 100 Black Men Saturday, December 22 at their annual holiday celebration. This year things are going down at The Coliseum (2619 Washington) from 6pm-9pm. They are requesting a $5 donation at the

or a New, Unwrapped Toy for entry. The least you can do is come out to

for a worthy cause.

Door

kick it

D.R.E.S.ThaBeatnikandDJLordofthelegendaryrap

Public Enemy brought the heat to Gentlemen Jack’s Art Beats and Lyrics Friday night @ Neo

Crystal Phillips and the cast of her encoring performance of the inspirational theatrical production ‘Reality Check’ Saturday night @ The Grandel Theatre

Lovely actress Lashontae Heckard and Nelly’s daughter Chanelle were among the glamorous guests @ Nelly’s 7th Annual Black and White Ball Sunday night @ The Science Center

Damon and Kerry packed out the Coliseum Saturday night with a tag team birthday celebration

Janet Forrest-Banks, St. Louis Rams Running back Stephen Jackson and John Shivers at Nelly’s 7th Annual Black and White Ball Sunday night @ The Science Center

Jerri and Zo of The Track Stars with Shock G of Digital Underground before he hit the stage Friday @ Art, Beats and Lyrics @ Neo

Tiffany and Bilal backstage before his electrifying performance Thursday night @ 2720 Cherokee

Man of the hour Nelly @ his 7th Annual Black and White Ball @ The Science Center

Janel and Ms Keely enjoying their girl’s night out Saturday @ The Coliseum

DJ Reminisce, DJ Clipp and Rhashad celebrating his birthday and the Vaporz one-year anniversary Saturday night @ Lola

Rap star Nelly took some time out on the eve of his 7th Annual Black and White Ball to stop through the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation. He joined Richard Gray, Vanessa Hughes, Trina Claggett and the rest of the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation team to help grant early Christmas wishes for more than 350 children at the Foundation’s 16th Annual Holiday Party.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

By Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

I recently met a woman in her 40s who shared with me that she had never had an HIVtest. Even though she was divorced, had a few children, and was currently dating, she had never taken one of the most important tests in her life. I was speechless but not surprised.

During the ‘80s when HIVentered the scene, most people thought of it as the gay man’s disease. That perception was conceived because most of the cases at the time were in homosexual men. Since that infamous day over 20 years ago, November 8, 1991 when Magic Johnson announced at a press conference that he was HIVpositive, you would think people would subsequently view this life altering disease as a disease that could affect anyone. You would then reason that people would want to know their status. Unfortunately, statistics tell us differently.

HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that causes AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This virus damages the body’s CD4 cells which are important in fighting infections and diseases. Even though persons who are newly infected with HIVmay be

What’s your status?

asymptomatic, the virus is methodically destroying the immune system. There is no cure for AIDS. If left untreated, AIDS patients could potentially die of opportunistic infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.

The CDC reports that in the United States approximately 50,000 people are newly infected with HIVeach year. Most of the new infections occurred in gay and bisexual men. Heterosexual contact was the next highest method of HIVtransmission. Black women and men had an HIVincidence rate that was almost eight times as high as the incidence rate of whites. Although blacks made up only 14 percent of the population in 2009, they made up 44 percent of the newly diagnosed HIVinfections. In that same reporting year, 85 percent of Black women with HIVacquired it through heterosexual intercourse.

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

are unaware of their status. Late diagnoses are common in the African American community which often delays appropriate medical therapies and prevention to others. Outcomes are improved if individuals are diagnosed and linked to coordinated medical care earlier rather than later. So knowing the above information, I am amazed at the number of people who continue to have unprotected intercourse. When patients tell me that they are having intercourse and not using condoms, I often pose a very simple question to them: “Do you trust this partner with your life?” The most common response is no or “expletive” NO! I then go on to offer these patients STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing including an HIVtest. Believe it or not, some refuse.

Magic Johnson is not cured. He is treated. Mr. Johnson is wealthy enough to have the best doctors, most current medications, and the best nutritional staff. By no means am I saying that being diagnosed with HIVis a death sentence. Our treatments of this horrific disease have come a long way since the 1980s. However, our community needs to be a lot more proactive. That’s why I applaud organizations like Faith Communities United. They recently had a Remembrance and Hope Service on World AIDS Day, Sunday, December 2. I applaud them for doing grassroots organizing to make a difference. This organization does a lot of advocacy within religious institutions so that this stigma and fear can be eradicated.

Bottom line: everyone needs to be tested. Single people, married people, heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals all need to be tested.

The lack of awareness of HIVstatus is a huge problem in the African American community. Per the CDC, approximately one in five adults and adolescents in the US living with HIV

Fear, homophobia, and stigma place African Americans in a very dangerous health position. Alot of people in our communities fear the stigma worse than the disease. I also believe that people have this false since of security about the disease since Magic Johnson is doing so well. But please hear me loud and clear.

My name is Denise Hooks-Anderson. I am a married mother of two children and I am HIVnegative. What is your status?

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

December 20, 2012

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

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Living openly with HIV

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

‘We live just the way you live; it’s not different, except for we are sick and have to take medication,” Kenny Martin said, adding that ignorance makes some people think that persons with HIVor AIDS are nasty people.

“We are not. You come to my house and you can eat off the floor,” Martin said. “That’s how clean I can keep myself because I can catch anything from anything and be sick, and that’s not

what I’m trying to get to; I’m trying to get healthy so I can help other people to be healthy.”

“It’s not a gay disease;it’s a human race disease.”

Martin, originally from St. Louis, now makes Columbia, Mo. his home, where he lives in an apartment complex for residents with HIVor AIDS.

– Kenny Martin

“Where I’m[located], they don’t have any type of social group or social network up here for people living with HIV/AIDS and so we have to kind of

figure out who’s who in the community who is positive and not positive,” Martin said.

The absence of a formal support group gave rise to their own informal, personal network.

“When I moved here, they were not communicating with each other. It would be: if you pass one another on the lot, people would just stare; not even a ‘hi’or a wave. I kind of broke that. Let’s get together; it’s just us here,” Martin

described. “And now, we all get together and we do a Sunday dinner amongst each other because we don’t know anybody else outside this area.”

Martin uses every opportunity to inform those inside and outside of his community about the realities of living with HIV/AIDS.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of people that I run into that are out doing drugs and whatever and I can explain to them what it can lead to when you are doing

See HIV, page 5

Kenny Martin said being HIV positive is nothing to be ashamed of.In fact,his status inspires him to inform others to make choices to avoid contracting the virus that causes AIDS.

Photo by Wiley Price

HEALTH BRIEFS

St. Louis recognized fortackling childhood obesity

The National League of Cities (NLC) has recognized Mayor Francis G. Slay and the City of St. Louis for the recent completion of key health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC). LMCTC is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.

“We applaud local elected officials in St. Louis for stepping up to the challenge of Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties and making measurable progress in their efforts to improve children’s health,” said NLC President Ted Ellis, mayor of Bluffton, Indiana.

Five medals were awarded to St. Louis for action taken to improve access to healthy affordable food and increase opportunities for physical activity. These medals were awarded because:

ï St. Louis has an active interagency early childhood care and education collaboration

ï 60 percent of St. Louis public schools participate in the School Breakfast Program

ï All food vendors/contractors were identified

ï Apolicy on health and sustainable food for all vendors/contractors was adopted

ï Thirty percent of food vendors/contractors already have an established health and sustainable food policy in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

“The Let’s Move Initiative has been a great tool to help empower individuals to take charge in adopting healthier lifestyle choices,” said Pamela Walker, health director for the City of St. Louis.

More than 160 cities, towns and counties are participating in LMCTC. NLC awarded 541 medals to local elected officials across the country, recognizing these leaders for their progress in adopting long-term, sustainable, and holistic policies that improve communities’ access to healthy affordable food and opportunities for physical activity.

NIH grant goes to SLU to study Lupus

Two researchers at Saint Louis University’s division of rheumatology in the department of internal medicine have been awarded a $1.8 million NIH grant to study the physiological and biochemical functions in lupus, an autoimmune disease, and develop possible new medications for its treatment.

Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, occurs when the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack its own tissues and organs, and affects different parts of the body including kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Terry Moore, M.D., director of rheumatology and Anil Chauhan, Ph.D., associate professor in the division of rheumatology at SLU will study and evaluate the role of T-cells and immune complexes in the disease, and how they generate inflammatory responses.

AT-cell is a lymphocyte – a type of white blood cell – that protects the body’s immune system against infection and abnormal immunologic processes. Usually, antigens bind to antibodies, forming immune complexes that are part of a normal physiological process to remove undesired proteins from blood

“In the last 30 years there has been only one successful new drug for lupus;we need many more alternative therapies.”

– Anil Chauhan,Ph.D., associate professor in the division of rheumatology at SLU

circulation. But in lupus patients, as these complexes continue to circulate in the body, they lead to excessive inflammation and produce bad T-cells, which lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Moore said that they have found receptors on T-cells that were not recognized before. Receptors are the surface on the cell that selectively receive and bind specific substances. Moore and Chauhan found that the binding of these complexes with Fc receptors can affect treatment of lupus patients.

We are just trying to understand the basic immunologic mechanisms of the disease,” said Moore. “By understanding those, we can set up better therapy for lupus.”

Moore also said that the broader aim of the research is to understand the

pathology of the disease and monitor changes in the T-cells and study how well the suggested therapy and drug are working.

“We want to figure out how immune complexes that are present during the disease pathology change the normal T cells into bad T-cells,” said Chauhan, coprinciple investigator on this project. “If we can block this development of bad Tcells that are present in lupus patients, we will be able to develop a new therapeutic drug.”

The grant is based on a unique capture technology for isolation of immune complexes developed by Chauhan. Arecent study published in the Journal of Biological Sciences found that the immune complexes could activate CD4+ Tcells, also known as helper cells,

which lay the foundation for the research being done by Moore and Chauhan.

The five-year project will involve evaluation of T-cells in 100 lupus patients. Chauhan with Richard DiPaolo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of molecular microbiology and immunology at SLU, will also conduct an experiment in which they will remove the normal T-cells from a set of mice and implant the bad T-cells from the lupus patients in them. They will then monitor the mice and look for any development of lupus, which will be treated with potential drugs.

“If we develop a new drug, it will really help patients,” said Chauhan. “In the last 30 years there has been only one successful new drug for lupus; we need many more alternative therapies.”

Moore said lupus is the most common disease in young females of all races in the United States, especially African-Americans.

“With more specific findings, we may be able to address specific medications with fewer side effects,” he said.

HIV/AIDS services and resources

St.Louis Effort for AIDS www.stlfa.org

Food Outreach www.foodoutreach.org

Bethany Place (Belleville,Ill.) www.bethanyplace.org

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of Central Missouri (Columbia,Mo.) Missourirain.org

www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

HIV

Continued from page 3

drugs and not making the right choices,” he said. And he carries condoms to hand to give to others as well.

And one big reality for him is that you don’t have to be ashamed.

“When I moved here, a lot of people would see me getting off the bus and parking lot and people would always say, ‘You know what kind of people live there?’

‘I knew; but I’m like, ‘No. What are you talking about?’I would play the dumb thing,” Martins said. “And they would say, ‘Well, people over there are sick,’and I would say, ‘What are you talking about?’”

Martin said a girl he befriended at school cautioned him about people who lived there, saying “People over there – they are dying.” Martin used the stigmatical moment into a positive teaching moment.

“I had sat down with her and talked with her about the steps of being HIVpositive and having AIDS. It’s a difference between the two of them. And she never had that knowledge. Now she goes out to her churches and talks to people – the youth about sex and HIV and being positive,” Martin said. “I told her you don’t know who is HIVpositive and who is not.

His friend was surprised he was so open about talking about being gay and having HIV.

“Because it’s nothing to close up – it’s an open book. I would rather someone to know what I went through so they don’t have to go through what I went through back then,” Martin said. “Thirty years ago, HIVused to be a gay man’s disease. It’s not a gay disease; it’s a human race disease.”

He said even some of his neighbors are starting to “lighten up” and coming around.

“They even give me a hug now when they see me,” Martin said. “Where they wouldn’t even shake my hand nor do a fist-bump with me. It’s different now that they see how we live.

“They are starting to lighten up.”

Health-wise, Martin said he is doing well and hasn’t been sick since 2000. When he was first diagnosed as HIVpositive, Martin said he was taking more than 40 pills a day in various medications. Now he only takes one for HIV, along with vitamin supplements and a daily baby aspirin.

“It’s a blessing … I’m just flourishing with it,” he said. Martin is currently is in school, studying become a certified nurse assistant (CNA), with possible plans to become a nurse.

HEALTH BRIEFS

Common diabetes drug may treat ovarian cancer

Newswise —Diabetic patients with ovarian cancer who took the drug metformin for their diabetes had a better survival rate than patients who did not take it, a study headed by Mayo Clinic shows. The findings, published early online in the journal Cancer, may play an important role for researchers as they study the use of existing medications to treat different or new diseases.

Metformin is a widely prescribed drug to treat diabetes, and previous research by others has shown its promise for other cancers. The Mayo-led study adds ovarian cancer to the list.

Researchers compared the survival of 61 patients with ovarian cancer taking metformin and 178 patients who were not taking metformin. Sixty-seven percent of the patients who took metformin were surviving after five years, compared with 47 percent of those who did not take the medication. When the researchers analyzed factors such as the patients’body mass index, the severity of the cancer, type of chemotherapy and quality of surgery, they found that patients taking metformin were nearly four times likelier to survive, compared with those not taking the medication.

“Our study demonstrated improved survival in women with ovarian cancer that were taking metformin,” said co-author Sanjeev Kumar, M.B.B.S., a Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncology fellow. “The results are encouraging, but as with any retrospective study, many factors cannot be controlled for us to say if there is a direct cause and effect. Rather, this is further human evidence for a potential beneficial effect of a commonly used drug which is relatively safe in humans. These findings should provide impetus for prospective clinical trials in ovarian cancer.”

The results may pave the way for using metformin in large-scale randomized trials in ovarian cancer, researchers say. Given the high mortality rate of ovarian cancer, researchers say there is a great need to develop new therapies for ovarian cancer. Metformin may potentially be one of these options.

Study indicates IUDs don’t cause pelvic inflammatory disease

Newswise — The risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) is very low, whether or not women have been screened beforehand for gonorrhea and Chlamydia, according to a joint study of nearly 60,000 women by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research.

The study appeared recently in the online issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The findings correct long-standing misperceptions that IUDs cause PID. Also, by evaluating the relationship between the timing of testing for gonorrhea and Chlamydia (GC/CT) and the risk of developing PID within 90 days after IUD insertion, the study fills a large gap in the evidence base for the optimal timing and necessity of testing women who have no symptoms of gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Because gonorrhea or Chlamydia infection is a risk factor for PID in any woman, there is a concern that inserting an IUD in someone who has an asymptomatic infection could increase that risk of PID. Researchers said the study shows that that testing on the same day as IUD insertion, and then promptly treat women who test positive, do not increase the risk of developing PID compared to women who were screened ahead of time or not at all.

“This study affirms that there is a low risk of pelvic inflammatory disease after IUD insertion, which has the potential to reduce barriers to IUD access, such as making women have a separate screening visit before the IUD insertion,” said lead author Carolyn B. Sufrin, MD, MA, of UCSF’s Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health.

The study shows that that testing on the same day as IUD insertion, and then promptly treat women who test positive, do not increase the risk of developing PID.

“In addition, it provides evidence to support [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] screening guidelines for gonorrhea and Chlamydia in women receiving IUDs. If testing is indicated, our results suggest that it is safe to do so on the day of IUD insertion, with prompt treatment of positive results,” said Debbie Postlethwaite, RNP, MPH with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.

The researchers explained that the most accurate time to clinically assess and screen for cervical infection is on the day of IUD insertion. They also emphasized that a woman’s risk status does not depend on her method of contraception, or when she is screened, but rather on sexual behaviors. Women with high-risk sexual behaviors continue to be at increased risk of GC/CTacquisition even after IUD placement, they said.

“IUDs are among the safest, most effective methods of contraception and provide benefits in managing vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and a condition called endometriosis, which occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus grow in other areas of the body. Whereas the risk of pregnancy is nine percent annually with pills, patches and rings, IUDs allow women almost complete control in planning their pregnancies,” explained the researchers.

Nonetheless, the use of IUDs for contraception is extremely low in the U.S., particularly in comparison with other countries. The reluctance dates to the 1970s, when the poor design of the Dalkon Shield IUD caused bacterial infection and led to thousands of lawsuits. Although the Dalkon Shield was removed from the market, it had a lasting negative impact on IUD use in the U.S. This lingering fear of PID leads many providers to require a recent negative gonorrhea and Chlamydia test before inserting an IUD, creating the need for multiple patient visits.

The study cohort of 57,728 women between the ages of 14 and 49 years had either a levonorgestrel intrauterine system or copper-TIUD inserted for contraceptive or non-contraceptive use at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) between Jan. 1, 2005, and Aug. 31, 2009. A major strength of the study is the large number of demographically diverse subjects in an integrated healthcare delivery system with widespread use of IUDs. KPNC’s integrated pharmacy, laboratory and medical visit databases, and electronic medical records system were accessed for all study data.

The date of the IUD insertion visit was compared with the most recent gonorrhea and Chlamydia screening date to categorize women into four screening groups: 1) screening on the same day as insertion; 2) screening one day up to eight weeks before insertion; 3) screening eight weeks up to one year before insertion; and 4) no screening within one year before insertion.

Although the risk of PID in IUD users is highest in the first 20 days after insertion, 90 days after insertion was chosen as the benchmark in order to be conservative in estimating the risk of PID. PID risks for the gonorrhea and Chlamydia screening groups were compared by calculating both unadjusted and adjusted risk differences and odds ratios with 95 percent confidence intervals, with adjustments for age and race, factors known to be associated with PID.

The risk of PID diagnosis within 90 days of IUD insertion in the entire cohort was 0.0054. The risk was highest in the group screened one day to eight weeks before insertion and lowest in the group with no screening, indicating that women who were not screened had an equivalent risk of PID as women who were screened.

CDC Vital Signs: HIV Infection, Testing, and Risk Behaviors Among Youths - United States.

Majority of new HIVinfections among youth occurin African Americans

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its new report on HIVinfection, testing, and risk behaviors among youth in the U.S.

The CDC stated bout 50,000 people get HIVeach year and young people between the ages of 13 and 24 represent about a quarter of these new HIVinfections (26 percent). The majority of youth living with HIVare unaware they are infected. Young gay and bisexual men and African Americans are the most affected.

The latest data released by the CDC on HIVinfections, testing, and risk behaviors among youth and young adults show

Nearly 60 percent of new infections among youth occur in African Americans, about 20 percent in Hispanics/Latinos and about 20 percent in whites.

About 70percent of youth were infected with HIVthrough male-to-male sex,

20 percent from heterosexual sex, 4 percent from injection drug use and about 4percent from a combination of male-tomale sex and injection drug use.

Young gay and bisexual men and African Americans are hit harder by HIV than their peers.

About 86 percent of young females got HIVthrough heterosexual sex and 13 percent from injection drug use.

The percentage of youth tested for HIVoverall was 12.9 percent among high school students and 34.5 percent among those aged 18–24 years; it was lower among males than females, and lower among whites and Hispanics/Latinos than blacks/African Americans.

According to CDC experts, a number of factors contribute to the higher levels of HIVin young people and can vary by population. In some communities HIV prevalence is higher, which increases the likelihood that someone will be exposed

Higher risk behavior among gay and bisexual youth

CDC scientists also examined risk behaviors among high school students in 12 states and nine large urban school districts, and found that young gay and bisexual males reported engaging in substantially higher levels of risk behavior than their heterosexual male peers.

Young gay and bisexual males are

More likely to report having had sex with four or more partners or ever injecting illegal drugs.

More likely to have used alcohol or drugs before their last sexual experience and less likely to have used a condom.

Less likely to report having been taught about HIVor AIDS in school.

The Vital Signs report calls for ageappropriate HIVprevention education

through parents, schools, and community and web-based programs. Additionally, it calls for implementation of effective interventions and testing for youth at risk. It also underscores the importance of treatment and care for youth who have HIV.

“On World AIDS Day [December 1] and every day, we should be working together for an AIDS-free generation,” stated Dr. Kevin A. Fenton, Director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “It will take a concerted effort to provide our nation’s youth with the tools and resources they need to assess their own personal risk, get tested, and protect themselves from HIVinfection.”

Find the complete report, Vital Signs: HIVInfection, Testing, and Risk Behaviors Among Youths — United States, at www.cdc.gov.

to infection with each sexual encounter.

Electrically spun fabric offers dual defense against pregnancy, HIV

Newswise — The only way to protect against HIVand unintended pregnancy today is the condom. It’s an effective technology, but not appropriate or popular in all situations.

AUniversity of Washington team has developed a versatile platform to simultaneously offer contraception and prevent HIV. Electrically spun cloth with nanometer-sized fibers can dissolve to release drugs, providing a platform for cheap, discrete and reversible protection.

The research was published recently in the Public Library of Science’s openaccess journal PLoS One. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation last month awarded the UWresearchers almost $1 million to pursue the technology.

“Our dream is to create a product women can use to protect themselves from HIVinfection and unintended pregnancy,” said corresponding author Kim Woodrow, a UWassistant professor of bioengineering. “We have the drugs to do that. It’s really about delivering them in a way that makes them more potent, and allows a woman to want to use it.”

Electrospinning uses an electric field to catapult a charged fluid jet through air

to create very fine, nanometer-scale fibers. The fibers can be manipulated to control the material’s solubility, strength and even geometry. Because of this versatility, fibers may be better at delivering medicine than existing technologies such as gels, tablets or pills. No high temperatures are involved, so the method is suitable for heat-sensitive molecules. The fabric can also incorporate large molecules, such as proteins and antibodies, that are hard to deliver through other methods.

At a lab meeting, Woodrow presented the concept, and co-authors Emily Krogstad and Cameron Ball, both firstyear graduate students, pursued the idea. They first dissolved polymers approved by the Food and Drug Administration and antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIVto create a gooey solution that passes through a syringe. As the stream encounters the electric field it stretches to create thin fibers measuring 100 to several thousand nanometers that whip through the air and eventually stick to a collecting plate (one nanometer is about one 25-millionth of an inch). The final material is a stretchy fabric that can

physically block sperm or release chemical contraceptives and antivirals.

“This method allows controlled release of multiple compounds,” Ball said. “We were able to tune the fibers to have different release properties.”

One of the fabrics they made dissolves within minutes, potentially offering users immediate, discrete protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Another dissolves gradually over a few days, providing an option for sustained delivery, more like the birth-control pill, to provide contraception and guard against HIV.

The fabric could incorporate many fibers to guard against many different sexually transmitted infections, or include more than one anti-HIVdrug to protect against drug-resistant strains (and discourage drug-resistant strains from emerging). Mixed fibers could be designed to release drugs at different times to increase their potency, like the prime-boost method used in vaccines.

The electrospun cloth could be inserted directly in the body or be used as a coating on vaginal rings or other products.

Electrospinning has existed for decades, but it’s only recently been automated to make it practical for applications such as filtration and tissue engineering. This is the first study to use nanofibers for vaginal drug delivery.

While this technology is more discrete than a condom, and potentially more versatile than pills or plastic or rubber devices, researchers say there is no single right answer.

“At the time of sex, are people going to actually use it? That’s where having multiple options really comes into play,” Krogstad said. “Depending on cultural background and personal preferences, certain populations may differ in terms of what form of technology makes the most sense for them.”

The team is focusing on continents like Africa where HIVis most common, but the technology could be used in the U.S. or other countries to offer birth control while also preventing one or more sexually transmitted diseases.

The research to date was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the UW’s Center for AIDS Research.

PROFILING PEOPLE IN HEALTH

Michelle Hyde

Position/Where:

Nursing Retention Coach/St. Louis Community College at Forest Park

CareerHighlights:

I work with students all four semesters of the Nursing Program at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.My job is to help students with overcoming barriers to their success in the nursing program.I have the pleasure of working with students from various backgrounds in terms of race, socio-economics, age, and culture.When I meet with students I tell them from the beginning I am here to help with whatever stands as a barrier to their success in the nursing program at St. Louis Community College.I most often help students with stress management, time management, financial resources, test taking strategies, and study skills.Students often come to talk to me just to debrief so they can make it through yet another day as a nursing student.Sometimes student’s situations are more complex and I might be dealing with a student that is facing losing their home, their spouse, their child, hunger, shut off utilities, etc., all while trying to remain focused on their nursing studies. When working with students, regardless of the reason for our meeting I want them to feel as though I am 100 percent there to support them.I always want students to know if it’s an issue for them and their success it’s an issue for me too.I am always pleased to see the fruits of student’s hard labor.Their pinning ceremony is especially exciting to me.I feel like a proud parent when I see students receive their nurses’pin and know the challenges they’ve had to overcome to make it to that day.I’m also excited when I see a former student in the community doing well, making changes in their lives, their families’ lives, and in the community as a whole as they work as nurses.Over the course of four semesters, sometimes longer I’ve watched student’s families grow and change and they’ve watched mine grow and change as well. We become a family of sorts as members of the Nursing Program at St. Louis Community College.I’ve realized over the years that inspiring others is what I was called to do.I love my job!

Education:

Bachelors of Science Degree in Business/Minor in Marketing, Masters of Art in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University

Personal:

Member of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church where I serve as an advisor to children, teens, and young adults inspiring them to be their very best!

St. Louis Connection:

O’Fallon Technical High School graduate

Yourjourney to success:

I always wanted success in life.The spark was always there!I grew up observing a professional woman everyday as I looked to my mother.I was inspired to attend college by my mother.In my home, going to college wasn’t optional it was a must.My first two years of college were for my mother and it showed.I became invested in my own future midway through college.I realized that since I was going to college, I might as well do it right.That’s when my grades began to improve.As an adult I returned to school to obtain my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling.I went back to school and attained my advanced degree not only for myself but for my children as well.I wanted to offer them a better life and serve as a role model for them. I worked hard to achieve my advanced degree while working full-time and raising my two children.My journey is very similar to many of the students I work with daily.

Michell Hyde

Sexual Health

St. Louis County Health Department offers free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call 314679-7800.

St. Louis Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Program offers confidential or anonymous testing at St. Louis ConnectCare, Suite 203 at 5535 Delmar, St. Louis, Mo. 63112. For more information, call (314) 879-6468.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Prescription Cost Help

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy – Offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-879-6208.

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers cer-

HEALTH RESOURCES

tain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/pharmacy.

Prostate Cancer

The CancerCenterof The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

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.

Angel Food Ministries operates in hundreds of churches nationwide and offers heat and serve meals, canned and fresh food boxes at a reduced cost. Find the nearest locations by zip code at www.angelfoodministries.com.

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.

Information

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

Health Partnerships

The CenterforCommunity Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-academic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge

dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. Located in Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866776-3627).

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Fri. Dec. 21, 12:30 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive, Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Road, 63136. Register at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code Christian hospital, or email slm9123@bjc.org.

Fri., Dec. 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Basic Life Support forHealthcare Providers CPR Class by the American Heart Association, Cabela’s Conference Center, St. Louis Mills Mall, 5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., Hazelwood, Mo. 63042. Course covers CPR, AED, and relief of choking for adult, child and infant modules. Atwo-year AHAcertification card is distributed at the end of class. For more information, call (314) 791-4009 or visit www.allstarcpr.com.

Sat. Dec. 22, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – “Whole Person Healing through Song,” by the St. Louis area Health Community at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2912 St. Louis Avenue. Health care workers from community and federally-

CALENDAR

qualified health centers are offering their soothing, healing talents through music, song and dance as a holiday gift to the community and the patients they serve. Admission to the event is a can of food or other non-perishable item or winter accessories, like a hat, scarf or gloves. Food and clothing items will be donated to a local pantry and charity. Organized by leadership at St. Louis ConnectCare, Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers and Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, St. Louis health care community participants include employees and friends from Family Care Center, St. Louis Integrated Health Network, Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Center; St. Louis Health Department and St. Louis County Department of Health as well as area churches. For more information, contact Rosetta Keeton at rkeeton@stlconnectcare.org or 314-879-6231.

Sat., Jan. 5, 10 a.m., Music Mania –Music Therapy forIndividuals with Down Syndrome, at Ranken Jordan,

11365 Dorsett Rd. presented by Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis and Ranken Jordan. Free program for children and youth ages 4-16 that uses music to improve health through emotional development, cognitive stimulation, motor skills and social skills. Rd., 63043. For more information, call (314) 872-6400.

Thur., Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m. - Pink Hope Support Group forWomen with Breast Cancer, by St. Anthony’s CancerCare Center. Charli Prather will speak about Mindful Eating as an approach to weight management after cancer treatment. Prather, a cancer survivor, teaches Mindful Eating practices that are based on the AM I HUNGRY? Mindful Eating model. 10010 Kennerly Rd., 63128. For more information, call (314) 268-4669.

Sat. Jan. 12, 2013, 9 a.m. -11:30 p.m.

– Just Lose It Weight Loss Challenge Kick Off, Christian Hospital Atrium. Make changes and improve your health

with some help from your North County friends and weigh in locations at Christian Hospital, City of Bellefontaine, City of Florissant, St. Louis City Parks, Community News, Eagle Fitness, Christian Hospital’s Occupational Health at Graham Medical Center, the Emerson Family YMCAand Curves in Maryville, IL. $10 registration fee checks payable to Christian Hospital Foundation. No walk-ins. You must register by calling 314-747-WELL(9355) to attend.

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.

The BEACON Project reconnects persons living with HIV/AIDS to health services

Missouri residents living with HIV/AIDS who have been without HIVmedical care for more than a year can find services through the BEACON Project.

It offers a specialized community health nurse, HIV-related medical care and medications, emergency assistance, education and outreach; peer support and case management.

Individuals access BEACON services through referrals from case managers, medical providers and community partners.

Beacon Project HIVEngagement Coordinators can be contacted directly. For more information, contact the following coordinators:

Steve Houldsworth at St. Louis Effort for AIDS at (314)645-6451 ext. 243 or email shouldsworth@stlefa.org; or Liz Neuf at Project ARK at Washington University St. Louis, 314-652-2444 ext. 106 or email

Neuf_E@kids.wustl.edu.