December 21st, 2017 Edition

Merry Christmas

Black police organization backs John Hayden for chief

By Rebecca

When Interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole got up to speak a public forum on Thursday, December 14 where the community got to meet the six finalists for St. Louis police chief, several members of the crowd stood up and sang Christmas songs with protest lyrics.

And the protests against O’Toole only got more intense as the evening went on.

At one point, activist Elizabeth Vega interrupted O’Toole to yell out, “We asked for him to be fired, and you have him up here potentially getting a promotion. That is the problem. Ask him to leave.”

About half the room at Saint Louis University School of Law Clinic Courtroom

takes death penalty off table, leaves open parole

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

stood up and applauded, including some wearing police uniforms.

O’Toole is among the three local candidates, along with Major John Hayden and Captain Mary Edward-Fears. Two are from Texas and one is from Oklahoma. Four are AfricanAmerican.

On Friday, December 18th, Reginald Clemons finally pled guilty to murdering and raping Robin Kerry and Julie Kerry in 1991.

Future engineer

Scholarship awardee

Shauniece O’Neal wants to heal the Earth – and make the Olympics

By Sophie Hurwitz

her freshman year at Hazelwood Central High School. Last summer, O’Neal competed in the Junior Olympics, and she hopes to compete in the Olympics during her junior year of

City and county cardholders can now check out ‘hot spots’

County Library. “By addressing the digital divide, we are providing important infrastructure for our community.”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Shauniece O’Neal

Pool photo by St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Wade Robson molestation suit against MJ estate dropped

A judge has dismissed a long-running lawsuit which claimed the late Michael Jackson had molested choreographer Wade Robson

The 35-year-old professional dancer has been in a long-standing legal battle with the legal team for the late King of Pop over claims the music icon sexually assaulted him when he was a child, but Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled on Tuesday, December 19 that Wade had been too late in filing his lawsuit against the star’s estate in 2013.

“In my opinion, Mr. Robson’s allegations,

made 20 plus years after they supposedly occurred and years after Mr. Robson testified twice under oath – including in front of a jury – that Michael Jackson had never done anything wrong to him were always about the money rather than a search for the truth,” Jackson estate lawyer Howard Weitzman told the New York Daily News newspaper: Robson is planning to appeal the decision.

Rape case closed against Nelly, legal action against accuser forthcoming

This week, the King County Prosecutors office officially closed the rape case against rapper Nelly in Washington State after his accuser refused to cooperate.

In a statement to PEOPLE Magazine, Nelly’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, professes the rapper’s innocence and says that legal action against the accuser is on the way. An excerpt of the statement reads as follows:

“The formal close of the investigation into the false allegations made against Nelly is of course welcome — however expected. We were confident that what our investigation revealed from the outset of this allegation would ultimately be clear

and Nelly would be vindicated. A thorough investigation did show Nelly was a victim of deceitful allegation devoid of credibility.

“Nelly recognizes the need for women who are victims of sexual assault of any kind to be heard and our existing systems changed. However, this type of reckless false allegation cannot be tolerated as it is an affront to the real survivors of sexual assault.”

Nelly has suffered very real damage to his reputation. He has incurred economic loss and painfully has watched his family suffer. As a result, Nelly is planning to proceed with litigation as the first step in restoring his reputation.”

Meanwhile, TMZ.com says that Nelly’s accuser has filed suit against the rapper for defamation. In the suit, she stands by her claim that the rapper had sex with her against her will. She is seeking unspecified damages.

A sour end for Tim from Sweetie Pie’s and Jessica from ‘Basketball Wives’

TMZ.com reported Tim Norman from “Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s” was forced to

file a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Williams of “Basketball Wives” fame.

TMZ says the order documents include claims that Williams slashed his tires after following him around in Los Angeles, and accuses her of breaking into his home and sending threatening text messages. The documents also allegedly say that Norman recalled an incident where Williams reportedly tried to run him over with his own car, and that he had to “dive out of the way or die.”

In an Instagram post caption for what appears to be a restraining order document, Williams denes the claims –and claps back.

“I’m dealing with a real life psycho that I have not seen in 3 months,” Williams said. “I don’t know if he is trying to boost ratings for his show, or what his agenda is. Imagine me slashing tires. Imagine Tim moving quickly. Please leave me alone and stop fabricating lies.”

Sources: TMZ.com, The Blast, People.com, The New York Daily News

Nelly

Wade Robson

Jennifer Williams

Ferg-Flor appealing ruling on school board elections

Federal district court found racial discrimination in voting system

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

A federal court of appeals heard

arguments December 13 in the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri’s case claiming racial discrimination is built into the voting model of the Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD) school board.

The ACLU filed the suit, which began in 2014, on behalf of AfricanAmerican residents of the district and the NAACP. It argued that the at-large voting model prevents the election of the candidates preferred by black voters. The suit claims this electoral disadvantage violates the Voting Rights Act.

A federal court ruled in favor of the ACLU in 2016, but the district has appealed the decision to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Attorneys for the district and the ACLU made brief arguments to appeals court judges Morris Arnold, Jane Kelly and Lavenski Smith. ACLU attorneys Tony Rothert and Julie Ebenstein argued the decision should be upheld, while attorneys for the district said the ACLU had not shown adequate evidence that the model disadvantages black voters.

The Ferguson-Florissant School District was created in 1975 in a move intended to counter racial segregation in schools. Despite those intentions, there are now only two AfricanAmerican members on the sevenmember board, although students in the district are 77 percent black.

The FFSD board is composed of seven members who are elected in

“off-cycle” elections, so that every April either two or three seats are up for a vote. The members serve threeyear terms.

The district also has a unique voting system. Voters can choose to vote for one candidate per seat or can opt for “bullet voting,” also known as “singleshot voting.” This means putting all their voting power behind just one candidate, increasing the likelihood of that candidate being elected.

“The witnesses who had been involved in campaigning in FFSD testified almost uniformly that they rarely, if ever, bullet vote or encourage others to do so, except when they are running for office and bullet vote for themselves,” the district court ruling said.

The ACLU first had to establish that African Americans constituted a minority in the FFSD, qualifying them for protection under the Voting Rights Act. They found that voting-age African Americans were a minority, even though black students in the

elections, the ACLU established that both black and white voters tended to vote for candidates from their own racial groups, and they had very

n “Voting in Ferguson-Florissant usually results in the election of candidates preferred by white voters only.”

–

Julie Ebenstein, ACLU of Missouri

district are a majority.

Through examining the voters preferences in FFSD school board

divergent preferences for school board candidates.

“It is evident that black-preferred

candidates are usually defeated, while white-preferred candidates usually win,” the court ruling said. “Since 2000, 24 out of 27 white-preferred candidates were elected (88.9 percent), as compared to 13 out of 27 Blackpreferred candidates (48.1 percent).”

At-large voting – voting as a jurisdiction as a whole, without being subdivided into different districts – can dilute the voting power of racial minorities, drowning out their voices with those of white voters and making it more difficult to elect any candidates preferred by racial minorities. According to the NAACP, at-large voting is becoming less and less common for this reason.

The ACLU’s suit pushed for a change in the voting process of the

FFSD. Federal judge Rodney Sippel found the district was indeed racially discriminatory and violated the Voting Rights Act, but did not recommend a specific remedy, instead concluding that the parties to the case should work together on a solution.

“The court agreed that the current at-large system dilutes African Americans’ voting power and undermines their voice in the political process,” Ebenstein, an attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement about the original decision. “This ruling recognizes that voting in Ferguson-Florissant usually results in the election of candidates preferred by white voters only, and helps push back against decades of systemic racism.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Kathy Lovings, a 4th grade teacher in the Griffith Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, shows students Shawn McDaniel, Kevin Williams and Paris Anderson how a pendulum works. How the district elects school board members is the subject of a federal suit.

The true Christmas spirit in the time of Trump

Thank God for faiths that can help overcome addiction, loneliness or stress; for institutions that can help raise the children among us. Those were never meant to be easy, ephemeral tasks. And they may be religion’s true reward. As Jesus himself prayed to the Father before he died, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

– Newsweek, Dec. 17, 1990

Christmas is celebrated widely by believers and nonbelievers alike because of the impact of the birth and teaching of Jesus Christ on humankind.

In the spirit of the anniversary of His birth, we have a special obligation to remember His mission to feed the hungry and heal the sick. He taught His followers to serve others. Whether or not you are a Christian, Jesus’ message of love and compassion strikes a universal chord.

In this blessed land of material plenty, a deepening poignancy and irony centers on the plight of the growing numbers of sick, homeless and hungry. Many conservative Americans profess to be children of God but offer disdain and ridicule for the poor and powerless in our society. They see themselves as being in a battle against the secular, anti-religious views of the political left, while ignoring the Bible’s message of charity and love toward one’s fellow man.

We see this in the hateful tenor of the contemporary conversation about accepting Syrian refugees. Fear of terrorist acts committed by radical jihadists drives many conservative Americans to oppose our offering safe haven to people fleeing wars and atrocities perpetuated by our common enemies. To brand all Muslims as unwelcome is a

profoundly unchristian attitude. Further, many conservative Christians appear to be galvanized by almost nothing but opposition to the abortion option for women. Their selfannounced “pro-life” values appear to end at birth, as they support candidates working to undo affordable health care for all Americans and sluggish to refund a state health insurance program that insures lowincome children. The current abomination of a U.S. president – among his countless violations of the spirit and practice of Christ, despite his allegedly “Christian” support – leads

an administration that even directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remove “vulnerable” from all publications and communications. If Christ watches us, He must weep. Of all the seasons, Christmas compels all of us to reach out to the less-fortunate with tangible help, not just pious expressions of sympathy, let alone the cold indifference, tinged by outright malice, of Trump’s Republican Party. “What the Lord requires of you,” wrote the Prophet Micah, “is to do justice, love and mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

When voting rights are treated as a privilege

By DeMarco K. Davidson Guest columnist

The United States are not united on their methods or philosophies on incarceration and voting rights. In Maine and Vermont, citizens never lose their right to vote, even while they are incarcerated. Florida, along with eight other states, removes the rights of felons and ex-felons to vote.

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia restore voting rights immediately after release. Twenty-eight states, including Missouri, allow ex-felons to vote if they are no longer on parole, aka “off papers.”

Why does America not have a unified, federal law on voting rights for those who are or were incarcerated?

Multiple barriers exist for those who have served their time, but many states are pursuing reform in voting laws. Between 1996 and 2008, 28 states passed new laws on felon voting rights. In 2015, Governor Steve Beshear (D) of our neighboring state Kentucky signed an executive order to automatically restore the right to vote and to hold public office to certain offenders. Unfortunately, the order was immediately reversed by incoming Governor Matt Bevin (R).

Again, why does America not have a unified, federal law on voting rights for those who are/were incarcerated?

It seems that America still embraces practices of the European empires of old. Inspired by the Greeks and Romans, Europe would transition to a legal system that believed in “civic deaths,” where people who were found

guilty of crimes would forfeit property, lose the ability to appear in court, and would not be allowed to vote. The English colonists brought with them to the newly seized America many practices, including felon disenfranchisement. Since the beginning of America, wealthy elites would attempt to suppress the political power of the lower classes.

Long story short, white male owners of property (which included business, real estate, and slaves) established the system of voting. Throughout American history, the same class of men employed other white men to make sure that the no-income working class did not run away while the low-income working class did not form unions.

Wealthy white men would remain in control of who could vote until … well … today.

In 2001, the National Commission of Federal Election Reform “recommended” that all states allow felons to regain their right to vote immediately after completing their criminal sentences. However, according to The Sentencing Project, 6.1 million Americans were prohibited from voting in the 2016 presidential election due to laws that disenfranchised citizens convicted of felony offenses.

The Prison Policy Initiative estimated in 2016 that 113,600 Missourians were not allowed to vote. While

Do Missouri Republicans really want to create jobs?

By Rep. Michael Butler For The St. Louis American

No matter the occasion, political leaders in Missouri government talk endlessly about our need to create jobs in this state. Most recently we heard this when the governor and the mayors of St. Louis and Kansas City submitted bids for Amazon’s second headquarters, which promises to bring 50,000 jobs to Missouri.

Typically, “job creation” is used as a justification for cutting taxes, gutting regulations, or even passing laws legalizing discrimination, like the majority party did with Senate Bill 43 during last year’s legislative session. Many of my colleagues said this would create a more businessfriendly climate in Missouri. However, aside from SB 43 being a violation of the Fair Housing Act, its effect on the business environment remains to be seen.

At the same time the governor and the majority party in the Legislature were “creating a more businessfriendly climate” in the Show Me State, they cut the budget of a proven job-generator, the Missouri Technology Corporation.

The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is a publicprivate partnership created by the Legislature to promote entrepreneurship and foster the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies, and has been investing in startups all over the state since 2010. In the most recent budget passed by the legislature, funding for

MTC was slashed by about $17 million.

Almost immediately following the legislative session, Governor Greitens and Missouri Republicans brought us back to Jefferson City this spring to secure special utility rates for a company to bring 500 steel mill jobs to the Bootheel. MTC, on the other hand, creates more jobs each year and makes a profit, through smart investments in innovative companies involved in biomedical science, applied engineering, animal and plant science, as well as defense and homeland security.

MTC often provides early-stage funding that is a catalyst for attracting additional private investments, and it receives dozens of applications from all over the state from companies requesting financing. In the last funding cycle of 2016, MTC received 38 applications from companies requesting $14 million in co-investment awards. Since the MTC began awarding these funds in 2010, over $400 million of additional private capital has come into Missouri.

The most recent Census data from 2013 puts Missouri at number one in the nation for new business formations, and in 2016 Forbes recognized Missouri as a top 10 state for startup

Letters to the editor

the tax cuts!

Correction

113,600 votes might not have made a difference in the 2016 presidential election for Missouri, the U.S. Senate and governor elections could have had a different outcome.

We can improve our democracy if we stop treating the “right to vote” as if it is a privilege. People who are incarcerated do not lose all of their rights. They retain the right of free speech, the freedom of religion, and are allowed to express political opinions. They retain their American citizenship. During the Trop v. Dulles case in 1958, Justice Earl Warren wrote, “Citizenship is not a right that expires upon misbehavior.”

Incarcerated people have the freedom of speech but are denied the ability to speak through the casting of a vote. This creates a growing population of people who become subject to laws that they never have an ability to speak against.

Also, small towns that have federal or private prisons count incarcerated citizens as part of their population every census. This prison-based gerrymandering gives more political influence to politicians that benefit from more caged humans. These citizens who are counted but cannot vote are mostly removed from metropolitan, poverty-stricken areas.

As Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and economist Chris Hedges suggests, once rights become privileges, none of us are safe.

A St. Louis native, DeMarco Davidson uses his engineering and theological education to address social issues.

In the Dec. 14 article, “City plans gun buyback program,” the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis is donating funds to the gun buyback program, rather than the Missouri Bar Association. Additionally, the Police Association was mistakenly identified as conducting the program with the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. It is the St. Louis Police Foundation. We regret the errors.

Legislature needs bias training

Following the recent incidents involving racially motivated comments made by both visitors and members of the General Assembly, I believe that developing an unconscious racial bias training would be very beneficial to the Missouri Legislature. It is important that we continue to foster a work environment where employees feel comfortable and free from hostile or offensive language. This type of behavior and prejudicial discourse should have no place in our state, let alone this institution and I am in full support of the Missouri House providing mandated diversity training. By implementing this training, it is my hope that we are able to work diligently to avoid racial bias in the workplace as well as more sufficiently ensure increased awareness among our employees.

State Rep. Alan Green, chair, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, Florissant

Outraged at Congress

I cannot believe that people are not outraged that Congress has failed to renew the Children’s Healthcare Insurance Program (CHIP), which affects 9 million children, while Congress is finding time to help the wealthy by trying to pass

funding. Thanks to the MTC, Missouri has been bucking the entrepreneurial slump. According to the analytical website FiveThirtyEight.com, four Missouri metro areas – St. Louis, Springfield, St. Joseph and Kansas City – were in the top 20 cities with the fastest growing rate of new startups in 2014. Missouri was the only state with four metro areas in the top 20.

Slashing the funding of this vital public-private investment fund threatens the significant progress we’ve made in creating high-paying jobs, especially in the tech industry. Furthermore, it provides an opening for other states to attract startups we no longer have the capital to support. The Indiana Legislature recently committed to investing a billion dollars into startups over the next 10 years. It ought to be asked: Are the governor and the majority party really prioritizing the creation and growth of small businesses and high-paying jobs? If they were, we wouldn’t see such drastic cuts in a job-creating engine like the Missouri Technology Corporation. I personally would like to see these funds restored in our next budget, and I’m certain the business and startup community would agree. I also don’t want to see the energy and investment that has gone to our economic beacon in Cortex to go elsewhere. Our region and our state’s future depend on it. Michael Butler (D-St. Louis) represents District 79 in the Missouri House of Representatives.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Linda Caravelli Florissant

We remember Newtown

We remember the educators and young children who were violently gunned down in their classrooms five years ago in Newtown. We remember Charlotte, Anne Marie, Josephine, Dawn, Daniel, Caroline, Avielle, Ana, Rachel, Madeleine, Jessica, Catherine, Victoria, Noah, Benjamin, James, Emilie, Mary, Lauren, Allison, Chase, Dylan, Jesse, Olivia, Jack and Grace.

We remember the courageous actions by educators and school staff to save their students by hiding them in closets and bathrooms, helping them flee out of

windows and shielding them with their own bodies. We remember the school custodian who ran ahead of the gunman locking classroom doors to keep him out and keep people safe. We remember the pain and the mourning. We remember how the community of Newtown united to heal and support one another, and the work of our local unions to make sure teachers, school staff and children had the supports they needed to treat their trauma, feel safe and secure, and allow them to get back to teaching and learning. And we also remember the inaction by lawmakers to prevent people from having easy access to deadly assault weapons.

Randi Weingarten, president AFT Washington, D.C.

Guest Columnist

DeMarco K. Davidson

Columnist Michael Butler

Normandy brings alternative education in-house

Normandy High School seniors Devin Deshay and Magdalene Ivory work with Social Studies/Missouri Options teacher Crystal Church on an assignment in the Center for Academics and Social Advancement (C.A.S.A.) program. The C.A.S.A. program is the new education program for Normandy students needing to recover to graduate from high school. Earlier this year, the Joint Executive Governing Board approved the Normandy Schools Collaborative’s plan to bring the alternative education program in-house. For the last three years, alternative education programming was managed by an external firm. C.A.S.A. has also partnered with Wyman, a youth empowerment organization that coordinates wraparound services for the Collaborative, to incorporate these support systems. For example, the program employs a full-time social worker who meets with students to discuss challenges in their lives that may cause trauma, career and college readiness, and goal setting.

Free Christmas Tree Disposal in Florissant

Meridian Waste Solutions will once again offer its free “Christmas Tree Disposal” program to Florissant residents having real Christmas trees. The Florissant Health Department will be accepting Christmas tree lights for recycling purposes from residents as well.

Residents can dispose of their Christmas lights for recycling in St. Ferdinand Park near the Health Department Building until January 7. The Christmas tree disposal program will include curbside pick-up of real Christmas trees during the holiday season and go through the month of January.

Meridian Waste Solutions, Inc. will be providing this service free of charge to any Florissant residents regardless of whether they have weekly yard waste service. Residents must place the tree at their curb on the day of the week that yard waste pick-up is normally provided in their neighborhood. Trees must be free of all garland, tinsel, lights and ornaments.

For additional information or questions, call the Florissant Health Department at 314-839-7654 or Meridian Waste Solutions at 314-291-3131.

MLK kick-off at HSSU on January 6

Harris-Stowe State University will host the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri Kick-off Program at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 6 in the Main Auditorium, 3026 Laclede Ave. The event is free and open to the public. The keynote speaker will CNN Analyst, attorney and former state representative, Bakari Sellers. This year’s honorees include Bernie Hayes, Distinguished Drum Major for Justice Award; Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Eta Boulé St. Louis, Distinguished Community Service Award; state Representative Bruce Franks, Distinguished Social Action Award; and Dick Gregory (Posthumous), Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Legacy Award.

Finally realizing you’re original

By Andrea Scott For The St. Louis American

A year ago, I struggled with being a great educator for my students. I was highly qualified for the job position, my students were excelling in their academics, and they were doing better than others in their age group. However, I felt that something was missing.

During this time, my hometown of St. Louis began to fail, and hatred, injustice, and despair filled the community. I noticed that my students started to lose interest in their school work and in their future because of what they were witnessing in the community. Their reactions really hurt my heart, and I knew something had to be done.

I began to tell the students about my childhood experiences and how I had overcome many difficult obstacles, yet I achieved my dreams. I had to remind my students that regardless of their background and financial status, everyone can fulfill their dreams. My students were motivated by my story and they felt inspired to chase their dreams.

I then created my first bilingual children’s book, “Smile Big Dream Bigger,” which motivates young individuals to always have a positive attitude, travel the world, learn new languages, and to never stop believing in their dreams. My goal is to spread this message to young individuals in different schools, workshops, and conferences throughout the United States and across the world.

“Smile Big Dream Bigger” was published in November 2016 and has touched so many young lives in a positive way. This books has persuaded my students to read more, their reading scores have improved, and they are interested in traveling and improving their Spanish skills. Also, this book is now part of the Missouri History Museum and has been awarded Hungry Mind’s Children’s Book of the Year Award. I donated some funds from book sales to my student’s annual immersion trip to Puerto Rico. My students went to Puerto Rico in May.

While promoting my first book, I noticed children were intrigued by the book because they wanted to learn how to dream. The children did not know how to dream because some were not confident in achieving big dreams and some were not confident in themselves. Therefore, I created my second children’s book, “The Bigger the Fro, the More I know,” to uplift children’s confidence and to teach them that they are original. I want people to understand that when they value and appreciate themselves, they are then able to discover the great gifts and lessons that life has to offer. They are also able to dream those big dreams that society states is too difficult for them to achieve. The acronym FRO means “Finally Realizing I’m Original, and I want our children to understand this concept, so that the world will be filled with dreamers, leaders, and confident young people who will love themselves and everyone around them.

Andrea Scott (Ms.Impactor) is a professor at Harris Stowe State University, and a bilingual children’s book author in St. Louis.

Andrea Scott

CLEMONS

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party shall seek a different disposition in this matter,” meaning Clemons can’t revoke his guilty plea.

That’s a crucial provision.

Three days after the murders and rapes, Clemons confessed to St. Louis police detectives that he raped Robin Kerry, though not to raping Julie Kerry nor murdering either of the young women. He recanted the confession the next day, saying it was coerced by beatings, and has professed his innocence ever since.

Clemons’ plea deal closes that route for him in the future, as he agreed that “no person has, directly or indirectly, threatened or coerced him” to admit guilt to murder, rape and robbery.

This new admission of guilt – including, for the first time, to murder – comes when the state and Clemons were preparing for a new trial. His previous convictions for their murders in 1993 (he was never tried for rape) and death sentence were voided by the Missouri Supreme Court on November 24, 2015. The same court had gone so far as to set an execution date for Clemons (June 17, 2009) before issuing a stay of execution and opening a new evidence phase by appointing a special master to review the case. The matter before the court that Judge Michael Manners, the special master appointed to the case, was asked to review was a Writ of Habeas Corpus. In the writ, Clemons claimed to have new evidence to prove his innocence and absolve him of the crimes for which he had been convicted. The writ also asked, alternately, to commute his death sentence in light of his age at the time of the crime, 19. Robin Kerry was also 19 when the sisters were killed and raped; Julie Kerry was 20. Clemons’ profession of innocence, expressed to The St. Louis American and his many advocates in the Justice

for Reggie coalition, pinned the murders on the girls’ cousin. Thomas Cummins did confess to accidentally pushing one sister off the bridge after making a rebuffed romantic pass, then pushing the other sister off the bridge to eliminate the witness. But like Clemons’ confession to rape, Cummins immediately recanted his confession. He also said he was coerced by beatings from St. Louis police detectives, including some of the same detectives who interrogated Clemons. Cummins later settled a police brutality suit with the city for $150,000.

Manners’ report on Clemons’ writ – filed with the Missouri Supreme Court on September 25, 2013 – did nothing to support Clemons’ claims that Cummins was the murderer. Manners found Cummins the most reliable witness in what he described as “this forest of deceit.”

Moreover, Manners identified a murder motive for Clemons that had never been argued in court. It was buried in 1,400 pages that counsel for Clemons filed during an earlier appeals process, trying to establish ineffectiveness of his 1993 trial counsel because they did not call a psychologist during the penalty phase, when Clemons was sentenced to death.

In those 1,400 pages, Manners found a 46-page social history of Clemons prepared by Marie Clark, a psychologist, and verified as accurate by Vera Thomas, Clemons’ mother. In that document, a neighbor testified that the Kerry sisters frequently visited the Clemons family home because they knew one of the boys. Manners points out that this “could have provided a motive for murder” for Clemons, who alone in the group of four young men who allegedly raped the girls might have feared one of them could have identified him.

As for Clemons’ repeated claims that he was innocent and Cummins guilty, once Manners swore him in on the witness stand on September 19, 2012, Clemons had very little to

Shoes of the world

say. He invoked his protection against self-incrimination enshrined in the 5th Amendment 32 times. Manners pointed out to Clemons that he had requested this hearing to prove his innocence, and the bench would draw an “adverse inference” from his pleading the 5th Amendment on crucial details about the rapes and murders.

After Manners gave Clemons 90 minutes to consult with counsel, Clemons returned to the witness stand, but only

answered three of the 32 questions regarding minor details of the murders and rapes. Clemons had told advocates he was innocent of all charges, but under oath he would only answer questions pertaining to the charges for which he had been convicted. In a personal conversation with The American from prison, Clemons claimed this was a legal strategy: Since he had not even been charged with rape, why testify about the rapes? It

was a perverse legal strategy for someone who claimed to be utterly innocent yet, at the time, faced the death penalty. Manners also found that Clemons’ right to due process had been violated in the state’s handling of his claim in 1991 that his confession was coerced. That was the Missouri Supreme Court’s basis for voiding his prior conviction and returning the case to the circuit attorney.

Then-Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce referred the case to the

Missouri attorney general, claiming limited resources with the office being in transition as a new prosecutor had just been elected. It was Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley who secured the plea agreement. As for the Justice for Reggie coalition that advanced his alleged innocence for so long, Jamala Rogers, the coalition’s spearhead, said she learned of Clemons’ admitted guilt through the media.

Christina Morris showed Mohamad Rasho, 5, and Sofi Ali, 5, kindergarteners at Nahed Chapman New American Academy in the St. Louis Public School District, how to make the shapes of shoes from other countries on Wednesday, December 20. The project was a schoolwide program called “Christmas Around the World.”

Photo by Wiley Price

CHIEF

For the first time since the city regained control over its police department from the state in 2013, the city had the historic opportunity to search outside its own department for a chief. However, based on the scores from interviews and a test, the top-ranking candidate is Hayden, a black St. Louis native who is a 30-year veteran of the police department and currently commands the city’s North Patrol Division. He is also the top pick for the Ethical Society of Police, a police organization that advocates for black officers. Its board members voted on December 19 to back Hayden as chief.

“It was based off who we believe would stick to being fair and that understands the importance of integrity,” said Sgt. Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police. “He’s probably punished more officers for doing wrong than any other on our department, justifiably. That is the one thing our community is calling for – accountability.”

Taylor said the organization joins the community in protesting O’Toole as a choice, and one reason is that he hasn’t disciplined officers fairly – including the officers who brutally beat a black undercover cop during a protest in September, she said. Although the organization wanted an outside candidate originally, she said, “After all the interviews, he was clearly a better fit. If he doesn’t hold people accountable, then we will hold him accountable.”

O’Toole was ranked fourth among the six. However, local candidates received up to six extra points for living and working in the city, as per city law. If you took away these points, O’Toole wouldn’t have made the final six. And Police Chief Patrick Melvin of Port Arthur, Texas would have scored the highest – with second place going to Major Stephen “Max” Geron of Dallas.

Police Chief Keith Humphrey of Norman, Oklahoma – who scored sixth with residency points included – seemed to be a favorite at the public forum, where all six candidates faced questions about racism, community relations and outside investigations of police conduct. Ranked second was Edwards-Fears, a black woman who commands evidence management and professional standards for the city’s police department. Edwards-Fears said she’s the youngest of 12 and was born at the Pruitt-Igoe public housing project in North City. She thanked the city for giving “someone like me” a chance to vie for the position. Oddly, Edwards-Fears wasn’t

O’NEAL

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“It’s going to be a process and a journey for her to continue to work really, really hard, and to see how far she’s going to take it,” said Kathleen Raske, director of Track and Field/Cross Country at SIUE. “If you look at track and field, it’s a place where Olympic dreams come true.”

WI-FI

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percent of the households in St. Louis do not have internet access. In St. Louis County, 11 percent have no Internet access. Offering mobile internet service to library cardholders will help keep the region connected.

Sorth said the hotspots will be a valuable resource for a variety of people, including students, job seekers, new residents to the area who have not yet set up Internet service and to lower-income households that cannot afford it.

“People throughout the region rely on their library for access to the Internet and everything it connects us with:

present for about 45 minutes of the two-hour forum, and the moderator said he didn’t know where she was. When she arrived, she apologized for being “as late as she was,” but didn’t offer an explanation.

Community policing

All the candidates were first asked how they would repair the police department’s relationship with the community. Predictably, they all said they would go out and meet with the community. Hayden said he sometimes sets up an office on a neighborhood corner. By working out there, he shows the community that he wants to engage with them. Melvin, who is also black and has been police chief in Port Arthur since last year, said he would reach out to faith communities as a way to improve relations. In early November, Port Arthur’s police union issued a vote of no confidence against Melvin as chief, stemming from his emergency response after Tropical Storm Harvey.

On November 19, Melvin responded to the union in a letter stating, “Reforming the culture and practices of our police department has been and will be met with resistance and opposition. That is a natural response when the ways of the past are being dismantled and made way for a new day in Port Arthur policing.”

O’Toole said he would repair community relations by first putting out a survey to see what the issues of concern are. He got some snickers when he said, “Any relationship is about trust and giving people a voice and being heard.” In his short time as interim chief, a handful of lawsuits have been filed against the

The SIUE Track and Field program has produced 29 Olympians so far, so Raske said O’Neal is “in the right place” to be pursuing that goal. As she pursues her goals and dreams, O’Neal holds her family as her inspiration.

“My main influence, right now, is my niece and my little sister,” she said. “That’s what makes me do better in college, and keeps me going, because I want to set an example for them.”

work, school, entertainment, even government,” said Waller McGuire, executive director of the St. Louis Public Library. “Hotspots allow our patrons to carry that connection home or wherever they need it!”

Any adult library cardholder in good standing can check out a Wi-Fi hotspot just as they check out a book. Patrons can request a hotspot online through the catalogs, at the circulation desk or by calling 314-994-3300 in the county or 314-241-2288 in the city. The devices can be renewed if no one else has requested one. Each hotspot comes with easy, step-by-step instructions. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/Wi-Fi-hotspots or slpl.org.

department, stemming from incidents when officers ultimately under his command brutally handled nonviolent protestors, members of the media, an undercover officer and even neighbors (one of them a U.S. Air Force officer) out for a walk – then boasted that police “owned the night.” Under his leadership, the department was issued an injunction from a federal judge that basically orders that O’Toole and his officers obey the Constitution, and subsequently the Department of Justice opened a civil rights investigation.

After the forum, citizens launched an “Anyone but O’Toole” campaign, asking residents to call the mayor and public safety director expressing their opposition.

Humphrey, who has served as chief in Norman since 2011, received a considerable amount of applause when he spoke

about his desire to push for “procedural justice.”

“We need to educate the community about what their rights are,” said Humphrey, who applied and was passed over for Kansas City’s police chief this past summer.

Geron, who is white and a 25-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, earned head nods when he said, “You don’t care about what we say until you know we care about you.” His talking points about open transparency and meeting with the “most vocal critics” were well received from the crowd. Geron also said that he did a thesis on 21st century strategies for policing protests.

All were asked if they would agree to an independent investigative unit, and all said they would. They were asked how they would bring together the Ethical Society of Police, an organization that represents largely black officers, and

Major John Hayden of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spoke during a forum that publicly introduced the six finalists for St. Louis police chief Thursday, December 14 at Saint Louis University School of Law.

the murder of young black men by white armed police officers, sir. We’re concerned about the Jason Stockleys of the world who gun down black men.” The crowd applauded. Humphrey responded that it’s about de-escalation training. “We have to go back and train these officers,” he said, and make sure they are reporting biased behavior.

In closing, Melvin said that he has two sons, one who graduated from Harris-Stowe State University. “And they look like me,” Melvin said. “I want a community that if they get stopped by police, they will be safe.”

Hayden said that he has “a stellar reputation” and was the commander for the internal affairs department. “I’m a fair, inclusive individual,” he said.

Geron said that he wants to be the person to bring the community a police department that people can trust and that empowers the people to direct the department on what policies to use.

Edwards-Fears said the department is often deemed as stuck in the 1960s.

the St. Louis Police Officers Association, the bargaining union. All said they would sit down together with them both.

Addressing racism

On the question of dealing with racism, Humphrey, a black chief leading a majoritywhite department, said part of the problem is that police departments don’t address the emotional side of being a police officer.

“We have this perception that officers are hard-shelled, they aren’t human, but they are,” Humphrey said. “The reason why a lot of officers react and carry on the way they do is because we do not utilize our early-intervention programs.”

At that point, community activist Bill Monroe, who was wearing an “Anthony Lamar Smith” T-shirt, jumped up and said, “We are concerned about

“We are sometimes called the South,” she said. “We got to get better. We got to get more progressive. We got to build trust.”

O’Toole started his closing statement with, “I am committed to positive change,” and that was about as much as he was able to get out before he was heckled and booed off the microphone.

On Friday, the finalists were interviewed by Mayor Lyda Krewson and Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards, along with representatives from the police union and Ethical Society of Police.

When asked who the St. Louis Police Officers Association would be supporting, the union spokesman said, “No comment.”

Krewson and Edwards will make the final decision before the end of the year.

Photo by Wiley Price

Disenfranchisement and Democrats in the 8th Ward

The 8th Ward aldermanic race is a perfect example of how the Democratic Party is stuck in a status-quo rut and doesn’t understand why it should get itself out.

First, some background.

Steve Conway, the alderman who held the 8th Ward seat for 27 years, was tapped by Mayor Lyda Krewson to be the city assessor in November. He vacated his seat immediately. That triggered a special election to fill his seat on February 13, and that also meant no Democratic primary. The ward’s two committeemen normally choose whose name will appear on the Democratic ballot. But in this case, the committeemen both decided to run. So they asked the Democratic Central Committee to pick the Democratic nomination.

Hence, the 8th Ward residents who have opposed Conway for a long time are not going to accept Fehler as their only option without being furious – whether he’s a stellar candidate or not.

On December 19, the central committee held a meeting to vote between Committeemen Annie Rice and Paul Fehler Rice is a civil rights and immigration lawyer and Black Lives Matter activist. Fehler is a data analyzer, commonly known for his documentary “The Pruitt-Igoe Myth” and making maps after elections. Both are passionate about social justice. However, they have different support bases – and a big distinction, for many residents, in that base is Conway. Fehler has been seen “warming” Conway’s seat on the Board of Aldermen floor in the past, and some voters view him “Conway 2.0.” Conway has attacked Rice on social media for her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Tuesday night meeting was bigger than the committee had seen in many years, some said. And judging by the applause, it was largely Rice’s supporters who packed the upstairs room at the Atomic Cowboy restaurant in South City. Both of the candidates got a chance to speak, and both were compelling and eloquent. Rice had collected 560 signatures from residents to show the committee that she had the ward’s support. (This oddly angered some committeemen who felt like she was going over their heads.) Rice lost 22 to 32. Fine, congratulations Fehler. But here is where the committee Democratic Party screwed up.

Right before the vote was about to take place, Committeewoman Laura Keys got up and basically bullied Rice into saying that she wouldn’t run as an Independent if she didn’t get the nomination. She said she had spoken with Rice and asked her if she would run as an Independent, and Rice had hesitated.

“I said you’re disappointing me,” Keys said to Rice in front of the crowd. “I want my Democrat to be a Democrat.”

(The hypocrisy of Keys’ attack is that she supported Independent candidate Steve Roberts in the recent 28th Ward special election, not the Democratic candidate.) Others

Paul Fehler was the Democratic Central Committee’s pick for the Democratic nominee to replace Steve Conway as 8th Ward alderman, but 8th Ward residents are pushing Annie Rice to run as an Independent in the special election on February 13. They are the ward’s committeepeople.

sat quietly supporting this stance – that Rice should only run as a Democrat – and later got louder on social media to defend it.

This is a race where the 8th Ward Dems do not get to decide their own nominee through a primary election, and this room of 54 people – who don’t live in the 8th Ward – made that decision for them. The people Rice brought to the meeting were young, progressive voters, and the committee had the opportunity to show these voters that the Democrats are fair and open. That they care about what they think. That strengthening the Democratic Party means listening to their voices, not suppressing them. But instead the committeemen slipped into old-school thinking

Bruce Franks, because it’s none of their business whether Rice – who also sits on the state’s Democratic Committee –runs as an Independent or not.

“It was wrong,” Franks said.

“Most of them are the same folks that got mad when I challenged. I was supposed to get in line and know my place. I hope she does run. The people of the 8th Ward know that she would be best fit for that job.”

Although he – like many others who support Rice – thinks Fehler is a good candidate, Franks just believes Rice is better.

“When we talk about racial equity, I’m looking at the person who has constantly showed up for every community – the immigrant community, the black community, the white community,” Franks said. “I’ve seen Paul do work, but I’ve seen the blood, sweat and tears from Annie.”

obvious, the status quo.” They joked about how “party unity” just really means “fall in line and support my stance.” State Rep. Michael Butler responded to Kustra’s post, saying that she has the right to run as an Independent.

“I do think in this case Annie has a brighter future in higher office if she accepts her colleagues’ decision and accepts their support for a state legislative office later down the line,” Butler said. “I also think that is good party politics, and what parties are for.”

Kustra replied that Butler’s response only helped prove his point.

Some committeemen said they supported this thinking because they worried that it will fracture the party.

– the same mindset that turns off young voters and people who titter on the Democratic fringes – and argued that their vote, not theirs, is the vote that matters.

Becky Reinhart, a lifelong 8th Ward resident and Democratic voter, said Conway has been her alderman since she was a toddler, and she was pretty excited to have a change.

“Unfortunately, last night was a huge disappointment for me,” Reinhart said in an email to the American. “It was very disheartening to see the voices of 8th Ward residents ignored, and even more disheartening to hear Annie’s attempt to bring our voices to the table called ‘disrespectful.’ I felt disenfranchised and let down by the process.”

She said the process was “a clear example of the party establishment not working for the people.”

This kind of feeling is exactly what you don’t want going into an important 2018 election cycle.

And it’s completely unnecessary, said State Rep.

Protecting the status quo

After the meeting, predictably, social media debates began on why the Central Committee has the right to strong-arm this young progressive female attorney into ignoring her supporters’ call to run as an Independent — in a race where they didn’t get a choice.

“The ridiculous concept that you are somehow less of a Democrat if the Central Committee chooses a different person to nominate in a special election, without a primary, and then you run as an Independent is simply that, a ridiculous concept,” posted Democrat Adam Kustra on Facebook. “Party loyalty isn’t the issue. Unwillingness to change the structures that support the status quo is.”

Ferguson activist Rev. Darryl Gray wrote, “They had an opportunity to bring people into the Party, but they don’t want the company, nor the competition. What do they think that they are protecting? It’s

“As important as the midterm elections are, we need to be unified as a party,” said Committeeman Marty Murray Jr. in a statement to The American. “My fear is that despite both candidates expressing the exact same sentiments policy-wise, emotions will further widen the rift developing in the party.” Murray voted for Rice, but believes them working together would be best for the ward.

David Jackson, a former school board member and former TIF Commission member, wrote on Facebook that the party must show unity, but they should have “offered something” to Rice and her supporters.

“With the showing that she received, it would appear the voters in Ward 8 should have the last word,” Jackson posted. “If the committee made no offering, then she should and has the right to force a primary election.”

The last presidential election was a clear sign that strengthening the status quo and disenfranchising progressive voters is not the way to strengthen the Democratic Party. The committee meeting showed that even locally, the party is not willing to let that go. And it should, in a hurry.

Art Museum celebrates Kwanzaa Saturday, December 30

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture, and community. This African American holiday is designed around seven principles that promote unity, self-determination, cooperation, community, and faith. Originally created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the seven-day holiday begins on December 26 and is celebrated by millions of people making it a significant winter holiday. Please join the Saint Louis Art Museum on Saturday, December 30 for this year’s Kwanzaa Celebration: The Power of Self Love. The afternoon will be filled of art making, performance, and a self-guided tour and scavenger hunt.

The Art Museum hosts one of the city’s largest Kwanzaa celebrations in the metro area. This year, the Museum’s celebration occurs on the fifth day of Kwanzaa and the principle of the day is Nia, the Swahili word for purpose. The afternoon’s events include a free art activity, performances in The Farrell Auditorium, and a scavenger hunt. For more than 15 years the Museum has presented this Kwanzaa celebration in collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. Beginning at noon on December 30, visitors can make their own photo holder during the family program. In addition, families can take their photo together in a photo booth that will be available all afternoon. Participants who complete the art activity can receive a ticket for the auditorium

performance. Tickets are limited and available on December 30 only beginning at noon. They will be distributed to the public while quantities last, one per person.

The Museum’s Kwanzaa performance includes a narrative dance piece by Better Family Life’s Kuumba Youth Performance Ensemble, African dancing and drumming by Sunshine Cultural Arts Center’s Community Performance Ensemble, and presentations by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. The performance begins with a procession of sorority members into the auditorium accompanied by live drumming and continues with presentations that focus on the day’s theme, The Power of Self Love. This theme is also the inspiration for the family art activity and all visitors are encouraged to tour the Museum’s African and American art galleries to view the spectacular works of art on display. In addition, a scavenger hunt is available throughout the afternoon on December 30. Each scavenger hunt clue connects an artwork to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Scavenger hunts are available in Sculpture Hall and once completed can be returned for a prize.

For more information about the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration and other events, visit slam.org.

Ralph George, engineer and family man, passes at 71

Ralph George, an electrical engineer and loving family man, passed away on November 24, 2017, a few days short of his 72nd birthday.

George was born in New Madrid, Missouri in 1945, the fourth of 12 children born to Allen and Cora Mae Davis George. The family moved to St. Louis in 1945, where Ralph was an altar boy, school safety patrolman and school bus attendant at Holy Ghost Catholic Church Elementary School. He then went on to O’Fallon Technical High School, where he became the first African-American student to win the St. Louis PostDispatch’s prestigious Science Fair Award.

After interning at Proctor and Gamble, George earned a four-year scholarship to study electrical engineering at Saint Louis University. He was the first of his siblings to graduate from college. Right after graduating, George moved to Baltimore, Maryland to take a job with the Westinghouse Corporation, who had chosen him for their Outstanding Westinghouse Award.

George’s passions were

not limited to electrical engineering. His family remembers him as a lover of cooking who “put house sauce and red pepper on just about everything he ate” and a “quasi-suburban farmer.”

George raised turkeys and chickens, providing fresh eggs to his family and neighbors, and was proud to receive a first-place award for having the best-manicured lawn in the

neighborhood.

George was a loving father to his two children, daughter Daya and son Darian (who proceeded him in death). He was an active PTA parent and a substitute science teacher for junior high school students.

“Ralph was a loving, faithful and dedicated son and brother,” George’s family wrote. “He cared for our mother through her long illness until her death in 2005. He was the sole caregiver of our youngest brother, Glenn, who has Down Syndrome, until his own health began to decline.”

George is survived by his daughter Daya (Toby) Patton, granddaughters Jordyn and Malya; six brothers, Allen (Patricia), Roy (Shirley), Sherman, former St. Louis Fire chief (Catherine), Alvin (Shirley), Donald (Susan), and Glenn George; four sisters, Verdell (Ernest) Gales, Delores (Michael) Livingston, Bernadette Stapleton and JoAnn Kelly; and a host of nieces, nephews and many other dear relatives and friends.

Ralph George

‘Addiction is slavery’

The City of St. Louis Department of Health hosted the last of nine Opioid Summits held throughout the state by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on December 5.

St. Louis hosts Opioid Summit, as state seeks solutions

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recently completed nine regional opioid summits as part of a statewide initiative to raise awareness of opioid addiction, discuss best interventions available and to spur local leaders to champion the cause.

“As we’ve been in each region throughout the state, listening to people’s concerns, we have been incredibly moved by people’s willingness to share their experiences and by those who want to help,” stated DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams. Speakers at the summits included men and women who are recovering from opioid addiction.

n “I did what all addicts do after he stopped prescribing me, I started doctor-shopping and then, hospital-hopping.”

–

Jeanine Young

The regional opioid summit kick-off was held in July in Springfield, followed by Cape Girardeau in September; Joplin and Poplar Bluff in October; and Kirksville, Kansas City, St. Joseph and Columbia in November. The final summit took place December 5 in St. Louis, before an overflow audience in

the Eric P. Newman Center at Washington University School of Medicine, hosted by the St. Louis Department of Health. Attendees included representatives from health safety net providers, community leaders and elected representatives. Sponsors included the St. Louis Regional Health Commission, Washington University School of Medicine, SLUCare Physician Group, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, NCADA, Missouri Department of Mental Health, the state Office of Minority Health, Missouri Opioid State Targeted Response project, St. Louis County Public Health and the City of St. Louis. The St. Louis metropolitan area and

Planned Parenthood offers STD testing and treatment

Planned Parenthood is prepared to care for those patients displaced by St. Charles County’s decision to stop offering STD testing and treatment at its county health facility, Planned Parenthood has six health centers in the St. Louis area, including St. Peters and Florissant, which may be much more convenient for St. Charles County residents than going to St. Louis County’s health clinics. Anyone under 25-years of age can get free testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and

n Anyone under 25-years of age can get free testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

syphilis. Those under 25 can also receive free treatment for themselves and their partners for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Those 25 and over may be eligible for reduced-cost testing and treatment.

Planned Parenthood also accepts most types of insurance, including Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. The St. Louis/Southwest Missouri

Planned Parenthood affiliate currently conducts more than 60,000 STI tests each year, making them an area leader in the prevention of sexually-transmitted infections and diseases. Patients can make appointments online at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/book or by phone at 1-800-230- 7526.

By Misty Collier Farr For The St. Louis American

The New Year is almost here and we are inspired to do new things; that may be to stop smoking, travel more, get our financial house in order, spend more time with friends and family, or just feel better. For me, it is losing about ten pounds. That is a real easy sounding goal until you factor in that I am busy and, most days, tired. My doctor tells me that with diet and a regular exercise routine I will have more energy and lose weight. She is right! As a pharmacist, I know this and often give that same advice to my patients and like most people, I almost never take my own advice. Also like most people, I want help to make this faster and easier. So, the other day, I left the pharmacy looking for dietary supplements and things that could help me on my journey. My search revealed that there are a lot of things out there. With so many supplement options available, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and dangerous.

Just as there are dangers when mixing prescription drugs, there are also dangers when mixing supplements and prescription drugs. Before we start any herbal regimen, we should speak with our doctor or pharmacist, especially if we already take prescription medications. There are herb-drug interactions that we may not realize.

n Just as there are dangers when mixing prescription drugs, there are also dangers when mixing supplements and prescription drugs.

– Misty Collier Farr, pharmacist

One real interaction occurs between cranberries and blood thinners. We use cranberry juice (or capsules) as a home remedy for a urinary tract infection (UTI). I love cranberry juice and drink a lot of it, but if I was on an anticoagulant, like warfarin, it could increase my chance of bruising or bleeding. Most people who take warfarin know what foods they cannot eat, but never really think about what they cannot drink. Green tea is a great way to get rid of belly fat and lower cholesterol; however, in large amounts (more than half of a gallon per day) the vitamin K in it could negatively interfere with warfarin. We all get a little down and maybe you have considered St. John’s wort. Did you know that St. John’s wort should not be combined with a long list of drugs including warfarin, birth control pills, and some HIV medications?

I am not quite at the point of “hot flashes,” but my mother and aunts are. Black cohosh is an herb often used as a remedy; it can also be used to help with painful periods and certain symptoms of vaginitis. Black cohosh can be toxic to the liver and can increase liver toxicity when combined with atorvastatin (Lipitor),

Misty Collier Farr

MEGA Heart offers interactive heart-health education

On select weekends, HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis will exhibit the MEGA Heart, an interactive exhibit that takes children and families inside the human heart to witness the complexity of its anatomy. Visitors walk through a 26-foot long, 15-foot wide and 13-foot high inflatable heart. They Individuals enter through the right atrium – one of the two receiving chambers for blood going into the heart – and are educated on cardiovascular functions, diseases and treatments, before exiting through the aorta, which carries blood away from the heart.

“I am confident this exhibit is going to play a vital role in our ability to educate and inspire individuals to establish and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Shannon Woodcock, president and CEO of HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum.

Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States Healthworks! Kids’ Museum, located at 1100 Macklind Ave, near the Saint Louis Science Center, is anchored by a 55-foot long, 25-foot wide, 8-foot tall human skeletal structure that serves as universally accessible indoor playground.

Admission is $7 per person and free for those ages two and younger. Parking is free. For more information, call 314-241-7391 or visit www.hwstl. org.

OPIOID

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counties to the south and west are hotspots for opioid-related deaths. The city reports the number of opiate overdose deaths in the City of St. Louis has been trending upwards for the past 10 years with a sixfold increase during that time period. In 2016, there were 273 drug overdose deaths involving opiates in the city compared to 131 in 2015.

DHSS data shared at the St. Louis summit indicates the City of St. Louis has the highest rate of death due to opioid overdoses compared to all Missouri counties. St. Louis County ranked ninth highest. The data is from 2012-2016. Another sobering statistic: In Missouri, 22,753 total years of potential life was lost in 2015 from opioid overdose deaths. The use of Narcan to rescue persons who have overdosed on opioids was discussed, along with the science behind medication used for opioid use disorder. Medications to treat opioid addiction include naltrexone (the long-acting version is Vivitrol), methadone, and buprenorpine (which comes in a single product, Subutex, and a combination product, Suboxone).

“We featured work of Missouri’s State-Targeted Opioid Response – which is a medication-first model,” said Dr. Fred Rottnek, professor and director of Community Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. “In other words, in Missouri, we are working to decrease barriers and delays for people who need access to medications for treatment for addictions.” Rottneck moderated a panel

FARR

Continued from A10

acetaminophen (Tylenol), or liquor.

During my last two pregnancies, ginger quickly became my best friend. It can be used for conditions like motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. However, it affects certain enzymes that may lead to longer bleeding and it can have an effect on aspirin and other

As

of three speakers who are in opioid addiction recovery. The panelists spoke about their history and what started their addiction, and whether and how medications helped their recovery.

Archie Tyson, a 64-yearold who described himself as a child of the 1960s, said his life was set up for him to use heroin.

“Where I come from, for blocks, I don’t think there were three fathers or father figures where I lived, so my heroes, the people I got information from, were the older guys – the drug dealers, the car thieves, the burglars – the hustlers, we called them,” Tyson said. “I didn’t know any better. I wanted to be ‘down,” I wanted to be like them, I wanted to be ‘in.’ And they told me the only way to be all the way ‘in’ was to be ‘hip,’ and to be ‘hip’ by snorting dope, or heroin.”

day.

“I came down, got examined, ‘dosed’ that day. I haven’t used since,” he said. “God is good. And methadone is too, in my case.”

Tyson said he wanted to quit for decades, but addiction is fierce and controlling.

“Addiction is slavery.

Seriously – slavery,” he said. “I’ve known good men and

on whatever dose I’m on right now,” Tyson said. “But ya’ll pray for me, because one day, I’m going to make it off this thang. And life will be good”

Addicted to the pain pills

Jeanine Young drank alcohol and smoked marijuana during her teen years, but abstained from those behaviors

He said using it led to dealing it – at only 14 or 15 years old, running errands for older dealers – then prison, then back on the streets and back to the same behaviors.

A probation officer, and his counselor at the Center for Life Solutions, had faith in him that he had a lot more to offer society. That was in 2006.

“By then, I had been in three different treatment programs – three different treatment facilities,” Tyson said. They got him into a methadone treatment program the next

women to prostitute themselves just for a hit – police, lawyers, good people. Slavery.”

Now, his battle is to get off of methadone. He is in a program called West End.

Tyson said he understands that he can’t just quit on his own and that his addiction is an illness, just like cancer is an illness.

“Right now, I am on a voluntary detox, and until I think I can make it without it, I will continue to use methadone

n Before we start any herbal regimen, we should speak with our doctor or pharmacist, especially if we already take prescription medications.

– Misty Collier Farr, pharmacist

blood thinners. These are just a few examples but there are plenty more. These interactions could affect us or maybe not. Sometimes, it is the amount and others it

is the combination. One thing that is certain, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements, especially if you are already taking prescription

during her marriage and as she raised her children. Her issues with opioid abuse began later in life following some medical issues in 2008, when she was prescribed increasingly stronger pain pills over a 10-month period.

“My surgeon called me into the office and stated that he thought I could be addicted to the pain pills, because as soon as I would run out of my prescription I would become physically sick,” she said.

medications. Misty Collier Farr Pharmacy manager, Walmart

Misty Collier Farr is a pharmacy manager at Walmart, a 2016 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Health Care awardee and earned Distinguished Young Pharmacist honors by the Missouri Pharmacy Association.

Young – a white woman who said she comes from a middle-class background –said she didn’t know anything about opiates or withdrawal symptoms, which were similar to the symptoms she had been experiencing before the surgery. When her surgeon refused to prescribed any more pain pills, Young said she went back to her primary doctor and started the cycle all over again. She said it was about six months before her primary doctor caught on that she was addicted.

“I did what all addicts do after he stopped prescribing me, I started doctorshopping and then, hospital-hopping,” Young said. “I would just make my rounds to the ER – get a 30-day prescription – then I’d hit another ER, get another 30-day prescription.”

In 2010, Young said she befriended a group of people who were using heroin. Her prescriptions had run out, and one member of that group told her she could snort, instead of inject, heroin.

“Once I found out that I could snort it – I was okay with that,” she said.

For two years heroin ran her life—and ran through her good paying job, retirement money, mutual funds and whatever else she had available.

“It’s a lot of work being an addict,” Young said. “You have to be creative, and it’s a lot more stressful than getting up and going to work every day.”

Then in 2011, she was in an accident that broke her neck and caused a head injury.

“For me, it was a great reason to never run out of pills because now I have a great excuse on deck – I can still use my heroin, I am getting other medications,” Young said. “From 2011 until I went into treatment, in December 2012, I continued to use.”

After getting caught in criminal activities to feed her addiction, Young said her attorney suggested treatment. She eventually sought recovery.

“Education is vital, because I am getting rid of the stigma and stereotype with the medically assisted treatment that we need right now in our society,” Young said.

The next steps beyond the state Opioid Summits should include promoting overdose education, Narcan rescue and addressing ongoing stigma around opioid addiction, Rottnek said. Additionally, he said decreasing institutional and policy barriers and increasing pipeline training of health professionals with the tools to treat opioid use disorder would increase access and capacity for care.

“There is low-hanging fruit than can be addressed in Jeff City, Rottnek said. “Add physician assistants to the list of Department of Mental Health providers, lift the fiveday rule for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe buprenorphine, open prescribing of these medications to clinical pharmacists (PharmD’s) who work collaboratively with physicians, and simplify training rules.” Find out more about Missouri State-Targeted Opioid Response at https:// missouriopioidstr.org.

Apartment complex accused of predatory practices

Tenants at Rolling Hills allege illegal lease provisions, abrupt evictions; owner denies claims

By Jessica Karins

For the St. Louis American

environment with arbitrary rules and the apparent goal of evicting residents as soon as possible.

Robert Swearingen with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Kalila Jackson of the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council have filed several lawsuits

on behalf of clients who feel they have been mistreated by Rolling Hills’ landlord, Robert Keith Bennett.

Swearingen said the lease signed by Rolling Hills tenants is the worst he’s seen in his 35-year legal career.

“The lease is designed, or at least has the effect, of making it very difficult and expensive for people to assert their rights in court,” Swearingen said.

Many of the provisions of the lease, Swearingen said, are legally unenforceable or unconscionable, meaning so unjust or one-sided that they would not hold up in court. The main

effect of these provisions, he said, is simply to intimidate the tenants.

“He’s trying to create a lease that he has all the rights, all the privileges, all the power, and the tenant has none,” Swearingen said.

The lease agreement signed by tenants of Rolling Hills contains several provisions aiming to charge tenants additional money if they attempt to go to court against its proprietor, Robert Keith Bennett. The lease asks tenants to agree that they are not allowed to ask for a change of judge in any court case, that any

Target, Urban League to host holiday celebrations, community forums

In the month of December, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Target Corporation will host two Holiday Celebrations and Community Forums at Metropolitan Village and Mt. Zion Apartments, two local senior citizens centers. The events will feature presentations on senior services, transportation, health and wellness. Lunch, gifts and clothing giveaways will also be provided to the residents. In addition, Target will also adopt 150 needy families of the Urban League.

“We’re proud to build on our longstanding support of the National Urban League, including its national conference hosted in St. Louis last July, by sponsoring this holiday celebration and community forum,” said Laysha Ward, chief external engagement officer at Target.

“In St. Louis and in cities across the country, we’re committed to the communities we serve by providing jobs and a welcoming shopping experience for all of our guests, as well as making philanthropic investments including the volunteer support of our local team members.” Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said thanked Target for helping the Urban League “to provide valuable information and holiday cheer to our local senior citizens and needy residents.”

Renee HardinTammons was appointed associate circuit judge for St. Louis County by Governor Eric R. Greitens and appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to its Task Force on Criminal Justice. She recently performed in the St. Louis Black Rep’s performance of “Crossin Over.” Prior to her recent judicial appointment, she served as a municipal court judge in St. Louis County.

Art McCoy received the 2017 Advocacy Award from St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He is superintendent of Jennings School District, which participates in the hospital’s Healthy Kids Express mobile health van and the SPOT teen drop in center at Jennings High School. State Senator Jill Schupp also was awarded.

Ronika Gillon helps new financial advisors who’ve come from other firms transition their portfolios to their new Wells Fargo Advisors offices. In her new role, Ronika travels across the country each week to help make these transitions smooth.

Shawn Baker earned his Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University. He is dean of Student Success at Harris-Stowe State University in the Division of Student Affairs, which strives to create educational environments where students develop as leaders and embrace diversity. He has been with the university for 10 years.

Taylor King earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, one of 48 young women in eastern Missouri to win the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. In earning the Gold Award,

Renee HardinTammons

Ronika Gillon

Keith Tyronne Williams Taylor King

Art McCoy

Shawn Baker

Rob Swearingen with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Kalila Jackson of the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council with Tinisha Love (center), on whose behalf they have filed several a lawsuit alleging mistreatment by her former landlord at Rolling Hills Apartments, Robert Keith Bennett.

Photo by Wiley Price

Kathi Hadley, Urban League Special Events director, Target Chief External Engagement Officer Laysha Ward, Target executive Amanda Wibbenmeyer, Target executive Jamaal Edwards and Urban League CEO Michael P. McMillan at Metropolitan Village Apartments.

Five holiday scams to avoid

Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to stay vigilant during the holiday season to avoid falling prey to scammers who pounce on overburdened shoppers.

“Scammers know that people can be trusting this time of year,” said Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO. “The best way to thwart scammers is to be cautious and make sure you’re working with trustworthy businesses.” Watch out for these five common scams at the mall and online.

1. Online shopping scams: Everyone loves a great deal, but some websites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season,

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counterclaims they have must be tried separately and that they will pay Bennett’s attorney’s fees, the cost of filing a lawsuit and additional “administrative fees” amounting to over $10,000.

The lease attempts to limit Bennett’s own liability to twice the amount of the security deposit. Another provision states that the tenant’s obligation to pay rent is “mandatory and not dependent on the landlord’s performance of any covenant.”

The lease also defines “rent” to include numerous additional fees, applied at Bennett’s discretion. This also allows him to reclaim the tenant’s security deposit, which can

BBB hears from shoppers who paid for a “great deal” online, but received little or nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for BBB’s seal when shopping online, and click on it to confirm that it’s legitimate. If you’re shopping on sites that you’re not familiar with, check out their BBB Business Profiles at bbb.org or by calling 888-996-3887. Confirm that the company has a physical address and telephone number. Any pages where you enter personal or financial information should have https:// at the beginning of the address or URL.

2. Online ads for hot toys and gadgets: When stores sell out, you may find the items online at sites like Craigslist or eBay— but for a much

legally only be used for back rent and property damage, for almost any reason.

In the first few pages of the lease, tenants must initial provisions to waive their rights to a jury trial, waive their rights to a change of judge and define Bennett’s responsibility in a legal case to the “preponderance of evidence” standard, while tenants must meet the higher “clear and convincing proof” standard.

Swearingen and Jackson said these provisions are not legal, but that does not mean that a tenant reading them would not believe them.

In an email, The American asked Bennett if all the provisions in his lease were legal and enforceable in court.

“Probably not every single one,” Bennett replied. He said he had already removed the provision redefining

steeper price. Some sellers will take your money and run, leaving you without the gift or money to buy it elsewhere.

BBB Advice: If you shop on Craigslist or other classified sites, look for local sellers and conduct transactions in person. Bring a friend and meet at a public location if you’re leery of meeting the seller alone. Never wire money as payment. If you’re shopping on auction sites eBay, research sellers extensively and don’t buy if the deal sounds too good to be true.

3. Identity theft at the mall: While you’re struggling with bags of presents, identity thieves may see an opportunity to steal your wallet or look over your shoulder to copy your debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Have a plan to keep your money and ID safe. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases or lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from an ATM. If the merchant can process cards using an embedded chip, use that rather than swiping the magnetic strip. Make sure you put your card back in your wallet after each purchase.

4. Bogus charitable pleas: The holidays are a time of giving, and that creates an opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver

on their promises or are illequipped to carry through on their plans. Resist demands for on-the-spot donations.

BBB Advice: Always research charities with BBB before you give to see if the charity meets the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Read detailed reports on many BBB Accredited local charities with BBB’s Accredited Charity Guide.

5. Phishing emails: Phishing emails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Around the holidays, beware of e-cards and messages purporting to be from companies like UPS, Federal Express or major retailers with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click

“rent,” though he felt it was a reasonable attempt to cover losses incurred by tenants’ actions.

“The vast majority of the lease provisions were taken from my interpretation and understanding of Missouri

case law as found in the Restatement of the Law (2d) –Landlord and Tenant,” Bennett wrote. “Some of the provisions are not found in the case law, per se, but they have parallels in the law – I believe there are good appellate arguments for the vast majority of provisions and/or there is existing case law in support of those provisions.”

Most of Rolling Hills’ clients, Jackson said, are lowincome and African-American, with some facing a choice between signing this lease and homelessness. Bennett confirmed that 98 percent of his clients are AfricanAmerican and most have low credit scores.

Bennett said in a statement that renting to clients with poor credit scores leads to difficulties, including financial ones for him. Bennett said he invests substantial money back into the apartment complex, where he also lives.

“My goal in life, for the last eight plus years, has been to restore and transform this property from something that was about to implode with drugs, violence, and lots of chaos, into something where my North County residents feel safe and content, and also appreciative that their landlord actually cares about them and the community at large,” Bennett said in his statement.

Bennett has a colorful past. In February, he was acquitted of shooting at a man who was searching for scrap metal at Rolling Hills. Bennett claimed he shot at Reginald Tucker, a black U.S. Army veteran who said he made a living “scrapping,” in self-defense and was scared he might be armed. A jury acquitted Bennett; he was represented by Scott Rosenblum, the high-profile defense attorney most recently in the news representing NFL player and accused domestic abuser Ezekiel Elliott.

Bennett is now aiming to avoid further legal trouble with modifications to his lease agreement.

“All lease provisions are intended to protect the apartment complex while being fair and informative to the tenant with high-risk credit,” Bennett said. “Some provisions are intended to prevent people from manipulating the court process, while not paying rent. The provision requiring that a bond be posted for attorney’s fees has already been eliminated. All other provisions are being reviewed with counsel, and a new and improved lease will be

on any links or open any attachments to emails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. Some emails can infect your computer with a virus or download malware if you click a link. Email addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing email. Also beware of unsolicited emails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

BBB Scam Tracker is a great place to research and report scams. For more advice or to find BBB Business Profiles of businesses or charities, call 888-996-3887 or go online to bbb.org.

Hills, Love said she was twice cited for violations during inspections Bennett performed under the guise of spraying for bugs in the apartment. She was cited once because her stove was in the process of being cleaned and another time for having grease cooling in a deep fryer.

She was charged $25 for each of these incidents, a charge not mentioned anywhere in the lease.

Love is now a client of Legal Services and said she hopes Bennett will face some consequences for his actions.

forthcoming in the near future.”

Swearingen said this is a step in the right direction, but the policies of Rolling Hills would require substantial modifications to be fair to tenants.

Tinisha Love is one tenant at Rolling Hills who feels she was evicted without cause.

Love, who moved into the complex last December, received a 30-day notice to leave on July 17. She said she was up to date on her rent and her only conflict with Bennett was over where she once parked when coming home from a night shift.

Love, who lived at Rolling Hills with her two children and girlfriend, said it was an attractive living option because Bennett was willing to work with tenants who, like her, had been evicted before.

When she went in to sign the lease, she said, Bennett pointed to a board filled with the names of over a thousand former tenants he had taken to court, warning her to take the lease terms seriously.

Bennett confirmed that he has a printout on his wall of all his court cases from 2011 to 2013 and uses it as a warning to clients.

Love saw this as an attempt to intimidate her, but decided to move past it. She did not initially see any problems with the lease, but quickly started to notice the complex’s strict rules. She said there was nowhere her children were allowed to play outside, and guests were not allowed to smoke cigarettes on the balcony of her apartment. Bennett denies both of these allegations.

Bennett also strongly objects to visitors, Love said.

“We got a warning saying no one [whose name is not on the lease] can turn the keys to your apartment, no one can sit in your apartment while you go to the store and get some eggs,” Love said. “So you mean to me if I’m cooking and I want to go to the store because I forget some cornbread, I need to take my whole family with me?”

Bennett confirmed these provisions of the lease.

Love said she did not receive any warnings before being evicted, although Bennett did schedule a meeting with her, which he then canceled when he sent the 30-day notice.

“I guess that was the warning, but we never got a chance to hear it,” Love said.

No warnings other than the 30-day notice to vacate are required by Missouri law.

During her time at Rolling

Rolling Hills, she said, targets African Americans and tenants with credit problems only to evict them as soon as possible.

“I feel violated,” Love said.

“There’s no warning. It’s like I have no time to find another place for my kids.”

Bennett said the evictions of Love and Legal Services’ other clients were within the rules of a month-to-month lease agreement and that they committed multiple violations of their lease agreements. During the application process, he said in his statement, all of these former tenants were made aware of his strict lease provisions and chose to move in.

“It seems to be lost on Mr. Swearingen and Ms. Jackson that I am the one actually helping the ‘little guy,“ Bennett said in his statement.

“My property provides housing to folks that have extremely limited access to decent, affordable housing –most large properties will not rent to many people that I do rent to. My lease is designed to protect against worst-casescenario tenants, of which I have seen far more than a few.”

Swearingen and Jackson’s clients have settled with Rolling Hills, but they remain concerned about Rolling Hills’ lease practices.

“That, unfortunately, we’re going to have to save for another time,” Swearingen said.

For lawyers like Swearingen and Jackson, it can be difficult to get rulings on cases that affect their impoverished clients precisely because of their poverty. When clients need money, they are more likely to reach a settlement than to pursue a judge’s ruling, which would be the only way to get a judgement against Rolling Hills’ policies.

“You have people who have largely been rendered invisible by the legal system and a lot of times by society in general,” Jackson said.

“These are poor people for the most part, and people who may or may not know what their rights are or have access to attorneys to tell them what their rights are. For me personally, that’s why my agency has chosen to get involved, because these practices are so predatory and so targeted at the people who can least afford this kind of behavior.”

Jessica Karins is a St. Louis American editorial intern from Webster University.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri recently settled with the owner of Rolling Hills Apartment in Jennings on behalf of clients, but attorneys there remain concerned about Rolling Hills’ lease practices.

n “All signs point to the NBA replacing the NFL as the league of America’s future.”

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Sports

PreP BasketBall noteBook

Holiday basketball tournament preview

‘Tis the season to be jolly and to enjoy our holiday basketball tournaments, that will be going on around the St. Louis metro area for the next two weeks. Here is a quick preview of the holiday tournaments on both sides of the river.

Coaches vs. Cancer (at Meramec): Dec. 27-30 – Undefeated St. Mary’s is the No. 1 seed. The Dragons are looking to repeat as the tournament champions. They are followed by No. 2 Hazelwood Central, No. 3 Jennings, No. 4 Kirkwood, No. 5 SLUH and No. 6 Marquette. A St. Mary’s-Hazelwood Central matchup in the finals would be a delicious proposition, but several other teams will have something to say about that. The championship game is set for Saturday, December 30 at 8 p.m.

MICDS: (Dec. 22-29) – The loaded 16-team field is paced by No. 1 seed Parkway Central, which advanced to the Class 4 Final Four last season. The Colts are followed by No. 2 Whitfield, No. 3 Francis Howell, No. 4 Duchesne and No. 5 Ladue. There are quality teams from top to bottom. The championship game is set for Friday, December 29 at 7 p.m.

Collinsville: (Dec. 28-30) – The 16-team tournament is filled with teams from the metro east, Central Illinois with a few from the St. Louis side of the river. Southwestern Conference rivals East St. Louis, Collinsville and Edwardsville are featured on the bottom side of the bracket. The top of the bracket is paced by Springfield Southeast, Lincoln

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas rekindle friendship after 20+ years of beef

“We had an incredible relationship. We used to do everything together back in the day, and then that kind of faded.” – Magic Johnson Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas are two of the greatest point guards to ever lace up a pair of kicks and compete on the hardwood. Both were first ballot Hall of Fame inductees. Both were NBA champions. Both earned NBA Finals MVP awards. Both were named as part of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Back in the early 1980s, Johnson, the 6-foot-9 wonder kid, was tearing it up on the West Coast for the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, the tenacious 6-foot-1 Thomas was making a name for himself while getting buckets and dropping dimes in Detroit. In the modern game, it’s not uncommon to see LeBron

James (Cavaliers) and Chris Paul (Rockets) kicking it off the court. James close relationship with Dwyane Wade was a big part of the reason James took his talents to South Beach in 2010. Today’s players compete hard against one another on the court, but train, party and stunt for the ‘Gram together once the final buzzer blows. Basketball in the ‘80s was different. Star players wanted their own teams. Rivalries ran deep. Players on opposing teams didn’t even think about fraternizing with each other during the playoffs. That’s what made the bond between Thomas and Johnson so unique. For their first few years in the NBA, the two were seemingly inseparable off the court.

“[Isiah] and I went on tour with The Jacksons. We also did dates with Prince,” Johnson

Earl Austin Jr.

the crack in Johnson

Thomas’ close friendship started when the Lakers and

Pistons faced off in the 1988 NBA Finals. Johnson’s Lakers

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Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas share a friendly kiss before the 1988 NBA Finals.

Photo by Wiley Price

Vashon’s Mario McKinney (4) slips past Cardinal Ritter’s Caleb Wilkerson (4) and Ryan Torrey (5) Tuesday night at Vashon. McKinney scored 24 points on the night in helping the Wolverines defeat the Lions of Cardinal Riitter 78-71.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Elliott returns to Cowboys in shape, inspired and with a telling documentary

After spending weeks in Mexico during his suspension from the NFL, Ezekiel Elliott arrived back in Dallas in great shape and armed with a documentary telling his side of the alleged abuse story that sat him down. As of Wednesday morning, Elliott had not commented on his return or his suspension, but I’m told the documentary is in part like a courtroom defense – and that there is a hint that he could pursue legal retribution.

While he was never arrested or charged, he was suspended for violating the personal conduct policy for allegedly committing domestic violence in summer of 2016. He accepted the suspension in early November after a prolonged court battle that began in August.

He had no profile. According to a NFL Network report “(Elliott) only left to attend Thanksgiving at home with his family for two days and then was back to relative isolation at Diamante Resort 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. He told his team he wanted the media to focus on Cowboys, not him.”

Should he stay this guy, and not the one who made himself vulnerable to the unproven allegations of his proven liar former girlfriend, he could still become a Hall of Fame running back.

The Cowboys, who went 3-3 in his absence, now stand at 8-6. They must win their two remaining games, and Atlanta or Detroit must lose two in order for the Cowboys to make the playoffs. The Falcons’ 24-21 win over Tampa Bay on Monday night left Dallas pretty much hopeless – and you best believe owner Jerry Jones is still livid. Forget that phony friendship that Jones and Goodell put before the cameras last week during owners’ meetings in Dallas. The second the Cowboys’ hopes of making the playoffs ends, Jones will be as bitter as he was when he told Goodell last August, “I’m coming after you with everything I’ve got.” Elliott must be applauded for staying out of sight and working to return in great physical – and mental – health. He went beyond low profile.

I hope he ultimately sues several people for defamation of character and loss of income.

Goodell, those who investigated him and the former girlfriend should be forced to share their stories during the deposition phase of a civil lawsuit and then in a courtroom.

Selling out

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has been flirting, grabbing and racially insulting respective employees over the years and it led to several big-money settlements to avoid lawsuits, according to a published article. Instead of facing punishment from the NFL and the embarrassment of more details of his transgressions being made public, Richardson has decided to sell the team.

We’ll get back to Richardson, but let’s talk about Sean “Diddy” Combs and his interest in buying the team. Upon announcing he would like to buy the team and sign Colin Kaepernick to a contract, he got the media attention he wanted.

“There are no majority African American NFL owners. Let’s make history,” Combs said on Twitter on Sunday night.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft felt the urge to respond, telling TMZ Sports, “I’m a big fan of Diddy. ... He’s a good businessman. He’s a very good businessman and I have a lot of respect for Diddy.”

Too bad Combs has nowhere near enough money to buy the franchise, which FORBES values at $2.3 billion.

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry said he wants in on the buyers’ group, and Kaepernick said he would like to invest in the project.

FORBES lists Combs’ value at $820 million, while Curry is

at $60 million and Kaepernick at $22 million. If they threw all their cash and holdings at buying the team, they still come up with just $900 million.

If David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technologies, Oprah Winfrey, BET founder and current RLJ Cos., CEO Robert Johnson, American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault (who retires Feb. 1, 2018) or a few other black billionaires showed interest in the team, the NFL would be forced to listen.

Combs should also be reminded that the Panthers have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Cam Newton, a future Hall of Famer who would relegate Kaepernick to the bench if he did join the team.

As for Richardson, he announced he would sell the team when the NFL took over the investigation of his antics. The Panthers already knew what he did and felt the need to settle several cases, which according to Sports Illustrated included touching female employees inappropriately and suggesting they give him foot rubs.

The ultra-conservative Richardson also reportedly asked a woman who worked

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Continued from B3 and Quincy. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Centralia: (Dec. 28-30)

– The prestigious Southern Illinois tournament features local teams such as Belleville West, Alton, Confluence Academy, Cahokia and O’Fallon. Belleville West is one of the top contenders while tournament newcomer Confluence is also one team to watch. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 30 at 9 p.m.

Ezekiel Elliott arrived back in Dallas in great shape and armed with a documentary telling his side of the alleged abuse story that sat him down.

for the team “show me how you wiggle to get those jeans up. I bet you had to lay down on your bed to fit into those jeans. Did you step into those jeans or did you have to jump into them?”

Classy. SI also reports “Richardson directed a racial slur at an African-American scout for the Panthers. The scout left the team this year – but not, according to sources, before he sought the counsel of a Charlotte attorney who negotiated a confidential settlement on his behalf.”

If Elliott was suspended for six games for his alleged and unproven transgression, Richardson should be immediately suspended for the rest of the season. The NFL won’t take that action. It’s not because he is selling the team after this season. It’s because he is a rich, white male owner worth at least $2 billion and that means there is a double, triple and quadruple standard protecting him.

NLBM honors Bob Motley

There are several statues honoring great Negro League stars at the Negro League

Visitation (Girls): Dec. 22-28 – The top girls tournament in the St. Louis metro area features four teams that played for state championships last season in No. 1 Incarnate Word (Class 4 state champion), No. 2 Edwardsville (Illinois Class 4 runner-up), No. 3 Kirkwood (Class 5 state champion) and No. 4 Whitfield (Class 3 runner-up). The tournament is loaded with quality teams up and down the bracket. The championship game is set for Thursday, Dec. 28 at 8 p.m.

There will be other boys’ holiday tournaments that will be held at Affton and St. Dominic while the top girls’ tournament on the Illinois side will be held at Mascoutah.

Baseball Museum in Kansas City. However, there was no umpire in control of the game, so to speak.

The museum recently unveiled a statue of the late Bob Motley, a Negro League umpiring great and the last living man to have played this important role. One of his uniforms was on display, but Motley now has a statue on a full-sized field in the museum next to catching immortal Josh Gibson

Motley died in September at age 94 and was still an important member of the museum he helped establish and a fixture of the Kansas City sports community.

Motley, who received a Congressional Medal of Honor in 2012 for his service in the Marines in the South Pacific in World War II, began umpiring in the late 1940s after moving to Kansas City.

He was the first black umpire in Kansas City’s Ban Johnson Summer League and began umpiring Negro League games in 1948. He called games that featured stars including Satchel Paige, Willie Mays and Henry Aaron In 1958, he umpired his first minor league game in the Pacific Coast League and he had a chance to be a MLB umpire in 1979 as a replacement for striking umpires. He turned down the offer because he refused to cross the picket line.

He never dreamed he’d be considered a living legend,” Motley’s son, Byron Motley said on Nov. 22 when the statue was unveiled.

“Because of this statue, Bob Motley will live forever. Someone will always learn from him.”

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

Torrence reaches 2,000 Whitfield senior standout Torrence Watson reached the 2,000-point plateau last week in a victory over Lift for Life. The 6’5” guard reached the milestone in high style as he scored on a three-point play to reach 2,000 points, but he went on to score 47 more points in the game to finish with 50 points on the night. For the season, the University of Missouri signee is averaging 29 points a game. You can catch Watson in action again in the MICDS Tournament as Whitfield is the No. 2 seed. They will face ChristianO’Fallon in the first round on Friday at 6 p.m.

Midwest Showdown Shootout a big success

Congratulations to Terrell Ramey on putting on another Midwest Showdown Shootout last Saturday at Webster Groves. In the featured game of the six-game event, Chaminade edged Vashon 77-74 in a battle of St. Louis area powers. Senior forward Jericole Hellems paced Chaminade with 24 points, followed by junior guard Keyyaun Batchman with 15 points and sophomore forward Luke Kasubke with 16 points. Vashon was led by sophomore guard Phillip Russell, who scored a season-high 24 points. Junior guard Mario McKinney added 18 points for the Wolverines.

Alvin A. Reid

from the eASt Side

With Maurice Scott Jr.

Missouri vs. Illinois for the Bragging Rights

East St Louis will be

well-represented Saturday night when the Bragging Rights college basketball game between Missouri and Illinois game returns to the Scott Trade Center.

For the first time, Counzo Martin brings his Missouri Tigers to St. Louis, right across the mighty Mississippi River from East St. Louis, Illinois where he once grew up. The former Lincoln High School and Purdue star will have plenty of people from the “618” rooting for a win over Illinois.

In addition, there will be plenty of people from East St Louis too root not only for Martin, but for Director of Player Development coach Marco Harris, a former standout in his own right at Lincoln, and collegiately at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

However, the biggest name that people will be rooting for might be 6’10 forward Jeremiah Tilmon, the

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas sat down for a heartfelt interview with NBA TV, where they hatched out their differences and rekindled a friendship that had gone dormat for more than 20 years.

Mizzou freshman. The 2016 graduate from East St Louis had originally signed with the University of Illinois during his senior year.

However, after former Illinois coach John Groce was fired, Illinois named Brad Underwood as their new head coach and Illini nation seemed to feel lost and left out with Tilmon.

Underwood and Jamal “The Elf” Walker, who he retained from Groce’s staff, paid a visit to East Boogie to visit Jeremiah Tilmon and his family to seal the deal and keep Tilmon in Champaign. However, Tilmon opened up his recruitment again and landed in Columbia as a Tiger to the dismay to many within Illini nation. Illinois fans ripped into Tilmon via social media as though he had committed a crime.

However, that didn’t keep Tilmon from doing what he felt was best for him and he ended up signing with Counzo Martin and the Tigers anyway. Many with a clear vision as to what Martin and his staff had to offer Tilmon from a life skills standpoint knew that the Tilmon decision was a no brainer.

Jeremiah is flourishing for the Tigers, averaging 9.8 points and a respectable five-rebounds per game that has many in the national media speaking of Tilmon as one of college basketball’s top true freshman.

“I’ve been looking forward to coming back home playing

right across the river from East St Louis as a college player representing the Missouri Tigers,” said Tilmon. “It’s one of many on the schedule that we play this year, it just happens to be Illinois up next.” As for coach Martin, he has brought a team across the

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won a hotly-contested Finals 4-3. The next season, Thomas and the Pistons got revenge by sweeping the Lakers 4-0. Their battered friendship never recovered.

Rumors spread that Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson conspired to keep Thomas off the 1992 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team aka the “Dream Team.”

According to Jamele Hill’s 2009 article Broken bonds: Magic and Isiah, Johnson believed that Thomas played a role in spreading rumors that he was gay or bisexual after Johnson’s 1991 announcement that he was HIV-positive. Despite publicly advocating for Thomas at the time, Johnson later admitted that he helped keep Thomas off the squad.

“Isiah killed his own chances when it came to the Olympics,” Johnson said in the book, When the Game Was Ours. “Nobody on that team wanted to play with him. ... I’m sad for Isiah. He has alienated so many people in his life, and he still doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand why he wasn’t chosen for that Olympic team and that’s really too bad. You should be aware when you’ve ticked off more than half of the NBA.” Thomas long-denied spreading the nasty rumors. In fact, he was one of the most vocal advocates to allow Johnson to play in the 1992 All-Star game after several players, most notably Karl Malone, openly worried that they would be susceptible to catching HIV by competing against Johnson. Still, it was clear that the close bond between the two superstars was finished.

I’m sure Illinois fans will let Tilmon know how disenfranchised they are about him not staying in Champaign every time he touches the ball or his name is called.

“What’s sad is that the differences between two of the greatest basketball players ever have lasted 20-plus years, in part, because both men were too proud to squash them,” Hill wrote. “Fierce competitiveness made them phenomenal players, but it also ruined their personal relationship.

Now, more than 20 years after the retirement of two dynamic point gods, Johnson and Thomas decided to let bygones be bygones. Magic and Isiah are friends once again.

Amidst the ongoing fight for social justice, the poverty and violence that impact communities of color and the hateful,

divisive politics that have divided our nation, it’s great that Johnson and Thomas were able to put their pride aside and come together. Besides, ongoing beef at 58- (Johnson) and 56- (Thomas) years-old is just plain silly.

“You and I as black men, as brothers, as friends, this relationship is important to our communities,” Thomas mused.

The televised reunion was emotional and compelling.

Thomas was brought to tears after Johnson apologized for his part in the rift. They talked. They laughed. They embraced.

A renewed friendship between Johnson and Thomas is good for the NBA. Johnson

PreP Athlete of the Week

KK Rodriguez

Webster Groves – Girls Basketball

The senior standout guard is enjoying an excellent start of the season for the Stateswomen.

The 5’6” Rodriguez scored a career-high 40 points to lead Webster Groves to a 70-35 victory over Parkway South. She also added six rebounds and six steals. She added 23 points, eight rebounds and two assists in a 74-69 vic-

tory over Eureka and 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a loss to Lafayette. For the season, Rodriguez is averaging 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game in leading Webster Groves to a 3-3 record. A four-year varsity standout, Rodriguez has signed with Tulsa University on a basketball scholarship.

is currently serving as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas works as a studio analyst for NBA TV. Their paths are bound to cross numerous times during the season. Instead of forced smiles and fake gestures, the embraces will now be genuine and the laughter legitimate.

As Christmas approaches, let’s hope that we can all open a big box of wisdom, forgivingness and maturity like Magic and “Zeke.” Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays from In the Clutch! Follow Ishmael on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk

river from East St Louis before as the head coach at Missouri State. So Saturday night won›t be a audition for him in front of hometown family and friends. But it will be a important game to say the least for a number of reasons.

the St. louiS AmericAn college AthleteS of the Week

Elijah Watson

UMSL – Basketball

The senior guard from Chicago earned a Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honor after leading the Tritons to three victories.

The 6’1” Watson had 23 points and 12 assists in an 88-83 road victory at Truman State. He added 21 points, five rebounds and six assists in a 77-74 victory over nationally ranked Division

II program William Jewell, then followed up with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists in an 110-44 win over Central Christian. For the season, Watson is averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and a team-high six assists a game. As a junior, Watson averaged 10 points a game and was named to the All-GLVC Defensive Team.

Briya Wilborn

Missouri Baptist – Basketball

The senior guard from Countryside, Illinois has been enjoying a big season in leading the Spartans to a 5-4 record heading into the holiday break.

The 5’6” Wilborn had 17 points, five assists, six rebounds and five steals in a 74-70 victory over Central Baptist. She also

added 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in a loss to Benedictine. For the season, Wilborn is averaging a team-high 14.7 points a game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range. She is also averaging 4.9 rebounds, three assists and three steals a game.

Maurice Scott

the first time, Counzo Martin brings his Missouri Tigers to St. Louis, right across the mighty Mississippi River from East St. Louis, Illinois where he once grew up.

Deaconess to invest $2M in five ‘anchor institutions’

ACLU of Missouri Foundation, ArchCity Defenders, MCU among grantees

American staff

Deaconess Foundation will invest approximately $2 million, including consultative and technical support, over a four-year period beginning in 2018, in a cohort of five “Just for Kids” anchor institutions: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri Foundation, ArchCity Defenders, Community Organizing and Family Issues, Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU), and Missouri Health Care for All. ACLU of Missouri Foundation defends civil liberties and the principles of equality and justice in Missouri through its litigation, legislative and public education programs.

ArchCity Defenders is a 501(c)3 non-profit civil rights law firm providing holistic legal advocacy and combating the criminalization of poverty and state violence against poor people and people of color in St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and the state of Missouri.

Community Organizing and Family Issues develops and engages low-income parents of color as leaders in their families, schools and communities in East St, Louis and across the state of Illinois. MCU puts faith into action by developing leaders who move their congregations, organizations, and communities to change public policy for the common good. Missouri Health Care for

All is a statewide, nonpartisan, faith and community-based grassroots movement for quality, affordable health care for all Missourians. The cohort, selected after an intensive sevenmonth process, reflects the foundation’s assessment that

access to comprehensive health care and increased investment in early childhood education.

The Anchor Institution Program is part of Deaconess’ Just for Kids strategy to build a movement for children through public policy and racial equity.

Financial Focus

By Ana Stringfellow

n “We will need the power which comes from deeper relationships to build a community where the 640,000 children of this region are well and their futures are not predicated on race and zip code.”

– Rev. Starsky D. Wilson

deeper investment in grassroots organizing and impact litigation strategies will be necessary for positive change in a tough legislative environment for their policy priorities for the next few years. The foundation’s four-pronged public policy agenda includes: justice and equity for youth, family economic mobility,

“We will need the power which comes from deeper relationships to build a community where the 640,000 children of this region are well and their futures are not predicated on race and zip code,” said Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, Deaconess Foundation president and CEO.

Through the four-year engagement, the foundation will invest significant financial resources and consultative support to strengthen the organizations’ effectiveness and culture by enhancing their leadership, adaptive, technical and management capacities. The amount granted to each organization will be determined according to the needs as indicated in each organization’s individual plan to strengthen its leadership, adaptive, technical and management capacities, a Deaconess spokesperson said.

A ministry of the United Church of Christ, Deaconess has invested more than $80 million to improve the health of the St. Louis community since 1998. Its grantmaking footprint includes St. Louis, St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles and Franklin Counties in Missouri and Madison, St. Clair and Monroe Counties in Illinois.

A second chance at Xscape

90s R&B group warmly welcomed for sold out Chaifetz reunion show

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

With a sold-out crowd at Chaifetz Arena Saturday night, Xscape is still basking in the whirlwind that ensued thanks to a reunion performance on The BET Awards this summer.

The group has been enjoying the success that the quartet of Atlanta teens began chasing 25 years ago – and their fan base couldn’t be more appreciative.

Their moment in the spotlight during the BET Awards marked the first time in nearly 20 years that all four members had graced the stage together. Even amidst all four making the most of the moment through appearances, interviews and even a television show documenting the reunion, the tensions that initially fractured the group lingered. But none of that mattered Saturday night – nor was it noticeable. They enjoyed moderate success, but never quite made it to the top. And before the end of the 1990s, the group parted ways.

But things have been much different the second time around. The momentum of their 2017 surprise reunion gave them their first ever arena tour – which has played to soldout audiences. And Saturday night, St. Louis fans were greeted by grown women intent on

delivering an unforgettable Xscape experience that many never expected to see on stage again. Was it a perfect show? No, of course not. But it was pretty good. And it was great to be able to see them together again performing the music that was the soundtrack of 90s urban teen spirit.

Girls group June’s Diary opened The Great Xscape Tour. The group is the culmination of Kelly Rowland’s “Chasing Destiny” television show which chronicled her quest to make a group to repeat the success of Destiny’s Child. June’s Diary is off to a good start. The quintet of girls each have their own look and sound. They

R&B group Xscape satisfied fans who longed to see them together again for the St. Louis leg of their Great Xscape Tour Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena. The show also featured Monica, Tamar Braxton and up-and-coming girl group June’s Diary.

have the presence and cohesion to be taken more seriously than Diddy’s “Making of the Band” offspring Danity Kane. Tamar Braxton followed June’s Diary and managed to deliver her strongest live performance in St. Louis to date. The chattiness and lip-smacking were kept to a minimum as she belted out a handful of hits. Braxton is an impressive vocalist, and she seemed especially on point from the moment

See XSCAPE, C4

SZA does STL proud

Leader of R&B’s latest class shines when ‘CTRL’ tour closes at The Ready room

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

The album Time Magazine declared the best of 2017 belongs to a rising music star with roots on the west side of St. Louis city. “Me and her mother grew up together right around the corner from each other over by Emerson School,” Roscoe Crenshaw said as he left the pit area of The Ready Room Sunday night. “Better Family Life has the building now. That’s right where we grew up.” STL was the last stop SZA’s CTRL tour. The Sunday show sold-out almost as soon as it was announced. Another show was added for Tuesday night that sold-out even more quickly than the first show. It’s been an incredible year for the singer/songwriter who blindsided the music industry with her stellar debut album for which the tour is named when it dropped this summer. She’s currently up for five Grammy Awards – Best New Artist, Best

A host of family and friends came to see rising R&B star SZA close her ‘CTRL’ tour with two soldout shows at The Ready Room. SZA, who is currently in the running for five Grammy Awards for her debut album of the same name, was born in St. Louis.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Jaidyn’s joyful Christmas

Central Christian School third-grader Jaidyn Covington will perform with the Moscow Ballet in their performance of ‘The Great Russian Nutcracker’ Saturday at The Fox Theatre.

See SZA, C4

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I’ve never been to the Fox Theatre before, but my mom says the stage is really big,” said 8-year-old Jaidyn Covington. “I’m just really excited – and proud of myself.”

On Saturday, the Central Christian School third-grader will perform on that huge stage alongside one of the world’s premiere classical dance troupes when she suits up as a mouse for Moscow Ballet’s production of “The Great Russian Nutcracker.”

n Jaidyn plans to dance her way to a college scholarship, become a dancer, then a dance teacher and ultimately a doctor.

“My friend Isabel told me about it,” Jaidyn said. “I asked my mom if I could audition to be in it and she said yes. We auditioned in a really tiny room. There were a lot of us. They handed out papers to those of us who made it.” Earning a spot was a wonderful Christmas gift for Jaidyn and her mother Michelle Scott, who takes her daughter to dance class four nights a week.

“She gets up at 5:45 in the morning, she goes to school and then straight to dance class,” Scott said. “Some nights we don’t get home until 9 at night.” Scott was so nervous about the audition that when the parents were called in to pick up the children after the audition, she sent in her friend. When Jaidyn came out waving the piece of paper that said she was going to be a part of the show, her heart melted with excitement.

“I couldn’t even look at her at first, but I turn around and she’s waving this paper. She was

See JAIDYN, C4

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

holiday haps

Through Dec. 21, Jazz St. Louis Big Band plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.tickets.jazzstl.org.

Thur., Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m., Prison Performing Arts presents the 2017 Youth Winter Showcase. This event highlights our Learning Through the Arts program, which offers youth at the St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center weekly classes in a variety of performing arts. 3827 Enright Ave., 63108. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.prisonartsstl.org.

Dec. 21 – Jan. 1, The Gateway Park Foundation and St. Louis Blues present Winterfest at the Arch Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., 63101. For more information, visit www.archwinterfest.com.

Dec. 21 – 24, Church in Action presents The Living Manger Experience Watch the Christmas Story as it comes to life, enjoy cookies and drinks, and take a family photo. For more information, visit www. livingmangerexperience.com.

Fri., Dec. 22, 7 p.m., Kim Massie Christmas Show. The Beale on Broadway, 701 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. bealeonbroadway.com.

Sat., Dec. 23, 8 p.m., Delmar Hall and Mike Judy Presents welcome Kribmas 2017 starring Smino. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Dec. 23, 3 & 7 p.m., Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. The Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Mon., Dec. 25, 9 p.m., A

Motown Christmas. Rooftop at Moonrise Hotel, 6177 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. moonrisehotel.com.

Dec. 26 – 28, 7:30 p.m., Peabody Opera House presents ELF the Musical The hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.

Sun., Dec. 24, 7 p.m., STL HouseHeadz presents A House Night Before Christmas. Voce, 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Dec. 27, 12 p.m., Missouri Botanical Garden presents Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits. A day of storytelling, craft displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, visit www. missouribotanicalgarden.og.

Dec. 27 – 29, Community Lifeline presents Winter Break Camp. Children will participate in science themed days that include aviation simulation with Hip-Hop dance, kitchen chemistry and crafts. New Life Community Church, 1919 State St., East St. Louis, IL. 62205. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Dec. 28, 6 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents a Kwanzaa Celebration. Light the Kinara, hear poetry, do crafts, and more. Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 63118. For more information, visit www.slpl.org.

Sat., Dec. 30, 6 p.m., 2017 Indie Artist Award & Pre New Year’s Eve Party. An awards show for the best independent artists, entertainers, DJ’s, and more in the region. The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

For more information, visit www.indieartistexhibition. com.

Through Dec. 30, St. Louis Union Station welcomes The Polar Express Ride. The children’s book comes to life on a journey to the North Pole where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting. 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. stlthepolarexpressride.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 5 p.m., Family Friends New Year’s Eve. Festivities will include children’s characters, performers, giveaways, fireworks at 9 pm, and more. Kiener Plaza, 601 Market St., 63101. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Red Carpet New Year with Justin Hoskin & The Movie. 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Poetic Justice Open Mic –NYE 2018. Hosted by Corey Black with music by Michael Franco. Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www. poeticjusticeopenmic.bigcartel.

Sun., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., New Year’s Eve Party. Hosted by Derrty Dj C Note. La Rose Room, 2723 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63106. For more information, call (314) 5333022.

Sun., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. Tickets include open bar, buffet, party favors, and champagne toast. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, visit www.stlouisarch.regency. hyatt.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., AllN-1 Entertainment presents The Final Count Down New Year’s Eve Party. Tickets include live music, champagne toast, and party favors. Mandarin Banquet Hall, 8008 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 6903660.

Sun., Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., 2 Jo’s Entertainment presents New Year’s Eve Bash with Zapp & DJ Kut. Tickets include dinner, party favors, and champagne toast. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more

concerts

Thur., Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m., J Fury presents Trill Vibez The Firebird, 2706 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www.firebirdstl.com.

Thur., Dec. 21, 9:30 p.m., Chano Cruz Trio. Dark Room at The Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. thedarkroomstl.com.

Fri., Dec. 29, LooseCannon Ent. Presents Resolution 2017: Lil Wayne & Migos, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Dec. 29 – 30, Jazz St. Louis presents Good 4 the Soul Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. jazzstl.org.

Sat., Dec. 30, 8:30 p.m., DewMo Productions presents Boosie Live. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Dread Out 2017. The annual Jamaican style Reggae New Year’s Eve Bash featuring the Infrared Rockers. Attendance prizes, food, and party favors included. Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314) 229-7018.

Sun., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Afro Sexy Cool NYE. The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit ww.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 10 p.m., Majic 103.7 & The Jewel present A New Year’s Eve Affair feat. Cherelle. Hosted by BJtheDJ with Master of Ceremony, Mr. Gary – King of Hospitality. Jewel Event Center, 407 Dunn Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Through Jan. 1, Missouri Botanical Garden presents Garden Glow. Enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and more than one million lights throughout the garden. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, visit www. missouribotanicalgarden.org.

Tues., Jan. 16, Steve Litman presents Lalah Hathaway, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Jan. 20, 7 p.m. The All Stars of Hip-Hop featuring DMX, E-40, Scarface, MC Lyte, Young Bloodz, Murphy Lee & Kyjuan, Tela, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.chaifetzarena.com.

local gigs

Fri., Dec. 22, 8 p.m., Pleasure, Money & Pain: The Gifted Album Release Concert. 2720 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.2720cherokee.com.

Sun., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Doughboy Tyke and Friends Concert. Fubar, 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Jan. 6, 8 p.m., The St. Louis Underground Hip Hop Tournament, Round 1. Fubar, 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketfly.com.

Sat., Jan. 6, 9 p.m., Agitate the Airwaves presents the St. Louis Local Hip Hop Showcase. Featuring 9 artists and a special guest. Way Out

Delmar Hall and Mike Judy Presents welcome Kribmas 2017 starring Smino. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Club, 2525 S. Jefferson Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

special events

Fri., Dec. 22, 8 p.m., Black Ink Chicago Inked Up Tattoo Party. The Marquee, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. themarqueestl.com.

Thur., Dec. 28, 8 p.m., The Original Throwback Thursday Reunion 4. Featuring DJ AJ, Tossin Ted, and DJ OMB. The Laugh Lounge, 11208 W. Florissant Ave., 63033. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m., 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Missouri Statewide Celebration Kickoff. With keynote speaker Bakari Sellers. Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Thur., Jan. 11, 11 a.m., National Career Fair presents the St. Louis Career Fair Live Hiring Event. DoubleTree at Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www. nationalcareerfairs.com.

Jan. 13 & 15, 10 a.m., Missouri History Museum presents the MLK Family Celebration. Kids 14 and under can take part in Youth Activism and Engagement Workshops, create peaceinspired art projects, and dive into St. Louis history. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

comedy

Sun., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Scottrade Center presents Katt Williams and Mike Epps. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.scottradecenter.com.

Jan. 11 – 13, Helium Comedy Club presents Preacher Lawson! 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117. For more information, visit www. heliumcomedy.com.

Fri., Jan. 26, 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Steve Litman presents #SheReady Tour starring Tiffany Haddish, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit thepageant.com.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

art

Through December 31, Mickalene Thomas: Mentors, Muses, and Celebrities, The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd. St. Louis, 63108. For more information, visit http://camstl. org/ or call (314) 535-4660.

Tues., Jan. 2, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents American Indian Art, Symbols, and Meanings. Dr. Carol Diaz-Granados explores the ways in which imagery conveys tells a story about people of the greater Cahokia region. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., Jan. 5, 5 p.m., Opening Reception for Shabez Jamal: A Free Space between Intersections. The exhibit celebrates queer Black men at the intersection of race and equality, contrasted against

the backdrop of desertion and abandonment. Erica Popp Studios + Gallery, 3271 Roger Pl., 63116. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Fri., Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration – 1960Now: Social Justice Movements, Past and Present. Sheila Pree Bright’s #1960Now, depicts photographs linking today’s protest movements to those of the 1960s. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Feb. 4, National Blues Museum presents The Blues in Black and White –The Blues Photography of Kirk West. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

lectures and workshops

Sun., Dec. 24, 12:45 p.m., A Womanist Gathering, Between Women. Womanism is rooted in the African American female experience of seeking liberation, healing and communal justice. InPower Institute, 4126 Humphrey St., 63116. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Tues., Jan. 9, 7:15 a.m., Olin Business School presents 6 Executives. 60 Ideas. 60 Minutes. Six of the area’s top business minds will each share ten best practices, programs and philosophies that have shaped their lives and businesses. Knight Hall, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-3622.

Wed., Jan. 10, 1 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business

Center presents Office Hours with a Banker. Take time to meet with a banker, to discuss commercial lending, financing, credit or options of loans. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Jan. 13, Second Saturday Divorce Workshop with Laura Boedges, Financial Advisor, HighTower St. Louis (Magna Place Building), 1401 S. Brentwood Blvd., Ste. 550, St. Louis, MO 63144. For more information, call 314598-4068 or e-mail lboedges@ hightoweradvisors.com.

theatre

Through Dec. 23, R-S Theatrics presents The Flick In a rundown movie theatre, Sam, Avery and Rose’s lives are as sticky as the soda under the seats. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 631o3. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 27 – 31, Fox Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Jan. 11 – 14, JPEK CreativeWorks Theatre presents The Meeting Stage Play. A depiction of the supposed meeting of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as they debate their varying approaches to social problems. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

spiritual

Fri., Dec. 29, 7 p.m., Pinky Promise Ferguson presents Pajamas with a Purpose. Join us for our first annual lock-in. Come and be empowered. Embassy Suites, 11237 Lone Eage Dr., 63044. For more information, email pinkypromiseferguson31@ gmail.com.

Jan. 12 – 13, R.E.S.E.T. 2018: Redeeming the Times. Join us for worship, fellowship, and wisdom to reset your life and restore God’s power and authority. Pentecostal Power Church of Lebanon, 208 N. Madison St., Lebanon, IL. 62254. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Mon., Dec. 25, Jumanji starring Kevin Hart and Dwayne The Rock Johnson opens in theatres nationwide. Sat., Dec. 30, 2 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church presents Family Movie Matinee: Black Nativity. 4001 Maffitt Ave., 63113. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Jan. 5, Molly’s Game starring Idris Elba opens in theatres nationwide.

Mon., Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety Film Screening. Those ages 10 and older are invited to view this film which examines the causes and effects of anxiety in children. The J, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.jccstl. com.

Fri., Jan. 12, Proud Mary starring Taraji P. Henson opens in theatres nationwide.

The All Stars of Hip-Hop featuring DMX (left), E-40, Scarface, MC Lyte (right), Young Bloodz, Murphy Lee & Kyjuan, Tela. See CONCERTS for details.

she twerked into “Sugar” until the final high notes for “Love and War.”

An impromptu talent showcase that gave fans an opportunity to sing “Love and War” was entertaining at first, but ate up too much performance time. Among the featured was St. Louis’ own “American Idol” finalist Curtis Finch Jr.

Fellow ATL native Monica was charged with warming the audience for Xscape. Her vocals weren’t in their typical top form, but she powered through and the audience was pleased.

Monica made the smart move of relying heavily on her early material to keep with the chronology of the night.

“Before You Walk Out My Life,” “Don’t Take It Personal,” “For You I Will,” “Why I Love You So Much” gave the crowd an opportunity to start off the nostalgia as they sang along.

An unexpected treat –and the highlight of the performance – was Monica’s brief tribute to Lauryn Hill which featured “Lost Ones” and “Killing Me Softly.”

Xscape emerged on stage with baggy jumpsuits like

something they would have worn in the early 1990s. Opening with “Can’t Hang,” they transitioned from up-tempo to slow jam with their cover of “Who Can I Run To” before disrobing to show off form fitting grown woman attire.

Vocally they were as good as ever – even better perhaps. But there were moments within the show that felt contrived, particularly the gospel segment. They sounded great with their

bliss from start to finish of her incredible set – even through the admittedly embarrassing moments of performing explicit content in front of her beloved grandmother.

up front. “Her mother went to Soldan,” Crenshaw said. “I’ve known her all her life. And SZA grew up in New Jersey, but she was born right here.” Her family was given special seating on either side of the stage of the standing-roomonly venue. SZA admitted that many of them had never seen her perform when she shouted them out. With a huge smile and even bigger hair, she was in a state of

SZA and her crew of featured performers proved that R&B is safe in the care of millennials. The night was made sweeter knowing that St. Louis has its fingerprints on the pulse.

Ryan Trey, a rapper from St. Louis who relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his music career, kicked off the show. The recent CBC grad was beyond excited to grace the

covers of the Clark Sisters “Is My Living In Vain” and Erica Campbell’s “Luh God,” but the sequence of songs just didn’t transition well, and the cheap choir robes were a distraction. Another misstep came on the opposite end of the spectrum when each of the ladies simulated their favorite moves in the bedroom.

Kandi Burruss and LaTocha Scott took turns on lead for much of the show, but each of the four members were given

stage and perform a few selections from his debut project “August.”

Chicago singer Rayvn Lanae’s angelic soprano voice was even more impressive than when she last visited St. Louis as a featured performer for rapper/singer Smino’s soldout performance of Delmar Hall this summer. Lanae’s set blended dance hall, hip-hop, R&B and house music with a handful of songs that spoke to self-love, personal freedom and the early stages of courtship.

Smino followed Renae on stage and was received a star’s welcome as he hit the

the spotlight and they all rose to the occasion. Tameka “Tiny” Cottle elicited the most rousing ovation of them all during their performance of “Softest Place on Earth.”

The flow wasn’t seamless as far as transitions from one song or segment to the next, but overall the show was strong thanks to solid vocals and a trip back through their 90s heyday – which ended with their most endearing hit “Understanding.”

stage with selections from his critically acclaimed debut album “blkswn.”

A double threat who can seamlessly transition between rap and song, Smino kept the vibe mostly in R&B mode with songs like “Anita” and the title track from his album.

With supersized neon letters of her album behind her, the woman of the hour was met with fan frenzy as she jumped right into “Supermodel.”

The audience sang along to every word of every song as she ran through the album than now has her in the running for five Grammy Awards.

like ‘I got it,’ Scott said. “I was very happy that she could see that there is an end result for all of her hard work. I’m going to be sitting in the audience and I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for her to come out. I can’t wait!”

As a student of Tammy’s Tumbling and Dance Center in Bridgeton, Jaidyn studies ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, and poms.

“My favorite type of dance is probably jazz because it’s part lyrical, it’s part hip-hop and its’ really high energy,” Jaidyn said. “I love performing on stage and I love to make people happy.”

Jaidyn plans to dance her way to a college scholarship, become a dancer, then a dance teacher and ultimately a doctor.

Like countless other aspiring ballerinas of color, she’s obsessed with Misty Copeland.

“She looks at her all the time and we follow her on Instagram so that she can keep up with her,” Scott said. “She likes the way that she’s posed and how her legs look.”

Scott loves that her daughter has a role model in dance that looks like her.

“Because of her [Misty],

As a singer and songwriter, SZA’s appeal lies in her selfactualization. She is vulnerable and honest and turns simplistic, yet profound phrases and infectious tracks into music that connects everyone to her own experience -whether she’s the other woman, or the awkward girl who longs to be normal.

“God Bless the twentysomethings,” SZA sang. The song perfectly captures the angst of the quarterlife crisis. The album is an interpretation of those years where life is made complicated by decisions in love and life fueled by emotions – and more

More and more states look to medical and recreational cannabis (aka marijuana) or among friends it is often known as “weed or pot.” The Cannabis/Weed/Pot Tax is used frequently to increase state revenues; and Missouri is a state taking the Cannabis Tax under consideration. Although Missouri was the 19th state to decriminalize marijuana, the law did take effect January 2017. Since it has gone into effect, the law will protect those caught with up to 10 grams or approximately one third of ounce marijuana. So do not become over enthusiastic about the weight. It is small, very small.

Currently, marijuana advocates in the area are hoping that medical marijuana will be legalized; by the Federal Government. Current legalization plans for medical marijuana is to place a high tax on marijuana with a strong focus on research and full compliance of the tax laws.

Should marijuana be legalized in your state; you may still encounter problems, because it is not legalized on the Federal level. Check the current laws in your state; yes, check before you inhale.

So Where Does This Leave Tax Preparers? Because of the lack of banking options, cannabis businesses deal with large amounts of cash. However; since all cannabis sellers must comply with the Bank SecrecyAct (BSA) laws and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regulations; business owners may yet

She’s not going to limit her imagination,” Scott said. “Through Misty, she sees someone who looks like her and is like, ‘wow’ she did it – so can I.’ I remind her that Misty Copeland works hard and she’s also smart. Her ceiling is much higher – as opposed to saying, ‘I can do this for now and then I’ll do something else.’ Jaidyn is a mouse now, but she can also see herself as the ballerina.”

In the meantime, Jaidyn’s joy about her upcoming performance was contagious.

“I’ve never danced with professional dancers before, so I’m really excited,” Jaidyn said. And I’m super, duper excited because I love to perform in front of people.”

The upcoming performance is a lesson for mother and daughter.

“She’s actually teaching me something,” Scott said. “She’s teaching me that hard work pays off. It makes me say, ‘just keep going.’

I’m learning from her – and on Saturday, I’ll be sitting on the edge of my seat.” The Moscow Ballet will perform the ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ on December 23, 2017 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm at the Fox Theatre. Jaidyn will perform in the evening show. For ticket information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

specifically, lust. Much like her music, SZA opts for a mellow chilled out delivery that gives her lyrics the opportunity to sink in. Accompanied by a trio of musicians, the crowd provided background vocals for the entire set that essentially included the entire album. SZA’s sing-along continued from start to finish of her show in an exchange of energy that the singer herself couldn’t help but point out. “St. Louis, y’all are amazing,” SZA said as she prepared to take her final bow in her birth city. “You really carried me through.”

need assistance from a tax professional, especially Circular 230 preparers, to assist with secondary services, and to ensure these businesses are complying with federal laws.

Moving sales through large amounts of cash requires filing a FinCEN Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business, through the Bank SecrecyAct (BSA), e-filing system.

Form 8300 must be filled out any time a business receives more than $10,000 in cash in one transaction or two or more related transactions. The form must be filed within 15 days by either the Bank SecrecyAct e-filing or mailing to the address shown in the instructions to the form. Copies must be retained for 5 years. The use of the Form 8300 will trigger an IRS visit to a cannabis business every 18 to 24 months. Should you decide to become a cannibas business person, do not try to get your business in order. Keep it in order.

A tax professional can assist a business with completing and e-filing the forms through the BSA e-filing system. Using this system is restricted to business owners, a bank or Circular 230 preparer with a form 2848, power of Attorney and Declaration Representative.

Alma M. Scarborough, EnrolledAgent, NAEA, Circular 230 Tax Professional

Alma M. Scarborough

Celebrations

Educator Honored

Carletta Washington, an English Language Arts teacher at Ferguson Middle School, is the St. Louis area VFW Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes teachers for promoting citizenship education in their classes and throughout the school. Washington was named to the honor over several other educators from St. Louis City and County. As the area winner, Washington will be entered in the Missouri state competition.

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion June 8-10,2018. Yes, Class ‘68 will begin Milestone celebration 6th month on 8th day. Our 2018 meetings in preparation will be held at STL County library located

7606 Natural Bridge at 1:00 p.m.. Dates are (Saturdays) January 13, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 2. For more information call (314) 8698312 or email bhsco1968@ att.net. Pass the word and lets celebrate!

Homer G. Phillips and St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing is planning an all class reunion in June 2018. Please send your name, address and telephone number to: Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc., P.O. Box 8033 St. Louis, Missouri 63156.

McKinley Class of 1978

will celebrate its 40-year reunion July 27-29, 2018 at the Embassy Suites-Airport. For more information please contact Barbara Lindsey, Barbara_Lindsey@icloud.com or Marvin Woods, mwoods@ projectcontrolsgroup.com , (314) 647-0707.

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40-year reunion for next year. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Soldan Class of 1978 is

Birthdays

On December 21, this beautiful baby girl, DaMiyah Wilkes, will celebrate her 1st birthday!

Happy 8th Birthday to Trinidy Shaquan Aunja Boolcer on December 23! Love from: PaPa (Sam), Grandma (Rose) and the rest of your family. Enjoy, big girl!

planning their 40th class reunion. The dates are June 1, 2 and 3. For more information: call (314) 413-9088.

Sumner Class of 1976

Annual Christmas Party Saturday, December 23, 2017, 7 pm at DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr. 2 for 1 drink specials (5:30 - 7:30pm), free parking, No cover charge but $5 (40-Yr Class Reunion Attendees & Guest) or $10 for all others for the Catered Food. Limited Reserved Seating AVAILABLE until 10pm. (Doors open 5pm/closes 1am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

University City Class of 1978 will hold its 40th reunion May 25-27, 2018. For more information please email ucityhs1978@gmail.com

Vashon High School will celebrate its 90th anniversary October 5-7, 2017 for alumni, students and community activities to celebrate educational commitment and tradition. For additional information, go to Vashonhigh. org or contact Elvis Hopson, elvishopson@att.net, (314) 535-0243, Pearl Lake, lakep6@ aol.com, (314) 388-0743 or Cozy W. Marks, Jr., jr3810@ sbcglobal.net, (314) 383-5682.

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, 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 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 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

Swag Snap of the Week

What a time to be from STL. I cannot tell y’all how proud I am to be from The Lou after what I witnessed as far as the talent that runs deep through our city. It started out Thursday for the gospel IN UNISON annual Christmas Concert. The show could have been in limbo because Grammy winning scheduled soloist Dianne Reeves was on the sick-and-shut-in list. But our own Brian Owens came through in the clutch. Then on Sunday, I got a chance to check out SZA and fellow STLien Smino at The Ready Room. And just when I thought that my ego was in check about my city, super producer Metro Boomin brought Big Sean to the Pageant (with a special guest appearance by STL’s Shorty Da Prince) and tore the roof off that thang (yes, thang). Soaking all that in made me feel like saying “I’m from the Lou and I’m proud,” before I kick things all the way off. The Good enough Xscape Tour. Y’all were fit to be tied to see Kandi and company get back on stage together at the Chaifetz Saturday night. People were begging for plus one’s so tough that it had me like, “Am I crazy, or was Xscape not this big of a deal when first came out?” It was the place to be for R&B though. The show opened with Kelly Rowland’s little group June’s Diary. They gave a cute little set. Tiny’s daughter…not so much. I’m usually annoyed by Tamar Braxton and all of that talking, lip smacking love advice that she usually fills her show up with. But there was only a sip of that Saturday night – which I can tolerate. Her twerk is still full of struggle. Honestly, I don’t know why she bothers. Girl, with a voice like that, you don’t need to drop it like it’s hot … especially if you don’t know how. But anyway, I can say for the first time EVER that I wasn’t mad at Tamar’s little stage offering. Now, she could have kept the gong show portion where the fans come up and sing “Love And War.” Curtis Finch sounded good. What was that gentleman in that blue blazer and the acrylic Freddie Kruger acrylic nails going through up there? He sounded good okay, I suppose. Monica shocked the mess out of me by not being on the top of her vocal game. She still got it in for that Lauryn Hill tribute – I would love to see that expanded. The Lauryn Hill tribute explained the “Ms. Phyllis” pants set, but can somebody enlighten me on that red nightie garment with the bridal train? I got life from the short shorts outfit she started in, even if I never figured out whether those were thigh-high boots made from biker shorts material, or biker shorts material leggings over some shoes. Her background vocalists were everything though. I know y’all want to hear about Xscape already. They sounded great and it felt good to envision myself with a microwave ponytail as I mouthed along to “My Little Secret,” but the show itself was pretty regular. And let those store-bought bottoms of Tiny and Tamika (a.k.a. the one whose name nobody remembers) be a cautionary tale … all pun intended. I had a good enough time, even though I was expecting the show to be tighter due to all the hype. In less fortunate news about the show, who was that sequined ensemble that decided to swing on everybody in the whole section – and when security came down, she swung on him too? It was but a miniscule blip in an otherwise great evening, but she spun around those seats like a tornado girl.

Sold on SZA. She is the hottest thing in the R&B game right now and she’s from The Lou. Yes, she was raised in New Jersey, but she was born here. And that means that SZA belongs to us. She pulled a kamikaze move and dominated the whole genre for 2017 and I was so glad that I got a chance to catch her in the flesh Sunday night at The Ready Room. She had her whole STL fam in the building too – including her grandmother. I don’t know how she managed to sing some of those songs without wanting to hide behind a curtain because of the content, but she powered through. It was such a great show, that I had to talk myself out of seeing it twice. And STL’s own Smino slayed the stage as a featured performer. For those who don’t know, he’s headlining the Kribmas set at Delmar Hall on Saturday. I might just have to check that out. But back to SZA, she deserves every bit of the buzz that is behind her name. I got life from her live show, just like I did the album. And I’m so glad to be able to claim her for our city. Oh, and Rayvn Lenae was awesome too! Shout out to show opener Ryan Trey – another STL original.

Midwest stand up! Some people who are just casually dipping in and out of the new school of hip-hop don’t know who St. Louis’ own Metro Boomin is. Well, in my opinion, He is Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Scott Storch and Pharell rolled into one for trap music. Just about every single hit that compels you to tear the club up, Metro Boomin had his hands on. I’m talking, “Wicked,” “Jumpman,” “Mask Off,” “Bad and Boujee” – yes, the beat to “Bad and Boujee” was made by somebody straight outta St. Louis. Well, Metro and Big Sean popped up at the Pageant for a free show to perform tracks from their hit album “Double or Nothing.” They showered love on the Midwest and gave the single best free show I think I’ve ever seen. It was life. I was so proud of Metro Boomin, St. Louis and the whole Midwest after seeing them work the stage while playing hit after hit, I left The Pageant with my chest poked all out full of pride.

Props to the Power 100. Since I’m on the subject of proud moments, let me issue congratulations to this year’s DELUX Magazine Power 100 cadre. The folks gathered in their finest attire at The Ritz Carlton Sunday to celebrate people making major moves in the city. I’d need the whole Partyline to name them all, so this is a collective shout out. But nothing but death could keep me from giving a special nod to the one and only Lawrence Bryant!

Queen Mocha Latte stopped by King Kerry’s 40th Birthday Bash Saturday

Larry, Arris, Atwan and George had a chance to network as the DELUX Power 100 wrapped up Sunday @ The Ritz-Carlton

Rob and Brittany were waiting for their crew to arrive and the turn up to begin @ MOOD Friday

Divas Delissa, Shay and Alicia got their glamour shot on Saturday @ The Obar

James and Ashley were in the house just celebrating Saturday @ The Obar

Austin got a chance to catch a photo with

rapper Chief Keef just before his concert afterparty kicked off @ The Marquee

Innovator Kayala Thompson and Master Pieza owner William Porter were honored for their work @ DELUX Power 100

Reggie and Riiyah snagged a short break from the dance floor Saturday@ MOOD

Mike and Charli started off the new week by celebrating the DELUX Power 100 during the HUSH after set Sunday @ Napoli

Super producer Metro Boomin was more than happy to hit up his hometown of STL for a special pop up performance with rapper Big Sean to perform tracks from their hit album “Double or Nothing” Monday night at The Pageant. Abe of Starpower Ent. stepped backstage to mix it up with “Young Metro.”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photos by V. Lang

Larry and Lashone showed their support for Film Maker and DELUX Power 100 honoree Chris Phillips Sunday @ The Ritz-Carlton

St. LouiS american Career Center

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs for children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. The Project Director works with the Executive Director to manage operations for the CDF Freedom Schools program. The position’s primary responsibility is to manage adequate staff to operate three program sites and ensure overall quality as outlined by the standards of the CDF Freedom Schools program. The Project Director will serve as liaison between Deaconess Foundation and the three program sites, maintain the safety of all staff and students, ensure that the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum is implemented with fidelity, and ensure that appropriate program staff inputs data in CDF’s reporting system.

To apply for this position, visit Deaconess Foundation’s website - http://deaconess.org/cdf-freedom-schools-project-director.

SERVANT LEADER INTERN

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs for children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. The Servant Leader Intern serve as classroom facilitators delivering an Integrated Reading Curriculum to a class of no more than ten students for 7 weeks during the summer. The Servant Leader Intern will lead afternoon enrichment activities, chaperone field trips, and lead parent workshops and community outreach activities.

To apply for this position, visit Deaconess Foundation’s website - http:// deaconess.org/cdf-freedom-schoolsservant-leader-intern.

TENURE-TRACK

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Webster University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Games and Game Design. Please visit our website at www.webster.edu for a complete job description and to apply. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

COORDINATOR, BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of this full-time position is the maintenance and operation of Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being to keep building and grounds clean and safe. The secondary responsibility is logistical support of meeting rooms and convening spaces. Duties include regular cleaning, operation and preventative maintenance of building systems (mechanical, electrical and plumbing), set-up and transition of meeting rooms and assisting Deaconess Center Manager as needed.

To learn more about this opportunity including responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply, visit the Deaconess Foundation website: http://www.deaconess.org/coordinator-building-maintenance

The State of Missouri is accepting applications for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the St. Louis area. Starting salary is $38,808 to $40,776. View job description, benefits and application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro.com/jobs/

MANAGER, DEACONESS CENTER FOR CHILD WELL-BEING

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of this fulltime position is relationship management and constituency support services for the program activities of Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being to optimize its profile as the regional hub for child-friendly public policy advocacy. The secondary responsibility is managing routine operational processes for Deaconess Center. Duties include prospecting, triaging and aligning potential community convenings; supervising building maintenance and meeting logistics; coordinating hospitality; and assuring proper documentation of use to inform evaluation and compliance standards.

To learn more about this opportunity including responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply, visit the Deaconess Foundation website: http://www. deaconess.org/manager-deaconess-center-child-well-being

CARPENTERS WANTED

Rough & Finish Carpentry, At Least 5 Years’ Experience Position Available Right Away

Call or Email Your Resume

Call: Linda 314-450-7017

Email: Linda@cricommercialproperties.com

LAUNDRY SHIRT

INSPECTOR/ASSEMBLY

Will train. Competitive pay, Clayton location. Call 314-725-4500.

FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST

Forest Park Forever is seeking a full time receptionist. You can view the job description and apply on-line using the URL link below. Forest Park Forever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. https://www.cbizems.com/ extranet/recruiting.aspx?id=2A2725CB-7BD6-40E1-9E124BEC3B92A10E&src=stlamerican&rqid=65D648D1-7799-4646A067-B68E6A04AD02

SITE COORDINATOR

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs for children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. The Site Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and supervises staff of one CDF Freedom Schools site. The position’s primary responsibility is to ensure the proper implementation of the CDF Freedom Schools program model by managing daily site activities. The Site Coordinator will train and manage staff, maintain the safety of all staff and students, coordinate afternoon activities, filed trips, family engagement initiatives and volunteer responsibilities and ensure that the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum is implemented with fidelity.

To apply for this position, visit Deaconess Foundation’s website - http://deaconess.org/cdf-freedom-schools-site-coordinator.

ALGONQUIN NURSES HOME HEALTH CARE

is looking for Nurses, C.N.A’s and Home Health Aides for full or part time positions to care for elderly and disabled individuals in their home. Applicants must have reliable transportation with a valid driver license and proof of insurance. Clear background screening, clean drug test need only apply. * Competitive wages /one on one client care /paid holidays medical/dental insurance /paid wkly /referral bonus & much more! Please call 314-822-8158 or go online to register www.algonquinnurses.com

TENURE-TRACK ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Webster University invites applications for a tenure-track associate professor position in Games and Game Design Please visit our website at www.webster.edu for a complete job description and to apply. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT

Greensfelder has a full time opening for a Litigation Legal Administrative Assistant in the Construction Law Practice Group. We have defined assignments, however, our staff focus on teamwork & supporting each other to better balance workloads. Therefore, strong teamwork & communication skills are highly desired. Qualified applicants will type at least 70 wpm & have excellent attention to detail, grammar, organizational, proofreading & customer service skills. 2+ yrs of litigation experience required. Additional duties consist of providing support services including typing, time entry, transcription, electronic filing, scheduling & various other administrative duties. Apply online at https://www.greensfelder. com/Careers-Professional-Staff-Positions.html.

INVITATION TO BID

Alberici Constructors, Inc. requests bids on:

Mechanical: Boiler and Steam Heaters Furnish and Install

Electrical: Mill B Distribution Furnish and Install

From qualified and certified MBE/WBE subcontractors for the following project: Italgrani USA

Bid Date:

Mechanical - January 5, 2018 by 4:00 PM CST

Electrical – January 5, 2018 by 4:00 PM CST

For more information, please contact: Precious Jackson at pjackson@alberici.com or 314-406-7988

Alberici Constructors, Inc. encourages all Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises to participate in this project and hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this project, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin in consideration for an award.

Visit our Website at www.stlamerican.com

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 31, 2018 to contract with a company for: MARBLE/CARPET

FLOORING PROJECT-MARKET ST. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9271 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR HALL STREET IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 1, EAST GRAND TO ADELAIDE, ST. LOUIS, MO, FEDERAL PROJECT STP-5404(603). Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM, CT, January 4, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room – Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 15% DBE participation goal for this project.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: REPLACEMENT OF TROJAN WIPER CANISTER SEAL KITS. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because RAY LINDSEY COMPANY is the only known available source for the equipment. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Ground Maintenance, Tree Removal & Area Clean Up Services Bids Wanted Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/ business/contact-opportunites. Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2017 CRS Collector Overlay Program, St. Louis County Project No.CR-1708, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on January 10, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on December 18, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2017 CRS Cape Seal Program, St. Louis County Project No.CR-1758, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on January, 10, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on December 18, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Fleet Maintenance & Auto Body Repair Bids Wanted Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/ business/contact-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

SEALED BIDS for Renovate HVAC & Controls, St. James Veterans Home, St. James, Missouri, Project No. U1503-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, January 18, 2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo. gov/facilities

BIDS for C o

i o n Services, Springfield Region, State of Missouri, Project No. ZASIDIQ-8007, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, January 18, 2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

from qualified engineering and planning firms to analyze the existing conditions of Old Olive Street Road in St. Louis County, Missouri, and develop a plan to redesign Old Olive Street Road for mixed use in accordance with the 39 North master plan.

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Proposals should be sent by email to hbean@stlpartenrship.com, or to St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, ATTN: Howl Bean II, 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2200, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BID PROPOSAL

KCI CONSTRUCTION requests proposals for the MSD Grand Glaize WWTF Building, Switchgear & Tank Repairs Project. Proposals are due by 10:00 a.m. on February 7, 2018. We will hold a pre-bid meeting for interested MBE firms on 1/18/18 at 10:00 a.m. at our office. Plans and specifications are available for viewing in our offices at 10315 Lake Bluff Drive, St. Louis, MO, 314-894-8888. KCI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 404, Renovation to Create Computer Lab in Library, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time January 4, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for

DESIGN SERVICES FOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE LIGHTING AND SIGNAL INTERCONNECT

– PHASE III, FEDERAL PROJECT

STP-9901(643), ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM, CT, January 5, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps. org, under On Line Plan Room – Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 14% DBE participation goal for this project.

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference,limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita at 314-289-5430 to place your rental/real estate ad today!

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Pre-Bid

A

will be

January 18, 2017 @ 9:00 am; The location of the meeting will be Room #109 of MSD headquarters at 2350 Market Street, St. Louis 63103. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: TUNNELING/TRENCHLESS OR DEEP SEWER CONSTRUCTION – (ST. LOUIS COUNTY DRAINLAYER LICENSE REQUIRED) Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Notice

that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 22nd, 2018 to contract with a company for: SCADA Technical & Application Support Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9268 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Repair of laboratory equipment. The District is proposing single source procurement to Teledyne Tekmar for this equipment. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure through an emergency need a Third Party Administrative Services company. The District is proposing single source procurement for this service and has procured Thomas McGee for a six month contract. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the First Floor of the District’s Headquarters located at 2350 Market

Replacement of

control centers, electrical and control panels,

• Addition to Dewatering Building Electrical Room,

• Miscellaneous building and tank structural repairs.

• All associated civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation installations as well as demolition.

The Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Construction Cost is $4,647,000.

Note that the screen repairs identified in the project title have been removed from the project.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Building Construction or Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing.

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for DESIGN SERVICES FOR CLIMATE CONTROL PROJECTS, PACKAGES 2 AND 3, ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, January 11, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps. org, under the On Line Plan Room –Plan Room, or call the City of St. Louis, Board of Public Service, at 314-6223535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for Professional Engineering and Field Survey Services for Louisiana Calm Streets, St. Louis, MO, Federal Project TAP-9901(649). Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM, CT, January 10, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room – Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 14% DBE participation goal for this project.

Serving God’s blessings – and fresh food

Jeremiah Free Will Baptist Church partners with Join Hands ESL on food pantry

American staff

H.T. and Marla P. Goodwin at Jeremiah Free Will Baptist Church open their doors and hearts to serve. The Goodwins’ generosity has been a living presence of peace in East St. Louis, Illinois since 2007. Their community service has come to life in a variety of ways, through educational scholarships, workshops, community outreach events and their successful and quite popular Jeremiah’s Food Pantry. Open to anyone in need, Jeremiah’s Food Pantry began in 2008 and serves St. Clair County, and the hungry as far away as Dupo and Lebanon. The pantry is open on Wednesdays, serving up to 150 people in a two-hour shopping spree, where money and IDs are not required. Ten guests enter the pantry at a time, receive up to four bags to “shop” for what they want, all with dignity and respect. Jeremiah’s Food Pantry shares the wealth through the generous support of the St. Louis Foodbank, Shop N Save, and private donations. Supplied with meats, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, juice drinks and extra commodities for seniors, over the years Jeremiah’s Food Pantry has obtained three freezers, two coolers and a refrigerator, to keep food fresh or frozen.

Marla and H.T. Goodwin of Jeremiah Free Will Baptist Church delivering food to the Ubuntu Center for Peace. The church operates Jeremiah’s Food Pantry, which is open on Wednesdays, serving free fresh food to up to 150 people.

The Message

Sorry, God

Have you ever been too embarrassed to pray? Better yet, have you ever been too ashamed to pray? Do you find it difficult to bow down to the Lord after you’ve done exactly what you told Him you’d never do again if only He would rescue you one more time? I know. The worst in all of us rears its ugly head ever now and then, and praying about it doesn’t guarantee you won’t see that side of you ever again. Sin comes in all shapes and sizes and colors. Only you and God know how successful the world has been in getting you to do exactly what you know you shouldn’t.

We all know that Satan can tempt you in ways that leave you utterly defeated and laughs when you tell others you didn’t do it when you, he and God know you did. These are difficult times, especially when God comes calling.

After Adam ate the apple, the Bible says God went looking for him. You see, Adam knew better and learned very quickly that hiding from God was not an option. And so it is with us. True believers must pray and ask for forgiveness. In doing so, quite a few things become crystal clear or at least they should. You shouldn’t procrastinate where God is concerned. You can try, but I have first-hand knowledge that it will not work. You can’t hide from the truth, and the truth is you’re a sinner. We all are. And the closer you get to God, the more obvious it becomes to you and Him when you fall down.

Patrons are grateful for the pantry and comfortable sitting area, which is also served by Pantry Manager Pamela Boykins and Assistant Manager Deacon James Fairlee, as they spread the blessings. Deacon Fairlee’s mantra “I have two loaves of bread; I can share one, so we can all be on the same field” is shared by everyone at Jeremiah’s Food Pantry. In April 2017, Marla Goodwin

and Boykins made an appointment through Sister Kathy McGuire, a social worker with Join Hands ESL at the Ubuntu Center for Peace to

n “I have two loaves of bread; I can share one, so we can all be on the same field.”

– Deacon James Fairlee

talk with Sheila Burton, executive director of Join Hands. Founded in 1990, Join Hands ESL is located in a housing development in East St. Louis. It utilizes a 200-plus active volunteer workforce to break the cycle of poverty. Goodwin and Boykins suggested

a collaboration between the pantry and Join Hands. Their proposal was to provide Join Hands with produce and food items once a week. A van full of food is delivered each Tuesday morning to the Ubuntu Center for Peace. Residents of the Orr-Weathers housing complex are extremely grateful and line up to help unload the van.

On the day of a recent delivery, Join Hands ESL was supplied with chicken legs, beef stew, vegetable soup, rice, vegetables, bananas and apple juice. Within a few minutes, the food distribution began at the Ubuntu Center for Peace. Marla Goodwin said, “This is why we’re here – to serve and spread God’s blessings.”

Scripture even tells us that our living without sin is impossible. But as Christians we are obligated to try. Our success lies in our effort and intent. God expects to hear from you and me regarding our shortcomings. As a matter of fact, the closer we get to His light, the more likely we are to see the stain of sin upon our souls. It’s okay to look to the Lord even when you believe you have no right to ask for His mercy. Part of the mystery of faith is coming to grips with just how much God loves you and me, in spite of what little we have to offer, He welcomes us as He would His own son. You can always go home. I used to say home is anywhere mom was. Now I know home is anywhere God resides. If that be the case and God is in me, then wherever I am is home. Hopefully that means it should become easier to follow the Word of God, easier to know right from wrong and certainly easier to ask God for mercy when I go wrong instead of right.

Ashamed, embarrassed or just plain guilty, it’s better to go home and explain yourself. At least you know the people there do indeed care about you. The alternative keeps the devil in stitches.

Columnist James Washington