December 6th, 2012 edition

Local bishop makes history

Nixon pushes for Medicaid expansion

ByJason Rosenbaum Of The Beacon

United Way introduces mentorprogram

Governor Jay Nixon outlines

Missourians,while BJC

Officer Steven Lipstein looks

Photo by BIll Greenblatt/UPI

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis

Nicole Womack holds the sheet music for her daughter Samiyah Quinn Womack,5,as the girl performs

piece on her miniature violin during the Katy Ann Foundation’s appreciation program held

Tiny fiddler

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Katt Williams’ comedy curtain call

A teary eyed Katt Williams told reporters outside of a Seattle hotel that he was throwing in the towel after a tumultuous year that included arrests, cancellations, altercations and erratic stage performances.

“I’m just gonna go ahead and announce my retirement from standup, I’m kinda done,” Williams told reporters. “I’ve discussed it with my kids, I wasn’t really gonna do in the middle of a Seattle street – I was going to go to Los Angeles and do it in the offices of ICM or LiveNation.”

Williams was arrested Sunday afternoon after a bar fight in which police said he’d brandished a pool cue at a bar manager and followed a family outside to their car, flicking a cigarette at the face of a woman in the car and throwing a rock at the vehicle.

In Oakland on Nov. 16 he had a meltdown on stage, leaving the stage just 10 minutes into his act after taking off his clothes and

challenging several audience members to fight.

Before that, in the wee hours Nov. 15, Williams had been arrested in connection with a fight the night of Nov. 14, where he was accused of whacking an 18-year-old aspiring rapper from Berkeley on the head with a bottle.

In Sacramento on Nov. 25, driving a three-wheeled motorcycle, he led police on a chase through sidewalks and walkways downtown after they approached him on a disturbing-thepeace complaint, according to Fox40 News

casket veil covering his face and kissed him on the mouth, El Nuevo Dia of Puerto Rico reported. Adding injury to perceived insult, Castillo then reportedly walked directly past the section reserved for Camacho’s family, setting off the fury of Gloria Fernández – who also claims to be the boxer’s last girlfriend.

NeNe sticks it to Kandi

Williams later was caught on videotape in a Target in Woodland, Calif., slapping an employee and then leaving in one of those little electric carts before getting back on his motorcycle in the parking lot.

Side chick kicks off brawl at “Macho” Camacho wake

A catfight involving the slain boxing legend Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho’s alleged lover, his official girlfriend and sisters spoiled Tuesday’s wake in honor of the former world champion.

Things took a violent turn when Cynthia Castillo, a local woman claiming to be Camacho’s partner at the time of his death, removed the

On the last episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta Kandi Burruss made a crack about NeNe Leakes only being friends with people who can benefit her and NeNe used her Bravo blog to snap back, saying:

“There are things that were shown in this episode that I don’t agree with. Kandi speaks negatively about me once again: lies can sometimes be damaging!

Kandi has no idea who my friends are other than Cynthia, what business relationships I have, and to be honest, she doesn’t even know me that well.

why I didn’t befriend her. Kim befriended her for a song!”

Toni Braxton explains how she lost millions Toni Braxton explained in an exclusive interview on 20/20 how the twisted fate of an artist may result in fame and debt. At the height of her career, the Grammy Award-winning singer generated $170 million from album sales, but says she only took home $1,972.

Kandi can’t name one person I’ve ever befriended for a reason, because there are none. I’m the type of lady that doesn’t look for friendship. If one develops, then I welcome it. Kandi loves to say she’s been in the business for 19 years and has accomplished so much. I wonder

“What happens is they will give you an advance million on the next record and the next record so you kind of stay in debt in a sense,” said Braxton about her record label. By 1998, she filed for bankruptcy for the first time.

Past and future mayoral races

Last month Lewis Reed, president of the city’s Board of Aldermen, announced his candidacy for St. Louis mayor. He is challenging incumbent Francis G. Slay who is seeking his fourth consecutive term in office. Slay was first elected in 2001, defeating incumbent Clarence Harmon and was easily re-elected in 2005 and 2009.

My question is will next year’s race reflect the bitterness of some of the past struggles for control? Will race and ethnicity be relevant to the determination of who will occupy room 200 in City Hall?

The role of ethnic identity and how it frames the formulation of policies related to education, employment, housing, and public policy should not play a part in the upcoming contest, but it will.

Racism is always beneath the surface of political life in St. Louis. The fact that another African American is today a serious contender for the mayor’s office will undoubtedly bring out many African-American politicians and longtime activists citing the legacy of hundreds of years of slavery, racism and oppression. Some will bring to mind that Mayor Richard Hatcher hosted the National Black Political Convention in Gary, Ind., on March 10-12, 1972. It marked the first major gathering of diverse minds and agendas in Black politics, and inspired countless numbers to participate in the electoral process. Many will make the argument that it is again time for a positive change, while others will stress they will not allow the city’s race-based policies to be put in the spotlight. Will the voters ask, while taking on the city’s toughest challenges, which will be the most passionate about effective government? Will past contests have an influence in 2013?

From the archives of The St. Louis American, let us review some of the city’s most important elections involving and relating to the city as a whole and particularly African Americans.

In the March 17, 1977 edition, Farley Wilson wrote “The Three-Ring Political Circus Has Race for Mayor in Turmoil.” It referred to Congressman Bill Clay Sr. entering the race for mayor as a write-in candidate supporting comptroller John Bass after his primary loss to Jim Conway. A peace deal was brokered by the late State Senator J.B. “Jet” Banks.

In the Feb. 2-8, 1989 edition, Sharon Green reported that Zaki Baruti and Clifford Wilson persuaded Ron Gregory to withdraw from the mayor’s race to allow Mike Roberts to challenge incumbent mayor Vincent Schoemehl. This edition also told of the withdrawal of Clifford Wilson from the comptroller’s race to allow Virvus Jones to seek the office held by Paul Berra.

The Jan. 23-29, 1997 edition of The American featured Alvin Reid’s headline “Bosley and Harmon Talk-the Talk as campaign heats up.” The story described the tension between the two campaigns and centered Harmon’s objections that Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. used the MLK Celebration as a political forum. Will Slay become the first mayor to be elected to a fourth full four-year term? He has the support of County Executive Charlie Dooley and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay. As an African American and former member of the aldermanic black caucus, will Reed prevail in the city’s predominantly black North Side and recapture the support he held in some white and middle-class wards in South St. Louis?

The city is facing economic, crime, health and labor problems and it is important that whoever wins, they must come up with an agenda on how to unite the people and

face these challenges. I can’t wait for March. Please listen the Bernie Hayes radio program Monday through Friday at 7am and 4 pm on WGNU-920 AM, or live on the Web @ www. wgnu920am.com. And please

watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday Night at 10pm and Friday Morning at 9 am and Sunday Evenings at 5:30 pm on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3369 or e-mail at: berhay@swbell.net

Lewis Reed, president of the city’s Board of Aldermen, announced his candidacy for St. Louis mayor. He is challenging incumbent Francis G. Slay who is seeking his fourth consecutive term in office.

Bernie Hayes

Editorial /CommEntary

Republicans should learn from Nixon

There is some evidence that at the national level the Republican Party has started to grasp the reality of a new electoral majority –composed of ethnic minorities, youth, women who vote on women’s issues, and gays – that endangers their party if they do not come out of their ideological echo chamber and change their policy stands so that they benefit more people. A last gasp of the GOP as the party of Rush Limbaugh could be heard in Mitt Romney’s pathetic explanation of his loss to President Obama: namely, that Obama had “bribed” various constituencies by giving them all something they wanted. Of course, if you take this insult out of the realm of unsubstantiated paranoia, all Romney was saying was that more people voted for Obama than Romney because more people stood to benefit from his policy stands. To which can only be said: Exactly. In Missouri, it’s difficult to believe that a GOP puffed up by its false supermajorities in the Legislature (despite the fact that it holds fewer statewide offices than Democrats) will follow its national leadership and come back down to earth where real people live and vote. We see a hopeful sign in Gov. Jay Nixon, a very conservative Democrat, coming out in full support of Medicaid expansion in Missouri. Nixon is hated and targeted by the Republican political class in Missouri, but many people who tend to vote Republican must be voting for Nixon, looking at his numbers; he beat his Republican challenger in November by 330,000 votes with 55 percent of the vote. As such, Nixon is a good bellwether for how far to the left Missouri is likely to lean on anything, and even in his last term Nixon would likely not make this stand if he did not anticipate public support for it. And why not? Despite every assault from Republicans imaginable, Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the law and it is going to be implemented. Under the ACA, the federal government will fund 100 percent of Medicaid expansion from 2014 to 2016. After that, Missouri will gradually pick up a share of the cost until it funds 10 percent of the expansion by 2020. The U.S. Supreme Court decision made expansion optional, meaning that states like Missouri could opt out – but only by costing themselves $8.2 billion in federal contributions

to Missouri Medicaid during 2014-2020, money paid by Missourians that would instead go to expand other states’ Medicaid programs. Nixon is asking Missouri to expand access to health services for an estimated 300,000 low-income people (which appeals to progressives) while bringing federal money to the state (which should appeal even to conservatives, once they step out of their echo chamber). Specifically, Nixon said he supports expanding eligibility for Medicaid to those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. That would mean a family of three making $25,400 a year, or an individual earning $14,000, would be eligible for the program. That is a good policy stand, and whatever self-serving politics may be behind it for a term-limited governor with expected national aspirations, we commend him for making this decisive stand at the outset of his final term. It also is a sound, farsighted fiscal policy stand. The alternative, said Steven Lipstein – head of BJC, the St. Louis area’s largest employer – is to continue to shift costs of attending to the poor in emergency rooms to the middle class. “If the Legislature does decide not to expand the Medicaid program and hundreds of thousands of Missourians continue to be uninsured, we will continue to shift that cost of care to all the commercial insurance premium payers here in the state of Missouri,” Lipstein said – “instead of the cost being borne by the federal government as the governor outlined in his remarks today.” Expanding Medicaid also will generate 24,000 more jobs, increase payroll by nearly $7 billion and boost state and local tax revenue by $856 million between 2014 and 2020, according to a new report (see Business, B1).

Republicans nationally are doomed – as they are beginning to realize – if they continue to despise the role of federal government and “entitlement programs” so much that they fight to defeat them at all costs. As the soon to be infamous Grover Norquist once said, he wants a federal government so small it can be drowned in a bathtub. We implore Missouri Republicans to realize they are losing the war of ideas, and it is time to grasp that reality and pass some policy stands that benefit actual people, rather than flattering your own fantasies of a government so small you can drown it.

Law must serve

the poor

A recent study by the state courts administrator’s research unit presents a stark view of the plight of the poor and their need for legal services. Today, nearly 900,000 Missourians are impoverished. Twenty-one percent of those are children. Since the preceding census, the number of those falling below the poverty line increased by more than 39 percent. Of those, nearly 44 percent have jobs; another third are disabled; about 9 percent are 65 years or older. There are about half a million veterans living in Missouri, most of whom served during war time. Nearly 8 percent live below the poverty line, and of those, nearly 39 percent have a disability. This research also illustrates that most of them have legal problems that affect their survival. Domestic violence, homelessness, mental health issues, poor health care and educational problems create a need for legal representation. Legal services organizations seek to provide services to those in need but only can deal with approximately 80,000

problems a year. About half of those individuals who seek vitally important services from legal aid have to be turned away. Since the economic downturn in 2007, state courts average about 10-percent more cases associated with economic hardship.

As Leon Higginbotham, judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, once said to a graduating class, “I will make two requests of you. They are, that you always attempt to see those human beings who become invisible to most people, and that you always try to hear the pleas of those persons who, despite their pain and suffering, have become voiceless and forgotten.”

But even with the help of the volunteer lawyers and the extraordinary staff in the legal services offices, we are only touching the surface. And although it cannot fill the void, many Missouri lawyers are engaging in pro bono work. As the need to assist the public defender system has grown, creative solutions are being explored by The Missouri Bar, local bar associations, public defenders, prosecutors and judges throughout Missouri. Our courts have the inherent authority to promote the administration of justice and the constitutional

Obama should lead on climate change

You might not have noticed that another round of U.N. climate talks is under way, this time in Doha, Qatar. You also might not have noticed that we’re barreling toward a “world ... of unprecedented heat waves, severe drought, and major floods in many regions.” Here in Washington, we’re too busy to pay attention to such trifles.

We’re too busy arguing about who gets credit or blame for teeny-weeny changes in the tax code. Meanwhile, evidence mounts that the legacy we pass along to future generations will be a parboiled planet.

That quote about heat, drought and flooding comes from a new World Bank report warning of the consequences of warming. The study, titled “Turn Down the Heat,” tries to assess what will happen if temperatures are allowed to rise by 4 degrees Celsius –about 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit – above pre-industrial levels, before humans began spewing massive amounts of heattrapping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The picture is beyond bleak.

We’re talking about a world in which extreme weather events become commonplace –tropical cyclones that devastate coastal cities unaccustomed to such storms, punishing summer temperatures in regions unprepared to cope. In other words, lots more of the

anomalous phenomena we’ve already been experiencing, such as the 2010 heat wave in Russia that caused thousands of deaths.

We’re talking about a sealevel rise of up to 3 feet. Recall what Hurricane Sandy did to New York City and the New Jersey coastline. Now imagine the storm surge being 3 feet higher than it was.

Developed nations will, of course, find ways to deal with living in a warmer world. But the story is likely to be different in poorer countries, which will struggle to deal with lower crop yields, possible water shortages and stressed ecosystems. The World Bank report notes, almost as an aside, that “some areas in sub-Saharan Africa may face a 50 percent increase in the probability for malaria transmission” because diseasecarrying species of mosquitoes will be able to survive in areas that now are inhospitable.

Why does this matter to us?

Even if you look past the moral implications, it is predictable that major dislocations in developing countries will lead to instability and conflict. Such chaos, in this day and age, is never strictly local. It will be felt even in countries rich enough to live in airconditioned splendor behind protective sea walls.

What results have two decades’ worth of international climate confabs produced? By the World Bank’s reckoning, even if the nations of the world meet the pledges they have made to reduce carbon emissions, we’re still likely to see warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius – 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit – by 2100. And if

Letters to the editor

Expanding Medicaid eligibility

Expanding Medicaid eligibility to allow an additional 161,000 Missourians to have access to health care isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the economically smart thing to do since it would create an estimated 24,000 much-needed jobs in our state. With the federal government paying the full cost of expansion until 2017, and the state required to cover only a small fraction of the cost thereafter, the economic returns for the state are well worth the investment of taxpayer dollars. Missouri simply cannot afford to ignore this opportunity to create jobs while improving health care access for its citizens.

House Minority Leader Jake Hummel, St. Louis

responsibility to ensure that criminal defendants have adequate representation.

Partnering with the courts are the local attorneys who are working diligently to deal with the dramatic shortage of representation for criminal defendants.

Service by and for members of the Bar is not confined to the courtroom. President Lynn Ann Vogel, President-elect Pat Starke and Vice President Jack Brady have worked very hard to preserve what I believe is Missouri’s greatest gift to democracy: that is, the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.

This will be my last address to you as chief justice. I will continue to serve as your chief justice for the next eight months, after which I hand the reins over to my wonderful colleague, Judge Mary Russell. I look forward to many years after that as a judge on your Supreme Court.

To paraphrase Lou Gehrig: “Today I believe I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Edited from an address to the Judicial Conference of The Missouri Bar during the St. Louis annual meeting October 18. Richard B. Teitelman is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri.

Put aside partisan politics

The Medicaid expansion is about bringing relief to hardworking Missourians who are suffering without health insurance today. Under the current system, many lowwage workers fall through the cracks of a broken system that excludes them from Medicaid but doesn’t pay them enough to buy private insurance. It is time for us to put an end to this suffering. We urge all of our lawmakers to put aside partisan politics and work together to implement the Medicaid expansion as quickly as possible. Missourians cannot wait.

Rabbi Susan Talve Central Reform Congregation

We applaud the Governor

Over the past two weeks, thousands of Missourians from across the state have contacted Governor Nixon, urging him to support the Medicaid expansion. We applaud the Governor for listening to his constituents, and for responding to these calls and e-mails by

the pledges are not met, which seems a reasonable assumption, there is a 40 percent chance that by the turn of the next century, temperature rise will reach the disaster benchmark of 4 degrees Celsius.

The United States has never agreed to abide by the Kyoto Protocol, the binding 1997 treaty through which some countries agreed to limit emissions. Still, U.S. emissions have risen only slightly since then. The big increase has been in China and India, which are exempt from cuts under Kyoto.

Officials in Beijing and New Delhi understand that unchecked growth in emissions is not sustainable. But they also know that the United States and Europe are still responsible for far more carbon emissions per capita. And if a factory in, say, Guangzhou province produces iPhones for American consumers, who should be held responsible for those emissions?

Will these questions be answered in the Doha talks now under way? Not a chance. Not until the United States is fully involved.

And this is why President Obama should devote his next State of the Union address to climate change. He understands the science and knows the threat is real. Convincing the American people of this truth would be a great accomplishment – and perhaps the most important legacy of his second term.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

All letters are edited for length and

announcing his support today.

Lara Granich, Executive Director Missouri Jobs with Justice

Accessing health care

Expanding Medicaid to cover more working Missourians means that people with disabilities can access the health care they need, even while working part-time. This represents a tremendous shift from our current system, where often the only way to qualify for Medicaid and receive vital services and support has been to stop working entirely. We are eager to see this expansion implemented in Missouri without delay.

Sarah Durbin, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Paraquad

Working but uninsured

Several members of my family work tremendously hard but are uninsured. Any health concerns that arise mean unpaid time off work, financial debt, or delaying seeking treatment. Expanding Medicaid may give them better access to health care, which will allow them to stay healthy and better provide for their families. It will also bring good jobs to Missouri that our communities need.

Bunnie Gronborg, board member Missouri Health Care for All

Informing the public

Recently, I wrote a letter concerning fraudulent activity on my student loan. Although it was addressed to the general public, I wish to thank you for informing the public and making the possibility known to millions of students and parents in colleges that these events could very well happen to innocent people. The government allows individuals to have a chance in life when financial support is a problem or lacking for one to obtain dreams and goals in

Mortgages” will hopefully wake individuals up to the fact that while these loans have to be repaid, one would anticipate honest people approving and monitoring fraudulent activity. Carolyn Henderson, Via email

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Chief Justice

Richard B. Teitelman

BJC President Steven Lipstein and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

Photo: UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Barnes-Jewish given Donate Life Award

Barnes-Jewish Hospital was one of two Missouri hospitals recognized with a Donate Life Award for the Mid-America Transplant Services region by the Missouri Hospital Association.

Barnes-Jewish sponsors events that promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation, and several physician champions have been instrumental in improving the hospital’s consent rate of potential organ donors. In 2011, the hospital had 157 tissue donors, which represented a record total and a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

Freeman Health System in Joplin also was recognized with a Donate Life Award.

State picks vendorfor new education assessment

The state Office of Administration announced the vendors who will assist in the development of a Missouri educator certification assessment system. Educational Testing Service and Evaluation Systems (NCS Pearson) was selected after thorough evaluation from a pool of proposals submitted in response to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s request for proposals.

The creation of the new assessment system was prompted by the new standards for educator preparation programs in Missouri, which were approved by the state Board of Education. The Missouri Standards for Professional Educators outline the standards educator preparation programs must follow and the requirements students seeking their educator certificate must meet in order to become certified.

Boys’ Club donates turkeys

and numerous individuals.

Health departments, organizations receive MFH grants

Nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis area have received grants totaling more than $950,000 from the Missouri Foundation for Health in its latest round of funding awards.

Aone-year award of $25,000 each went to area health departments located in St. Louis city and in Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis and Warren counties. The MFH grants are intended to assist the departments in purchasing supplies and equipment.

Community Health and Prevention (CHP) minigrants of nearly $44,000 were awarded to St. Louis area organizations Acts Partnership, Community Arts and Movement Project, Community Wellness Project, Family Enrichment and Resource Program, the North Area Community Development Corporation and the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations to establish communities where good health, healthy behaviors and healthy choices are the norm.

Health policy mini-grants went to nonprofits engaged in health advocacy. The Brain Injury

Association of Missouri and Saint Louis Effort for AIDS together received nearly $33,000.

The foundation awarded two Services Delivery Clinical Integration grants totaling $470,000 to People’s Health Centers, Inc. and Youth in Need in St. Charles to improve access to care by integrating physical and mental health services.

Thirteen organizations were recipients of MFH Strategic Organizational Development Grants totaling about $231,000. This funding supports specific short-term interventions that help organizations and coalition build capacity and improve operational efficiency. Awardees include ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter, Center for Head Injury Services, Child Center Inc., Family Resource Center, Girls on the Run St. Louis, Jefferson County Community Partnership, Inc., Kids in the Middle Inc., Living Well Foundation, Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, Missouri Jobs with Justice, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, Team Activities for Special Kids and Vision for Children at Risk.

Missouri needs ‘parent trigger’

By Jamilah Nasheed For The St.Louis American

Overcoming adversity is nothing new for me. As a child faced with many tough obstacles, and as a candidate that had to take my case to the Missouri Supreme Court just to get my name on the ballot, I do not shy away from a fight. As the newly elected Senator from Missouri’s 5th District, my determination and grit will carry on in our Senate chambers, especially for children in St. Louis.

While strong public schools play a major role in transforming neighborhoods and spurring local economies, African-American communities have continuously been plaguedwith poor-performing schools.

Recent data from the National Center of Education Statistics paint a sobering picture of the state of education in St. Louis. Sadly, only 64 percent of our St. Louis Public School students graduate from high school. And, over 22 percent of our African-American students are choosing to drop out.

As a caregiver for my 13-year-old cousin, I fully understand that parental engagement is critical to ensuring student success. However, I understand what it is like to feel hopeless, with no sufficient options available. One solution I will strongly support next session is parent trigger.

Parent trigger allows a majority of parents to mobilize and sign a petition to turn around a persistently lowachieving public school. It provides families with leverage by increasing pressure on districts. By granting this power to parents, low-performing schools can now be held accountable.

The more power parents can exercise over their children’s education, the more likely a city will construct education systems that put our students first. There is no reason a family should have to gamble with the academic outcome of their child.

Last legislative session was marred by partisan gridlock in the General Assembly. However, both parties found common ground on the issue of education. We successfully passed Senate Bill 576, which put new accountability measures for public charter schools. It also allowed for the expansion of public charter schools beyond St. Louis and Kansas City, offering new opportunities for children insuburban and rural communities.

While this was a major step in the right direction for Missouri students, more must be done. We must build on the positive strides that were made in our last session. We simply cannot let partisanship and special interests get in the way of providing a quality education for all Missouri students.

It is not going to be easy, but our kids deserve better. Jamilah Nasheed is state senator-elect for Missouri District 5.

Jamilah Nasheed

The Gene Slay’s Boys’Club of St.Louis hosted its 52nd Annual Turkey in the Draw event. On November 21,39 turkeys were donated to members’families by the Boys’Club,Vincent’s Market

Nixon said he supported expanding eligibility for Medicaid to those earning up to 138 percent – from the current 19 percent – of the federal poverty level.According to his office, that would mean a family of four making $31,809 a year would be eligible for the program. “Make no mistake: The path we choose will affect the health of hundreds of thousands of Missourians and the future of our state’s economy,” Nixon said. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the federal government would fund 100 percent of the expansion from 2014 to 2016. After that, Missouri would gradually pick up a share of the cost until it funds 10 percent of the expansion by 2020. The U.S. Supreme Court decision earlier this year made expansion optional, meaning that states could opt out.

Nixon – who said he would include the expansion in his 2014 budget – echoeda report released last Wednesday by the Missouri Hospital Association and the Missouri Foundation for Health about the expansion’s economic impact. Those two groups told reporters that the expansion would create thousands of jobs, increase state and local tax revenue, and lower the costs of private insurance premiums (see story on B1).

But, as the governor emphasized several times during his speech to a packed audience,

CORTEX

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 project over the next 20 years?

On Dec. 12, CORTEX leaders will ask for $157.7 million in public financing from the St. Louis City Tax Increment

expanding the program was “the right thing to do” for the state – especially for Missouri’s uninsured residents.

“This is not the time to reopen the debate or re-argue the merits of the act,” Nixon said. “Congress passed it. The president signed it. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld it. It is the law of the land. Today, we stand with a clear choice before us:The choice is not whether to follow the law, but whether to implement it in a way that provides the greatest benefit for the people of Missouri.”

Specifically, Nixon noted how the ACAreduces payments to hospitals in the next decade. If the state doesn’t expand Medicaid, he said, those providers would be hard hit.

“Under the Affordable Care Act, payments to hospitals that serve the uninsured will be dramatically reduced,” Nixon said. “If we don’t take action now, they stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars –putting them at risk in some communities and closing them altogether.”

And the cost could be to more than just the facilities themselves. BJC President Steven Lipstein told reporters after Nixon’s speech that people with insurance would bear the brunt of a decision not to expand Medicaid.

“When we do take care of patients that don’t have health insurance, we still pay our staff, we still pay for the medicines, we still pay for all the supplies, and what we do is shift that cost to the people who do have health insurance,” Lipstein said.

“So if the legislature does decide not to expand the Medicaid program and hundreds of thousands of Missourians continue to be uninsured, we will continue to shift that cost of care to all the commercial insurance premium payers here in the state of Missouri – instead of the cost being borne by the federal government as the governor outlined in his remarks today.”

Nixon’s decision was praised by organizations representing health-care providers. And his announcement was also well-received by his fellow Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill.

“The legislature should act

now to support the Medicaid expansion, and create a Missouri-based health insurance exchange instead of handing its creation over to the federal government,” McCaskill said. “I honestly never thought I’d see the day when the Missouri Legislature would willingly toss responsibility back to Washington and walk the other way.”

Taking it to the legislature

Republicans hold commanding majorities in both the Missouri House and Senate, and the party has been adamant in the past about not

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon says hello to those that listened him talk about plans to provide health care coverage for an additional estimated 300,000 Missourians,in St.Louis on November 29.

expanding Medicaid.

In fact, Medicaid eligibility was for years the political dividing line between the state’s two major parties. That was especially the case after 2005, when GOPGov. Matt Blunt and the Republican-controlled General Assembly made deep cuts to the program. While Republicans defended the move as a fiscally prudent decision after years of budgetary woes, Democrats cast it as an expensive and shortsighted move because the uninsured would wind up using emergency rooms for care. Nixon made expanding Medicaid a key plank of his

2008 gubernatorial campaign and attempted a modest expansion of the program during his first year in office. That effortwent nowhere in the Republican-controlled legislature, and Nixon stopped pushing. During the past election season, Nixonwas decidedly mum on the issue. Asked how he would convince Republicans to go along with expansion after years of opposition, Nixon said, “I think most folks believe if Missourians pay dollars in taxes, they should receive the benefit of that. We shouldn’t pay our tax dollars here in Missouri so that other portions of the country to spend those.”

Thus far, Republicans leaders have been decidedly negative about the prospect of expanding the program.The call to expand Medicaid is coming as GOPlegislative leaders are calling for business tax cuts that could cut the state’s revenue by at least $200 million a year.

Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said earlier this month his caucus would likely not support the expansion.

“The federal government is providing the funding now, but it is likely to disappear in just a few years as our nation comes to grips with our crippling national debt,” said House Speaker Tim Jones, REureka. “That would leave Missouri taxpayers holding the bag for a massive expansion of a very expensive entitlement program, and that is unacceptable.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

Financing Commission (TIF). The research park postponed its last TIF Commission appearance on Oct. 31. Prior to that, legislators and community leaders criticized CORTEX and its founding institutions (BJC Healthcare, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Washington University, Saint Louis University and University of Missouri – St. Louis) for having no inclusion plan in place before asking for public funding.

In an interview with The American on Wednesday morning, CORTEX CEO and President Dennis Lower said that he will present an inclu-

sion policy before the TIF Commission on Dec. 12, which is still getting the approval from stakeholders. CORTEX collaborated with the St. Louis City NAACPto draft the policy.

First, Lower said CORTEX will create transparency in its inclusion numbers by hiring a third-party monitor to collect data of constructions jobs and permanent jobs on all projects. This information will then be posted on the CORTEX website. CORTEX will also post job openings from all enterprises and companies that set up shop in CORTEX’s buildings, Lower said.

CORTEX will work with SLATE to meet the objectives in the First Source Jobs Policy – a city ordinance that requires companies that receive tax incentives to provide entry-level jobs for lowincome residents. CORTEX will also expand on those objectives to go beyond entry-level jobs, Lower said. However, as far as construction workforce goals, Lower said CORTEX will not set a designated goal. He said his team will analyze the workforce “capacity” on each project by speaking with union leaders and other groups to determine a workforce goal. They will then put that goal into the parcel development agreements (PDA), which CORTEX signs with every developer on every project.

‘Playing catch-up’on inclusion

In July, CORTEX signed a PDAwith BJC for its new administrative building. BJC’s workforce goals are 15 percent minority, three percent women, eight percent apprentices and six percent city residents. As far as putting minorities and women to work, BJC’s goals mark the lowest on a St. Louis city project of this scale in the last several years.

These goals also fall far below city ordinance 68412 (also referred to as Board Bill 75), which sets workforce goals on city-funded public works contracts of 25 percent minority, five percent women, 20 percent local workforce and 15 percent apprentices.

June Fowler, spokeswoman for BJC, said the organization is exceeding the goals but could not provide overall workforce numbers by press time. Lower said that because the BJC project was already underway, it is now playing “catch up” on its inclusion goals and policies.

Lower said he will soon sign a PDAwith Wexford Science and Technology for the redevelopment of the historic 190,000 square foot Heritage warehouse property on Duncan and Boyle Avenues. Wexford’s construction workforce goals will be 23.8 percent minority, 5.8 percent women, 5.8 percent apprentices and 7.1 percent city residents. Compared to the city ordinance for workforce,

Wexford’s goals for apprentices and city residents fall significantly lower than what the city would like to see on publicly funded projects.

In October, Comptroller Darlene Green told The American that if CORTEX wants public tax financing, they should also have to follow the Board Bill 75 and promote diversity on its large construction projects.

“The CORTEX Project has been riffed with controversy regarding land acquisition issues, and it would seem that not adopting Board Bill 75 is yet another poor example for CORTEX, setting a negative tone,” Green said.

Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed also said he sent a letter to project leaders asking them to increase their minority workforce participation goals on the project, along with state Senator-elect Jamilah Nasheed. Fowler and Lower said it is the “will” of the project owner, not legislators, that will make the program successful. However, Reed and Green –two of the three Board of Estimate & Apportionment members – can make CORTEX comply with the city’s goals by leveraging their support. Whether or not the TIF Commission approves CORTEX’s TIF application, the project will still have a number of ordinances that must pass before the Board of E&A, from zoning to permits. The TIF is just the first step.

Photo by BIll Greenblatt/UPI

McKEE

Continued from A1

redevelopment project? And did the redevelopment agreement between Northside and the city meet the requirements of the state’s TIF legislation?

In 2010, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Robert Dierker ruled that the two TIF ordinances passed by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen were “arbitrary and beyond the powers of defendant City under the TIF Act.” He also ruled that the redevelopment projects within the plan must be “shovel-ready” – using a term not stated in the TIF Act.

Paul Puricelli, attorney for Northside, said the TIF statute is not specific about what a redevelopment project has to be, especially not at the outset. In the case of the Northside agreement, Puricelli argued, the infrastructural improvements that the TIF would fund are needed before

MENTOR

Continued from A1 native and U.S. Olympic medalist Dawn Harper and St. Louis Rams safety Quintin Mikell will help recruit volunteers and promote the importance of education and mentoring.

Education Express is a new initiative established by Polk that recruits volunteers to serve as readers for elementary school children, mentors, tutors or homework helpers for children in after-school programs. According to research conducted by Child Trends,

corporate tenants can be enticed.

“Where is the project?” Puricelli said in court on Nov. 28. “The projects and the plan can be one and the same, often are and are here. If we don’t have streets, if we don’t have sewers, we can’t go to Home Depot and say, ‘Come in guys.’We have to have that first.”

Attorney Gerard Carmody, representing the city, said Dierker introduced confusion into what a redevelopment project is when he introduced terms such as “shovel-ready project” into his ruling. “This case is about a trial judge who created his own definition of a statutory term of a redevelopment project and utilized that new term he created as the basis to invalidate two city ordinances whose objectives were to eliminate blight and to transform a large portion of the city of St. Louis,” Carmody argued before the court.

The court is considering an appeal to Dierker’s ruling on a suit that was joined by a second suit. Initially, two residents filed action against the city of St. Louis and thennamed Northside Regeneration, claiming the

mentored youth have better attendance, a better chance of going on to higher education and better attitudes toward school.

Polk said there’s a reason why United Way chose Soldan to host the event.

“It is one of the local schools that focus on international studies. We are a global society that has grown richer and stronger because of our diversity,” Polk said.

United Way has partnered with the St. Louis American Foundation and St. Louis Cares Mentoring program, an affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement. Johnny Furr Jr., president of

redevelopment plan did not comply with the law, among other things. They were joined by two other residents, represented by a different set of lawyers. Both suits were considered jointly in the appeal.

Dierker rejected all the pleadings of the original and intervening plaintiffs. But he ruled that the city’s agreement with Northside did not meet the requirements for a TIF because it lacked defined “shovel-ready” redevelopment projects, a complaint Dierker introduced (or, as he wrote, “detected”) himself in his ruling.

has a door, a roof, a purpose, or not,” W. Bevis Schock, attorney for the interveners who joined the original plaintiffs, said to reporters after the oral arguments on Nov. 28.

Different from Shelbina?

“This case is about a trial judge who created his own definition of a redevelopment project and utilized that new term to invalidate two city ordinances.”

As lawyers for Northside argued in briefs to the Missouri Supreme Court, attorneys for the plaintiffs stressed Dierker’s point in their briefs to the higher court, though the issue was not stated in their original filings.

– Gerard Carmody

“The heart of this case and 90 percent of the arguments focus on whether a project means a specific building that

St. Louis Cares, was among volunteers acknowledged at the pep rally.

Soldan students, faculty and staff were excited to hear from Harper and Mikell, who shared their personal experiences.

Harper wore her team U.S.A. jacket with two Olympic medals around her neck – a gold from the 2008 Olympics in China and a silver from the 2012 games in London. One of Harper’s mentors is none other than Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

“She was a great influence. She told me ‘I see something special in you and I believe that you can go on and do great things,’” Harper said of

Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III specifically asked Northside attorneys how this case is different from another Missouri case, City of Shelbina vs Shelby County In that Supreme Court case, the court shot down two TIF ordinances because the city did not specifically define a redevelopment project in its plan.

Under the TIF law, a project must be adopted before any TIF ordinances can be passed.

Carmody responded to Draper saying, “The city of Shelbina did not have a developer who had invested $27 million in the project area. It

Kersee. “To this day, I still call her for anything that I need, whether it’s dealing with track or not, because I believe that she is where I’m trying to get to one day.”

“We know that communities with low graduation and dropout rates lead to issues with getting a job, poor health, crime and drug use,” said Thomas Cason, principal of Soldan High School.

“Obviously, there is a need for great programs such as this.”

did not have a developer that had purchased 880 parcels of property that nobody in private enterprise would touch or has touched in decades.”

Judge Laura Denvir Stith was tireless with her questions for the plaintiffs’attorneys.

“Clearly the definition of redevelopment project does not include use ‘shovel ready’ specifically, such as used in the opinion. How specific does it have to be?” she asked.

Schock responded that the redevelopment project is different than the redevelopment plan, unlike what the Northside attorneys argued. In addition, plaintiff attorney D.B. Amon said, “Infrastructure cannot be a project.”

Northside attorneys argued that the plan defined projects to demolish buildings and build streets, sewers, and other infrastructure, which all qualify as “redevelopment projects.” For clarification

Stith recited their argument to Amon.

“Alot of the buildings are in bad shape,” she said, and they plan to demolish them by a certain date – and that is the

project.

“You are saying, ‘No,’ you have to be more specific?” she asked. “What do you think has to be more specific?”

Amon responded, “You have to identify where that project is going to be and how much it’s going to cost and how to finance it, and that’s to be put into the cost-benefit analysis.”

“The cost-benefit analysis is for the plan, not the project,” she said.

McKee, owner of McEagle Properties, is leading the 1,560-acre project and proposes to construct four commercial centers totaling over four million square feet of new retail/office space, 10,000 new homes, parks and a trolley line.

Carmody said Dierker, like many others, may have been skeptical of whether or not the large-scale project would succeed.

“The fact of the matter is, his skepticism has no place in the analysis of whether or not the statutory requirements necessary to go forward with this have been met,” Carmody said in court.

Two Soldan students, sophomore Tiffany Jacobs and senior Da’Vione Johnson, addressed the audience about how they each benefited from mentoring.

During the school year, Jacobs sought math tutoring from volunteers at Union Avenue Christian Church, where church members regularly tutor and mentor students from neighborhood schools. She spoke highly of her tutor, Richard Jones, and his encouraging words.

He said the high school has been a long-time supporter of United Way and referred to Polk as a special friend of the St. Louis Public Schools. Polk presented Cason with a check to assist with purchasing extra academic materials for tutors and homework helpers at Soldan.

“Even though sometimes I would have an attitude about something I didn’t know, he would explain to me that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it was,” she said. She now volunteers as a tutor or mentor for other students. Education Express, Polk said, will initially focus on public schools especially those that have lost accreditation. United Way hopes to recruit 2,000 Education Express volunteers by 2014. If you are interested in volunteering, you must first register online and attend a mandatory orientation session. For more details, visit educationexpress.org.

No dilemma between Draper and Shelbina

Eric E. Vickers, the activist attorney, is famous for issuing emails with vast cc: lines that often take issue with one or more of the many people copied on the message. Here is one he sent out this week, copying The American’s Executive Editor Donald M. Suggs and the EYE: “It appears that Paul McKee’s proposed Northside plan presents The St. Louis American with a dilemma. For while The American has thoroughly skewered and castigated Judge Robert Dierker for his decision to void McKee’s proposal for being only a plan and not a project, his decision rests squarely and entirely on the well reasoned appellate decision of Supreme Court Justice George W. Draper III, who established the legal precedence for a project being required of a developer receiving TIF financing – and not simply a plan – in his 2008 appellate court ruling voiding a development proposal by the City of Shelbina, Missouri. The American was right to advocate for Justice Draper being appointed to the Supreme Court. And Judge Dierker is right in relying on the Shelbina decision.”

This matter came up before the Missouri Supreme Court during oral arguments on Northside’s appeal on Nov. 28. Draper, who initially recused himself from the Northside appeal, surprised many by showing up on the bench. As Rebecca S. Rivas reports on 1A this week, Judge Draper specifically asked Northside attorneys how their case is different from City of Shelbina vs Shelbina County. In that case, the court shot down two

TIF ordinances because the city did not specifically define a redevelopment project in its plan. Under the TIF law, a project must be adopted before any TIF ordinances can be passed. Gerard Carmody, attorney for the City of St. Louis, responded to Draper saying, “The City of Shelbina did not have a developer [like McKee] who had invested $27 million in the project area. It did not have a developer that had purchased 880 parcels of property that nobody in private enterprise would touch or has touched in decades.”

Paul Puricelli, attorney for Northside, made the point even more emphatically in a brief before the court.

“In Shelbina, the City of Shelbina had approved TIF financing for an admittedly conceptual redevelopment plan, the ‘primary purpose’ of which was to ‘enable the City to select redevelopers to carry out the redevelopment program activities envisioned by the plan,’” Puricelli writes. “The city had not approved or executed a redevelopment agreement with a redeveloper; in fact, the city has only just solicited proposals for the redevelopment of a portion of the redevelopment area. All the city had was an idea. The city had not approved ‘any specific redevelopment projects .... nor had undertaken acts to establish a redevelopment project ...’”

Puricelli goes over the same ground in even more detail in a response brief before the court. In Shelbina, he writes, “the city assume[d] that multiple redevelopment projects will be undertaken over the life of the Plan” and issued a request for proposals

seeking a private developer. The City [of Shelbina]’s plan explicitly ‘anticipated’ the future identification of a redeveloper and redevelopment projects. The Court of Appeals ruled that the city’s unrealized effort to attract redevelopment, without more, did not constitute a redevelopment project. The city there could not claim a development project because it could not even represent a developer was willing to sign on the dotted line.”

The American stands by its support of Judge Draper’s appointment to the high court. However, the EYE feels that Draper will show his sound legal judgment in ruling that the narrow precedent he established in Shelbina does not pertain to a redevelopment project that actually has a redeveloper and a redevelopment agreement.

‘Bulls-eye’ begging

Vickers is not a disinterested bystander in this matter;

he is one of three attorneys representing plaintiffs who intervened in the original suit filed against Northside. Vickers stands to benefit personally at McKee’s expense – if only the Supreme Court listens to his and his colleagues begging for the court to order for McKee to pay their legal fees. Dierker turned a deaf ear when they rattled their cup in the original trial, and though Dierker ruled with the interveners in points of law, they savaged the judge in their briefs to the Supreme Court because he didn’t hook them up with their payday.

Here is an example – one of many.

“While Intervenors concede that there is no direct evidence of outright bribery, or anyone being ‘in the pay,’ Intervenors suggest that the misconduct demonstrated in the materials precisely does show manipulation of the legislative process, and Intervenors further suggest that they are the ones in the bulls-eye to receive the ill effects of that manipulation

Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III recused himself in Northside’s appeal to Judge Dierker’s ruling against its redevelopment agreement with the City of St. Louis, then surprised many by showing up in court for oral arguments.

in the form of a reduction of their property values as a result of the blight designation and threat of eminent domain,” Vickers and his colleagues write.

The blight issue would require a longer discussion than space allows, but the threat of eminent domain is alarmist false rhetoric. The EYE is certain McKee would have taken the right to eminent domain had he been able to finagle it, but he was not. Both the Land Assemblage Tax Credit legislation that lavishly benefitted his project and the Northside redevelopment agreement with the city expressly forbid the use of eminent domain. Further, in filings presently before the Missouri Supreme Court, Northside restates again for the record that the developer has not and will not use eminent domain to acquire property for this project. Nothing like stating something for the record before the highest court in the land to make your point.

But Vickers, W. Bevis Schock and their colleague are not reasoning. They are whining. They continue, “Is not that reckless and punitive? Does it not show bad faith? Are these not special circumstances? Did it not cause them to come to court and incur litigation expenses to protect themselves?” They carry on like this, believe it or not, for several more pages. The EYE is certain that Judge Draper and his colleagues will be as deaf to their supplications as was Dierker.

What not to do

Here is how you don’t seek employment for your friends and family at a city patronage office. You do not back a candidate for that office who loses and accept money from that losing candidate for your own committeeman campaign, and then approach the winner you tried to beat and say, “I need two jobs in your office.”

Slay, Reed file for mayor

Democratic municipal primary is March 4

By Jo Mannies Of The Beacon

St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay and Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed made their Democratic battle official last week, as both launched their mayoral candidacies within the first hour of filing for the March 5 primary.

Slay – who is seeking an unprecedented (since the 1880s) fourth term – was the first city candidate to file for any office, thanks to close to a half-dozen placeholders whom his campaign had tapped to hold his place for months after the mayor had first started the line on Sept. 24.

Last Monday, the mayor himself showed up to reclaim his place shortly before filing opened at 8 a.m. His various placeholders, campaign staffers and volunteers, showed up as well to witness his filing.

Reed, who had no placeholder, followed suit when he showed up to file shortly before 9 a.m.

Candidate filing continues through Jan. 4. Reed was No. 16 for opening day, following a number of aldermanic candidates and a third mayoral hopeful, former Alderman Jimmie Matthews. Many of the contenders, like Slay, had deployed allies to hold their place in line –in truth, a couple rows of chairs in an anteroom at the city Election Board headquarters downtown.

All the candidates are required to take an oath of fitness for office and pay a filing fee equal to 1 percent of the salary for the post they are seeking. For mayor, the fee is $1,318; for aldermanic candidates, it’s $373.

Slay paid the fee by personal check, which some allies said was required under the city’s charter. Reed used a campaign check.

Slay said in an interview that he had a reason for wanting to be the first candidate to file for any St. Louis office on the March 4 ballot.

“It demonstrates that I will be running an aggressive campaign and I will take nothing for granted,’’ the mayor said, adding that his campaign already has knocked on 30,000 doors, “and we’ll be back.”

“I know that in this campaign I’m going to have to talk a lot about all the positive changes that we’ve experienced in the city since I’ve been in office, what my plans are for the future and the fact that our region, the city and county, needs reliable and experienced leadership.”

Slay would be only the second mayor in modern times to seek a fourth term. Three-term mayor Raymond Tucker failed in that quest

in 1965, losing to fellow Democrat Alfonso J. Cervantes (who in 1973 lost a bid for a third term).

Reed: City needs a new direction

Reed told reporters he was challenging Slay because the city “really needs a new direction.”

“We need job growth, we need new vitality,’’ Reed said, citing the 29,000 loss of population from 2000-2010. “People all across the city of St. Louis are hungry for a new direction, are hungry for some new leadership to address some of these issues that we’re plagued with on a daily basis, in a real substantive manner. And that’s what I plan to do.”

Reed said he hoped that race – often a factor in St. Louis politics – wouldn’t play much of a role this time. “This isn’t about the black vote, the white vote, the Hispanic vote. This is about everybody,’’ Reed said.

His campaign, he added, would focus on jobs, health care, education and crime. Matthews, meanwhile, said he wasn’t running for mayor to be a “spoiler” – a traditional role often seen in mayoral elections. Matthews contended that he planned to focus on alleged corruption and a perceived too-cozy relationship between City Hall and some developers. Matthews said his campaign also would call for mayoral term limits.

Later, Comptroller Darlene Green also filed for re-election.

This year’s municipal elections include the city’s 14 odd-numbered wards, plus the newly vacated 6th Ward. Edited slightly and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

EBR celebrated at 75

Eugene B. Redmond, East St. Louis poet laureate, emeritus professor of English at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and founding editor of Drumvoices Revue, is flanked by Anne Walker of ESL (left) and Pam Kay (Louisiana), former dancers in Katherine Dunham’s ESL-based Performing Arts Training Center, during a multi-arts

gala honoring Redmond’s 75th birthday at the ESL/SIUE Higher Education Center. The gala, held Dec. 1 (EBR’s birthday) and attended by several hundred guests, capped a four-day festival saluting the “literature and life of the Arkansippi Bard” organized by EBR Writers Club president Darlene Roy, Redmond’s nephew Donahue Redmond and daughter Treasure Shields Redmond. Maya Angelou, former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, Ishmael Reed, Jerry Ward, Jr. and Black Scholar magazine publisher Robert Chrisman sent well wishes.

Urban League offers utility assistance

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is currently accepting LIHEAP Utility Assistance applications at the following alternative locations:

Greater Mt. Carmel

Baptist Church Blanche Campbell, LIHEAP Intake Coordinator

1617 N. Euclid

St. Louis, MO 63113

Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Now through December 13

West Side Baptist Church

Sandra Wilson, LIHEAP Intake Coordinator 4675 Page Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63113

Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Now Through December 20

Fresh Start Bible Church

Derrick Richard, LIHEAP Intake Coordinator 3620 Finney Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Now through December 19

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Rev. Carolyn Coleman LIHEAP Intake Coordinator 1444 S. Compton Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63104

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Now through January 30, 2013

Residents can also apply by mail, fax or in person. For the fastest service, residents are strongly encouraged to mail in their completed applications to the Urban League, P.O. Box 23457, St. Louis, MO 63156 or fax it to 314-531-7462. Applications are available online at http://www.ulstl. org/LIHEAP.aspx. You can also drop off your completed application to our new location – 935 N. Vandeventer, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, please call (314) 615-3640.

Youth Exploring Science: turning a ‘yuck’into wonder

By Jessica Graham

When I tell people I work at the Saint Louis Science Center they are often quite surprised because my educational background is in Social Work. So a science-based institution seems like an atypical career choice. However, it makes more sense once I tell them about the youth employment program, Youth Exploring Science. YES is a program that not only teaches teenagers science, technology, engineering, and math concepts, but also provides them a safe and encouraging space to learn how to communicate, identify and pursue goals, while preparing them to be successful members of this often changing society.

One of the values of YES that I ind most important is that it is built on the idea that teens should direct their own learning experience. I’m not considered the expert telling them what they need to know about science, but rather a partner working alongside them encouraging them to be open to learning new things. I see it as my job to grow and learn right there with them. One thing I’ve learned is that things you might think are insigniicant, like being open to handling crickets, provides a learning opportunity that can extend beyond that moment. My irst summer we built ecosystems in bottles. The last step was to add live animals including pill bugs (roly polys) and crickets. Believe me the last thing I wanted to do was stick my arm into a box illed with 50 squirming jumping crickets. What I noticed though was whenever I made an “eww” face or looked reluctant, so did the teens and the kids we were teaching. They were looking to me to see how to react. If I made it no big deal, they were suddenly more interested in capturing the crickets

themselves. They began to interact with this bit of science that they previously signed off as “gross”. They asked questions and drew pictures and gave the crickets names. They grieved when some of the crickets died. But irst they had to get curious and step outside of their comfort zone and be willing to get involved.

Youth Exploring Science doesn’t just teach teens a set of facts or try to convince them to be Biology majors. It provides teens the opportunity to get excited about the world around them. It encourages them to investigate their own questions and see themselves as scientists.

Agnes Clarice Taylor Gladney

Sunrise: October 7, 1923

Sunset: November 26, 2012

Agnes Clarice Taylor Gladney, fondly known as Clarice, was born on October 7, 1923 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Robert Benjamin Taylor, Sr., D.D.S and Frankie Price Taylor. She was the first of three children born to this union. Clarice had two siblings, a sister, Lillian StephensWilson, and a younger brother, Robert Benjamin Taylor, Jr., D.D.S., who preceded her in death.

Clarice attended elementary and high school in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and upon graduation she entered Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama in 1940. There she met John H. Gladney whom she married upon her

graduation from college. To this union were born three children: John H. Gladney, Jr., who preceded her in death, Connie Agard and Judy Gladney. Clarice found much joy in her primary role as wife and mother.

Clarice received her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from St. Louis University. She was a speech therapist for the Special School District for many years, primarily serving in the University City School District. Her profession was a compliment to her husband’s ear, nose and throat medical practice.

Clarice was an activist in her own quiet way. She visited a young woman in Barnes Hospital during the 1960’s. At that time, Black patient’s bed assignments were all in the hospital’s basement where exposed pipes were visible. Clarice was so angry after visiting this young girl, who had recently lost a limb to cancer, and who had to recuperate in such deplorable conditions, that her “call to action” was launched. Her activism was a catalyst

that helped eliminate such deplorable bed assignments for Black patients at Barnes Hospital. She was similarly enraged when she went to St. Peters Cemetery where a white hand pointed to the white section of the cemetery and a black hand pointed to the Black section of the cemetery. Her letter of protest was a factor in the elimination of that policy.

The spirit of Clarice is summed up in a Proclamation she and her husband received in February, 1999 from the Elijah P. Lovejoy Society which said, “Through your courage and conviction, you have set new standards in the practices of health care, race relations, education, the arts, religion and public service …. The citizens of this region are the proud beneficiaries of your life and work.”

Clarice was a very active member of Pilgrim Congregational Church U.C.C. She was a Girl Scout leader when her daughters were growing up in the church, she was a member of the Joint Community Ministries, the Dismantling Racism Committee and she served on several boards. In recent years she was a dedicated volunteer for the church’s Soup Kitchen

which weekly serves meals to those less fortunate community members who need a warm meal to help make it through the week. She faithfully helped in the Soup Kitchen for over 25 years until her health declined. Clarice was also involved in organizations outside of the church including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Nursery Foundation. Clarice departed this earth on November 26, 2012, exactly one year after her husband of sixty seven years passed away. She is survived by her daughters Connie Agard and Judy Gladney; sister Lillian Stephens Wilson; five grandchildren: Greer Gladney, Lamar Agard, Brianna Agard Stewart (Danny), Aaron Vickers and Erica Vickers Cage (Warren); eight great grandchildren and a host of treasured extended family and friends.

Addie B. Jones

December 4, 1918 –December 2, 2012

Addie B. Jones was born December 4, 1918 in Carrollton, Mississippi as Addie B. Sykes to the union

of Will and Lela Sykes. She was called home early Sunday morning, December 2, 2012.

Addie B. Jones

In 1938, Addie became the beautiful and loving wife to Hines Wesley Jones. Addie and Hines union produced five children, three sons and two daughters. Addie’s husband Hines, youngest son Harry and great granddaughter Taylor, preceded her in death.

Addie is survived by four children: Eddie Jones, Sr.

(Carolyn) St. Louis; Earl Jones (Marilyn) Atlanta, Georgia; Amie Lewis (Porter) St. Louis and Jewell Donald, St. Louis; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; one sister Sue Bully (Culver City, California); one brother Herdie Sykes (Rose) Chicago, Illinois; two sister-in-laws, Ann Sykes, Chicago, Illinois and Carrie Sykes, Chicago, Illinois; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services: Friday, December 7, 2012 at Union Memorial United Methodist Church, 1141 Belt Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112, Visitation: 9–11 am, Funeral: 11 am. Interment: St. Peters Cemetery.

Clarice Gladney

Peabody eMINTS

(Enhancing Missouri Networked Teaching Strategies) Academy students Syntrell Howard 11, Diamond Pittman 9, and Arthur Ross 9, show principal Carey Cunningham and SLPS science specialist Susan Raney how they program robots to perform tasks.

Peabody is participating in the FIRST Lego League Challenge, a robotics program for 9-16 year olds, which is designed to get children excited about science and technology.

SCIENCE CORNER

Who Wants To Be An Architect?

Architects build and design places to live, play, work, shop, eat, etc. These buildings not only need to be pleasing to look at, but they must also be safe and reasonably priced. Architects must be skilled in many areas to make this possible. They use a lot of math in creating their design. Art also is a factor in creating a design that is pleasing to see. But did you know that architects also use language arts for research and submitting business proposals to clients?

To prepare for this career, you will need to take a variety of math courses—geometry, calculus, algebra, trigonometry. You will also need a variety of art courses—such as drawing, sculpture, and photography. in addition to these courses, you will need computer programming, business, English, and history. Architects are well rounded in their knowledge to create

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

in this architecture challenge, your group will design a structure that is both tall and strong. You will need to select a design that accommodates weight without bending. This process is known as tension and compression. Certain shapes provide better support than others. if you build with squares, the area will weaken when weight is applied. Triangles provide a very strong support, but will use building materials quickly. Therefore, you will need a careful combination of both of these shapes in your experiment.

Materials Needed:

40 pieces of spaghetti 2 cups of marshmallows

Object: Use the materials given to create a tower that is strong and tall. Each tower will be measured for height.

Process: first, sketch some designs. Build small portions of the tower and test for strength. Your group will need to have

MATH CONNECTION

have you ever seen an architect with long rolls of paper? These are called blueprints. Once created only on paper, many are now created digitally on the computer. Blueprints are the outlines of buildings and rooms. Due to the large size of buildings, blueprints are drawn to scale. A scale means that a certain measurement is equal, or proportionate, to the actual length. for example, if 1 inch=3 feet, a building that is 30 feet tall would be drawn 10 inches tall. in order to master this skill, you’ll need to use multiplication, division, fractions, and more. Are you ready?

safe, functional structures that are also works of art.

After high school, you will need to attend a school that is recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). in order to become an architect, you will need to pass an Architect registration Examination (ArE). Most architects start out as interns before they work on their own. in addition to the education, architects must be creative and have strong analytical, visual, and communication skills. Want To Learn More?

Check out “What’s Cool About Being an Architect?” at www. pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/profile/index.html

Learning Standards: i can read nonfiction text to learn about careers in math, science, and technology.

Make Spaghetti Towers!

the tower built in the time determined by your teacher. There will be a winner for the tallest structure and the strongest structure. The overall winner will be the group that has a tall and strong structure.

J. Max Bond, Jr.

J. Max Bond, Jr., an influential architect and educator, was born on July 17, 1935 in Louisville, Ky. his parents both held college degrees and his cousin was the chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Bond was interested in architecture at an early age, fascinated by a staircase at Tuskegee institute and North African construction that he witnessed on a trip to Tunisia.

Bond studied architecture at harvard, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1955 and a master’s degree from the harvard graduate School of Design in 1958. After graduation, Bond traveled to france to work and study architecture. his race made it difficult for him to find a job in the United States, so he worked overseas in ghana. While there, he taught at the hana University of Science and Technology.

in 1969, he returned to New York City and established the most successful African American architectural firm in the U.S.: Bond, ryder, and Associates. Bond worked on many famous designs, including the Civil rights Museum in Birmingham, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change and Memorial in Atlanta, and the Schomburg Center for research in Black Culture in harlem. he was also selected to design the museum portion of the 9/11 memorial

Analyze: What did you learn about architectural design in this process? What shapes are the strongest? how do you add extra support? What areas needed additional support? how did your design compare to your classmates?

Want more building challenges?

Check out: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/ act_geodesic_ho.html

http://www.exploratorium.edu/structures/newspaper.html

Learning Standards: i can follow directions to complete an experiment. i can analyze the results.

By the Numbers

Questions: here are a couple of problems for the warm up.

q if the scale is 1 inch=2 feet, and the length of the room was 12 feet, how many inches would this length be, if drawn to scale?

w if the scale is 1 inch=6 feet and the blueprint shows a room with a length of 4 inches, what is the actual length of the room?

Next, apply this theory to your classroom. if the scale is 1 inch=1 foot, measure to see how long the following items would be.

e A. The length of your desk _______ B. The length of your teacher’s desk _______ C. The height of the door _______

Challenge: Create a blueprint for your classroom and your bedroom.

Learning Standard: i can multiply, divide, measure, and draw to scale.

St. Louis is a city full of architecture that has made history. Read these amazing facts about St.

Bond also taught at Columbia University and City College of New York, encouraging students of color to become architects. At City College, he served as dean of the School of Architecture and Environmental Studies. from 1980 to 1986, he served on the New York City Planning Commission. he died of cancer on feb. 18, 2009, at the age of 73, but he leaves a legacy in the buildings he has created around the world. Want to know more?

Check out forde’s website: www.evanbforde.com

Learning Standards: i can read nonfiction text to find the main idea and supporting details in a biography.

MAP CORNER

Letter writing skills are very important; you will need to express yourself in a variety of situations. in this prompt, you will write a letter persuading a local architect to create a structure of your choice in the city. first, you need to decide the function of the structure. is it a piece of artwork? is it a memorial? is it a building with a special use? Next, you will need to describe who will benefit from this structure. Who will it help? finally, where will this structure be built? how will this structure complement the area?

Letter Writing Tips: Be sure you include the date, greeting, salutation, body, and closing. A friendly letter has a comma after the greeting; a business letter has a colon after the greeting. in order to be convincing, you will

DearSanta,Iheardyouwereinneedof anewheadquartersforyour NorthPoleoperation.Ihavea planIthinkyoushouldlookat. Attachedareblueprintsfor thenewdesign,whichwillgive yourelvesmoreworkspace andextralightforthosecold winterdays.Rudolophandhis fellowreindeeralsogetanew stable.Thankyouforconsideringmy proposal.Sincerely, Raphael need to have specific details to outline your plan. if you want to present yourself well, be sure you use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. have someone proofread your letter.

Learning Standards: i can write a business letter to describe a need in the community. i can apply the parts of a letter in my writing and write for a specific audience and purpose.

LEADiNg AfriCAN AMEriCAN ArChiTECT

4 The world’s first skyscraper, Louis Sullivan’s Wainwright Building, was built in St. Louis in 1897.

Louis.

Top to bottom: The 9/11 Memorial with the Museum in the center. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change Inc., and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

4 The gateway Arch (630 feet) is the nation’s tallest manmade monument.

4 in 1874, James Buchanan Eads built the first bridge using steel truss construction—the Eads Bridge.

Challenge: Add to this list and create a travel brochure for St. Louis.

CARDENAS MARKETS LOS ANGELES, CA CLIENT SINCE 1988

Mary Elizabeth Grimes,state director, March of Dimes Missouri Chapter; LaToya Daughrity, Nurse of the Year for pediatrics; and Dr.Jan DeMasters, president of the St.Louis Campus of Chamberlain College of Nursing.

BUSINESS

March of Dimes honors Nurses of the Year

LaToya Daughrity recognized for pediatrics

American staff

LaToya Daughrity of St. Louis Children’s Hospital is one 17 Missouri nurses honored as 2012 Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes Missouri Chapter. She received the Nurse of the Year award for pediatrics. She specializes in the neonatal intensive care unitat Children’s. In her nomination letter, the parent of a 23-week-old neonate whom she cared for talked about the special care that Daughrity gave to the baby and family. She has been practicing in Missouri for four years. Previously in 2010 she received the St. Louis Hospital President’s Award

The nurses were recognized for their extraordinary level of patient care, compassion, professionalism, integrity and leadership in the nurs-

The nurses were recognized for their extraordinary level of patient care, compassion, professionalism, integrity and leadership in the nursing profession.

ing profession.

More than 150 applications were submitted which were then narrowed down to 85 nominees representing 39 different health organizations. Aselection committee of health care professionals reviewed the blinded nomination forms and determined the winners. Dr. Jan DeMasters, President of the St. Louis Campus

of Chamberlain College of Nursing, chaired the committee.

“We are so pleased to be recognize the outstanding contributions and commitment nurses provide to healthcare across the state of Missouri,” said Mary Elizabeth Grimes, director of the Missouri Chapter of March Dimes.

“Although this is the first award ceremony we’ve held, March of Dimes has recognized and appreciated the contribution of nurses for almost 75 years. Nurse of the Year is an opportunity for March of Dimes, and the community, to say thank you to these wonderful caregivers who make such a difference in our lives.”

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of all babies by preventing

See NURSES, B2

Report says expanding Medicaid will boost economy

Will generate 24K jobs and increase payroll by nearly $7B

ByRobert Joiner Of The Beacon

The battle has been joined in Missouri over Medicaid with publication of a new study that says expansion of the program would bring billions in benefits. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., took a strong stand in favor of the measure last week and Gov. Jay Nixon has highlighted his support for Medicaid expansion as well. Leaders in the health care community are also turning up the volume as the Affordable Care Act takes hold, putting pressure on legislators to act.

“The health of our economy, and the physical and mental wellbeing of our state is not Republican or Democrat.”

– Joe Pierle,Missouri Primary Care Association

Nixon announced that he plans to push lawmakers to expand the public health insurance program for the poor to include an estimated 300,000 uninsured Missourians.

Missouri Republicans, who hold super majorities in both legislative chambers, have steadfastly opposed the idea. But Nixon, a Democrat, said he’s come to the conclusion that the expansion is “the smart thing to do, and it is the right thing to do.”

Missouri, like some other states, has not decided to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. There is no deadline for taking part in the expanded Medicaid program, which begins January 2014. But states that choose to expand later rather than sooner could lose billions of dollars in federal payments because the federal government would cover the full cost of expansion only for the first three years, from 2014 to 2016. The study was commissioned by theMissouri Hospital Associationand the Missouri Foundation for Health. It says Medicaid expansion would add thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to Missouri’s economy while extending health care to more than 150,000 uninsured residents, according to astudyof the enrollment, economic and tax impact of expanding the health safety net program.

To forgo expansion, the report says, would mean, among other things, more expensive private insurance premiums and inefficient use of

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Camille P. Toney has joined Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale P.C. as an associate in the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. She counsels clients on issues related to labor and employment law, including labor negotiations and disputes, employee discipline, employment discrimination, wage and hour issues, handbooks and restrictive covenants. She earned her law degree and master’s in business administration jointly from the University of Alabama School of Law and the Manderson Graduate School of Business.

Niketta Dailey has been recognized as one of 13 Hospitality Super Heroes in the St. Louis region by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. Dailey is a guest service agent at the Residence Inn by Marriott – Downtown. The program honors “front line workers who best exemplify the region’s ongoing commitment to great service.” She is the author of the novel Rachael Walters (2012), which can be found at Amazon. Her first book signing is March 9 at the Schlafly Branch.

Sr. Thelma Marie Mitchell has been named an AgelessRemarkable St. Louisan by St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors. She devotes her time to help the children and families of SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. She volunteers with the Footprints program, visiting kids with life-threatening illness and their families. She also lends her services in the Outpatient Laboratory and X-ray area. She is on the board of Nia Kumba, which helps African-American women grow spiritually.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

St. Louis delegation travels to China on trade mission

World Trade Center St. Louis, former U.S. Senator Kit Bond with Kit Bond Strategies and St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley left St. Louis last week for a new trade delegation to China.

They attended the 5th U.S.-China Transportation Forum, held jointly by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Chinese Ministry of Transport, and the Sino-American Logistics Conference, a global conference, hosted in Shanghai, linking government and industry leaders on supply chain and trade issues. They also are traveling to Nanjing, St. Louis’ Sister City, and Beijing, the capitol city. Also attending are representatives from Washington University in St. Louis, Emerson, Monsanto, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, PNC Bank and Peabody Energy. The trip may be followed on Twitter account @WTCSTL.

Kwame given RCGAGreater St. Louis Top 50 Award

Kwame Building Group has been named one of St. Louis’top companies through the “Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award” sponsored by the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association (RCGA). This is the third time and the second year in a row that KWAME has received the honor.

Although overall construction employment in St. Louis fell in 2011, KWAME grew by 21 percent and managed $300 million in projects. The company also announced a succession plan in 2011 and established an employee stock ownership plan that allocated 49 percent of the previously family-owned business to its 60 employees. The Kwame Foundation also funds $150,000 in higher education scholarships annually.

Niketta Dailey

Camille P. Tony

Thelma Marie Mitchell

By Eugene Robinson

How dare he? President

Obama, I mean: How dare he do what he promised during the campaign? How dare he insist on a “balanced approach” to fiscal policy that includes an teensy-weensy tax increase for the rich? Oh, the humanity.

Republicans are having conniptions. Witness the way House Speaker John Boehner reacted when Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner presented the administration’s proposals on taxes and spending: “I was flabbergasted,” Boehner told Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.” “I looked at him and said, ‘You can’t be serious.’I’ve just never seen anything like it. You know, we’ve got seven weeks between Election Day and the end of the year. And three of those weeks have been wasted

Face-off overthe fiscal cliff

with this nonsense.” The “nonsense” in question is a set of perfectly reasonable measures that Obama wants Congress to approve. Nothing in his package should be a surprise – except, perhaps, that the president has opened this negotiation by demanding what he really wants, rather than what he believes it would be convenient for Boehner to deliver.

“The president’s idea of a negotiation is, roll over and do what I ask,” Boehner groused. Hmmm. Where do you imagine the president might have learned this particular bargaining technique? Might his instructors have been Boehner’s own House Republicans, who went so far as to hold the debt ceiling for ransom – and with it, the nation’s full faith and credit –in order to get their way?

Obama’s proposals include effectively taking away con-

gressional authority over the debt ceiling, which would preclude a repeat of last year’s hostage crisis. Boehner called it “silliness” to think that Congress would willingly surrender a power it can use to “leverage the political process.” So it’s fine when Congress uses muscle to get its way but not when the president does the same?

“Right now, I would say we’re nowhere, period,” said Boehner. “We’re nowhere.”

Not true. It’s just that we’re somewhere Republicans would prefer not to be. We’re just past an election in which Obama won a second term and Democrats gained seats in both

houses of Congress. And we’re nearing a “fiscal cliff” of tax increases and budget cuts that horrify Republicans more than Democrats.

In Boehner’s view, he has already made a major concession: He announced that Republicans are “willing to put revenue on the table,” perhaps to the tune of $800 billion over a decade. But he insists this money has to come from eliminating deductions and closing loopholes – and not from any increase in income tax rates.

Obama insists that a modest increase in tax rates for the wealthiest households – from 35 percent to 39.6 percent, the

rate during the Clinton years –must be part of any package.

This fight isn’t about whether the rich will pay more in taxes; it is clear that they will. It’s about whether this new revenue is collected in a way that allows House Republicans to say they have kept their pledge never to raise marginal tax rates for anyone, for any purpose.

Refusing to budge has served House Republicans well in previous budget negotiations. But the no-taxes-ever bulwark has not served the country well, and if Obama sees a way to blast through it, he would be remiss not to try.

Geithner seems confident.

“You’ve heard (Republicans) for the first time, I think, in two decades, acknowledge that they are willing to have revenues go up as part of a balanced plan,” he said Sunday.

“That’s a good first step, but they have to tell us what they

Last-minute ways to trim yourtaxes

are willing to do on rates and revenues. That’s going to be very hard for Republicans. We understand that, but there’s no way through this without that.” There is no guarantee that Obama will get everything he wants out of this showdown. But I’d rather be playing the president’s hand than Boehner’s.

Most House Republicans are in safe districts, but not all of them – and the GOPmajority will be smaller when the new Congress convenes. Polls indicate that most Americans believe the tax increase Obama seeks for the wealthy is no big deal. It’s hard to imagine how Republicans can possibly get a better offer on taxes and spending in January than they can get now.

Hence Boehner’s urgency. Time is not on his side. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson @washpost.com.

By Jason Alderman

From now until New Year’s is probably when you have the least amount of time to spare on mundane financial bookkeeping tasks. But if you can dedicate a few minutes to review your benefits and tax paperwork, you might be able to shave hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars off your 2012 taxes.

Here are a few suggestions:

If you haven’t already maxed out on contributions, ask your employer if you can make a catch-up contribution to your 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan before year’s end. Most people can contribute up to $17,000 in 2012 (a $500 increase over 2011), plus an

Continued from B1

emergency room resources by the uninsured.

The study says expanding Medicaid would benefit Missouri because it would:

additional $5,500 if they’re over 50. If you contribute on a pretax basis, your taxable income is reduced, which in turn lowers your taxes. At a minimum, if your employer offers matching contributions (essentially, free money), be sure to contribute at least enough to take full advantage of the match. If you participate in employer-sponsored flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which let you use pretax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses, an important change is coming next year: Beginning January 1, 2013, the maximum annual contribution for healthcare FSAs will shrink to $2,500 from the $5,000 limit

ï Generate 24,000 more jobs, described as the equivalent of more workers than Missouri’s 10 Fortune 500 companies.

ï Increase payroll by nearly $7 billion between 2014 and 2020.

ï Boost state and local tax revenue by $856 million between 2014 and 2020.

ï Lower the cost of private insurance premiums because hospitals wouldn’t need to shift as much of their costs to

many employers currently offer; however, if your spouse has FSAs at work, you still may contribute up to $2,500 to each account. Dependent care account limits remain unchanged.

It’s vital to calculate and use any untapped 2012 account balances before your plan-year deadline (sometimes up to 75 days into the following year); otherwise, you’ll forfeit the remaining balance. If you have a surplus, consider which 2013 expenses you could pay before December 31, 2012. And, keep the new limit in mind when planning your 2013 healthcare

cover treatment for the uninsured.

The study attempted to put the job growth in perspective in regions as well. It said that the estimated 5,318 jobs generated in the St. Louis area would be equivalent to the current employment rate at Saint Louis University; and that the estimated 4,236 jobs projected for the Kansas City area were equivalent to the current employment at the Ford Motor Co. plant there.

FSA. You can use your healthcare FSAfor copayments, deductibles and medical devices such as glasses, contact lenses and braces, among other expenses; over-thecounter medicines are only eligible with a doctor’s prescription (an exception is made for insulin).

Charitable contributions. If you plan to itemize deductions on your 2012 taxes, charitable contributions made to IRSapproved organizations by December 31, 2012, are generally tax-deductible. If you’ve got extra cash now and want to

States that choose to expand later rather than sooner could lose billions of dollars in federal payments.

“Medicaid expansion will improve the health of the state and significantly boost the state’s economy,” Said Herb B. Kuhn, Missouri Hospital Association president and CEO.

Advantage to starting early

The year 2014 would mark the start of Medicaid expansion, and 2020 is the year states would be required to pay 10 percent of the cost of the expansion. During the first three years of expansion, from 2014 to 2016, the federal gov-

ernment would pick up all the cost. Then, states would have to cover 5 percent of the cost in 2017, 6 percent in 2018, 7 percent in 2019 and 10 percent from 2020 and beyond. The study said expansion would cost Missouri $332 million during the four years it would pick up part of the tab – $58 million in 2017, $71 million in 2018, $84 million in 2019 and $119 million in 2020 and beyond. Missouri’s cost would rise by about 3.9 percent, and the entire cost of expansion would be eased by $8.2 billion in federal contribution to Missouri Medicaid during the 20142020 period. While the study’s numbers show that Missouri would see net economic gains that more than offset its payments for expansion, the numbers in the report differ from those in a study released earlier this week by the Kaiser Family Foundation. It estimated that Missouri’s cost could rise by 6.6 percent, but Kaiser’s numbers covered more years and didn’t include all the variables that the Missouri study covered.

lower your 2012 taxes even further, consider moving up donations you would have made in 2013.

Gifts. Unless Congress intervenes, the federal income tax exemption for estate distributions and lifetime gifts will drop from the 2012 limit ($5.12 million) to the pre-2011 level of $1 million (for married couples, it drops from $10.24 million to $2 million); in addition, the tax rate on gifts or estate distributions above those limits will increase from 35 percent in 2012 to 55 percent in 2013.

One way to exceed the lifetime gift limit – and avoid having to file a Gift Tax Return – is by giving separate, annual gifts of up to $13,000 per year, per person. (Married couples filing jointly can give $26,000 per recipient.) Rules for gift and estate taxes are complex, so read IRS Publication 950 (at www.irs.gov) and consult your financial advisor. This isn’t an ideal time to take on any additional tasks, but if some or all of these situations apply, you could considerably lower your tax bill –wouldn’t that be a great way to start the New Year?

Joe Pierle, CEO of the Missouri Primary Care Association, noted that Kaiser said its numbers “should be considered an overestimate of cost or an underestimate of saving in states that implement Medicaid expansion.”

Ryan Barker, director of health policy for the Missouri Foundation for Health, said that regardless of the difference between the two reports, Missouri is going to have costs even if it doesn’t expand its Medicaid program because it would be required under ACAto cover Medicaid residents who are currently eligible and haven’t yet enrolled.

Pierle is also chair of the Coalition for Healthy Economic Growth, a group of health providers. He says Missouri has a “unique opportunity to bolster its economy by accepting federal dollars to expand health coverage.”

He says the issues transcend politics. “The bottom line is that this is not a political issue for us. The health of our economy, and the physical and mental well-being of our state is not Republican or Democrat, blue or red.”

Pierle says that federal money that isn’t paid to Missouri under an expansion of Medicaid will be shifted to other states. He added, “Missouri cannot afford not to accept the new federal health-care funding. And keeping the federal tax dollars that Missouri pays, right here locally, within the state, makes fiscal sense. It makes no fiscal sense to send our federal tax dollars to our neighbors in Illinois.”

Sen. Claire McCaskill, DMo., echoed some of the remarks by those releasing the report.

“Here’s the thing I don’t get” about the GOPin the Missouri Legislature, McCaskill said in a conference call last week. “Why are they so excited about the idea of sending Missourians’federal tax dollars to California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois?”

She said state lawmakers are “short-changing the people of Missouri by saying,

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

‘We’re going to send your tax money to another state’that has expanded Medicaid.” In addition, she said, hospitals expected to benefit from Medicaid expansion “as a way to get at the huge problem they have with underinsured and uninsured care that shows up in the emergency rooms. If you take those [Medicaid] monies away from many of those hospitals that are operating on a very thin edge around our state, you’re going to have real problems.”

Barker acknowledged the challenge of enrolling an estimated 150,260 new Medicaid participants if the program is expanded. The study says about 218,000 would be eligible but that not all will choose to enroll.

He pointed to the experience in Massachusetts, the only state with a program similar to the Affordable Care Act. He said expanding the program in Massachusetts did take time “and that the program succeeded as a result of a significant amount of outreach.It didn’t happen overnight.”

Robert Koenig, the Beacon’s Washington correspondent, contributed information to this report. Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

Continued from B1

Eugene Robinson

million in Missouri for research and programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. Nurses employed in the state of Missouri and Illinois counties of Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, Monroe, and Randolph were eligible to participate. The event was sponsored by Health Care Family Credit Union, Mercy, NurseWise, Scrubs and Beyond and Webster University.

“He definitely made a change of my life, giving me the opportunity to get a college education and play college basketball.”

— Denver Nuggets guard Andre Miller,on the death of his former college coach Rick Majerus

Sports

qualifying round action.

Girl power!

Incarnate Word in Missouri and Edwardsville on Illinois side look impressive out of the gate

One things we have learned about area girls basketball in the first two weeks of the season is that we have a dominant team on each side of the river. Incarnate Word is looking strong again in Missouri while Edwardsville looks to be a powerhouse again in the metro east. Both teams have looked quite impressive in winning early season tournaments while featuring an All-American caliber player. Edwardsville is out of the gate quickly with a 5-0 start. The Tigers’defense has been stifling; giving up only 17 points a game. In one game last week, Edwardsville defeated rival Collinsville 59-10. The Tigers are led by 6’2” AllState forward Emmonnie Henderson, who is averaging 14 points a game. The University of Louisville-signee is ranked among

PREP BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

With Earl Austin Jr.

the Top 40 players in the nation. Henderson is getting plenty of support from 6’1” junior Kortney Dunbar and 5’10” junior Aalyah Covington, who average 13 and 11 points a game, respectively. Senior Lauren White runs the show at point guard.

Incarnate Word won the Troy Tournament last week in convinc-

ing fashion. The Red Knights have one of the nation’s top sophomore players in 6’1” guard Napheesa Collier. The transfer from Jefferson City averaged 26.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and four steals in their three victories in Troy. She had 24 points and 13 rebounds in a victory over nationally-ranked Birmingham Hoover (AL) to open the season.

The Red Knights also have returning veterans in stellar junior

Rick Majerus was one of a kind

~ See ‘Claib’s Call’ page B4 ~

Micheal Crabtree’s arrival to St. Louis this weekend was a homecoming of sorts. His father, auntie Jap, along with a host of other family and friends greeted him after the game outside the Edward Jones Dome after his San Francisco 49ers lost a heartbreaker to the St. Louis Rams last Sunday 16-13. Crabtree torched the Rams in defeat with seven catches for 101 yards. He duplicated his Week five performance when he had six receptiosn for 118 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo. Crabtree, in his 4th year with the 49ers, has become sort of a Rams killer. He has 37receptions for 594 yards and five TDs in seven games against the

Crabtree, in his 4th year with the 49ers, has become sort of a Rams killer. The sequel nobody wants to see

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

For the last few years, both casual and hardcore boxing fans have been hoping for one fight: Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Yet time and time again we’ve been let down as these two boxing superstars have danced around what could have easily been the richest fight in boxing history, leaving fans with a lingering taste of disappointment. Now, the mere idea of the mega bout has lost its luster can boxing provide us with to closeout 2012? Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV: the sequel nobody wants to see. Let me be clear in stating I have nothing against Pacquiao or Marquez. Both have carved out excellent careers and will be shoe-ins for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. But let’s be honest, who FROMTHE EAST SIDE

after a prison sentence sidelined Mayweather for several months and a few blind judges sabotaged Pacquiao’s momentum via a bogus loss at the hands of Timothy Bradley, Jr. None of this is surprising though, since boxing has an innate ability of finding new and creative ways to alienating its fans. So what type of monumental disappointment

Boxing has an innate ability of finding new and creative ways to alienating its fans.

Maurice Scott

Photo by Wiley Price

With Maurice Scott,Jr.

At the Affton Invitational Normandy's Marlow Scott (bottom) would be defeated by Gateway's Abdullah Ahad (top) during late

Manny Pacquiao will fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the fourth time.

With Mike Claiborne

Rick Majerus was one of a kind

The passing of former Saint Louis University coach Rick Majerus is obviously a sad one. It is one that has a variety of well wishers speaking about their personal relationship they had conjured up with the departed. I had one that did not get off to the best of starts upon his arrival. It was a column that I had written in the St. Louis American that he was not happy with. I felt that he was out of line in his treatment to some people on and off campus and he did not like it one bit. After an invitation by SLU Athletic Director Chris May to talk things out with Coach Majerus, it did not take long before he and I exchanged some choice words where we were one more choice word from throwing down. Much to the chagrin of my esteemed colleague Earl Austin Jr. and SLU then-

Rick Majerus was an interesting sort of chap. He would try someone for size and once he knew who would stand up to him, disagree with him respectfully or have something to talk about other than basketball, he was a good person. He could bully those who he thought could not take it.

I have been around a lot of coaches in my life and Rick Majerus is in the same category as former SLU coach Rich Grawer when it came to caring.

Sports Information Director Chuck Yuang and Chris May who I had not met until that blessed moment, our conversation got quite heated..Yeah, we were ready to go and we would have if not for cooler heads. I’m glad there were cooler heads on hand. We realized we wanted to see the same thing and it was watching Billiken basketball be better than what it was. Everything else was elementary.

After getting to know him better I thought he meant well. You have probably heard all the stories by others who knew him saying everything evolved around a good meal. The man could go. After our near set to, I got a call out of the blue and it was him inviting me to breakfast. Just he and I and that was the start of something. I have had few two and a half hour breakfast times but never with another man. In that time, our prior meeting was never brought up. Instead we covered family, the NBA, politics, and life and all the people we had in common. I was even invited to his practices which was a no-no to media members at the time including his own broadcasters. That, I never understood, but it was his team and he could do what he wanted to. Over time we would both reach out to each other and talk about a myriad of things including his team and his kids. Yes, his kids. I have been around a lot of coaches in my life and Rick Majerus is in the

Rick Majerus was so respected because he knew the importance of an education.He knew it meant even more to African-American kids who may have come from a challenged environment where it may have been their only way out.Majerus got more out of watching a kid graduate from college than being drafted into the NBA.

same category as former SLU coach Rich Grawer when it came to caring. He was in the

same category as Bob Knight, John Thompson and Gary Pinkel when it came to making sure his kids graduated. That means a lot to me as I have seen too many get used up over the years with nothing to show for it.

I respected Rick Majerus because he knew the importance of an education. He knew it meant even more to African-American kids who

may have come from a challenged environment where it may have been their only way out. I am of the belief that Majerus got more out of watching a kid graduate from college than being drafted into the NBAas there were more graduates than ballers. While Rick Majerus and I differed on how some things should be handled, his way was not always right, nor was

mine. We could find middle ground and the rest would take care of itself. I will not profess to say I was a great friend of Rick Majerus’but I was a great fan of his basketball mind. Few were better. I did get along with him better in the end than I did at the beginning.

In my last conversation with him after the NCAAtournament, I congratulated him on the great season he and his team had. He was really proud of this bunch and he expressed that. His last words to me were

“Hey Mike, we have come a long way since our first lunch.” I chuckled and told him that may be an understatement. He got a kick out that and that is where we shall leave it forever as we both got something out of the relationship. I guess I am better off for it. Rest in peace coach.

Visit The St. Louis American online at www.

stlamerican.com

Mike Claiborne

RAMS ROUNDUP

With Palmer L.Alexander III

Defense is catalyst again in Rams win

The St.Louis Rams

By Palmer L.Alexander III

The St. Louis Rams finally put away the San Francisco 49ers 16-13 in an exciting yet, sometimes ugly looking football game last Sunday. However, the only thing that matters to the Rams are wins. And with their record now at 5-6-1, this team is sitting on the outer brim of the playoff picture. With three out of the next four games on the road, the Rams can ill afford to worry about the playoff pic-

PREP

Continued from B3

ï Miller Career Academy started the season the right way by winning the Farmington Tournament. The Phoenix are coming off a season where they finished third in the Class 4 state tournament. They are led by junior guard Braennan Farrar, who averaged 17 points a game at Farmington. Junior forward Zhanesha Dickerson averaged 14 points and shot 58 percent from the field while senior Abrelyn Rackley averaged 11 points a game.

ï Parkway North and Nerinx Hall also won big tournaments last week. North

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

really wants to see them back in the ring together? The three previous bouts have all been close and compelling (1 draw and 2 Pacquiao decisions) but all they’ve proven is that these two fighters have each other’s number. While fight #4 may very well be close, dramatic and possibly controversial, I just don’t care.

It’s probably fitting that Pacquiao trains at Freddie Roach’s Wildcard Gym in Hollywood because this matchup reminds me of those successful movie franchises that try to milk too many sequels. This bout has about as much buzz as a thirteenth Friday the 13th. Sure, I hear the chatter: Marquez is bigger and stronger; Pacquiao is focused and aggressive; both men are ready to gain a definitive win. Been there. Done that. We’ve heard it all before. Since Pacquiao and Mayweather can’t get it together, I’d rather see PacMan use his weight-class jumping powers to take on

ture. That’s for the fans and media to debate. Speaking about debate, I don’t think there are many people out there who would debate, at least intelligently about the improvement of this team in just a football season. Of course, the playoffs are a long shot as of today, but that can change if the Rams stay the course. In all five of the Rams wins this season, the defense has been the catalyst. San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick got sacked three

defeated rival Parkway South in the championship game of the Gerald Linneman Memorial Tip-Off Classic. Nerinx Hall defeated Marquette in the championship of the Randi Perkins Marquette Invitational.

Big Games This Week

Chaminade at CBC, Friday, 7 p.m. – This will be a rematch of last week’s championship game of the Pattonville Tournament, won by CBC 6056.

WebsterGroves Tournament: The action begins today with four games, Miller Career Academy vs. Lee’s Summit, 4 p.m.; Maplewood vs. Lafayette, 5:30 p.m.; Webster Groves vs. Hazelwood West, 7 p.m.; SLUH vs. Marquette, 8:30 p.m. The semifinals will be held on Friday at 7 and 8:30 p.m. The championship game

somebody new like Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (154 lbs), Danny Garcia (140 lbs) or even throw a bunch of cash and a bucket of Dax to Floyd Mayweather wannabe Adrien Broner to move up to 140ish for an exciting bout. But sadly Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum are content with recycling Top Rank retreads, so we’re stuck with more shrug-worthy reruns. Let’s all pull for a definitive Pacquiao victory so we can put this rivalry to rest once and for all.

Cotto can’t cope with Trout

Outside his better-thanexpected bout versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. (who’s not a true Jr. Middleweight) Miguel Cotto (37-3) has never been especially effective fighting at 154 lbs. Sure, he demolished a concrete-less Antonio Margarito and an overweight, past-his-prime Ricardo Mayorga but Cotto’s best days were at welterweight. So it wasn’t a major surprise this past weekend when the pride of Puerto Rico lost an entertaining bout to the younger,

times had a fumble that was recovered by Janoris Jenkins who scored shortly thereafter. That makes three touchdowns in two games for the rookie who also had five tackles. Defensive tackle William Hayes was very disruptive and is looking like one of the best signings by Les Snead prior to the season. I’ve said it and will keep saying it, when the Rams defense is playing with an

edge, they are very difficult to go up against. The run defense was very stout in putting the clamps on bruising running back Frank Gore. They held Gore to just 58 yards on 23 attempts. And when Gore left the game backup Brandon Jacobs didn’t fare any better with just four yards. And let’s not forget about the safety due to intentional grounding by Kaepernick because the Rams sent the big blitz and it put the

first point on the board for the Rams. The defense wasn’t the only reason for the win. Greg Zuerlein had the game tying and game winning field goals. They weren’t chip shots either at 53 and 54 yards respectively. Zuerlein has been in a little funk since the Miami Dolphins game when his streak of 15 straight field goals ended. Sam Bradford was solid in not turning the ball over and most importantly he used his legs and picked up some nice yards in that last drive in regu-

With a record of 5-6-1, this team is sitting on the outer brim of the playoff picture.

lation. Bradford has been up and down this season, but one thing for sure he’s tough and he has done a good job in close games. Bradford is coming around and it looks like the rest of the Rams are right behind him.

will be held on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

I am proud to announce that my basketball website, www.earlaustinjr.com, reached 1 million page views last Saturday. I would like to thank everyone for their support and interest in our daily coverage of St. Louis basketball on the website.

(You can follow Earl Austin Jr. at twitter.com/earlaustinjr. You can also follow him on his basketball website, www.earlaustinjr.com).

EAST SIDE

Continued from B3

didn’t.

I’m very happy with playing with a great organization in the 49ers, and looking forward to winning Super Bowls here.”

longer, undefeated Austin Trout (25-0). Trout used his advantages in reach and quickness to pepper Cotto with combinations all night long. Cotto had his moments as he stalked Trout around the ring, but Trout surprised onlookers by besting his opponent on the inside exchanges for much of the bout. With only 14 knockouts on his resume, many questioned whether “No Doubt” Trout had enough power to keep Cotto out of his personal space, especially in a hostile environment such as Madison Square Garden where the fan-favorite Cotto had never lost a bout.

Question answered. By the end of the bout, Cotto’s face was swollen and bruised and he looked winded from the high activity level of the WBALight Middleweight (Regular) Champion. With the win, the nearly unknown Trout made a major statement on the big stage and likely put himself in a good position to land some seven-figure fights. Cotto stormed away in disappointment, but shouldn’t be dismayed as he simply lost to a better, albeit unknown, fighter.

Crabtree played his college ball at Texas Tech, and accomplished All -American status in the 08-09 season.

I was hoping during that season the Rams would draft the highly touted reciever that the Rams really needed then, and in my opinon now.

But the Four Pillars that former head coach Steve Spagnolua that covered over Rams Park at the time wouldn’t have nothing to do with him. I’m glad he didn’t come to St. Louis under that staff. He might have turned out like some of the other draft choices those dogs at the time brought in. Ironically, most of those draft picks by those slugs know longer or in football. Or they are being coached up and performing much better with other organizations.

Congrats to Micheal Crabtree and his family. They are my friends.

Palmer L. Alexander

point guard Nakiah Bell, senior guard Nia Roth and post players Gwen Adams and McKenna Treece.

Fed chairdecries discrimination in mortgages

Bernanke accuses lenders of redlining, overpricing black borrowers

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

In a recent speech before the Operation HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta, Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve warned that the current housing recovery is leaving communities of color behind.In his remarks, he acknowledged that racial discrimination in housing persists despite federal fair housing laws and the Community Reinvestment Act.

“Two types of discrimination continue to have particular significance to mortgage markets.” said Bernanke. “One is redlining, in which mortgage lenders discriminate against minority neighborhoods, and the other is pricing discrimination, in which lenders charge minorities higher loan prices than they would to comparable nonminority borrowers.”

He added, “I am reminded here that fair treatment in housing was a significant focus of Dr. King’s and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 – still one of the nation’s cornerstone laws to prohibit discrimination – was passed only a week after his assassination and stands among his legacies.”

Despite that historic legislation, from 2004 to 2012 African-American homeownership fell more than double that for other racial groups, and the number of home-purchase loans among AfricanAmericans and Hispanics dropped more than 65 percent. By comparison, lending to non-Hispanic whites fell less than 50 percent. Nationwide, the current homeownership rate stands at a 15-year low. The Fed Chairman’s con-

Ben Bernanke,chairman of the Federal Reserve and President Barack Obama

clusions underscore recent independent housing research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). The report entitled Collateral Damage: The Spillover Costs of

“Lenders charge minorities higher loan prices than they would to comparable nonminority borrowers.”

– Ben Bernanke,chairman of the Federal Reserve

Foreclosures measures losses in property values suffered by families who live near foreclosed homes. CRLfound that among the 10.9 million homes that went into foreclosure between 2007 and 2011, over half of the “spillover” costs were borne by African-

American and Latino families.

While Chairman Bernanke called for consumers to become more financially informed, CRLcautions that efforts to strengthen consumer education should never substitute for fair policies. There will always be gaps in financial literacy; but sound policies can help ensure better and more sustainable opportunities for families to build wealth.

Consumers concerned about these issues can stay informed and join the ongoing conversation on Twitter. CRLencourages Twitter users to participate in a growing online advocacy effort to fight for fair and affordable homeownership at www.homeville.us.

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Financial Focus

By Andre K.Nelson, AAMS

ï Don’t over-use your credit cards. Try to limit your credit card purchases over the holidays. If you must use a card, at least pick the one with

A warm and fuzzy Christmas feeling

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“People hear Santa Paws and they think we are animated, but we are all living breathing really alive people,” said stage, film and television actor Obba Babatunde. “And I get a chance to sing and dance in this movie.”

Renowned designs to rip the runway for a worthy cause

Babatunde was filled with season’s greetings as he spoke of the latest contribution to a career that has spanned more than four decades. Not only does he get joy from returning to his roots as a triple threat (singer, actor and dancer) but he can now add a holiday file to his vast See

By

Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American “This is my fourth year doing it so I guess just can’t get

and these curvy girl fashions honey,” said designer Qristyl Frazier.

guess I’m representing my hometown alright.” The New York based, but St. Louis born and bred full figured fashionista will be in good company as Mathews-Dickey presents Sheer Elegance No.24 This Saturday at the Chase Park Plaza’s Khorassan Room as a host of nationally-renowned designers and celebs help bring the five Platonic solids of earth, water, air, fire and aether to life in “Elements of Style & Grace.” In addition to Frazier, designs by Brown Shoe’s footwear, along with apparel by As U Wish, Lee J’s, SofistaFunk Skirt Company of New York, Trixxi and fellow “Project Runway”

By

Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Our little family of three spent our Thanksgiving break in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, West Africa, where we buried my wife’s mother and our daughter’s grandmother, TsoTso Mensah. The funeral services were based

physically around the home of my wife’s elder sister, Mary Magdalene (M.M.) Mensah. M.M. lives in a small walled compound in a prosperous gated community in Lashibi, a suburb of the capital city. The funeral began on Friday – “Black Friday” here at home –

Liar, Liar

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I ran into you main boo thang while I was making my Black Friday rounds,” I tell a friend as we play catch up from our Thanksgiving festivities.

“He went shopping,” she asked with utter disgust and a hint of exhaustion.

“He told you he didn’t,” I said. “Maybe he enjoys the sport of obnoxious, hostile holiday shopping as a spectator,” I say trying to fix it. “Or he could have just forgotten about being at Target at 2 a.m. technically I didn’t see him buy anything. Why are you tripping? They had XBOX 360s for $149!”

“Because he stood in my face and lied to me – oh well…what else is new?”

“You said it. I didn’t,” I said. “I can think of a lot worse places to be on a Friday night at 2 a.m. than the Target. You know that’s when the side chicks actually celebrate Thanksgiving.”

“That’s the thing, he told me he was ‘poppin’ bottles at the club,’” she said. “What grand story did he have to tell you in the 10 seconds y’all spent in passing,” she asked.

“Poppin’ bottles…who brags about that – let alone lies about it at his age? It doesn’t matter.” I say.

She wasn’t having it.

I was a bit delirious and unfocused after hours of trying to get my door buster on, but I remembered him

See SINGLE, C4

FASHION, C4

Obba Babatunde

Qristyl Frazier

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

Thur., Dec. 6, 6 p.m., Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis hosts Annual Toy Drive & Holiday Party. Proceeds are directed to 3-5 families from the United Way’s 100 Neediest Cases. We need clothing, toys, gift cards, and other household items. Come help us celebrate by helping our community. The Malt House Cellar, 2017 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call 9314) 615-3600.

Dec. 6 – 9, Theatre Guild of WebsterGroves presents A Very Special Gift, A Christmas Musical. Come to Santa’s Toy Shop to see the toys come alive and show you the true meaning of Christmas. 517 Theatre Ln., 63119. For more information, call (314) 962-0876 or visit www.theatreguildwg.org.

Dec. 7 – 9, Dimensions Dance Center presents The Nutcracker. Edited to present a complete story in a time format suitable for all ages. Clayton High School Auditorium, #1 Mark Twain Circle, 63105. For more information, call (314) 432-5581.

Fri., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., St. Joseph Institute forthe Deaf 2012 Gala. Special performance, “Back to the Future at Christmas.” Join the students of St. Joseph Institute as they search through 175 years for the holiday spirit. Doubletree Hotel, 16625 Swingley Ridge Rd., 63017. For more information, call (636) 532-3211.

Fri., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk. The festivities begin with caroling, the lighting of the tree and Santa Claus’s arrival. Enjoy free carriage rides and hot chocolate. Historic Downtown Maplewood, 7300 Manchester Rd., 63143. For more information, call (314) 781-8588.

Fri., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., The Connection United Methodist

Church hosts Holiday Jazz Concert. Join CoCo Soul, Alerica Anderson and other St. Louis jazz celebrities to raise funding and awareness for mission and ministries. 6701 Virginia Ave., 63111. For more information, call (314) 2560545.

Fri., Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Edison Theatre Ovations! presents Reduced Shakespeare Co.: The Ultimate Christmas Show. Learn how Santa saved Christmas, the origin of the term “Nutcracker,” the truths behind some of our most beloved holiday traditions and more! And Christmas isn’t the only holiday in on the laughs: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Saturnalia are included, too. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Zeta Charitable Foundation of St. Louis and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Epsilon Lambda Chapter invite you to A Holiday Party. Alpha House, 3615 N. 19th St., 63107. For more information, call (314) 496-6637.

Fri., Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Edison Theatre Ovations! presents Reduced Shakespeare Co.: The Ultimate Christmas Show. Learn how Santa saved Christmas, the origin of the term “Nutcracker,” the truths behind some of our most beloved holiday traditions and more! And Christmas isn’t the only holiday in on the laughs: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Saturnalia are included, too. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or visit www.metrotix.com

Dec. 7 – 9, St. Louis Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah. Acombination of thunderous power with gentle tenderness to tell a story of hope and uplifting anticipation. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-

CALENDAR

1700.

Dec. 7 – 9, Dimensions Dance Center presents The Nutcracker. Edited to present a complete story in a time format suitable for all ages.

Clayton High School Auditorium, #1 Mark Twain Circle, 63105. For more information, call (314) 432-5581.

Dec. 8 – 9, University of Missouri St. Louis presents The Ambassadors of Harmony: Sounds of the Season 2012. The first half of the show is an energetic look at the lighter side of Christmas. In the second act, the chorus puts its heavenly harmonies on classic carols and songs. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949.

Sat., Dec. 8, 9 a.m., 2nd

Annual Santa’s North Pole Dash & Children’s Snowman Shuffle. All 2,500 participants will receive Santa’s hat, beard, jacket, glove and bag for the race. Historic St. Charles, 230 S. Main St., 63302. For more information, call (636) 9460633.

Sat., Dec. 8, 10 a.m., Santa Claus is Coming to Westport. Children are welcome to come get their complimentary photo with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, face painting, balloons and live entertainment. Westport Plaza (Indoor Pavillion), 111 W. Port Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 576-7100.

Sat., Dec. 8, 9 a.m., Mokabe’s Coffee House hosts Grinchmas: Grinch to Spread Holiday Cheer. The Grinch will be arriving with

Leisure Studies presentsBilal with special guests Tiffany Elle,Black Spade,Nappy DJ Needles, 18andCounting, Lamar Harris & Thelonius Kryptonite See CONCERTS for details.

his friends, the Moolah Shriners to assist with balloon animals and face painting. All proceeds will benefit Shriners Hospital for Children, so bring an item to donate! 306 Arsenal St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 865-2009.

Sat., Dec. 8, 12 p.m., National Park Service presents 1771 St. Louis Holiday at the Old Courthouse. See how early French residents celebrated the season in 1772 with music and dance instruction and a historic food demo. Historic Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 6551614 or visit www.nps.gov/jeff.

Sat., Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Dynamic Marriage Holiday Gala. Formal gathering for couples who want to share a romantic evening filled with fellowship, music, food, photography and fun that builds and promotes strong and healthy marriages in our community. Crowne Plaza Hotel St. LouisDowntown, 200 N. Fourth St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 369-3365.

Dec. 8 – 9, 4th Annual Find YourInnerSanta Holiday Art and Gift Show. Features selected local artists and artisans selling jewelry, photography, pottery, chocolates, and home decor, among other unique handmade gifts. The Refined Room, 2525 S. Brentwood Blvd., 63144. For more information, call (314) 962-7666.

Dec., 8 – 9, Metro Edge Figure Skating Club presents Nutcrackeron Ice. Have you been dreaming of Sweets and Sugar Plum Fairies come see this abridged one-hour version

of the Nutcracker! The traditional ballet has been adapted to ice with magical sets as the backdrop. Webster Groves Ice Arena, 33 E. Glendale Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 369-8611.

Sun., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas. Celebrate the holidays - New Orleans-Style - with favorites such as “Blue Christmas,” “Bells Will Be Ringin,” and more. Bring a used musical instrument to donate to Music to Lifelong Achievement. All donations will be repaired or refurbished as needed and given to local schools and music programs! 3648 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Dec. 11 – 12, 10 a.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Deborah Sharn: Christmas Song. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Tues., Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy: Holiday Basketball Clinic. Join collegiate athletes from Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy for a fun-filled holiday basketball clinic. Focus will be on learning the “Big 5 Skills” of basketball. Work on dribbling, defense, passing, shooting and rebounding. Bring your own age-appropriate basketball. Brentwood High School, 2221 High School Dr., 63144. For more information, call (314) 963-8683.

Thur., Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m., Regional Arts Commission presents SnowMan’s Revenge. In this original fairytale Queen Frostine and her dancing snowflakes teach a young kid about self-control as they sing and dance their way through popular holiday songs. 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 863-5811.

Thur., Dec. 13, 8 p.m., On a Silent Night: Christmas Benefit Concert with Javier Mendoza. The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Dr., 63105. For more information, call 9314) 977-7309.

Dec. 14 – 16, 7:30 p.m., Missouri Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker Experience the thrill of the battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker, the beautiful “Dance of the Snowflakes” and “Waltz of the Flowers,” and be transfixed by the magic of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130.

Dec. 14 – 16, Circus Flora: A Child’s Christmas in Wales. High-wire holiday fun for the family. We welcome back all your favorites including the gravity-defying Flying Wallendas. Inspired by Dylan Thomas’s heartwarming poem, it’s Christmas with a circus twist! Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700.

Dec. 14 – 16, Cross Keys Baptist Church presents Drive Thru Christmas Display. Featuring life-size Christmas cards with a narrative of the Christmas story through FM radio. Experience the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy the beautiful display from the warmth of your car. 14255 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information, call (314) 831-0643.

Dec. 14 – 23, St. Louis Ballet presents The Nutcracker Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 5164949.

concerts

Sat., Dec. 8, Wed., 8 p.m., Donatelli’s Bistro presents Theo Peoples. 8653 Highway North, 63367. For more information, call (636) 561-6966. Sun., Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., DelmarBaptist Church hosts Benefit Concert forWatering Malawi feat. Lydia Ruffin. Fun evening of Christmas music to raise funds for giving a water well to a village in Malawi, Africa. 1001 Municipal Center Dr., 63131. For more information, call (314) 432-1960.

Sun., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., The Fox Theater presents Trey Songz feat. Miguel, Elle Varner, and more. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix.com

Dec. 12 – 15, Jazz St. Louis present Chris PotterTrio Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Wed., Dec. 12, 9 p.m., Blueberry Hill presents Chuck Berry. 6504 Delmar Blvd., 63101. For more information, call 9314) 727-4444. Thur., Dec. 13, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents PeterMartin with special guest Romero Lubambo. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Thurs., Dec. 13, 9 p.m., Leisure Studies presents Bilal with special guests Tiffany Elle, Black Spade, Nappy DJ Needles, 18andCounting, LamarHarris & Thelonius Kryptonite, 2720 Cherokee. Tickets available atavailable at ticketweb.com, Vintage Vinyl, and 2720 Cherokee.

Sat., Dec. 15, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m., Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust presents Bobby Rush Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust, 3643 Delmar, 63108.

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

FASHION

Continued from C1

alum designers Michael Drummond, Laura Kathleen, A.J. Thouvenot will be featured in annual fashion extravaganza that raises funds for the Mathews-Dickeys’ girls program.

“Sheer Elegance is about more than just fashion; it recognizes a special group of young women for their outstanding achievements in academics, community service and citizenship,” said Barbara A. Washington, founder of the Sheer Elegance show and vice president of public relations and special events for Mathews-Dickey. Our girls benefit from peer teambuilding exercises, personal and social skills development and exposure to the arts/ culture from a caring team of professional women who serve as role models.”

The Sheer Elegance experience is one that never gets old for Frazier. Even though she’s brought her fashions around the world thanks to television appearances, runway presentations in places like Nigeria and by being the first independent designer to have a line featured at Lane Bryant, what Sheer Elegance stands for in the lives of young girls and women in St. Louis will always bring her home.

“I’ll always come back

FAREWELL

Continued from C1

with a marathon wake. Our nieces put chairs and couches out on M.M.’s front lawn, and the family hired a DJ to play pop gospel music in local languages. The body of the deceased lay in state in M.M.’s living room, which had been transformed into a viewing parlor. In Ghana, families agree on a particular print of fabric and have tailored new shirts and dresses for funerals. This establishes a striking visual impression of unity, as nearly everyone from the extended family shows up for funeral services wearing in essence the same clothes. All night into the morning, family and friends gathered to pay respects, sitting and chatting quietly in small groups and paying visits to the body. There was no alcohol, as there is at the sort of “wake” that I know. It was a long, sober, quiet time to reflect on the person we had lost and comfort those who had survived her.

With whatever small glimpse of sleep, everyone was up early for the funeral Mass on Saturday. We celebrated her final services at

and help Mathews-Dickey because I support what they do and I’ve known about the organization since I was a child,” Frazier said. “I don’t even know how to explain how invaluable Barbara and Bill (Fronczak) are for what they do –making sure that all of those kids have the funding that they need to stay out of trouble. And I will always try to do my part.”

Through the fashion and community awards show, Mathews-Dickey is hoping to raise $130,000 for girls programs. And Frazier will lend her talent to their initiative by bring a fresh perspective to runway on Saturday.

“I’m going to be stepping it up fashion-wise and showcase a variety of clothes that women with curves probably didn’t think that they could wear,” Frazier said. “People will see something that can really talk to curvy women and their lifestyle – fun and flirty clothes with more attitude.”

Guests will see what sets her apart from the growing full figured fashion industry – and what keeps her a hot commodity on the style scene. She has become a familiar brand for BET’s annual fashion and performance event Rip The Runway (which she did earlier this year) and has been named New York Fashion Week Full-Figured Designer of the Year.

“I have real clothes, to fit real women and their real

new church, only seven years old, just around the corner in Lashibi. The facility is only partly constructed, so warm winds whipped through the empty concrete frame and out the open windows we could see banana plants, palm trees and other lush foliage. We confronted death surrounded by life. We put her body to rest in the city center of Accra. Osu Cemetery has become so overbuilt that mourners had no choice but to stand on other graves and monuments to participate in the ceremony, which I found disturbing. Even more disturbing is a modern custom that has emerged to discourage grave robbers. Before closing the grave, one of the grave diggers took a pick axe to the top of the casket and damaged it. Now it was not worth stealing.

Following in the internment, M.M. hired a highlife band, the Buoyant Band, and a traditional drum circle, Agbe Music & Dance of Africa, to perform at the common grounds inside her gated community. Catered lunch was served with drinks, including beer. Guests responded more to the Agbe drummers, who drove out from Nima, one of Accra’s shantytowns, with their large drums piled on top of a bus.

lifestyle,” Frazier said. “It’s cool to do avante garde but people really want to see clothes that speak to their lives – and that’s what I try to bring.”

Frazier is excited to be bringing her “muse” plussized supermodel Christina Mendez – who will be making her Sheer Elegance debut. But like the additional guests from the fashion industry a-list, such as model Jennie Runk and notable names like Miss Missouri USA 2012

Katie Kearney and Sheer Elegance honorary co-chair actress Anna Maria Horsford, the purpose of their presence goes beyond highlighting signature pieces in front of area tastemakers.

Guests and attendees will stand in support of the 20 young women honorees who will grace the stage and be honored for continually rising to the expectations of excellence within the Mathews-Dickey girls program.

“I’m glad to be involved with the show because our youth need to be saved,” Frazier said. “And I feel like Mathews-Dickey is doing their part.”

Mathews-Dickey’s presentation of Sheer Elegance No.24 will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 8 at the Chase Park Plaza. For more information, visit http://www.mathewsdickey.com/SheerElegance. html or call (314) 382-5952.

After a long day of mourning and dancing, we were up even earlier the next day for another Mass. It so happened the church was saying farewell to their pastor of five years, so our funeral became tied into their very emotional – and very lengthy – farewell to their faith leader. Father Francis goes in for holy water in a big way, flinging it into the congregation with a large sponge. I was at one point soaked in holy water. Before I married into an African family, I had the impression that African families venerate elders. I have now come to see this as a fact, especially at funerals. Funerals of elders are advertised everywhere in Ghana; certainly, you see more posters of departed elders on the streets of Ghana than you do of actors or pop stars. Also, the departed are remembered with trinkets, as things like key chains, bottle openers or (the choice for TsoTso) drink mugs are mass-produced for the funeral with an image of the deceased on them. It was a pleasure, this morning, to prepare hot chocolate for my daughter and to serve it to her in a mug that bears the smiling face of her grandmother, the late TsoTso Mensah, whom we dearly miss.

SINGLE

Continued from C1

mentioning a trip to New York and the Caribbean winter get away both before Christmas.

“Girl, see this is what I’m talking about,” She said. “I don’t know why he has to tell at least three lies every time he opens his mouth.”

The truth is he was lying when she met him. About where he attended college, where he grew up, his super successful side business… Mr. “I just work part-time because I don’t want to have to pay for my own insurance.”

He even lied about where he lived – by unincorporated North County, he meant on the cusp of Baden and Jennings.

His untruths stretch into the territory of stuff you can’t possibly get away with – like what high school he went to and pledging a fraternity.

PAWS

resume of iconic stage and film performances thanks to The Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups which was released on DVD and Blu Ray last week.

“I’m just so thrilled to be a part of it and I had a great time doing it,” Babatunde said. “This film has all of the elements of those Christmas classics. It’s singing, it’s dancing, it’s cheer and at the same time it has a beautiful story. It’s really the perfect film for the entire family because that and because of the meaningful and heartfelt message.”

In the film Babatunde plays the mayor of a town overcome by a contagious “Christmas cold” that spreads to the Santa Pups and the entire city and threatens to dampen the spirit of the holidays.

“It’s really metaphoric in the sense that when you treat a person positively then they go and treat the next person with a positive energy,” Babatunde said. “And when you treat someone with a negative energy, that too can be passed on.”

He believes that Santa Paws 2 embodies the overwhelming spirit that is synonymous with the

But other than being a compulsive liar, he’s fun to be around, supportive, nice and seems to be a genuinely good person. Like most liars – he’s a flake and can be unreliable. But she’s always ridiculously late, so to me that balances out.

“Then he drags me into the lies – upgrading me on stuff that I don’t even know about or rewriting my history and I don’t understand why,” She said. “Those kinds of lies that make you think “what difference does it make” are what really bother me.”

“Have you tried to talk with him about it?” I ask.

“First he gets so sensitive about it – then he acts like I’m the one lying,” she said. “Girl, I cannot deal. Like him going to Target for instance. If I were to ask him about it, he would look me in my face and deny it to the death- or even worse say his mama had a medical emergency and Target was the only one who had the medicine she needs –when everybody knows that

holidays, and illustrates the power of its presence – and its absence – and what the season means to all people.

“We talk about Christmas spirit is not necessarily relative to anyone’s religious denomination,” Babatunde said. “It is relative to the spirit of giving, loving, caring and sharing. And I hope that with this movie audiences will realize that when passing on the positivity of the Christmas spirit that they can affect change in the world’s population – because what they give will be taken and given by the next, to the next, to the next and to the next.”

And like so many of his work on stage and screen –as one of the original cast members of “Dreamgirls,” and films like “Philadelphia,” “Life” and “Miss Evers’ Boys” – Babatunde hopes to use his talent to leave a lasting, and loving impression.

“It is another pearl in a string of pearls as it pertains to my career and my life,” Babatunde said. “It is a great movie – a good story told well and I get to play a character that I enjoy doing and hopefully I’ve done with a great sense of panache a great sense of spirit and that is perfect for the movie and it is something that people will connect with and treasure.”

He’s already been a witness to the residuals.

Target doesn’t even have a 24-hour pharmacy. My whole point is it’s not even a big deal. Our money isn’t tied together in any way and as far as I know he doesn’t have any financial issues.”

Oh well, the truth is his lies echo insecurity and a self-esteem code red.

But what do you do?

I think those first couple of lies would have been a deal breaker and I wouldn’t have felt the need to invest any further emotions into building a relationship. But the heaviness of being with a man who obviously resides in an alternate reality had me thinking about if there is a possible solution to her problem.

Since he tells a lie faster than the truth, it seems like some kind of addiction therapy, but other than that… I’ve got nothing.

“I feel like I’m living in and episode of ‘Catfish’,” She said. “Except we’ve already met in real life.”

“I was riding in a Christmas Parade and I saw these young people and I had the pups with me –these pups are amazing,” Babatunde said. “I’m riding down the street with these puppies in my arms and the children are screaming ‘The Santa Pups, The Santa Pups’. It was just so exciting and I’m thrilled and honored be a part of it all.” He hopes that same connection will be passed from one generation to the next and through the Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups is an illustration of the true meaning of Christmas that parents and grandparents will eagerly share with their children – and their children’s children.

“I hope that years down the line someone will say, when I was a child this movie represented to me hope,” Babatunde said. “It represented to me Joy. It represented to me all of the good things about the spirit of Christmas. And I want it to share this with you in the hopes that it will bring to your life the same kind of joy that it brought to mine – I am hoping that will happen.”

Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups is Rated G and now available on Blu Ray and DVD at retail outlets and online nationwide.

Photos by Henry Gray

Citizens Academy Grad

~ CELEBRATIONS ~ Newlyweds

Reunions

Normandy Vikings Class of 1983.

Normandy High School Class of 1983 alumni, we would like to start planning our 30th class reunion. For more information, contact Normandy83vikings@ gmail.com or Facebook:

Roosevelt Class of 1983 committee is in the process of planning their 30th High School Reunion. We are looking for ‘83 Rough Riders to call us with their contact info: Rhonda Jones-Jackson (312) 554-5330, Bettye Clark-Potter (314) 484-2032, Deneen LottBaker (314) 772-2655, Carmen Williams (314) 546-1260, Randy Smith revrtaylor@gmail.com, email info to: roosevelt-class-of1983@hotmail.com.

SumnerHigh School Class of

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

University City High School class of 2003 will be celebrating their 10 year reunion July 2013 in St. Louis. Please email us at

Ucityclassof2003@gmail.com for additional information.

Vashon High School, Class of 1978 will be celebrating its 35th year reunion July 19-21, 2013. Please contact Zaro McPherson (314) 285-3350, or Vareda Madison at (314) 3815250 or geddyupgang@yahoo.com. Please leave name and number.

Vashon High School Class of 1984 will host a Skating Fundraiser on December 8 at St. Nick’s, 701 N. 18th St, 6-9 pm, $5 donation. We are also planning our 30th year reunion. Please contact us at

vashonclassof1984@yahoo. com or visit us on Facebook: Vashon Class Eighty Four. West Side M. B. Church youth during the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, will have a reunion April 26- April 28, 2013. Please call Jacqueline (Perry) Williams at 314-3683128: email jw611@sbcglobal.net or e-mail Barbara (Wiley) Spears at bjwspears@yahoo.comwith your current name, address, phone contact, and e-mail address. We look forward to hearing from you by December 31, 2012.

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

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

Photo by Martin Jarrett

Melanie Boyd

Local bishop makes history

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten joins COGIC General Board

By Evelyn Smith

For The St. Louis American

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten has made history as the first St. Louisan to be elected to the 12-member Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) General Board.

COGIC is the largest Pentecostal Holiness Christian Denomination in the United States with over six million members.

Wooten, prelate of the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction of the COGIC and pastor of Williams Temple COGIC was elected to the General Board by the COGIC General Assembly for a term of four years. After that, he must run for re-election.

“I am humbled and awed at the honor and privilege to serve in one of the highest offices in the Church of God in Christ,” Wooten said. “This is an historical moment for me to become the first St. Louis Bishop elected to the COGIC General Board.”

Wooten’s platform was made up of intangible qualifiers he identifies with an acronym spelling FAITH: Faithful, Accessible, Integrity, Trustworthy, Holy. “This will add to the value of the General Board,” Wooten said. The election was held during the 105th Annual Holy Convocation of the COGIC at the Edward Jones Dome in downtown, St. Louis. Wooten, Pastor of Williams Temple

(Front row): Bishop P.A. Brooks-MI-Northeast; Charles E. Blake Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.; Bishop Jerry W. Macklin-CA-NORCAL Metro. (Back row): Bishop Brandon Porter-TN-Central; Bishop J. Drew Sheard-MI-NORTH Central; Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush-LA-First; Bishop George D. McKinney-CA-Southern Second; Bishop Nathaniel WellsMI-Western; Bishop Sedgwick Daniels-WI-S.E. First; Bishop Frank O. White-NY-Eastern Third; Bishop Ted Thomas-VA-First; Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten-MO-East-IL West.

COGIC for 33 years was one of 23 candidates elected to 12 open positions on the General Board.

He joins other new members for a seat on the General Board including Bishop J. Drew Sheard of Detroit, Mich., Bishop Ted Thomas Sr. of Portsmouth, Va., and Bishop Brandon Porter of Memphis, Tenn.

The remaining eight seats that make up the General Board were filled by incumbent bishops, including Pastor Charles E. Blake Sr.—who in addition has been elected by the General Assembly to a new 4-year term as Presiding Bishop of the COGIC, Inc. As a member of the General Board, Bishop Wooten said he would suggest implementation of a retirement program for pastors along with proposing a system to help young, new struggling pastors with reports. In addition, Wooten said he will introduce ideas to enhance

the financial stability of the church.

Wooten has led the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction’s nearly 50 churches since September 2000.

“I believe that we have a message the world needs to hear,” Wooten said. “We believe in personal salvation. We are committed to reaching the lost worldwide at any cost.”

Wooten has taken that message abroad, making a global presence in Uganda, East Africa. He is heavily involved in evangelism and mission work in Uganda and has sponsored and supported over 200 orphans in Uganda.

“My wife, International Evangelist Shirley Wooten and I are so committed to mission work in Uganda that we have adopted two daughters—Sarah and Grace from there,” Wooten said.

“We are committed to transforming Uganda by helping African orphans

I remember watching movies that had cliffhangers as a child. At the end of the movie to keep you on your seat, wondering what is to come next, two words would come across the screen to let you know that when the movie went off, that was not the end.

Stay tuned! It was meant for the listener and viewer to know there will be more to come and that we should keep our radios and televisions tuned to the current station because we may miss out on something important if the station was changed.

with medical expenses, food, shelter and education.” That commitment prompted Wooten to purchase over six acres of land in Uganda to plant crops and provide food not only for orphans but for the entire community.

Wooten also has created the Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten Family Life Center which includes a gymnasium, variety shop, fitness room and recreation area. That ministry includes the recent establishment of Loving Care Adult Day Care Center.

Wooten has served in various key positions and has received a number of notable achievements including serving as former chaplain for the Seventh District Police Department, former president of the Florissant Valley Kiwanis Club, member of the St. Louis Clergy Coalition. He currently serves as president of the St. Louis Ecumenical Leadership Council.

Well, there are “spiritual cliffhangers” for those who want to be a part of God’s Kingdom. We must stay tuned to the things of God in order to win souls in his Kingdom.

Cynthia Bennett

I’m reminded of the Prophetess Anna in St. Luke 2 Chapter. The bible says from the time she became widowed, seven years after her marriage, up until the age of 84 she did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Prophetess Anna was a very obscure woman, who did not prophesy to the masses, nor was summoned by kings, nor did she rule or govern a people. However, her role in the kingdom at that specific moment in time was very, very important. To proclaim that the Baby Jesus is he that will redeem

Jerusalem. Most people understand their bodies. You know what to eat, what to drink, how much to exert yourself before something goes out of whack. If anything goes out of rhythm, you will get signals; it could be a headache or body ache due to fatigue or overexertion, stress, things that indicate to you that something needs to change in order to get your body back in rhythm. When we get these signals, we tend to rest our bodies, our minds and take time out to rejuvenate. We need to stay tuned with God to further advance his Kingdom. Move when he says move, speak when he says speak and even be quiet when he says to be quiet. Eccl: 3:1-8 speaks about the times of the seasons; an appointed time for everything!

Anna spent all of those years in the temple and waited on her time to speak, to prophesy, to decree and to declare! We are prophesying, decreeing and declaring that the Kingdom of Heaven will rule and reign in every area of our lives on earth. In order for this to take place, we must be as the Prophetess Anna and stay tuned with the things of God so that we can continue to speak on Jesus’ redemptive power that will expand his Kingdom for we are walking by faith on this journey.

(no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican.

careercenter

Salvation Army ARC celebrates 80 years of service

October 10th officially designated in its honor

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) recently celebrated its 80th year of service to the greater St. Louis community.

To mark the occasion the ARC was presented with several awards commemorating the anniversary. Among those were an Award of Merit from the St. Louis License Collector, a Resolution of Recognition from The Third Senatorial District of Missouri and AProclamation from the Mayor’s Office officially designating October 10th as Salvation Army ARC Day.

Major Katrina Mathews, Raven Steele, and Major K. Kendall Mathews (center) presented the proclamation awarded by the Missouri Third Senatorial District sponsored by then-state Senator Robin Wright-Jones.

Administrators for The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (seated)

Majors Katrina and K. Kendall Mathews were awarded proclamations from three city and state offices making October 10, 2012 officially Salvation Army ARC day in the city of St. Louis.

Court Reporting Institute now enrolling

The Court Reporting Institute of St. Louis, located at 7730 Carondelet, Clayton, held an Open House on November 16 to celebrate its Grand Opening.

The Court Reporting Institute offers students day, evening and online programs for Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) and Register Professional Reporter (RPR) Exam Prep, Electronic Evidence Discovery and Paralegal Studies.

“We are pleased to be bringing these new programs to the St. Louis metro region.

The range and depth of the training our students receive ensures that once they graduate they are ready to enter this exciting field,” said Julie Wiethop, Director of the Court Reporting Institute in Clayton, Mo.

“With over thirty years in the court reporting educational industry, it is an honor to bring

our experienced training to our area. Firms of all sizes can benefit from well-educated court reporters, capable of stepping in and delivering professional service to the field. Once they have completed their program, our graduates can pursue employment anywhere in the country.” The Court Reporting Institute is currently enrolling students for Electronic Evidence Discovery, Court Reporting and CSR/RPR Exam Prep courses. Day and evening classes provide students with flexibility. The Court Reporting Institute, located at 7730 Carondelet, Clayton, Mo., is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For more information

“The range and depth of the training our students receive ensures that once they graduate they are ready to enter this exciting field.”

– Julie Wiethop,Director of the Court Reporting Institute in Clayton

regarding the Court Reporting Institute, call 1-888-828-5308 or visit www.cri.edu.

Columbia College’s Westling Scholarship

Columbia College—CAMPUS will join 35 other Columbia College extended campuses in awarding a $500 scholarship in honor of Frank S. Westling. Westling was a

former dean of the college’s Extended Studies Division. The scholarship winners will be selected from eligible students at each campus in summer 2013.

To qualify for the Westling award, students must:

ï Complete a scholarship application

ï Pursue baccalaureate degree completion with Columbia College

ï Have a minimum

Columbia College GPAof 3.0

ï Attend during the 2012-13 academic year

ï Have residency of at least 15 hours with Columbia College

ï Have a history of leadership and service to their community, school or country

ï Write a 400-500 word essay on their achievements and career goals

Apply by March 15, 2013

“Columbia College is proud to offer this scholarship to every campus nationwide,” said Mike Randerson, Columbia College vice president for Adult Higher Education. “Frank Westling was instrumental in establishing the Adult Higher Education Division as a vital part of the institution, and he would be

pleased to know the scholarship is helping to fulfill the educational goals of students at each of the college’s 36 locations.” Prior to joining the college, Westling served in the U.S. Army for 31 years and retired as a Colonel. He was a highly decorated infantry soldier and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Silver Star.

Interested students must submit their information to their campus office no later than March 15, 2013, and the scholarship will be awarded in summer for the 2013-14 academic year. It is a nonrenewable scholarship and will be awarded to new students each year.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

“Who said St. Louis ain’t Hip Hop?” could have been the question of the evening as heavy hitters Derrty Ent. Brothers Murphy Lee, Kyjuan and super producer Laudie On The Track helped celebrate East St. Louis’ own Fresco Kane’s So So Def success Sunday night at The Loft. Photo by

SpeakerBoxx in perfect harmony. What is typically the most slow motion of the party weekends actually managed to give me quite a bit of life on Friday night. Speakerboxx had Lola looking like the United Nations of nightlife –there were blacks, whites, uppities, ratchets, regulars and everyone in between. I must say that it was one of the most truly integrated parties I’ve been to in a minute. Even though the SYGU fellas stay consistent with their kicking it efforts, I can’t say I expected a rainbow tribe of folks gracefully tearing the club up. And how could they resist with DJ Charlie Chan Soprano and ‘nem tearing it up on the ones and twos? The only downside of the night was this couple determined to tenderly embrace the ENTIRE TIME. They went from a slow dance to a square dance as they pressed me and a whole gang of other folks anxious to go back and forth between the SpeakerBoxx and the DJ Nune & Thelonius Kryptonite side of things (which was also cracking). I wish they had saved that mess for the side of the wall instead of obstructing paths, but it didn’t stop me from giving Speakerboxx two thumbs way up!

Falling into Eye Candy. Although Mo Spoon and the crew keep things cracking on the average, add a somewhat slow motion weekend with respect to the number of parties and you will get a line that goes from the Loft all the way to the Sybergs for their November edition Friday night! I was not ready for all of that Friday night, but the folks didn’t seem to mind being jam packed one bit. And once they got in, they made up for lost time with their bottle poppin’ and droppin’ it like it was hot up in there. The next time there’s a slow week in these streets the folks at MPAC might want to consider a temporary move to the Chaifetz to accommodate the crowd!

Return of the Trey. I know plenty of y’all are ready to gyrate from your red plush seats as Tremaine gets goin’ for y’all at the Fox for his Chapter 375 tour. And to be honest I’m on the verge of being interested after seeing Mr. Songz grow out of the onstage yawn that used to be his performance swag. But anyone who knows me is well aware that I’m going to be somewhere trying with all of my might not to get arrested for invading Miguel’s personal space. I live for his little coy, cat eyed self. Although I was quietly underwhelmed with what he served up at Super Jam this year my soul won’t let me hold it against him. Yes, it’s that serious – so much so that I would be willing to settle down and have a batch of Bruno Mars looking kids with him…or if nothing, spray White Rain styling mist into his up do before every show. The lovely Elle Varner will be in the building as well and I’m super interested to see what she serves up with a full-length opening set. It’s going down Sunday night at the Fox. Get your tickets if it’s not too late.

Fired up for Fresco. I stopped through the loft on Sunday night to show love to Fresco Kane and the thunder cats were partying like it was still the weekend. And the girls were twerking so tough that somebody actually made it rain up in there. It was $12, but still…I had never seen anything like it! What got me was the fact that nobody picked this money up. I can’t say for certain, but I’m assuming that it’s not proper hood etiquette to do so. I was tempted to step closer like I was making conversation and scoot four of those dollars under my feet like I was gliding on skis until I could safely pick them up without shaming myself. But anyway, I was more than happy to get it in.org for the sake of SoSo Def’s newest son and that’s exactly what I did – even if it meant downing a 5 hour energy or two Monday morning. Some notables stopped through to kick as well – like team Derrty’s Trife Trizzle, Murphy Lee and Kyjuan.

Bilal is back! Now y’all know I gave him grief for that Nacho Libre poncho he was draped in for half of his show the last time he was here, but that doesn’t mean I’m not ABSOULUTELY thrilled he will be blessing the mic this time next week (as in Thursday) at the 2720 Cherokee. The show will also feature sets from Tiffany Elle, Lamar Harris & Thelonius Kryptonite collaborating on the tables and mic; individual DJ sets from Nappy DJ Needles and 18andCounting; Black Spade on the mic; and finally a sound clash with Needles, Spade, and 18andCounting. Those of you who love real music will be kicking yourself if you miss this show. It all kicks off at 9 p.m.

Get your ‘Lyrics.’ I’m thrilled to report that Got Lyrics is busting back on the scene just in time to help us bid farewell to 2012. I don’t know who Mocha Latte has lined up to bless the mic at the InSpot TONIGHT (Thurs., Dec. 6) but understand that they will probably be spitting fire.

All praises to The Purple One! The turntable genius we know and love is really threatening to outdo himself with this one. That’s right Nappy DJ Needles has a set that pays homage to Prince going down at the Blank Space. When I tell you my heart gets glad at what this night will probably bring forth, know that I can’t even effectively express my anticipation. Do y’all even understand how the black to the basics and 70s/80s babies are going to be acting a fool on that dance floor? Folks are going to be partying like its 1999 –what? You know I had to do it! – and I predict it to will be glorious. Arts, Beats and Lyrics on deck. In all the years that Gentleman Jack has been serving life through the art, music and soul of hip-hop I have only not been blown away one time. And I suspect that was a fluke because I already feel it in my bones that next Friday (Dec. 14) is going to be the.best.one.yet. Shock G of the Digital Underground will be serving on the stage and the evening will also feature, Nice N Smooth, Mansions on the Moon, Clyde “The Funky Drummer” Stubblefield, DJ LORD, Nappy DJ Needles Jay Clipp, DJ Reminise and will be hosted by D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik. Do I need to say more?...Ofcoursenot.It’sgoingdownatNEO,butyouhavetoText“STLABL” to 68405 to receive your tickets and alerts or visit www.gentlemanjackabl.com

Mr. Eye candy Mo Spoon and Loft co-owner Dre enjoy the scenery of an overflowing crowd Friday night @ The Eye Candy Party All Black Edition

Das and Nick were among the folks who help SYGU set it off with Speakerboxx Friday night @ Lola

Eyecandy Models Akela and Marie were showcasing their pretty girl swag Friday night @ The Loft

Michelle and Masherrl had the Jack Daniels samples flowing Friday night for Hella Fly’s Relax and Breathe @ EXO

MPACs Ashley and Monica couldn’t help but be all smiles with the crowd that packed into the November Eye Candy Party Friday @ The Loft

Calas and Angie kicked their weekend off Friday night @ EXO

Danielle and Dawanna were setting beauty standards Saturday night @ EXO

Hot 104.’s Charlie Chan Soprano and Eddie from Sygu had the packed house rockin’ Friday night for Speakerboxx @ Lola

Hennesy celebrating his birthday with Michelle Saturday night @ The Coliseum

theturntables to keep guests like Byrd and Shannon turned up @ The Eye Candy Party Friday night @ The Loft

King Yella Photography

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

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

Warning: If you are under the age of 40, you may find the next several paragraphs unsettling. To the disbelief of many young people, sexual intimacy does not cease after a certain age and nor should it! Your body is not equipped with some pre-designed timer that will alarm and deem you unworthy of sex! Hopefully, that information was good news to many of you.

In 2010, the AARPsurveyed middle age and older adults about their sex lives. There were three major findings.

Close to three out of 10 respondents (28 percent) said they had sex at least once a week, including almost half of those who were single but dating or engaged, and 36 percent of those who were married.

Eighty-five percent of men and 61percent of women said sex was important to their quality of life.

Just 12 percent of single men who were dating and 32 percent of single women who were dating reported always using condoms during sex.

One of my favorite romantic comedies is “Something’s Gotta Give” featuring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton

Sexually active seniors

which debuted in 2003.

Basically Jack Nicholson was this wealthy, older “player” who only dated women far younger than he until he met Diane Keaton, this successful middle-aged author who was not dating at all. The two became intertwined when Diane’s daughter, played by beautiful Amanda Peete, was visiting with her boyfriend, Jack Nicholson. During that visit Jack suffered a heart attack and had to stay at Diane’s home to recuperate.

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

The movie also featured a very handsome, young doctor, Keanu Reeves, who was actively pursuing Diane Keaton. This love triangle brilliantly illustrated the insecurities men and women feel about embarking upon new relationships, particularly seniors. Diane’s character could not accept that a man younger than she could find her irresistible.

As a health class review, during puberty certain hormones begin to cause a host of biological, physical, and mental changes within the bodies of boys and girls. That girl who was once “yucky” has now become the most phenomenal

girl in the world and feelings of disgust have morphed into lust. Remember that time in your life?

During adolescence, the twenties and early thirties, sex was probably the number one topic on the minds of most boys, men and some girls and women. Just being in the same room with someone of the opposite gender would cause a heightened sense of desire. As you began to age, those desires lessened some but were not eradicated.

Some physiological changes of the male and female body during the maturation process, however, are common. For example, individuals may not be as easily aroused as in their former years. Men may not be able to achieve or maintain an erection naturally or women may experience pain during intercourse because of vaginal dryness. These changes are hormonal and can be remedied by certain medications, lubricants, or gels.

Now by this point, I am sure many of you are blushing and saying to yourselves: “I can’t believe that she is talking about this!” Exactly! Over the years, I have become quite concerned about the lack of frank conversation in our communities about intimacy, sex, and more importantly safe sex. We have not taken much of a proactive stance on these issues. On the contrary, our reactionary

response has allowed us to sit idly on the side lines and watch as the rates of HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) rise. And as a wake-up call to many, this rise in STIs has not escaped seniors.

From 2000 to 2010, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that the number of syphilis cases in 45 to 64 year olds grew from 900 cases to 2,500 cases. Among that same age group and time frame, Chlamydia cases went from 6,700 to 19,600. I would classify those statistics as alarming. Would you not agree?

Many believe that these numbers are reflective of the increase use of ED (erectile dysfunction) drugs such as Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra and the sense of freedom seniors enjoy once the fear of reproduction is absent. It is also possible that baby boomers are continuing their sexual exploration that began in the 60’s. Internet dating is also a major factor since it entered the scene about the same time as the ED medications.

Sexual health is no less important than physical and mental health. Seniors can maintain an active sex life as long as they desire. However, seniors are not exempt from the same precautions extended to young adults. Sexually transmitted infections do not discriminate. Good sex is safe sex.

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

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

December 6, 2012

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

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

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

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

Caterer Seena Phillips lost more than 100 pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes.Through healthier food selections and an aggressive exercise regime Phillips no longer takes medication for the condition.

Cooking up a healthierholiday

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

Seenie’s Catering used to be called Seenie’s Soul Food Kitchen. That is, until years of denial caught up with its owner, Seena Phillips.

She gained more than 70 pounds after losing a job and she was already obese. Phillips did not heed her doctor’s warnings to lose weight.

“Huge. It was really embarrassing. I went to Dr. [Yolanda] Bledsoe; she always stayed on me… when she would say, ‘Seena, you need to change the way you eat, you need to start working on

losing weight,’I didn’t take her seriously,” Phillip admits.

Then something happened that forced her to cook up a new attitude and change her menu for a healthier recipe for life.

“I kept on eating late at night; fried foods, drinking sodas and all that, and then I became ill one day,” she said.

The Spanish Lake mother of two was in the emergency room at Northwest Healthcare in St. Louis County when a doctor told her she had type 2 diabetes.

“My sugar level was over 200. I was very much in denial, and so I kept going around trying to figure out what I am going to do,” Phillips said. “I tried to eat

on my own and I tried to change my eating habits, but it wasn’t working successfully.”

While diabetes is a complex disease that can be managed with the right tools, Dr. Bledsoe explained that one must fully understand and accept the disease and its challenges.

“Through acceptance, a diabetes patient can then begin the permanent lifestyle changes necessary to control the effects of this manageable disease,” Bledsoe said.

Phillips needed to lose weight and a lot of it. She managed to lose 25 pounds on her own in a couple of years, but she

by

really wasn’t burning off the pounds like she urgently needed.

Afriend took her to a fitness club in Jamestown Mall. That trip changed her life and probably saved her life. Phillips lost 102 pounds since she started working out at BKM Bootcamp about a yearand-a-half ago. The owner, Briant K. Mitchell, placed her on a meal plan and exercise regime that Phillips has stuck with and it transformed her, inside and out. Phillips works out one hour every day, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she works out twice a day.

See WEIGHT LOSS, page 5

Photo

Wiley Price

HEALTH BRIEFS

Cognitive training helps adults with HIV

Newswise – As more effective antiretroviral therapy has evolved over the past 30 years, HIV/AIDS has shifted from an acute to a chronic condition. But as patients live longer, research indicates that they are experiencing cognitive impairments at a higher rate than people without the disease.

Anew study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, published online recently in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, shows that cognitive training exercises can help – improving mental processing speed and the ability to complete daily tasks in middle-age and older adults with HIV.

“Today, more than 25 percent of people living with HIVin the United States are older than 50,” says the study’s lead author, David Vance, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB School of Nursing, associate director of the UAB Center for Nursing Research and scientist in the UAB Edward R. Roybal Center for Research on Applied Gerontology. “Thirty to 60 percent of adults living with HIVexperience cognitive problems at some point in the illness, a condition known as ‘HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.’It’s imperative for people with HIVand their treatment teams be proactive in addressing cognitive problems as they emerge, because without treatment these issues – which mimic premature aging – can lead to difficulties in working and living independently.”

In a pilot study conducted at UAB, 46 middle-age and older adults with HIVwere randomly assigned to 10 hours of computerized speed-of-processing training or to no cognitive training. “Speed of processing” refers to how quickly a person can automatically perform simple tasks – such as assimilating information, comprehending relationships and developing reasonable conclusions – that require attention and focused concentration without really having to think them through.

Speed-of-processing training is essentially exercising the brain. In the UAB study, it involved subjects using a computer program to perform challenging activities designed to preserve, enhance or develop cognitive abilities. Researchers measured the cognitive function of each group before and after the study. The study utilized computerized brain-speed training from Posit Science for the experimental group.

Speed-of-processing training has been studied extensively in older adults, Vance says. “These studies have shown that even as people age, computer-based cognitive training improves speed of processing, sustained visual attention, and complex reaction time. The goal was to see if the same held true for people with HIV-based cognitive issues.”

That turned out to be the case, Vance says. “The group that did the computer-based training showed significant improvements in visual processing speed and attention – an important measure of brain function – as well as in timed instrumental activities of daily living, which measure how quickly a person can do everyday activities, versus the group that did not use the computerbased training,” he explains.

In an exit survey, participants who did the computer-based training also indicated that they felt the training had improved their functioning moderately or better in mental abilities, memory, speed of processing and attention.

“This study shows people with HIVhave non-pharmacologic options to consider that can improve cognitive functioning in areas that directly affect quality of life,” Vance says. “Based on this research, my team would suggest cognitive exercises to people with HIVwho have noticed issues and who want to improve their brain health.”

Why some HIV-positive patients have more virus in theirblood

Newswise – Biologists at UC San Diego have unraveled the anti-viral mechanism of a human gene that may explain why some people infected with HIVhave much higher amounts of virus in their bloodstreams than others. Their findings, detailed recently in an online issue of the journal Nature, could also shed light on the mystery of why some people with HIVnever develop symptoms of AIDS. The biologists found that a gene called Human Schlafen 11 produces a protein that inhibits the replication of HIVin infected human cells by blocking the ability of the host cell to synthesize viral proteins.

“Some people with HIVdevelop AIDS rapidly and others can be HIV positive for decades and never really develop any symptoms of the disease,” said Michael David, a professor of biology at UC San Diego, who headed the

“Some people with HIV develop AIDS rapidly and others can be HIV positive for decades and never really develop any symptoms of the disease.”

– Michael David,a professor of biology at UC San Diego

research team. “It’s still unclear why that is, but one possibility is that the genetic variations in this protein, like in many other viral restriction factors, account for the differences in the susceptibility to the virus.”

Because Human Schlafen 11 specifically blocks synthesis of HIVproteins, the researchers are conducting further studies to see if variations in the Human Schlafen 11 gene can be correlated with disease progression in HIVinfected individuals. If that turns out to be the case,

the discovery could one day lead to the development of a diagnostic test for HIV infected individuals that would inform them of their likelihood of developing AIDS or, better yet, the development of a therapeutic drug that would prevent HIV infected individuals from ever developing AIDS.

“If it’s possible for the human cell to inhibit the synthesis of viral programs without affecting the synthesis of cellular proteins, it’s possible that at some point a drug can do that, too,” said David. “But

our discovery is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more work to be done. Whether this will have diagnostic or therapeutic value remains to be seen.”

The researchers are also collaborating with scientists who oversee tissue banks containing DNAsamples from thousands of individuals infected with HIVto determine whether variations in the genetic sequences of the Human Schlafen 11 gene can be correlated with the development of clinical symptoms in those individuals. David’s team is part of a collaboration called HIVImmune Networks Team or HINT, which is funded by NIAID at the National Institutes of Health to “use systems biology approaches to reveal how the early immune response defends against HIV-1 infection with a view toward blocking virus.”

While St. Louis area reports health status gains, disparities remain

Earlier this week, the St. Louis Regional Health Commission released a new report, Decade Review of Health Status, which examines 14 leading health indicators. There is both good news and room for improvement.

Heart disease mortality fell 29 percent in the region; however, men are 60 percent more likely to die of heart disease.

Diabetes mortality rates declined by 24 percent; but African Americans are 260 percent more likely to die as a result of diabetes.

Stroke mortality rates are down 30 percent. African Americans are 60 percent more likely to die of stroke.

COPD rates were lower, with the most

substantial drops were among African American men and women, down 28 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Death rates for breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer fell between 11 to 24 percent, and zip codes with the highest rates of breast and prostate cancer mortality were not concentrated in the urban core.

African Americans continue to have poorer health status and are twice as likely to be uninsured.

There was a 30 percent drop in births by teenage mothers. While African American infants made up 40 percent of all live births from 2008-2009, they accounted for 70 percent of the 145 aver-

age annual infant deaths reported and are nearly three times more likely to be born at a low birth rate.

There is uncontrolled asthma among children under age 5. African American kids are 7.5 times more likely to visit the emergency room for asthma.

Cases of lead poisoning are down dramatically in the City, dropping from 31 percent to 3 percent in the decade.

Alcohol-related mental disorder diagnosis increased by 21 percent while affective disorder diagnosis increased by 81 percent. High rates of acute mental health disorders are highly concentrated in areas of the City and parts of North County.

The Sexually-Transmitted Infection rates increased in the region by 26 percent. There were 180 new HIVinfections in the region, with nearly 5,000 people living with HIVor AIDS. African Americans are 6.5 times more likely to die of HIV/AIDS than are Caucasians. Homicides increased by 18 percent; motor vehicle injury rates fell for blacks and whites.

Approximately 31 percent of persons in the City and 29 percent of persons in the County are obese. Approximately 17 percent of adults in the City and 15 percent of adults in the County are smokers. Find the complete report at www.stlrhc.org.

Surviving cancerdoes not have to be game of chance

Do mammograms really help women survive breast cancer?

In keeping with the title of this article, let’s use a bingo analogy to answer this question. Whether you play U-Pick ‘Em bingo or Quick Shot bingo, bingo cards typically show the letters B-I-NG-O on top with five columns below marked with numbers. On many cards, the center space (free space) does not include a number. In the game, players match randomly announced numbers against the numbers that have been pre-printed on their bingo card. When someone only needs one more number to complete the Bingo pattern, he/she is considered to be Ready, Waiting, Cased,

Set or ‘has a chance’. If someone gets the final number, he/she can call BINGO to win.

Like bingo, the chance an AfricanAmerican woman has of getting breast cancer is random. However, women can take steps to improve their likelihood of survival. One step is to get regular mammograms. Mammograms can help find breast cancer early when it is most curable. Finding breast cancer early greatly improves survival. Women age 40 years or older should get a mammogram every year. In bingo, the term, Hard Way Bingo refers to completing a bingo pattern in a straight line without using the free space in the center of the bingo card. Going through breast cancer is hard, but not getting mammograms to help find it early can make it even harder. So to answer the question, YES mammograms

do really help women survive breast cancer. Don’t let fear of the test or what it may find stop you from getting a mammogram. Finding breast cancer early through regular mammograms is your best tool to fight breast cancer and survive.

Read about St. Louis resident Stephanie Muldrow’s breast cancer journey and how she didn’t let fear stop her in the newspaper during December.

Where can I find more information on breast cancer?

Visit www.siteman.wustl.edu. You might be eligible to receive FREE annual mammograms. To find out, MO residents can call 314-454-8466 or 1-800600-3606. ILresidents can call 1-888522-1282.

The Program forthe Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) at the Siteman CancerCenteris working to eliminate local and regional disparities in cancer education, prevention and treatment through community outreach, research and training. To learn more about cancerorto get involved with PECaD, call 314-747-4611, email PECaD@wudosis.wustl.edu or write to us at SCC-PECaD, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110. Look forfuture articles in HealthMatters.

Probe of pork products finds potentially harmful bacteria

By Consumer Reports Health

Reprinted with permission

Most show resistance to important antibiotics

YONKERS, NY— In testing and analysis of pork-chop and ground-pork samples from six U.S. cities, Consumer Reports found high rates of yersinia enterocolitica, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning, especially in children. The majority of the yersinia and as well as a substantial portion of several other bacteria detected were resistant to medically important antibiotics Consumer Reports tested.

“Antibiotics are routinely fed to healthy animals at low levels.This practice promotes the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria which are a major public health concern,” said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, Director of Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports. “Infections caused by resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat and can lead to increased suffering and costs.”

Aseparate test for ractopamine, a drug used to promote growth and leanness in pigs, found very low levels. Although approved for use in the United States, the drug is banned in China and Taiwan and in all of the European Union. Several countries had safety concerns about ractopamine, which is similar to drugs used to treat asthma.

“No drugs, including ractopamine and antibiotics, should be fed routinely to healthy animals for growth promotion and to prevent disease. These practices are harmful to public health, which is why they are banned in Europe,” said Dr. Michael Hansen senior scientist for Consumer Reports.

The complete report and analysis can be found in the January 2013 issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports Findings

Consumer Reports tested 148 samples of meat from pork chops and 50 from ground pork.The pork samples came from many major and store brands, but the sample sizes for each were small and distinctions among them could not be drawn.In a separate test to determine the presence of ractopamine, Consumer Reports analyzed 240 additional pork products.Here are some key findings:

Yersinia enterocolitica, was found in 69 percent of the tested pork samples. This lesser-known bacteria is estimated to cause foodborne illness in about

The disease-causing bacterium,Yersinia enterocolitica,was found in 69 percent of 198 pork samples tested by Consumers Reports.Low levels of the drug ractopamine discovered in about one-fifth of 240 additional pork products analyzed.

100,000 Americans a year, especially children, and is associated with pork.

Salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, or listeria monocytogenes, more wellknown causes of foodborne illness, were found in 3 to 7 percent of samples. And 11 percent harbored enterococcus, which can indicate fecal contamination and can cause non-foodborne related infections such as urinary-tract infections.

Most of the bacteria found were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotic drugs.This is also worrisome because people infected by those bugs may need to take a stronger (and more expensive) antibiotic.

Ground pork was more likely than pork chops to harbor pathogens.

Very low, but detectible levels of ractopamine were found in about one-fifth of the samples tested for the drug.Betaagonist drugs like ractopamine can cause restlessness, anxiety, fast heart rate and other effects. While levels we found were below U.S. and international limits, Consumers Union, the policy and action arm of Consumer Reports, calls for a ban on the drug, citing insufficient evidence

that it is safe.

Misleading and unapproved claims such as “no antibiotic growth promotants” and “no antibiotic residues” were found on some packages of pork and reported to the USDAfor investigation.

No labels disclose the use of ractopamine.Government standards for “no antibiotics used” and “no hormones added” claims do not prohibit the use of ractopamine.

How Pigs Become Contaminated

All animals (humans included) have bacteria on their skin and in their gastrointestinal tract. Although these bacteria may not always harm the animal itself, many have the potential to cause illness in humans.During slaughter and processing, the normally sterile muscle (meat) can become contaminated with bacteria from the animal’s skin or gut as well as from workers, equipment or the environment.Atypical hog barn can contain more than 2,000 pigs; confining animals in these types of conditions and

feeding them low levels of antibiotics can promote the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can then be transferred to humans.

What Consumers Can Do

Consumers can minimize their risks through both how they handle and prepare their pork and by how they shop for it.

Tips for Safe Preparation and Handling:

ï Wash hands thoroughly after preparing raw meat.

ï Place cutting boards and other utensils used to prepare raw meat directly into the dishwasher or wash thoroughly with soap.

ï Use a meat thermometer when cooking pork to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria of at least 145º F for whole pork and 160º F for ground pork.

ï As with other meats, keep raw pork and its juices separate from other foods, especially those eaten raw, such as salad.

HIV conundrum

20 percent of youth born with HIVdidn’t know they were infected at first sexual experience

Roughly 20 percent of youth who have had HIVsince birth did not know their HIVstatus when they first became sexually active, according to a study by a National Institutes of Health-supported research network.

The study also found that, of those youth who knew they had HIVand who were asked about disclosure of their HIV status to their first sexual partners, most reported that they had not told their partner prior to sexual activity.

Moreover, most of these sexually active youth reported some sexual activity without condom use.

In the study of 330 HIV-positive 10to 18-year-olds, the youth completed a computer-guided questionnaire twice a year and provided confidential answers to survey questions about their sexual experiences. Their responses included answers to questions about when they first had sex, whether they used condoms, and whether they revealed their HIVstatus to potential partners.

On average, participants who had initiated sexual activity reported having their first sexual experience at age 14. One-third of these said they had disclosed their HIVstatus to their first partner. The researchers also found that 62 percent of those who were sexually active reported at least one sexual act without use of a condom. The researchers noted that young people who did not take anti-HIVmedication regularly were more likely to subsequently initiate sexual activity than were those who took their medication as prescribed.

“Adolescence introduces many complications into children’s lives, and those of HIV-positive youth especially,” said co-author Susannah Allison, Ph.D., of the Infant, Child and Adolescent HIV Prevention Program at NIMH. “As more HIV-positive infants survive childhood and become sexually active teens, it becomes increasingly important to emphasize how healthy behaviors can protect these teens, as well as their partners.”

The study authors recommend that families and caregivers inform children about their HIVstatus before they reach adolescence and become sexually active. The authors also urge physicians and other health care providers to make sure that youth living with HIVunderstand the importance of safer sex practices and

Nearly 10,000 people in the United States are living with HIV acquired at or before birth.

Source:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

of disclosing HIVstatus to prospective partners.

Study authors also noted that caregivers vary as to when they tell children about their HIVstatus, often waiting until the teen years, when they believe the youth will more mature and better able to cope emotionally with their diagnoses. The American Academy of

Pediatrics recommends that health care providers discuss with parents and caregivers the issue of disclosing a child’s HIVstatus.

Youth living with HIVwho do not use condoms risk spreading HIVto prospective partners, as well as acquiring sexually transmitted infections from their partners. Like other youth, they also

increase their own risk for other sexually transmitted infections.

“Our findings show that these young people act very much like their HIV-negative counterparts across the country,” said Rohan Hazra, M.D., of the Pediatric, Adolescent and Maternal AIDS Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). “However, because of their HIVstatus, it is extremely important for health care providers, school counselors and family members to reinforce the importance of practicing safe sex, taking medication regularly and disclosing HIVstatus to potential partners.”

PROFILING PEOPLE IN HEALTH

Christy L.Richardson,M.D.

Position:

Endocrinologist, SSM Medical Group, Bridgeton, MO 63044-2515

Phone: (314) 209-5180

CareerHighlights:

Dr. Richardson joined the SSM Medical Group this year. With more than 15 years of experience and as a board certified endocrinologist, Richardson treats disorders and conditions of glands, hormones and metabolism. This includes a broad spectrum of conditions including diabetes, thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and metabolic disorders, and cancer of these glands. She is qualified to perform inoffice ultrasounds and FNA’s of the thyroid.

Dr. Richardson first practiced for three years in North Kansas City, Missouri, before returning to St. Louis where she has been in practice since January 2000.

Board Certified:

Internal Medicine

Diabetes and Metabolism Endocrinology

Education:

Dr. Richardson completed medical school at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She received her internship, residency, and fellowship training in endocrinology and metabolism at Emory University Hospitals in Atlanta.

She obtained board certification in internal medicine in 1996 and then board certification in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism in 2000.

Journey to Success:

“I have always been fascinated by physiology and biochemistry, which is the foundation of much of the understanding of endocrine science. Endocrine offers a wide range of challenging and interesting medical problems, which lend themselves to logical solutions.

The epidemic of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and obesity offers a unique interest to me as it places a heavy burden on our community. This has inspired me to focus on ways in which I can be a vital part in defending against its progression. I read avidly on the science of advancing technologies and therapies of both DM and Obesity Care. Finally, I believe my patients should leave my visits with a greater understanding regarding their disease process so they may better function in the central role they play in achieving their treatment goals.”

Christy L.Richardson,M.D.

Sexual Health

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

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

Respiratory Health

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

Prescription Cost Help

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

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers cer-

HEALTH RESOURCES

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

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

Prostate Cancer

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

Nutrition

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

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

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

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

Information

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

Health Partnerships

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

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge

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

Diabetes

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

Behavioral

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

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

Thurs. Dec. 6, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Siteman Breast Health CenterMammography Van at various Schnucks, Shop ‘N Save and YMCAlocations in St. Louis metro area. Other December van dates are Dec. 10, 13, 21, 26 and 28.Call 800600-3606 to schedule an appointment. Find information at www.siteman.wustl.edu.

Sat. Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 12 NOON – The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease, Christian Hospital Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd. St. Louis, 63136.

The hospital is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide information on detection, cause, risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and much more.

Registration is required by calling 314747-WELL(9355).

Mon. Dec. 10, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Monthly Mindfulness: Cultivating Serenity by CancerSupport Community, 1058 Old Des Peres Rd. St. Louis, 63131. For

CALENDAR

information, contact 314-238-2000 or www.cancersupport.stl.org.

Mon. Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., GI CancerSupport Group monthly meeting, Cancer Support Community, 1058 Des Peres Rd. St. Louis, 63131. A networking group for people affected by gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer. For information, call 314-238-2000 or www.cancersupport.stl.org.

Wed. Dec. 12, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. –Man-toMan American CancerSociety Support Group for men with prostate cancer. HealthWise Center, Suite 117, 6 Jungerman Circle in St. Peters, Mo. Group meets the second Wednesday of every month. For information, call 636916-9650.

Wed. Dec. 19, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Healthy Holiday Tips, Jamestown Mall Food Court. Learn how the food choices you make today can affect your health and wellbeing for life. Learn tips and suggestions on how to maintain a healthy

lifestyle during the holidays. Register by calling 314-747-WELL(9355).

Wed. Dec. 19, 12 NOON – 4 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive, Northwest HealthCare Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd. 63031. Walkins are welcome but appointments have priority. Register at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code northwesthealthcare or email mlm7458@bjc.org.

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

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

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting, Christian Hospital Professional Office Building 2, suite 401.For information, call 314-839-3171.

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

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at the Grace Hill Murphy-O’Fallon Health Center, 1717 Biddle St. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-962-4670.

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

Patent fornew HIVvaccine strategy filed

Newswise – The Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio has applied for a patent for a genetically-engineered vaccine strategy to prevent HIVinfection that targets the outer layers of body structures that are the first sites of contact with the virus.

Designed to be a single dose and last a lifetime, the vaccine will lead to the continual production of disease-fighting cells without being eliminated by the immune system. Another feature of the vaccine system is that it could be adapted for use against other infections.

More than 90 percent of new HIV infections worldwide are transmitted by sexual intercourse through outer layers of cells called epithelial cells which line the surfaces of structures throughout the body. The new vaccine is directed to what are known as the mucosal layers of the epithelium in the genital and rectal areas where the virus enters the body.

“The development of an effective

AIDS vaccine that restricts viral replication at the mucosal level of entry may be our best hope for controlling the HIV pandemic,” said Marie-Claire Gauduin, Ph.D., of Texas Biomed’s Department of Virology and Immunology, who is a co-inventor on the patent with Philippe Blancou, Ph.D., a visiting scientist from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, France.

“Only life-long stimulation of the immune system by the vaccine will be sufficient to achieve long-term protection,” she added.

only achieving weak and transient protection at best.

The primary target for viral transmission through different mucosal sites varies depending on the tissue. However, soon after crossing the mucosal layer, HIV rapidly spreads to lymph nodes and other organs where it replicates.

Designed to be a single dose and last a lifetime, the vaccine will lead to the continual production of disease-fighting cells without being eliminated by the immune system. Another feature of the vaccine system is that it could be adapted for use against other infections.

One of the main reasons for the failure of HIVvaccines thus far is their inability to deliver antibody-producing cells for prolonged periods of time, thus

The vaccine will have a molecule and stem cell gene tagged to target epithelial cells, that combined, will promote the production of antibodyproducing cells. Thus, the epithelial layer will continuously release new antibodyproducing cells and not be eliminated by the body’s immune response.

This invention was made with government support under grant numbers

AI084171-01 and AI084171-01 awarded by National Institutes of Health.

Texas Biomed, formerly the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, is one of the world’s leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Located on a 200-acre campus on the northwest side of San Antonio, Texas, the Institute partners with hundreds of researchers and institutions around the world, targeting advances in the fight against AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria, parasitic infections and a host of other infectious diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, psychiatric disorders, and problems of pregnancy. For more information on Texas Biomed, go towww.TxBiomed.org, or call Joe Carey, Texas Biomed’s Vice President for Public Affairs, at 210258-9437.