December 8th, 2016 Edition

How to parent as partners

Fathers’ Support Center expands its services to include mothers

Miriam Brown, Lisa Walton and Carmesha Jackson talk about what they have learned in Fathers’ Support Center’s new Parenting in Partnership Program.

Photo by Wiley Price

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Thomascina Stringfellow pointed to a dry-erase board where she had written, “Shopping for the Perfect Mother.”

“You’re going to have a grandchild,” said Stringfellow, a facilitator for Fathers’ Support Center’s new Parenting in Partnership Program. “You’re going to put out a want ad for the perfect mother, the right mother for your grandchild. What are some characteristics of her?”

The three mothers in Stringfellow’s parenting class began to throw out answers: nurturing, loving and protective. But then Stringfellow pushed them further, saying, “What else? We need to fill this whole board.”

Miriam Brown, a 26-year-old mother of three,

Pearlie goes home

Rev. Kevin Anthony and Rev. Starsky Wilson, who officiated the homegoing service for Pearlie Evans, led the processional at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, December 3. The longtime district director for Congressman Bill Clay and Democratic strategist passed on November 18 at age 84.

‘We

build access for young people’

Mathews-Dickey hosts ‘Sheer Elegance’ fundraiser December 17

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

As the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club approaches its final fundraiser for the year – the club hosts “Sheer Elegance” on Saturday, December 17 – its CEO Wendell Covington Jr. is positioning the club to become a “backbone” organization for the region in 2017 and beyond. “We are the perfect organization to create a blend of partnerships between K-12 institutions and institutions of higher learning,” Covington said. “We can be the learning lab where students synthesize what they learn.” This vision for the club may seem a departure from the center for youth athletics that two neighborhood baseball coaches, Martin Luther Mathews and the late Hubert

“Dickey” Ballentine, founded in 1960. But, in fact, Covington said he is doing consciously and mindful of research what the co-founders started doing by instinct 56 years ago. “They knew if you put a ball in a kid’s hands, he’s more likely to stay out of trouble,” Covington said. “Now we know that physical activity promotes brain function. Now we have the intellectual capital and research to legitimize what Mathews-Dickey has always done by Wendell Covington Jr.

n “Most of the women have experienced some kind of trauma or have some mental health issues.” – Sandra Bryant

explained that a mother needs to know how to care for herself, eat right and be healthy, physically and emotionally.

“If she can’t do that for herself, then she won’t be able to do it for her child,” Brown said. Staying healthy will also help her to motivate

See PARTNERS, A7

Riverview Gardens regains provisional accreditation

By Camille Phillips Of St. Louis Public Radio

After almost a decade without accreditation from the State of Missouri, the Riverview Gardens School District in North County will be reclassified as provisionally accredited effective January 4. The State Board of Education voted Friday, December 2 for the classification upgrade to take effect on the first day of Riverview Gardens’ second semester on the recommendation of the Missouri Department of Education. Riverview was

By Clarice Evans For The St. Louis American

These remarkable families have faced the loss of loved ones and suffered severe depression, heartache, domestic violence, personal health issues and horrific tragedies. Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH) and The St. Louis American seek community support to offer some of the needed resources to help them reach their goals. Give the gift of hope to a family in need today. Send People Against Poverty Campaign Help for those who need it most See POVERTY, A6

Photo by Wiley Price

Judge says Bill Cosby’s deposition on sex, drugs ok for criminal case

A 2005 deposition in which Bill Cosby admits to extramarital affairs and giving other women drugs with their consent so they’d have sex with him can be used by attorneys in a criminal case against him, a judge ruled Monday.

The deposition is from a civil case brought by Andrea Constand, who says Cosby drugged her and then sexually assaulted her. Cosby now faces criminal charges in the case.

Cosby attorneys said he only answered deposition questions because Bruce Castor, the district attorney at the time, promised to never bring a criminal case based on Constand’s allegations. Constand was a former employee at Cosby’s alma mater, Temple University.

to his successor, Risa Vetri Ferman

The civil suit was the best chance Constand had for finding justice, the Castor email said.

The current district attorney, Kevin Steele, responded in court documents that a formal nonprosecution agreement never existed, just a press release. He also said this kind of immunity can only be extended to a witness, not a defendant.

In issuing the order, Judge Steven O’Neill said a promise to not prosecute Cosby in the future did not exist based upon the evidence presented in court.

Castor said he made that promise so the entertainer would not be able to use the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions in a deposition, according to an email from Castor

On the current season of RHOA, Burruss complained about Spencer’s limited involvement in their daughter Riley’s life. But his ex-wife (who asked to remain anonymous) claims Burruss knew about their marriage when she became pregnant.

“Kandi definitely knew what was going on with the situation,” she exclusively told Radar. “It’s sad that he’s not part of Riley’s life, but he was in a relationship with four other women at the time. She was a side chick, it was expected!”

This is the first time Cosby has faced criminal prosecution. He is charged with three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault from a 2004 case involving Constand.

Ex of Kandi’s daughter’s father claims RHOA co-star was a side chick

According to Radar Online, Kandi Burruss knew what she was getting into when she hooked up with the father of her daughter, Russell “Block” Spencer. His former wife told the celebrity news and gossip site that the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star was a “side chick.”

The ex says she was with Spencer for 25 years – and claims Burruss was the one who broke the baby news to her.

Torrei Hart dating ‘Notorious’ star

According to TMZ.com, ex-wife Torrei Hart has rebounded with a new man. Torrei’s rep reportedly confirmed to the celebrity news and gossip site that she’s been dating Jamal Woolard. He is best known for playing Biggie Smalls in “Notorious.” The pair has reportedly been involved for two months. TMZ says they clicked after meeting on the set of the film “Turnt.” Torrei co-starred and co-produced the movie, while

longtime girlfriend Eniko Parrish this past summer.

J. Anthony Brown dishes on Tom Joyner Morning Show departure

Last year, comedian J. Anthony Brown temporarily left the Tom Joyner Morning Show over a rumored pay dispute. After announcing his formal resignation last week, Brown said that his exit from the show after more

Woolard co-stars and served as the executive producer. Kevin and Torrei divorced in 2011. Kevin married

‘We have plenty of money here; it’s about something else’

Parents As Teachers discuss educating disenfranchised communities at national conference

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Just before about 100 Parents as Teachers educators toured “Ground Zero” in Ferguson, St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s diversity officer Amy Hunter asked them to embody the idea of “fictive kinship” – meaning people whom to you consider to be family though you have no blood ties.

“While we are on the tour, what I want you to imagine is: If this were my relative, my sister or my brother that I’m talking to, what would I say?” said Hunter, during the Parents As Teachers “Beyond Ferguson” daylong workshop on October 17.

n “There are effective interventions. We know what to do. We just have to marshal the will to do it, and that includes political will and financial support.”

“What are all the things I would be willing to do to save them – and not in a missionary way but in a loving, family way. What are all the decisions I would make?” Hunter pointed out that three of the top 25 wealthiest zip codes in the country exist in St. Louis.

during workshop on how trauma and toxic stress affect disenfranchised communities in St. Louis. The workshop was part of the annual Parents As Teachers International Conference in St. Louis, where educators of the early childhood home-visiting program shared ways to support parents and children through the crucial early years from prenatal through kindergarten.

“We were able to get our parent educators who are serving in the Normandy footprint together with other parent educators who were experiencing similar concerns,” said Cheryle DylePalmer, chief operating officer of Parents as Teachers.

Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom, facilitated a panel at Parents As Teachers daylong “Beyond Ferguson” workshop on October 17 as part of its 2016 International Conference in St. Louis. On the panel: Chris Krehmeyer, CEO of Beyond Housing; Veronica Macklin, coordinator of counseling and social work in the Jennings School District; St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones; and Amy Hunter, St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s manager of diversity and inclusion.

made a career out of making up words.

“Reading is like singing,” Hunter said. “Your kids don’t know you can’t sing … for a really long time. All they remember is that when I got a book, I got to sit in my mom’s arms and she smelled so good. And so every time we read a book, our brains go back to this positive memory.”

Hunter feels that women play an important role in the fight to improve early childhood education. However, they have to be able to work across color lines, she said.

“It’s a place we missed with the suffrage movement and we missed it with ERA (Equal Rights Amendment),” she said. “We can decide to work across the lines of race, much better than we’ve done before. Because if we don’t care about of ourselves, one thing I am sure about is that we care about children and this is a place where we can make the biggest difference.”

– Jason Q. Purnell

“Some explained they also had a Mike Brown and Ferguson.”

“So this is not about money,” Hunter said about St. Louis’ worrisome disparities in health care and education. “We have plenty of money here; it’s about something else.” Hunter was among several local experts – from health and public safety authorities to housing leaders and elected officials – who spoke

The Beyond Ferguson workshop represented the organization’s commitment to the Ferguson Commission’s call to action to improve early childhood development, she said. For the past two years, the organization has been on a “journey of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

“As an organization being so heavily embedded, we knew we needed to walk the walk and find out how we serve our communities,” Dyle-Palmer said.

PAT is currently providing services in the Normandy Schools Collaborative footprint,

where Mike Brown had attended high school.

“We are not just doing it; we are using that as a laboratory to see just how effective our model is in the community,” Dyle-Palmer said.

They are analyzing “live data” on a daily basis to understand what type of adjustments that they have to make in order to be impactful, she said.

Early childhood is a crucial time to intervene with children, said Jason Q. Purnell, principal investigator and program director of For the Sake of All and a professor at the Brown School at Washington

University. At the workshop, Purnell presented his research in health disparities and racial inequities among African Americans in St. Louis.

“There are effective interventions,” Purnell said.

“We know what to do. We just have to marshal the will to do it, and that includes political will and financial support and all things that go into robust support for children.”

In the St. Louis area, an estimated 16,000 AfricanAmerican children under six live in poverty, limiting their families’ access to quality, affordable child care, according to For the Sake of All. Young

people from low-income or high-risk backgrounds who attend high-quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school, own homes, and earn higher incomes than those who don’t attend such programs.

Hunter said one-third of the St. Louis population is functionally illiterate.

“If I’m a mom who doesn’t read very well, how likely am I to read a book to my child?” Hunter said.

However, she stressed the importance of reading to children, regardless of how comfortable adults feel doing it. She joked that Dr. Seuss

Ivette Morales, a PAT educator who works in South Los Angeles and the Watts neighborhood, said her families were largely poor, black and Hispanic and face extreme violence every day. And unlike Ferguson, many parts of her community were never rebuilt after the fires and unrest in Watts in 1965 and again in 1992 after police officers were acquitted for brutally beating Rodney King.

“It has similar history and trauma as the families are experiencing in Ferguson,” said Morales, a supervisor of the El Nido Family Centers. “So being able to come here and share our experiences and be able to hear what Ferguson has done to heal is powerful.”

For more information on Parents As Teachers, visit http://www.parentsasteachers. org/.

Photo courtesy Parents As Teachers

“Don’t you let anybody tell you that black people don’t care about education,” Carol Daniel told the audience at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2016 Salute to Excellence in Education on Saturday, October 1. She was enthused by the success story behind Riverview Gardens High School, the 2016 Monsanto School of Excellence recipient awarded that night. Monsanto Fund President Al Mitchell spoke of the high school’s role in the turnaround of the Riverview Gardens School District, spearheaded by Superintendent Scott Spurgeon and high school Principal Darius Kirk, who received a standing ovation from the more than 1,200 guests. Let’s hear it again for the Riverview Gardens School District! On December 2, the State Board of Education voted to reclassify the North County district as provisionally accredited, effective January 4, the first day of its second semester. The district was last provisionally accredited in 2007. Assistant education commissioner Chris Neale cited complex curriculum, a positive school climate and consistent leadership as reasons for the upgrade, and Spurgeon and Kirk are key ingredients in that consistency in leadership.

As state board member Mike Jones (who also serves on our editorial board) told St. Louis Public Radio, “There is a myth that you can’t educate low-income children of color in public schools” and the progress at Riverview Gardens “makes a lie out of that myth.” (Jones also praised “the Herculean effort Saint Louis Public Schools has made in the last few years,” but the state board tabled discussion of upgrading SLPS’s classification until January.) The upgrade for Riverview Gardens means potential disruption for the students who had transferred out of the district under terms made possible by state legislation pertaining to unaccredited

Editorial /CommEntary

By Tishaura O. Jones Guest columnist

For a city of renters and landlords, St. Louis isn’t very good at it. Yet.

I’ve heard from many people about the housing conditions of some Syrian refugees in our community. They complain of mice, bed bugs, ants, lack of screens on their windows and more. They say they don’t know what to do about it.

Of course, this problem also exists outside of the refugee population and affects many city neighborhoods.

districts. We commend the leaders of the 22 educational entities that have been receiving the 436 transfer students from Riverview Gardens who have agreed to keep them through the second semester, and most of them for up to three years. These students deserve an opportunity to complete their education with the least possible disruption. This good news for public education in North County comes at a worrisome time for advocates of public education in this country. A divisive, inexperienced candidate who lost the popular vote by some 2.5 million votes will be inaugurated as U.S. president just two weeks after Riverview Gardens students go back to school in January. Betsy DeVos, his nominee for education secretary, is a wealthy Republican activist for school choice initiatives such as vouchers and charter schools. If DeVos is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, our nation’s next education secretary will be someone who never went to a public school, never worked for a public school and never sent her children to a public school. John Austin, the president of the State Board of Education

in her home state of Michigan, where she avidly pushed charter schools, said, “DeVos’ agenda is to break the public education system, not educate kids, and replace it with a for-profit model.”

Trump himself has said he will use $20 billion of federal funds – that’s a whopping 28 percent of the Department of Education’s entire budget – to support private school vouchers, which would go a long way toward breaking the public education system and replacing it with a for-profit model.

We have always needed administrators and educators like Scott Spurgeon and Darius Kirk in our public schools, the only schools mandated to educate every child that comes to them. In the coming days and years, we also will need political warriors among our elected officials and a huge groundswell of public pressure to keep Trump and DeVos from destroying public education in the United States. We will need each and every one of you to remain vigilant and mobilized on this issue that is so crucial to the future of our children, communities and nation.

As of 2014, more than half of the city’s housing was occupied by renters, accounting for about 78,000 units. The same data shows that 35 percent of renters in the city have a household income below $15,000, and about 66 percent of renters have a household income less than $35,000. A little over 40 percent of renters have a high school diploma or less.

In short, more than half of our city lives in rental housing, and of that number, over onethird are living near poverty.

But immigrants and poor people aren’t the city’s only renters. Increasingly, young people who are neither new to the country nor poor are passing up home ownership in favor of less permanent tenancy. All of them – and the owners of their buildings –have rights.

It is in our city’s strong interest to protect and enhance residential property values by paying much more attention than we do now to landlords – and their tenants – whose

conduct erodes our safety.

For the most part, landlord and tenants’ rights are set by state statute. Missouri’s laws generally favor landlords. Other places do better. There are many policies that other states have put into place that allow tenants to have more rights or more access to their rights.

The Right to Housing Alliance in Baltimore has created a Renters’ Bill of Human Rights that outlines tenants’ rights to nondiscrimination, equity, organizing, transparency, and peace and dignity. Arizona has made it mandatory for landlords to provide tenants with a list of their rights when they sign the lease. Ohio has outlined a process for tenants to pursue legal action when landlords have not made necessary repairs in 30 days.

The City of St. Louis has an ordinance that adds local protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation to the roster of protections in state law. This is certainly a step in the right direction, but we can do more. Some of the biggest problems that tenants have is that renters simply do not know what their rights are or how to address problems they face.

Organizations like ArchCity Defenders, Beyond Housing, Metropolitan St. Louis Equal

Housing and Opportunity Council and the International Institute already educate people about their rights, provide opportunities and legal counsel, and organize communities to achieve better outcomes. I am grateful to them every day for what they do for us. But city government needs to play a larger role than it now does to protect the rights of 161,000 or so residents. I propose, as a first step, that the City of St. Louis require landlords to provide tenants with a copy of landlord and tenant rights in the State of Missouri. The circuit clerk’s office has a handbook of landlord and tenant rights. We need to make sure they are in the right languages and in the correct hands. We could require the landlord to produce a signed document from the tenant that they received this information if the landlord ever takes the tenant to court to force an eviction.

We could require continuing education for landlords through the myriad of organizations, including some very able local landlord associations. We could designate an official ombudsperson for landlords and renters. I am open to other ideas.

The 161,000 people in our city who are living in rental housing need a stronger voice. They need to know what their rights are and how to protect them. They need their government’s attention.

Tishaura O. Jones is treasurer of the City of St. Louis.

By David Liu Guest columnist

How can we move on after our country has just elected a man so widely viewed as unfit to be president? I’ve found some answers to this question, and I hope sharing them might help others find perspectives that provide paths forward from a deeply disturbing election. Our country, and indeed democracy, derives its strength from the seminal assumption that welcoming all voices, no matter how disagreeable or unpleasant they may be, in the long run makes us a stronger people. We are fortunate to experience the benefits of this assumption every day, as our group is stronger now than it has ever been, largely because it is more diverse and heterogeneous in critical respects than ever before. The life sciences community at Harvard University draws great strength from the diversity of its scientific interests, its members and its beliefs. Our university adds additional layers of strength through diversity, including the inclusion of those who have chosen to devote their lives to pursuits outside of the sciences. Our city adds yet more different voices, as does our state and our nation. As much as I might disagree with the voting criteria of those who have elected Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States, and as much as I find it hard to understand how people could choose to be led by someone who has said and done so many

things I find disqualifying, we are nevertheless stronger by welcoming their contributions to our democracy – even if some of their beliefs, ironically, do not prioritize inclusivity. Keep in mind that many of these other fellow citizens would find our viewpoints – which tend to lie near an extreme end of the political spectrum of this country, as evidenced by the voting distribution of our county and state – to be equally disagreeable and difficult to justify. This does not mean that our viewpoints are incorrect. It simply means that as a whole, our country does not yet embrace them to the extent that was needed to alter the outcome of this election. It is also important to realize that we are very close to a tipping point in which many of the principles and ideals represented by the losing candidate in this election are sufficiently supported by our country to be decisive. Only about 150,000 votes total in a few states (about 0.1 percent of the votes cast in this election) would have changed the outcome of this election. And espousing a related set of ideas and perspectives, Obama handily won election in 2008 and 2012.

It’s notoriously difficult for Americans to elect a president from the same party three

terms in a row. The last time a new Democrat was elected president after two successive Democratic terms (not counting Truman, who succeeded FDR following FDR’s death in office during World War II) was 1836. Coming so close to winning the presidency under these circumstances could be construed as a remarkable sign of how close Hillary Clinton’s principles came to breaking a historical barrier – one almost as old as the gender barrier she strove to shatter.

So if you believe that your principles and ideals are good, are just, and form the best path forward for our country, then use this election as a powerful reminder of how much important work we have to do to teach these principles to others. And how important it is to listen with an open mind to those with whom you disagree, so that they might listen to you. And how being empathetic to the problems and concerns of others, especially those very different to you, is essential to achieve a truly broad understanding of your fellow citizens. And how evolution, whether of genes or of beliefs, requires exploring and pursuing some dead ends but often leads to unexpected and remarkable outcomes

This column is excerpted from a letter I sent on November 9 to the students in my laboratory, many of whom were upset by the outcome of the election.

David Liu is professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard University.

Onion was my mentor

Richard “Onion” Horton was the voice of the Black Community. His passion for issues concerning the black community was passionate. to say it kindly. He had views concerning the St. Louis metropolitan area and the nation that made people of all races consider his opinions.

He was passionate, articulate and educated regarding issues on all topics, including sports –especially equal opportunities and treatment of African American-athletes and coaches at all levels.

His love for fair treatment of female athletics was so inspirational for me, as he always had a special relationship with East St. Louis Lincoln Hall of Fame coaches Nino Fennoy and Earnest Riggins and Bennie Lewis Sr. His personal relationship and love for great athletes Jackie Joyner- Kersee, Debra Powell, Crystal Coleman, Tina

Hutchinson, Barbara Gilmore, Carmen Cannon and so many others from the Lincoln High School girls track & field and basketball family was so special, as he wouldn’t miss an event they participated in anywhere.

More importantly, Onion was my mentor and treated me like a son since the day I met him. He paved the way for me here in the St. Louis media scene, and I will truly miss him.

Maurice Scott, East St. Louis

Judge Teitelman will be missed

Judge Richard Teitelman had immense compassion for others. He dedicated himself, both personally and professionally, to ensuring that every person receives justice in our courts. He was always aware that each of his decisions impacted and changed the lives

of real people, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that each decision was fair and just. He delighted in talking to both lawyers and the lay community about the law, and delighted in the success of his fellow lawyers and judges. Judge Teitelman’s love of justice and the law was paralleled only by his love of people. He provided support and encouragement to his friends in the things that mattered most to them. And he considered almost everyone he met a friend. He had a remarkable ability to retain and recall information about people and events, and to find connections with each of them. His seemingly boundless energy, enthusiasm, and empathy strengthened and gave hope to those around him in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Judge Teitelman will be missed tremendously.

Chief Justice Breckenridge Missouri Supreme Court

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Riverview Gardens School Superintendent Scott Spurgeon and Associate Principal Traci Nave applauded Riverview Gardens High School Principal Darius Kirk for the school being honored as 2016 Monsanto School of Excellence at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education on October 1.

Guest Columnist Tishaura O. Jones

Mourning Pearlie

service on Saturday, November 26 at Christ Church Cathedral.

County Library Adds Sunday Hours at Two Locations

Beginning January 8, the Prairie Commons and Grand Glaize and branches of St. Louis County Library will be open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Prairie Commons Branch is located at 915 Utz Lane, and the Grand Glaize Branch is located at 1010 Meramec Station Rd. The schedule will be in effect while two nearby branches are closed for renovation, the Daniel Boone Branch and the Florissant Valley Branch. The Bridgeton Trails Branch in Normandy is also currently closed for renovations.

Report service issues to Citizens

Service Bureau

The City of St. Louis has a Citizens Service Bureau. People experiences issues with city services, such as burn-out street signs or dangerous potholes, may call 314-622-4800, tweet @stlcsb or ill out a request online at https://goo.gl/9gSTTu. Please report any such outages so that repairs can be made immediately.

Blues Museum to host summer camp

The National Blues Museum will host Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp on June 15-17, 2017. The camp will be conducted onsite at the museum and led by highly qualiied instructors, including musician, songwriter and educator Fernando Jones. The campers – ages 12-18 and selected through a competitive audition process – will learn not only blues-centric musical instruction such as playing by ear, reading tabs and chord charts, volume dynamics and vocal accompaniment, but also life skills such as critical thinking, collaborating with others and self-evaluation. The program will culminate in an onstage, live performance by the students. Participants must audition on-line at BluesKids.com/EarlyBird.

Apologies that come too late

By Desiree Austin-Holliday Guest columnist

Ricky Jackson. He was sentenced to death in a robbery case where a man was shot and killed. A 12-year-old boy identified Ricky Jackson as the shooter.

Ricky Jackson served 39 years, three months and nine days on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. He has become the longest-serving inmate exonerated in the United States.

The State of Ohio compensated Ricky Jackson for his time. But let’s be honest, no amount of money will make up for all the life Ricky Jackson has lost. An innocent man has spent the majority of his life behind bars.

In law school, we like rules and ideas. One idea is from an English judge and politician from the 18th century. Now although it’s been a long time since his life, he left a very important idea, it’s called Blackstone’s ratio. The idea is that

“it is better that 10 guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”

I want to discuss an aspect of the death penalty that is frequently overlooked. While some may argue that the death penalty is a form of justice for victims of crimes, we have to talk about the victims on death row who are innocent.

In the legal world of death penalties, exoneration is basically the state telling someone on death row that he is innocent of the crime that he was convicted of and releasing him from the penalty of death.

Since 1976, Missouri has executed 87 people; five of those executions were in 2015, and one was this year. Since 1973, only four people have been exonerated from Missouri’s death row.

n When you kill a person as punishment, and the person has done nothing wrong, you are a murderer.

Missouri has acknowledged by the exonerations of people on death row that sometimes our criminal justice system fails. It gets the wrong person. However, the four exonerations are just of people who had yet to be executed. This means that Missouri has probably executed innocent people.

Ricky Jackson got money for serving time. Ricky Jackson’s family is fortunate to have him alive and free.

What do you give the family of the wrongly executed?

There are people who have been executed and afterwards have been found to be innocent, whether it be by advances in technology or science. The fact is that states are executing innocent people.

The death penalty is supposed to be the ultimate punishment. When you incarcerate a person for months or years or decades for a crime he didn’t commit, that is injustice.

When you kill a person as punishment, and the person has done nothing wrong, you are a murderer.

Desiree Austin-Holliday is a student at Saint Louis University School of Law.

Desiree AustinHolliday

Mourners gathered at the casket to mourn Pearlie Evans, civil rights activist and longtime district director for Congressman Bill Clay, at her homegoing

Photo by Wiley Price

RIVERVIEW

Continued from A1

met state standards. After approving Riverview’s provisional accreditation, state board member Mike Jones of St. Louis said, “There is a myth that you can’t educate low-income children of color in public schools. And when I think about what Riverview Gardens has done, when I think about the Herculean effort Saint Louis Public Schools has made in the last few years, when I think about Maplewood and the extraordinary improvement of Jennings over the last four years , it makes a lie out of that myth.” State board member Vic Lenz of St. Louis County echoed Neale and the head of Riverview Garden’s special administrative board in saying Superintendent Scott Spurgeon was the key to turning the district around.

“You had a board that put a leader in place, and that leader knew what was going on, and that leader knows what’s going on in every building,” Lenz said. “They’re focused on what needed to be done, and everyone knew their job with that. And they made it happen.”

On the recommendation of the Department of Education, the state board tabled discussion of upgrading Saint Louis Public Schools’ classification until January.

Noting that state education officials had received a number of letters from parents of students who had transferred

POVERTY

Continued from A1

all donations to CWAH 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call (314) 289-7523.

Case A. Mother lost her 7-year-old son, a niece and a grandniece to a house fire in November 2015. The devastation of loss has left her feeling hopeless.

out of Riverview into other school districts under the state law allowing transfers when districts are unaccredited, Neale said he understood why the parents asked for Riverview to remain unaccredited.

“I don’t blame the parents who wish their students to

Children are doing very well in school, though her depression is affecting them as well. She recently broke her foot. Furnace and house need repairs. She needs a refrigerator, washer, dresser, beds, arts and crafts, board games, scooter, Legos, dolls, sheets, towels, pots and pans, educational books and toys.

Case B. Grief-stricken grandmother struggles to pick up the pieces for her

be stable in their current environment,” Neale said. “But I’m very pleased to announce to you this morning that all 22 educational entities that are receiving the 436 students have agreed at a minimum to keep them through second semester. That is a tremendous

accomplishment. It exceeds the boundaries of the law.”

Riverview Gardens earlier initiated arrangements for the districts receiving their transfer students to keep teaching them at a lower cost until they reached a natural stopping point.

n Send all donations to CWAH 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call (314) 289-7523.

seven grandchildren after the untimely death of their mother in 2012. She also has an adult daughter at home with two additional grandchildren. She is extremely depressed. She needs clothing, jeans, sweaters, boots, tennis racquet, gift cards, sheets, towels, pots and

Riverview Gardens

Superintendent Scott Spurgeon (center) talks with state board member John Martin (left) and deputy education commissioner Ron Lankford at the state school board meeting in October 2015.

n “There is a myth that you can’t educate lowincome children of color in public schools.”

– Mike Jones, State Board of Education

the districts with Riverview transfer students had agreed to keep them through at least the end of the school year and Riverview had agreed to continue paying for transportation to Kirkwood and Mehlville through June.

Riverview Gardens School District spokesperson Melanie Powell-Robinson told St. Louis Public Radio that Kirkwood and Mehlville have both fully agreed to Riverview’s plan, and will continue to teach the transfer students enrolled in their schools until most reach a natural transition in up to three or four years.

pans, silverware, headphones, weights, football, basketball and educational books.

Case C. A mother and 2-year-old daughter relocated to St. Louis after losing their home after the death of her mother. They were living in unhealthy conditions and lost most of their personal belongings due to contamination. Mother is currently enrolled in college working, on an IT Help Desk Certificate Training Program. They need pants 4T, Tops 4T, shoes 8, boots (Velcro only, no shoestrings), underwear 3-4T, socks, coat 4T, baby wipes, book shelf, child dresser, books, learning toys, baby dolls, pushable tea cart, kids table and chair set and educational DVDs.

SHEER

Continued from A1

placing athletics at the center of what we do.”

Athletics – of just about any kind; Covington trusts his youths to try any sport – may remain at the club’s center, but it’s a busy and interconnected periphery. Take “Sheer Elegance,” which has fashion at its heart.

Twenty high-schoolaged young women and 20 elementary-to-middle school girls star in the show, featuring fashions by “Project Runway” alumni Michael Drummond, Qristyl Frazier, Laura Kathleen, Shan Keith and AJ Thouvenot, joined by Caleres, Savvi Formal Wear, Trixxi, The Vault Luxury Resale, men’s wear designer Paulie Gibson and young designer’s showcase participant Sydney Smotherson.

Headlining the crew of models is international sensation and St. Louis native Jennie Runk. Serving as celebrity escort is Bayleigh Dayton, the first AfricanAmerican woman to be crowned Miss Missouri USA.

“This is a culminating event for 40 girls, who perform before 700 people,” said Bill Fronczak, longtime club vice president of PR and special events.

And, in the process, they will raise a targeted $140,000 to help fund the club’s future young women’s programs, under the leadership of “Sheer Elegance” chair Irasa

Neale said most of the 22 districts agreed to keep the transfer students for up to three years. Neale said that he recommended that Riverview receive its accreditation upgrade at the start of the second semester since all of

Case D. Grandparents, recently retired, suffered the loss of their daughter, leaving four boys behind and now have the task of raising them. They need pants 8/10, shirt 10/12, shoe 7, gas card, pants 32/34, shirt 16, shoe 9 men, electronics, gifts cards, headphones, pants 30/30, shirt 12/14, shoe 7 ½ men, art supplies, pants 14, shirt 12/14, shoe 5 kids, Legos, pants 6/7 , shirt 6/7 shoe 12 ½ kids , action figures, games, educational toys, dressers, sheets, bath towels.

As the districts where Riverview provided transportation, Kirkwood and Mehlville received many of the district’s transfer students. Powell-Robinson said Ferguson-Florissant, which also teaches many Riverview transfer students, has agreed to accept all of the students through the end of the school year and allow high school juniors to graduate from Ferguson-Florissant next year.

Follow Camille on Twitter: @cmpcamille. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Case E. Couple is married but separated due to domestic violence. Mother trying to find positive role models for her son, a 7-year-old in second grade. She needs help with his behavior. She is behind on taxes on her house, unable to work due to being called to child’s behavior concerns. She needs educational books, hats, gloves , coats, boots, pots and pans, and household items.

Downing, human resources director at Edward Jones, and co-chair Robin Britt, controller of The St. Louis American and its foundation. Whether it’s athletics or fashion that the club uses to capture the attention of youth, the goal is the same: to guide and strengthen them in academic and character education.

“We build access for young people,” Covington

n “We are the perfect organization to create a blend of partnerships between K-12 institutions and institutions of higher learning.”

– Wendell Covington Jr.

said – “access to college and to become productive citizens. Whatever it takes to get young people into college, that’s what we want to do.”

To achieve that end, the club partners with a who’s who of academic and community partners, including Washington University, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Maryville University, Saint Louis University, St. Louis Community College, the Missouri Foundation for Health, a number of public schools districts – in fact, Covington can list the club’s partners as long as he’s allowed time to remember them.

Case F. Single father of two girls was recently awarded custody of them from foster care. Mother left town and abandoned her children. He is doing the best he can to provide for them by working for a temp service. He needs rental assistance and work boots. The girls loves to read chapter books. They like Ever After High figures and fashion dolls, Googly Eyes game, Easy bake oven and refills. They need coats, boots and clothing.

Case G. Single parent of seven children – two are young adults and no longer in home –receives disability for obesity, depression and enlarged heart and hypertension. The children are extremely bright and have the stamina to excel. She needs funds for car repairs, headphones, weights, inline skates, football, belts, athletic socks and educational books.

The United Way of Greater St. Louis supplies about 15 percent of Mathews-Dickey’s funding, with the rest coming through a “diverse stream of revenue,” Fronczak said, that includes grants, donors, events, and fees for services. The club’s finances came under negative scrutiny in a 2012 Post-Dispatch report. Since then, according to club board member Sherman George, the city’s former fire chief, the board made some “hard decisions” and put its finances in order. The club web site posts independent financial audits from 2015 and 2014 that provide a detailed anatomy of MathewsDickey’s fiscal health. At the end of 2015, it had $1.1 million in current assets and $3.2 million in total assets, including property and equipment.

“Every organization peaks and plateaus, but we’re trending in the right direction,” Covington said. “Our finances are solid, we have a strategic plan, a strong leadership team and committed staff.”

“Sheer Elegance No.28” will be held Saturday, December 17 in the Regency Room at the Hyatt Regency by the Arch, 315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis. The program begins with simultaneous awards and general receptions at 11 a.m. For tickets, call 314-679-5228 or visit www.mathews-dickey. com.

Photo by Dale Singer / St. Louis Public Radio

PARTNERS

Continued from A1

and inspire her children, said Lisa Walton, 35, who has three children.

“She has to know how to push my grandchild and encourage him to go further than what he sees in front of him,” Walton said. “She needs to be organized so her child can get the most out of each opportunity as possible.”

Then Stringfellow turned the question on them: “Are you this kind of mother?”

On December 14, the mothers are set to graduate from the parenting class, which is hosted by Fathers’ Support Center in North St. Louis.

For six weeks, the mothers met four days a week, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to discuss parenting skills and healthy relationships. The participants also have access to a therapist – both for themselves and their families – an employment counselor who walks them through mock job interviews, and resources to help them attain a GED, higher education or a vocational skill. They also have access to resources for substance abuse, legal guidance for custody battles or domestic violence disputes and financial education.

opportunity came in 2015, when the center obtained $150,000 in funding from the local nonprofit Archs to start the Parenting in Partnership Program. The program recently received additional funds through a $319,000 Mission and Ministry Grant from Daughters of Charity to expand its reach.

While the fathers’ program is more like a boot camp, the mothers’ group is closer to a sisterhood, Bryant said.

“Most of the women have experienced some kind of trauma or have some mental health issues,” Bryant said. “Many of them came from broken homes themselves. But it’s helpful for them to come together to see they are often experiencing the same thing.”

n “It’s actually a support system. I don’t have that.”

– Lisa Walton

Walton said that she’s tried to participate in other “support” programs for mothers. “You go in, and they give you some pamphlets, and that’s it,” she said. But this program is different. “It’s actually a support system,” she said. “I don’t have that.”

The Parenting in Partnership program is unique because it’s a one-stop shop for mothers who have multiple needs, Bryant said, while other organizations tend to only focus on one issue, such as substance abuse or domestic violence.

Wife of governor-elect robbed at gunpoint

Sheena Greitens, wife of Missouri Governor-elect Eric Greitens, talked about being the victim of armed robbery near their home in the Central West End on Tuesday, December 6, the day after three teens allegedly opened her car door and demanded her laptop and cellphone at gunpoint. St. Louis police quickly made arrests, and charges were issued.

“I appreciate Governor-elect Eric Greitens’ vow to sit down with the mothers of the suspects,” said state

Representative-elect Steven Roberts Jr., in whose district the crime was committed. “His willingness to reach out – rather than to vilify – after such a traumatic event demonstrates the level-headed leadership our state and local communities need.”

After graduation, the mothers will enter the next part of the yearlong program, which is to work with a mentor.

Targeted at low-income families, the overall vision of the program is to break the cycle of poverty and create an environment where children can thrive materially, emotionally and spiritually.

Since 1998, Fathers’ Support Center has offered these kinds of resources to fathers, and it has always been a goal to bring the mothers in as well, said Sandra Bryant, program coordinator. That

“To focus on everything from mental health to substance abuse to domestic violence to education to child care, it’s not been done [in St. Louis],” Bryant said.

This is Brown’s second attempt to finish the program. She was eight months pregnant the last time through, and she didn’t get a chance to finish when her baby came early, she said. But she knew she needed to come back.

“I’m a better communicator now,” Brown said. “Before I’d shut off on anyone who wanted to help me. Sometimes I was violent, but now I’m more

As St. Louis Public Radio noted, Sheena Greitens is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Harvard-educated PhD is an expert on East Asian government and politics. In August she published “Dictators and Their Secret Police” (Cambridge University Press).

patient. I make sure not to fly off the handle.”

Brown’s experience is truly at the heart of the program: to emphasize stronger co-parenting. Some of the fathers have taken or are currently taking classes at the center. When that’s not possible, the program helps the mothers to communicate better with the fathers.

Carmesha Jackson, 24, said

she came into the program with a negative outlook on life.

“Before I came, I was out of control,” said Jackson, who has a 1-year-old. “I’m learning stuff every day. It’s a great opportunity to better yourself for your kids.”

All three mothers said they are grateful for how much Bryant and Stringfellow care about their children and their lives.

“Our payment is when you walk across the stage,” said a teary-eyed Bryant. “The families see the change when they come to graduation. They become a walking billboard for the program’s success. Other people see them and say, ‘I

want to do it too.’”

For more information about Parenting in Partnership or to enroll in the program, call 314333-4170, email coordinator Sandra Bryant (sbryant@ fatherssupport.org) or visit www.fatherssupportcenter.org.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

What does a Trump presidency mean to public schools?

A conversation with education equity expert

Sarah Lubienski

University of Illinois News Bureau

Betsy DeVos, Presidentelect Donald Trump’s nominee for education secretary, is an advocate of school choice initiatives such as vouchers and charter schools. Sarah Lubienski, a professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois, is an expert on educational equity, including school reform and mathematics achievement. Lubienski spoke recently with University of Illinois News Bureau education editor Sharita Forrest about the possible future of public schools under the Trump administration.

Sharita Forrest: How are educators and education scholars reacting to Trump’s nomination of DeVos for education secretary?

Sarah Lubienski: Education scholars and practitioners have voiced many concerns about what this will mean for education at all levels.

DeVos is a billionaire from Michigan and a former chair of the Michigan Republican Party. She has a history of education policy advocacy but little to no hands-on experience with public schools. She never attended public schools, sent

her children to them or worked in a public school.

Still, DeVos has spent the past two decades promoting privatization of schooling in various ways, including charter schools and vouchers that students can use toward private-school tuition. In terms of higher education, there are concerns that DeVos will be more supportive of private postsecondary institutions than public universities, but time will tell.

Sharita Forrest: On the campaign trail, Trump was highly critical of the U.S. public education system and advocated a number of reforms, such as reallocating $20 billion in federal funds to state block grants for school vouchers. If implemented, how might this plan affect public schools?

Sarah Lubienski: Trump’s idea of using $20 billion of federal funds to support vouchers is well-aligned with DeVos’ agenda. However, the extent to which she will succeed in getting Congress to divert money from Title I and other programs remains to be seen. Twenty billion dollars is a whopping 28 percent of the Department of Education’s entire budget, which supports pre-kindergarten through postsecondary education.

Trump’s plan relies on states contributing even more funds to make the program viable.

For this plan to succeed, money would be diverted from

students.

In addition to facing potential challenges from Congress, DeVos is likely to meet resistance at the local

n “For Trump’s plan to succeed, money would be diverted from neighborhood public schools to private or charter schools. The program could leave public schools underenrolled and undersupported.”

neighborhood public schools to private or charter schools. The program could leave public schools underenrolled and undersupported, with cuts to programs that enhance the education of our poorest

and state levels. Some states’ constitutions forbid the use of taxpayer money for private schooling.

Sharita Forrest: Under a Trump/DeVos administration, what changes might we expect

to see to initiatives such as Common Core, Title I and the Every Student Succeeds Act?

Sarah Lubienski: While it seems likely that DeVos will try to divert funds away from Title I, it is less clear what she will do with Common Core or ESSA. Based on her history, DeVos may put more effort into circumventing public schools (through choice programs) rather than strive to make public schools better. She has not been a vocal supporter or critic of Common Core or ESSA, so at least in the short term dismantling those programs may be low on her priority list. And Common Core has really been a state-level rather than federal initiative. Still, we might see her try to promote her choice agenda through legislation tied to a revision of ESSA.

Sharita Forrest: DeVos was the co-architect of the charter

school system implemented in Detroit – which some education experts have called a disaster. What went wrong?

Sarah Lubienski: The Detroit schools have had their share of struggles over the past decades, many of which cannot be pinned on DeVos. Still, DeVos has been a vigilant promoter of the expansion of charter schools in Detroit, along with pushing deregulation as a way to free those schools to pursue innovative ideas. However, student performance in those Detroit charter schools has not panned out quite as DeVos and other reformers hoped. Critics note that the main impact of those charters has been to further drain students and resources away from Detroit’s struggling public schools.

Sharita Forrest: Does choice guarantee better quality education?

Sarah Lubienski: The research I did with my husband, Chris Lubienski (currently a faculty member at Indiana University), suggests that – contrary to popular belief –private and charter schools are not better than public schools. In our book “The Public School Advantage” (University of Chicago Press, 2013), our analyses of two large national datasets indicate that students in public elementary schools actually learn more math than their demographically similar peers in private schools. Our research reveals that while public school teachers are required to stay up to date with instructional improvements and changing curriculum standards, this is less true in private schools. Private schools are free to hire noncertified teachers and use outdated approaches, such as having young students sit in rows while learning math. These differences in governance and instruction provide an advantage for public school students when it comes to achievement.

Overall, our research challenges assumptions about the superiority of private schools, which is the basis for Trump’s $20 billion idea.

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for education secretary, Betsy DeVos never attended public schools, sent her children to them or worked in a public school.

Based on her history, says Sarah Lubienski of the University of Illinois, “DeVos may put more effort into circumventing public schools (through choice programs) rather than strive to make public schools better.”

– Sarah Lubienski, University of Illinois

Letter from the 7th Ward: Why I trust Tishuara Jones to change St. Louis

Marie Ceselski, the 7th Ward Democratic committeewoman, published a blog post advancing Tishaura O. Jones, currently St. Louis treasurer, for mayor of St. Louis. Her post included this disclaimer: “I write my own posts. I am not paid to work on any campaign. I have no family paid to work on any campaign.

I am a city employee but not employed, nor have ever been employed, in the treasurer’s office, or Board of Aldermen, or any business associated with any mayoral candidate.” A lightly edited version of her post appears below.

It will probably surprise some people that I have not always been a huge fan of Tishaura Jones. I was troubled by her role in a Rex Sinquefield agenda item –school choice – when she was a state legislator. But I also know her now and understand the desperation she felt then, like so many St. Louis city parents, about public education, and that her actions were in spite of Rex and not because of him. Not many of us are without some of Sinquefield’s agenda on our hands. I went along with him funding the statewide ballot issue for local control of police and regret that. I haven’t changed my mind about local control, I just think we should have done things differently.

I know Tishaura Jones is not Sinquefield’s candidate in the mayor’s race. I am convinced that she, more than any other mayoral candidate, would be our fiercest defender against him and the bully consultants spending his billions.

I liked her father, former Comptroller Virvus Jones He was a good comptroller. He used campaign money for personal purposes in violation of campaign finance laws and didn’t report it to IRS – and went to prison for it. He was a good comptroller, but a flawed man. I bring this up because at least one other mayoral candidate or surrogate is spreading some awful rumors about the Jones family. In one rumor, Virvus Jones embezzled city funds (which he did not do), and there is an inference to apple not falling far from tree. If you believe or promote that crime is genetic, may you rot in hell.

August 7, 2012, was the

election when I was first on the ballot for 7th Ward Democratic committeewoman. I had no opponent, didn’t campaign, had no organization and filed an exemption to not spend any money. I punted on the Democratic Primary choices, including the treasurer’s race in which Tishaura Jones, my then 7th Ward Committeeman Brian Wahby and Aldermen Fred Wessels and Jeffrey Boyd were competing. My alderwoman endorsed Wessels. I was ambivalent about the treasurer’s race, other than wanting anyone but Wahby. It was my opinion that the treasurer’s office was such a big a mess under Larry Williams that no one was going to be able to clean it up.

Nearly every elected official had been propping up Williams all those years and tithing to his fundraisers while bad-mouthing him on the side. Some of this had to do with empire building. I think the plan was to let the treasurer’s office implode to generate support for making it a mayoral patronage job. But Tishaura Jones was elected treasurer and proved me wrong. She cleaned up that mess and more. None of the other mayoral candidates who have filed has done anything like this. She is the only candidate who as actually taken a public problem, fixed it, and turned it into a public benefit. We have gotten away from the idea that small stuff matters. What seems small to a large bureaucracy can mean the world to a resident, small business or visitor. Tishaura Jones understands that fixing the small stuff is important.

When Treasurer Tishaura Jones was sworn into office, 1,600 of the city’s 7,000 employees were not using direct deposit for their paychecks. They were cashing their checks every two weeks, often paying a fee to do so. Treasurer Jones set up bank and credit union fairs for employees to pick an institution for direct deposit. A debit card option for paychecks was also made available.

As a city employee, I can tell you that this transition, requiring direct deposit, has changed the lives of many people at the low end of city salaries. I personally know city employees who were living paycheck to paycheck, and now they put a little something into a savings account every pay day.

find the owner of condemned property at 2408-2411 S 12th renting it out, over and over again. Tishaura Jones is the only candidate for mayor talking about protecting renters. Tishaura Jones wants a fully staffed police department that includes social workers. Many problems that come to the attention of police are related to mental health. If we staff police stations with social workers, we can treat some problems, instead of criminalize them, and free up police resources for more important concerns.

St. Louis city was No. 1 in unbanked minority households when Treasurer Tishaura Jones came into office. She understands financial literacy is a necessary step to helping people out of poverty. She established the Office of Financial Empowerment to educate St. Louisans on checking and savings accounts, college funds, identity theft, earned income tax credits, foreclosure prevention, small business development and credit counseling. One of the Forward Through Ferguson Report’s “Signature Priorities” is to establish financial empowerment

centers. When we look at who has actually done something citywide to make Black Lives Matter, Treasurer Tishaura Jones is the candidate who stands out for bringing positive change. It’s not flashy. It didn’t put her on TV. But small things can change lives in big ways.

Another Forward Through Ferguson priority is Child and Family Development Accounts. And, again, Treasurer Jones stepped up and established a Children’s Savings Accounts program for college savings. Thousands of St. Louis City school children now have college accounts. If you don’t have kids or

your child doesn’t benefit, why does this concern you?

Studies show that even a small amount of money invested in a child’s college education helps keep that child in school and increases graduation rates. Breaking the cycle of poverty, which impacts us all, requires children to stay in school. Most recently, Tishaura Jones wrote about tenant rights, about local government, landlord associations and tenants working together. In St. Louis city, 160,000 residents are renters. We are renters. We have a great landlord, but some of our neighbors do not. Many of us have been horrified to

Tishaura Jones wants to shut down the City Workhouse, an arcane, dangerous and expensive institution. Freeing up money to keep people out of jail is better than spending money on incarceration. I don’t hear anyone else running for mayor talking about it. We cannot afford more of the same. We must change. Tishaura Jones brought change to the treasurer’s office, cleaned up a big mess. I trust her to do the same for the City of St. Louis. We need someone who will look at redevelopment incentives for what they bring to the community and not merely serve as a bribe to anyone who says they will leave or won’t build without it. I trust Tishaura Jones to attract development worthy of our assistance and fix the small things that are big problems for small business. We need transparency in city government, including replacing the city’s word salad website and lack of timely online public notice of public meetings. I trust Tishaura Jones to bring that transparency because I’ve already seen what she did in the treasurer’s office. We need someone who will go to the mat for us fighting Rex Sinquefield here, in Jefferson City, and statewide if necessary, and I also trust Tishaura Jones to do that.

Photo by Wiley Price

Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis treasurer, was among the seven candidates who filed to run for St. Louis mayor when filing opened on Monday, November 28. Lewis Reed, president of the Board of Aldermen, 29th Ward Alderwoman Lyda Krewson and 21st Ward Alderman Antonio French were also among those who filed as Democrats. The Democratic Primary is March 7.

Democracy in America on trial

While watching demonstrators in major U.S. cities protest President-elect Donald Trump, I looked back on the many times we have protested before, but somehow this is different.

Marches took place in St. Louis, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, Portland, Detroit, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Olympia, Washington, D.C., Iowa City, and several others municipalities.

But what frightens me more is that stock prices for the country’s two largest private prison contractors skyrocketed after Donald Trump claimed victory in the U.S. presidential election.

The largest private prison contractor, Core Civic, which recently changed its name from Corrections Corporation of America, saw its stock shoot up by more than 58 percent, and stocks for the second largest contractor, GEO Group, rose by more than 28 percent. This is disturbing because of a detailed report by the Justice Department’s Officer of the Inspector General, which found that privatized prison facilities led to more security problems without necessarily saving money. Another review discloses Trump’s election

will directly impact the kindergarten-to-prison pipeline. Given his campaign promises to restrict immigration and register Muslims, as well as allegations that he had sexually abused women, what disturbs me is observing how culturally unaware Donald Trump is. I do not believe he has ever looked into the roots of indifference and racial intolerance, therefore putting perhaps millions of young African-American children and other minorities at risk.

Each year, thousands of American preschoolers are suspended from public schools,

n

a trend that disproportionately impacts black children and sends many of them on a fast track to dropping out or into the criminal justice system later in life.

Black students are four times more likely to be suspended than their white peers. The U.S. Department of Education has rightly called on public schools to end racially disparate practices of suspensions that

lead to the school to prison pipeline. Federally funded charter schools should be held to the same standards.

Often when I am troubled by issues such as the Michael Brown Jr. killing and the other police executions around the country, I turn to songs of the Civil Rights Movement such as “Can’t Turn Me Around,” “Oh Freedom,” “We Shall Not Be Moved,” “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize,” “We Shall Overcome,” “I Wish I Knew How It Feel To Be Free” and “A Change is Gonna Come.”

But today, I am remembering the late Jimmy Ruffin’s song “I’ve Passed This Way Before.” It kinds of sums up the feelings of the millions of Americans who are wondering what a Donald Trump presidency will bring.

The word are “Life lands a hurting blow. And once again our heart is broken. And as history repeats itself. These few words are sadly spoken. I’ve passed this way before. I’ve felt this pain before. A hurt that took so long to end. Has found my poor heart again.”

Yes, we have passed this way before, and we must take the necessary precautions and remain vigilant so we won’t be headed back to the way things were in the 1940s and ‘50s.

Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at 314-8373369, e-mail at berhay@swbell. net or on Twitter @berhay.

Community at the Heart of the Art Museum’s Annual Winter Celebrations Festival

The Saint Louis Art Museum houses an encyclopedic collection of art. Traverse its galleries and you’re as likely to see ancient Egyptian mummies as you are to see paintings by Pablo Picasso. In recognition of this diversity, the Museum presents a winter festival that celebrates cultures near and far and combines art with music and dance. Now in its second year, Winter Celebrations takes place Friday, December 9 through Sunday, December 11. With activities spread across the Museum, the festival has something for everyone and is the perfect family activity for a cold, winter weekend.

The Saint Louis Art Museum places the community front and center during the Winter Celebrations. Each day of the festival features performances by local community organizations, schools, and dance and singing ensembles. The festival highlights the talents of our area youth on Friday, December 9. Beginning in Sculpture Hall, Museum-goers can listen to musical and spoken word performances from students from Crossroads College Prep, Clayton High School, and Normandy High School. The Farrell Auditorium also plays host to the Gateway Science Academy Band and Orchestra as they perform their annual winter concert. Winter Celebrations kicks into high gear on Saturday, December 10. LIVETY: Indigenous Dance opens the day with an energetic West African dance and drumming performance in Sculpture Hall. Dance Center of Kirkwood follows with dances from the classic winter ballet The Nutcracker. Other performances include dance and music presented by Hispanic Festival, Inc. and St. Louis Osawu Taiko, a group performing ensemble Japanese drumming. The day also features a free art activity, scavenger hunt, and

a showcase of short, animated ilms in the Museum’s Farrell Auditorium.

The highlight of the Winter Celebration Festival just might be a performance by Afriky Lolo and Diadie Bathily on Sunday, December 11. Afriky Lolo is committed to bringing West African dance and culture to the St. Louis community through teaching and performing. Its founder, Diadie Bathily, is a master dancer from Cote d’Ivoire who has danced professionally for over thirty years. Afriky Lolo’s performances relect the rich culture of West Africa and they are enhanced by traditional West African costumes. The performance begins at 1:00 pm, doors open at 12:30 pm. Seating in the Farrell Auditorium is limited and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

The inal day of the festival also includes music by

the A Cappella groups from Webster Groves High School, tradition Indian dances presented by the Center for Indian Cultural EducationBal Vihar, and carols and seasonal favorites sung by the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association. The Museum even has something for guests with a sweet tooth. From 1:00 to 4:00 pm visitors are encouraged to drop by the Education Center for cookie decorating with Panorama executive chef Ivy Magruder. Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum on December 9-11 for the Winter Celebrations. Each day of the festival offers a selection of activities and performances that are free to the public. Visit slam.org/ winter for a full schedule of festival events. Tickets are free, but seating is limited in the auditorium. Advance tickets are recommended.

SAVE THE DATE: KWANZAA Mask and Masquerade

Sunday, January 1, 2017, noon–4:00 pm. Free

Join us for an afternoon of activities to celebrate an African American holiday tradition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Presented in collaboration with the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Bernie Hayes

Insured wonder what is ahead for Obamacare

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

By the end of November, more than 2.1 million people selected health insurance plans during the Marketplace Open Enrollment. This includes nearly 62,000 Missourians who are new or renewed their coverage.

“With plans available for less than $75 per month in premiums, 2.1 million Americans, including 61,615 in Missouri, have already selected coverage through HealthCare. gov,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. “I hear from people across the country just how much coverage matters to them, so I continue to encourage all Missourians who need health insurance for 2017 to visit HealthCare.gov and check out their options. Consumers should be sure to enroll by December 15th for coverage that starts January 1st.” St. Louisan Martez Thomas will begin his third year of health insurance coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. As a fulltime student and caregiver who now works part-time outside of the home, medical, vision and dental insurance coverage was just what he needed.

“I actually got it at an insurance agency. I went to get some vehicle insurance and they were offering it,” Thomas said. “It worked pretty good; I’ve been happy with it so far. I wasn’t working at the time and I was going to school full-time. Based on that information, I didn’t have much income so I was approved for full benefits.

“I don’t have any deductibles or copays. And I started working part-time about a year ago and I still haven’t had any.” He also did not pay monthly payments, although he expects some of this will change as his income has changed.

Many advocates for health coverage wonder if its continued existence is uncertain for millions who are insured affordably under the ACA. After years of failing to do away with President Obama’s signature health care reform, national elections put Republicans in majorities in the house, senate and the oval office next year (although Democrats can filibuster to block such attempts).

It is uncertain what will happen to Obamacare. Those who administer it are moving ahead as it exists in its current form. However, Thomas shares the sentiments of ACA supporters when he told The American

that quality health care should not be limited to those with unlimited resources.

“I would be okay for a revision if it would be more helpful or more serviceable, but I don’t think revamping the entire thing is going to be a good thing, because I think it allows people to have insurance who don’t have the finances,” Thomas said.

“I think that insurance should be something that shouldn’t be based upon our financial status of what we can afford. We should be able to get good health care… where if we have a condition with our health, it’s not so traumatizing to the family because we

can’t afford it or we don’t have insurance or can’t afford the insurance.”

He added, even if you get to a place where you can afford health insurance, it takes steps to get there, and along the way – things could happen.

“If you are not covered, then it puts you at risk for a lot of other things that, if you had insurance, would be covered,” Thomas said.

Additionally, you need to be healthy enough to look for a job.

“You can be healthy searching for a job; you can be healthy attending school and going throughout the course of life with health insurance,

because it is much needed,” he said. Although he had to select a new insurance provider this year, Thomas is glad he gets to keep his existing doctors. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare. gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. Find free, in-person help in your community by zip code by visiting https://localhelp. healthcare.gov/. You can get assistance by phone by calling 1-800-318-2596, or online by visiting HealthCare.gov or in Spanish, CuidadoDeSalud.gov.

Your Family Doctor

In the past few weeks, there have been 11 hate-related incidents reported in Missouri. These acts of harassment, which have been aimed at minorities, focus on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and gender. In these cases, harassment includes both physical and verbal assault/intimidation and is occurring most frequently in K-12 schools, businesses, and universities. In St. Louis, African American students were told to sit in the back of the bus and one minority student was attacked with a hot glue gun. In Kansas City, a man reported that a noose and swastika were spray painted on his car. At the University of Central Missouri, peaceful protestors were confronted with firecrackers. Such reports are not unique to our state, as the Southern Poverty Law Center reports more than 800 of these hate-related incidents in the same time period. We can all agree that harassment and violence have a negative effect on the social fabric of our nation, but what is often overlooked is the impact that this behavior has on our collective health.

As referenced in a previous blog posting, “…racism and discrimination are two stress factors shown to have negative impacts on health, causing an increase in depression, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and mortality.” The effects are magnified when this type of behavior is normalized at a young age. Research has established that communities of color and low-income communities of all races experience toxic stress as a result of frequent and ongoing adversity, whether through abuse, emotional trauma, socioeconomic hardship, or exposure to violence. Racism and discrimination are two contributing factors that amplify toxic stress and the subsequent impact on overall health. Prolonged exposure to this kind of stress without appropriate emotional support can contribute to poor physical and behavioral health outcomes later in life. Similar research has shown that in addition to affecting health, racism and intolerance can negatively influence the ability for children to learn and develop cognitively and emotionally. One report cites the association between racism, marginalization, and lack of community investment, which stifles the ability of communities to have access to equal economic and social opportunities. When racism and discrimination become the norm, the health and welfare of all of us are negatively affected. In fact, it raises the question – how much of the health and mental health needs in America – across all racial ethnic and religious groups – can be attributed to a lifetime’s exposure to toxic stress?

At Missouri Foundation for Health we aim to be a catalyst for change to advance individual and community well-being through health equity. The term catalyst takes on a particularly important meaning in a time where our communities and neighbors are divided on a number of issues. The division not only impedes progress toward achieving health equity, but it threatens the very core of what it means to promote healthy communities. Ensuring that all people have the opportunity to lead healthy lives and flourish requires ongoing collaboration and trust across all social sectors. This goal is seemingly unattainable when a subset of people in communities is being marginalized and subjected to undue hardship. Making progress begins with our values.

At MFH we are committed to promoting the emotional well-being of the communities most in need, and we are genuinely passionate about creating meaningful change to do so.

On November 8, 2016, America elected a new president and Missouri a new governor. Looking at the surge in hate-related events in our state and our nation, our leaders should be aware that the costs of harassment and discrimination extend beyond the short-term effects of fear and loathing, but manifest themselves years later through a variety of negative health conditions. Standing up against discrimination and its toxicity is not only the right thing to do, it also sets the stage for a conversation about the root causes and costs of doing nothing when our society’s most vulnerable need leadership the most. All of us have the responsibility to speak out against hateful acts and to affirm the values at the heart of our communities all across Missouri.

Robert Hughes, PhD is president and CEO of Missouri Foundation for Health

Robert Hughes, PhD

Martez Thomas is in his third year of Marketplace health insurance coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Photo by Wiley Price

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Liquid Candy!

Why do they call it “Liquid Candy?”

Sugared soft drinks are one of the highest contributors to childhood obesity. “An extra soft drink a day gives a child a 60% greater chance of becoming obese,” according to a recent study published in

Another fun way to increase your physical activity is to become part of a

Be A Team Player!

Deck the Halls— Safely!

This time of year many of your family, friends and neighbors are putting up holiday decorations. Stay safe this holiday season by following a few simple rules:

> Never use Holiday Lights with broken or frayed wiring. (And make sure there are no empty bulb sockets!)

> If you decorate a real tree in your house, place it far away from a fireplace or electric space heater. Dried-out trees are extremely flammable!

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

Lancet. The average sugared soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar — and that’s just a small, 12-ounce can! How much sugar is in one of those huge, 64-ounce drink cups from the convenient store? It’s easy to cut back on the amount of sugar in your diet — replace those cans of soda with ice-cold water!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

sports team. This teaches you sportsmanship, cooperation, commitment and discipline. Find a sport you enjoy and practice enough to try out for the

team! What team sports are available in your area? Possible options are baseball, soccer, football and basketball. Being part of a formal team keeps you regularly active. And as a bonus — you’ll make new friends along the way!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

> Keep pets and younger siblings away from tiny, poisonous or electrical decorations.

> If you use candles, never leave one unattended, keep it away from anything flammable, and make sure it is in a glass or fire-proof container (and out of reach of small hands or pets).

> Remember that some holiday plants are poisonous including holly berries and mistletoe!

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

Ingredients:

3 Thin slices

Directions: Spread the cream cheese onto the tortilla, top with the ham. Roll up the tortilla and cut into ½ inch pinwheels.

Healthcare Careers

Angela Klocke, Emergency Department Case Manager

Where do you work? I work for BJC Christian Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Collinsville High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from SIU-Edwardsville, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Lewis & Clark College in Alton, Illinois, a Master of Public Health from John Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, and St. Louis University , and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis.

What does an emergency department case manager do? As a Case Manager, we support and advocate for our patients to receive quality care across the health care system. As an Emergency Department Case Manager, we understand emergency care, injury and disease. We use all of our knowledge and skill to get our patients back to and maintain good health.

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 Ham Pinwheels

Why did you choose this career? Early in my education, I realized the impact that nurses have on our patients, our families and the community. I also wanted to be on the front lines of health care, to help families during a time of crisis and where better than the Emergency Department. What is your favorite part of the job you have? That’s easy, working with the patients and their families to get them back to and maintain good health.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

A hurricane forms over tropical and subtropical ocean water. Warm water and cool, moist air combine to create strong winds that can gust up to 200 miles per hour! These winds create waves that bring the storm on shore. Hurricanes are very destructive. They can flip cars, sink boats, uproot trees, and demolish houses.

In addition to powerful winds, hurricanes bring a lot of rain. (Taiwan received 114 inches of rain in three days during a hurricane.) These rains can cause landslides and flash floods.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you’ll create a replica of a hurricane and identify how the forces work together to create a hurricane.

Materials Needed:

• 2 Soda Bottles • 3 Paper Clips

• 3 Peanuts • ¼ C. Sand • Funnel

• Water • Duct Tape

Procedure:

q Fill one bottle with the paperclips, peanuts and sand. These represent the debris and help make the movement of water easier to see.

w Place the funnel in the mouth of the bottle and pour water into the bottle until it is 3/4 full, then remove the funnel.

e Turn the second empty bottle upside down and hold it over the first bottle so that the mouths of the bottle are aligned. The bottles will look like an hourglass.

z A hurricane has moved 456 miles in 6 hours. How many miles per hour is the hurricane traveling? ______ If it continues to travel at that speed, how far will it travel in 10 hours? ______

x Hurricane Frederick is traveling at 86 miles per hour. If the hurricane is 129 miles from the coast, how many hours will it take until the hurricane reaches the coast? ______

c A tropical storm takes on a hurricane status when the winds reach 74 miles per hour. After three days, Tropical

DID YOU KNOW?

SCIENCE STARS

African American Meterologist William “Bill” Parker

Hurricanes can last a few hours or several days. Most hurricanes occur during the fall months. How can you stay safe? Have an evacuation plan and an emergency kit prepared. Meteorologists can track these storms and keep you informed. For more hurricane facts, visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ sciencefacts/weather/hurricane.html.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Make Your Own Hurricane!

r Tape the seam, pressing the duct tape firmly to create a watertight seal. Continue taping 1 to 2 inches above and below the seam.

t Hold the bottles by the middle and lift the jugs.

y Quickly, turn the bottles over so that the water-filled bottle is on top. Set the bottles on the table again.

u Observe the water as it drains into the bottle below. The water competes with the air from the empty bottle. Both substances push to pass through the neck.

i Turn the bottles over again. This time, shake the bottles in a circular motion. Be sure to keep the bottles vertical.

o The water will form a vortex as it drains into the next bottle. The water will flow along the outside of the neck, while air moves quickly up through the center of the vortex. The water will drain much faster.

Analyze: How did water and air create a hurricane?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw conclusions.

Math Storms!

Storm X has grown to have wind speeds of 48 miles per hour. How much faster will the winds have to become for Tropical Storm X to become Hurricane X? ______

v Upon landfall of a Category 4 hurricane, local officials ordered an evacuation. City A has a population of 9,613, City B has a population of 5,013 and City C has a population of 3,972. How many people were evacuated in all? ______

b After citizens returned to their houses after the evacuation, reports of

damage were totaled. City A reported $115,264 in damage, City B reported $236,096 and City C reported $436,869 in damages. What was the total cost of damages rounded to the nearest thousand? ______ If the state and federal government promised $500,000 in aid, how much would the local people have to raise by themselves?

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

William (Bill) Parker grew up in New Orleans. He graduated from JFK High School, which focused on math, science, and engineering. Parker was interested in hurricanes at a young age, but he became interested in weather after a high school statistics class. In this class, he learned how to predict the chance of rain. Parker wanted to attend a historically black college/ university (HBCU), so he chose Jackson State University to study meteorology. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1994.

In 1993, he began to gain experience in the field when he worked as a student meteorologist. One year later, he was an intern at Shreveport. In 1998, Parker became a general forecaster and ten years later, a lead forecaster. In 2012, he became a warning coordination meteorologist (WCM). There are only 122 people with this title in the United States, and Parker is the only African American. With this position, he plans and coordinates programs such as SKYWARN, to alert citizens of severe weather.

Parker is also very active as a volunteer in his community. He is a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast Executive Committee, La Cima Bilingual Leadership Academy, Bossier Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Volunteers for Youth Justice, and a coach for Bossier Parks and Recreation. Parker is also an associate minister at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Benton, where he has been serving the congregation since 1997. Parker believes in serving as a role model to the youth and to recruiting African Americans in the STEM field. Personally, he has hired three African-American meteorologists. In addition, he has recruited minorities for summer intern positions. Parker has also mentored an Airline High School student for his senior project. Parker’s advice to students interested in meteorology is to take as many math and science classes as possible. Learn about summer opportunities in your community. If you are interested in meteorology, visit National Weather Service offices and serve as a volunteer or intern, and find leaders in your community to serve as your personal role models.

Learning Standards: person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activities — Who works where? picture of a building in the newspaper and of jobs people who work in that building could have.

Problem and Solution: Over a period of weeks, clip articles from newspapers that deal with problems and issues facing your local or county government. Discuss the reasons for these problems and how the government hopes to solve them.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can discuss problems and solutions. I can identify types of jobs. I can make text-to-world connections.

Froebel Literacy Academy 4th grade teacher Mrs. Larkin shows students Destiny Woods, Brandon Johnson, Clara Davis, and Javonty Brown how to use the STEM page to learn fractions. Froebel Literacy Academy is in the Saint Louis Public Schools District. Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Teachers, if you

‘Our job is to make sure Democrats win sooner rather than later’

New party chair aims to lead Missouri Democrats out of political oblivion

By Jason Rosenbaum

Of St. Louis Public Radio

You could say that state Rep. Stephen Webber is used to getting questions about how his age parlays with his ability to succeed in politics. While working at the Columbia Daily Tribune in 2008, I was the first reporter to call Webber when he announced his candidacy for a Columbia-based state House seat. He was 24 when he jumped into the race, the youngest possible age someone could be to run for the Missouri House. Since I’d seen other 20-something candidates run for Columbia-based offices and lose badly, I was a bit skeptical that Webber could break the trend. It was this backdrop that prompted me, a clueless 23-year-old reporter, to ask Webber, “Are you really

serious about this?” Webber was quite serious about getting to Jefferson City. He scooped up top-flight endorsements, raised tens of thousands of dollars and easily beat his Democratic opponent. He went on to serve four terms in the Missouri House before narrowly losing a state Senate race earlier this year.

But Webber isn’t fading quietly into the political night. He was elected Saturday as chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party. And the 33-year-old attorney and Marine Corps veteran’s youth is getting notice once again, as he became the first millennial to lead a major political party in Missouri. In fact, Webber, vice chairwoman Genevieve Williams, secretary Clem Smith and treasurer Lauren Arthur are all under 40 years old. (It should be noted that

most of the Republican statewide ticket, including Gov.-elect Eric Greitens, are Generation Xers. And incoming Attorney General Josh Hawley was born on Dec. 31, 1979, making him an almostmillennial.)

All four of the new officers ran for office at a time when Democrats are a low point in the legislature and in

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statewide offices. And Webber is motivated to change that course.

“When your party loses a presidential election or you lose a governor’s race, you’ve got to figure out what sort of changes you can make and things you can do better,” Webber said.

“And part of having a young, aggressive leadership team is that we want to change the way the Missouri Democratic Party works. We want to do a better job making inroads with younger generations. But we also want to do a better job making inroads with really everywhere.”

We talked about his priorities and focuses for his two-year term as chairman. Questions and answers below were edited for clarity and length.

Jason Rosenbaum: A lot of Democrats are looking at the map from last month and just seeing how poorly the party

Outgoing state Rep. Stephen Webber was elected as Missouri Democratic Party Chairman on Saturday, December 3.

Photo by Jason Rosenbaum / St. Louis Public Radio

did in outstate Missouri. Is improving the party’s standing there going to be one of your priorities?

Stephen Webber:

There’s been a debate in the Democratic Party on whether we should focus on winning back rural voters or turning out votes in the cities. And the answer is we need to move forward in every direction. We don’t have a governor. We have a Republican president. We’ve got superminorities in both legislative bodies here in Missouri. So we need to push forward on all fronts.

Cydney Mayfield was elected chair of the rural caucus. She’s from Cooper County. She’s somebody I’ve worked with in the past. And absolutely a priority is showing up in rural areas, listening to rural Democratic voices, and making sure we field more candidates just across the board in 2018.

Jason Rosenbaum: Indeed, 2018 is going to be a significant election cycle for your party. State Auditor Nicole Galloway could face a tough Republican opponent. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill will be up for re-election. Is making sure Galloway and McCaskill have robust support going to be a major focus for the party?

Stephen Webber: Yes,

TheBANK of Edwardsville developed the MyCOMMUNITY Home Loan Program to assist individuals who may not qualify for traditional banking products but hope to own a home. The program offers special loan terms and qualifications to help you build and establish a record of payment, as well as other benefits to help you through the mortgage process.

of

re-electing Claire McCaskill is the number one Democratic priority in 2018. And we do that by establishing a strong party all across the state. No one part of the state can be counted on to pull all their weight, and no part of the state can be ignored. We’ve got to make advances everywhere. Republicans control everything in government now. Everything at the federal level. Everything at the state level. And they have no one to point fingers at. We’re going to hold them accountable for the policies they pursue. And we’re going to make sure that people have a really clear choice in 2018.

Jason Rosenbaum: It brings to mind what happened throughout the mid-2000s, when Republicans captured most of Missouri’s statewide offices and had decent-sized majorities in the legislature. While they passed a lot of bills, they also generated a lot of controversy – and that allowed Democrats to regroup and win statewide offices in 2008.

Stephen Webber: It’s been interesting to go over the history of Missouri politics. In 1988, U.S. Sen. John Danforth won with nearly 68 percent of the popular vote against Jay Nixon. And people said Nixon’s career was over and that Democrats were in trouble. And then came 1992. Democrats swept almost everything. And in 2008, Democrats had everything that year except lieutenant governor. And now Republicans have everything except state auditor and a U.S. Senate. Our job is to make sure that Democrats win sooner rather than later. Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Loretta Ross to keynote Human Rights program

Loretta Ross will keynote the 20th Annual Human Rights Celebration 3-5 p.m. Saturday, December 10 in the Desmond Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum. A reception to meet Ross starts at 2:30 pm. The program is free and open to the public. Ross was part of Human Rights USA in 1996 which selected St. Louis as one of five sites across the country to engage in human rights education. The Organization for Black Struggle and the Saint Louis Public Schools’ Citizenship and Law Unit were co-anchors for the local two-year project. Sites were intended to organize community events in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was signed by the United Nations on December 10, 1998. Each year the Coalition for Human Rights selects a theme that highlights one or more of the articles of the Universal Declaration. The group sponsors an annual student contest focused on the theme and awards prize money to winners. This year’s theme, “Re-Defining Real Equality of Education,” examined local challenges affecting education

Better Family Life opens new Business Development Center

The new Better Family Life

Also establishes Micro Loan Fund with Carrollton Bank

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Better Family Life, Inc. has opened its new Business Development Center to support people who want to start a small- to mid-size business or get help with an existing business. The center specializes in working with disadvantaged, minority and women entrepreneurs, including Missouri Workforce Assistance (MWA, previously known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF) customers. Carrollton Bank and Better Family Life have also partnered to introduce the Better Family Life Micro Loan Fund, which will provide loans from $500 to $5000 to new and existing businesses and startups in the St. Louis community. Carrollton Bank is providing $50,000 to start the fund.

Better Family Life is a not-for-profit community development corporation that works to stabilize inner city neighborhoods and

serves more than 50,000 children and adults, including the underemployed, unemployed and skill-deficient. The new center was created in part by a $500,000 grant from the Community

n “BFL aims to spearhead residential and commercial redevelopment in the city’s West End community along Page Boulevard.”

– Malik Ahmed, CEO of Better Family Life

Development Agency and comprises the third floor of the Better Family Life Cultural, Education and Business Center, located at 5415 Page Blvd. in North St. Louis.

“For many years we’ve helped our clients find their place in the workforce, but many of them yearn to start their own businesses,”

Community college offers free Boeing training programs

SLDC board meeting is December 15, responses due January 5

American staff

n Individuals with mechanical aptitude are encouraged to apply.

St. Louis Community College, in partnership with Boeing, offers accelerated pre-employment programs to train individuals for potential jobs as assembly mechanics and composite mechanics at Boeing. Training is free for those who qualify and will be conducted at the college’s Center for Workforce Innovation near its Florissant Valley campus. The Assembly Mechanic program consists of 408 hours of instruction in drilling, counter-sinking and other assembly techniques.

The Composites Mechanic program consists of 208 hours of instruction in fabrication and repair of composite parts.

See BOEING, B2

St. Louis Community College, in partnership with Boeing, offers accelerated preemployment programs to train individuals for potential jobs as assembly mechanics and composite mechanics at Boeing.

Esther Shin is the new president of Urban Strategies, Inc. She succeeds Sandra Moore, who has been president of the organization for more than 16 years. She was promoted from executive vice president. She has been responsible for developing and implementing sustainable social and economic development initiatives and directly supervised the agency’s planning and policy, site implementation and sustainability departments.

U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) was elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for the 115th Congress. Also elected were Andre’ Carson (IN-07), 1st Vice Chair; Karen Bass (CA-37), 2nd Vice Chair; Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Secretary; and Gwen Moore (WI-04), Whip. The new CBC executive board will officially take their offices when the 115th Congress opens on January 3.

Myisa Whitlock was named executive director of Sainte Genevieve Housing Authority. She will oversee the administration of programs and operations. Her past position was project manager at Park Central Development. Before that, she was the social services director of FPD Management in Kansas City, where she administered HUD low-income elderly and disabled housing programs.

Kelvin Adams was recently honored with a Silver Beaver Award from the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. It’s the highest recognition a Boy Scout council can award to volunteers, recognizing noteworthy service that impacts the lives of youth and outstanding contributions to the scouting program. He is superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools.

Megan Banks has been promoted to assistant project manager at S. M. Wilson & Co. She will be responsible for helping project managers organize, schedule, plan, control and deliver construction projects. She is currently working on the company’s Millikin University construction project and Maplewood Fire Station. She began her career as an intern at S. M. Wilson four years ago.

Wiley B. Hale III was accepted into The National Society Of High School Scholars. A senior at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, he has been

Esther Shin

Myisa Whitlock

Kelvin Adams

Megan Banks

Cedric Richmond

Wiley B. Hale III

Photo courtesy of Better Family Life

Business Development Center is located at the Better Family Life Cultural, Education and Business Center at 5415 Page Blvd. in North St. Louis.

Photo courtesy of Boeing

Darryl Tyler Malik Ahmed

Salary negotiations can help boost your income when changing jobs

By Nathaniel Sillin

Whether you’re actively looking to make a move or being lured away by a recruiter, a new job offers many opportunities for growth. Discovering how different organizations run and tackling the learning curve during the first few months is part of the fun, and struggle, of making a change.

Switching employers can also greatly benefit your financial future. While staying at the same job could lead to a modest annual raise, you might be able to negotiate a much larger jump in pay when changing companies.

Negotiating a job offer can be daunting, but consider what happens if you don’t negotiate – you might wind up earning less than a hiring manager was willing to offer.

Do your homework to find an appropriate salary range before negotiating. Whether you are a veteran or a novice negotiator, you may want to spend time researching before sitting down at the table. Keeping in mind that compensation can vary depending on location, look online for studies or personal accounts that reveal the salaries of someone in a similar role.

Several for-profit companies compile and share compensation information online, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has pay data based on occupation and geography. You could also reach out to recruiters who focus on placing candidates in your industry as they’re

accustomed to discussing compensation. The more data on your profession’s compensation you can get the better, because you want to be able to make a fact-based request. Ask for too much and you risk being seen as unreasonable or out of touch. Ask for too little, and that might be all you get.

Job seekers often get stuck on who says a number first. While advice ranges, one

thing is for certain – you don’t necessarily want to use your previous salary as a starting point. Especially if your research reveals you’re below the current market rate, you want your next offer to reflect the experience and talent you bring to the table. If you’re being pressed to respond first, answer with the salary range you’re aiming for during your job hunt.

Don’t get stuck on money – keep the big picture in mind. It can be easy to fixate on the cash portion of your compensation when negotiating, but sometimes there isn’t any wiggle room in the budget. Look at the big picture of your potential pay and benefits. Perhaps a lowerthan-desired cash offer is offset by a generous retirement contribution matching program, great healthcare

benefits, stock incentives or bonus opportunities. When the total compensation doesn’t meet your expectations, try to think outside the box and give the hiring manager alternative options. You could request additional paid time off, the freedom to work from home one day a week or a professional development stipend. After all, flexibility and personal growth can be

more valuable than money. At smaller companies, you could ask for a quarterly lunch with an executive in your department or your direct supervisor. A lunch won’t cost the company much money, but it could give you insight into the company’s future, let you know which skills to focus on developing and strengthen your personal relationship with higher ups.

Back up your request with valid reasons. Aim to reinforce each of your negotiation requests with a valid, relatable and quantifiable reason. When asking for more money, point to experience or skills that distinguish you from other candidates. Less traditional requests, such as meetings with an executive, could be justified by your dedication to selfimprovement and desire to stay in touch with the company’s needs.

Bottom line. While changing jobs and negotiating an offer can be a challenge, moving to a new company could accelerate your salary’s growth. Before jumping into negotiations, take time to research the market, consider your overall wants and validate your requests. Presenting a coherent argument can help win over a hiring manager and set you apart from other candidates.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Building equity in entrepreneurship

New St. Louis collective gets $420K grant from Kauffman Foundation

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The effort to diversify the St. Louis region’s emerging tech start-up sector just got a $420,000 boost from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

BioSTL will serve provide the organizing infrastructure for the St. Louis Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective, which was one of 12 recipients of the Kauffman Inclusion Challenge grant nationwide out of 376 applications. The collective consists of 12 St. Louis-area nonprofit and governmental organizations that will work together to help develop female and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs of color in high-growth sectors.

“Together, we want to help ensure there is gender and racial equity in the start-up community, which means an entrepreneur’s success cannot be predicted based on their identity,” said Cheryl WatkinsMoore, head of the Inclusion Initiative for BioSTL.

BioSTL – a local nonprofit that focuses on transforming St. Louis’ regional economy by

continued from page B1

building on local strengths in the medical and plant sciences

n “We want to help ensure there is gender and racial equity in the start-up community.”

– Cheryl WatkinsMoore, head of the Inclusion Initiative for BioSTL

– conceptualized and submitted the grant application on behalf of the collective. Other collective members include Arch Grants, Center for Emerging Technologies, Cortex, Entrepreneurship Network, Missouri Small Business Development Center, Prosper Women Entrepreneurs, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis Makes, St. Louis Regional Chamber, T-Rex and Venture Café. People interested in getting involved with the St. Louis Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective may contact Natalie Clay at BioSTL at nclay@ biostl.org.

Individuals with mechanical aptitude are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED. They also must meet the eligibility requirements, including the required scores on specific WorkKeys assessment tests.

St. Louis is home to the Boeing Defense, Space & Security division, which produces military aircraft and

weapons systems, employs about 14,700 workers in the region, and is supported by more than 500 suppliers and vendors throughout the state. Interested applicants should submit a resume to Boeingtraining@stlcc.edu. Program staff will contact qualified applicants by phone or email. For more information, call 314-539-5921.

While staying at the same job could lead to a modest annual raise, you might be able to negotiate a much larger jump in pay when changing companies.

n “I loved being around him. He didn’t take himself too seriously.”

– Former Colorado coach Bill McCartney on Rashaan Salaam, who was found dead on Monday, December 5 in a park in Boulder

Vashon cracks Top 25 nationwide

Roundup of local tourney victories

With Earl Austin Jr.

The Vashon Wolverines returned to their standing as a Missouri statewide powerhouse last season when they won the Class 4 state championship.

Earl Austin Jr.

Early in this season, Vashon has already managed to put themselves on the national map in starting the season with a 4-0 record. Vashon’s biggest early win came on November 26 when it defeated Marietta Wheeler 69-67 in a big shootout event in Atlanta. Wheeler was ranked No. 2 in the country at the time. Thanks to that huge victory, Vashon has now cracked the Top 25 national rankings by USA Today. The Wolverines trailed Wheeler by 11 points in the fourth quarter, but rallied behind guards Daniel “Peanut” Farris and sophomore Mario McKinney. Farris finished with 22 points, while McKinney finished with 17. McKinney was so impressive in Atlanta that he earned six new Division I scholarship offers after the game, including one from the University of Missouri. Senior forward Levi Stockard also added 16 points for Vashon. Stockard has already signed with Kansas State. The trip to Atlanta was just part of a rugged schedule that the

Klay Day

“Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got something to say, But nothing comes out when they move their lips, just a bunch of gibberish And everybody acts like they forgot about Klay.”

– Steve Kerr

OK, you caught me. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr didn’t actually say that quote aloud, but he should’ve. Those are slightly modified lyrics by Eminem from Dr. Dre’s hit song “Forgot About Dre.” After Klay Thompson torched the Indiana Pacers for 60 points in just 29 minutes (he sat the entire fourth quarter), there’s no doubt that the legendary bass and synth laden track from Compton’s-best played in the minds of the sharpshooter and his coach. Ever since Kevin Durant’s

Decision 2.0 shook up the basketball world, Thompson has become almost a forgotten man for Golden State. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are bona fide NBA superstars and rightfully get most of the spotlight. Draymond Green, the heart and soul of the Warriors, is a crotch-kicking, tech-accumulating machine who also stays in the news. So it’s no surprise that whenever the Warriors lose or look less-than-dominant, professional second-guessers begin wondering whether the Warriors should deal Thompson for a dominant big man. Thompson kicked off the 2016-17 season in a bit of a shooting slump. Through his first seven games, Thompson shot under 22% from threepoint territory. Rumors of the Warriors trading Thompson

to the Sacramento Kings for DeMarcus Cousins began to circle the web. He was also linked to a possible deal to the Boston Celtics for Avery Bradley Jae Crowder and draft picks. Kerr, who still stands as the NBA’s career leader in three-point percent-

age, shot down the bogus trade rumors like it was 1997. Game 6. Swish. Though Thompson may not get the respect he deserves outside the Oracle, his franchise knows his value too well. Even as we transition into a “post-truth” society, it’s hard

to ignore the fact that last year, Thompson knocked down more three-point buckets than anybody in the history of the game not-named Steph Curry. Hit drained more than Durant, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Dennis

See CLUTCH, B5

See PREP, B5

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

Vashon Wolverines Dahlen Jones (1) Dante Farris (12) and Jordan Clay along with the rest of their team raise the Missouri

Championship trophy after defeating

Joseph Lafayette 69-58 to win the state title last season.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Black talent would bring needed excitement to Cardinals

Derrick Gould, PostDispatch Cardinals beat writer, wrote Tuesday that Redbirds GM John Mozeliak wants more speed, better (defensive) range and “a more exciting club.”

“I think kind of rolling out what we did last year and thinking we’re going to get a better outcome is harder for me to accept. … I think the timing of this and the additions we’re looking to do are going to make for a more exciting club,” Mozeliak told Gould.

The leading candidates for this infusion of energy include freeagent outfielder Dexter Fowler and Kansas City outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson Not counting their baseball skills, what do these three men have in common? They are black. Since the days of Jackie Robinson, “excitement” has meant “black” when it comes to baseball rosters.

themselves, something he would be uncomfortable with as the season began. The Cardinals’ so-called celebrations have always seemed concocted, not natural. That starts with the head man in the dugout. If the 2017 Cardinals are indeed going to be more exciting, the manager must let guys be themselves and not let Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina quash spontaneous moments of thrill, laughter or giddiness.

Latest follies from L.A. Rams

Is there a more incompetent organization in the NFL than the L.A. Rams?

n Dickerson added some humor to the tense situation by saying to Demoff, “Where are the naked pictures at? He must got something on someone. Because five years is enough.”

I’m not saying that is a bad thing. Either of the three players would bring an enthusiasm for the game missing from the Cardinals roster – but there is a catch. Manager Mike Matheny must allow them to be

At 4-8, the team is almost guaranteed to finish under .500 for the 13th year in a row. It traded a slew of draft picks to Tennessee to select quarterback Jared Goff with the first pick in the NFL draft – and Goff did not start until the season’s 10th week. The Rams confirmed this week that the leader of this pack of lost souls was awarded a two-year contract extension before the season began. Congratulations, Jeff Fisher. The icing on the cake is Fisher’s ongoing feud with former Rams superstar running

back Eric Dickerson

Last week, Dickerson said during his radio show that Fisher told him that he would not be receiving any sideline passes and is not welcome on the Rams sideline because he

has been critical of the team’s performance.

Dickerson said he had a lengthy telephone conversation with Fisher, which ended with him telling the coach he would never attend another Rams’ game while Fisher is at the helm.

Naturally, Fisher said that’s not what occurred, and Rams COO Kevin Demoff tried to calm the troubled waters by meeting with Dickerson last Thursday night. Fisher’s rumored extension was part of the conversation.

“I asked Kevin Demoff point-blank last night, I say, ‘So are you bringing Jeff Fisher back? Does he have an extension?’” Dickerson said on Cowlin Cowherd’s radio program.

He said, ‘We’re talking about it… what do you think?’ I said, ‘My honest opinion? No, I’m just going to be honest. He’s had five years; five years of losing … enough is enough.’”

Dickerson added some humor to the tense situation by saying to Demoff, “Where are the naked pictures at? He must got something on someone. Because five years is enough, I mean it really is. You can’t subject all the Ram fans to this

another year.” Demoff, whom I like and respect, added fuel to the foolishness wildfire by telling NFL.com, “Everybody will want to judge Jeff through the prism of just the record, but that’s totally unfair when you look at the set of circumstances he was handed this year. It was different than any team in the NFL.”

As usual, there is no word from owner Stan Kroenke as to how he feels about the latest embarrassment his football team and/or coach has created.

If you want a few laughs, Google “Fisher Dickerson Snoop Dogg” for the entertainer’s profanity-filled take on the situation. It’s hysterical.

St. Louis’ childish reaction to Kroenke’s successful bid to relocate the team continues to be a smudge on the region’s collective image, but the ball of confusion that left here is still spiraling out of control in L.A.

As for the contract extension, it is an obvious “thank you” for being part of the L.A. relocation. The Rams hold the option for 2018, and Fisher won’t last 16 games in 2017 before he is finally fired.

Forget state aid for soccer

Any chance that SC St. Louis had of getting state help in its bid for a publicly funded soccer stadium was erased when Gov.-elect Eric Greitens’ wife was robbed at gunpoint Monday night in the Central West End. Three suspects – two of them minors – were arrested, and Greitens praised the rapid response of city police. St. Louis has much greater uses for $80 million than devoting it to a soccer stadium, and that could not have been made clearer with this latest chilling episode of criminal activity.

As for David Peacock, Jim Kavanaugh and the other SC St. Louis fraternity members, there is good news. President-elect Trump and his economic team are going push for unprecedented tax cuts for the wealthy and corporate America. My guess is that Peacock and company are going to reap the benefit of these tax cuts, as will the businesses they either run or hold stock in. This money could replace that which they can personally put toward the stadium and effort to attract a MLS franchise.

The leading candidates for an infusion of energy for the St. Louis Cardinals include free-agent outfielder Dexter Fowler (above) and Kansas City outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson.

Alvin A. Reid

Niele Ivey inducted by Notre Dame

Former Cor Jesu

basketball star Niele Ivey was inducted into Notre Dame’s Ring of Honor before last weekend’s game against Valpo. Ivey was an All-American guard at Notre Dame who led the Irish to the NCAA championship in 2001 in her hometown of St. Louis. She is currently the associate head coach at Notre Dame. Ivey was joined by her son Jaden as the induction ceremony.

Continued from B3

points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and is shooting 48 percent from deep. Last season he averaged 22.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shot 47% from deep. Furthermore, the Warriors, even without a dominant big man, are off to a leaguebest 18-3 start. The team is averaging over 120 points per game (Houston is second at 111 ppg) and winning by nearly 14 points per game. Back to the 60-point outburst, the scariest part about Thompson’s game was his willingness to attack the basket or take a few steps inside the three-point line to knock down mid-range shots as well. If Thompson can continue to develop from the ultimate three-and-D guy into a more complete player, opposing teams won’t have a prayer, even if the Warriors bring Muggsy Bogues out of retirement to play center.

PREP

Continued from B3 Wolverines will play this season.

Belleville West enjoys productive week

It was quite an impressive week for the Belleville West Maroons. West won the Vianney tournament, defeating the host Golden Griffins 58-43 in Friday night’s championship game. The following night, the Maroons went back on the metro east and knocked off a powerful Edwardsville team 59-53 at the Vadalabene Center at SIU-Edwardsville.

The victory by Belleville West broke a 12-game losing streak against Edwardsville. Sophomore standout E.J. Liddell scored 15 points to lead the Maroons while senior forward Dalton Fox added 14 points. Senior forward Tyler Dancy added 10 points, including the 1,000th point of his career.

Jennings takes home Pattonville title

The Jennings Warriors won the Pattonville Tournament with a trio of impressive victories over McCluer, Pattonville and Whitfield. Junior guard Kyle Younge averaged 18 points a game in the tournament while senior forward Rajae Johnson averaged 12 points a game.

St. Mary’s and Cardinal Ritter win tourneys

Archdiocesan Athletic Association teams St. Mary’s and Cardinal Ritter won championships of early-season tournaments. St. Mary’s went over to the metro east

As a testament to his unselfishness, Thompson didn’t mind when his coach sat him down with a full quarter to go. Can you imagine Kobe Bryant dropping 60 in three quarters and then sitting down for the rest of the game, even armed with a 116-83 lead? I’m sure Thompson would’ve liked to topple incredible Bryant’s 81-point performance in 2006. However, all eyes in Oakland are on a championship. The records and accolades earned along the way are just gravy on top. Kerr brushed off any notion that he should’ve left Thompson in the game to see how many points he could score.

Kerr told ESPN, “They said Dean Smith is the only guy who could hold MJ under 20. I’m the only guy who can hold Klay under 80, I guess.”

Rams extend Fisher

The Los Angeles Rams have done the unthinkable

to win the Alton Tip-Off Tournament. The Dragons defeated host Alton 60-59 in the championship game. Cardinal Ritter ventured to Washington, Missouri to win the St. Francis Borgia Turkey Tournament. The Lions defeated McCluer North 67-62 to win the championship, avenging a loss to the Stars’ in last year’s Borgia championship game. Junior guard Jared Phillips scored 22 points in the championship game to lead Ritter. Phillips was selected the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Webster Classic highlights weekend

This weekend’s Webster Groves Classic features a very talented six-team field with a lot quality talent. Joining host Webster Groves in the tournament are Chaminade, Champaign Central, Lee’s

(yet, somehow unsurprising) and re-signed the man who will soon have the most losses in NFL history to a two-year contract extension. The deal has been rumored for a long time, but was just recently confirmed by the organization.

Last week, I discussed the beef between Fisher and alltime great running back Eric Dickerson. Apparently, failing to post a single winning season or make the playoffs in five seasons (current season included) is enough to justify doling out a contract extension.

Maybe the NFL is now entering its post-results era. Rams owner Stan Kroenke, GM Les Snead and Fisher are clearly on the path to ‘Make Los Angeles Great Again.’ All that’s left is to change to gold on the uniforms to a bit of an orange hue and they’re good to go.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Summit, Marquette and Maplewood. Some of the front line talent includes Webster Groves junior Courtney Ramey, Chaminade juniors Jericole Hellems and Karrington Davis and Champaign Central junior Tim Finke. The tournament begins on Thursday with roundrobin games with more coming up on Friday. Saturday’s final day will include the consolation game at 12:30 p.m., thirdplace game at 3 p.m. and championship game at 4:30 p.m.

Top games this weekend

St. Mary’s at CBC, Thursday, 6 p.m. Westminster at MICDS, Thursday, 7 p.m. CBC at DeSmet, Friday, 7 p.m.

Rock Bridge at Miller Career Academy, Friday, 7 p.m. Belleville West at East St. Louis, Saturday, 7 p.m.

The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTeS of The Week

Jaidah Stewart

Webster Groves – Girls Basketball

The 5’9” junior guard led the Stateswomen to a third-place finish at last week’s Marquette Tournament.

Stewart averaged 24.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 58 percent from the field in the tournament. She had 33 points, eight rebounds and five steals in Webster’s 66-65 overtime victory over Nerinx Hall in the first round. In the third-place game, Stewart had 24 points, 11 rebounds and five steals in a 63-50 victory over Francis Howell.

As a sophomore, Stewart averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in leading Webster Groves to a 20-10 record and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

Kyle Younge

Jennings – Boys’ Basketball

The 5’10” junior guard led the Warriors to the championship of the Pattonville Tournament last week.

Younge averaged 18 points a game in Jennings’ three victories over McCluer, Pattonville and Whitfield. He had a game-high 24 points in a 61-58 first-round victory over McCluer. He followed up with 18 points against host Pattonville in the semifinals and 11 points against Whitfield in the championship game, a 61-46 Jennings victory.

A transfer from Riverview Gardens, Younge averaged 9.7 points and shot 44 percent from 3-point range as a sophomore in helping the Rams to a Class 4 district championship.

Photo courtesy of Notre Dame

Despite the addition of former MVP Kevin Durant and his 27 points per game, Klay Thompson is still averaging 22.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and is shooting 48 percent from deep.

Trump’s Carrier deal shows corporations how to scam U.S. taxpayers

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

President-elect Donald Trump promised to punish U.S. companies that ship manufacturing jobs out of the country. Instead, judging from the way he has handled Carrier, he plans to reward them. Quite handsomely, in fact.

As should be standard practice with Trump, pay attention to the substance, not the theater. United Technologies, the parent company of air-conditioner maker Carrier, has been threatening to move more than 2,000 jobs from Indiana to Mexico. Trump addressed this specifically during his campaign, vowing to hit the company with a punitive tariff.

“If they’re going to fire all their people, move their plant to Mexico, build air conditioners, and think they’re going to sell those air conditioners to the United States – there’s going to be a tax,” Trump said on “Meet the

Press” in the summer. “It could be 25 percent, it could be 35 percent, it could be 15 percent, I haven’t determined.”

As it turns out, how about zero percent?

In fact, how about giving United Technologies state tax breaks worth about $7 million over the next decade, in exchange for moving only 1,300 jobs to Mexico? That’s basically the deal offered by Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who happens to be governor of Indiana (and thus in a position to offer the tax relief).

For the roughly 850 workers who thought they were losing their jobs to Mexico but now will keep them, this is great news. I am happy for them and their families, and I understand why they would feel grateful to Trump. But I don’t understand why anyone else would consider this a good deal – except, of course, the leadership team at United Technologies.

The company still gets to lay

off most of the targeted Indiana workers and replace them with much cheaper Mexican labor. It gets partial compensation from the state government. And instead of worrying about a potential tariff, United Technologies can anticipate a major reduction in the federal corporate tax rate. That’s something Trump promised on the campaign trail – and also, reportedly, in a recent phone call with United Technologies CEO Greg Hayes.

corporations that shut down in the United States and move abroad?”

Writing in a Washington Post op-ed, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont put it this way: “Just a short few months ago, Trump was pledging to force United Technologies to ‘pay a damn tax.’ ... Instead of a damn tax, the company will be rewarded with a damn tax cut. Wow! How’s that for standing up to corporate greed? How’s that for punishing

So imagine you’re a CEO who wants to send, say, 5,000 manufacturing jobs overseas. Having learned from the Carrier example, you might begin by announcing that unfortunately you are forced to eliminate 10,000 jobs because of the crushing tax burden. Even if you really want to move the jobs to Vietnam or Kenya, just say you’re looking at possible sites for a new plant in Mexico. That’s sure to get Trump’s attention. When Trump calls offering tax breaks or enterprise zone incentives or free rounds of golf in Scotland, whatever goodies he tosses in, hold out for a while – then reluctantly, in the spirit of patriotism and Making America Great Again, announce you’ve

n “Just a short few months ago, Trump was pledging to force United Technologies to ‘pay a damn tax.’ ... Instead of a damn tax, the company will be rewarded with a damn tax cut.”

– U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders

agreed to cancel half of the 10,000 job cuts. You’d still be meeting your original goal of eliminating 5,000 jobs, only now you’d also have a lower corporate tax bill and a tee time at Turnberry.

The Carrier deal is just the latest piece of evidence suggesting that Trump’s populist rhetoric about championing the working stiff and cracking down on greedy globalist corporations was all a bunch of hooey. His administration is shaping up to be a government of, by and for corporate America.

His nominee for treasury secretary is Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs

executive and hedge fund tycoon. His nominee for commerce secretary is Wilbur Ross, a billionaire industrialist. His pick to serve as Ross’s deputy is Todd Ricketts, the son of a billionaire and the co-owner of the Chicago Cubs. His choice as Education secretary is Betsy DeVos, the billionaire daughter-in-law of the co-founder of Amway. We should pay less attention to what Trump says, or tweets, and more to what he actually does. So far, this is not a team of rivals but a team of plutocrats. Trickle-down economics isn’t what Trump’s supporters voted for, but it looks like what they’ll get.

continued from page B1 Bank. “As startups, most of these businesses would not ordinarily be considered by banks for loans. But with a program like this, we can take a little money and make a big difference.”

said Malik Ahmed, CEO of Better Family Life. “This program and funding will provide them with the training and the resources they need to do that.” Carrollton Bank is a privately held, employeeowned community bank with $1.4 billion in assets and nine offices.

“Small businesses are vital to helping communities grow stronger,” said Darryl Tyler, a commercial banking officer with Carrollton BFL

In order to receive the micro loans, individuals and businesses must participate in the Better Family Life Entrepreneurial Training and Support Program, which is managed by the Center for the Acceleration of African American Business (CAAAB). Program participants take an intensive weeklong workshop covering the critical aspects of business ownership, including sales, marketing

and accounting. This is followed by a six-week mentorship program where participants work one-on-one with a business coach and attend business workshops. They complete business plans and determine their financial needs. To increase the likelihood of long-term success, participants get ongoing access to experts and mentors through the program.

The micro loans can be used for basic startup capital, lines of credit and all specific and evaluated business reasons. Loans will be available to borrow beginning on January 1. Loan applications will be reviewed

by a committee that includes BFL, Carrollton Bank and other program partners.

The center offers classes and one-on-one coaching on everything from business plan development, marketing, affordable loans and financial assistance, product development, consumer research and business expansion.

Services are provided by CAAAB, Better Family Life and other partners, including Washington University Brown School of Social Work and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

The center is also part of Better Family Life’s vision

to revitalize North St. Louis with its Page Corridor Redevelopment Plan, which includes a $20-million housing renovation project of 100 homes on Page Boulevard.

“Investing in Page Boulevard is key to creating important economic and social change in North St. Louis,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed hopes the center will spur more businesses to open and thrive in the Page Corridor area and attract new business into the area, including grocery stores, art galleries and additional new residential construction.

“BFL aims to spearhead

residential and commercial redevelopment in the city’s West End community along Page Boulevard, by connecting this corridor to development in St. Louis County and promoting the city’s North Side as a desirable place to live, work and raise a family,” Ahmed said.

“This initiative, coupled with its efforts to bridge the gap between north and south St. Louis, will strengthen the revitalization of the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

For more information, visit http://betterfamilylife.org/ contact-us/ or call (314) 3673440

Eugene Robinson

By Kenya Vaughn

Unapologetically natural

MTV actor to star in production written by club alum Diamond Gladney

American staff

Children of Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club will take part in the production and performance of an original play “Santa B.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I just felt like everybody has ‘good hair’ as long as it grows,” said Healthy Hair Solutions and Texture Talk Founder Tendai “The Hair Whisperer” Morris.

Just the thought of hearing someone saying “natural hair isn’t for everybody” made her cringe. So much so that she set out to prove the statement wrong – first through styling, then through product development and finally information sessions she called Texture Talks.

This weekend she will expand her Texture Talk series to a fullfledged expo on Saturday, December 10 hosted by College Ritter College Preparatory High School.

“I’ve learned that women of color all over the world are facing the same challenges when it comes to their hair,” Morris said. “Literally all over – from Zimbabwe to London to the U.S. – in every city and state and country, women are all going through the same thing as far as being in the dark when it comes to our hair. It’s like they have discovered a part of themselves that they never knew existed – a reintroduction to who they are.”

Her goal is to take women of color from frustration to freedom and empowerment when it comes to their hair.

“A lot of these women have never seen the texture of their own hair so they don’t know what it can do,” Morris said.

On Saturday she’ll have more than 20 vendors to choose from. She and Curly Dew creator Erica Gales will offer discussions and product demonstrations. There will also be plenty of entertainment over the course of the afternoon – including the crowning of the inaugural Miss Healthy Hair Solutions 2016.

“My goal is to give them the tools they need to go the long haul of this natural hair journey,” Morris said. “It’s about them embracing a huge part of who they are – and it makes me so happy.” Morris comes from a long line of stylists and barbers – and while See NATURAL, C4

Cause” as part of the David Joseph McKay IV Holiday Party on Friday, December 9. The play is written by Mathews-Dickey alumnus Diamond Gladney and stars actor/comedian Spanky Hayes of MTV’s “Wild N Out” fame.

“Santa B. Clause” debuts to an audience of 1,000 Saint Louis Public Schools students at the annual celebration. For three decades, Mathews-Dickey has produced this holiday party to reward students for excellent attendance, grades and behavior with entertainment, with every child receiving a goody bag and being entered into a drawing for

30 bicycles and 10 $50 gift cards through the generosity of the McKay family.

This is the first year that a play will be a part of the festivities. The 90-minute production is a story of redemption, detailing a con man’s journey after being sentenced by the courts to become an inner-city St. Nicholas named Santa B. Cause.

“It is a day where talents are showcased and laughter is heard all throughout the building,” said Mathews-Dickey President & CEO Wendell

The language of dance taught by a master

Ailey

icon Judith Jamison

holds court at COCA

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

When Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and COCA alum Antonio DouthitBoyd and his fellow Ailey alum and husband Kirven Douthit-Boyd came to COCA to head up the dance department,

n The company that consists mostly of teens and young adults put their best feet forward to make their teachers proud while in the presence of a dance deity.

“Real

hip-hopera,”

Of The St. Louis American

The Merger (So St. Louis Edition), featuring aerial and street photography by Carl Nelson and Lawrence Bryant, will take place 6-9 p.m. Thursday, December 15 at The Microsoft Store inside the St. Louis Galleria.

Photo by Gerry Love

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. 8, 7:30 p.m., The St. Louis Symphony InUnison Chorus presents A Gospel Christmas with Richard Smallwood. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Dec. 8 – 10, Washington University South Campus Theater presents The Forgotten Carols Musical Proceeds benefit Room at the Inn and Clayton Community Theatre. 6501 Clayton Rd., 63105. For more information, visit www.fc-stl. brownpapertickets.com.

Fri., Dec. 9, 10 a.m., Children of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club presents “Santa B. Cause” written by Mathews-Dickey Alumnus Diamond Gladney and starring Actor/Comedian Spanky Hayes of MTV’s “Wild N Out” fame. The play debuts to an audience of 1,000 St. Louis Public School Children at the David Joseph McKay IV Holiday Party at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9 in the Richard B. Loynd Gym at MathewsDickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63115. For more information Santa B. Cause, the ShowBiz & Beyond classes or any other questions regarding Mathews-Dickey, visit www.mathews-dickey. com

Dec. 10, 2 p.m., Our Father’s House Annual Children’s Christmas Party, family pictures will taken with Santa, face painting, games and refreshments, all free of charge. Applications are required. All paperwork must be turned in by November 18, 2016 any delays could result in your child missing out. For information about application, call Our Fathers House at 314-338-4174 or email ourfathershouse1@yahoo.com

. Party will take place at St. Peter’s House of Prayer, 8400 Pershall, Hazelwood, MO 63042.

Sun., Dec. 11, 1 p.m., The Chase Park Plaza presents Cookie Decorating & Story Time. Join us for an afternoon of reading and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus and her elves in the main lobby! Complimentary cookies, hot chocolate and cider will be provided. 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 633-3000.

Sun., Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m., Town and Country Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops Concert, Ridgway Auditorium, The Principia, 13201 Clayton Rd, Town & Country, MO 63131. For more information, visit www. tcsomo.org.

Sun., Dec. 11, 3 p.m., Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church presents The Little Drummer Boy. An original rendition of a Christmas classic. Join us as we celebrate the importance of God and family. Two individuals reflect on a very gifted young man who has left their small town and wonder if he will return home as Christmas draws near. 608 Holland Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 384-2295.

Mon., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., The Voice of St. Louis presents the KMOX Holiday Radio Show. Celebrating 20 years of performance, the live radio play is written by Kevin Killeen, reminiscent of old time radio and performed by the KMOX on-air family. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www. sheldonconcerthall.org.

Dec. 14 – 17, Jazz St. Louis presents Tim Warfield’s All Star Jazzy Christmas. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington

Featured Event

Fri., Dec. 9, 7 p.m., A Gospel According to Jazz starring Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui, and Norman Brown Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5553 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 367-9700 or visit www.friendlytemple.org.

Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5716000 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Thur., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., Family Arena presents Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular. A concert and visual experience where audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer, too! The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of the greatest holiday music of all time. The show will be performed with The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. 2002 Arena Parkway, 63033. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Dec. 17, 9 a.m., The Missouri Conference Women Missionary Society Of the African Methodist Episcopal Church presents Breakfast with Santa, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, MO. 63112. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.

Sat., Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m., NAACP St. Louis County Brunch presents Soulful Jazz Brunch Extravaganza. We will have a fashion show, live music by The Coleman Hughes Project, a shopping bizarre, silent auction, and more. Westport Sheraton Chalet, 191 W. Port Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 477-9338.

Sat., Dec. 17, 2 p.m., Murchison Tabernacle C.M.E. Church presents their 1st Annual Gospel Extravaganza. Come and join us for an awesome gospel talent show. Proceeds will be going towards blessing a family in need for Christmas. 7629 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 383-4855 or visit www.thirddistrictcme.org/ stlouis.

Sat., Dec. 17, 9 p.m., Dirty Muggs Holiday House Party. Trainwreck Saloon Westport, 314 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 846-9043 or visit www. dirtymuggs.com.

Dec. 17 – 18, Better Family

Central Baptist Church hosts the Gift Chronicles IV feat. Ledisi. For more information, see HOLIDAY HAPS.

Life presents the 33rd Annual Kwanzaa Holiday Expo. Come for great entertainment, opportunities to watch some thought provoking and entertaining films, hear engaging speakers, learn about Kwanzaa, eat some great food and take your children to a safe space where they can engage in culturally inspiring activities. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. kwanzaaholidayexpo.com.

Sat., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church hosts the Gift Chronicles IV feat. Ledisi 2842 Washington Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 533-0747 or visit www.cbcstl.org.

Sun., Dec. 18, 5 p.m., Kranzberg Arts Center hosts My Favorite Things feat. Adria Nicole. With special guests C. Jay Conrad, Cheeraz Gormon, Kali Assata, and Mo Egeston. 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 533-0367 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 19 – 21, Jazz St. Louis presents Ellington’s Nutcracker. Celebrate the Holidays with a special showcase of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite performed by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103.

Wed., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., The Fox presents Hip Hop Nutcracker. A contemporary re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and violinist. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of a palace of sugarplums into a romance set in 1980s Brooklyn. The dance work celebrates love, community and the magic of New Year’s Eve. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix. com.

Sat., Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m., A special Candlelight Christmas Eve Service and Caroling will be held at Union Memorial United Methodist Church, 1141 Belt Avenue, St. Louis, MO. For more information, call 314367-8314 or 314-367-8315.

Through Dec. 24, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Carol adapted by David H. Bell from the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Steven Woolf, Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call (314) 9684925 or visit The Rep’s Online Box Office at www.repstl.org.

Fri., Dec. 30, 8 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter presents the 2016 End of the Year Jam. Bring your own food and set up. Music provided by DJ Charlie Chan and DJ Tony James. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 2828018.

concerts

Fri., Dec. 9, 7 p.m., A Gospel According to Jazz starring Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui, and Norman Brown. With special guests John Stoddart, Kevin Whalum, Shelea, Denise Thimes, FT Mass Choir, and the R.F. Specials Choir. Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5553 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 367-9700 or visit www.friendlytemple.org.

Sun., Dec. 11, 2 p.m., STL Free Jazz Collective and Friends. Bring your instrument or poems and sit-in with our group as we present three sets of creative, free musical explorations based on the heritage of the STL free jazz scene. Ozark Theatre, 103 East Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 962-7000.

Sun., Dec. 11, 3 p.m., Orchestrating Diversity: Urban Youth Orchestra. We will be ending our season with this spectacular concert where we will perform Corelli’s Concerto Grosso, Telemann’s Trumpet Concerto, Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3, and more. Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC, 826 North Union Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-8173 or visit www.pilgrimucc-stl.org.

Sun., Jan. 1, 7 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Old School Hip Hop Festival. Featuring Scarface, Big Daddy Kane, Juvenile, 8 Ball & MJG, Trick Daddy, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Mystikal, Jalil & Ecstasy of Whodini. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000 or visit www. chaifetzarena.com.

Dec. 29 – 30, The St. Louis Symphony presents Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time. Brought to life by the talents of four Broadway caliber singers and featuring high resolution Animated Feature Film sequences, the concert explores iconic moments, plot twists and feats of daring heroics from Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid Tangled The Lion King and many more. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 631303. For more information, call (314) 533-2500 or visit www. stlsymphony.org.

special events

Sat., Dec. 17, 10:30 p.m., NAACP St. Louis County Brunch presents Soulful Jazz Brunch Extravaganza. fashion show, live music by The Coleman Hughes Project, a shopping bizarre, silent auction, and more. Westport Sheraton Chalet, 191 W. Port Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 4779338.

Sat., Dec. 17, 12 noon, Black Business Women will host a Black Business Festivity, It’s

A Wrap, 5916 Delmar Blvd., owned by Chris Alexander. The event will include a DJ, entertainment from local talent, photo booth, and 15 black-owned business vendors selling products/services. For more information, visit www. blackbusinesswomen.co.

Thur., Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Workers’ Education Society presents Too Punk to Trump: A Night of Music, Community, and Activism Musicians and speakers will engage the audience about stopping Trump and his oppressive policies from harming our communities. This will be a night of music, community, and activism. All proceeds will go to fund organizing training for young activists in Saint Louis. Special guest Bruce Franks, State Representative for the 78th District. 2929 S. Jefferson Ave., 63118. For more information, call (314) 2425477.

Jan., 15, 2 p.m., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated International Awareness & Involvement presents Ujamaa Tea, Marketplace Fashion Show & Vendor Row, Infinite Occasions, 3515 N. Lindbergh Blvd. 63074. Tickets on sale now. Mail ticket quantity requests, and payments by check to: SLA-DST, PO Box 410844, St. Louis, MO 63141. Please indicate IAI Tea in Subject line, (Please remember to indicate return address to mail tickets to. For tickets and more information, call (314) 229-5710.

comedy

Fri., Dec. 16, 8 p.m., Jovan Bibbs presents Class Klowns Comedy Show: Leaders of the New School. Featuring hilarious and Detroit’s own - Dave Jones, St.Louis’ King Of Comedy Skits - Eric Rivers and from the East Coast out of NYC by way of Conneticuit headlining, the gut bustingMarshall Brandon. Voce, 212

S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, call (314) 578-5115.

Sat., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents New Year’s Eve Comedy Jam feat. Corey Holcomb, J. Anthony Brown, Tony Rock and more. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000 or visit www. chaifetzarena.com.

literary

Tues., Dec. 20, 6 p.m., Secure Entertainment presents Word Up! Tribute to Zora Neale Hurston & Langston Hughes Zora Neale Hurston was an African- American novelist, short story writer, folklorist, and anthropologist. Hughes’s poetry and fiction portrayed the lives of the working-class

blacks in America, lives he portrayed as full of struggle, joy, laughter, and music. Open Mic starts at 8 p.m., followed by our Comedy Competition at 9:15 p.m. Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Through February 28, St. Louis County Library’s Winter Reading Club. All ages are invited to participate. Stop by any open St. Louis County Library branch to sign-up. Winter Reading Club offers two categories: ages 0–11 and 12–Adult. Prizes for the kids include: sleds, movie gift cards. Prizes for teens and adults include: movie and Amazon gift cards and Kindle Fires. For more information please call 314 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org/winterreading-club.

p.m., UMSL Theatre presents 1984. Based on the iconic novel by George Orwell, 1984 brings us the story of Winston Smith, a cog in the giant machine state of Oceania. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5330367.

Through December 18, The Fox presents Finding Neverland. The show follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he summons the courage to become the writer – and the man – he yearns to be. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix. com.

N. 7th St., 63101. For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 10, 2 p.m., Peace Corps Information Session, St. Louis Public Library, Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3674120 or visit www.slpl.org.

Sat., Dec. 10, 3 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Human Rights Day. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

art

Through January 7, “Fare Well,” an exhibition of new works by Addoley Dzegede will be on display at Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts, 3151 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118.

theatre

Dec. 9 – 11, COCA’s Ballet Eclectica presents The Little Dancer. Enjoy the tale of Edgar Degas’ famous sculpture “The Little Dancer” that comes to life and discovers the world through experiencing works of art. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 561-4877 or visit www. cocastl.org.

Through December 11, 7:30

Sat., Jan. 7, 11:30 a.m., Missouri History Museum presents Nobody’s Boy Inspired by the Missouri History Museum’s book Nobody’s Boy, this is the real-life story of an enslaved child named George whose owner brought him to St. Louis at about the age of five. Disregarded by his white, slave-owning father and with no last name, George longs to escape the lot of being “nobody’s boy.” 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Dec. 8, 9 a.m., Alive and Well STL presents How Trauma Impacts Social, Emotional, and Health Outcomes. The presentation will explore the prevalence and impact of trauma on children’s brain development. Free and open to the public. John C. Murphy Health Center, 6121 N. Hanley Rd., 63134. For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite. com.

Sat., Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m., Lead in High Heels: A Women in Leadership Workshop. One U.S. Bank Plaza, 505

Mon., Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents We Are St. Louis: American Indian Heritage, Registration required. St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information or to register, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Wed., Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m., Commercial Leasing for Small Business Tenants: Getting in Smoothly, Getting out Gracefully. Marc Jacob, of the Jacob Law Firm, will share insights about commercial leasing that every small business tenant should know. University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 337-2489 or visit www. universitycitychamber.com.

Thur., Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m., SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital presents Diabetes and Depression. 6420 Clayton Ave., 63139. For more information or to register, call (866) 776-3627. Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Yoga & Chill. A beginner-friendly, all levels (75 minute) class that spends time working through fundamental yoga postures and shapes while exploring alignment, breathing, relaxation techniques, and a good time. Modern Healer Studio, 1908 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Chaifetz Arena presents New Year’s Eve Comedy Jam feat. Corey Holcomb, J. Anthony Brown (above), Tony Rock and more. See COMEDY for additional details.

NATURAL

Continued from C1

she has more than twenty five years of experience in the industry, she says she “ran from hair for so long” before finally embracing her familial professional legacy.

“I love to have a challenge, so I said, ‘If I’m going to do hair, I’m going to do it the way it was done before relaxers were invented,’” Morris said. “People would say, ‘Well, what are you going to do to my hair if you’re not going to relax it?’ I’d say, ‘Let me just show you.’”

From there it got to be exciting, but Morris admitted that at first she had doubts that she could tackle every texture that came through her chair. Many of her clients didn’t know it, but she kept a bucket of relaxer hidden in a cabinet just in case.

She experimented. She armed herself with knowledge and information. She realized just how easy it was to manage textured hair without the potentially hazardous crutch of chemicals – as long as individuals are armed with the proper information about what products and processes work best.

“As people with curly hair,

n

“Everybody has ‘good hair’ as long as it grows.”

– Tendai “The Hair Whisperer” Morris

we have been following the wrong regimen,” Morris said.

hydrating lotion. She now has four full lines of products designed for varying types of natural hair. Her products are currently being sold in the U.S., Africa and the U.K.

“Each one of the lines speaks to a specific texture and can be combined to manage all types of natural hair,” Morris said.

A portion of the proceeds from Saturday’s Texture Talk Expo will be donated to Our Daughters Inc., a not-forprofit organization that works to develop young girls into powerful women. She said the organization falls in line with what she hopes to achieve this weekend and through her work.

“I hope they leave inspired and feel led to inspire others,” Morris said. “I just want them to learn to love being everything that they are born to be – naturally.”

Continued from C1

tend to overlook in St. Louis.” He teamed up with videographer Carl Nelson of Imani Nikke Films and the Microsoft Store for The Merger (So St. Louis Edition). The exhibit blends aerial and street photography and will temporarily take over the Microsoft Store in the Galleria from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, December 15.

The Merger features double exposure images that pair landmarks and instantly recognizable areas that are in fact “so St. Louis.” Places like the Central Library, Art Hill, Washington University, The Chase Park Plaza and other regional landmarks were remixed through the double exposure of aerial and street photography.

“By seeing us collaborate, I hope it opens everyone’s eyes,” Nelson said. “Mixing aerial with street photography – and just coming together to do something creative that shows off our city. People can see what can happen when we work with each other and think outside the box.” The art itself will be outside of the box as well.

“Trina Claggett (of Microsoft’s St. Louis store) and I always talked about doing a gallery inside of Microsoft and didn’t know what to show and how it would be set up,” Bryant said.

Instead of print images on easels throughout the store, Microsoft technology will create a digital gallery experience. The images Bryant and Nelson came together to create will be on display on screens throughout the store and on Microsoft Surface Pro tablets – and be available for purchase from a tablet. Print

copies will be mailed to the homes of the buyers upon purchase.

As part of the process, Bryant used the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet to edit the images featured in the exhibit. A longtime Mac user, it was a new experience for him.

“The pen that they have is really cool to use as far as getting in the details,” Bryant said. “It was like painting a photo on a digital canvas.”

The idea of seeing the work they’ve done catch the eyes of patrons in a way that caters to digital natives gets Nelson excited. “Just being able to have family and friends (and shoppers) see the art on display at the Microsoft Surface Pro in the store,” he said, “is going to be crazy.”

The Merger (So St. Louis Edition) will take place on Thursday, December 15 from 6-9 p.m. at The Microsoft Store inside the St. Louis Galleria.

“I was like, ‘Okay, if somebody comes in here with a texture that I cannot handle, I will put this relaxer in their hair.’ It was like an emergency landing. I went a whole year and never pulled it out – and I never looked back.”

DANCE

Continued from C1

teachers proud while in the presence of a dance deity.

Jamison was Alvin Ailey’s muse before she succeeded him as artistic director of the company that bears his name. She was a soloist with Ailey for 15 years. Before his untimely passing in 1989, Ailey tapped Jamison to lead the company’s creative arm and continue the legacy she was an integral part of as a performer. She did so for more than 20 years, until her retirement in 2011.

As she worked closely with the COCAdance students, it was clear early on how Ailey separated itself from dance companies around the world with its spot-on precision and attention to detail.

“Burn up this floor – and please remember that I haven’t seen you do this,” Jamison said as they prepared to start the movement. “Pump some of your 2016 juice in this old ballet. Enjoy the moment of this [intro], because the rest is frenzy.”

They started off slow and delicate, but an orchestrated chaos of movement ensued soon after the beginning.

“Keep up as much as humanly possible,” Jamison said. With about three dozen dancers on the floor, she noticed the smallest of hiccups.

“That girl over there is a bit off-beat,” Jamison said to Kirven as he dutifully took notes. Antonio was capturing video footage to review with the students and incorporate Jamison’s notes into future rehearsals.

The experience was a taste of what they can expect to experience when they enter the dance world full-throttle.

Jamison was straightforward,

SANTA

Continued from C1

Covington Jr. “We’re pleased to have one of our very own former members bring this original production that includes youth behind-thescenes and on-the-stage.”

Playwright and St. Louis native Gladney credits Mathews-Dickey for saving his life.

“I was on a real bad path, a destructive path,” Gladney said. “And Mr. Mathews invested time in me, got me involved in sports so I was doing something actually constructive with my free time. Now I see it as my duty to help other kids through the club.” Gladney got his start as a dancer and singer with the third generation of the world’s famous Four Step Brothers, The Gladney Brothers. They would go on to travel the world, performing with such legends as Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy

She found herself having these conversations over and over with clients and saw the need to offer what she learned on a grander scale, as opposed to telling her clients and hoping they would pass the information on to others.

Morris embarked on the Texture Talks while developing her first product, Whisper Whip

Healthy Hair Solutions presents Texture Talk Expo on Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, 701 N. Spring. For more information, e-mail texturetalkexpo@gmail.com. For more information on the Healthy Hair Solutions product line, visit www.healthyhair. solutions .

but not mean. She let them know her expectations of each movement – and whether or not they met them.

Nothing slipped by her watchful eye as they made their way through the physically demanding routine. There would be no cheating.

“You can’t just throw the step away. You have to finish it,” Jamison told them. “Give equal value to every step you take. When you dance, you speak in complete sentences. This is a conversation between you and the audience, and you don’t say something profound and then just go ‘blah, blah, blah’ at the end.”

Watching Kirven and Jamison in action with the students yielded a new appreciation for the art form.

Every single body part is in play – from the direction of the dancers’ eyes to the position of their fingers during an arm movement and where the feet point when the movement is complete.

“Where are the ‘attitude’ arms?” Jamison asked. “Look straight out. Don’t look down.

This is one of those times you

are allowed to look into the house. Where are your feet facing? We’ve got 10 different directions here.”

The fluid language of dance was her top priority.

“It’s not how long you can hold, how high you can jump or how many twists you can do,” Jamison said. “It’s about what you do before and after to complete the movement.”

Nothing was left to chance in her fine tuning.

“I love how these dancers say, ‘Yes.’” Jamison said. “In dance, you don’t say, ‘Yes,’ you do the step.”

As they prepared to part ways, Jamison expressed confidence in the troupe and her former students as their leaders.

“There are a lot of details here, but you’ve got great teachers,” Jamison said. “Listen and focus, focus, focus. You are a determined group of dancers. That’s half the battle. Be courageous and step out on what you know – and please be able to step back and laugh at yourself and say, ‘What was that?’”

Wilson and Redd Foxx. After performing for a decade with The Gladney Brothers, Diamond turned his attention to the production side of the entertainment industry. This would lead to GMG (Gladney Management Group) which represents entertainers and athletes. He later began writing and producing for television. Nick Cannon’s “Wild N Out,” “Guy Code,” “Girl Code,” “Black Ink Crew” and “Saturday Night Live” are among his many credits. Since moving back to his hometown earlier this year, Gladney has been working hard to add various entertainmentbased classes for students that he teaches or has other professionals teach at MathewsDickey and throughout the community. The students in this production take part in his ShowBiz & Beyond Class held at Mathews-Dickey. “Santa B. Clause” starring Spanky Hayes will premiere as part of the David Joseph McKay IV Holiday Party at 10 a.m., Friday, December 9 in the Richard B. Loynd

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

n Regional landmarks were remixed through the double exposure of aerial and street photography.

Spanky Hayes

Photo by Gerry Love

Judith Jamison

Celebrations

Media Person of the Year

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967 will meet at the Natural Bridge County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge 63121 at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 17. Please update your contact info at Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net. We will be mailing info soon. Beaumont High School,

Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Central Visual and Performing Arts Class of 1996 will be hosting its 20th Year Anniversary Spooktacular Soiree Reunion Kickoff Event at Central Visual and Performing Arts Gym, 3125 S Kingshighway Blvd, on October 29 from 7:00 pm-11:30 pm, admission $20. For more information contact Dr. Miranda Avant-Elliott, at cvapclassof96@gmail.com or visit the VAP C/O of 1996 20th Yr Reunion Facebook page.

Birthdays

Sending a very special birthday wish to my beautiful little sister, Jocelyn Dominique Earl who celebrates her 19th birthday on December 17. Love, J.J. Alberta LaMarque Squires celebrated her 100th birthday with a “Stumpin at the Savoy” celebration at the Savoy Banquet Center on October 29. Congratulations on a century of life!

If I could have one thing for you, I know what that would be—that all your dreams and wishes come true! You’ve been a wonderful brother to us. God bless you! Happy Birthday, George! From, Your Family

Sumner Class of 1965 is planning a “70th” Birthday Cruise for October 2017. If you’re interested and want to receive more information, please contact Luther Maufas (314) 541-4556, Brenda Smith Randall (314)382-1528, or Laura Young (314) 328-3512 with name, address so the info can be mailed to you.

Sumner Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and need contact information from those classmates. Please contact Carlotte Algee Stancil at algee1999@ yahoo.com; DonnaYoung Rycraw at donnarycraw@ aol.com or Stella Smith Hunt at stellalhunt58@sbcglobal. net, 314-381-5104 with email, address and phone number.

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Vashon Class of 1957 is having its 60-year reunion on May 20, 2017 at the Atrium at the rear of Christian N.E. Hospital on Dunn Road. Classes 1955-1959 are welcomed. For more information, please contact Lovely (Green) Deloch at 314-867-1470, Marlene (Randall) Porter at 314653-0107, Mae (Simmons) Mahone at 314-653-0818 or Phyllis (Bolden) Washington

at 314-531-9925.

Vashon Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and is need of contact information for all interested alumni. Please contact JoAnn Alvoid at alvoidjoe8@gmail. com; Sarah (Taylor) Robinson at srobinson647@hotmail. com; or Sonya (Walker) Smith at 314.381.8221, with your address, email and phone number.

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

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

Former television reporters Laurna Godwin, Ruth Ezell and Bonita Cornute join Sharon Stevens (second from left) to help celebrate her being honored with the St. Louis Press Club of St. Louis’ Media Person of the Year Award.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Jocelyn Dominique Earl

Alberta LaMarque Squires

George

A call for Young Leaders candidates. I know this thing is called Partyline but my first order for this week is to encourage y’all to show love to some young folks that are about their business. That’s right…it’s about that time to start the nomination process for our 7th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Awards. We will give a nod to the future of our region by recognizing 20 people under the age of 40 who are making moves in a host of arenas. So it’s up to you to submit some names of QUALIFIED individuals that you feel are worthy of the honor. Come February we will be seven years in, so you already know how it goes down – classic men and “bawse” ladies mingling to no end as we give a toast to young people doing big things. The process of seeking nominations for the class of 2017 continues through December 30, so be sure to hit us up if you know someone who deserves the shine. We keep a fantastic crop of Young Leaders and I know to my soul that this year will be no different. I would recommend you get to submitting right away, because every single year the competition is stiff as all get-out. For more information, e-mail kdaniel@stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000.

Goin’ down at the gallery walk. The creative cool kids ruled the weekend and saved it from complete cricket action with the December edition of the First Friday Gallery walk and get down after party at Parks. I didn’t know what to expect because the last couple of months have been empty boots over that way, but I stopped through anyway essentially out of desperation for a decent kicking it report for the weekend. I’m so glad I did because I got every single bit of my life from every angle. I don’t even know where to start. I came in on the tail end of a modest burlesque show (I know it’s an oxymoron, but it’s true). Then the folks got to twerking, breakdancing and vibing – and then Corey Black – who I was shocked to see at the tables in the first place – had the nerve to play “Wipe Me Down.” It was so lit that I couldn’t do justice explaining. Folks were doing every kind of breakdown you could think of – even what looked to be a “Hip-Hop Abs” combination. One thing you can’t do to these millennials is put them in a box –because they will shock you every doggone time. They got it in to Boosie like they were from the heart of Louisiana. I thought that Byron (best known for his big smile and bedazzled jackets) was going to need a hip and shoulder replacement the way he was throwing down. I had a great time. I ran into Black Spade in a camouflage kimono (not kidding), Jacqueline Craig and her Teyana Taylor style post-baby bounce back, Brooklyn Kingsboro and plenty of others while I was there. Can’t wait to see what they have crackin’ for the New Year.

Attack of the cancelled concerts. When I tell you I thought that they were just going to cancel this weekend all together after some of the things that I was looking forward to just fell flat on a sister. I was so geared up to see Miki Howard that I had crimped my hair and pulled a bedazzled shoulder pad sweater dress item out of my fashion archives with geometric earrings and some red pleather pumps. I was ready to slay the game circa 1988 as I sing along to “Come Share my Love” Saturday night. I was mid-conversation with one of my faves around these parts when I tried to shut our chat down so I could scoot over to the Ambassador and get into that show. He asked “what’s the rush, honey?” I told him, “You know that old school R&B show is poppin’ off tonight and nothing but death will keep me from dramatically mouthing along to “Love Under New Management” or the soulful flute solos of Surface. He said “Dear, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but at least I will save you a trip.” I was upset, but told him I’ll just have to wait until Monday for my dose of live music by way of Calvin Richardson and Tweet at the Night of Soul Searching concert. He was like “yeah, so…no. I was downright heartbroken as I headed back to the house to perch binge watch “Deadly Women” in my “Video Soul” fresh attire and crunchy hair. I will be sure to keep y’all posted if there’s any news of rescheduling.

Nite Owl’s hip-hop nostalgia. I heard that local rap veteran Nite Owl was hanging up his microphone after 20 years in the game, so I decided to check out his hip-hop tribute show Saturday night at Cicero’s. As usual their security dude Darryl made me grab someone to prove I’m me, but it’s whatever. I ran into my favorite brothers from another mother Chip and Jaime Price on the way in. I trust their taste I hip-hop, so I knew if they were on deck I was in for a treat. I was absolutely right. Nite Owl had the folks a hot sweaty mess from grooving through his stroll through hip-hop memory lane. He went from 2Pac to “OPP” and everywhere in between with a live band that made it even more lit. And when he kicked into Ice Cube’s “Today Was a Good Day” I knew I had come to the right spot. I also ran into dancer/ choreographer Keith Tyrone and jazz educator Stan Coleman. It was a crazy mix of folks, young and old. This tribute angle is actually a great way for Nite Owl to ease out of the game. I’ll miss him when he goes. These new cats – local, national and international – can learn a thing or two from

work ethic.

his

Toya, Jaz and Ciera moseyed over to Mood Saturday night

Jacq and Ross helped end the year of First Friday Art Walks with a bang by way of Queen Pleasure

J Retro and Cash came through Parks for Queen Pleasure First Friday Art Walk

Rita and Nicole stepped through Mood Saturday night

Kearia, Keonna, Micaela and Sherrye got their chill on in VIP Saturday night @ Mood

DJ Climate and Tyler “TD” Davis kept the party crackin @ Mood Saturday night

Triky and Kelly kicked it @ Mood Saturday night

Vikki and Mel @ The Marquee Friday night

Jennifer and Janea did their part to keep it jumpin’ Saturday night @Mood

Salena Renee and Sy caught some art vibes Friday @ Parks for the Queen Pleasure First Friday Art walk

The ex’Treme Institute by Nelly adjunct professor and music educator Stan Coleman was on hand with Mr. E.I. himself as the latest class of graduates from the program powered by Vatterott that bears Nelly’s name walked the stage this weekend at Sheldon Concert Hall.

Photos by John Scott

DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR

City of Northwoods is seeking a licensed, bonded and insured “Design-Build” Contractor to repair walls, loors, ceiling tiles & lighting in the City Hall Board/Multi-Purpose Activity Rm. (1264 sq.t.) + Carpet area (336 sq.t.); Lobby (672 sq.t.); Lobby Bathrooms (180 sq.t.); & Kitchenette (130 sq.t.) at 4600 Oakridge Blvd., Northwoods Mo. 63121. Detailed Speciications can be picked up at Northwoods City Hall 8:30 am-5:00 pm (closed 1-2pm daily for lunch). Bids are Due by Fri. Dec. 30, 2016. Questions call (314) 477-4051.

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

City of Northwoods is seeking a licensed, bonded and insured Concrete Contractor to repair

Drivers:

CDL-A Come home for the Holidays Paid Medical | Mileage | Bonuses Home time to it YOUR needs www.DriveTransLand.com | 800.234.5710

FIRE/MEDICS

Become a Member of our Team Mehlville Fire Protection District is accepting applications

$55,058 starting $78,581 ater 4 years

HEALTH INSURANCE – PENSION –TUITION REIMBURSEMENT - SICK LEAVE –ATTENDANCE BONUS - VACATION – LIFE & DISABILITY – HOLIDAY PAY – UNIFORM ALLOWANCE – WELLNESS BENEFITS

Download application packet at www.mehlvilleire.com

Applicants MUST possess EMT-P certiication through the State of Missouri. MUST be CPAT Certiied by 1/31/2017. Applications accepted Nov. 2, 2016 – Jan. 6, 2017, weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Headquarters, 11020 Mueller Rd. 63123. Equal Opportunity Employer.

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

ASST-PThelp coordinate and implement

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT

OFFICER

Provide leadership in planning, development and oversight of a broad scope of program activities related to major gits, deferred giving, annual giving, special event fund raising and associated donor stewardship for the agency. Apply online: WWW.JFCSAPPLY.COM with cover letter and resume. Jewish Family & Children’s Service – St. Louis EOE M/F/D/V

St. Louis University High is a Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school with an enrollment of over 1,000 male students. Founded in 1818, the school strives to serve an economically, socially and geographically diverse student population within the St. Louis metropolitan area. Academic excellence is a trademark of the school. We seek men and women of faith proicient in their ields and committed to leading students in co-curricular and pastoral ministry activities. he school expects faculty and staf to participate in spiritual formation programs, retreats, and Ignatian formation in education and spirituality.

he person hired for this position will teach all four levels of French and serve as the primary organizer and leader for our co-curricular programs in French including our developing French Student Exchange program. French teaching experience and a Master’s Degree in French Language are preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS Please send a letter stating your personal interest in the position and a comprehensive resume to Mrs. Lori Figge (ligge@sluh.org) in the Oice of the Principal. Digital submissions are preferred. Priority will be given to submissions received before February 1, 2017. hank you for your interest in St.

Business Development Associate, Oice of Technology Management, – 35127

he Oice of Technology Management’s (OTM) licenses the university’s intellectual property to private entities. he Business Development Associate manages a portion of the university‘s intellectual property portfolio and charged with transferring IP to commercial companies through licensing agreements and other tactics. Candidates will have a degree in biomedical engineering, engineering, or physical or biological science and at least three years of experience in tech transfer.

CFU Accountant– 35114 his position is responsible for budgeting, reporting and analysis that support the internal and external reporting needs of Senior Management. he position also supports the budgeting, reporting and analysis needs of Danforth Campus Schools and CFU Departments.

Assistant Director, Academic Services (he Teaching Center) – 34951: he Assistant Director of Academic Services provides expert pedagogical support to faculty on teaching with technology, including the University’s Learning Management System. he Assistant Director works closely with colleagues at he Teaching Center to develop, implement, assess and improve programs on evidence-based teaching and on professional-development in teaching for graduate students and postdocs. he Assistant Director contributes to he Teaching Center’s writing and research projects on teaching and learning in higher education. his position is a 12-month, full-time, exempt staf position.

Assistant Director of Development Athletics – 35185: he Assistant Director is responsible for the identiication, cultivation and solicitation of donors in support of Washington University’s programmatic and capital needs related to Athletics, itness/recreation and health & wellness programs. his position represents the Washington University Athletics Department to players, parents, alumni and friends.

Nurse Practitioner – 34987

Position provides primary and/or specialty nursing and/or medical care in a variety of settings; works under physician oversight as required by state regulation, and functions within the scope of practice deined by the NP’s specialty certiication, BJH medical by-laws, and, where it exists, the collaborative practice agreement. Support pediatric asthma clinical research programs. 80% efort, clinical setting 20% efort.

Associate Title XI Coordinator-35284

his position acts as Associate Title IX Coordinator and has primary responsibility for timely response to and investigation of all student complaints related to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. his individual will be responsible for conducting intakes and other interactions with involved parties, managing independent investigators, and overseeing the investigative process. his position also assists in conducting research and assessment related to campus climate and services; and assists in training members of the University Sexual Assault Investigation Board (USAIB).

Compliance Coordinator-Surgery – 33325

Position is responsible for supervising chart abstraction by coding staf, assisting in resolving related billing activities, developing and implementing medical review processes for determining provider and non-physician provider compliance with government and other third party payer regulations.

Sr. Computer Systems Manager–Investments- 35227

he Data Program Manager will lead the development and ongoing support of WUIMC’s information infrastructure. his role will be responsible for the mission critical infrastructure that serves as a foundation for quantitative analysis, reporting and portfolio management functions of the University’s endowment.

Senior Associate Director, Engineering; Alumni and Development Programs – 34921

he Senior Associate Director of Development is a major gits oicer and is responsible for managing a portfolio of major git donors, engaging alumni, donors, and friends, and works closely with other A&D leaders as well as academic and administrative leaders in Engineering. Assists the Director of Development in fundraising eforts, including capital campaigns, major gits, annual fund giving, special initiatives, and endowment support. Work closely with the Director of Development and the Engineering A&D team on the development of campaign preparation, strategy, and execution.

For a full

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Replace Existing Fire Alarm System, Various Bldgs, Jenning State Office Building, Jennings MO, North St. Louis County Service Center, Florrissant MO, Project No. O1603-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/5/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

CITY OF KIRKWOOD DISPATCHER

Receive & determine nature & location of emergency/non-emergency calls. Dispatch police, ire, EMS, other emergency units as needed. Irregular hours and shits. REJIS Certiication, experience w/ Global CAD, ProQA (EMD) desirable. $19.67-$24.59/ hr. doq. Apply:www.kirkwoodmo.org NLT Jan. 6, 2017 or call 314/984-6975 for a paper application. EOE

FARM MANAGER

Overview: Gateway Greening is a community development organization that uses urban agriculture and food access to educate and empower people to strengthen their communities. With 230+ community and school gardens and a 2+ acre urban farm, we are using the power of growing food in St. Louis through local food, community interaction, educating all ages, and volunteerism.

Summary: he Farm Manager oversees all aspects of the Gateway Greening Urban Farm, including staf supervision, agricultural management, program oversight & development, budget & grant administration, curriculum development & implementation and direct service to program participants. his is a full-time non-exempt. For full posting, visit http://www.gatewaygreening.org/ about/careers/http://www.gatewaygreening.org/about/careers/

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, a list of three references, and salary requirements to mschindler@gatewaygreening.org. No phone calls please. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

MANAGER OF VOLUNTEERS

food, community

and volunteerism.

Summary: he Manager of Volunteers position directs individual and group volunteer activities and outreach eforts in all Gateway Greening programs. hey are responsible for communicating with volunteers, scheduling, logistics and follow-up. his position facilitates internships, practicum applicants and volunteer events. hey establish new individual and corporate volunteer outreach programs. his is a full-time non-exempt. For full posting, visit http://www. gatewaygreening.org/about/careers/

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, a list of three references, and salary requirements to mschindler@gatewaygreening.org. No phone calls please. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Request for Bids for Hydraulic Lit Removal 3300 Wisconsin Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118

he Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) of the City of St. Louis requests bids from qualiied Environmental Contractors for the removal of a subsurface hydraulic lit and any associated oil reservoir/piping. here will be a mandatory Pre-Bid site visit on Monday, December 12th, 2016 at 1:00 PM.

SEALED BID

Normandy Schools Collaborative will be accepting sealed General/Prime Contractor Bids for their District—wide NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE consisting of replacements of their switches and network infrastructure. he entire bidders package will be available electronically on hursday December 8, 2016 through TR,i Architects, 314.395.9750x217. An optional Pre-Bid meeting will be held at 9:00 AM (CST) hursday December 16, 2016 and optional Walk-thru at 9:00 AM (CST) Monday December 19, 2016 with Bids being due on Friday January 13, 2017 at 2:00 PM (CST). To download the entire Advertisement for Bidders please contact Carey J. Edwards with TRi Architects at cedwards@triarchitects.com.

at the Joseph P. Cosand Community College Center, 300 South Broadway. he scope of architectural/engineering services and consulting agreement procedures may be obtained from the Manager’s oice, at the above address or by calling (314) 539-5012. EOE/Airmative Action Employer

Proposals are due no later than 3:00 PM on December 21st, 2016. All available environmental reports and other documents related to this RFP may

Project:

Job Number:

501 Olive and 303 Broadway. he owner anticipates commencement during the winter of 2017 and the issuance of NTP in January 2017.

he building will be new Hotel will be an (88) unit boutique hotel approximately 48,000SF with lobby, kitchen/dinning/bar, meeting room, itness, and laundry facilities. he work for this project consists of exterior demo including removal of existing windows and exterior structure component, new water service, sanitary sewers, and gas service, exterior façade restoration, new stair tower, new 14th loor level, new equipment, new build-out of basement level thru 13th level, updating/ extending elevators.

he renovation will consist of concrete footing, slabs on grade, concrete masonry units, exterior restoration, structural steel, metal wall panel, rooing, scuppers and downspouts, sheet metal lashing, fabric awnings, joint sealants, doors, frames, hardware, aluminum storefront system, all interior inishes, elevator renovation, chutes, exterior hoists, and complete design build mechanical/electrical/ plumbing/sprinkler systems.

Brinkmann Constructors is soliciting MBE/WBE/DBE subcontractor & supplier bid proposals for the Hotel Indigo project. EOE

Further information and details on the project can be obtained by visiting the online planroom (link below), or directly contacting Brinkmann Constructors at (636) 537-9700, Attn: Ted Rumpf. Brinkmann will have the bid documents online at: https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=272003&i=1

St. Vincent Home for Children REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Notice is hereby given that Ofers will be received by the Chief Clinical Oicer, St. Vincent Home for Children, until 5:00pm on December 16, 2016 for the purpose of FOOD SERVICE, according to the speciications on ile at: St. Vincent Home for Children 7401 Florissant, St. Louis, MO 63033 Speciications and Request for Proposal forms may be obtained from the Chief Clinical Oicer at the address shown above or by submitting an email of interest to cgraves@saintvincenthome.org . Ofers are to be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to the Chief Clinical Oicer at the above address and clearly marked in the lower let corner of the envelope, ” FOOD SERVICE.” St. Vincent Home for Children reserves the right to reject any and all ofers and to waive any informalities contained in such ofers. Dated at St. Vincent Home for Children on November 21, 2016 Courtney Graves Chief Clinical Oicer.

Notice is hereby given that he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Bissell - Coldwater - Missouri - Meramec Public I/I Reduction (2017) Contract A under Letting No. 12023-015.1, at its oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Wednesday, January 04, 2017. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the irst loor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the irst bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET, AT A PLACE DESIGNATED.

he Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: he work to be done under this contract consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 54,910 lineal feet of sanitary sewers, varying in size from 6-inch to 42-inch diameter, using cured-inplace (CIPP) methods, 423 manholes, 745 service connections and 16 point repairs. he project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of Sunset Hills and unincorporated St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. he work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category, and be certiied prior to the Bid Opening. Prequaliication forms for obtaining said certiication may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and speciications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

his project will be inanced through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose irm or ailiate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension.

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the speciications. Plans and Speciications are available from free electronic download. Please go to

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for S i n k i n g C r e e k Pedestrian BridgeEcho Bluff State P a r k , S h a n n o n County, Project No. X1414-12 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/15/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SECTION 001116

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson & Co. at S. M. Wilson & Company Jobsite Trailer, 1201 Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124 until 2:00 pm on December 14, 2016 for the Work Packages described herein. Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at that time. Bids must be hand delivered to the above address by 2:00 pm on December 14, 2016. If you elect to mail your bid, it must be mailed to S. M. Wilson & Company Jobsite Trailer, 1201 Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124.

Bid Package #05 – Elevators

• Work Package #01 – Elevators

he bid package will be available for viewing ater November 29, 2016 at the following locations:

Smartbidnet

https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom. aspx?Id=271596&i=1

PlanGrid

www.plangrid.com

he Bid Package may be reviewed at those locations or may be ordered from Hampton Printing Services (2185 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139) Contact Hampton Printing Services to order a set of documents. (Keith Tegeler, 314/633-9623 phone, keith.tegeler@ smwilson.com e-mail, or 314/644-0390 fax.)

he Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive informalities therein to determine the lowest and best bid, and to approve the Bond. he prevailing wage law is in efect on this project. No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Ninety (90) days subsequent to the speciied time for receipt of Bids.

A Bid Bond or Certiied Check made payable to the Owner, in the amount of 5% of the Base Bid shall accompany the Bid as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the Contract, will furnish a satisfactory Performance and Payment Bond; execute the Contract; and proceed with the work.

he Statutes of the State of Missouri require that not less than the prevailing rate per diem, legal holiday and overtime wages in the locality where the work is to be performed, be paid to all laborers, workmen and mechanics employed in the execution of the Contract. All other Statutes of the State of Missouri covering employment shall apply to any Contract awarded.

Bidders must be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. he Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Project Manager is Vernon Pfeil, 314/791-0870 phone, vernon. pfeil@smwilson.com email. or

(TTY) On or ater 12/15/16, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following programs comprising part of the City’s 2017 Action Plan, within the City: For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing Program, under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 2,024,880.00, and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds [Award # M-17-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,890,000.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, through an estimated 20 single-family rehabilitation projects, an estimated 30 single-family construction projects, and an estimated 100 multi-family units, 50 newly constructed and 50 rehabilitated, at locations to be determined; For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing - Choice Program, under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 388,114.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, focused on the city’s Near Northside Area in conjunction with the city’s Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, through single-family rehabilitation projects, single-family construction projects, and multi-family rehabilitation projects, at an estimated 6 locations to be determined; Healthy Home Repair Program Loan Pool, under CDBG funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 1,000,000.00, for the purpose of assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 150 emergency repair projects and portions of an estimated 52 comprehensive repair projects, at locations to be determined; Carondelet Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 40,000.00, for the purpose of providing minor home repairs to low- to moderate income homeowners, through an estimated 40-55 small repair projects; Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-17MC-29-0006] totaling $ 490,000.00, for the purpose of providing minor home repairs for the elderly, through an estimated 475 small repair projects, at locations to be determined; Harambee Tuckpointing/Youth Training Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 100,000.00, for the purpose of providing tuckpointing services to low- to moderate income homeowners, through an estimated 24 projects; UL (Urban League) Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 100,000.00, for the purpose of providing home repairs to low- to moderate income senior and disabled homeowners, through an estimated 38 repair projects; South Grand Priority District: Changing Environmental WiFi/ Charging Access Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-17MC-29-0006] totaling $ 50,000.00, for the purpose of public street and sidewalk improvement on South Grand Boulevard, from Arsenal Street to Chippewa Avenue, speciically, through the installation of free WiFi access and solar charging stations for mobile devices.

Neighborhood Commercial District Managers & Commercial Incentives Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 750,000.00, for the purpose of reviving neighborhood commercial districts, through an estimated 75 façade and exterior improvement projects, at locations to be determined, 3 public improvement projects in commercial districts of low-to-moderate income residents at locations to be determined, and at least 1 project in the Dr. Martin Luther King Commercial District, to assist communities with food-access, at a “food desert” location to be determined;

Business Development Support Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 200,000.00, for the purpose of encouraging commercial and industrial development through inancial assistance loans to up to 3 businesses, at locations to be determined;

T-Rex Building Renovation Project, under CDBG funds [Award # B-17-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 300,000.00, for the purpose of interior oice space expansion, at the Technology Enterprise Center/TRex facility, located downtown at 911 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63101.

he activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on ile at the City’s PDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Mark G. Jeferies, PDA, Environmental Review Oicer, at (314) 314-6573874.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Mark G. Jeferies, Environmental Review Oicer, PDA, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed to Alana C. Green, Executive Director, CDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 12/14/2016 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

he Certifying Oicer of the City of St. Louis, Francis G. Slay, in his capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisied. HUD’s approval of the certiication satisies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use these program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certiication for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certiication was not executed by the Certifying Oicer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or inding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/State; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written inding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Dee Ann Ducote, Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5257. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Francis G. Slay, Mayor Certifying Oicer

contract with a company for: ROCK, LIMESTONE & GABION

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 8737 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

NOTICE

FOR CANDICACY FILING

he Village of Hanley Hills Candidacy Filing is scheduled to open on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. And will

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 4th, 2017 to contract with a company for: HVAC Maintenance & Repair Services.

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8732 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 6th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Excavation Services.

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8736 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: WEBLIMS ELAB7 APPLICATION. LABLYNX INC is the sole authorized manufacturer for the WEBLIMS ELAB7 APPLICATION. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because LABLYNX INC is the only known available source. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 10th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Advertising Services.

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8741 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

www.stlamerican.com

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: UV LAMPS AND QUARTZ TUBES. SUEZ TREATMENT

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

or call 314-289-5430

Religion

Jewish and Muslim Day of Community Service

Islamic Foundation collaborates with Jewish Community Relations Council

American staff

On Christmas Day, the Islamic Foundation of Greater Saint Louis and the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC) through its Milford and Lee Bohm Social Justice Center will host the sixth annual St. Louis area-wide “Jewish and Muslim Day of Community Service.”

The two faith communities are working together to organize and volunteer in a large scale coordinated effort, bringing together individuals of all faith backgrounds as well as those of no faith. Twenty five agencies – the largest number yet – have been identified as sites that will host needed volunteers. Organizers of the event feel this effort is especially needed this year, given a political campaign season marked by rhetoric hateful to Muslims and other immigrant communities.

“This has been a difficult year for the Muslim community, with hate crimes locally and nationally on the rise,” said Sophie Malik, event co-chair for the Islamic Foundation. “This project brings together people of the Jewish and Muslim faiths, as well as volunteers of all religious backgrounds, to showcase our shared commitment to helping others in a holy way. “

“As Jews, we feel a special call this year to embrace our friends in the Muslim community through this event,” said Jerry Hochsztein, co-chair for JCRC. “Our goal is to make this year’s program the biggest and best yet to send a message of

The Message To the victor goes us

I have often found myself wrestling with the concepts and the realities of good and evil. It stands to reason that if you believe in God and His goodness, power and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, then it follows that you must also believe in Satan and his earthbound inherent evilness.

If this is true, then it is the height of ignorance or hypocrisy that we as human beings follow a course of action consistent with one belief and act totally inconsistent with and contrary to that same belief. We concede to the reality that evil exists. As a matter of fact, our civil laws and subsequent penalties are there to protect us against criminal, abhorrent and evil behavior. The counterbalance of this fact ought to be a set of behaviors, or at least a set of professed beliefs, that confirm the reality of God, the good stuff.

Unfortunately, it has been my experience, and at times my behavior, that evil demands action, while Godness gets a whole lot of lip service. With all of our flaws and faults (sinfulness), we’ve gotten used to functioning in a world somewhat controlled by the evil one.

Columnist James Washington

love, inclusion and interfaith understanding to the larger St. Louis community.”

As a reflection of this changing climate, this year’s event welcomes the International

Muslim Day of Community Service visit with children from newly-resettled families this Christmas,” said Anna Crosslin, executive director of the International Institute. “The first

n “This has been a dificult year for the Muslim community, with hate crimes locally and nationally on the

– Sophie Malik, Islamic Foundation

Institute as a new service site. Volunteers will be joining a welcome party for children of all ages who are recent immigrants to St. Louis, mainly from wartorn Syria.

“We are so excited to have volunteers from the Jewish and

few months in a new country are difficult for refugees, especially refugee children. Visitors coming to welcome them with games, books and other fun activities will be so appreciated.”

The event will begin at 9 a.m. with a community breakfast

at the Daar Ul Islam Mosque located at 517 Weidman Road 63011. The breakfast will include a blessing for social action and a celebration of coming together. Participants will leave from the breakfast to their community service sites. For a list of service sites and activities, sponsoring individuals and organizations, and to sign up for the event, visit http://www. jewishmuslimdayofservicestl. org or contact Gail Wechsler, director of domestic issues/ social justice for the Jewish Community Relations Council at 314-442-3894 or gwechsler@ jcrcstl.org. You can also find information on how to donate money or supplies to help support the event by visiting the event website. Those wishing to participate on Christmas Day are asked to sign up no later than December 15.

Christians must recognize that Satan has power in the secular world. Thanks to him, many of us have become numb to those things that demonstrate his existence in this world where we temporarily reside. Fortunately, when we come to Christ, we are able to put some perspective on all of this as we begin to see the contrast between good and evil in our own lives. That’s when I believe you finally get it.

By putting ourselves in perspective to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, it becomes clear where we fit in this struggle between good and evil. We are the ultimate prize. To the victor goes us.

We are that ball in this high stakes game for our very own souls. Imagine that. We can stack the deck in our favor. But it can’t be happenstance. It must be deliberate, and we must be constant in making sure that the ball takes favorable bounces throughout the game. To be sure, with this in mind, Christ has given us the game plan we need to insure victory.

“He who believes in me….shall never die.” John 11:25-26. That’s it. It’s all about belief. The biggest threat to our own salvation is disbelief. Belief in Christ brings about condemnation of Satan and evil.

Now we are armed and ready for the struggle. We now have a reference point for current and future behavior. We know the difference between good and evil. More importantly, we can now recognize our weaknesses in relation to evil and our strengths in relation to good.

No contest worth anything is without risks. But for now, let’s play and may God forgive your fumbles and bless your recoveries.

Participants in the St. Louis area-wide “Jewish and Muslim Day of Community Service,” organized by the Islamic Foundation of Greater Saint Louis and the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, on Christmas Day 2015. They are hosting the event again this Christmas Day.

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