St. LouiS AmericAn
Schools feed students during shutdown
Brothers Jaden Parnell, a student at Confluence Academy South City, and Jashaun Parnell, a student at Clyde C. Miller Academy, enjoyed lunch at Peabody Elementary School on the city’s near South Side on Wednesday, March 18. In partnership with the City of St. Louis and area charter schools, St. Louis Public Schools and food services vendor Southwest Foodservice Excellence are providing free grab-and-go meals at 33 school sites throughout the city while the district is closed.
Districts: ‘Our strength as a community is our greatest asset’
By Rebecca Rivas
The
Of
St. Louis American School leaders from both St. Louis Public Schools and various charter schools in St. Louis city are working in collaboration to provide free grab-and-go meals at 33 school sites throughout the city during school closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday, March 15, all public school districts in St. Louis County and City, along with the Archdiocese of St. Louis Schools, announced in a joint statement that they would be closing from March 18 until April 3 in order to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
In a joint statement issued on March 15, districts stated that the decision to close the region’s public schools was “extremely
n The meals are “grab-and-go,” meaning students cannot stay at the school to eat them because of social distancing guidance from state and local health agencies.
difficult,” made in consultation with all area superintendents.
“We know that closing our schools will have a significant impact on our families, but we also believe that strong, urgent action must be taken to prevent the spread of this disease and to protect lives,” according to the statement.
“Individual school districts will be in contact with their communities to provide additional
information regarding ongoing learning plans, as well as social services for those in need. All districts and schools are focused on this planning and will be in touch in the coming days through whatever communication channels are available to them.”
Given the high number of students in the region eligible for free and reduced who lunch who get much of their nutrition at school, feeding public school children poses a problem.
“We have with us several people who have been working very hard to figure out how we can make sure our kids get the meals they need while children are out,” Mayor Lyda Krewson said at a press conference.
The 33 school sites will serve meals free of charge for all St. Louis children 18 and younger
Region starts to shut down
By Rebecca Rivas
Of The St. Louis American
Regional leaders on both the Missouri and Illinois side have made sweeping moves to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — and many of them just since the weekend.
On Wednesday, March 18, Mayor Lyda Krewson mandated that people only gather in groups of 10 people or less, following the announcement of the city’s second positive case of the novel coronavirus. She made the decision based on advice from experts from BJC HealthCare, SSM Health and Mercy Hospital, as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the city’s health director.
“We think it’s important to take that move,”
St. Louis City Marshall Tony Brown checked the temperature of a person coming into City Hall on Tuesday, March 17, when marshals began checking all employees and visitors to City Hall. In an effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed into the building.
‘If it could happen to us, it could happen to anybody’
By Rebecca Rivas Of The
St. Louis American
An African-American Belleville resident who is 56 tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 17. He started feeling flu-like symptoms on Sunday night, and his family took him to the hospital on Monday with a 101 fever. On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, doctors put him on a ventilator. He and his wife live in Belleville, Illinois, with their two daughters and five grandchildren. With the news of the global pandemic, they have been intentionally staying at home.
n “We are ordinary people who haven’t been out of the country. If it could happen to us, it could happen to anybody.”
– a Belleville whose husband tested positive for COVID-19
“I have no clue where he got it from,” the mother said. “My husband was so susceptible because he’s a sick person. We even tried to protect him by staying home. We are ordinary people who haven’t been out of the country. If it could happen to us, it could happen to anybody.” The St. Louis American is not using their names to protect their privacy. Their only outings this past week were to the doctor’s office and the grocery store. On March 7, the couple attended a Mardi Gras Party hosted by a fraternity chapter at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Around 300 people attended the event. Around the same time, they attended a family birthday party in St. Louis County. The entire family is now quarantined at home. Both the mother and her daughter have had fevers and feel flu-like symptoms,
Courts, prosecutors balance pandemic control with criminal justice
By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
Photo by WIley Price
Idris Elba says he’s ‘feeling good’ after coronavirus diagnosis
Idris Elba announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus and gave fans an update on his condition on Tuesday.
“Yesterday was good and bad. Bad because I tested positive, but it was also good because it opened up a lot of conversation around it,” Elba said in a video he shared on Twitter and Instagram.
“I think it made it a lot more real for some people. Definitely made it more real for me and my family. There was so many positive responses to, you know, me talking about it. Some negative too. But there were some definite positive ones. I certainly felt ... my wife and I felt like it was the right thing to do, to share it with you guys. Right now though, I am feeling okay. Woke up this morning, didn’t have any symptoms. My voice is a little tired ... checking my fever twice a day. Feel good, feel okay. Been doing a lot of reading about it. You know, asymptomatic is what comes up.”
now been tested for coronavirus.
“Sabrina’s good too. Sabrina today finally managed to get a test, and we’re thankful for that,” Elba said. “Generally, Sabrina’s fine. Nervous of course. Worried. Just for clarification, Sabrina wanted to be by my side. We calculated that risk and decided to be together. Hope you guys can understand that.”
Kevin Durant tests positive for coronavirus
Kevin Durant is among the four Brooklyn Nets players to test positive for the coronavirus, he told The Athletic on Tuesday.
And the 47-year-old actor assured his wife
Sabrina Dhowre is doing well too and has
“Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” Durant told The Athletic ing that he is feeling fine and not showing any symptoms.
“We’re going to get through this.”
The Nets did not iden tify any players and said Tuesday that of the four players, only one is exhibiting symptoms. All four are isolat ed and are undergoing medical care from team physicians, the Nets said in a statement.
Sources told ESPN’s Wojnarowski that the player who has symptoms experienced aches when he woke up Tuesday.
Andrew Gillum to enter rehab
Former Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, nearly won the race for Florida governor in November 2018, will enter rehab to treat his alcoholism days after he was found “inebriated” in a South Beach hotel room. The Democratic candidate was discovered alongside another man who may have overdosed on crystal methamphetamine.
“After conversation with my family and deep reflection, I have made the decision to seek help, guidance and enter a rehabilitation facility at this time,” Gillum said in a statement released Sunday
to Mount Sinai Medical Center where nurses reported he is in a stable condition.
Police said that Gillum was also in the hotel room with another man and was unable to talk to officers due to his “inebriated” state. The other guest, who called the emergency services, allegedly found Gillum in the bathroom of the hotel room vomiting. Responding officers found three small, clear bags suspected of containing crystal methamphetamine in the hotel room.
Eric B’s daughter killed in car accident
“This has been a wake-up call for me. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse.”
Police officers were called to the Mondrian Hotel South Beach early Friday, where the Miami Beach Fire Rescue were treating a 30-year-old man for a cardiac arrest. Fire officials advised the officers that the man may have had a drug overdose and he was taken
The daughter of Eric B, from the iconic hiphop group Eric B and Rakim, has died after a traffic accident in Connecticut.
Erica Supreme Barrier, 28, was critically injured after an 18-wheeler truck rolled over onto her vehicle in Hartford, Conn. early Sunday morning.
According to urban entertainment news veteran Jamie Foster Brown, According to Brown, Barrier succumbed to her injuries on Monday night. Brown posted a statement from Eric B.’s publicist on the social media channels for her “Real Sister2Sister 2.0” platform.
“Please keep the family in your prayers as we prepare to lay Erica to rest,” the statement read.
Sources: Sister2SisterOnline, Instagram, Celebretainment.com, CNN.com
Kevin Durant
Idris Elba
Andrew Gillum
State eases way for city to join Special School District
By Ryan Delaney Of St. Louis Public Radio
St.
join the Special School District of St. Louis County and significantly increase the level of resources for special education in the city’s public schools.
The Missouri House of Representatives passed legislation last week that would allow one special school district to be annexed by another, essentially paving the way for a multistep process toward having a single, dedicated provider of special education for both the city and county.
Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) provides all special education needs across the county’s 22 public school districts. It’s funded through an additional property tax levy.
Special education services in St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) have long carried the stigma of being woefully below the bar set by Special School District. Having SSD serve special education children in the city could help keep more families in the city’s public school system.
“We hear all the time from parents of students in St. Louis city who feel like the special education services in the city are not up to par and are not a great fit for their kids,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Shamed Dogan, R-Ballwin.
If Dogan’s legislation becomes law, St. Louis residents would have to vote first to form a special school district, which would likely require authorizing a property tax increase. They would then have to vote a second time to be annexed by the county’s special school district.
“We are concerned over residents
of St. Louis County not having a say in this,” said Nancy Ide, the spokeswoman for SSD.
It would create “a little too steep a hurdle” for county residents to vote on whether to allow St. Louis into the SSD, Dogan said, but added he is open to the law being changed in the state Senate so the SSD’s board can approve the merger.
SSD serves more than 23,000 children across all school districts in the county, and also runs alternative and vocational schools. St. Louis County property owners pay about $227 a year for each $100,000 a building is worth to SSD. It has a $460.1 million annual budget, spending an average of $15,100 per
child it serves, according to its public figures.
SLPS’s total budget is $392.5 million. It serves 6,700 special needs students out of its total of 21,800.
Jennifer Elam and her husband toured a half-dozen schools in the city before settling on SLPS’s Mason Elementary in the Clifton Heights neighborhood because it had a dedicated special education room.
The Elams loved their son Brandt’s first teacher, but Jennifer left after two years to take a job in the county. Since then, there have been more ups and downs with teachers for Brandt, 7. He had a dedicated but inexperienced first-year teacher. He currently has an aide with whom he bonded.
“There’s definitely more turnover in both the teachers and the therapists because of pay,” Elam said.
Starting salary for an SSD teacher is $43,700. The same position in SLPS pays a little more than $39,000. There are currently a half-dozen openings for special education teachers in city schools.
Elam doubts that every blade of grass is greener in the county but knows the resources are more plentiful. She seeks out additional services and advocates with the school and district administrators.
“I think all special-needs parents, regardless of where you are, you have to be super vigilant about everything, your relationship with the teacher, your relationship with the aides, your relationship with all the therapists, and be really on it,” she said.
Elam said her family is committed to St. Louis and SLPS. She even contacted the district about forming a parent group. She supports the idea of SSD serving the city, to make special education services more equitable across the region. “We don’t really want to move,” she said. “But I feel like you have to be kind of vigilant year by year to see how things are going.”
Follow Ryan on Twitter: @ rpatrickdelaney. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.
Photo by Wiley Price
Students, staff and families of the Gateway school complex christened a walking path around the school grounds on September 26, 2018. Gateway Michael Elementary School serves students in St. Louis Public Schools with disabilities.
Editorial /CommEntary
Our health, lives and happiness depend on one another
Understanding and acceptance of what we are all going through in response to the coronavirus pandemic requires understanding of a fairly complex set of facts and premises. It is important that we all come to an understanding of these matters and get beyond any doubt and suspicion that persists in our community.
This new coronavirus is highly contagious and most easily transferred from person to person. The single best way to stop the spread of this dangerous virus is to limit close contact with other people. The distance recommended by health experts is six feet. The virus can survive on inorganic surfaces, yet soap (and some other reagents) disrupts the membrane of the virus and destroys it. That is why, in addition to limiting direct contact with other people, health experts are advising people to wash their hands frequently (for 20 seconds to make sure the soap and water permeate the entire surface of your hands) and to refrain from touching your face, which could transfer the virus into your system. Some people in our community claim these precautions are alarmist or even suspicious, given the small number of people in our region who have tested positive for the virus. What this attitude fails to account for is that there is no comprehensive testing policy or strategy for the virus and it is possible to carry the virus while showing no symptoms of the disease associated with it. (See the new case of the actor Idris Elba.) That is why the health director for the state of Illinois is reasonable rather than alarmist in advising the public to treat everyone with the same precautions appropriate for someone who has tested positive for the virus. There is no reason to assume this highly contagious and dangerous virus is not circulating much more widely in our community than the very few positive tests to date would indicate. Furthermore, the time to stop the spread of a highly contagious virus with no known cure is precisely before the virus is widespread. Waiting for a large number of positive tests before taking precaution means literally to avoid taking precaution. Anyone who wants to see what the future looks like without taking proper precautions need only look at Italy, which is under lockdown with a failing hospital system, or San Francisco, which is under lockdown hoping that drastic precaution is not being taken too late to avoid a failing hospital system. Anyone who feels that our public officials are overreacting and imposing restrictions and precautions too soon are in fact wrong by at least a month, if not two or three. In retrospect, we ourselves were not raising
the alarm as early as we might have been and therefore cannot fairly fault our regional public officials for not acting fast enough. It is certainly unfair and dangerous to accuse our public officials of overreacting now as they announce limits on public gatherings, suspend public schools and close public spaces. To be very clear (and, again, looking to Italy as an indicator), there is no choice between limiting public contact and continuing life as we know it. The only choice is making these necessary changes now and limiting future suffering and death – or delaying these adjustments and thereby increasing future suffering and death and prolonging the period of time during which we are all inconvenienced and hurt by the absence of social contact and economic opportunity.
To speak of ourselves, we have had no choice but to suspend the St. Louis American Foundation’s quarterly Salute to Excellence recognition series, first by postponing the Salute to Excellence in Healthcare that had been scheduled for April, with future repercussions for other Salute events in 2020 that are yet unknown. While we are determined to persist in our continuous weekly publication that has been ongoing for almost a century, our readers should expect a slimmer newspaper available in decreased numbers while we all adjust to this new uncomfortable and painful reality. We can promise you our website Stlamerican.com and social media will be, as always, continuously updated and posted with our newspaper content. No one publishes a community newspaper or hosts an annual series of public recognition events who does not care for their community. We care deeply for you and your well-being. We want you to be healthy. We want you to be here. We beg you to move beyond doubt and suspicion and to take deathly seriously any of the warnings and precautions you are hearing. Limit your contact with other people. Stay home, especially if you’re unwell. Do not project any cough or any sneeze. Carefully wash your hands after you have been in public. Refrain from retouching your face. Our health, lives and future happiness depend on one another. Now more than ever, we are only as healthy, strong and wise as our least healthy, weakest and most foolish. Now more than ever, we are all called upon to be cautious, strong, wise, and obey the restrictions recommended to inhibit the spread of COVID19. Some people will say we’re overreacting if the worst doesn’t happen, but the truth is, we will have avoided the tragedy that never happened.
The black vote is the key to winning the presidency
By Marc H. Morial National Urban League
“One of my colleagues said to me, this is the first time I’ve seen a political billboard without a picture on it. Why isn’t your picture on it?” U.S. Rep. James Clyburn said.
“I said, because it ain’t about me. It’s about the message on that billboard and the message is simply thus: making the greatness of this country accessible and affordable for all. We don’t need to make this country great again. This country is great. That’s not what our challenge is. Our challenge is making the greatness of this country accessible and affordable for all.”
The 76-year-old greatgranddaughter of an enslaved woman in South Carolina may be responsible for singlehandedly changing the trajectory of the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary.
During a funeral in the church where Jannie Jones serves as an usher, she beckoned to Clyburn and whispered, “I need to know who you’re going to vote for.”
He replied: “Joe Biden. Are we together?”
She offered a thumbs up and replied, “What are you going to do for him, for the people?”
That question, Clyburn told the New York Times, moved him to action.
“I decided then and there that I would not stay silent,” he said.
Clyburn’s endorsement spurred Biden to sweeping victories – not only in South
Carolina, where he won 39 of 56 delegates and almost 48 percent of the vote in a field of six candidates – but also in 10 of the 14 states that voted three days later.
Clyburn, who has held his congressional seat for 27 years, is the third-ranking Democrat and highest-ranking African American in the House of Representatives. He is, so far, the only high-ranking congressional leader to have endorsed a candidate in the primary.
Biden was expected to win South Carolina’s primary even before Clyburn’s endorsement, but according to exit polls, nearly half of voters there said Clyburn’s endorsement was an important factor in their vote and almost a quarter said it was the most important factor. Pollster Patrick Murray told USA Today he’s never seen such a high percentage of voters cite an endorsement as the most important factor in their decision.
In Southern states, which have a higher percentage of black voters, Biden dominated the primaries. He won 63 percent of black voters in North Carolina and Virginia, and 72 percent of black voters in Alabama. He won a majority of black voters in Arkansas, and 62 percent of black voters in
Letters to the editor
CORRECTION
We need a united North County
By Terry Wilson
For The St. Louis American
It’s time for a come to Jesus meeting with all North St. Louis County elected officials. It’s time we put it all on the table and walk away with an understanding, strategy and agenda. The constituents of North County expects our elected officials to work tirelessly on their behalf for the issues that matter most. They not only expect their officials to work toward policy on their behalf, but also lead the charge in addressing the social and cultural issues the community faces.
North County is an extremely diverse area, with people of many different races, ethnicities, and economic status. Our people also hold many different political views. Unfortunately, often that diversity of thought and experiences between our different municipalities manifests as silos. These silos aren’t getting us anywhere as a whole. As elected officials, we have a duty to work on behalf of all of these people, not just the ones within our separate municipalities that most relate to. To that end, it is time that we as elected officials take it upon ourselves to meet our largest challenges head on. Failing schools, lackluster resources, no sustainable economic plan, a sad housing stock, crime, and food sustainability issues all affect our community. These are issues that are
often talked about in our separate communities, and then the conversation stops there because of simply not having enough resources. If we collaborate around one or two issues that we could agree on, the power in our politics could be fully realized. These baseline objectives set forth for our North County community as a whole should be woven into the fabric of our cities and integrated within any policies we create for our municipality. This collective implementation will resonate no matter who is in office. Now we have worked together before – a couple of us here and there to achieve a specific task, program, or effort. How many of us came together in support of Charlie Dooley those many years ago? These are great markers. However, each situation was either transactional or emotional, not strategic. If we continue on this path of working together only when there is currently a direct benefit to ourselves individually, we will continue the act of driving our political vehicles with no destination – building our individualized ideas but not creating unified messages. Things will continue to be done to us and not with us, like the Rec Plex, Better
Together, airport privatization, etc.
There are true concerns with working together, and I understand them. We are often hesitant about someone else taking the credit of perceived success or shifting the blame of perceived failure. As elected officials, we know how that can be a detriment to our own leadership in terms of how we are perceived by our constituents. There is often a question of the level of accountability and professional trust that may or may not exist between colleagues.
It’s true that we hardly ever get over elections, so it often makes it difficult to govern and cross municipalities. The reality is our constituents end up suffering when we have constant political sparring matches to prove our individual strength.
I ask that each of you think of your North County community and consider what is one thing that you would be willing to fight for as a unit. Let’s put aside our past issues and grievances and think on what we can truly do to help the whole North County area. Remember, we don’t have to be forever allies in order to be forever aligned in our ambitions. We have been doing well in building excitement and encouraging enthusiasm in our neighborhood governance. I feel it’s time for us as a whole to move to the next level. I hope you will join me.
Terry Wilson is a councilman for the City of Jennings.
Our March 5 report on WEPOWER’s new playbook on early childhood education said the group proposes a one-cent sales tax in St. Louis County to be directed towards early childhood education centers and summarizes its city tax proposal. In fact, the group proposes a half-cent sales tax in the county and has not yet identified a revenue stream in the City of St. Louis. We regret the errors.
We need to listen to the workers
Chris Giarla, the owner of 14 St. Louis-area McDonald’s franchises, weighed in with his opinion on the recent NLRB decision regarding McDonald’s joint employer status. Giarla contends that the NRLB’s decision is a “commonsense” approach to labor. Who is this commonsense to?
This decision creates definitions for who is responsible for a worker’s well-being when they’re on the clock in situations where they work for the franchise of a larger corporation. Previously, under President Obama’s NLRB, corporations like McDonald’s were on the hook for workers whom the franchise wrongs. The new NLRB decision lets McDonald’s corporate dodge its responsibilities to its workers.
McDonald’s workers suffer from retaliatory firings, unionbusting, sexual harassment, systemic racism, workplace violence, and incredibly low wages. Frances Holmes, a McDonald’s worker and leader in the Fight for $15 in St. Louis, made a compelling case regarding all of these difficulties and more in her recent article in The St Louis American
McDonald’s must be held accountable for the well-being and safety of their workers. The commonsense of big business
Tennessee. Clyburn’s endorsement and the response of black voters have put Biden on what appears to be an inevitable path to the Democratic nomination.
South Carolina is the only early primary state where a majority – or even any significant percentage – of Democratic primary voters are black. Consider that 98 percent of black Americans consider themselves Democrats, and black voters in recent presidential elections have comprised nearly 20 percent of the total votes for Democrats. It’s no wonder that many Americans are starting to question the wisdom of starting the primary process with two states – Iowa and New Hampshire – that are more than 90 percent white. The National Urban League has long maintained that addressing the concerns of black voters is key to winning elections, for office-seekers at every level and of every party. At the start of the primary season, I urged the candidates, via a personal letter, to address issues such as housing affordability, educational equity, and voting rights – including the ongoing campaign by hostile foreign actors to suppress the Black vote through misinformation and deceit.
As the reaction to Clyburn’s endorsement has shown, responding to these issues with a comprehensive plan is the key to winning the presidency.
Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
won’t do. We need to listen to the common sense of the workers themselves Matt Bernico St. Louis Trump, Pence and COVID-19
Donald Trump has a history of hiring unqualified, incompetent and unethical subordinates. This is based on the number of his hires who are convicted, indicted or otherwise resigned in disgrace. He also has eliminated or not filled key positions in the White House, such as the Global Health Security Team that was part of the National Security Council – a team of professionals in the area of epidemics that should be leading the response to the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Instead, he placed Mike Pence to lead the U.S. response. The same Mike Pence who famously botched Indiana’s response to HIV-AIDS and has said that cigarettes do not cause cancer. That doesn’t give me much confidence in our safety from the virus. This is especially true when both Trump and Pence speak in glowing terms about having 43 million masks on hand. That’s 43 million masks for 330 million Americans. That’s less than 1 mask for every 15 persons. I suggest we save those masks for doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, as well as people with severe health issues. For the rest of us, I recommend voting to remove this president from office.
C. Wulff St. Louis
As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
Guest Columnist Terry Wilson
Columnist Marc Morial
Northside Community School expands
Northside Community School Executive Director Chester Asher, Principal Stella Erondu and Board Chair Jim Brigham recently broke ground for new class rooms and an expanded lunch area ceremoniously with students. The public charter school is located in the Kingsway East neighborhood.
Charter offering 60 days of free Wi-Fi for students
Beginning Monday, March 16, Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across its footprint for public use. Spectrum does not have data caps or hidden fees. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395.
Gateway Pet Guardians
is looking for people to adopt animals
Gateway Pet Guardians is looking for people to adopt animals and for help raising funds as it has cancelled all in-person fundraising events through April due to public health concerns.
“If every pet in our care was adopted, that would generate nearly $20,000 in adoption fees and that revenue is what we depend on to pay our staff and keep the lights on,” Jill Henke, development director, said in a statement.
Gateway Pet Guardians is planning an online silent auction to replace the cancelled in-person fundraising events. Please email donate@ gatewaypets.org if you would like to donate gift cards, gift certificates or other items. If you are interested in adopting or making a donation, visit https://www.gatewaypets.org/
Kids do not matter to the Missouri Legislature
By Amber Gilleylen For The St. Louis American
While we see a record number of 19 anti-LGBTQ bills in the Missouri Legislature this year, we are also seeing a record number of voices being shut out from testifying on issues that directly impact them. I was one of the parents who was stifled while fighting for my kid.
On March 10, the House Judiciary Committee heard HB 2051 and HB 1721, both bills that would criminalize parents and doctors from providing trans-affirming medical care.
Despite bill sponsors who did not provide any Missouri-based evidence for these bills, what we saw from the community was nothing short of patriotic. The people of Missouri showed up. Fifty-plus courageous individuals waited five hours to testify. They were then told they would only have 30 seconds to tell their unique, personal stories.
This was a blatant attempt at muting our voices to speak out about something that will harm our children. To say that we have 30 seconds to advocate on our child’s life and the possible death sentence that they would be placing on them is outrageous. My child’s life is worth more than 30 seconds!
After pushing back, a few of us were allowed to talk for slightly longer, but most were still kept under a minute. Do I think I had my voice heard? Barely. More importantly, can I tell you that our government is committed to listening? Emphatically, no.
These bills are dangerous and discriminatory. They inspire nightmares for us parents, and yet we found ourselves pouring our hearts out over the sound of a timer reminding us to hurry along. Nearly 100 of us came from hours away to make our voices heard and educate our elected officials on the devastating impacts of these bills. What we witnessed was just how undemocratic and rigged our supermajority-controlled Missouri legislature continues to be.
This is not normal and must not be excused. This was purposely orchestrated by adults who claim to care about my child. We have a government that is set up to allow us to use our voices, but this was a clear statement to us that we do not matter. Missouri kids do not matter. How shameful.
These bills could permit the government to break up and harm my family, and I get mere seconds? I’m angry. I don’t care what issue people come to speak on, listen. We put you in those seats to represent us. You cannot represent us if you won’t take the time to learn about us.
As someone who waited, who wept as others testified, who listened to the committee chair threaten to shut us down if we made any noise at all outside of our 30 seconds of testimony, who sat nervously as police officers gathered outside the committee room, I have to tell you that I am outraged. You should be too, and you should be loud about it. I know I am done being quiet while I watch this body threaten our children.
Amber Gilleylen
Photo by Wiley Price
Courts
Continued from A1
Bell said his office is prioritizing serious and violent cases, and also cases involving confined defendants. If a person is arrested for a nonviolent offense and does not pose a threat to a victim or the community, those individuals will be given a summons to appear in court at a later date, he said. Individuals currently housed in the justice center that have been charged with nonviolent or low-level crimes and do not pose a threat to any victims or the community will be given consideration to be released pending their court date.
Bell said the protocols are being prepared in collaboration with the judiciary, law enforcement, public defender’s office, St. Louis County Health Department, Justice Services and the county executive and County Council.
In a statement on the same day, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner said that new inmates could lead to the spread of the COVID-19 in the city’s jail population.
“I have requested that only necessary detention hearings are to be conducted by the courts for those individuals that pose a threat to public safety,” Gardner said. “We must balance public safety and make sure going forward we use non-bond options on low-level nonviolent cases to help prevent the spread of the virus to jail population and jail employees.”
Gardner said they are coordinating cash bail alternatives for pretrial detainees, or those who have been charged with a crime and are in jail awaiting hearings. If these people are not a public safety risk, they are coordinating conditioned release and personal recognizance (meaning they promise to come back to court for a hearing) with the courts, public defenders and private attorneys.
On March 16, The Supreme
Court of Missouri issued an order to suspend all in-person proceedings in all appellate and circuit courts — including all associate, family, juvenile, municipal, and probate divisions. The suspension will last until Friday, April 3 and may be extended.
On Wednesday, March 18, the ACLU of Missouri sent a letter to Governor Parson and other state leaders calling for the immediate release from prisons and jails of communities identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as vulnerable, as well as people currently in pretrial detention, to prevent a public health crisis.
Gardner and 30 other elected prosecutors representing over 17 million people across the country issued a joint statement recommending immediate
n When asked if the presiding judge would release inmates to prevent spread of infection, as other countries have done, City Court Administrator Nathan Graves said, “It’s a possibility.”
actions to mitigate community spread of COVID-19 amongst the 2.3 million adults and children held in prisons, local jails, youth correctional facilities, immigration detention centers, and other forms of confinement.
“Make no mistake, an outbreak of the coronavirus in incarceration and detention settings will spread quickly and impact not simply those behind bars, but our entire community,” said Miriam Krinsky, executive director
of Fair and Just Prosecution, which organized the statement.
“We must act now to reduce the existing detained populations and incarcerate fewer people moving forward. In doing so, we can not only help to reduce the spread of infection but also bring home people who no longer present a safety risk to their communities.”
City Court Administrator Nathan Graves is concerned that the juvenile detention center, which currently has 27
youth, does not currently have any way to test the children detained if they are suspected of having the virus. They don’t have any tests, he said, and they don’t have any control of getting the tests.
For now, the medical contractor for the detention center, Corizon, is monitoring symptoms. They are also verbally screening visitors to make sure they haven’t been near anyone with symptoms or have traveled to certain countries. The St. Louis Justice Center and Medium Security Institution (known as the Workhouse) likely follows the same procedures because Corizon also handles their medical care, he said.
Though they’d like to do more testing for both inmates and their employees, they can’t, Graves said.
When asked if Presiding
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner addressed the media on what steps her office would be taking to support efforts in keeping the public safe from the COVID-19 during a press conference in City Hall on March 12.
Rex Burlison would take action to release inmates to prevent spread of infection, as countries including Iran have done, Graves said, “It’s a possibility.” First, Burlison would have to hold a special hearing, and the Missouri Supreme Court will have to suspend the rules.
“That would allow those kinds of creative things that we are going to have to do,” Graves said, including potentially categorizing inmates by risk and letting lower-risk inmates out on GPS monitoring.
As far as juvenile detention, the 13th Circuit, which is Boone County, is now down only seven kids because court officials have taken such measures. Graves said, “These are amazingly complex problems.”
Judge
Photo by Wiley Price
but Illinois refuses to test them for coronavirus, the mother said.
“They told me if it gets so bad to go to the ER,” she said.
Thinking back, she said she’s been feeling cold-like symptoms for about a week.
The St. Louis American reached out to the Illinois Department of Public Health, asking why the family members have not been tested for the coronavirus. The department said they could not provide information about the family’s lack of testing to “protect their private health information.”
The American asked the St. Clair County Health Department about the lack of testing, and a spokeswoman said, “We follow the state’s lead. If they tell us not to test, we don’t test.”
Asked if the county health department had tracked the family’s movements or alerted St. Louis County and city health departments that the family had been in those areas, she said she didn’t know if the neighboring areas were alerted. Officials would have tracked the man’s movements when he became symptomatic, she said, but not those of his household members.
Their daughter, who lives with them, is a housekeeper at a hotel in downtown St. Louis and worked at the hotel on Saturday and Sunday. The mother said her daughter let her employer know about her father’s test result and that she was feeling symptoms.
The American also reached out to the hotel to see if any precautions were being taken,
Schools
and we have not yet received a response. At about 10:30 a.m. on March 18, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson announced that the city has its second case of COVID-19. The first case was announced on March 16 at 6:45 p.m., which was an international-related case of a Saint Louis University student. However, in the second case, the person continued to go to work while exhibiting symptoms, Krewson said. “There’s reason to believe there is community exposure,”
Continued from A1 district by school buses and distributed from Cross Keys Middle School, McCluer North, and the STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School. The sites are for meal pick-up only and students should not stay on the campus to eat. The district said it delivered 250-300 meals for breakfast on March 18.
from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday for the dates listed (see sidebar). No student ID is required. Students must be present to receive the meal. The meals are “grab-andgo,” meaning students cannot stay at the school to eat them because of social distancing guidance from state and local health agencies. Distribution at each site will occur in the gymnasium.
“It’s important for us to work together in collaboration to really to support the families and children, relative to food,” said Candice CarterOliver, chief executive officer for Confluence Charter Schools. “We are pleased that Confluence could be part of this effort.”
In St. Louis County, several school districts also are providing meals.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District Food Service Department started delivering meals to students within its communities, including those not within the school district, on Wednesday, March 18. Meals are being delivered to 220 locations across the
Region
Continued from A1
Continued from A1 Krewson said. “We know there has been community exposure to some folks. We think that there has been community transmission. We don’t know all that because we don’t have enough testing.”
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page made the same order soon after. The St. Louis County Department of Public Health announced a fifth positive case of COVID-19 on March 18. Both Missouri and Illinois declared states of emergency.
On Sunday, March 15, Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an order that all bars, restaurants and food halls will only be allowed to serve take-out service until March 30. Two days later, leaders of the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Franklin County and St. Charles County followed his lead. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 20.
“We do it for the lives we represent,” said
The district plans to deliver meals through Friday, March 20 and then from Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3. The district will be on spring break from March 21–27. Jennings School District Superintendent Art McCoy said the district is working on at-home activities, food stations for “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch meals, and more during this time and if an extension is needed. Two food hubs, thanks to Bayer and St. Louis Area Food Bank, will provide families free food daily. Ferguson-Florissant School District officials said it will provide meals on days that schools are closed. Details on meal distribution will be available soon. More announcements will likely come as spring break comes to an end, which was this week. Potential extensions of this school closing timeline will continue to be part of their joint
Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Tim Brinker. “In doing so, we will get in front of this crisis. It’s reality. One thing about reality is if we take action sooner than later, we can change it. We are not going to wait for the results. We are going to create results.” In addition, Page also signed
n “Social distancing is the new reality. This practice needs to become part of our daily habits.”
– St. Louis County Executive Sam Page
an executive order requiring social distancing guidelines at all “places of public accommodations” — including workplaces, recreational facilities, or institutions of any kind — in St. Louis County to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Social distancing measures include reducing the number of employees in a space, opting for virtual meetings, and
Krewson said.
On March 18, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health announced a fifth positive case of COVID-19 in a St. Louis County resident.
Lack of testing
On March 17, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson issued a press release stating that the Missouri State Public Health Lab will be receiving more tests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention soon, pushing its capacity to 1,600 patient
discussions and will be shared as soon as these decisions have been made.
“Our goal is always to protect the safety, health, and wellness of our students, staff, and families,” the districts stated. “Our strength as a community is our greatest asset.”
The SLPS meal schedule, a flyer and additional information is available at www.slps.org/meals.
SLPS school sites serving meals
North City schools
Bryan Hill 2128 E. Gano 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Clay 3820 N. 14th 3/234/3, M-F
Confluence Academy -
Old North 3017 N. 13th 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Hamilton 5819 Westminster Place 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Hickey 3111 Cora 3/234/3, M-F
Jefferson 1301 Hogan 3/23
- 4/3, M-F
KIPP Victory 955 Arcade 3/23 - 4/3, M-F La Salle 1106 Jefferson 3/18 - 3/20, 3/30 - 4/3, M-F Langston 5511 Wabada 3/23
- 4/3, M-F
reducing face-to-face contact.
“Social distancing is the new reality,” said Page. “This practice needs to become part of our daily habits, including how we enjoy dinner out. I appreciate all the entrepreneurs who will use their creativity to support our region’s health during this critical period.”
On March 16, President Trump announced new guidelines on ways Americans can help slow the spread of coronavirus: school from home if possible; avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people; avoid discretionary travel; and avoid eating and drinking at bars and restaurants and public food courts.
“As we combat the virus, each and every one of us has a critical role to play in stopping the spread of the virus,” President Trump said. “It’s important for the young and healthy to understand that while they may experience milder symptoms, they can easily spread this virus. And they will spread it indeed putting countless others in harm’s way. We worry about our senior citizens.”
tests. In Missouri, 266 people have been tested, and 13 tested positive, as of March 18 at 3 p.m.
However, various people have told The American that the state is still refusing to test residents.
Richard Halliburton, 43, is a St. Louis city resident who works at a cell phone shop. On Thursday, March 12, his doctor at a slidingscale clinic ordered swabs for flu and strep, and they came back negative. After a chest X-ray, the doctor sent in an
Nance 8959 Riverview 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Patrick Henry 1220 N. 10th 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Pierre Laclede 5821
Kennerly 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Soldan 918 Union 3/234/3, M-F
Vashon 3035 Cass 3/234/3, M-F
Walbridge 5000 Davison 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Yeatman 4265 Athlone 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Downtown/South City schools
Carnahan 4041 S. Broadway 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Carondelet Leadership Academy 7604 Michigan
order that Halliburton should get tested for COVID-19. After some back and forth about whether he qualified, he was finally tested at Saint Louis University Hospital on March 13.
However on March 17, he learned from SLU Hospital that the state of Missouri refused to run the test. The infection preventionist at SLU allegedly told Halliburton that he would have to pay for the testing through Quest if he wanted the test, but he doesn’t have insurance. He and his family
3/18 - 4/3, M-F
Confluence Preparatory Academy 310 N. 15th 3/23-4/3, M-F Confluence AcademySouth City 3112 Meramec
3/23 - 4/3, M-F Fanning 3417 Grace 3/234/3, M-F
Froebel 3709 Nebraska 3/23
- 4/3, M-F KIPP St. Louis High School 706 N. Jefferson
3/23 - 4/3, M-F KIPP Wisdom 1224 Grattan
3/23 - 4/3, M-F Long 5028 Morganford 3/23
- 4/3, M-F
Lyon @ Blow 516 Loughborough 3/23 - 4/3, M-F Mallinckrodt 6020 Pernod
3/23 - 4/3, M-F
are voluntarily quarantined at home for 14 days. He doesn’t know how much the test will cost, and he is not being paid for his leave from work.
“It’s been a horror story,” he said. “People are walking around with these symptoms and begging to be tested. My doctor was upset that she can’t get anyone tested. She was shocked that they actually tested me at SLU. But it doesn’t matter because the state denied it.”
Mullanphy 4221 Shaw 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
Peabody 1224 S. 14th 3/18 - 4/3, M-F Roosevelt 3230 Hartford 3/23 - 4/3, M-F Shaw 5329 Columbia 3/234/3, M-F Sigel 2050 Allen 3/23 - 4/3, M-F Wilkinson 1921 Prather 3/23 - 4/3, M-F
For questions about the program, contact SLPS Deputy Superintendent of Student Support Services Michael Brown at Michael.Brown@ slps.org or 314-437-9419. The schedule, a flyer and additional information is available at www.slps.org/meals.
St. Louis City Hall Marshall A. Bryant practiced checking the temperature of fellow marshal, Marshall Brown, at City Hall on Monday, March 16.
Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Donald Trump bungling a pandemic as reality TV
The official response to the COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing illustration of the maxim to be careful what you wish — or whom you vote — for.
President Donald Trump’s response to the pandemic has been bungling a global health crisis as reality TV. But in this movie, the show loses lives, not ratings. Video was retrieved of Trump responding to the media regarding his dismissal of the pandemic response team that President Barack Obama built and handed over to him. “I’m a business person,” Trump responded. “I don’t like having thousands of people around when you don’t need them.”
for administering tests and reporting results. As a result, when we should have been positioned to learn from the experience with COVID-19 in China and Italy, we seem doomed to repeat it.
Of his relevant business person experience, he may have been talking about operating casinos. This was gambling the health of the nation that the electoral college elected him to lead on the chance that no pandemic would spread on his watch. Because you don’t only need a pandemic team around once there is a pandemic. You need a pandemic team around to track evidence of a potential pandemic.
You need a pandemic team around to start the laborious, multifaceted machinery of response to quell the pandemic and start preparing for its onset by doing all of the things that our national government has not done, thanks to Trump, such as distribute test kits and establish policy and protocol
Belatedly, Trump has dropped his “it’s all a hoax” act. Reportedly scared by a projection of more than a million American deaths to come from the pandemic, he has started to at least include sensible public pronouncements in his scattered messaging. But that only mitigates damage he continues to do every time he opens his mouth or his Twitter account.
Acting, again, like a business person rather than a public leader — like a scummy, ruthless and amoral business person — Trump reportedly tried to corner the market on a vaccine being developed in Germany.
Precisely where national leadership is needed, in the acquisition of medical equipment that will save lives from coast to coast, Trump told the states they are on their own in acquiring the ventilators that save the lives of people suffering from acute COVID19. And he continues to ventilate and incite the xenophobia and racism that helped to galvanize the minority of Americans that put him in the White House via the electoral college. He continues to call the novel
coronavirus the “Chinese virus.” Perhaps Trump thinks he is echoing (only a century behind the times) the blaming of the so-called Spanish flu on Spain, though that bug was not even thought to originate in Spain; its spread into Spain from France was simply reported more widely in the middle of a world war. (Speaking of war, Trump managed to squeeze off a few shots at Iraq while bungling the pandemic.)
Trump has a xenophobic little copycat in Missouri.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft called the pandemic bug the “Wuhan coronavirus” in a statement sent to the press on March 16, the same day Trump called it the “Chinese virus.” The St. Louis Branch of the NAACP called for Ashcroft to resign the next day, though for incompetence and negligence in protecting the right to vote, not for xenophobia. The NAACP also compared Ashcroft to Trump, but for failure to address a crisis, not racism.
In Missouri, voters cannot be accused of voting for the current governor, at least not to be governor. Mike Parson, a cow farmer and county sheriff by trade, was elected to be lieutenant governor, an office with little executive function. He moved up to the big house only upon the resignation of Eric Greitens and has not yet stood for election as governor. (That comes in November, assuming Missouri is in shape to vote come November, a horrific thought we will return to.) It would be fascinating to see what a narcissistic showman like Greitens would do on the world stage of a global pandemic; as things stand, the bug merely interrupted what was supposed to be his comeback speaking tour. Imagine Greitens’ agony in trying to accept that anything (say, the health of global humanity) is more deserving of attention than his squarejawed attempt to restore his good name – that is, his future political prospects.
If Trump is playing the
declared a state of emergency over the pandemic. Galloway then said Parson should set up a pandemic command center in coordination with public health experts. Any day now, we expect Parson to set up a pandemic command center in coordination with public health experts. To be clear, governor: those should be experts in the public health of people, not of cows. We’re not in Polk County anymore, sheriff. This is the big show.
pandemic like a business person — a really short-sighted and unethical business person — then Parson is playing it like a cattle rancher who doesn’t seem properly concerned about keeping his cows alive. Missouri lags behind almost every other state in proactive, coordinated response to the pandemic. On KMOX radio, Parson actually offered the feeble analysis that coronavirus is a virus and government can’t do anything about a virus. If it’s up to Parson to get us more ventilators, then the richest people who care the most about people in the St. Louis region had better go buy us some ventilators.
Leaving cows for dogs, Parson’s response to the pandemic could be compared to the proverbial dog being wagged by its tail. Nicole Galloway — the state auditor who would be governor — said that Parson should declare a state of emergency over the pandemic. A little later, Parson — the actual, albeit accidental, governor —
Parson did shut down casinos statewide. That brings us back to our casino operator in chief. Pundits that never would have voted for Trump and could never convince anyone not to vote for Trump have been writing the requiem of his presidency, based on his bungling of the pandemic response and further damage to America. The smart money, however, says to wait and watch how this one plays out. With the best of intentions, local and state election officials are asking permission to reschedule elections that are scheduled for these days and weeks when American public life is being shut down. Missouri had picked a Democratic preference for president in Joe Biden before the state began to wake up to the imminent danger of community spread of COVID-19, but Parson taking Galloway’s lead in declaring a state of emergency seemed to trigger Ashcroft to ask Parson for an executive order for Missouri municipal elections scheduled for April 7 to be postponed to June 2. Voters who turn 18 after April 7 will not be eligible to vote. Trump is not stupid enough, where his own stack of his chips is concerned, to fail to see a possible opportunity in a wave of election postponements. This fear itself may be the best reason to hunker down and contain this virus – now – in spite of our vector in chief. We simply must not let Trump screw up the pandemic response badly enough to justify calling off the election to unseat him and send him back to reality TV where he belongs.
Of his relevant business person experience, President Donald Trump has been responding to the pandemic like a casino operator, gambling the health of the nation.
If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.
If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services. Respond online, by phone, or by mail.
What past St. Louis epidemics have taught us
By Christopher Alan Gordon Missouri Historical Society
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn some comparisons to those in the past, particularly the 1918 influenza epidemic and the 1849 cholera epidemic. Although these epidemics struck St. Louis more than 50 years apart and had very different sources, several commonalities exist: Level-headed, practical approaches helped lessen the nightmare and provided important lessons. Establishing a good system of public health communication, information dispersal, and proactive prevention was seen as a key factor in mitigating both epidemics.
In 1849 most people thought that cholera, an infectious disease of the small intestine, was caused by bad air, or “miasmic vapors,” from the putrid smells of garbage and waste. We know this is not true today: Cholera spreads through contaminated food or water. Victims experience severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and death if not treated. The disease was prevalent worldwide before modern sanitation, and it struck St. Louis in January 1849. According to some estimates, nearly 10 percent of St. Louis’s population perished before the epidemic ended in late July.
Many local leaders fled the city, granting broad powers to a group of concerned and vocal citizens who organized the Committee of Public Health in June. Ward captains recorded cases of cholera in the city’s neighborhoods and enforced efforts to clean up squalid conditions. Before docking in the city, all Mississippi River steamboats were forced to stop for health inspection at Arsenal (Quarantine) Island, and symptomatic passengers were quarantined there for 10 days.
Cholera hit St. Louis harder than any other American city, but were it not for the quarantine efforts of the Committee of Public Health, the death rate might have been much higher still. After the epidemic ended, city officials focused on improving sewer and water infrastructure while draining stagnant pools and continuing to use Quarantine Island to monitor possible incoming health hazards. When a second cholera epidemic broke out in 1866, just after the Civil War, St. Louis was much better prepared, and the death rate was significantly lower. Lessons had been learned.
The 1918 “Spanish influenza” epidemic, as it came to be known, began when dozens of soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas, fell ill. What was first thought to be an isolated problem soon spread across the nation. Whereas the typical flu was known to most often take the lives of young children and the elderly, the 1918 influenza was fatal to healthy people in their teens and twenties. People in close quarters—from barracks to tenements to crowds—were vulnerable. At the time, doctors incorrectly considered influenza to be transmitted by bacteria, not viruses. For this reason, many of the recommended flu treatments were essentially worthless.
St. Louis health commissioner Dr. Max C. Starkloff was the son of a physician who had lived through the 1849 cholera epidemic, which may have influenced his decision to impose what was essentially a citywide quarantine in 1918.
He actively sought to combat the epidemic by closing schools, churches, movie theaters, and more to limit exposure to the contagion—a bold step not taken in most U.S. cities. Starkloff also knew the importance of tracking a disease to determine where and when it might hit next. Upon the first signs of influenza in St. Louis, he demanded that physicians report all known cases to the health department.
As a result of these measures, St. Louis’s influenza rates were far lower than all but a handful of major U.S. cities. Additionally, Starkloff’s closure policy was proven effective after a second wave of deadly influenza reappeared and then died out when the schools were once again closed until the threat seemed to pass.
In the years since then, medical knowledge has become incredibly advanced. A number of medical achievements can be attributed to the fine research facilities that exist here in the city today. Viruses and bacteria continue to stalk our world, but just as those who went before us, we fight on and continue to learn. Through this process, perhaps one day we’ll be able to say that epidemics are truly a thing of the past.
Christopher Alan Gordon is the director of Library and Collections at the Missouri Historical Society. To learn more about the cholera epidemic of 1849, pick up a copy of his book, Fire, Pestilence, and Death: St. Louis, 1849, available from the Missouri Historical Society Press. This column is adapted from MHS’s blog, History Happens Here.
Social distancing is the water to put out this fire
By William F. Tate IV
For The St. Louis American
What is a pandemic? A pandemic is a disease outbreak that is global in nature.
Pandemics are well documented in the recorded history of humankind. A brief review of other pandemics sets the stage for our current challenge with the coronavirus or COVID19, while providing lessons to inform an appropriate societal response.
A pandemic of plague helped to end antiquity and escort in the Middle Ages. Another documented pandemic, referred to as the Black Death, emerged in Central Asia in the 1330s. It spread to ports all around the Mediterranean and further inland than it had 800 years before—reaching Scandinavia and far into the Arabian Peninsula. It reoccurred for over 150 years, but then slowly faded to irregular outbreaks, disappearing in Europe in the 1770s and a few decades later in the Near East.
A third pandemic occurred in China in the latter half of the 1800s. This nameless pandemic reached significant proportions as it devastated Canton and Hong Kong. The disease made its way to the rest of the world, excluding for the most part Europe and the polar regions, but including the United States. Residents of the United States and the St. Louis region may possess greater name recognition with the four pandemics caused by the emergence of four novel influenza viruses over the past century.
Caused by shifts in genetic identity, the first major strain,
H1N1, is the name of the virus strain associated with the so-called Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. The 1918-1919 pandemic was the worst natural catastrophe of the twentieth century, with an estimated mortality worldwide of 40-100 million. One report estimated that more than 200 million people were affected. H1N1 was the dominant strain found in humans until 1957. H2N2 or the Asian influenza replaced H1N1 in 1957; it ignited a pandemic that killed an estimated one million people across the world. In 1968 a third virus shift appeared in Hong Kong as the H3N2 strain, which also resulted in approximately one million deaths worldwide. H3N2 is the strain presently spreading in human populations today. Finally, in 1977, the fourth shift was a reoccurrence of a H1N1 strain. The 2009 pandemic warnings were associated with H1N1. These
warnings may be impacting how many view the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let’s go back to the predictions in 2009. Some cautioned that one plausible scenario of the H1N1 virus included 30-50 percent of the U.S. population being infected in the fall of 2009 and winter of 2010. Advisors warned that between 60-120 million people might produce symptoms with half seeking medical attention – the latter stressing health care providers beyond their capacity to serve.
We were fortunate, and the outbreak was far less severe. And it would be natural for us to assume the COVID19 pandemic will suffer the same fate. I join you in that hope. However, the history of pandemics has a long arc. We can learn and use the research and guidance related to all four influenza pandemics to shape our response to COVID-19. The science of epidemiology
calls for using the best available data in preparation for the worst-case scenarios. It is better to be over-prepared than to fall short. We fall short if our preparation does not account for the most vulnerable in our region.
COVID-19 places individuals with heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease at great risk of needing hospitalization. In relative terms, blacks experience these chronic illnesses at higher rates than other demographic groups in the region. And in light of the region’s segregation, many of the most vulnerable reside near one another.
One of the great concerns among epidemiologists is the ratio of hospital beds to the infected in need of hospitalization. For example, the Boston Globe reported without mass closures and other interventions, more than 225,000 Massachusetts residents may require
hospitalization—with more than one-fifth, or 45,000 people, in need of intensive care. The latter group includes a disproportionately high percentage of patients with chronic illness. However, the state of Massachusetts has an average of 3,600 hospital beds and 400 ICU beds available.
Media coverage of other countries, including China and Italy, offer a glimpse into this problem. This challenge places great weight on following practices that “flatten the curve” – or, stated differently –slow the infection rate.
Let’s deal with the myths associated with COVID-19, as they inhibit action.
First myth: the posts circulating on social media suggesting that blacks cannot acquire the virus are folly. Do blacks catch colds or the flu? The virus is colorblind. Ask NBA player Rudy Gobert. He did not take the matter seriously. Infected, he put his
team and opponents at risk.
Second myth: wait it out. Some folks believe the summer warmth will halt the virus. Unfortunately, unlike past influenza viruses, the COVID19 is not projected to take a summer vacation.
Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, notes that new viruses have a temporary but important asset for survival – we lack immunity to them. Thus, a new virus can spread outside seasonable boundaries in ways that well-established viruses typically don’t. We have one option: flatten the curve. How do we slow COVID-19? Social distancing is the water to put out this fire. Cancel public events. Close schools and colleges. Limit travel. Telecommute to work. Maintain physical distance. Watch church online. The latter is a culturally sensitive matter. However, if you love your neighbor, then act in a fashion to slow the spread of this virus. The CDC generated a list of interventions and tools to support communities at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.html. I recognize the inconvenience for some, and hardship for others, to engage in social distancing. Let’s flatten the curve. Be the solution.
William F. Tate IV is the dean and vice provost for Graduate Education; Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences; and faculty scholar, Institute for Public Health, at Washington University in St. Louis. This article is adapted from his essay titled “Pandemic Preparedness: Using Geospatial Modeling to Inform Policy in Systems of Education and Health in Metropolitan America” published by Rowan and Littlefield.
Guest Columnist William F. Tate IV
“TakingCareofYou”
Protecting children from bullets
how she hides under
table
The threat of violence poses health problems beyond immediate survival
By Cara Anthony Kaiser Health News
Champale Greene-Anderson keeps the volume up on her television whenever her 5-year-old granddaughter Amor Robinson comes over after school.
“So we won’t hear the gunshots,” GreeneAnderson said. “I have little bitty grandbabies, and I don’t want them to be afraid to be here.”
As a preschooler, Amor already knows and fears the sounds that occur with regularity in their neighborhood.
“I don’t like the pop, pop noises,” Amor said, swinging the beads in her hair. “I can’t hear my tablet when I watch something.”
And when the television or her hot-pink headphones and matching tablet can’t mask the noise of a shooting? “She usually stops everything,” said her mother, Satin White. “Sometimes she cries, sometimes she covers her ears.”
Her grandmother has even watched Amor hide inside a narrow gap between the couch and recliner. In communities across the country
dealing with ever-present violence, children like Amor continually search for safety, peace and a quiet place. More than two dozen parents and caregivers who spoke with Kaiser Health News attested that the kids hide underneath beds, in basements and dry bathtubs, waiting for gunfire to stop while their parents pray that a bullet never finds them. In St. Louis, which has the nation’s highest murder rate among cities with at least
By Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr.
For The St. Louis American
While Missouri sits on the sidelines of Medicaid expansion, far too many hardworking Missourians remain forced to choose between lifesaving care and putting food on the table.
Our state’s rural hospitals continue to shutter. And three dozen other states access the federal dollars we refuse.
Our state’s leaders are pitting politics against people. Fortunately, the ballot initiative process gives Missouri voters the power to make the changes that our elected leaders won’t.
And come November, it could be how the Healthcare for Missouri campaign wins sorely needed health coverage to more than 230,000 uninsured adults in the state through Medicaid expansion.
The Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, for whom I’m honored to serve as president, is among more than 150 groups so far to endorse the campaign since its fall 2019 launch. Hundreds more organizations are expected to join in the coming months.
This nonpartisan coalition transcends party politics, racial lines, the rural-urban split, and other labels that divide rather than unite.
Members of the clergy are among those leading the righteous charge, with faith leaders turning out in force at recent campaign events in places like Hannibal and Joplin.
As an attorney who represented the Medicaid 23 – a group of clergy arrested during the 2014 legislative session for praying in the Senate gallery as a protest in support of Medicaid expansion – this comes as little surprise to me. But beyond the moral imperative, Medicaid expansion makes fiscal and economic sense. Just look at some of the other voices at the table: the campaign coalition includes some of the state’s most powerful business voices, such as the St. Louis and Greater Kansas City Chambers
SSM, Mercy open COVID-19 test sites
By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
As the City of St. Louis announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19, a Saint Louis University student in her 20s who had recently traveled abroad, area hospitals are taking measures to increase testing for COVID-19 while protecting the health and safety existing patients and healthcare workers from the new coronavirus that is causing the worldwide pandemic.
SSM Health opened its first of five COVID19 testing sites Tuesday, March 17 in St. Charles County and will test people who are showing symptoms of the virus. Drive by testing is opening at several sites over the next 10 days. The hospital system says the sites will be located throughout the region.
To be tested at SSM Health, patients must
Missouri, Illinois report first deaths from the pandemic See COVID-19, A13
n SSM Health opened its first of five COVID-19 testing sites Tuesday, March 17 in St. Charles County and will test people who are showing symptoms of the virus. Drive by testing is opening at several sites over the next 10 days.
first complete a free online evaluation at www.ssmhealth.com/covid19. The evaluation begins with a series of questions regarding a patient’s symptoms and expo-
Mercy Hospital
St. Louis set up a mobile COVID-19 testing station last weekend on the grounds of Mercy Virtual Care, located at 15740 South Outer 40 Road in Chesterfield. While they stay in their vehicles, nurses wearing protective gear swab pre-screened patients who may be infected with the new coronavirus.
A12
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN
Justice Buress, 4, demonstrates
a
during a drill at Little Explorers Learning Center in St. Louis. Day care director Tess Trice carries out monthly drills to train the children to get on the floor when they hear gunfire.
Photo: Healthcare for Missouri
Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr.
Photo by Carolina Hidalgo / St. Louis Public Radio
“TakingCareofYou”
COVID-19
Continued from A12
sure. Following the visit, the patient will be connected with an SSM Health Medical Group provider to review a care plan if needed. If testing is recommended, patients will be sent to the nearest SSM Health testing facility, where clinicians can collect specimens to be sent to a lab. There will be a cost for COVID-19 testing at SSM Health; it’s unknown if commercial insurance or government funding will cover any of the cost.
Exact locations of the sites will not be released, and testing will only be done on those patients who have been referred by either an SSM Health Virtual Visit or an SSM Health physician.
“The move demonstrates SSM Health’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to high-quality affordable health care,” a spokesperson said. “We are working with regional health authorities as well as the Centers for Disease Control to actively monitor the situation and ensure we have the most up-to-date information.”
About two weeks ago, Mercy St. Louis hospital tested the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in the state. Since then, among 207 cases tested as of March 16 by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory and at the Centers
Bullets
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100,000 people, the reasons are especially stark. More than 20 children in the St. Louis area were killed by gunfire last year, and in the first two months of this year, more than a dozen children were shot. At least four of them died.
Now every time police tape goes up in a neighborhood, it’s a hurtful reminder that adults have to find ways to keep children safe. And while parents hope their kids grow into healthy adults, evidence shows that children who grow up around violence or witness it frequently are more likely to have health problems later in life.
Regularly hearing shootings is one example of what’s called an “adverse childhood experience.” Americans who have adverse childhood experiences that remain unaddressed are more likely to suffer heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and stroke, according to a 2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
St. Louis mental health expert Lekesha Davis said children and their parents can become desensitized to the violence around them — where even one’s home doesn’t feel safe. And, research shows, black parents and children in this country, especially, often cannot get the mental health treatment they may need.
“Can you imagine as a child, you are sleeping, you know, no care in the world as you sleep, and being jarred out of your sleep to get under the
Chapel
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Washington University has pledged its support, as have statewide medical groups such as the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri Primary Care Association, Missouri Nurses Association and major hospital systems from Springfield to St. Louis. Thirty-six states have already taken this step, including five that border ours: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa,
for Disease Control, there are two positive cases in St. Louis County, one in the City of St. Louis, three positive cases in Greene County, one in Henry County and one test is pending. COVID-19 is a reportable disease to state and federal officials, regardless of whether the testing is done by the state or commercial labs.
Mercy mobile testing
Mercy St. Louis Hospital set up a mobile COVID-19 testing station on March 14 on the grounds of Mercy Virtual Care, located at 15740 South Outer 40 Road in Chesterfield.
While they persons stay in their vehicles, nurses wearing protective gear swab prescreened patients who may be infected with the new coronavirus. Mercy opened its first drive-through novel coronavirus (COVID-19) test collection site in an effort to create more widely available testing resources in its communities.
Mercy also plans to open additional test collection sites across Mercy’s four states. “This drive-through test collection site will prevent unnecessary exposure to our patients and caregivers in our hospitals and clinics,” said Donn Sorensen, Mercy’s executive vice president of operations who is leading COVID19 response across Mercy. “By directing at-risk people to this site, Mercy will limit the traffic to our hospitals and clinics. The safety of our patients, vis-
bed and hide?” Davis said. “We have to look at this, not just, you know, emotionally, but what does that do to our body? Our brain is impacted by this fightor-flight response. That’s supposed to happen in rare instances, but when you’re having them happen every single day, you’re having these chemicals released in the brain on a daily basis. How does that affect you as you get older?”
‘Dora’ means drop
On a cold winter morning at Little Explorers Learning Center, assistant director and teacher Tawanda Brand drills the preschoolers: orange, o-ra-n-g-e, black, b-l-a-c-k, y-e-ll-o-w, yellow.
Brand nods, giving her approval. After they sing a song, it’s time for a different kind of drill. Brand tells the children to get ready. Then, she shouts: “Dora the Explorer.”
“Dora” is a code word, Brand explained, signaling the kids to drop to the floor — the safest place — in case gunfire erupts nearby.
During the drill that morning, most of the children get down. Others walk around, sending Brand on a chase as she tries to corral the group of 3- to 5-year-olds. The drill may sound playful, but sometimes the danger is real.
The Little Explorers protocol isn’t like the “active shooter” drills taking place in schools around the country on the rare chance someone comes inside to shoot like in Columbine, Parkland or Sandy
Kentucky and Nebraska. None have changed course because implementation costs were too high.
On the contrary, dozens of research studies show that Medicaid expansion will not just save lives but also save taxpayers money.
One of those reports, released in late January is an analysis of Medicaid expansion in Arkansas, Indiana and Ohio – three states whose politics more closely resemble Missouri than any coastal outliers.
In Arkansas, savings from Medicaid expansion led to a state income tax cut for the middle class, the researchers
itors and co-workers is of the utmost importance.”
Patients in St. Louis are required to call Mercy’s clinical support line at 314-2510500 to be screened, and if appropriate, proceed to the test collection site.
Mercy reminds that while COVID-19 is spread from person to person, more than 80 percent of the patients who develop it will only become mildly ill. The concern is for patients with underlying medical conditions and the elderly, who are more likely to need hospital-level supportive care.
Another important point – Mercy says people with COVID-19 do not have a runny nose or nasal congestion. Symptoms to be aware of include:
• 100.4 fever or higher90% will have fever.
• Dry cough - 70% will have a dry cough.
• Shortness of breath –for those who become more acutely ill.
• Hospital visitation changes
• To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Mercy is limiting visits to one visitor per patient.
Hospital visit restrictions are now in place until further notice at all SSM Health hospitals in St. Louis to keep patients, visitors and employees safe during this outbreak. SSM Health states each patient will be allowed only two visitors at any given time.
“Given SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital’s
Hook. The day care performs these drills because nearby shootings are an ongoing threat.
Day care director Tess Trice said a bullet pierced the window in November while the children were inside. Then, the very next day, bullets flew again.
“We heard gunshots, we got on the floor,” Trice said. “Eventually, when we got up and looked out the window, we saw a body out there.”
Trice called parents that day to see if they wanted to pick up their children early. Nicollette Mayo was one of the parents who received a call from the teachers. She knows the neighborhood faces challenges but can’t see her 4-year-old daughter, Justice, and infant son, Marquis, going anywhere else.
large number of semi-private rooms,” it is considering limiting visits to one patient later this week. “In addition, no children under the age of 12 will be allowed to visit any patient, including siblings.”
All visitors will be asked to follow its hand hygiene policies and will be asked to wash their hands prior to and after any visit. They may also be asked to wear a mask or gown in some situations.
BJC Healthcare is also implementing a limited visitor policy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Clay Dunagan, BJC senior vice president and chief clinical officer, said, “We appreciate the understanding and support of hospital visitors during these extraordinary times, as we make every effort to protect the health and safety of our patients, team members and visitors.” The key changes at BJC facilities include the following:
• No visits from anyone who is experiencing signs of illness until they return to health;
• One visitor at a time for each patient in inpatient care units, emergency departments, intensive care units, outpatient surgery and procedure areas, medical offices and clinics;
• Two visitors at a time are permitted in obstetrics and pediatrics; and
• No visitors under the age of 16, including siblings.
Additionally, all BJC visitors will be asked screening questions and visitors are urged to follow hand hygiene and any
‘You live better if you sit on the floor’
At a home across the river in East St. Louis, the Hicks family hides in the dark and in silence. The goal is to keep the family out of sight, because bearing witness to a shooting could put them at a different kind of risk, mom Kianna Hicks said.
So when trouble erupts, they do their best to remain unseen and unheard.
n “We heard gunshots, we got on the floor. Eventually, when we got up and looked out the window, we saw a body out there.”
– day care director Tess Trice
“I trust them,” Mayo said.
“And I know that, God forbid, if there is an incident that I’m going to be contacted immediately. They’re gonna do what they need to do to keep my children safe.”
Trice considered bulletproof glass for the day care but could not afford it. A local company estimated it would cost $8,000 to $10,000 per window. So she relies on the “Dora” drills and newly installed cameras.
But in a city with such an alarming homicide rate, such drills aren’t happening only at day cares and schools. They also happen at home.
found. Ohio, under Rep. Gov. John Kasich, gained more than $300 million annually from revenue and savings generated by expansion.
And Indiana, under then-Gov. and now Vice President Mike Pence, opted in early enough in 2015 to take advantage of a 100 percent federal match (Missouri’s match would be capped at 90 percent) “with no substantial impact on the state budget or general fund.”
other protection that is needed for the patient. BJC says keep in mind that additional restrictions may apply in certain high-risk areas such as cancer, transplant and where patients have compromised immune systems.
Illinois, Missouri report first COVID-19 deaths
On Tuesday, March 17, Illinois announced its first death from the coronavirus pandemic, a Chicago resident in her 60s who tested positive for disease COVID-19 earlier this month who had contact with a known COVID-19 case.
“I am deeply saddened by the news that we’ve dreaded since the earliest days of this outbreak: the first COVID-19 related death in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There are going to be moments during the next few weeks and months when this burden feels like it is more than we can bear – this is one of those moments, but we will get through this together.”
Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced the first death related to COVID-19 in Missouri on Wednesday, March 18 “with a heavy heart.” The patient from Boone County had tested positive for a travel-related COVID-19 case.
In southern Illinois, two St. Clair County women tested positive for COVID-19, as two people in Clinton County. Illinois reports 160 cases of
gets on the floor in response to real gunfire. Other families in tough neighborhoods sit on the floor more often, even amid moments of relative quiet.
The first time Gloria Hicks saw a family sitting on the floor, she was visiting her godson in Chicago decades ago. It was hot that summer, Hicks recalled, so families kept their apartment doors open to stay cool.
“We turn the TV down,” said 13-year-old Anajah Hicks, the oldest of four. “We turn the lights off, and we hurry up and get down on the ground.”
A few times each month, the family practices what to do when they hear gunshots. Hicks tells the kids to get ready. Then, their grandmother Gloria Hicks claps her hands to simulate the sound of gunfire.
“I need them to know exactly what to do, because in too many instances, where we’ve been sitting around, and gunshots, you know, people start shooting, and they’ll just be up walking around or trying to run,” Kianna Hicks said.
“I’ll tell ’em, ‘Naw, that’s not what you do. You hear gunshots, you hear gunshots. No matter where you at, you stop, you get on the ground, and you wait until it’s over with and then you move around.’”
At least twice a week when the weather is warm, the family
n This nonpartisan coalition to expand Medicaid transcends party politics, racial lines, the ruralurban split, and other labels that divide rather than unite.
Missouri could expect comparable benefits, the researchers from Health Management Associates concluded, with “savings and revenue opportunities that significantly exceed the state’s cost of implementation.”
The Missouri State Auditor estimates that Medicaid expansion will lead to as much as $1 billion in state budgetary savings, largely because new
COVID-19 in 15 counties, from ages 9 to 91. In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health has put together updated restrictions at nursing homes, after 22 patients and four staff at a long term care facility tested positive for COVID-19.
“In addition to the death we are sad to report today, we are also reporting an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Residents in nursing homes are our most vulnerable population and we are doing everything we can to protect them. We may see cases in other long-term care facilities, which is why it is so important that we all do our part to reduce possible exposure in the community to those who go in and out of these facilities as they provide care to resident.”
Updated guidance for Illinois nursing homes include:
• Restricting all visitation except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life residents;
• Restricting all volunteers and non-essential health care personnel (e.g., barbers);
• Canceling all group activities and communal dining;
• Implementing active screening of residents and health care personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms. Additional guidance for long-term care facilities can be found on the IDPH website, https://bit.ly/2Ue0VyZ.
The three kids walked away physically OK that day. But later that night, Mariah said she pulled out strands of her hair, a behavior associated with stress
“Pulling my hair got really bad,” she said. “I had to oil my hair again because when I oil it, it makes it hard to pull out.”
“They were sitting on the floor watching TV, and I wondered, ‘Why is it like that?’” Hicks recalled. “Then I learned that you live better if you sit on the floor than on the couch, because you don’t know when the bullets gon’ fly.”
Although 16-year-old Mariah knows what to do when bullets fly, she said, she still has a difficult time processing the sound of violence. The honor student was babysitting her little cousins at her St. Louis home last winter when she heard gunshots.
“It couldn’t have been no further than, like, my doorstep,” recalled Mariah, whose mother asked the teen’s last name not be printed so the discussion of the trauma doesn’t follow her into adulthood. “I immediately dropped to the floor, and then in a split second the second thing that ran through my head is like, ‘Oh, my God, the kids.’”
When she walked into the next room, she saw her two younger cousins on the floor doing exactly what their mother taught them to do when gunfire erupts: Get down and don’t move.
“I was so worried,” Mariah recalled. “They’re 6 and 3. Imagine that.”
federal funds will be able to offset current state health spending in Medicaid, prison health, mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The numbers are in our favor. The need is obvious. The will is there – with an early May deadline, Healthcare for Missouri has already collected more than 75 percent of the signatures needed to get on the November ballot.
Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield Sr., a Medicaid 23 member and the late pastor of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, prayed that the hearts of our leaders would be softened.
Davis, the mental health counselor who has worked for 20 years with children experiencing trauma, encourages parents to comfort their kids after a traumatic event and for the kids to fully explore and discuss their emotions even if it’s months after the fact.
She said getting on the floor explains only how families are maintaining their physical safety.
“But no one’s addressing the emotional and the mental toll that this takes on individuals,” said Davis, vice president of the Hopewell Center, one of the few mental health agencies for kids in the city of St. Louis.
“We get children that were playing in their backyard and they witnessed someone being shot right in front of them,” Davis said. “These are the daily experiences of our children. And that’s not normal.”
St. Louis Public Radio’s Carolina Hidalgo contributed to this report.
Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation that is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
Even now, I can hear his voice saying, “Fight on!” On Election Day this fall, we have to do what our legislators won’t, take our demands for basic healthcare and life-sustaining help and make them law. The NAACP will see you at the polls, but right now you can stand for dignity by signing the Healthcare for Missouri petition and supporting Medicaid expansion come November. It’s time to let the people decide. Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr. is president of Missouri State Conference of the NAACP.
Healthy Kids Healthy Kids
eat right away. You can enjoy those leftovers for lunch the next day!
When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food
> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.
Dining Out.
The Smart Way!
First Day of Spring!
See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.
As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to
March 19, 2020, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.
> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.
Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your
A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your
> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.
> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?
Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5
heart rate and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.
Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.
Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1
doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?
Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5
“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422
Banana PB Smoothie
Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes
Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!
Where do you work? I am a psychotherapist and the owner of Counseling & Educational Center, LLC. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Laboure’ High School. I then earned a BA and an M.Ed from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and a school psychological examiner certification from Lindenwood University.
What does a psychotherapist do? I meet with clients either in the office or through Telehealth to help them improve their well-being or mental health. Some clients have experienced a major trauma or loss, and are working toward healing from that experience. We work on healing from the trauma and learning effective coping and calming strategies.
Why did you choose this career? I believe in the power of helping others. I fell in love with “helping” professions when I was 15, volunteering at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. I also did my college practicum and internships working with crime victims at the St. Louis City Crime Victims Unit.
What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love connecting with clients who are struggling with issues that impair the quality of their daily living. It is rewarding to see a client develop insight and effective coping strategies that will help them work through an issue that was preventing them from a more satisfying life.
Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3
Blast into summer with the Saint Louis Science Center’s week-long day camps! Full day, morning and afternoon sessions are available for children four to 16 years old.
Visit slsc.org/summer-camps, call 314.289.4439 or email daycamps@slsc.org for more information.
Whether you want to learn more about turtles, penguins, apes, or big cats, the Zoo has a class for you! Our programs are designed to help individuals of all ages and abilities learn through experience, involvement and discovery. Programs include live animals, guided tours, and exciting activities and experiences for the whole family. Programs available for homeschoolers and scouts too!
For program listings and registration information, visit www.stlzoo.org/education or call (314) 646-4544, option #6.
Renee Hodgins – M.Ed., LPC
The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 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
Premier Charter School 7th grade teacher Alexa Franke shows students Kaytlynn Phanthavongsa, Braylin Edmond, Bella Wisniewski and Suanu Bangura how to use the newspaper’s NIE page for STEM ideas.
Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.
SCIENCE CORNER
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to selfrenew and change into mature cells. There are two main types: adult cells which generate replacement bone and muscle cells that are lost through injury or normal wear, and embryonic cells that are starter cells that can change and become other types of cells.
SCIENCE INVESTIGATION
In this experiment, you will get to witness your very own DNA.
Materials Needed:
• 20 oz. Bottled water
• 3 Clear Plastic Cups or Glasses
• Clear Liquid Dish Soap
• 1 Tbsp Table Salt
• 100 Ml Isopropyl Alcohol
• Blue Food Coloring
Procedure:
Researchers grow stem cells in labs and alter them to be specific types of cells, such as heart cells. Stem cell transplants, also known as bone marrow transplants, replace cells damaged by chemotherapy or cancer. Stem cell research has helped scientists make advances to treat Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. For more information, visit: http:// science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellularmicroscopic/stem-cell.htm.
Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text connections.
t Add one drop of dish liquid to the salt water. Stir gently. Try not to create any bubbles.
y In a separate cup, mix the alcohol and 3 drops food coloring.
u Gently pour the alcohol and food coloring mixture into the salt water cup. Tilt the salt water cup as you pour, so the alcohol mixture forms a layer on top of the salt water.
SCIENCE STARS
African American Biomedical Engineer Treena Livingston Arinzeh
Treena Livingston Arinzeh inherited a love of math and science from her father, who was a biochemist.
When she was in high school, she witnessed her father have a stroke and become paralyzed. That was her inspiration to use her skills in math and science to find a way to help cure people in need. She had a high school teacher who encouraged her to pursue a career in engineering. Arinzeh couldn’t picture that because she had never seen an African-American engineer.
Arinzeh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University in 1992. Two years later, she earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. In 1999, she earned a PhD in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
After graduation, she worked as a project leader at Osiris Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that specializes in stem cell medicine. In 2001, she became a founding member of the Biomedical Engineering department at New Jersey Institute of Technology. She was an assistant professor for five years, was promoted to associate professor, and then became a full professor in 2011. Her research has focused on stem cell therapy and has led to two significant discoveries. The first discovery is that stem cells, mixed with scaffolds, can help regenerate bone growth and damaged tissue. The second discovery is that stem cells from one person can be successfully implanted into another. This technique is being replicated in bone marrow transplants.
q Mix some bottled water with the salt in one of the cups. Stir until salt is dissolved.
w Transfer 3 Tbsp of the salt water into a separate cup.
e Gargle the salt water for 1 minute without swallowing it.
r Spit the water back into the cup.
i Wait for 2.5 minutes. You should see white clumps and strings forming. The white clumps and strings are your DNA. Reflect: When you gargle and spit in a cup, some of your cheek cells entered the cup. The dish liquid breaks down the cheek membranes, allowing the DNA to enter the water. Because DNA is not soluble in alcohol, it will form a solid where the salt water layers meet.
Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can observe and analyze results.
Math Games for Fun
Math games are a great way to spend time with your friends and family while sharpening your skills. Try these games and see what you think.
HOW MANY NUMBERS CAN BE MADE:
Materials Needed: A Deck of Cards • Paper and Pencils
Give each player a piece of paper and a pencil. Using the cards from 1 to 9, deal four cards out with the numbers showing. Using all four cards and a choice of any combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, have each player see how many different numbers a person can get in 5 minutes. Players get one point for each answer. For example, suppose the cards drawn are 4, 8, 9, and 2. What numbers can be made? Which player came up with the most combinations? Which player had the highest number? Which player had the lowest number?
DID YOU KNOW?
MAKE THE MOST OF IT:
Materials Needed: A Deck of Cards
You will use cards 1 to 9. Each player alternates drawing one card at a time, trying to create the largest 5-digit number possible. As the cards are drawn, each player puts the cards down in their “place” (ten thousands, thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones) with the numbers showing. Once placed, a card cannot be moved. The player with the largest 5-digit number wins. For example, if a 2 was drawn first, the player might place it in the ones’ place, but if the number had been an 8, it might have been put in the ten thousands’ place. For an added challenge, practice rounding your number to the nearest ten thousands’ place, to the nearest thousand, etc. Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve a problem.
In 1997, scientists cloned a lamb from stem cells. Her name was Dolly.
Arinzeh was awarded the Board of Overseers Excellence in Research Prize and Medal from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Bush. In 2003, the National Science Foundation also gave Arinzeh a Faculty Early Career Development Award with a $400,000 research grant. She also earned the Outstanding Scientist Award from the New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research, “People to Watch in 2005” in the Star-Ledger, and the Coulter Foundation Translational Award. In 2013, Arinzeh was elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
Arinzeh encourages parents and teachers to help AfricanAmerican students find mentors in the STEM fields. She said, “I think they don’t see enough of us that look like them so they can identify with that career as something they can actually do.”
Learning Standards: who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
MAP CORNER
Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.
Activities — Rules and Consequences:
example in the newspaper of someone who did not follow a school or government rule. Write out what happened because the person did not follow the rule and who was affected most.
Analyzing logos: Look through the newspaper and find three logos that interest you. What appeals to you—the shape, the color, or something else? What does the logo say about the product or company?
Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can make text-to-world connections.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
The St. Louis region will weather coronavirus by working together
The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges to the world and our own St. Louis region that are likely to continue over the next weeks and months. Area physicians and health care leaders from BJC HealthCare, Mercy and SSM Health are united in their mission to help St. Louis face these challenges. We are working in close partnership with local and state health departments and our academic medical institutions, Saint Louis University and Washington University Schools of Medicine. We are confident that with knowledge, vigilance and collaboration, the St. Louis community can weather the COVID-19 pandemic together.
BJC, Mercy and SSM Health are working together, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Missouri and Illinois health departments, to give community members access to factual information and quality care connected to novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
About COVID-19
• Coronaviruses are a common family of viruses that can cause respiratory infections. There are several variations and they are wellknown to the medical community. Symptoms include fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. (See “The symptoms” below.)
• COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus first identified late last year. The symptoms and transmission are similar in many ways to influenza. Evidence has shown so far that in most cases COVID-19 causes mild to moderate respiratory illness.
• In some cases, especially for the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions, COVID-19 can be more harmful and require medical intervention.
• COVID-19 is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets, such as when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear about five days after initial exposure to the disease.
• The WHO has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. A pandemic is simply a disease that has spread across a wide region, such as several continents, affecting a greater number of people than usual.
The symptoms
• Symptoms of COVID-19 infection include fever, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Some of these symptoms are similar to cold or flu symptoms. But runny noses and sinus pressure or stuffiness are not normally among the first symptoms.
If you believe you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed to someone who is infected, contact your physician for guidance. If you’re having extreme difficulty breathing or feel your condition is an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. However, please do not go to the emergency department just to request a screening. The health department has established a hotline to answer questions about screening.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Steps you should take
• Wash your hands frequently and effectively, especially after using the bathroom, blowing your nose or coughing, and before eating. This means using soap and water and scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue and wash your hands, or cough into your elbow.
• Be aware of any flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches.
• Stay home if you’re sick. Going to work or attending social events while sick puts other people at risk.
• Unless you are sick, or have been directed by your medical provider, it is not necessary to wear a mask to protect yourself.
Reducing your exposure
The chances of COVID-19 spreading are increased when large groups of people are in close, extended contact with each other. As a result, communities are canceling parades, festivals, concerts and other events; colleges and universities are extending breaks or holding classes online; and sports leagues are suspending their seasons. You can reduce your chances of exposure by:
• Avoiding crowded places, especially if you are older or have an underlying health condition like diabetes, heart disease or COPD
• Working at home if your employer allows
• Traveling only when necessary for work or personal reasons.
It is not necessary to stockpile food, hand sanitizer or other goods at home.
WHAT WE ARE DOING AT OUR HOSPITALS
• Screening at doctors’ offices and hospital entry points for clinical symptoms and travel history; screening criteria will continue to evolve with the CDC’s guidelines, and adapt to the spread of the virus.
• Following a process to identify patients suspected of infection and coordinating testing, when appropriate, with local or state health departments.
• Isolating patients suspected of infection and using CDC-recommended personal protective equipment to reduce the spread of infection.
• Managing personal protective equipment and supplies to ensure our caregivers have the equipment they need to safely provide care.
• As health care leaders, we are working with a sense of calm caution on behalf of our patients, visitors and each other by working with our employees regarding travel restrictions and screening, canceling or postponing events, and encouraging team members to use technology to virtually attend meetings and stay connected with colleagues in other parts of the country.
• Mercy has opened a community testing site in Chesterfield to test patients who meet certain criteria for suspected cases of COVID-19. As a hospital community, we expect to add additional community screening sites and will share information with the public as those sites become available.
For more information on COVID-19 and related issues, call: Missouri Department of Health 877-435-8411
For additional information: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov who.int/emergencies/diseases/ novel-coronavirus-2019 bjc.org/coronavirus mercy.net/covid19 ssmhealth.com
Clay Dunagan, MD, MS Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer
Keith Starke, MD Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer
Alexander Garza, MD, MPH Chief Medical Officer
Freddie fixed a broken-down Macintosh Classic as a teenager and launched a computer repair business at age 16, the first step in a tech entrepreneur career.
Baby abandoned near dumpster became tech mogul
Freddie Figgers runs the nation’s largest black-owned telecom company
By Curtis Bunn Urban News Service
Abandoned as an infant in the shadow of a dumpster in small-town Quincy, Florida, Freddie Figgers didn’t start his life with many advantages. Thirty years later, his Figgers Wireless operates in more than 80 countries and is worth more than $62 million. Rescued at two days old by retirement-age couple Nathan and Edith Figgers, Freddie was raised as one of their own. Later, the African-American couple formally adopted
n “With the way my life started, it was hard to make friends. My best friend was that computer.”
“I could tell he was going to be something, be someone,” she said. “He was quiet, off into his own world. … There was something about him.”
– Freddie Figgers in Your Business
Nine-year-old Freddie became fixated with a broken Macintosh computer that most people would have seen as garbage. Freddie dismantled it and, to everyone’s surprise, fixed it.
He said the repair job was the spark that launched him as a kid.
him. Both lived to see his extraordinary rise, although Nathan died in 2014 after developing Alzheimer’s disease. His cousin, Sarah Figgers, had a premonition.
“With the way my life started, it was hard to make friends,” said Figgers, now 30. “My best
See FIGGERS, B6
Zachery Post shows people how to grow their own
By Corinne Ruff
About a dozen people gathered around a table in a St. Louis conference room on a recent Saturday morning, pulling out notebooks and settling in for a fourhour crash course on growing medical marijuana.
Instructor Zachery Post gave a PowerPoint presentation in the Cortex Innovation District. He explained basic cannabis terminology and how things like temperature and lighting have different effects on the plant.
He’s the president of Elite Home Growers Academy, and he started giving workshops like these last year.
“This is what I could offer for the community,” he said.
Knowing there would be a gap between when Missouri legalized the plant and
Zachery Post, president of Elite Home Growers Academy, shows students like Tarraze Merriwewather how to germinate seeds and clone a marijuana plant by demonstrating on a house plant. A former stockbroker, he also teaches a separate class about investing in cannabis businesses.
Of St. Louis Public Radio
Photo courtesy of Freddie Figgers
Photo by Corinne Ruff / St. Louis Public Radio
Bombs and poverty in St. Louis and Milwaukee
By Jason Sibert For The St. Louis American
While unemployment numbers are low around the St. Louis area and some see nothing but good times on the horizon, there is another reality that some live with every day – a grinding poverty that eats away at our city and surrounding suburbs.
The homeless epidemic that grips our nation is gripping St. Louis – one can see the homeless sleeping out on the streets on any given week. The homeless epidemic can be tied to various issues, such as the lack of affordable housing and stagnating wages for many Americans. There is a symbiotic connection between the homeless issue and the nationwide opioid epidemic, as some homeless people are addicted. Missouri’s
Post
continued from page B1 when dispensaries opened, Post said he wanted to help patients learn to grow their own marijuana.
He spent a decade in Las Vegas working for a commercial cultivation facility but moved back to his hometown of St. Louis a few years ago to care for a relative.
He’s also a former stockbroker, and he teaches a separate class about investing in cannabis businesses.
He estimates about 200 people have taken his workshops. Post holds the discounted workshop at Cortex twice a month in conjunction with Majestiks, a local cannabis resource and education company. His fullprice classes are $100 and take place in Maryland Heights.
About 20 percent of them want to be caregivers, meaning they would grow marijuana plants on behalf of patients.
In order to grow marijuana in Missouri, you need a medical card with a cultivator license.
Post said the cost of growing your own marijuana can vary widely, between a couple of hundred dollars and $5,000.
“My first grow was in a cardboard box in my garage in Las Vegas,” he said, adding that he encourages his students to start small and add things like better lighting and tents as they learn.
During the workshop, Post demonstrated how to germinate seeds and “clone” larger plants, a process that involves snipping off a small piece and letting it grow on its own.
“That’s what I wanted students to take away from it,” Post said, “is that they can
opioid epidemic is hitting the African-American community hard. The number of African-American men who died from an opioid overdose doubled from 2015 to 2018. By 2018, AfricanAmerican men were three times as likely to die from an overdose than white men.
Both the opioid and homeless epidemics are tied to the issue of security. Many citizens who are coping with one or the other or both experience a lack of security.
The Trump administration’s latest budget takes a quite different stance on security. To sustain and make our current nuclear weapons arsenal even more deadly, the administration has requested $44 billion. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering Trump’s lack of interest in using arms control to downsize
the world’s deadly nuclear arsenal. He’s canceled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran and the Intermediate Range Nuclear-Forces Treaty with Russia. Trump has said that he might let the New Start Treaty with Russia expire in 2021.
Our country currently spends more money than the top seven countries combined on our military arsenal.
Beyond War compiled figures on what a reinvestment from military spending to human needs would do for Milwaukee County.
Absolute poverty, the inability to acquire food and shelter, could be wiped out all over the world if we were to invest three percent of our military budget in providing food and shelter to those who don’t have it. Such a reinvestment would have ramifications far beyond St. Louis.
The non-profit World
The Wisconsin metro area is similar in size to St. Louis. In 2018, Milwaukee County taxpayers paid $1.54 billion into the military budget – money that could be used to pay for 20,155 elementary school teachers, 20,829 clean energy jobs, 27,773 infrastructure jobs, 15,429 jobs in low income communities, 192,855 head start spots for children, 145,216 veterans receiving healthcare, 1.05 million lowincome children receiving healthcare, and 45,820 students receiving a college education.
The City of Milwaukee passed a resolution in 1982 called the Jobs with Peace
n The inability to acquire food and shelter could be wiped out all over the world if we invested three percent of our military budget in providing food and shelter to those who don’t have it.
initiative that advocated a shift from military spending to domestic needs. Last year, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors called for a transfer of tax dollars from military spending toward human and environmental needs – superior education from pre-school through college, ending world hunger, converting the United States to clean energy, providing clean drinking water, building high-speed trains between cities, financing a fullemployments jobs program, and doubling foreign aid.
Municipal governments have little say over federal
priorities like defense spending. However, municipal governments are more accessible to citizens because running for a local office doesn’t take the money that running for federal office does. If more municipalities, perhaps starting with St. Louis and surrounding communities, were to pass similar resolutions as the ones in Milwaukee, then cities could serve as a powerful voice for change. The change could move from the city level to the federal level. Jason Sibert is executive director of the Peace Economy Project.
grow quality cannabis and not just grow cannabis.”
One student, Tarraze Merriweather, said she attended the $40 workshop to learn more about how to get started.
“It’s a lot more than just gardening techniques,” she said.
Merriweather said she has about $1,500 budgeted to kick off her growing station, which she plans to use for pain management, for herself and others.
n “My first grow was in a cardboard box in my garage in Las Vegas,” Zachery Post said, adding that he encourages his students to start small.
“Whatever I grow or whatever strain, it’s important to know exactly what is the best seed to start out with, because I don’t want to start mixing or purchasing from people that I’m not familiar with,” she said.
Another student, Randy
Wilford, calls himself a “canna chef.” He said he’s interested in learning how to grow his own marijuana so he can make edibles to help people like his wife, who is diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
“We know a strain (of marijuana) that helps my wife, and I can’t find it anymore,” he said.
“To go out of town, you run the luck of the draw because how do you get it back? Do they have enough supply? So, what better way to do it than to grow it?” Wilford isn’t new to cannabis, but he said he’s never grown it before.
During a break from the workshop, he said he’s eager to learn more about growing techniques.
“Everybody can drop a seed in the dirt,” Wilford said. “Everybody can pour some water. What are you looking for to make it the healthiest possible plant for the person that needs it the most?” For more information or to book a class, visit https://www. elitehg.org/.
Follow Corinne on Twitter: @corinnesusan Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.
Jason Sibert
Elite Home Growers Academy students, including Randy Wilford (right), discuss growing techniques and ask questions during a workshop on growing medical marijuana held at the Cortex Innovation District. Wilford want to make edibles to help people like his wife, who is diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Photo by Corinne Ruff / St. Louis Public Radio
n “If it wasn’t public knowledge that I was sick, you wouldn’t know it. And that’s the scariest part of this virus.”
— Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell, who tested positive to COVID-19
Sports
Cardinal Ritter wins Class 3 state title
Defeated two opponents by a combined score of 156-84
By Earl Austin Jr.
Of the St. Louis American
Cardinal Ritter College Prep just didn’t win its eighth state championship in boys basketball last weekend. The Lions stormed into Springfield and demolished two excellent teams in Blair Oaks and Charleston, winning the Class 3 state championship.
The Cardinal Ritter onslaught was quick, destructive and relentless for two consecutive days. It was a head-spinning, breathtaking, whirlwind to watch.
On Friday night, the Lions took on a formidable Blair Oaks squad that was ranked No. 1 in the state. Cardinal Ritter bolted out of the gate on a 15-0 run and the game was essentially over after the first two possessions when sophomore standout Luther Burden picked the pocket of Blair Oaks guards and coasted in for buckets.
junior guard Mario Fleming added 13. What Cardinal Ritter did in the semifinals was just a warm-up for what was to happen in the state title game. On Saturday, the Lions demolished Charleston 88-32 to set a new state record for margin of victory in the state-championship game.
Once again, the Lions put the game away early with a 17-4 run to start that culminated with a coast to coast drive by Burden for a spectacular dunk.
The Lions led 21-12 at the end of the first quarter, but potential trouble loomed as foul trouble sent several starters to the bench. What happened next was even more astounding as Ritter’s bench mob, led by guards Gary Wilkerson and Ilyaas “Biscuit” Harris sparked a 24-4 second quarter burst and a 45-16 halftime lead.
Things would only get worse for Charleston as Ritter outscored them 37-7 to push the lead to 82-25 after three quarters.
The second half of Ritter’s 68-52 victory turned into a dunk-a-thon as senior forwards Garry Clark, Brandon Ellington and junior forward Josh Robinson took turns throwing down impressive dunks.
The 6’7” Clark scored 17 points to lead Ritter while Burden scored 16 points and
Burden led the way with 18 points followed by Fleming with 16 points and Wilkerson and senior guard Glenn Valentine with 11 points apiece.
Cardinal Ritter finished the season with a 25-6 record and its first state title under the direction of head coach Ryan Johnson.
On Monday evening I attended what will most likely be the last board of directors meeting I’ll be at for many weeks. Instead of the room we usually gather in, we met in a gym – there was much social distance between the 10 people there. Our business completed, I stopped to get a carryout meal at a restaurant. There, I happened to sit next to a gentleman who still thinks the COVID-19 precautions are ridiculous. He was still spouting off the “people die from the flu every year; we didn’t shut the country down” nonsense. Just like the virus, viral ignorance is still threatening America’s well-being. And, like COVID-19, for now there is no remedy to the stupidity.
“what might have beens.”
But “what might have been” for 19-year-old Udell Chambers and hundreds of young men like him? The 19-year-old Kirkwood kid was headed to the Chicago White Sox organization in 1966, but was drafted and later killed in Vietnam.
“What might have been” for the thousands of black men and women athletes that never got to play in a postseason high school or collegiate tournament because their respective schools did not allow them to play on a team?
To those still bitter about the cancellation of the various conference basketball tournaments and the NCAA Tournament, I say “get over it.” Sports - professional, collegiate, youth and sandlot - will return bigger and better than ever. It’s just a hiatus. It’s not forever. In fact, it’s good for us. For seniors in high school and college, there are many
“What might have been” for the thousands of young men and women cut down in their prime by violence after displaying the skills that could have secured them an educational opportunity and glory in their respective sports?
When it comes to athletics for the next 60-to-90-to-whoknows-how-many-days, the opportunities missed aren’t sad. They are a reminder of what sadness really means and what the world and nature really look like. Missing Miller time I
In 29 games, Lauryn Miller averaged 6.8 points, 5.9 rebounds. She also added 31 steals and 14 blocks for the 26-5 Bruins.
Cardinal Ritter’s Ilyaas Harris (10) makes a move to shoot around Charleston’s Roylandus Wiley (52) during the boys Class 3 state championship game at JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri St. University on Saturday, March 14. Cardinal Ritter went on to roll past Charleston 88-32.
Earl Austin Jr.
Alvin A. Reid
Photo by Wiley Price
By Earl Austin Jr.
Of the St. Louis American
The high school basketball season was brought to a close on Monday morning when the Missouri State High School Activities Association canceled its upcoming Class 4-5 state tournament in Springfield due to the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus.
The Illinois High School Association did the same last week when it canceled its entire Class 3A and 4A state championships in Peoria as well as the Supersectional games that led to the Final Four.
The cancellation of these two big events in both states brought the end to some magical team seasons as well as the careers of some great players.
Caleb Love of CBC finished his spectacular career at
Pandemic precautions bring abrupt end of postseason play
CBC with a 24-point performance in the Cadets victory over Francis Howell in the Class 5 quarterfinals at Francis Howell Central. Love came up with several clutch buckets down the stretch and scored his 2,000th career point in the process to wrap up a stellar fouryear run for the Cadets.
• The Vashon Wolverines were on track to winning their fourth state championship in five years as they rolled to another Final Four berth. The Wolverines defeated Jennings, Hazelwood East, Ladue and Kirksville by an average victory margin of 27 points on their way to the Final Four and a probable state championship.
The Wolverines will also say good-bye to a stellar senior class, which includes Division I players Cam’Ron Fletcher, Kobe Clark and Phillip Russell.
• Incarnate Word Academy’s girls were seeking its fifth Class 4 state championship in the past six years. The Red Knights advanced to the Final Four in dramatic fashion with a 57-54 victory over Ladue in the Class 4 quarterfinals. Sophomore Jaiden Bryant took a great pass from Saniah Tyler to sink the game-winning 3-pointer with one second left for the victory to send IWA back to the Final Four.
• The Chaminade Red Devils clinched a spot in the Final Four for the fifth time in the last six years after a hard fought victory over Mehlville in the Class 5 quarterfinals at Francis Howell Central. Senior guard Luke Kasubke had a great closing act with a 20 points to lead the Red Devils. The dynamic sophomore duo of Tarris Reed Jr. and Damien Mayo combined for 27 points
In T
as the 6’8” Reed scored 15 and the 6’2” Mayo added 12, including an emphatic slam dunk to open the fourth quarter.
• Hazelwood Central’s girls put on an impressive offensive display in defeating Troy 79-60 in the Class 5 quarterfinals at Francis Howell Central. The Hawks’ overall speed and quickness was too much for the Trojans as they put five players in double figures. Senior forward Jakayla Kirk and junior guard Tristan Stith led the way with 18 points each, followed by junior Nariyah Simmons with 16 points, junior J’Lessa Jordan with 14 points and senior Sydney Dukes with 13 points.
• The Kirkwood Pioneers clinched a spot in the Final Four for the fourth time in five years after defeating Poplar Bluff 44-33 in the Class 5 girls
he CluTCh
With Ishmael H. Sistrunk
quarterfinals at Francis Howell Central. Senior forward Natalie Bruns led the Pioneers with 20 points. She was going to make her third trip to the Final Four after starting to Kirkwood’s two state-championship teams in 2017 and 2018.
• On the Illinois side, a pair of Metro east teams had advanced to the Final Four of their respective state tournaments. The Madison Trojans earned a berth in the Class 1A Final Four. The Trojans were led by head coach Maurice Baker, a former star player at Madison. The Breese Mater Dei Knights had advanced to the Final Four of the Class 2A state tournament.
• A pair of Southwestern Conference teams was in the running for state championships before their seasons were cut short at the Sectional cham-
pionship stage. The Collinsville Kahoks finished their season with a robust 31-3 record after defeating O’Fallon 62-38 in the Class 4A Sectional semifinals at Belleville West. Collinsville was looking to follow fellow conference member Belleville West into the state-championship mix. West had won backto-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. The spectacular career of guard Ray’Sean Taylor of Collinsville was also brought to a close. The 6’2” Taylor finished his career as the leading scorer in the illustrious history of Collinsville Kahok basketball. Quite a feat. East St. Louis was hoping to repeat as Class 3A state champions and their postseason run was off to an impressive start with one-sided victories over Cahokia, Triad and Marion. The Flyers had reached the Sectional championship stage before the season was halted.
Coronavirus sweeps through the NBA, shuts down sports
Brady parts with the Patriots
In last week’s column about the novel coronavirus’ impact on sports, I wrote that the global pandemic was “traveling across the globe at light speed.” At the time, the NCAA had announced that the NCAA Tournament would be held in nearly empty arenas. The NBA had announced it was considering playing games in the same manner. By the time The American hit newsstands on Thursday morning, the conversation had changed dramatically.
Wednesday night, Utah Jazz doctors learned that center Rudy Gobert was infected with COVID-19. The test results arrived just before the Jazz were set to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That set off a dramatic, movie-like scene that involved the officials being rushed off the court for a meeting right before tip-off. The players were sent back into the locker room. Fans were filled with confusion and disappointment. The game was postponed.
Later that night the NBA announced it would suspend the season indefinitely. It was the right move too. Since the league announced the suspension, several players have tested positive for the virus including, Kevin Durant (Nets), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz), Christian Wood (Pistons) and other unnamed players. That toll will likely rise and many teams have yet to test their players, but will likely do so in the coming days and weeks.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized the NBA for testing its players for COVID-19.
“We wish them a speedy recovery. But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested. Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick,” de Blasio tweeted.
While I agree with de Blasio that testing should be available for critically ill patients, he is absolutely wrong that NBA players should not be tested. Due to the immense amount of travel of professional athletes endure and the amount of interactions with other players and the general public, it is essential that they be tested.
Some conspiracy theorists have asked why there are so many athletes and celebrities testing positive for COVID-19 and it’s simply because they
have the means and connections to be tested. No, it’s not fair, but it is life in our capitalist society. What if NBA teams did not test their players and continued to practice and scrimmage? How many more people would be potentially exposed to the virus? Once Gobert became the NBA’s patient zero, it became very important for all teams to test their players, when possible. A better idea for de Blasio would have been to encourage the NBA to use its wealth and means to help ensure that people in their communities could have access to coronavirus tests once they are available in greater supply. Nearly every other major sports league has followed suit and postponed or canceled their seasons. Local prep sports are likely shut down for the rest of the school year. The sporting world has come to a standstill.
If you’re looking for a sports fix today, your best bet is to either tune into ESPN Classic or fire up your gaming system and load up Madden, 2K, FIFA, etc.
Brady bounces to Bucs
Just because there are no games happening on the court/ field, doesn’t mean that there is nothing to talk about in sports. The NFL offseason is in full swing. The first big bombshell dropped when Tom Brady announced that he will not re-sign with the New England Patriots.
“Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments,” Brady wrote in an Instagram post.
Love him or hate him, Brady is the most-decorated
NFL quarterback in history. As a Patriot, Brady has won six Super Bowl championships, three league MVP awards, 14 Pro Bowl selections and 30 playoff games (an NFL record).
The 42-year-old Brady has consistently stated that his goal is to play until he is 45. It seems that the Patriots may have had reservations committing to the graybeard for three more years.
According to ESPN, Brady is expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If that happens, Brady should instantly turn the 7-9 Buccaneers into a playoff contender. The Bucs already boast two 1000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin In 2019 Jameis Winston led the league in passing yardage with 5,109. He was second in passing TDs with 33. Unfortunately, he also led the league in interceptions thrown with a whopping 30! The Browns’ Baker Mayfield was next with just 21 picks thrown.
On the flip side, Brady has never thrown for more than 14 interceptions in his career and averages less than 10 per season. It’s true that Brady in a Buccaneers jersey will look just as odd as Joe Montana in a Chiefs jersey during the 1993 and 1994 seasons. If you recall, Montana led the Chiefs to the playoffs in both of those seasons.
Both Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz have tested positive for COVID-19.
XFL season down for the count
St. Louis football fans can’t seem to catch a break. Just as Battlehawks mania was sweeping through the 314, the XFL was forced to end its inaugural season due to the coronavirus. Before the XFL season was canceled, the Battlehawks announced the team would open up the upper deck of The Dome to accommodate more fans. In the team’s first two home games, St. Louis drew 29,554 and 27,527 excited fans. After four weeks, the team led the league in home attendance, outpacing the Seattle Dragons by nearly 6,000 fans. Now that the season has been canceled, St. Louis fans will have to wait until 2021 for live, professional football. Luckily for football fans, the XFL announced that it would pay players for the full season and is committed to returning for a second season. After a successful four weeks for the league, it’s quite possible that several XFL players may end up on NFL rosters.
Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch online at stlamerican. com and on Twitter @ishcreates. Let me know how you are dealing with the sports outage during these tumultuous times.
Ishmael H. Sistrunk
Sports Eye
Continued from B3 in 2020-21.
A joke - once again
Missouri’s colleges had ended all face-to-face classes.
The state’s elementary, primary and high schools had been shut down until at least mid-April.
Gatherings of more than 50 people were coming to an end at the request of health and elected officials. Forty-nine states had ended girls and boys basketball tournaments.
And there was the Show Me State. The last holdout. The only state in America whose governing body over high school athletics was willing to send teams to a site for the final games of respective state basketball tournaments.
Earl Austin, American sports editor, called me early Monday to ask if I thought the Kirkwood girls team should travel to Springfield, Mo., next weekend for the tournament.
Surely, you jest. “The games have been called off,” I said.
Nope.
Ben Hochman, PostDispatch sports columnist, obviously could not believe it either and interviewed Jason West, Missouri State High School Activities Association communications director on Sunday night.
“One of our underlying philosophies is we want to try to make participation in extracurricular activities the best it can be for the students, and in many cases that is competing for a state championship,” West said. “We’re still trying to keep that dream alive, if you will, and give the students the opportunity to do just that.”
In other words, “Forget that national health crisis, play on.”
Thankfully, and not coincidentally just a few hours after Hochman’s column was posted online, MSHSAA came to its senses by noon on Monday.
“Due to continuing concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, MSHSAA has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the (basketball postseason tournament) for Classes 4 and 5,” MSHSAA announced in a written statement.
As Hochman stated in a follow-up column, “It was a little mind-boggling that it took this long to make the decision.”
KU was/is No. 1?
Do my KU Jayhawks get declared National Champions by default?
KU was destined to be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, was ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll and was ranked, overall, as the best team in nine different metrics headed into the tournament.
Send that trophy to Lawrence, Kansas. We’ll take it with pride. Remember, before there was an NCAA Tournament, the national champion was the No. 1 team at season’s end.
SLU’s blues
Without a deep run in the Atlantic 10 Tournament and probably the title, SLU most likely would have landed in the National Invitational Tournament.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi created a 32-team bracket for the tournament that had Clemson playing at SLU in the first round of the West Bracket games. The No. 3 seeded Billikens would have then taken on the winner of a Boise State v. No.
Iowa matchup. If SLU prevailed and West Bracket topseed Wichita State won its two games, the teams would have faced off in an NIT semifinal in New York.
That, my friends, would be the game we’ve wanted to see once or twice a year since SLU joined the A-10 and Wichita State left the Missouri Valley Conference.
Bridging the Brady gap
Unlike many of my sports writing counterparts, I admit when I am wrong. I’ve said repeatedly that Tom Brady would not leave the New England Patriots. On Tuesday, in a written statement, Brady announced to the world that he indeed is leaving the team in free agency. Brady became a free agent at 3 p.m. Wednesday – and any thought that Teddy Bridgewater would be the Patriots new quarterback ended when it was announced, also on Tuesday, the former New Orleans Saint is heading to Carolina.
Bridgewater went 4-0 for the New Orleans Saints as a starter when quarterback Drew Brees was injured during the 2019 season and the Panthers quickly jumped at the chance to sign him.
The whirlwind following Brady’s announcement continued when the Panthers also announced that their longtime, former All-Pro quarterback Cam Newton was free to seek a trade. Newton quickly responded via social media that he never sought a trade and wanted to remain a Panther. It’s obvious Carolina doesn’t want him, and will release him if a trade partner does not materialize.
Several NFL sources have ex-L.A. Chargers quarterback
Phillip Rivers in line for the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback job. But he now might be first in line for Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ gig.
Brady or Newton to the Chargers - and that new stadium in L.A. - both seem viable options for that franchise.
With the Tennessee Titans re-signing quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the San Francisco 49ers reportedly not interested in Brady or another QB to supplant Jimmy Garoppolo, the lone other job opening seems to be in Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, Tampa’s starting quarterback Jameis Winston should be making plans to play elsewhere next season.
Could you seem him replacing Brady in the land of Boston? No, me either.
The Reid Roundup
The NCAA should host both men’s and women’s 32-team tournaments, to begin the season in early November. Teams that aren’t included in the first 32 should also play a 32-team tournament. Yes, a logistical nightmare. But it would be a fun way to shake off the shock of spring and begin a new era of NCAA basketball… There were roughly 2,500 players eligible to vote for the newly passed Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL Players Association and NFL owners. Seventy-one percent (1,978 players) cast ballots and the measure passed by just 60 votes. By the way, the 71 percent participation level was higher than the number of registered voters who voted in the last presidential election… As part of the new CBA, suspensions will no longer be issued for positive marijuana tests.
The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTe of The Week
Luther Burden Cardinal Ritter – Boys Basketball
The talented sophomore had a big weekend in helping the Lions to the Class 3 state championship in Springfield.
The 6’2” Burden averaged 17 points as the Lions clobbered Blair Oaks and Charleston to win their eighth state championship. Burden scored a game-high 18 points in the Lions 88-32 victory over Charleston in the state championship game.
In the semifinals, Burden had 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a 68-54 victory over Blair Oaks. For the season, Burden averaged 11 points, four assists and two steals a game while shooting 54 percent from the field. A twosport standout, Burden is also a major college prospect in football as a wide receiver.
In addition, players will only be tested during the first two weeks of training camp. I can hear you all laughing. Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports
Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program,
Tom Brady announced to the world that he indeed is leaving the New England Patriots. His landing point looks to be with the Buccaneers as a new contract with Tampa Bay seems close to done.
Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to
Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.
“The Charlie Tuna
Figgers
continued from page B1
friend was that computer.”
When he was a teenager, “I wanted to be an innovator, an open thinker who builds new technology,” he said.
By age 16, with many people coming to him for help, he started his own computer repair company.
That same year he invented a device to help his father, who would leave home in the evening and forget his way back. Unwilling to commit his father to an assisted-living facility, Figgers installed a GPS tracker with a two-way communicator in his dad’s shoes. He could find him anywhere and speak to him through his feet if he walked away from home.
Figgers sold that program a year later to a company in Kansas for $2.1 million.
His next venture didn’t run as smoothly. He lost interest in finishing his college degree and began buying cellphone towers at age 21. He built them in places where reception was spotty, poor or absent, mostly in rural areas of West Virginia, Montana and North Dakota. The effort nearly ruined him. By his count it took 196 meetings over four years with FCC bureaucrats and examiners, as well as costly application fees, to get a green light just when his pockets were almost empty.
“I was in D.C., down to my last $30,” Figgers said. “I was almost bankrupt before I could really get started.”
And now he has invented a device that could change the cellphone industry.
His patented creation makes the traditional method of charging a cellphone’s battery obsolete. It begins wirelessly charging when it enters a room equipped with an inductive charger—akin to the way a phone automatically reconnects with WiFi.
“As soon as the phone is in range, it will start charging,” Figgers said. The technology will be available
n Figgers installed a GPS tracker with a two-way communicator in his dad’s shoes. He could find him anywhere and speak to him through his feet if he walked away from home.
operating officer of the privately-held Figgers Communications (based in Fort Lauderdale), said he expects a wide-open market.
“The excitement is there,” he said. “The product sells itself. ... We’re looking at this being a game-changer.”
Following Figgers’ rescue from near a trash heap, Nathan and Edith, who is now 95, poured attention and affection into their son.
“He received a lot of love from his parents,” Sarah Figgers said. “And his parents’ eyes lit up every time they talked about him.”
“There were so many roadblocks,” Freddie Figgers said. “It was a challenge. I could tell when they wanted to insult my intelligence with obstacles.”
But Bebe said Freddie never stopped. “He is an aggressive and driven person,” he said. “It’s 24 hours for him. He’s motivated, and he doesn’t look at it as work.”
Figgers’ mission includes a charitable arm, the Figgers Foundation, which collects 20 percent of the company’s profits.
The foundation distributes 28 college scholarships to African-American males every year. It assists women with breast cancer. And it has protected girls from sex trafficking in northern Zambia.
“My parents did not tell me one time that I wasn’t their child,” Figgers said. “They were special. They were older, and they taught me old-school values.”
For more information, visit https://figgers.com/.
first to the nearly one million Figgers
the idea and expects the Federal Communications Commission to grant final approval to begin production near the end of 2020. Germain Bebe, chief
Freddie Figgers was the youngest person, at age 21, to acquire an FCC license. Now his Figgers Wireless is valued at $62.3 million. It manufactures its own phones and provides cellular, mobile broadband and landline phones—and international services in more than 80 countries.
Photo courtesy of Freddie Figgers
Life of Madam C.J. Walker comes
By Kenya Vaughn
Of The St. Louis American
Sarah Breedlove McWilliams Davis arrived in St. Louis an uneducated young widow and divorcee who eked out a living for herself and her daughter by taking in laundry. She was so distraught with her station in life that she experienced stress-related hair loss. She left here as Madam C.J. Walker – an entrepreneur and visionary CEO motivated by her own experience to build a brand that that revolutionized the beauty industry and created opportunity for tens of thousands of black women within the workforce.
Television viewers will have the opportunity to see the story on screen thanks to the Netflix limited series “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker.” Co-created and written by Nicole Jefferson Asher, the show was inspired by the book “On Her Own Ground,” written by Walker’s great-great granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles. Netflix viewers can see how Walker managed to build a cosmetology empire that uplifted black women and created unprecedented wealth and social standing for herself.
The series stars Octavia Spencer as Walker and will be available for streaming on Friday, March 20. “Self Made” also stars Kevin Carroll, Carmen Ejogo, Tiffany Haddish, Garrett Morgan, Blair Underwood and features Bill Bellamy.
For Asher and the millions who will likely tune in, the story is personal.
“Madam C. J. Walker was the black woman’s folk hero,” Asher said. “When I was a little girl getting my hair pressed, I would hear stories about Madam C. J. Walker and how she invented the hot comb. She was always somebody that I was always fascinated by – and certainly was an unsung hero who deserves to be considered among the great business minds like Rockefeller and Steve Jobs.”
As the series points out, Walker didn’t invent the hot comb. But she made that beauty tool – and others like it designed specifically
Fearlessly growing fast and strong
Rapper NandoSTL to release ‘Bamboo’ EP to the masses
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
In less than two years on the St. Louis hip-hop, NandoSTL is making major moves. He was the most nominated artist among the SLUMfest Awards – which honors the best and brightest on the local urban music scene. His name was in the mix alongside veterans, and yet he admitted at the listening party for his upcoming EP “Bamboo” that he didn’t have enough material to perform an hour-long set. “I had to drop a project to be eligible for those opportunities,” he said candidly as he conversed with an intimate crowd who hovered in a listening room/studio at Shock City Studios. “Bamboo is like the strongest and fastest growing plant in the world – and I feel like my fast-growing success forced me to drop a project so I could be part of bigger venues and bigger festivals.”
With “Bamboo,” which will be available for purchase and streaming on Friday, March 20, he stretches himself beyond the confines of expectations for a hip-hop artist – even by today’s standards. He had a release concert scheduled for this weekend. But because of COVID-19 precau-
tions, it is now tentatively scheduled for May 23 at the Old Rock House. “We did a lot of different stuff and switched a lot of things up,” NandoSTL said. “I changed time signatures, so everything isn’t in 4:4. Some of it you can’t even clap to.” He speeds it up. He slows it down. He gets personal – and somewhat emotional – with “Family First.” He gets explicitly sexual on another track, and goes back to his musician
Virtual healing
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
Rebeccah Bennett is in the business of inspiring, motivating and facilitating transformation and has been for more than 20 years.
As founder and Principal for Emerging Wisdom, LLC, Rebeccah Bennett has been in the trenches actively working towards building a better region through community healing, social justice, personal growth and spiritual growth by way of a host of platforms.
Starting this week, she can include stlamerican. com as one of them as her weekly vlog, entitled “Liberated Living” lands on the American’s website each Thursday.
St. Louis rapper NandoSTL discusses his upcoming EP “Bamboo,” that will be released on Friday, March 20, during a special listening party on Thursday, March 12 at Shock City Studios.
roots with the live recording of “What a Day.”
“Sometimes you listen to projects and it’s like a vibe all the way through. This ain’t that,” NandoSTL said. “Every track is going to be completely different. This project is like a sampler platter. I don’t want to be your favorite rapper. I want to be your favorite artist. I’m an
n As people asked themselves “What’s my vision for the year?,” Bennett challenged them to look deeper.
“I have created the vlog as an opportunity to speak to the ways in which our spiritual growth and our liberation work and our healing as a people all intertwine and meet up. That’s really been my calling,” Bennett said. “I am clear that my mission is to support people in tapping into the power within themselves to create extraordinary lives in a more just and vibrant world. That is the reason I exist.” The vlog will provide a virtual space to support individuals in accessing, engaging and expressing their own power and in a way that compliments the physical space that she has with InPower Institute – a building in South City operated by Emerging Wisdom. InPower Institute gives space to the organization’s spiritual, community and personal growth umbrella through a robust cycle of programming.
“This opportunity gives people access to what we offer online and in a digital space without having to live in St. Louis or without having to cross our threshold,” Bennett said. “So much of the wisdom that I am learning and have to share was dependent upon place – you and I had to be in the same proximity, had to be at the same function. The exciting thing about collaborating with the St. Louis American at this point is that it really provides an opportunity to not be bound by place.”
She started “Liberated Living” as a blog at the start of the year. As people asked themselves “What’s my vision for the year?,” Bennett challenged them to look deeper.
“I wanted to give people a different frame – a frame that didn’t require people to beat up on themselves or shame themselves for struggling in this effort to manifest,” Bennett said. “The most important vision they could get for themselves is who they
See Vlog, C3
‘Self-Made: Inspired by the
Photo by V. Lang
Cultural institutions in the region close, programming postponed as precaution
By Kenya Vaughn
Of The St. Louis American
As the St. Louis region
grapples with keeping residents as safe as possible in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have limited gatherings of large groups to prevent the spread of the virus.
As of Monday, March 16, events and gatherings that exceed 50 guests are prohibited until further notice.
Casualties of the order include the comedy show Festival of Laughs starring St. Louis’ own Lavell Crawford, Legends of Hip Hop and the 14th Annual St. Louis Blues Festival at Chaifetz Arena.
The Fox Theatre has suspended all programming through the end of March. Stifel Theatre and Enterprise Center has cancelled or postponed all shows through April 5. The Touhill Performing Arts Center will cease programming through May 3. In addition to postponements and cancellations at major venues, cultural institutions are temporarily shutting down to help enforce social distancing practices to combat coronavirus. Listed below is the latest in a growing list of organizations that will cease operations int the short term.
LIBRARIES
St. Louis County Library
– St. Louis County Library will close all 20 branch locations starting Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 3 and will re-evaluate as needed. Please check the SLCL website for updates, information will also be shared on the Library’s
Facebook and Twitter accounts.
St. Louis Public Library
– St. Louis Public Library will close all 16 locations temporarily, beginning at 6 p.m., Monday, March 16, until further notice. Please check the SLPL website for updates; information will also be shared on the Library’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
University City Public Library – University City Public Library has cancelled all programs, cancelled all room reservations and cancelled all employee outreach efforts through March 31.
MUSEUMS
City Museum –City Museum will temporarily suspend operations through March 31 to allow staff and crew the ability to practice social distancing. All daily admission tickets and memberships previously sold for the 2020 year will be valid through December 31.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis – The museum is closing March 18 and will remain so until further notice. “We take this extraordinary measure with a mixture of sadness and determination,” says CAM Executive Director Lisa Melandri. “We are proud that CAM is a gathering place, a welcoming space that is open and free to all. However, the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic demands all of us to join the global effort to contain the spread of this disease.”
Missouri Historical Society –The Missouri Historical Soc
the goal of mounting it this summer.
Learning Center will be cancelling all scheduled programs starting Monday, March 16 through April 5.
COCA – COCA will be closed through April 5.
The Magic House – The Magic House and MADE for Kids Will close temporarily as a precautionary measure through March 30.
Gateway Arch – Effective immediately and until further notice, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch and Tram Ride to the Top operations at Gateway Arch National Park are temporarily suspending operations until further notice. Ticketholders will be refunded in full for all canceled cruises. For questions regarding refunds, please contact 877982-1410 or visit www. gatewayarch.com.
Saint Louis Science Center – The St. Louis Science Center will close to the public through March 31.
iety (MHS) temporary closed all three of its locations –the Missouri History Museum, the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library & Research Center, to the public. “This measure is in keeping with yesterday’s joint statement from the five St. Louis regional leaders of Bi-State government that all gatherings with more than 50 people in attendance are prohibited for the next eight
weeks,” The Historical Society said in a statement. MHS currently plans to reopen its locations to the public on May 9. All scheduled onand off-site programs, events, and tours are canceled until May 9 as well.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation – The Pulitzer is temporarily closing the museum, effective immediately, and postponing all events until April 2. “We will continue to monitor the public health situation that is developing globally – and in our community – and will re-evaluate at that time,” said Cara Starke, director of Pulitzer Arts Foundation. “In this challenging moment, we’re grateful for your support and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you to the Pulitzer when we reopen.”
Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum c losed Monday and will remain
closed to the public for at least four weeks, although the closure may be extended.
“The Art Museum strives to be a contemplative space in times of crisis, but this emergency closure is necessary for the health of our community,” said Brent R. Benjamin, the Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum. “We look forward to opening again as soon as it is advisable.”
The museum will provide updates to this situation on its website and on social media as the situation develops.
MetroTix automatically will refund tickets for the exhibition “Millet and Modern Art: Van Gogh to Dalí,” as well as other ticketed programs and lectures.
MISCELLANEOUS INSTITUTIONS
The Challenger Learning Center – the Challenger
The Saint Louis Zoo – The Saint Louis Zoo has announced a temporary closure to the public until further notice. All public and private events as well as educational programs are canceled through April 3. All Breakfast with Bunny dates are canceled. The Zoo will determine plans to reopen closer to April.
“The Saint Louis Zoo is so much more than a tourist destination or local attraction with animals. For over 100 years, our mission essentially has been unchanged as we have been a leader at conserving animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs,” said Jeffrey Bonner, Ph.D., Dana Brown President & CEO, Saint Louis Zoo. “We will not allow this global pandemic to stop us from continuing to fulfill our mission in the long run. For now, however, it is important that we do what we can to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19.”
St. Louis Aquarium – Out of an abundance of caution and to encourage social distancing, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is temporarily closing through March 31.
MUSIC
Jazz St. Louis – Jazz St. Louis presentation of Kandace Springs will be presented as a livestream event. Visit www. jazzstl.org for details.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra – SLSO has postponed events and concerts through March 25.
THEATER
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis – The Rep has decided to cancel all performances and events through the end of the season. They plan to postpone their mainstage world premiere of Dreaming Zenzile, with the goal of mounting it this summer. “We do not take this decision lightly, knowing that the communal connections made at public arts events are some of the strongest tools against the fears and anxieties of this moment,” The Rep said in a statement. “As we ride out this turbulent time together, we remain resolutely committed to the power of storytelling to change lives and uplift our shared humanity. “ Tennessee Williams Festival – 5th Annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, originally scheduled for May, will be pushed back to summer.
For additional event cancellations and postponement announcements for events throughout the region, visit www.stlamerican.com
The Repertory Theatre of St. louis has decided to cancel all performances and events through the end of the season. They plan to postpone their mainstage world premiere of Dreaming Zenzile, with
for black women – widely available. That, along with other products that were sold by black women, were fully enfranchised by the Madam C. J. Walker brand.
“One of the things that I think is most significant and I think makes her different from every other capitalist is that she really was very invested in building up other women,” Asher said. “She saw the connection of how her upliftment meant that other people could rise, and black women really did need a leg up. Even the way she built her company, she really encouraged women to become self-sufficient and open their own salons. That was really masterful and takes her business acumen to a whole other level. She deserves her rightful place in history.”
The film focuses specifically on the period of her life where she starts and grows her business. In St. Louis, she became acclimated to the black hair care business from “Addie Monroe,” a thinly veiled pseudonym for Annie Malone. Walker then expanded to Indianapolis and later New York. Asher feels that “Self Made” explores the notion that not all female competition is bad – and that competitiveness made “Monroe” and Walker stronger businesswomen.
Bringing the book to the screen was something that Bundles had been working towards for two decades.
“Now is really the right time – Hollywood is more receptive to telling black women’s stories – and Octavia Spencer is really the perfect person to play her,” Asher said. “And not everybody’s story could work that way, but Madam C. J. had a life that deserved a big, imaginative telling. So, I wanted to convey that within the fabric of the actual storytelling.”
The team also made a concerted effort to create something that didn’t feel “like homework.”
“We wanted something that was a fun, exuberant, effervescent project that people will want to watch as opposed to feeling obligated to watch,” Asher said. “It was a challenge in that it was a hard period for black people. We’ve seen all of that, but we haven’t really seen how there were black people thriving despite their
circumstances and really wrestling with what it meant to be the first generation of African Americans born after slavery and what their place was as black people in this country.”
Another important topic within the telling of Walker’s story was colorism. She was a brown skinned woman with coarse hair working to carve her place in a space that constantly reinforced light skin and silky hair as the desired aesthetic.
“Very early on I realized that the story of Madam C. J. Walker is the story of beauty from an African American point of view,” Asher said. “And you can’t really tell a story about black beauty without dealing with colorism.”
A pleasant surprise in telling the story came in the form of the primarily female crew that came together to create “SELF MADE,” including Director Kasi Lemmons. Except for the makeup department, all the department heads for the film were women.
“That was an amazing experience and really kind of reflected the story as well to be able to work with so many dynamic, passionate women,” Asher said. “For almost all of us that was the first time we had worked with so many women. It wasn’t something that we planned, but given Madam C. J.’s message, it was very fitting as far as her mes-
sage of trying to uplift women that we were able to translate that into our actual production.”
The story itself was inspiring to Asher because it serves as a reminder of the richness within the context of black history.
“I think we tend to feel it was slavery and then nothing really happened until The Civil Rights Movement,” Asher said. “The turn of the 20th century was really an amazing time and paved the way for so much the civil rights to come. People like Madam C. J. Walker, W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey and Ida B. Wells. It was great to be able to shed a light on that.”
Asher believes Walker should be a source of inspiration and motivation for everyone.
“She was born two years after the civil war on a plantation. She never went to school – and certainly didn’t go to business school,” Asher said.
“And in her lifetime, she was able to become a millionaire. That is something that I think about every day. Especially when life gets hard – or when we have a pandemic – and in challenging times.
“I hope that everyone – and not just black women and not just black people – can take that with them. That everyone can take that strength, that resilience with them through their challenging times.”
NandoSTL
onion and there are different layers all the way around. Each track has a different flavor.”
He seems fearless in his creativity and displays a level of confidence often reserved for established veterans – both on stage and in the music. But he has a charm about him that keeps him from teetering into being off-putting or labeled as arrogant.
NandoSTL is comfortable in his skin and his art.
“I don’t want to give explanations for each song because I want the [expletive] to be interpreted. You make art what you want to make it,” he said with a smile as he introduced one of the tracks. “So, I’m not gonna give you what it means to me, because it might mean
Vlog
Continued from C1
are. That’s where we need to start the visioning process.”
She feels that one of the reasons individuals often fail at resolutions and their efforts to manifest their vision is because of the self-concept distortion that can happen to African Americans because of systemic racism and oppression.
“We know what it is to be targeted, we know what it is to be endangered,” Bennett said. “And the systems of oppression have in many ways disabled and interfered with our self-concept and how we see ourselves – who we actually think we are. I want to talk about the way our social conditions really impact our ability to live the extraordinary lives we are called to live and create. We cannot talk about the
something totally different to you and I don’t even want to [expletive] that relationship between you and the music.”
He attributes his assuredness to his 9-5 gig as a financial planner for Wells Fargo, where he’s known as Fernando Tillman II. The job requires him to engage with people one-on-one and in large crowds regarding financial literacy. And he credits his solid stage presence growing up playing keyboards and drums in church.
“You were always standing up in front of somebody doing something – and you had to be ready [when they called your name],” NandoSTL said.
“Whether it was an Easter speech or a solo – or whatever.”
He caught the attention of the St. Louis hip-hop scene with his local hit “Outside,” a song that is essentially a musical autobiographical sketch of his experience growing up as a
healing or well-being of black people and not talk about the liberation of black people.”
According to Bennett, black people have spent the last 400 years in an environment that does not love us, does not respect us, does not affirm us –but needs us – and therefore we have a distorted sense of self.
“We often have a too small sense of ourselves – that we are not good enough, that we are not worthy enough, that we are not worthy enough, that we are not strong enough,” Bennett said. “All of the abundance and all of the success and greatness that waits for us gets constrained by how we see ourselves and how we are seen.”
Black people must be reminded that we come from a long line of people who have had to create beyond limitation and condition.
“If we can get clear on our innate worth and value and root in that, then we are ready to envision and imagine all of
troubled youth who managed to rise beyond his circumstances. He includes the song on the six-track EP as well. NandoSTL admitted that the final track, “What A Day,” is his favorite.
“I’m a musician first. I wanted to do something different – something completely live,” NandoSTL said about the track where he does a singing rap of sorts and has a group of singers crooning in the background of the track that features a full band. “I said, ‘I want to rap in 7, put that [expletive] in 7. They might not be able to clap to it, but they can vibe to it.”
“Bamboo” will be available on music streaming platforms on Friday, March 20. A listening party is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. on May 23 at The Old Rock House. For more information on NandoSTL, visit www.nandostl.com.
what we hope to achieve and have,” Bennett said. “I have created the vlog as an opportunity to speak to the ways in which our spiritual growth and our liberation work and our healing as a people all intertwine and meet up. This is another space we are heading into and I can’t think of a better door than the St. Louis American.” It is a door she feels has has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands who share her interest in community healing and liberation and spiritual growth.
“To engage with them in direct ways and share with them the wisdom I am learning through 25 years of work and career – and also to learn with and from them about their own journey and development – is a beautiful thing,” Bennett said.
A new episode of Liberated Living with Rebeccah Bennett will post weekly on stlamerican. com.
Blair Underwood and Octavia Spencer star in ‘SelfMade: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker’ which will stream on Netflix starting Friday, March 20.
Celebrations
Distinguished Principal
Dr. Howard E. Fields III principal at Givens Elementary School and Steger Sixth Grade Center, has been selected as the 2020 National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal from Missouri by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP). Fields was one of 11 principals from MAESP regional networks who were honored last month.
Do you have a cel-
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
Central High Class of 1970 is in the process of planning its 50-year reunion in 2020. If you would like to receive additional information as we plan this momentous occasion, please provide your contact information to either Lillian McKinney at mamajoyce314@ icloud.com or (314) 335-9760,
Eric Armstrong at elarmstr@ yahoo.com or (918) 6503385, Sabra Morris-Pernod at Saboots@centurytel.net or (314) 703-0812.
Calling All L’Ouverture School Graduates of June 1962. Our class is hosting an event celebrating our historic L’Ouverture Elementary School. Please join us at our next meeting: March 21, 2020 (Saturday), 2:00 pm at 3245 Geyer Ave, 63104. For information, contact: Evelyn at (314) 773-8702 or Valerie at (314) 664-6270, email: valeriemiller06179@att.net.
Also: Help us make contact with any person who served as staff member at L’O, any time period, up through 2013.
Northwest High Class of 1975 is planning its 45th reunion and requests all 1975 classmates to update their contact information at nwhs75@gmail.com to get additional details. Please save the dates of Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 11, 2020 in St. Louis, MO. We will see you in October.
Soldan High Class of 1975 Reunion Committee
is currently seeking all classmates to celebrate our 45th high school reunion in September 2020. Please submit your current contact information to Committee members Ms. AnnieSue Preston (314) 606-5618, Mr. Arvell Roberts, (314) 319-4937, or send info to SOLDANCLASS1975@ GMAIL.COM or check out our FB Page, Soldan Class 75. Vashon High Class of 1974 is planning for its 45th reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact
information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-6405842, Jordan Perry 314-7244563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890. Vashon High Class of 1975 is planning for its 45-year class reunion. All classmates please provide or update your contact information. Please email Millicent, centbyme1@aol.com or Elvis, elvishopson@att.net. You can also send information by mail: Vashon High Class of 1975, P.O. box 8735, St. Louis Mo. 63101. Keep this date open: August 7-9, 2020.
Team Championship
DETENTION SUPERINTENDENT
Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking an experienced, innovative Detention Superintendent with a proven track record of success to administer its Juvenile Detention Center. The Detention Superintendent is responsible for the planning, coordination, staffing, and general administration of a program of juvenile detention services for the Family Court of St. Louis County. The Superintendent is directly responsible for the Assistant Superintendent, 6 supervisors, and 35 full-time, 2 part-time, and 25 on-call staff. Successful applicants will be well versed in juvenile detention issues, be familiar with differential treatment approaches, have proven leadership skills, and will be able to demonstrate a history of management achievements within a juvenile detention center context. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree (preferred) in sociology, psychology, education, public administration or a closely related field. Plus at least eight years of relevant experience, of which at least five years should be at the management level; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Candidates wishing to apply should visit the following address and complete an online application by Monday, April 13, 2020: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default.cfm
EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at (314)615-4471 (voice) or (314) 615-5889 (TTY) if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
mhcfa-is-hiring/
Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.
Facilities Control Technician III - Building Services - Job# 47232: Position acts as the onsite maintenance technician for assigned areas, prioritizing and accomplishing or securing assistance for accomplishing a variety of maintenance conditions and problems. Performs preventive maintenance and repair. The ideal candidate will have the following required qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent GED/HiSET with vocational training preferred. Equivalent of two-four years related experience in skill trade functions with demonstrated ability to perform varied maintenance tasks.
Case Manager - Institute for Public Health – Job #46237: This case manager position will be responsible for providing therapeutic behavioral health interventions to patients and their families, who have been seen in the emergency or trauma unit due to interpersonal violence. The case manager will serve as a mentor and is anticipated to carry a case load of 20 active clients at any given point. They will be responsible for interfacing with external institutions relevant to the patient’s lives such as the school system, justice and health systems, and other community agencies. This position is part of a collaboration between four emergency centers in the St. Louis region that provide the majority of violent injury related care and three universities working to promote positive alternatives among individuals injured by violence.
Human Resources & Payroll Manager - Brown School – Job #47192: The Manager of Human Resources & Payroll will support the achievement of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the Brown School by helping to attract, retain and manage our most valued assets—our employees. The Manager will play a vital role in the operations of the Brown School, providing guidance on human resources policies and processes to the School administration, managers, as well as to employees.
Executive Assistant II – Office of the Vice Chancellor for Operations and Technology Transfer - Job #47119: The executive assistant will provide a wide range of trusted executive support to the Vice Chancellor for Operations and Technology Transfer. Responsibilities will include organizational and administrative support functions and require a high level of attention to detail, constituent service engagement, and critical thinking. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted assistant to key functions in the office.
LPN Gastroenterology Job ID 47176: Seeking an LPN to work a back office position Nurse will answer patient calls, coordinate referrals and pre-authorizations, call patients with lab or test result and many other like duties. Qualified LPN must have experience with electronic medical record and truly interested in a behind the patient scene nursing commitment.
LPN Otolaryngology Job ID 47062: This LPN position will manage patient care as well as back office responsibilities. Qualified LPN must have experience with electronic medical record.
RN Research Nurse Coordinator I Job ID 46813: If you are data driven, enjoy multitasking and can work very independently, this M-F nursing role may be for you. This person manages reviewing patient records to determine if they may meet the qualification for the studies they oversee. If so, this nurse educates the patient about the study, recruits if possible and follows up with all clinical care associated with that particular study. Qualified RNs will have strong technical abilities to track patients, clinically independent and able to manage and organize data.
For a full description of these positions and other career opportunities, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu/ to apply. Click search jobs and enter the job ID number. We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion and creativity. EO/AA/VET/Disability Employer
HQS INSPECTOR
Skill in performing onsite housing inspections of the Section 8 Units administered by the Housing Authority. 2 years at an accredited college or university and/or 1 year experience and/or training in Building/Housing Inspection. Good communications skills and ability to deal with the public.
Salary $36,855 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m., March 26, 2020 via website www.slha.org. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR
The State of Missouri is accepting applications for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the Cape Girardeau area. Starting salary is $40, 728-$42,744. View job description and application instructions at https://mocareers. hiretrue-prod.com/hiretrue/ce3/ job-board/5effe9b2-4b89-494b-ac76c45e25190768/09c18441-e563-4cb68de6-0911100aacf9
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
experience, preferably in juvenile, family, or criminal law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding. To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by March 30, 2020): Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) seeks a qualified professional for the part time position of Economic & Community Development Specialist. Be a part of supporting business in St. Louis - provide assistance to businesses in coaching, market research, community development, loan referrals, and loan recipient assistance M.A./M.S. in business, finance, urban development, or related field required. 5+ years’ experience in business development, urban planning/ programs, finance or loan processing with proficiency in SBA regulations and processing.
SLDC is an equal opportunity employer. Successful candidate must be a St. Louis city resident or must relocate to the City within 180 days of hire. Send resume and salary history in confidence to: SLDChumanresources@stlouiscity.com or Human Resources Department, St. Louis Development Corporation, 1015 Locust, Suite 1200, St. Louis, MO 63101 or FAX: 314/259-3496. Deadline for submission: April 16.
HANDS ON PROPERTY MANAGER
Must be able to bring vacant rental units back to top rental condition and show. No large renovations but must have good skills with drywall, painting, light plumbing, roofing and HVAC a plus. Salary plus commission with opportunity to grow into ownership position. Respond with qualifications, experience and expected salary to propertymgr2020@gmail.com
of its mission and financial objectives in program development and administration. For more information about St. Louis ArtWorks visit: http:// stlartworks.org/ Send cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@stlartworks.org
FLOOR TECHNICIAN
Fontbonne University has an immediate opening for a Floor Technician in Environmental Services as follows: Full-time position - must have general housekeeping and floor tech experience and the ability to work with little supervision. The incumbent will serve as the primary floor tech across campus. This is a nighttime position – 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. with rotating weekends. High school education preferred along with recent experience. Excellent benefits package offered beginning first day of employment with liberal holiday and vacation benefits. To apply, please visit our website at www.Fontbonne.edu/employment.
LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS (LCRA) will receive sealed bids at SLDC, 2nd Floor Boardroom, 1520 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, until 1:45 p.m. prevailing time on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 for:
Laclede’s Landing Improvements
600-900 blocks of North 1st Street, 800-900 blocks of North 2nd Street, Laclede’s Landing Boulevard from 3rd Street to the west side of Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, and Lucas Avenue and Morgan Street from 3rd Street to the west side of Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard St. Louis, MO PROJECT NO. (2008-DI-114) at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read.
Bids must be submitted in accordance with the Contract Documents. Bid shall be accompanied by the proper bid security.
The project, in general, consists of a qualified general contractor licensed by the City of St. Louis providing all construction services for the work contemplated herein to include furnishing all materials, equipment, tools and labor and executing all work necessary for the Laclede’s Landing Improvements, in strict accordance with all requirements of these specifications and the drawings made a part thereof. Project work includes, but is not limited to, removal of improvements, grading, resetting cobblestones, concrete paving, curbs and drive entrances, fire hydrant relocations, removal and replacement of ornamental street lighting, installation of street lighting and landscaping, traffic control, storm drainage, concrete sidewalks coordinating utility relocations, and the securing or working within temporary construction easements and associated maintenance agreements.
A pre-bid meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020 at SLDC, 2nd Floor Boardroom. All bidders are encouraged to attend.
Plans and specifications can be obtained from the following online plan rooms: http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and Cross Rhodes: https://www.sldcplanroom.com/. These documents are available for download and/or purchase directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping if required. Hard copies may also be purchased directly from Cross Rhodes.
This project is funded through Community Development Block Grant funds under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (PL110-329).
All labor used in the construction of this project shall be paid a wage no less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages of work of a similar character in this locality as established by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (Federal Wage Rates), or State Wage Rates, whichever is higher.
Under the Mayor’s Executive Order 28, as amended by Ordinance 70767, the City of St. Louis has established the goals of at least 21% African American, 2% Hispanic, 0.5% Native American and 0.5% Asian American Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) participation and at least 11% Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) participation. Minority-owned and Women-owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/ WBE policies).
All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).
Be advised, the LCRA reserves the right to accept any bid or any part or parts or combinations thereof, to waive any informalities, and to reject any or all bids.
For more information, please contact: Lori Goerlich, Major Project Manager II, GoerlichL@stlouis-mo.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON DESIGN OF THE JEFFERSON AVENUE/22ND STREET CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that an open house public hearing will be held at the St. Louis City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 on Monday, March 16, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time. Handicap access is available. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning their views on the design of the Jefferson Avenue/ 22nd Street Corridor Improvements with reference to the economic and social effects of such design, its impact of the environment and its consistency with the goals and objectives of the community. The presently contemplated improvement is as follows:
In conjunction with the Jefferson I-64 intersection improvement being undertaken by MoDOT, this project will improve vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic of 8 streets in downtown west St. Louis. Some of the street improvements included in the project are: new pedestrian and bike facilities, the reconnection of the City grid on Clark Avenue and 22nd Street, pavement rehabilitation to Market Street and Jefferson Avenue, new traffic signals and integrated signal timing, new street lighting, landscaping, and other aesthetic enhancements.
Maps, plats, environmental documentation, and other detail information prepared by the City of St. Louis and their consultant will be available for public inspection and copying at the office of the City of St. Louis, Board of Public Service, Room 301 City Hall. Written statements and exhibits as well as oral statements will be received at the hearing. Written statements and exhibits will be made a part of the public hearing transcript if received within ten days after the date of the hearing.
Tentative schedules for right of way acquisition and construction will be discussed at the hearing.
If you are disabled and require special services at the public hearing, please notify the City of St. Louis Office of the Disabled by March 13, 2020 at (314) 622-3686 so that arrangements for those services can be made.
For information prior to the hearing, please contact (314) 589-6637.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS
BY Brenna Brown Project Manager Design Division
Board of Public Service
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Brookshire Sanitary Relief (Brookshire Dr to Cougar Dr) under Letting No. 12104-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 03:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at a place designated.There is a Non-Mandatory pre-bid meeting at the North parking lot of 14205 Cougar Drive – Florissant at 9:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: DEEP SEWER CONSTRUCTION - St. Louis County Drain Layers License Required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid.
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Public Notice of Single Source Procurement
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: ISCO Sampler equipment. The District is proposing single source procurement to Hydro-Kinetics Corporation. for this equipment because they are exclusive representative for this area. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@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 April 28th, 2020 to contract with a company for: HVAC for our DEC building at Bissell Point WWTF. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.msdprojectclear.org, click on the “DOING BUSINESS WITH US” link, (View Non-Capital Bids (Goods & Services). The bid document will be identified as 10311 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.6269 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CONTINUING SERVICE AGREEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES RFQ 2020
The Saint Louis Zoo Architecture and Planning Division is currently seeking a Statement of Qualifications for the following continuing service agreement services: General Engineering (Civil, Structural, Transportation, Traffic, Water, Sewer, Storm, Project Management, and Construction Services), Electrical / Mechanical Engineering, Environmental / Geotechnical, Survey, Construction Materials Testing, Architectural, and Landscape Architect. RFQ documents are available as of March 18, 2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor
LETTING #8718
MOANG Hangar Building 1A Roof Replacement
at St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.
Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 1:30 PM, in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.
All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St.
Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on April 14, 2020 to contract with a company for: Install New Fuel Tank and Remove Old Tank.
Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.msdprojectclear.org, click on the “DOING BUSINESS WITH US” link, (View Non-Capital Bids (Goods & Services). The bid document will be
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.
(View
Bids (Goods & Services). The bid document will be identified as 10326 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.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Request For Proposals (RFP) for Emergency Medical & Ambulance Services Proposals Wanted
Proposal documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1812. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/ contract-opportunites.
Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager
Bids for Construction Services –Telecom & Data Wiring, Statewide, Project No. ZASIDIQ-0032 will be received byFMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30PM, April 16, 2020 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go
3/31/20 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities
THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI BADEN CITYSHED MITIGATION BASINS (CALVARY, FREDERICK, PARTRIDGE AND TILLIE) CONTRACT NO. 13232-015.1
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for BADEN CITYSHED MITIGATION BASINS (CALVARY, FREDERICK, PARTRIDGE AND TILLIE) under Letting No. 13232-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM on April 16, 2020. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the First Floor of the District’s Headquarters located at 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, prior to the 2:00 p.m. bid deadline.
The work to be done under these Contract Documents consists of construction of four storm water detention basins in the Baden area of the City of St. Louis. The work also includes the construction of five areas of rain garden and/or bioswale, approximately 4,000 lineal feet of 12” to 60” storm and sanitary/combined pipe, the construction of flared end sections, basin outlet structures, overflow structures and related appurtenances.
Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for Deep Sewer Construction.
The Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Cost is $8,858,000.
Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis MO 63118. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BIDS REQUESTED
New Construction
Section 3 / MBE / WBE Encouraged 24 Units Multi Family – Farmington, MO For Bid Information: 636-931-4244 or zventura@vendev.cc
Double Diamond Construction
1000 A Truman Blvd. Crystal City, MO 63019
BIDS REQUESTED
Section 3 / MBE /WBE Encouraged 20 Single Family Homes –Doniphan, MO For Bid Information: 636-931-4244 or zventura@vendev.cc
Double Diamond Construction
1000 A Truman Blvd. Crystal City, MO 63019
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Capilia Sanitary Relief (Grant Rd to Capilia Dr) under Letting No. 12111015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION-St. Louis County Drain Layers License Required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BIDS
Great Rivers Greenway is seeking sealed bids for one (1) 2 Passenger Cargo Van. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by April 03, 2020.
CITY OF ST LOUIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
for FY2018 Continuum of Care Planning
Grant Projects Beginning March 18, 2020
Requests for Proposals are available at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement/
The deadline for submitting proposals is time 4:00 p.m., April 17, 2020 at the Dept. of Human Services, 1520 Market St., Room 4065, St. Louis, MO 63103
BIDS REQUESTED
New Construction Section 3 / MBE /WBE Encouraged 40 Units Multi Family –Cape Girardeau, MO For Bid Information: 636-931-4244 or zventura@vendev.cc
Double Diamond Construction 1000 A Truman Blvd. Crystal City, MO 63019
BIDS
Bids will be received by the Hazelwood School District for Concrete and Asphalt Repair and Replacement. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. on March 18, 2020 at the Hazelwood School District Business Office, 15955 New Halls Ferry Rd. Bids are due in the Business Office no later than 10:00 a.m. on April 2, 2020.
Bid Specifications are available at the Hazelwood School District Business Office at 15955 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63031, (314) 953-5019 or visit our website www.hazelwoodschools.org.
BIDS
K&S Associates, Inc. is soliciting MBE/WBE/SDVE/DBE/VBE for the following project for March –St. Louis County Library Eureka Hills Branch (REBID)-Plans and Specs can be viewed at www.ksgcstl.com-submit bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com or Fax 314-647-5302 Contact Dennis Dyes @ 314-647-3535 with questions
BIDS
Grove Construction is bidding 1501 Creekwood Parkway – Fitout Space for New WCH Ambulance Base in Columbia, Missouri and we are seeking subcontractor bids for Minority Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), and ServiceDisabled Veteran Owned Business.
A Diversity Participation goal of 10% MBE / 10% Combined WBE, DBE and Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE has been established for this contract.
Bids are due March 26, 2020. Specs and plans can be viewed at mucfpmprebidinspectionguides@ missouri.edu. Contact Grove Construction at Bids@groveconstruction.com, 573.777.9599 for more information.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Wellston, Mo., will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 26, 2020 6:00 PM
Wellston City Hall 1414 Evergreen Ave., 63133
Regarding the proposed development of residential single family dwellings located at 1200 Sutter Avenue
BIDS
KCI Construction requests subcontract proposals from Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) businesses for the MRO Hangar Development Project, The City of Springfield, Missouri.
Project #2020-SGF-01 IFB 2020-SGF-01
Plans and specifications are available
• To view electronically at no charge from: SmartBid Invite
• To view at our Camdenton office: 5505 Old South 5, Camdenton, MO 65020
• By a request for a Dropbox Link from: jmorrow@kciconstruction.com
CORRECTION
St. Louis County’s Public Hearing for the 2019 CAPER is rescheduled to March 25, 2020, 5:30 p.m. at the St. Louis County Administration Building, located at 41 S. Central Avenue, 5th Floor Conference Room, Clayton, Missouri 63105
SEALED BIDS
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003945 for a Janitorial Automatic Dilution System, Chemicals & Floor Care Contract will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www. stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226.
9, 2020 by 2:00 PM CST
Contact: Mike Bax at mbax@mccarthy.com or 314-9192215
Prequalification is required and can also be accessed through the McCarthy website above.
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:
Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”
Subcontractor bids are due by 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2020. You may email bids to jmorrow@kciconstruction.com or send a fax to 573-346-9739. Please call if you have any questions: 314-200-6496. ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your rental/real estate ad today!
and everyone
On ‘rona restriction. It’s no secret that we are living in a moment you couldn’t have ever told me I would live to see, but here we are. As the city, county, state, country and world live on lockdown as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, coronavirus or “The Rona,” among us, I will be following the CDC guidelines and the orders in place for the region and staying out of these streets. What does that mean? Other than me feeling like I’m starring in a TV One Original remake of “I Am Legend,” I have no idea – other than I will be doing everything humanly possible to protect myself from “The Rona.” Partyline as we know it will change in the short term – because we are not allowed to party. I will come up with something to keep y’all kee-keeing in the meantime, so stay tuned. Quite honestly, I’m stumped because this is something I never expected to experience in all of my days. But here we are, in a pandemic. I will be spending the next couple of days brainstorming on exactly what I will be doing with this space for the foreseeable future. Just know that it will be something you can enjoy In the meantime, drop me some social distancing selfies at dshante@stlamerican.com. And let me remind y’alls to stay prayed up and stay read up on the virus and the efforts taking place across the region to protect us and the precautions you need to take to protect yourselves.
Going out with a bang the Black Business Ball. For my last outing for the near future, I made my way to the Billionheiress Girls Club for their inaugural Black Business Ball. Y’all know that the founders have the juice if they can pack out the place during a pandemic. But anyway, it was back when the orders were handed down to limit gatherings to under 1,000 – so no rules were broken. It was a glorious time as they celebrated black business and black lady bosses. I think we all quietly knew that it was the last time we would be gathering en masse for a minute, so we partied like it was 1999 – and it was on 314 Day too!!!! DJ Kut was killing it with his STL mix. I almost caught an elbow to my cleavage from Sabrina, who was “mobbing out” like nobody’s business on the dancefloor. Koko C’vere would have been pleased to see it. Oh, and shout out to the lovely woman with the glamorous face mask that incorporated coronavirus protection into her ensemble. But on a serious note, the Billionheiress Girls Club deserves a standing ovation with a long slow clap the way they encouraged African American businesses owners – and a special spotlight on the women entrepreneurs making major moves. Jami Dolby did her thing as mistress of ceremony – especially with how she encouraged guests to connect with each other via LinkedIn and sow into helping the Billionheiress mission of uplifting black women handling their business. The group started as a Facebook page about two months ago and has since grown to more than 30,000 members and making moves to support entrepreneurship beyond social media. My girl Dallas and her whole squad have been using her Beyond brand to give back – including over the holidays when they gave away a whole car to a woman and her family. I feel like they are taking it to the next level with BBB and Billionheiress Girls Club. I can’t wait to see what they come up with in the near future.
NandoSTL might be next. I have been kind of feeling this way since I saw him tear up the stage at Pop’s while wearing a summer crop sleeved, senior citizen church choir robe. But I feel like I might as well make it official that I think NandoSTL just might be the next rapper to go national out of the STL. He held a listening party for his EP “Bamboo” Thursday at Shock City, and I was absolutely checking for the music. His singing voice is just enough to get the job done, but as a total package, it absolutely works with the beats, the rhymes and the features. Based on his stage presence, his domination nominations at SLUM Fest and new music, I feel like I might be onto something. We shall see. “Bamboo” drops on Friday, so you can listen for yourselves and decide whether I’m right about it.
314Day with Mocha Latte and Mo Spoon. Saturday afternoon I stopped by Blue Dine and while it was slower motion than their usual sets strictly due to early coronavirus precautions, I still had a blast as Mocha Latte and her lovely daughter
Shardae and Joanna kicked back as they celebrated STL on 314Day Saturday @ Blue Dine+Lounge
Lauren looked lovely and Shaunessi didn’t let coronavirus precaution get in the way of her glamour Saturday @ The Black Business Ball
Naretha and Karen were as cute as can be when they checked out Art and Bloom two Saturdays ago @ Saint Louis Art Museum
The women behind Billionheiress Girls Club should be proud of themselves
they brought together Black Business Ball Saturday @ Mahler Ballroom
Sid and Isis Jones of 95.5 FM The Lou were just a couple of the tastemakers in the place for the AKA/Alpha Phirst Fashion Experience @ The Caramel Room
K. Marie and Aja were super stylish as they showed love to STL Saturday @ Blue Dine+Lounge
Angel and Tracy got an earful of good old fashion blues @ The Jubu Experience Saturday Afternoon @ BB’s
It was all about the STL for Lawrence and Marni as they repped for 314 Day @ Blue Dine+Lounge
Nato Caliph and Larry Morris came through to check out new music by NandoSTL (center) at the private listening party for his upcoming EP “Bamboo” Thursday night at Shock City Studios.
Photos by V. Lang
Meet three new BJC Medical Group primary care physicians
Primary care providers are the gatekeepers of all patient care. From treating illnesses and diagnosing health issues to managing chronic conditions and collaborating with specialists, it all starts with primary care.
In North County, two BJC Medical Group practices continue to make exemplary primary care more readily available in the community: BJC Medical Group at Northwest HealthCare and BJC Medical Group Primary Care North County.
Last year, three new providers joined the team: Tiffany Adams-Holmes, MD, Bessevelyn Tables, MD, and Gayla Jackson, MD.
The community benefits from the expertise and knowledge that these physicians add. Their addition also provides patients with greater access, making it easier and quicker for patients to see a primary care provider.
While the practices operate separately, they are united by their patient-centered approach. Providers work in partnership with patients, ensuring they understand and have a voice in their care.
“Patients are the priority — they are the reason we’re here,” said Leslie Barnes-Berry, BJC Medical Group practice administrator. “We do everything we can to make sure they have the best patient experience possible.”
As part of their commitment to delivering an exceptional patient experience, the practices offer nurse-only appoint-
Dr. Bessevelyn Tables, Dr. Gayla Jackson and Dr. Tiffany AdamsHolmes are part of the primary care team at BJC Medical Group at Northwest HealthCare and BJC Medical Group Primary Care North County.
ments for specific needs like blood pressure checks or shots, point-of-care testing through their in-clinic lab and telephone nurse triage for after-hours illness or injury assistance. Patients are also provided with an after-visit summary, or a written recap of their visit, to reference and share with loved ones at home.
Choosing a BJC Medical Group pri-
mary care provider gives patients access to the resources of one of the nation’s top health care systems. BJC Medical Group providers collaborate with renowned specialists to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive and innovative care possible.
The practices are focused on not only delivering great primary care to their patients but also to the community. Through community events, health fairs and other important health care resources, they are making strides every day to improve access to care, without barriers, for all patients.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tiffany Adams-Holmes, call BJC Medical Group at Northwest HealthCare at 314-953-6801.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bessevelyn Tables or Dr. Gayla Jackson, call BJC Medical Group Primary Care North County at 314-953-6968.
Or, go to BJConlinescheduling.org.
Established patients can also schedule appointments through MyChart, the BJC Medical Group patient portal.
Patient shares story of importance of wellness exams
My name is Geneva Smith. I am an Affinia Healthcare patient and this is my women’s health story.
A year ago, I was between jobs and did not have insurance. I knew I was past due for my well-woman exam, but because of my employment situation I thought I would have to forego care. During a conversation with my friend, she mentioned that I should apply for Gateway to Better Health. Gateway to Better Health is not insurance, but a temporary health care program for eligible uninsured adults in St. Louis City and County. My friend directed me to Affinia Healthcare for assistance.
Affinia Healthcare’s community outreach team helped me enroll into the program and within a few weeks I was able to make an appointment with a Women’s Health clinician. I do not have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe the level of compassion, respect and care that I received at Affinia Healthcare’s Women’s Health department. The experience surpassed my expectations.
could not breathe … thoughts of this disease ravaging my body flooded my mind, but I was in good hands. My Affinia Healthcare OB/GYN medical provider, was there with me every step of the way. She was supportive, kept me informed and provided options. I underwent medical procedures and now am on the road to recovery. I can honestly say that if it were not for access to health care, early detection, and the quick action of Affinia Healthcare, my story may have had a different ending. I am sharing my women’s health story, so that other women throughout the St. Louis area will know that getting their women-wellness exam is crucial and can possibly save their lives.
After my appointment, Affinia Healthcare contacted me and shared that I would need additional testing. I learned that I had early signs of ovarian cancer. My world swirled … I swooned … I
Affinia Healthcare is a trusted community health center in the St. Louis region. Throughout its 113 year history, Affinia Healthcare has sought to fill the unmet healthcare needs of those who live in St. Louis and surrounding areas, provide exceptional care, and alleviate healthcare disparities of minorities, the homeless, and other vulnerable populations. Affinia Healthcare accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Sliding fees are available for those who qualify. For appointments, call Affinia Healthcare at 314-814-8700.
How to tell if you have severe asthma
While the majority of the more than 25 million Americans living with asthma enjoy active, healthy lives, for others, severe symptoms are part of daily life, despite using high dose asthma medicines and avoiding triggers. Does this sound familiar? If so, you could have severe asthma, a type of asthma that affects approximately 5-10 percent of those with the condition. Increasing the risk of death, illness, and depression, and limiting the ability to work or go to school, severe asthma is dangerous, and is responsible for 50 percent of all asthma healthcare costs. Control is the key and is attainable even
if you do have severe asthma. Is your asthma under control? To find out, start by visiting the American Lung Association website, where you can take the My Asthma Control Assessment and access a downloadable summary of its findings to take to your next doctor’s appointment. Visit Lung.org/severe-asthma for more information, as well as to access questions that you can ask your doctor for a more productive conversation.
Better understanding your asthma is the first step to taking better control of your symptoms.
Geneva Smith
Paula Fox, of Show Me Healthy Women, a program of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services; Sherrill Jackson, president of The Breakfast Club, Inc.; Dr. Katherine Glover-Collins, assistant professor of surgery at Washington University; Dr. Graham Colditz, the Niess-Gain Professor of Surgery and chief of the Public Health Sciences Division at Washington University School of Medicine; Heather Burns, a Gateway to Hope patient navigator and outreach coordinator; and Suzanne Fontaine, executive director of Susan G. Komen Missouri.
Tackling breast cancer disparities one appointment at a time
Communicating with your doctor is the best first step to getting needed care and resources
In the St. Louis region, the gulf between breast cancer outcomes between women of different racial and class backgrounds is wide. On Friday, Feb. 28, 45 researchers and health-care professionals came together at Christian Hospital to discuss this problem in our region, and what can be done about it.
The event, “Breaking Barriers: Reducing Disparities, Increasing Access,” sponsored by Siteman Cancer Center, emphasized the role health-care providers can play in helping women navigate the financial, social and other barriers that might keep them from getting the screening and care they need.
The good news is that resources exist to help, but how do you find them? Your communication with your doctor and nurses makes all the difference. Below is information and questions you can use to start the conversation and get the attention you need.
Women who are at high risk need to start screening earlier than other women. Your doctor can help determine whether you’re in this high-risk category. If you’re not yet at an age for screening, or
you haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer, ask what preventative measures you can take to lower your risk.
A few questions to ask your provider to start the conversation on screening and treatment include:
• When do I need to start getting my yearly mammogram?
• What resources are available to help me pay for my screening or care?
• What transportation services exist to help me get to screening or treatment appointments?
• If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can ask: What are my treatment options? Do I have choices? If so, how do I choose between them?
• In addition to asking your doctor these questions, have a conversation with family members to learn if breast cancer runs in your family. This may help your provider determine if you’re at higher risk.
Make sure you share any financial or other concerns you have with your health-care providers. Their No. 1 priority is making sure you get the treatment you need, so they’ll be committed to helping you overcome any barriers you might have to receiving that treatment.
SLUCare minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon Dr. Brigid Holloran-Schwartz consults with interventional radiologist Dr. Keith Pereira.
Fibroids
SLUCare Uterine Fibroid Clinic offers custom care
By Julia M. Johnson
If you’re a woman with uterine fibroids, there’s a good chance you have grappled with abdominal pain and pressure, abnormal bleeding, digestive issues, discomfort during sex or other related problems. Fibroids are benign growths of varying size inside or attached to the uterine wall, and symptoms can differ. It’s not clear what causes them, but they are a common problem, and SLUCare physicians offer important solutions for women who struggle with the condition. SLUCare understands that each woman’s body, needs and preferences are different, so it provides a number of options for fighting fibroids, says gynecologist Dr. Brigid Holloran-Schwartz. Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment plans may include medication, removal of individual growths, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. Treatment is based on factors like the size and number
of growths, where they are located, symptoms, the patient’s age and health, and whether she plans to become pregnant.
“Fibroids can be the size of a pea and cause heavy bleeding, or they can be larger and not cause symptoms,” Holloran-Schwartz said. “Each patient’s situation is unique, so we create personalized treatment plans. Many women believe that heavy blood flow is just a part of life because their mothers or grandmothers had it, and they go through many tampons or pads each day or wake up to heavy bleeding. We want them to know there are solutions to these problems. They shouldn’t be afraid to wear white.”
n “We collaborate with our colleagues and counsel patients carefully because we want each woman to be happy and well.”
– Dr. Brigid Holloran-Schwartz
Holloran-Schwartz says women come to SLUCare because their lives have been interrupted by troubling fibroid symp-
toms. Patients are encouraged to consult with a physician and find out which treatment options are best for them. Some women benefit from UFE, a minimally invasive procedure that involves passing a tiny catheter through an incision in the wrist. Then, small particles are injected to block vessels that feed the fibroids so they shrink from lack of blood supply. This way, the uterus is preserved and continues to function normally, said SLUCare interventional radiologist Dr. Keith Pereira, whose department often partners with SLUCare gynecologists to provide fibroid treatment. UFE is an important option because many women aren’t done having children or don’t want a hysterectomy, he noted. “There is no hospital stay, any pain is well controlled, and patients can return
to regular activity shortly afterward,” he said. “In four to six weeks, they normally see a significant decrease in their symptoms.”
SLUCare physicians are in tune with patients’ busy lifestyles and design treatment plans that allow them to return to job and family obligations as soon as possible. For example, a patient might have UFE done on a Thursday, rest over the weekend and return to most normal activities by Monday, Pereira said.
According to Holloran-Schwartz, SLUCare offers a team approach to care and a high level of patient satisfaction for women with fibroids. “We collaborate with our colleagues and counsel patients carefully because we want each woman to be happy and well,” she said.
SLUCare Physician Group offers a comprehensive program of care for women with uterine fibroids. For more information, call 314-768-8730 or visit slucare.edu/fibroids.
3 Tips for greater ginancial health and happiness
When people consider adopting healthy habits, they often forget to take their financial health into consideration. But your financial health can be equally, if not more important to overall happiness than other goals, such as starting a new diet or joining a gym.
So how can savers commit to a more financially sound future and stick to it? Here are some top tips for achieving greater financial happiness.
• Embrace uncertainty. When it comes to markets, the only known is the unknown. And many experts believe that 2020 could be a particularly unpredictable year. In fact, research from Lincoln Financial Group shows that 76 percent of investors feel the upcoming presidential election will affect the market. Taking steps to protect your finances and retirement plan can help you feel less anxious and more empowered in uncertain times.
• Protect your income. Lincoln Financial’s research also shows that 82 percent of pre-retirees are rightfully concerned about what will happen to their investments if the market drops. For this reason, many advisors suggest diversifying your portfolio to include an annuity with op-
tional income benefits.
“An annuity can provide a source of lifetime income that’s protected from market losses, and a better ability to create a retirement budget -- all of which can make for a less stressful and happier overall retirement,” says John Kennedy, who leads sales for retirement solutions at Lincoln Financial.
• Build a new relationship… with a financial professional that is. A trusted financial professional will look at your financial situation holistically to help you determine whether you are on track or need to rebalance your accounts, help you employ tax-saving strategies, answer your questions and help you strengthen your own financial know-how. Most importantly, building a relationship with a financial professional means bringing predictability to your future in an unpredictable market.
Setting goals? Take the retirement questionnaire at LFG.com to find out what you need to do to reach your goals. Be sure to factor financial health and happiness into the new-you equation. With a few smart strategies, you can feel more confident about a financially sound future and retirement, come what may.
